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To avoid being overheard, the group followed Robert up the stairs in silence. It was the end of class, and most of the hungry students were rushing to the auditorium for lunch.
When Robert and his group reached the eighth floor of the castle, the corridors were completely empty. The eighth floor was a maze of hallways, and it took Robert a considerable amount of time to locate the iconic tapestry he was searching for.
The tapestry was hung in a secluded corridor.
"This tapestry is really interesting... Is that guy teaching a troll to dance ballet?" Annie asked curiously as she examined the peculiar artwork.
Tom, seeing the troll on the tapestry, was reminded of last night's events. He glanced at Robert, his eyes narrowing slightly, but Robert's attention was fixed on the wall opposite the tapestry.
Robert reached out and touched the blank wall.
"Robert, where's the place you were talking about?" Annie asked again, looking puzzled.
"Just wait a moment," Robert replied. He then began pacing back and forth in front of the wall, his expression focused.
"I need a room where I can practice my spells..." Robert muttered under his breath as he walked.
Annie and the others watched Robert pace back and forth, utterly confused by his actions. Before they could ask any questions, Robert completed his third pass.
"Crack!"
A soft noise echoed through the corridor.
Everyone's eyes widened as they saw a smooth wooden door materialize on the wall where nothing had been just moments before.
Without hesitation, Robert opened the door and walked inside.
The room was massive. One side was an open space filled with human-shaped targets and piles of cushions scattered on the floor. On the other side was a bookshelf crammed with spell books, with tables and chairs nearby for resting.
This place was perfect as a gathering spot for his small team.
"Everyone, come in," Robert called out.
The group entered the room, their eyes wide with awe. Once the door closed, it vanished seamlessly into the wall, leaving the corridor blank once more.
"This place is perfect! I can read books, learn spells, and then practice them right here!" Alphard exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Yes, it's like it was made just for us!" Henry agreed.
Charlie looked at Robert and asked, "Robert, how did you find this place?"
"I stumbled upon it by accident," Robert answered nonchalantly.
Charlie was perceptive enough not to press further.
Robert continued, "From today on, this will be our meeting spot. We need to train and grow stronger... so no one can bully us."
Everyone nodded in agreement, even Tom, who was usually skeptical.
"This is the Room of Requirement, also known as the Room of Coming and Going. It appears only when someone truly needs it. It can become whatever you require at the moment," Robert explained.
"To enter, you must think, 'I need a room to practice spells' and walk past this wall three times. The room will then appear."
The group was amazed by the room's magic.
Tom couldn't help but ask, "How do you know so much about this room?"
"I found out by accident," Robert repeated, his expression unreadable.
Tom chose not to push further, silently cursing Robert's secrecy.
Robert looked at the time and said, "Let's rest and eat something first."
Muttering to himself, he said, "I need a dining area with enough food..."
As if responding to his thoughts, another door appeared on the wall. Inside was a dining room with a long table laden with food, just enough for the group.
"It actually works..." Robert muttered in awe, recalling how the Room of Requirement could adjust its space and provide whatever was needed.
"W-What did you just do?" Annie asked, astonished.
"You just have to wish for food, and the room will provide it. But remember, only wish for things when you genuinely need them," Robert warned, worried they'd misuse the room's powers.
"Oh... got it," everyone replied, misinterpreting his caution as a rule of the room.
"Let's eat. We still have classes this afternoon. We can gather here whenever we have free time. Henry, Alphard, make sure to work hard."
"Got it!" they responded enthusiastically, motivated by the fantastic room Robert had discovered.
The afternoon schedule included two Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, a favorite for both Robert and Tom. Not only was it relevant to dueling, but the class was also taught by Albus Dumbledore himself.
Upon arriving at the classroom, they found Dumbledore leaning casually on the podium, his eyes twinkling as he watched the students enter. His smile widened when he saw Robert and Tom.
"Professor," they greeted respectfully.
"Ah, take your seats," Dumbledore responded warmly.
Robert chose a seat at the front of the Slytherin section, with Tom, Annie, and the rest following his lead. Notably, the other Slytherin students kept a noticeable distance from Robert's group, which did not escape Dumbledore's attention.
His gaze lingered on Annie for a moment, his expression softening as she reminded him of someone from his past.
However, Dumbledore did not act on his suspicions. He decided to keep a close watch on her, much as he did with Tom.
Dumbledore began the lesson by explaining, "Defense Against the Dark Arts teaches you how to protect yourself from dark creatures and dark magic. But to truly defend yourself, you also need offensive magic."
He then revealed, "Instead of following the textbook, I'll first teach you some offensive spells for self-defense, given the current state of the wizarding world."
The students were thrilled, eager to learn practical spells rather than theoretical knowledge.
"The first spell is the Disarming Charm—Expelliarmus. It may seem simple but is often quite effective in duels."
After explaining the spell's mechanics, Dumbledore had the students practice on wooden targets. Most managed it on the first try, and under his guidance, the rest soon succeeded as well.
"Since you've all grasped the basics, let's move on to dueling. There's no better practice than real combat," Dumbledore announced, igniting excitement among the students.
"Let's have two volunteers to demonstrate first. Who wants to go?"
Almost every hand shot up, eager to earn Dumbledore's attention.
"Miss McLaggen, you may go first... and you may choose your opponent," Dumbledore allowed.
McLaggen immediately pointed at Tom, her eyes gleaming with confidence.
Tom's eyes narrowed, a flash of red crossing his pupils.
Dumbledore watched with keen interest.
After the formal bow, Dumbledore counted down, "Three, two, one, start!"
"Expelliarmus!" Tom shouted, his movements lightning fast.
Bang!
McLaggen's wand flew out of her hand, landing squarely in Tom's grip.
"How... How did you do that?" McLaggen asked in disbelief.
"You need more practice," Tom replied smugly, relishing his victory.
"Excellent disarming spell! Slytherin earns 10 points," Dumbledore praised.
Tom blushed as the applause echoed through the room. It was his first time being in the spotlight.
"Tom, that was impressive," Dumbledore said with a knowing smile. "I heard you've been practicing with Robert. Why not demonstrate with him?"
Tom's confidence evaporated.
"Who? Me? Duel Robert?"
"Ah... Tom, we haven't sparred in a while. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you," Robert said, his smile deceptively gentle.
Tom felt a shiver run down his spine.
"I... uh..."
(End of Chapter)
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