The Majestic Hippogriff
The classroom buzzed with energy as students filed into their seats, the torches lining the walls flickering with enchanted blue flames. Vander stood at the front, arms crossed, his usual steady presence commanding attention without the need for a word. His scarred hands rested on the worn oak desk, and a large wooden chest sat beside him, bound with thick iron clasps that pulsed faintly with magic.
“All right, settle down,” Vander said, his gruff voice carrying across the room. “Today, we’re tackling a real test of skill—your reflexes, instincts, and ability to think on your feet. But before we jump into anything, let’s talk about dueling. What makes a good duelist?”
A few students exchanged glances before Caitlyn raised her hand. “Control and precision.”
Vander nodded. “That’s part of it. What else?”
“Speed,” Vi said. “Hit ‘em before they can react.”
“Speed helps,” Vander agreed, “but it won’t save you if you don’t think. What’s the first thing you do when facing an opponent?”
Caitlyn answered again. “Analyze their stance, their wand movement. Look for openings.”
“Good. Awareness is key. Anyone else?”
Mylo smirked. “Find the biggest spell you can throw and hope for the best?”
A few students laughed, but Vander only shook his head. “That’s how you end up flat on your back.” He gestured toward the board and flicked his wand, revealing a list of spell types. “Different spells require different approaches. Let’s go over them. Who can tell me a spell that relies on sheer power?”
“The Stunning Spell,” a Ravenclaw student offered.
“Exactly. Now, what about one that relies more on precision and timing?”
Caitlyn answered, “The Disarming Charm. If you mistime it, you leave yourself open.”
“Right. And what kind of spells demand both stability and quick thinking?”
Vi smirked. “Shield Charms. You hesitate, you get hit.”
Vander nodded. “Good. And jinxes and hexes?”
Claggor answered, “Clever use can turn the tide of a fight.”
“Correct.” Vander let the words sink in before scanning the room again. “Now, let’s say you’re in a duel. What’s your strategy?”
Caitlyn spoke first. “Defensive spells first. Gauge your opponent before committing.”
Vi shook her head. “Nah, strike fast, don’t give ‘em a chance to think.”
Vander chuckled. “Two different approaches, both valid—if you know when to use them. A duel isn’t just about the spells you cast. It’s a mind game. The moment you think you’ve got the upper hand, your opponent might have already outplayed you.”
He gestured to the chest. With a flick of his wand, the clasps snapped open, and the lid creaked back, revealing an assortment of enchanted training dummies inside.
“Pair up,” Vander instructed. “We’re starting with controlled spellwork. Your goal is to incapacitate the dummy using what we just discussed—power, precision, stability. No wild hexes, no reckless blasting. Focus on control.”
The students shuffled into pairs, the classroom filling with murmured discussions as they grabbed their wands. Vi and Caitlyn ended up together, while Mylo and Claggor paired off beside them.
The training dummies, animated by subtle enchantments, adjusted to face their respective opponents. Vander flicked his wand, and the dummies shuddered to life, shifting slightly as though preparing to counter incoming spells.
“Begin!” Vander commanded.
Vi hesitated for a split second, her wand poised but unmoving. It wasn’t obvious—just a slight shift in her grip, a breath held a fraction longer than needed. Then she cast a feeble Stupefy that sent the dummy staggering but not falling.
Caitlyn, on the other hand, took her time, carefully measuring her stance before casting Expelliarmus. Her dummy twisted slightly but remained upright.
“Too slow, Cupcake,” Vi teased, sending another spell at her target.
Caitlyn ignored her, adjusting her aim. “And you’re just throwing spells without thinking.”
Vander paced between the pairs, observing their techniques. “Vi, more control. Don’t just rely on force. Caitlyn, good precision, but increase your speed. Mylo, stop showboating and actually hit your target.”
Mylo groaned as his dummy dodged yet another poorly-aimed hex. Claggor snickered before landing a direct hit with a well-placed Stunning Spell, causing his dummy to freeze momentarily before resetting.
The lesson continued, spells flying as the students refined their technique, preparing for the next phase of their training. Vi, caught up in the rhythm of casting, lost track of her surroundings. Her next Stupefy hit with a crackling force, sending her dummy skidding backward and slamming into the wall with a dull thud.
The class froze.
Caitlyn’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly in surprise before she quickly schooled her expression into something more neutral. Mylo let out a low whistle, grinning as he nudged Claggor. "Remind me not to piss her off." Claggor, arms crossed, gave an approving nod. "That was sick, Vi."
Vi blinked, exhaling sharply as if snapping out of it, before rolling her shoulders like nothing had happened.
Vander, watching, only gave her a knowing look before clapping his hands together to regain the class’s attention. "Good. Now that you've had some practice, it’s time to put those skills to the test." He gestured toward the center of the room. "We’re moving on to dueling. Remember, a good duelist doesn’t rely on just one approach. Mix it up—defensive spells, counterattacks, feints. Experiment a little. You won’t always win by brute force or speed alone. Think on your feet, and above all, stay aware of your opponent."
