Chapter 577: He Is the Predator
The key focus of Wade’s Spell Study Society lay in enabling individuals to rapidly master diverse spells within a short time frame. Meanwhile, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin’s training emphasized battlecraft—perfecting the seamless transition between spells, mastering the rhythm of combat, maintaining precision while shifting positions, learning to anticipate, dodge, and counterattack effectively, and knowing how to escape when necessary.
Harry, displaying astonishing learning speed and adaptability, gradually found his rhythm after several failed attempts. His defense and counterattacks grew increasingly fluid. As for Wade, he didn’t need much explanation—having repeatedly practiced dueling against his own magic puppet in the closet space, he could now instantly apply his training to any new opponent after just a brief warm-up.
As the last sliver of sunlight vanished beneath the horizon, Remus Lupin called a halt to the session.
“Alright, that’s enough for today,” Remus said with a smile. “Both of you did brilliantly. Go back and rest well. Remember—waving your wand is only half the battle. The other half is right here.” He lightly tapped his temple. “Spend ten minutes every night before bed thinking: in different environments, how might your opponent strike? How will you respond? How can you gain the upper hand before the fight even begins?”
“True battlefield doesn’t offer second chances. But you can rehearse endlessly in your mind. That way, when the real fight comes, you’ll know instinctively what to do.”
“Spot on, Moony!” Sirius Black clapped his friend on the shoulder, his gaze shifting to the two boys. “I’ve seen plenty of students who always got ‘Outstanding’ in exams—yet when they faced Death Eaters, they were like giants holding a stick, completely paralyzed when their spells were dodged. You’ve got to keep your mind sharp. Only then can you stay one step ahead of your enemy.”
“I get it,” Harry grinned. “I need to bring the battlefield into my head, right? This is way more fun than figuring out how to write an assignment. I’ll train every single day!”
“Good man!” Sirius Black draped an arm around Harry’s shoulder and started walking toward Hogsmeade. “We’ll be watching the live stream during the official matches. Don’t embarrass us by getting knocked out in the first round!”
Remus Lupin, wanting to ease the pressure, added quickly, “Even if you lose, it won’t matter. You’re facing the most talented young wizards in the world. Just being part of it is something to be proud of.”
Just before they stepped out of the forest, Wade activated a Disguise Charm and cautioned, “Harry, Invisibility Cloak.”
“Oh right, I almost forgot!” Harry fumbled through his backpack, pulling out the cloak and hurriedly draping it over himself.
It wasn’t a Hogsmeade weekend, and they were now public figures. If seen in the village, it would inevitably cause trouble.
Back at Remus Lupin’s attic, after watching the two disappear through the Vanishing Cabinet one after the other, Remus returned to the living room. The fireplace crackled warmly, banishing the chill of night. Sirius Black snapped open a bottle of Firewhiskey with a sharp pop, poured two glasses, then sank into his armchair, stretching his long legs out onto the footrest.
“God, I’m exhausted,” he muttered, taking a long swig. “Remus, those two boys are stronger than half the Aurors I’ve ever seen—and you’re still worried about their strength? Especially Wade… fighting him is nearly unbearable.”
Remus wasn’t quite as drained—werewolves naturally possessed greater stamina than wizards. Since Wolfsbane Potion was now consistently available and his diet was properly nourishing, he no longer weakened after each full moon. His abdominal muscles had even become sharply defined.
Instead of responding immediately, Remus simply opened the food cabinet and asked, “How about some toasted bread and a grilled sausage? I’ll prep another pot of potatoes.”
The boys would have a hearty dinner back at school. But the two weary adults would have to fend for themselves.
“Don’t bother,” Sirius said, waving a hand. “I know you’re tired. There’s a Muggle diner just outside town—excellent pork chops, open until ten. We can go there.”
“Got time,” Remus agreed, setting down the potato and glancing at their clothes. Even in Muggle society, they wouldn’t look too out of place. With minimal adjustments, they were ready to leave.
To wizards, a town fifty miles away was no different than a pub fifty meters away.
Minutes later, they were seated in a cozy, warmly lit restaurant, placing their orders. Soft, tender love songs played in the background. The place wasn’t crowded. They sat in a corner booth surrounded by greenery and partitions, creating a private little world—no need to worry about being overheard.
Once the food arrived, Sirius Black discreetly pulled out his wand and cast a Silence Charm around their table. Then, with a silver dinner knife, he sliced into a sizzling steak that crackled and popped.
Only when his stomach finally felt satisfied did Sirius remember the earlier training.
“Remus,” he began slowly, “have you ever… felt something odd?”
“…Hmm?” Remus looked up, curious at how abruptly he’d stopped.
Sirius rubbed his chin, visibly wrestling with how to phrase it. “I don’t know… but sometimes, I get this feeling. Like Wade’s training isn’t just about learning from us. It’s… like he’s using us to test the level of adult wizards.”
Remus blinked. “You think so?”
“I don’t know,” Sirius said, shoving a roasted potato into his mouth and frowning. “It’s just… a sense I get.”
Remus considered it, then chuckled. “Well, nothing strange about that. Think of it like a lion entering unfamiliar territory—it always checks which prey it can take down.”
At that, Sirius suddenly burst into laughter, his gray eyes twinkling with mischief. “You know, that’s actually a pretty good analogy, Moony.”
“Huh?” Remus looked puzzled.
“You’ve realized it too, haven’t you?” Sirius mused. “That kid isn’t just a typical Ravenclaw. Deep down… he’s more like a predator. A hunter.”
Remus paused, his fork hovering mid-air. Then, slowly, he resumed spearing a piece of steak. “Sirius Black, eagles are predators too.”
“True,” Sirius said, letting go of the uneasy feeling that had flickered in his mind. He relaxed. “Just one month left. They’ll need more practice.”
Remus nodded. “Harry needs to break his battle habits and work on more spell combinations. Wade… he’s so logical he’s almost too calculating. He should learn to trust his instincts sometimes.”
“Stupid students are easy to teach. But clever ones? They’re just as hard. I’m not sure we’ll ever push Wade to his limits.”
“Two against one?” Remus suggested, with a wry smile. “I’ll even set aside adult dignity.”
“Ha! Perfect idea!”
As the song ended and a new one began—gentle piano melodies replacing the romantic ballad—the mood softened, warm and comforting, like being wrapped in a hug.
Sirius suddenly smiled without a sound.
“What’s on your mind?” Remus asked.
“Tell me,” Sirius said softly, “if James and Lily Potter knew their son was preparing for the Tournament at Eleven Famous Magic Schools… what would they think?”
Remus’s expression grew complex—bittersweet, layered with memory. Then he smiled. “They’d be proud. I can already picture James showing off to us, bragging about his son.”
“Yeah,” Sirius said. “They would be.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
