HP: Fairy Tale Wizard - 150

Chapter 150: Random Grouping (Not Really)

The students filed through the long tunnel in two lines. Inside, only a few oil lamps hung from the ceiling, creating an eerie atmosphere.

"Extension Charm, definitely," Terry said.

From the classroom to the forbidden area couldn't possibly be this far.

"What do you think these things are?" Sterling gestured to the row of discs leaning against both walls.

"Obviously, alchemical creations. Short-distance teleportation? Maybe weakened Portkeys?"

Sterling examined the patterns carefully. To his eyes, the alchemical work was unmistakable.

"Okay, so I know what this is for. Is Professor Vitam really this rich? Going to such lengths for an exam?"

"Chocolate Frogs aren't just England's most popular snack, you know. Wait, Terry, I thought you were the magical world native here?"

"Hey! You!" Terry waved his fist. "Watch out if we're paired together. I'll make you lose spectacularly!"

Sterling smiled. Terry had probably already seen the grouping results. When they'd entered the tunnel, Sterling noticed Terry close his eyes for a moment.

If the future truly was as he'd just said, then Terry had two options now. One, immediately trip and fall, break a leg or arm, then use that as an excuse to avoid the duel. Two, immediately transform into my number one supporter, serving tea and fetching water until he had to throw the match.

"Who am I even fighting?"

"I don't know. Surprise! Life needs surprises, Sterling. You can't know everything in advance..."

"But you can."

"Exactly!" Terry raised his chin. "But I can. Little Incubus, the future is too profound for you. Let me handle it."

Sterling shook his head, done talking to this inflated idiot. He had no idea what thoroughly satisfying victory Terry had seen to make him puff up like that.

Still, it looks like the future he can see isn't too far ahead. At least he hasn't seen the extra training waiting for him in Utopia after the exam.

"All right, children, stop here. Look beside you at those discs."

Professor Flitwick's voice echoed through the corridor. Sterling and Terry glanced at the people beside them. Hermione and Padma showed completely unsurprised expressions. Ron and Neville looked confused, but Harry impressed Sterling. He also wore a knowing expression.

"Everyone, if anyone didn't properly form two lines, merge backward, then look at the disc nearest you and stand on it."

With that sentence, even the slowest student understood this was their matching mechanism. They immediately looked at the people in line beside them. Some relaxed. Others widened their eyes.

Draco looked at Ron, feeling his heart skip a beat.

If this duel had happened at the term's start, I would've immediately raised both hands, cheering, praising fate for letting me thoroughly humiliate this hateful red-haired Weasley in the dueling arena.

But now it's the end of the term. After Ron studied under that monster, Sterling, for over half a year. Even more so after they'd returned from that mysterious "international competition." Really, Merlin knows what that was about. I had Father investigate, but there'd never been any international competition inviting first-years from Hogwarts. I'd bet Dumbledore had also been absent, probably giving his precious Savior special training!

The result? This annoying redhead's level has skyrocketed!

Now seeing this guy, I actually feel faint danger. This is the Malfoy family's secret talent at work.

"Oh, Terry, my condolences. We won't laugh at you. Lasting five minutes counts as winning, okay?"

Padma smiled and patted Terry's shoulder. She looked at Sterling beside Terry, using all her strength not to laugh. She and Hermione were inseparable, naturally lining up together.

Padma naturally didn't think she could defeat Hermione, but Hermione would definitely give her a thrilling exhibition match out of sisterly affection. Padma had that confidence.

As for Terry? Boys are strange, thinking that going all-out in such competitions shows respect for their opponents.

Would Sterling go all-out? Probably not.

But Terry will definitely lose badly.

Yet Terry didn't show the devastated expression she'd imagined. On the contrary, he remained completely composed.

"Rather than that, I think you should worry more about Harry. He got dragged by Seamus to the front of the line. I remember a Hufflepuff was absent today, right? Originally, our first-year numbers should've matched perfectly. But now there's one extra."

"Ah!" Ron tried to find Harry up ahead, but it was too late. The disc underfoot emitted a hazy light, enveloping everyone.

So, really just short-distance Portkeys. Isn't this somewhat extravagant?

After all, walking from the classroom to the forbidden area is just a short while. For spectacle and to leave a vivid impression in students' memories, Professor Vitam has truly spared no expense.

This disc's binding force isn't strong. Perhaps the initial design never considered resistance. I could apply a slight force to interrupt its transport. Even so, one wouldn't cost less than 30 Galleons, and that's built on Vitam's superb alchemy skills.

Relaxing his mind, Sterling's figure vanished in the light.

Unlike Apparition, this "Portkey" seemed optimized for the user experience. At least Sterling didn't feel as uncomfortable during transport as he had during his first time Apparating to Diagon Alley.

He immediately processed the insignificant dizziness. Honestly, after leaving Utopia, they'd all developed considerable tolerance for dizziness.

Opening his eyes, Sterling found himself on a spacious platform. Behind him were spectator stands. Gorgeous chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Fawkes lay listlessly in the candle flames, nodding to Sterling in welcome.

Others landed in the spectator seats according to their corresponding disc positions. Ron pressed close to Draco, showing an expression like he'd eaten vomit-flavored Bertie Bott's Beans.

Draco naturally wasn't outdone, feeling nearly suffocated by Ron's poverty stench, only regretting he hadn't brought perfume today.

Wait. They're in the spectator seats. Where am I?

Sterling looked at the smiling Vitam before him and sighed imperceptibly.

So my dueling opponent isn't a student at all.

"All right, children, let Ravenclaw's Sterling Page and Professor Vitam serve as our competition's opening ceremony!"

Professor Flitwick, standing on a floating platform, raised both hands. Colorful fireworks sprayed from his sleeves.

"Oh, this truly makes me somewhat nostalgic for those years."

"Come, let's see what sparks will fly between first year's most excellent student and our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!"

"Please note, children, your Charms summer homework includes reflections on this duel!"

"Now, please exchange dueling bows!"