Vander’s gaze swept across the students. “Let’s start with a demonstration.” His eyes flicked between them before settling on Vi and Caitlyn. “You two. Front and center.”
A ripple of excitement ran through the class. Mylo muttered something to Claggor, grinning, while a few Ravenclaws leaned in, clearly intrigued.
Vi rolled her shoulders, smirking as she stepped forward. “Hope you’re ready, Cupcake.”
Caitlyn didn’t rise to the bait, simply adjusting her grip on her wand as she took her stance. “We’ll see.”
Vander moved between them, his expression unreadable. “Standard dueling rules. No excessive force, no aiming to maim, and don’t get cocky. Bow.”
They inclined their heads in stiff, quick motions, eyes never leaving each other.
“Three… two… one… begin!”
Vi moved first, faster than expected—she always did. A flick of her wand sent a nonverbal Disarming Charm hurtling toward Caitlyn, but Caitlyn had anticipated it. She sidestepped, her own spell already forming.
“Expelliarmus!”
Vi deflected it with a hasty Shield Charm, the force sending a ripple through the air between them.
Vi wasted no time, pressing forward with a quick succession of spells. Caitlyn blocked the first two with smooth efficiency, but the third—a Trip Jinx—clipped the edge of her shield, making her stumble.
Vi grinned. “Slipping, Kiramman?”
Caitlyn narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t about to lose to Vi in front of everyone. She flicked her wand sharply. “Colloshoo!”
Vi’s boots stuck to the floor mid-step.
She yanked at her feet, irritation flashing across her face, but she quickly muttered the counter-curse and freed herself, retaliating with a Bat-Bogey Hex. Caitlyn dodged just in time. She fired back with a Tickling Jinx, which Vi deflected—though not before the spell grazed her wrist, making her fingers twitch uncontrollably.
Vi fought the grin pulling at her lips. This was fun.
She cast another spell, a strong Knockback Jinx, but—just before it hit—she adjusted her wand angle ever so slightly. The force softened just enough to send Caitlyn sliding instead of tumbling.
Vi was fast, but she started pulling her strikes, giving Caitlyn just enough room to react. A second too long before she dodged. A fraction of a second delay before casting. Almost imperceptible, but deliberate.
Caitlyn pressed forward, confidence growing as she matched Vi spell for spell. Vi let her.
Then Caitlyn feinted.
She flicked her wand just enough to make it seem like she was casting another Shield Charm. Vi took the bait, lunging in with what should have been a winning move—
“Expelliarmus!”
Vi’s wand wrenched from her grip and clattered across the floor.
The room went silent.
Caitlyn stood poised, breath quick but controlled, wand still raised. Vi blinked at her empty hand, then at Caitlyn.
Then she exhaled sharply and let out a laugh. “Damn. Alright, I’ll give you that one.”
She walked over to retrieve her wand, twirling it between her fingers before pointing it playfully at Caitlyn. “Best two outta three?”
Vander clapped his hands, cutting in before Caitlyn could respond. “That’s enough for today. Good work, both of you. You two just gave the class a solid example of how to balance offense and defense. Take note, the rest of you.”
As the lesson continued, students took turns dueling under Vander’s watchful eye. Mylo faced off against a Ravenclaw, his usual cocky grin in place—right up until he got hit with a well-aimed Levicorpus that left him dangling upside down. Claggor took down his opponent with sheer force and a last-minute Disarming Spell.
Across the room, Caitlyn observed each match with sharp focus, quietly analyzing techniques. Vi, still riding the high from their duel, leaned back against the desk, arms crossed. “Overthinking’s gonna make your head explode, Cupcake,” she teased.
Caitlyn didn’t take her eyes off the fight in front of them. “I’d rather think too much than not at all.”
Vi huffed a small laugh. “Yeah, yeah.”
When the final duel wrapped up, Vander clapped his hands. “Alright, that’s enough for today. Pack up.”
The classroom filled with chatter as students gathered their things, some exchanging playful jabs about who won or lost. Mylo was still grumbling about being flipped upside down, while Claggor patted his shoulder in mock sympathy.
Vi and Caitlyn started toward the door, but Vander’s voice cut through the noise. “Vi, hold back a moment.”
She stopped, shooting her siblings a quick glance before exhaling and stepping away. The others trickled out, leaving her alone with Vander.
The torches flickered, casting shifting shadows over Vander’s face as he leaned against his desk, arms crossed.
Vander’s gaze didn’t waver. “You good?”
Vi shrugged, her posture loose, almost too casual. “Always.”
Vander snorted. “Right. And Mylo’s the next Minister for Magic.”
Vi smirked. “Hey, he’s got the ego for it.”
“Yeah, shame about the brain.”
Vi huffed a laugh but didn’t respond. She rocked back on her heels, but Vander didn’t miss the way her fingers flexed at her sides—like she was holding something back.
“You pulled your punches.” His voice was quieter now, measured. “I saw it.”
Vi’s expression barely flickered. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play dumb,” Vander said. “You let Caitlyn win.”
