Vid's Magic Spell Study Group focuses on quickly mastering different spells in a short time, while Sirius and Lupin's training teaches people to fight—
The connection and coordination between different spells, the rhythm of battle, the skill of aiming at opponents while quickly changing positions, how to effectively predict, dodge and counterattack, and how to escape when necessary.
Harry found his rhythm gradually after several failures, becoming smoother in defense and counterattack with his astonishing learning speed and adaptability.
Vid goes without saying, he has practiced battles repeatedly with his poppets in the cabinet space, and now, facing different opponents, he only needs a short practice to showcase his results.
As the last ray of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, Lupin halted the training.
"That's it for today." Lupin said with a smile: "You both did great, have a good rest when you go back. Remember—waving your magic wand is only half of the battle, the other half is right here."
He lightly tapped his temple.
"Spend ten minutes every night before bed thinking carefully about how your opponents might act in different environments? How will you deal with it? How to gain an advantage even before the battle starts?"
"The real battlefield gives no second chances, but you can rehearse countless times in your mind. That way, when you face a battle, you'll immediately know how to counter it."
"Well said, Moonface!"
Sirius patted his friend on the shoulder, glanced at the two, and said:
"I've seen quite a few guys who always get 'Outstanding' in exams, and when they face Death Eaters, they act like trolls with a stick in their hand; when their spells get dodged, they just stand there clueless. You have to keep thinking to always be one step ahead of your opponents!"
"I get it, gotta bring the battlefield into my mind, right?" Harry grinned: "It's way more fun than thinking about how to write homework, I'll train every day!"
"Good lad! At the official competition we'll be watching on the Flow Mirror, make sure you don't get knocked out in the first round!"
Sirius wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulder, heading toward Hogsmeade.
Lupin didn't want to put too much pressure on Harry, quickly added: "Even if you lose, it's okay. You're facing the world's most outstanding young wizards, being part of it is already something to be proud of!"
Before stepping out of the woods, Vid used the Disillusionment Charm, reminding: "Harry, Invisibility Cloak."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Harry quickly took out the Invisibility Cloak from his bag, hurriedly putting it on.
It's not Hogsmeade weekend today; they are quite famous now, showing up in the village and being recognized would cause some hassle.
Back in Lupin's attic, after watching the two return to school one after the other via the Disappearing Cabinet, he finally returned to the living room.
The fireplace crackled, dispelling the night's chill, Sirius popped open a bottle of Flaming Whiskey with a "pop," poured each a cup, then relaxed into the armchair, stretching his long legs onto the footrest.
"I'm exhausted." He took a large gulp of whiskey, sighed wearily: "Remus, those two kids are already stronger than half the Aurors, still worried they're not skilled enough. Especially Vid… battling against him is deadly."
Lupin was fine; after all, a werewolf's stamina is stronger than a wizard's.
Ever since the Wolf Poison Potion had ample supply and could provide sufficient nutrition, he no longer became particularly weak due to the transformation each full moon. His abs had become distinctly defined.
At this point, Lupin didn't respond to Sirius. He merely rummaged through the food cupboard, asking: "How about bread slices tonight, and roasting some sausages? I'm planning to cook another pot of potatoes."
The two kids would have a sumptuous dinner at school. The two adults had to find a way to fill their bellies.
"Don't bother, I bet you're tired too." Sirius said: "At the nearby Muggle Town, there's a restaurant with great pork chops, open until 10 PM."
"There's still time then."
Following Sirius' suggestion, Lupin put down the potatoes in his hand. Checking their outfits, which wouldn't stand out even within Muggle Society, they tidied themselves simply and set off directly.
For wizards, a town fifty miles away is no different from a pub fifty meters away.
A few minutes later, they sat in a cozy restaurant, placed their orders, while a particularly gentle love song softly played in the background.
At this hour, the restaurant wasn't crowded. Sitting in a corner, surrounded by greenery and partitions, they found their own little world, unbothered by others overhearing their conversation.
After the waiter served the meal, Sirius discreetly drew his magic wand, cast a Quietening Charm around them, then sliced into the sizzling meat with a silver table knife.
When his hungry stomach was finally satisfied, Sirius couldn't help but recall the training: "Remus, have you ever felt…"
"...huh?"
Seeing him stop midway through his sentence, Lupin gave him a puzzled look.
Sirius stroked his chin, thinking hard about how to express his feelings.
"Do you ever feel… Vid's training doesn't seem like he's simply following us to learn, but rather as if he's measuring the level of adult wizards through the two of us?"
Lupin was surprised: "Why would you think that?"
"I can't explain it," Sirius stuffed a piece of roasted potato into his mouth, frowned: "Just sometimes… I have this feeling."
Lupin pondered, then chuckled: "There's nothing strange about that. It's like a lion coming to a new place, it has to probe which prey it can consume."
Sirius suddenly laughed, a sly light glinted in his gray eyes.
"You know, that analogy is quite amusing, Moonface."
"Hmm?" Lupin was puzzled.
"You've noticed it too, haven't you? That kid isn't your typical Ravenclaw. At his core… he's like a beast… a predator." Sirius said thoughtfully.
Lupin paused his fork then resumed eating another slice of steak.
"Sirius, eagles themselves are predators."
"True enough." Sirius let go of the fleeting feeling he had earlier, relaxedly saying: "Only one month left, those two need to train more."
Lupin nodded: "Harry needs to overcome his battle inertia, practice more spells; Vid is a bit too rational, he needs to trust his instincts sometimes."
"Dumb students are hard to teach, but smart students are just as hard. With just the two of us, it might be tough to push Vid to his limit." Sirius said with some worry.
"How about two-on-one? I could put down my adult dignity."
"Haha, great idea!"
In the restaurant, as a song ended, a new one played, transitioning from a romantic love song to a warm piano piece, its rhythm soothing and comforting, bringing a sense of being hugged.
Sirius suddenly smiled silently.
"What's up?" Lupin asked.
"Do you think…" Sirius said gently: "If James and Lily knew their son was going to participate in the league of eleven Magic Schools, how would they react?"
Lupin's expression grew complex, sadness mixed with a touch of nostalgia, and he then smiled.
"They would surely be very proud? I can almost imagine James boasting to us."
"Yes, surely." Sirius said.