Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

Autumn had crept in without warning. By late October, the golden hues of fall replaced the fiery heat of June. The cooler weather signified more frequent gatherings and training sessions. Meeting times shifted to after 8 PM, typically following Quidditch practices.

"Light Strike!" Hermione's wand emitted a divine glow as a radiant rose of pure light formed and struck Parvati, interrupting her next spell.

"I give up!" Parvati threw her wand onto the practice carpet in the Room of Requirement, pouting as she leaned against the bookshelf. "Hermione, your timing is always too perfect. Can't you go easy on us for once? How are we supposed to train with you like this?"

The others sparring nearby smirked knowingly. Anyone paired with Hermione either left demoralized or completely defeated. Despite being a practitioner of light magic, Hermione had honed her training to the point where she could predict and counter her opponents' spells with uncanny accuracy. Sparring with her often felt one-sided.

Hermione sheathed her wand and straightened her collar with a resigned sigh. "Practice means taking it seriously—for yourself and your opponent. If I go easy, how will anyone improve?"

Across the room, Cho's wand emitted a silver mist, binding Luna tightly just after she cast Fountain Surge. "Living Rope," Cho declared, smiling triumphantly. Among arcane spells, this was one of the trickiest to master.

"Finally!" Cho grinned at the thoroughly bound Luna. "I've beaten you for once!"

Harry dodged tendrils of animated wooden branches midair. Taking advantage of a momentary gap, he began casting Metal Cage. Unfortunately, Ron, having seen this spell too many times, immediately recognized Harry's gestures. Casually sidestepping, Ron avoided the descending iron cage as it clanged onto the floor beside him.

"Ha, Potter, that spell is utterly useless. Even Weasley knows how to dodge it," Malfoy taunted, effortlessly conjuring a Wind Wall to deflect Neville's Water Blade.

Harry ignored the jibes, focusing instead on channeling his magic through the arcane network, preparing to summon a metal-element spell.

Augustus stood nearby, observing with a slight smile. Over the past three months, everyone had made noticeable progress. While individual differences were evident, the collective effort was undeniable. To Augustus, talent mattered far less than diligence. Magic, he believed, was a discipline where persistence determined one's ultimate potential. These students were seeds of magic in this world. He hoped they might one day rekindle the grandeur of the central planes' magical era. For a legendary mage like Augustus, spreading the teachings of magic across countless dimensions and restoring the ancient golden age was a long-term aspiration.

The door to the Room of Requirement creaked open and shut. Harry turned his head but saw no one. After a moment, he noticed a group near the entrance had fallen silent.

Then he felt a sharp tug on his robes near his knee. Looking down, he was astonished to see Dobby, the house-elf, staring up at him with wide eyes, his head adorned with eight wool hats as usual.

"Dobby?" Harry put his wand away and glanced at Augustus before addressing the elf. "What are you doing here? Has something happened?"

Dobby trembled, his wide eyes filled with terror. Augustus stepped closer, puzzled. Everyone in the room stopped their magical practice and turned toward the house-elf.

"Harry Potter, Augustus sir," Dobby stammered, his small body shaking uncontrollably. "Dobby has come with a warning—but—but house-elves were warned not to speak of it—"

Before anyone could react, Dobby flung himself toward the wall. Harry tried to grab him, but Augustus calmly raised his wand, creating an invisible barrier that bounced Dobby back gently.

A murmur of concern rippled through the gathered students.

"What's wrong, Dobby?" Augustus asked sternly, grasping the trembling elf's tiny arm. "By the authority of the Julius family, I permit you to speak freely. Tell us everything."

Dobby's eyes filled with a mix of fear and relief. Covering his mouth with his hands, he hesitated before whispering, "I-It's the investigator, Umbridge. She—she's coming—she knows—about this group!"

With that, Dobby wailed and began banging his bare feet against the floor.

"Yes, Augustus sir, she knows!" the elf cried.

Augustus released a deep sigh, scanning the room. The students stared at him, frozen in shock. "Umbridge doesn't have many allies in the school. Go back to your dormitories immediately. I'll handle this."

Despite his calm demeanor, the students hesitated, reluctant to leave.

"Now!" Augustus commanded sharply. "You staying here will only give her more leverage. I said I'll take care of it!"

Seeing his resolve, the students reluctantly began to leave. Harry lingered behind, stepping closer to Augustus. "Sir, maybe I should stay. If Umbridge brings witnesses, we can deny everything together."

Before Augustus could reply, a sickly sweet voice echoed from the corridor.

"Caught you! Two of you!"

Umbridge rounded the far corner, panting but smiling triumphantly.

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