Vi rolled her eyes. “So what! You told me to keep me head down”
Vander studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “I did.”
That seemed to throw her off. Vi tilted her head. “Yeah?”
“I’m not tellin’ you to let loose,” Vander said. “I’m telling you—I see what you’re doing. I see you”
Vi faltered for just a second.
Vander’s gaze softened slightly. “I know the next couple months are gonna be rough for you.”
Vi tensed instinctively, but Vander continued before she could deflect. “But you’re not alone in it.”
“You sure?” she asked, only half-joking.
Vander gave her a knowing look. “Kid, you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. And you don’t have to pretend it’s easy.”
Vi rolled her shoulders like she could shake off the weight of the words. “Yeah, well. I can handle it.”
“I know you can,” Vander said simply. “That’s not the point.”
Something about the way he said it made her pause. But then she just shook her head, exhaling sharply. “Alright, alright. You done gettin’ all sentimental on me?”
Vander smirked. “For now.”
Vi grinned, throwing a lazy salute as she turned toward the door. “See ya, old man.”
Vander shook his head but didn’t stop her.
“Not alone, Vi,” he said once more as she walked away.
She didn’t turn back, but she heard him. And for a moment, she let herself believe it.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team gathered on the pitch, the sky overhead a crisp autumn blue. The afternoon sun bathed the stadium in golden light, though a slight chill lingered in the air. A perfect day for training.
Jayce stood at the center of the field, twirling his broom in one hand while watching his team get into position. "Alright, listen up! We've got a friendly against Slytherin coming up, and I want us in top form. This isn't just for fun—it's a chance to set the tone for the rest of the season. So let’s treat it like the real thing."
Vi rolled her shoulders, already itching to start. "You mean you want us to demolish them early? I like the sound of that."
Jayce chuckled. "Confidence, I like it. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves." He turned to Claggor. "Keep your eyes open and your bat ready. Slytherin’s Beaters play dirty."
Claggor nodded, gripping his bat. "Oh, don’t worry. I plan on sending a Bludger their way before they even think about it."
Up in the stands, Mylo stretched out on one of the benches, arms behind his head as he watched the team gather. "Try not to embarrass yourselves!" he called out. "Or do—either way, I’ll be entertained."
Jayce ignored him, mounting his broom. "Alright, let’s start with a warm-up. Three laps around the pitch, then passing drills."
The team kicked off, brooms slicing through the air. Vi fell in beside Claggor, matching his pace. "Feels good to be back up here."
"Yeah," Claggor agreed. "But I swear, if Jayce makes us do one of those ridiculous endurance drills again, I might quit."
"Oh, come on. You live for this," Vi teased before angling her broom slightly ahead, smirking over her shoulder. "Race you to the goalposts."
Claggor grunted but took the challenge, both of them speeding up as they neared the end of the laps. Jayce blew his whistle the second they finished, motioning them into formation.
"Alright, passing drills. Vi, you’ll be our primary Chaser today. Focus on control. Claggor, keep an eye on the Bludgers. I don’t want any surprises."
Vi caught the Quaffle from Jayce and started a passing rhythm with her teammates. Jayce wasn’t letting them take it easy—he pushed the pace, forcing them to react quickly, adjust mid-air, and communicate with sharp calls. The intensity built up until Vi caught a particularly hard throw, twisting mid-air to avoid Claggor as he swerved past her. She barely managed to keep her grip on the Quaffle.
"You trying to knock me off my broom?" she shouted.
Claggor grinned. "Just making sure you're paying attention!"
Jayce clapped his hands. "Alright, scrimmage time. Claggor, see how well you can disrupt Vi. Vi, let’s see if you can score with some pressure on you."
Vi’s grin widened. "Oh, this’ll be fun."
They reset. Jayce took his position as Keeper, hovering in front of the goalposts, while Claggor readied himself, bat in hand. Vi tightened her grip on her broom, heart pounding in anticipation.
Jayce blew the whistle.
Vi shot forward, Quaffle tucked under her arm. Claggor wasted no time, sending a Bludger her way. She twisted sharply, the iron ball barely missing her. She righted herself, only for Claggor to send another one flying in her direction.
"Really?" she yelled, barely dodging.
"Gotta keep you on your toes!" Claggor called back.
Vi pushed forward, closing in on the goal. Jayce was ready, eyes locked on her, reading her movements. She feinted left, then right, trying to find an opening. Jayce anticipated her moves, shifting position accordingly.
"Come on, Vi," he taunted. "You can do better than that."
She smirked. "Oh, you’re gonna regret saying that."
She pulled up sharply, nearly stopping mid-air. Jayce flinched, expecting her to shoot. Instead, she flipped upside down, tossing the Quaffle underhand toward the left hoop.
Jayce dove—but too late. The ball sailed cleanly through.
A moment of silence. Then Mylo let out a loud laugh from the stands. "Holy hell, Vi! That was insane!"
Vi righted herself, smug. "Told you."
Jayce groaned, rubbing his face. "Alright, fine. That was impressive. But don’t expect me to let that happen in an actual match."
