Wade's Spell Study Group focused on quickly mastering various spells in a short time, while Sirius and Lupin's training taught them how to fight—
The connection and coordination between different spells, the rhythm of combat, the technique of aiming at an opponent while rapidly changing positions, how to effectively predict, evade, and counterattack, and when necessary, how to escape.
With astonishing learning speed and adaptability, Harry gradually found his rhythm after a few failures, and his defense and counterattack became fluid.
Wade, of course, was even more impressive. He had repeatedly practiced fighting his Magic Golem in the Wardrobe Space, and now facing different opponents, he only needed a short period of practice to demonstrate his training results.
When the last ray of sunlight vanished below the horizon, Lupin called a halt to the training.
"That's enough for today," Lupin said with a smile. "You both did great. Go back and get some good rest. Remember—waving your Wand is only half the battle. The other half is up here."
He gently tapped his temple.
"Spend ten minutes every night before bed thinking carefully: how would your opponent attack in different environments? How would you respond? How can you gain an advantage before the fight even begins?"
"A real battlefield offers no second chances, but you can rehearse it countless times in your mind. That way, when you face a battle, you'll know instantly how to counter it."
"Well said, Moony!"
Sirius clapped his friend on the shoulder, then turned to the two boys and said,
"I've seen plenty of guys who always got 'Outstanding' in exams, but when they faced Death Eaters, they were like Trolls with an extra stick in their hand, just standing there dumbfounded if a Spell was dodged. You have to keep thinking to always stay one step ahead of your opponent!"
"I get it, I need to move the battlefield into my head, right?" Harry grinned. "That's way more interesting than thinking about how to write an essay. I'll train every day!"
"Good lad! We'll all be watching on the Streaming Mirror during the official competition, so don't get knocked out in the first round!"
Sirius put an arm around Harry's shoulder and walked towards Hogsmeade.
Lupin, not wanting him to put too much pressure on Harry, quickly added, "It's alright even if you lose. You're facing the best young Wizards in the world. Just being able to participate is something to be proud of!"
Just before stepping out of the woods, Wade cast a Disillusionment Charm and then reminded, "Harry, Invisibility Cloak."
"Oh, right, I almost forgot." Harry quickly pulled the Invisibility Cloak from his bag and fumbled to put it on.
Today wasn't a Hogsmeade Weekend, and they were both quite famous now. If they were seen in the village, it would cause some trouble.
Back in Lupin's attic, he watched the two boys return to school one after another through the Vanishing Cabinet before heading back to the living room.
The fire crackled, warding off the evening chill. Sirius popped open a bottle of Firewhisky, poured them both a glass, then slumped into an armchair with his drink, his long legs casually propped on the footrest.
"I'm exhausted," he said, taking a large gulp of whiskey and sighing wearily. "Remus, those two lads are stronger than half the Aurors, and they're still worried about not being strong enough. Especially Wade... fighting him is deadly."
Lupin, on the other hand, was fine. A Werewolf's stamina was, after all, stronger than a Wizard's.
Ever since he had a steady supply of Wolfsbane Potion and enough nutrition, he no longer became particularly weak after each full moon transformation, and his abs had become clearly defined.
Lupin didn't respond to Sirius's comment then, simply rummaged through the pantry and asked, "How about some toast and baked sausage for dinner? I'm going to cook another pot of potatoes."
Those two kids would have a lavish dinner back at school, while the two unfortunate adults had to figure out how to feed themselves.
"Don't bother, I don't believe you're not tired right now," Sirius said. "There's a restaurant in the nearby Muggle town that makes excellent pork chops, and they're open until ten at night."
"We still have time then."
Lupin readily put down the potatoes he was holding. Taking a look at their attire, they wouldn't look too out of place even in Muggle society, so they quickly tidied up and headed out.
For a Wizard, a town fifty miles away was no different from a pub fifty feet away.
A few minutes later, they were sitting in the warm restaurant, having ordered their food, with a particularly gentle love song playing in the background.
At this hour, there weren't many customers in the restaurant. They sat in a corner, with the surrounding greenery and partitions creating their own private space, so they didn't have to worry about their conversation being overheard.
After the waitress served their food, Sirius subtly drew his Wand, cast a Muffliato Charm around them, then cut into the sizzling steak with a silver butter knife.
Once his hungry stomach was finally satisfied, Sirius remembered their earlier training and couldn't help but say, "Remus, don't you think..."
"...Hm?"
Seeing him stop mid-sentence, Lupin looked at him curiously.
Sirius stroked his chin, pondering with some difficulty how to articulate his feeling.
"Don't you think... Wade's purpose in training isn't just to learn from us, but more like he's using us to gauge the level of adult Wizards?"
Lupin was surprised. "Why would you think that?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it," Sirius said, stuffing a roasted potato into his mouth and frowning. "It's just sometimes... I get that feeling."
Lupin thought for a moment, then chuckled. "There's nothing strange about that. It's like a lion arriving in an unfamiliar place; it always has to test which prey it can take down."
Hearing this, Sirius suddenly laughed, a cunning glint in his grey eyes.
"You know what? That's a very interesting analogy, Moony."
"Hm?" Lupin was a little confused.
"You've noticed it too, haven't you? That kid isn't like a typical Ravenclaw. Deep down... he's like a beast... like a predator," Sirius said thoughtfully.
Lupin's fork paused, then picked up another piece of steak.
"Sirius, eagles are predators by nature."
"True enough," Sirius said, letting go of the fleeting thought that had popped into his mind a moment ago, and relaxed. "Only a month left. They both need to practice more."
Lupin nodded. "Harry needs to overcome his combat inertia and practice a few more Spells; Wade, on the other hand, is a bit too rational. He should occasionally trust his instincts."
"Stupid students are hard to teach, but smart ones are just as hard. We two alone probably won't be able to push Wade to his limit," Sirius said with some concern.
"How about two-on-one? I can put aside my adult dignity."
"Haha, good idea!"
In the dining room, one song ended and a new one began, shifting from a romantic love song to a warm piano piece. The rhythm was soothing and comforting, giving a sense of security, like being embraced.
Sirius suddenly smiled, a silent smile.
"What's wrong?" Lupin asked.
"You know..." Sirius said softly, "What would James and Lily say if they knew their son was going to compete in a league against eleven Magic Schools?"
Lupin's expression became somewhat complex, a mix of sadness and nostalgia, before he, too, smiled.
"They'd definitely be incredibly proud, wouldn't they? I can already picture James bragging to us."
"Yeah, they definitely would," Sirius said.
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