Sebastian did not waste a single moment. The Philosopher's Stone, having served its purpose as an involuntary trust exercise (and soon, a power source), was returned to a surprised Dumbledore first thing Sunday morning. Sebastian's mind was already entirely focused on the mechanics of construction.
After breakfast, the entire student body was in an agitated state of curiosity. The heads of all four houses—Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Professor Snape, and even Sebastian himself—were marching purposefully toward the Quidditch Pitch.
"Why are all the Professors going to the Quidditch grounds? Is there a secret inspection?" a Ravenclaw wondered aloud.
"Maybe they're expanding the stadium for a future World Cup!"
"No, look at Sprout! Professor Sprout is walking with them! It must be a new, massive greenhouse for Venomous Tentacula!"
Driven by relentless curiosity, the entire student population followed, forming a massive, whispering procession. The destination was a large, relatively flat patch of open ground situated between the main Quidditch Pitch and the castle's perimeter. This spot was ideal: ample space, good drainage, and removed enough from the main structure to allow for chaotic, high-power spell practice.
As soon as they arrived, Sebastian took charge. He reached into his seamless stretch bag—a magical item far more spacious than its appearance suggested—and began pulling out an impossible quantity of materials. Bricks, thick steel beams, massive wooden trusses, and foundation stones flew out, creating a small mountain of mundane construction matter on the grass.
"Oh my goodness, what is this spectacle?"
"They're building a permanent structure! Look at the size of those steel supports!"
Fred and George, ever the opportunists, immediately recognized the profit potential in the confusion. They exchanged knowing grins and swiftly positioned themselves near the front of the crowd, pulling out wads of parchment and quills. They were instantly open for business, setting up an impromptu betting ring on the function of the new building.
Amidst the betting and chattering, Sebastian began the true demonstration of magical efficiency.
He extended his wand and, with a powerful, non-verbal earth charm, caused the ground to sink slowly, compacting the soil into a perfectly level, solid foundation.
Then, the mountain of material rose into the air as if gripped by an invisible, coordinated crane. Sebastian waved his wand, and the process began in earnest. It was not chaotic; it was a symphony of Transfiguration and Levitation.
Stone bricks flowed and stacked themselves with precise alignment, forming thick, towering walls. Wooden trusses interlocked perfectly, creating complex roof support structures. The massive steel beams floated gracefully through the air, slotting into pre-determined positions and fusing seamlessly into the stone.
The structure took shape at an impossible speed. Window casements and door frames appeared; the roof tiles flew into place, covering the massive expanse. Within what felt like mere hours, a colossal building, larger than the Quidditch stadium itself, stood complete.
Its exterior was a simple, sturdy stone structure, reflecting a utilitarian medieval style that blended perfectly with the ancient Hogwarts architecture.
"It's finished! It's utterly massive!"
"Pinch me now! I swear, if Professor Swann were a Muggle builder, he'd own half of London by now!"
"It's a miracle of construction! And he did it with only one wand!"
Sebastian gazed at the newly erected Dueling Arena, a deep sense of satisfaction warming him. Now, the students had a professional, robust environment. The first step was learning spells; the second, Mastery in Application.
Learning a spell is knowing the rules of a game; applying it in combat is the highest level of competitive play.
Sebastian retrieved a set of alchemical tools—small metal objects, crystalline structures, and glowing runes—placing them at the entrance. He then erected two distinct focus points.
First, a large, rough-hewn rock with a plaque beside it. He pointed to it and addressed the crowd. "Attention! This rock is an Alchemically Enhanced Artifact. It is designed to safely absorb magical energy. You may use it to test the power and focus of your strongest offensive spells. Instructions for use are inscribed on the back."
Second, he pointed to a large notice board. "This board contains a detailed description of the Arena's usage and, importantly, the requirements for the newly created Work-Study Positions. Read them carefully."
Finally, he turned to his colleagues with a welcoming smile. "Professors, if you would be so kind as to assist with the interior outfitting and charm-work. Professor Sprout, perhaps some evergreen magical flora to beautify the external perimeter and enhance the air quality?"
The young wizards immediately swarmed the two objects of interest. Harry, Ron, and Hermione fought their way to the notice board.