Claggor gave her an approving nod. "You’ll have Slytherin crying in no time."
They reset for another scrimmage. This time, Jayce upped the challenge, calling for Claggor to be more aggressive. As soon as Vi took off, Claggor aimed a Bludger straight for her broom. She barely rolled out of the way before angling upward, gaining speed. Jayce tracked her movements, shifting to block.
Vi juked right, then spun sharply, trying to shake him. Claggor sent another Bludger her way—she kicked off hard, shooting forward just as Jayce moved to intercept. Instead of taking the shot immediately, she feigned left, dragging Jayce off balance. In one smooth motion, she flipped backward, lobbing the Quaffle straight over his head and through the center hoop.
Jayce stared in disbelief. Mylo let out another cackle from the stands. "That’s twice now, mate!"
Jayce groaned. "Unbelievable."
Vi smirked, stretching her arms. "You getting slow, or am I just that good?"
"Enjoy it while it lasts," Jayce grumbled. "One more round."
They reset once more. Vi took her position at the center of the field, Quaffle in hand, while Claggor hovered nearby, bat ready. Jayce narrowed his eyes, focused and determined.
The whistle blew.
Vi shot forward, zigzagging at high speed, but Jayce was ready this time. Claggor launched a Bludger straight at her, forcing her to dive. She recovered quickly, but Jayce had already positioned himself perfectly in front of the hoops, tracking her every move.
Vi feinted left, then right, trying to bait him into an overcorrection. Jayce didn't budge. He knew her tricks now. As she angled upward for a high shot, he anticipated it, shooting up with her.
Vi released the Quaffle at the last second, sending it hurtling toward the right hoop. But Jayce was already there. He caught it with one hand, grinning triumphantly.
"Not this time."
Vi let out a breath, shaking her head. "Alright, that was solid."
Mylo whistled from the stands. "Finally! Thought you were gonna let her score all day, Jayce!"
Jayce split the team into smaller groups, working with the other chasers and beaters. Overhead, the Seeker zoomed across the pitch, scanning for an invisible Snitch that Jayce had released earlier. The drills moved quickly, Jayce barking instructions as they ran through passes and formations.
Meanwhile, Vi and Claggor paired up for a precision exercise. Claggor’s job was to hit a Bludger toward Vi, while she had to evade it with careful control. They hovered in the air, eyes locked.
Claggor smirked. "Ready?"
Vi grinned. "Always."
He swung his bat, sending the Bludger rocketing toward her. Vi braced herself, angling her broom just enough to meet it. She stretched out an arm, knocking it slightly off-course with the Quaffle before regaining control.
"Nice!" Claggor called, already winding up for another hit.
This time, the Bludger came faster. Vi spun mid-air, using the force of her movement to redirect it downward before flipping back into position. Jayce shot them a glance between running plays with the Chasers.
"Don’t get yourself knocked out before the match, Vi!"
Vi just smirked, gripping the Quaffle tighter. "Not a chance."
Claggor sent another Bludger flying, and Vi reacted instinctively, twisting to avoid it while keeping control of the Quaffle. The movement was sharp, fluid—almost effortless. She was in the zone now, dodging and weaving like it was second nature.
"You're making this too easy," she taunted.
Claggor raised a brow. "Oh yeah? Let’s see how you handle this."
He struck the Bludger with a little more force, sending it at a sharper angle. Vi tracked its path, readying herself to counter—
But her grip on the broom loosened for just a fraction of a second.
She had time to register the mistake before the Bludger slammed into her side. The impact sent a sharp jolt through her ribs, but she gritted her teeth, gripping her broom tighter as she wobbled mid-air. With a quick inhale, she righted herself, rolling her shoulder to shake off the sting.
"Oi!" she called down. "That one had some heat on it!"
Claggor laughed. "You wanted a challenge, didn’t you?"
Jayce, still working with the other Chasers, glanced over. "You good?"
Vi rolled her shoulder, testing it out. "Yeah, yeah. Barely felt it."
"Cool," Claggor said, already lining up another hit. "Because I’m not done yet."
Vi huffed a laugh, gripping her broom tighter. "Bring it on."
"Maybe if you stopped slacking, you wouldn't get hit."
"Please. I’m just letting you feel useful."
He didn’t give her time to respond properly before sending another Bludger her way. Vi was ready this time, twisting sharply to the left. The Bludger sailed past, whizzing just inches from her ribs. She shot Claggor a smug look.
"Too slow."
Claggor only grinned. "We’ll see about that."
The next Bludger came fast and high. Vi ducked under it, flipping into a tight spin to reposition herself. She barely had time to recover before Claggor sent another one, this time at an awkward downward angle. She had to veer suddenly, nearly overcorrecting before regaining her balance.
"Alright," she admitted, breathless but exhilarated, "that was a good one."
"Only getting started," Claggor called. He feigned a swing one way before sharply redirecting it, sending the Bludger veering straight for her left side.
Vi reacted a fraction too late. The iron ball clipped her shoulder, sending a jarring shock through her arm. She winced but tightened her grip, shaking out her fingers before glaring down at Claggor.
