Strength in Unity II
The next morning, training resumed in full force. The founders of Hogwarts had taken a keen interest in their young visitors, each offering their own form of guidance. Today’s session, however, was particularly intense—both physically and magically.
Sword Training with Godric Gryffindor
Tranquility found himself paired against Godric Gryffindor, the legendary warrior himself. Sweat dripped down his brow as he parried a fierce strike, his golden blade clashing against Godric’s steel.
“You’ve got speed,” Godric praised, pressing forward with relentless strikes. “But you hesitate. A ruler can’t afford that.”
Tranquility gritted his teeth, blocking another blow. “I won’t hesitate when it matters.”
Godric smirked. “Then prove it.”
Across the training grounds, Reiko was paired with Syaoran, their wooden swords moving in a blur. They had sparred countless times, but today felt different. There was a determination in both their eyes—neither willing to lose.
Reiko feinted left before twisting around with a sweeping strike. Syaoran barely dodged, grinning. “You’ve been learning from Yue.”
She smirked. “And you’ve been learning from Godric.”
The match ended in a draw, both breathless but exhilarated.
Magic Lessons with Rowena and Helga
Meanwhile, Endymion sat cross-legged in front of Rowena Ravenclaw, focusing on a levitation spell. Beside him, one of his guardians struggled to maintain control over a summoned wind.
“Focus,” Rowena instructed coolly. “Magic is an extension of your will. If your mind is scattered, your spells will be, too.”
Endymion took a deep breath, his magic steadying. The feather he was levitating stopped wobbling and hovered perfectly still.
Helga Hufflepuff, on the other hand, had taken Reiko aside to teach her about Earth magic. “Feel the land beneath you,” she said. “It’s not just power—it’s connection.”
Reiko closed her eyes, focusing, and a small sprout pushed up from the soil in front of her. Helga beamed. “Wonderful, dear!”
Syaoran and Yue: A Growing Bond
Later that evening, Syaoran sat with Yue in the library, pouring over old spellbooks. Yue observed him silently before finally speaking.
“You push yourself harder than the others,” he noted.
Syaoran glanced up. “I have to. I can’t fall behind.”
Yue’s expression softened ever so slightly. “You won’t.”
Their gazes met, lingering just a bit longer than necessary before Reiko’s voice broke the moment.
“Syaoran! Tranquility is trying to convince Godric he can take him in a rematch.”
Syaoran groaned, closing his book. “I better stop him before he embarrasses himself.”
Yue chuckled, following after him.
The days at Hogwarts were growing shorter, but their bonds were only strengthening. Whatever trials lay ahead, they would face them—together.