Harry's eyes quickly scanned the large text. "The Duel Arena will be open all day, every day, starting tomorrow. All students are welcome to practice magic and conduct supervised duels."
A genuine smile broke out on his face. This was better than he could have hoped for. No more restrictive curfews, no more dangerous secret practice.
Hermione read the schedule with intense satisfaction. "The Dueling Club will convene here every Friday at 8:00 PM. Next Friday, Professor Flitwick will lead the lesson on Advanced Multi-Spell Combinations."
She then nudged Ron, pointing down the list. "Ron, look! The new Work-Study Positions! You wanted one so badly; check the requirements!"
Ron's eyes lit up—a chance to earn his own Galleons and finally replace his battered, hand-me-down wand. He quickly read the requirements, moving his lips as he went:
1. Arena Moderators (Senior): Seeking several skilled individuals to officiate, enforce safety protocols, and explain complex dueling rules for daily matches. Open to Sixth and Seventh Year Students Only.
2. Venue Maintenance Staff (General): Seeking dependable students to maintain order during high-traffic training sessions, ensure equipment is properly stowed, and perform basic facility maintenance and cleaning. Open to All Years.
"The second position! I can definitely do that!" Ron exclaimed excitedly. His practical skills might be limited, but he was certainly dependable. Then a slightly malicious glint entered his eye. "Great! I'll make sure Malfoy doesn't get a moment's peace when he's training, always 'maintaining order' right near him."
"Ron! That is utterly unprofessional and irresponsible! This is a serious environment for learning, not a chance for petty revenge!" Hermione scolded him immediately, crossing her arms in disapproval.
Ron rolled his eyes, utterly exasperated by her constant need to lecture. This girl is just unbearable sometimes.
The arguments about work-study quickly faded as a new, more thrilling commotion erupted near the Alchemically Enhanced Rock.
"Let's go see the rock!" Harry suggested, pulling his friends away from the notice board.
The crowd around the rock was three-deep. Every student was desperate to test their raw magical strength. From the inner circle, they could hear shouts of disbelief and rivalry.
Harry and his friends finally squeezed their way to the front. A line had formed, with students stepping up, aiming their most powerful curses at the artifact. The rock would absorb the magic, and then a glowing, ethereal display of text would appear beneath it.
A fifth-year Ravenclaw stepped up and shouted "Confringo!"
The text beneath the rock flashed: 52 Units. Competent Sorcerer, Level Three.
The crowd was buzzing, comparing their scores and arguing about the meaning of the rankings.
Finally, it was Harry's turn. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind and body as Sebastian had taught him—speed, focus, and intent. He raised his wand, aimed squarely at the rock, and, drawing on all his practiced power, unleashed his Disarming Charm, giving it all the speed and force he could muster.
A dazzling, concentrated red light shot out and struck the rock with a visible impact.
The magic faded, and the text glowed beneath the rock, visible to the entire crowd:
65 Units. Apprentice Mage, Second Level.
Harry's heart pounded. He hadn't been expecting a ranking. Apprentice Mage? He was a first-year! He quickly scanned the rankings of the nearby fifth-year students—most were merely "Competent Sorcerer." He felt a surge of validation for the months of hard training with Sebastian.
Beside him, Ron stepped up, aiming a simple Knockback Jinx. The rock flashed: 38 Units. Novice Caster, Level One.
Ron looked downcast. "Only Novice Caster? That's rubbish!"
Hermione, however, had already analyzed the data. She stepped up, aimed a Stunning Spell with surgical precision, and cast it with focused intent. The rock flashed: 62 Units. Apprentice Mage, Level One.
She was instantly elated. "See? Ron, the ranking isn't just about the raw power of the spell, it's about focus and control! I hit sixty-two units with a Stunning Spell! You used a more powerful jinx and only hit thirty-eight!"
Harry, buoyed by his own unexpected achievement, looked back at the magnificent Arena and the magical rock. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for Sebastian.
This was more than a club; it was an acknowledgment of the true danger and true potential of the students, and he knew, with absolute certainty, that this arena was where he would finally master the skills needed to confront whatever darkness awaited them.
Do you think Harry should ask Sebastian for a new assessment or a more challenging training partner now that he has seen his ranking?