"Really? That was dirty."
He laughed. "That was strategy."
"That was luck," Vi shot back, still flexing her fingers to work out the sting.
Claggor didn’t argue, just sent another Bludger her way. This one she managed to deflect with the tail of her broom, sending it spinning off-course.
"Better," Claggor acknowledged.
They kept at it, the rhythm growing faster. Vi twisted, flipped, and dodged, keeping her reactions sharp. A few times, she mistimed her movements and took a hit—a glancing shot to the hip, a rough one to the forearm—but each time, she shook it off and kept going.
By the end, she hovered in place, slightly out of breath but grinning. "Not bad."
Jayce blew his whistle sharply. "Alright, that’s it for today! Hit the showers, we’re back at it tomorrow!"
The team groaned but didn’t argue, touching down one by one. As they trickled out, Vi lingered near the goalposts, absently spinning the Quaffle in her hands.
She lined up a shot, feinted left, then fired—the ball sailed cleanly through.
"Still at it?"
Vi turned to see Jayce hovering nearby, arms crossed.
"Figured I’d get a few more in," she said.
Jayce sighed, but a smirk tugged at his lips. "You know, the match isn’t won in one practice session."
"Doesn’t mean I can’t try."
Jayce shook his head but didn’t leave. Instead, he moved into position in front of the hoops. "Alright, hotshot. Let’s see what you’ve got."
Vi grinned, gripping the Quaffle. "You asked for it."
She took off, cutting sharp turns before hurling the ball toward the left hoop. Jayce lunged—but the Quaffle slipped past his fingers, sailing through.
Vi pumped a fist. "Too slow."
Jayce exhaled, smiling. "One more?"
"One more."
The usual chatter at The Last Drop was accompanied by the clinking of mugs and the soft hum of conversation. The group of friends wound down from their long day of lessons, enjoying the comfort of the bar’s warm fire and cozy atmosphere. Vander was behind the bar, casually wiping down the counter, listening to the laughter of his regulars.
"Alright," Vi said, leaning forward with an eager grin, "next game night—we’re doing Monopoly."
There was an immediate groan from the table. Mylo, Claggor and Ekko looked like they’d just tasted something sour.
"Not again," Ekko muttered, rubbing his temples as if just the thought of the game was giving him a headache.
Mylo winced. "I’m still recovering from last time. I had to sell my properties just to pay off the rent on Boardwalk."
"Don’t forget the hotels," Claggor added, shaking his head. "I had three on Park Place. And guess who was the one who landed on them every time?"
Vi raised an eyebrow, trying to hide her grin. "You guys act like you didn’t make a killing on Baltic Avenue."
Powder, on the other hand, was practically glowing with excitement. "I love Monopoly!" she chimed in, hands clasped together. "It’s all about strategy. Plus, it’s hilarious to watch everyone get so intense."
Viktor, who had been quietly observing, leaned in. "I must agree, it's quite an … interesting game."
"It’s just about having fun. No one really loses." Vi said, her grin widening as she saw her opportunity to downplay the chaos.
Ekko, Mylo, and Claggor exchanged skeptical glances.
"Yeah, right," Mylo muttered.
Vi threw her hands up in mock innocence. "I mean, sure, sometimes people get a little... passionate about it, but it’s all in good fun."
Claggor deadpanned. "Yeah it's so much fun getting bankrupted by your own sister."
"It’s not about bankrupting," Vi said with a sly smile, "It’s about strategic competition ." She gave Powder a wink.
Powder nodded eagerly. "Exactly! It’s not about the money, it’s about domination!"
"I’m just saying," Ekko added, "we might want to reconsider the intensity of the competition next time."
Vi shrugged, clearly amused. "Fine, fine, I’ll take it down a notch."
"Are we playing with the house rules or actual rules?" Mylo asked, half joking and half serious.
"House rules," Powder said without hesitation. "They're way more fun."
"You’re evil," Ekko said, shaking his head.
As the debate about the evils of Monopoly raged on, Caitlyn, Jayce, and Mel exchanged confused glances, trying to make sense of the conversation.
"I don’t get it," Caitlyn said, her brow furrowing. "It’s just a board game, right? What’s the big deal?"
Jayce shrugged, clearly just as confused. "Yeah, why are they all acting like it’s some sort of life-or-death competition?"
Mel raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Is this game really that intense?"
Vi leaned back in her chair with a knowing smirk. "Oh, you guys have no idea." She shot a glance at the others, who were still grumbling about past Monopoly nightmares. "But," she added, tapping her chin thoughtfully, "wouldn’t it be fun playing with these three?" She motioned toward Caitlyn, Jayce, and Mel, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
The others paused and exchanged looks. There was a collective moment of realization that maybe—just maybe—playing with the newbies would give them a much-needed distraction from their usual, cutthroat strategy.
"That could be... interesting," Ekko said, his voice filled with reluctant amusement.
Mylo, who had been the most vocal about his disdain for the game, groaned dramatically. "I can already see it now. Caitlyn’s going to bankrupt us in five minutes."
Caitlyn shot them a playful glare. "What can I say, I play to win." She winked at Vi, clearly relishing the idea of outwitting her friends in something new.
Mel nodded along. "I think I’ll need some lessons first."
Vi grinned, leaning in a little closer to the group. "Don’t worry, we’ll teach you the ropes. You’ll be pros in no time. Just be warned," she added, her tone turning slightly more serious, "we take no prisoners."
The others nodded in mock solemnity, clearly not buying into the ‘no prisoners’ act.
Jayce gave them all a sideways glance. “It can't be that intense."
Ekko leaned back, crossing his arms. "Just wait. It’s gonna be a bloodbath."
The group burst into laughter, the tension easing as they joked and teased each other about the game. Even Caitlyn, Jayce, and Mel couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all.
As the group continued to debate the evils of Monopoly, Caitlyn found herself lost in her thoughts, her gaze drifting over to Vi. She watched her intently, a soft smile playing on her lips as Vi animatedly explained the game’s chaos. Cait couldn't help but be captivated by the way Vi spoke—her passion was magnetic, and she found herself drawn in, almost forgetting where she was.
Vi, however, noticed the shift in Caitlyn’s focus. Her gaze softened for a moment, a slight smirk forming on her lips as she tilted her head toward Cait. "Is there something on my face?" she asked, her voice light but laced with playful curiosity.
Cait quickly blinked, caught off guard. She flushed, feeling suddenly self-conscious, and her gaze flickered away as she stammered, "What? No, I—"
Vi just raised an eyebrow, not giving her an out. "You’re staring. What’s up?"
Cait’s blush deepened, but she let out a nervous laugh, trying to cover her embarrassment. "I wasn’t staring," she said quickly, though her eyes betrayed her, flicking back toward Vi with a soft, sheepish smile. "Just... thinking."
Vi leaned in slightly, her smirk widening. “Oh yeah? Thinking about what?”
Caitlyn hesitated, feeling the warmth of Vi’s proximity. “Nothing important,” she said smoothly, though the slight pink on her cheeks gave her away.
Vi wasn’t about to let it slide. “Oh so something scandalous,” she teased, her voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down Caitlyn’s spine.
Caitlyn fumbled, cheeks burning. “Wha- No, absolutely not” Lightly hitting Vi’s shoulder
Vi just laughed, leaning into the touch like it had no effect. “Uh-huh. Sure, cupcake.”
Caitlyn groaned, but there was no real bite to it. “You’re insufferable.”
Vi chuckled, resting her elbow on the table and propping her chin on her hand as she looked at Caitlyn. “It’s a skill,” she said. “One of my many talents.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes, but the fond smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?”
Vi grinned, utterly unbothered. “That, and keeping you entertained.”
Caitlyn opened her mouth, ready with a sharp retort, but Vi’s teasing gaze held hers, something warm flickering beneath the playfulness. For a moment, the noise around them blurred into the background—the debate over Monopoly, the clatter of glasses behind the bar—everything except Vi’s smirk and the way her eyes glimmered with mischief.
Then, just as quickly, Vi leaned back, stretching her arms behind her head. “I’m getting another butterbeer,” she said, pushing up from the table.
Caitlyn watched her go, brow furrowing slightly. The others barely seemed to notice, too caught up in their own side conversations, but Powder shot Caitlyn a knowing glance before taking a loud sip of her butterbeer.
Vi approached the bar, shaking off the lingering warmth of her conversation with Caitlyn. She leaned against the counter, watching as Vander finished pouring a drink for another patron. The bar was lively, filled with chatter and laughter, but over here, away from the group, things felt a little quieter.
Vander glanced at her, setting down his rag. “Somethin’ on your mind, kid?”
Vi huffed out a small laugh. “Nothing serious. Just needed a breather.”
Vander gave her a knowing look but didn’t press. Instead, he grabbed a mug and filled it with butterbeer, sliding it toward her. “Don’t overthink it.”
Vi settled into a stool, butterbeer in hand, as Vander stayed nearby, casually wiping down glasses. The two fell into an easy rhythm—idly chatting, sharing the occasional glance, their conversation blending into the hum of the tavern. Nothing heavy, nothing serious. Just the kind of effortless back-and-forth that came from years of familiarity.
The firelight flickered against the bottles lining the shelves, casting a golden glow over the space. Every now and then, Vi took a sip of her drink, the tension from the day slowly ebbing away. Vander, ever watchful, kept the conversation flowing as he worked, his presence grounding in a way that required no effort.
Then his gaze flicked toward the entrance, and without a word, he turned away, moving down the bar to tend to another customer.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Vi,” a smooth, teasing voice drawled.
Vi turned her head just as Sarah Fortune slid onto the stool beside her, all easy confidence and mischief.
“Fancy meeting you here,” Sarah said, smirking as she tapped the counter for her own drink. “What’s a girl gotta do to get a little of your attention these days?”
Vi smirked, turning slightly to face Sarah. She took a slow sip of her butterbeer before setting the mug down with an easy confidence. “Oh, you know,” she said, tilting her head, “just show up in the right place, say something charming—maybe buy me a drink.”
Caitlyn hadn’t meant to keep watching.
At least, that’s what she told herself as her gaze flickered toward the bar—toward Vi.
She should have been focused on the conversation at the table, but the moment she caught sight of the redhead sliding into the seat beside Vi, something sharp twisted in her chest. Sarah Fortune leaned in close, her expression effortlessly confident, and Vi—Vi smirked . Relaxed. Engaged.
The warmth of their earlier conversation, the teasing, the way Vi had looked at her—it all suddenly felt distant. Like it hadn’t meant anything at all.
Caitlyn forced herself to look away, fingers tightening slightly around her glass.
“Everything alright?” Mel’s voice cut through her thoughts, smooth and unreadable.
Caitlyn blinked, her composure snapping back into place. “Of course,” she said, far too quickly.
Mel hummed, clearly unconvinced. But, to Caitlyn’s relief, she didn’t press. Caitlyn forced herself to tune back into the conversation at the table, willing away the irritation simmering beneath her skin. It was ridiculous—she had no claim to Vi, no reason to feel anything about the way she was flirting with Sarah.
Across from her, Powder suddenly perked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, this is getting boring. We should play something—Truth or Dare?"
Jayce groaned. "You just want an excuse to make us embarrass ourselves."
"Obviously," Powder said, grinning. "C'mon, we’re in a bar, we’ve got a decent group, and I know some of you are hiding secrets.” Her gaze flicked toward Caitlyn for a split second, but before Caitlyn could question it, Powder leaned over the table, eyes gleaming. “Unless you’re scared?”
Jayce, falling for the bait, leaned in. “Me, scared, never. Let's do it.”
Powder leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief as she tapped her fingers against the table. “Alright, Jayce. Truth or dare?”
Jayce, never one to back down from a challenge, grinned. “Dare.”
A slow, wicked smile spread across Powder’s face. “Perfect.” She drummed her fingers against the table, considering, before her expression lit up.
“I dare you… to chug an entire butterbeer, then do your best impression of a majestic Hippogriff.”
Laughter erupted around the table.
“You - what ?”
“Chug. Hippogriff. Right here, right now.”
With a determined look in his eye and a dramatic sigh, Jayce tilted his head back and downed the butterbeer in one go. Foam dripped down his chin as he slammed the empty mug onto the table, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
The table erupted in cheers—until Jayce, very deliberately, stood up. He spread his arms like wings , lifted his chin, and let out a deep, theatrical screech that vaguely resembled a dying bird. Then, as if that wasn’t bad enough, he stomped one foot, flapped his arms, and bowed —nearly knocking over Powder’s drink in the process.
The entire bar turned to stare.
Powder was howling . Claggor had his head in his hands. Mylo actually fell off his chair from laughing too hard.
Jayce straightened, smoothed his shirt like nothing had happened, and sat back down. “Majestic enough for you?”
Powder wiped tears from her eyes. “Oh, absolutely .”
Jayce turned to Mylo with a sly grin. “Alright, Mylo. Truth or dare?”
Mylo, still recovering from laughing too hard, barely hesitated. “Dare, obviously.”
Jayce leaned back, pretending to think for a moment before his grin turned outright devious. “I dare you… to go up to a random stranger and dramatically confess your undying love for them. Bonus points if you get down on one knee.”
The table erupted into laughter, and Mylo’s eyes widened in pure horror. “You are evil .”
Jayce shrugged. “You picked dare, dude.”
Mylo groaned but pushed back his chair. “Fine. Fine. But if I get hexed, one of you is paying for my hospital visit.”
He scanned the bar, eyes darting between potential victims, before zeroing in on a particularly serious-looking older wizard nursing a drink in the corner. He looked like the kind of man who had seen things . The kind of man who had no time for nonsense .
Which, of course, made him the perfect target.
The table watched in anticipation as Mylo took a deep breath, smoothed his shirt, and strode over with all the confidence of a man with nothing left to lose. He dropped onto one knee beside the stranger’s table, grabbed the wizard’s hand with both of his own, and declared, loud enough for half the bar to hear:
“My dearest love, from the moment I laid eyes on you tonight, I knew . My heart belongs to you, now and forever. I would cross oceans, battle dragons, and even tolerate Vi’s terrible jokes just to be by your side.”
The bar went silent .
Vi let out a choking sound, finally pulling her attention from Sarah. Powder was full-on wheezing .
The wizard slowly set down his drink, blinking down at Mylo with the deadpan patience of a man who had truly seen it all.
Then, in a deep, gravelly voice, he said, “Kid, I’m flattered. But my husband wouldn’t approve.”
The entire table lost it .
Mylo scrambled to his feet, face burning as he bolted back to his seat. “I hate all of you.”
Ekko clapped him on the back, grinning. “That was beautiful, man. Pure poetry.”
“Shut up,” Mylo muttered, grabbing his drink.
Powder, still snickering, leaned forward. “Alright, Mylo. Your turn. Pick your victim.”
Mylo’s glare shifted into something far more wicked. His eyes landed on Claggor.
“Well, well, Claggor,” Mylo drawled, his grin stretching. “Truth or dare?”
Claggor narrowed his eyes at Mylo, clearly weighing his options. He could play it safe and pick truth —but that wasn’t how this game worked, was it?
“…Dare.”
Mylo’s smirk widened into something downright evil . He glanced around the bar, then snapped his fingers as an idea struck him. “Alright, big guy. I dare you to—” he paused for dramatic effect, “—start a conga line.”
The table erupted.
Claggor exhaled through his nose. “You’re an idiot.”
“And you’re stalling ,” Powder sing-songed, grinning wildly. “C’mon, Claggor, make us proud .”
Claggor sighed, drained the rest of his butterbeer, and stood .
And then, to everyone’s absolute delight , he marched straight up to a random group of wizards, clapped one of them on the shoulder, and declared, “Follow me.”
The guy—halfway through drinking—just blinked . “Uh—?”
But Claggor was already moving, grabbing the next person in line. And somehow— somehow —the magic of peer pressure took over. One by one, people started linking up behind him.
Jayce howled . “No way—”
Ekko slammed the table. “He’s actually doing it! ”
Powder practically bounced in her seat. “FASTER! MORE PEOPLE!”
And just like that, Claggor’s ridiculous conga line spread . It looped around the bar, through clusters of confused patrons, picking up more people as it went. Someone even started clapping along to the rhythm.
Vander, watching from behind the bar, just sighed and muttered, “I hate this game.”
Vi, crying from laughter, leaned against Sarah for support. “Okay—okay, that is amazing.”
Sarah, grinning, sipped her drink. “Your friends are menaces .”
“Yeah,” Vi gasped between laughs. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The chaos continued as Claggor completed a full lap around the bar before finally returning to the table. He plopped back into his seat, utterly deadpan. “There. Happy?”
Mylo wiped a fake tear. “So proud.”
Vi slid back into her seat, finally leaving Sarah behind at the bar, though a smirk still lingered on her lips. She barely had time to settle before Claggor hit her with a dare—get someone at the bar to arm-wrestle her and lose on purpose. The group erupted into laughter as she dragged herself back to the bar, found the biggest guy there, and somehow convinced him to throw the match in the most dramatic fashion possible.
The chaos only escalated.
Vi, still riding the high of her rigged arm-wrestling match, dared Ekko to swap shoes with a stranger. He returned looking deeply uncomfortable, now sporting a pair of ridiculously tiny dress shoes that curled at the toes. Powder nearly fell off her chair laughing.
Viktor revealed, “I once convinced a professor I had contracted a highly contagious magical illness. Complete with forged healer’s notes and a self-cursed rash.”
Jayce, still recovering from laughter, dared Powder to convince someone she was a long-lost royal. Not only did she succeed, but she somehow left with a free drink and a bow from her unsuspecting victim.
Mel was forced to serenade Vander using only wizard-themed pickup lines. She did so with such unwavering confidence that Vander simply walked away mid-performance.
Caitlyn was asked who the last person she had a romantic dream about was. The group immediately erupted into cheers and exaggerated waggling eyebrows. Caitlyn, ever composed, took a slow sip of her drink, pretending to consider her answer— before casually shaking her head.
“Nope. Dare.”
“Alright, switch one article of clothing with Jayce”
The group barely held it together as Jayce strutted back to the table, Caitlyn’s fitted top stretched uncomfortably across his broad chest. He posed dramatically, flexing an arm as if he were modeling the latest in high-fashion wizardwear.
Caitlyn followed a moment later, shoulders hunched, looking utterly miserable in one of Jayce’s too-big, crude tank tops—with the ridiculous slogan "You're daughter calls me Daddy too" emblazoned across the front. She tugged at the hem in a futile attempt to make it less awful, but there was no saving it.
The table howled . Powder nearly fell off her chair and Vi had to cover her mouth to keep butterbeer from spraying everywhere. Jayce, completely unbothered, grinned and threw an arm around Caitlyn’s shoulders.
Vi, after being targeted once again , had to loudly and convincingly pretend to break up with an empty chair. She went all in , voice cracking with fake emotion as she told the chair she just wasn’t ready for commitment. At least three patrons looked genuinely concerned for her.
Ekko was hit with a truth: Who in the group would he trust the least to get him out of jail? He didn’t even hesitate before pointing at Powder who demanded an explanation, which led to Ekko listing every reckless decision she’d ever made in excruciating detail. By the end of it, Mylo was cackling, Claggor was wheezing, and everyone else had fully agreed with his answer.
Jayce, as revenge for his last dare, got challenged to do his best impression of Vander. His gruff voice attempt was so bad that Vander threatened to throw him out.
By now, the table was in shambles , tears of laughter running down faces, the bar watching their antics with either amusement or concern. But no one was stopping them.
This night was officially legendary.