Unlimited Power

With bated breath, Atlas cautiously turned the doorknob, his pulse quickening in anticipation. Stepping into the room of requirement, he couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline. As he surveyed the surroundings, his mind raced with thoughts of potential traps or hidden dangers set by Quirrell.

The chamber appeared much as he had left it, but something seemed off. The notes he had strategically placed to guide Quirrell had vanished without a trace. A wave of nervousness washed over him, prompting him to check the map once more, ensuring that Quirrell was still in bed and hadn't placed an alarm near the entrance to catch him off guard.

Step by cautious step, Atlas advanced further into the room. Normally, it would have taken him no more than five minutes to reach the spot where he had left the letter. Yet, this time, ten minutes had already passed, and he still hadn't reached his intended destination. Unease gnawed at him, and he continued onward, aware of the mounting tension in the air.

Upon finally reaching the designated spot, Atlas's eyes widened in disbelief. The room was in disarray, as if a tempest had swept through, leaving destruction in its wake. Shelves lay toppled, their contents scattered across the floor. It was a scene of chaos, evidence that Quirrell, or rather Voldemort, had not taken the news of the letter kindly.

Amidst the rubble, Atlas spotted the large sign he had erected for Voldemort. It now rested atop the debris, bearing the name "Tom Marvolo Riddle," with a new addition etched in pitch-black ink: "10 Days." Relief washed over Atlas, realizing that Voldemort seemed to have begrudgingly accepted the terms, despite his initial resistance. Yet, his elation was short-lived as he noticed Quirrell's name on the map beginning to move.

Instinct kicked in, propelling Atlas into a sprint. Despite his precautions, it seemed he had overlooked an alarm or enchantment set by Voldemort. Racing against time, he pushed himself to the limits, sensing that his life truly depended on it. Quirrell's name on the map blazed with inhuman speed, hurtling towards the room's location.

Finally escaping the room's confines, Atlas swiftly enveloped himself in the protective cloak of invisibility transformed into a bowtruckle he waited in a corner. The map indicated that Quirrell was nearing, mere seconds away. Just as Quirrell rounded the corner, the door to the room had seamlessly melded back into the wall, concealing any evidence of its existence.

Adrenalin rushing through his twigs, Atlas watched in awe as a looming black mass materialized a few meters away. Within moments, Quirrell emerged from the darkness, deftly reopening the concealed entrance to the room of requirements. Atlas, determined to remain unnoticed, held his breath and fortified his Occlumency barriers, huddling beneath the cloak, his presence shrouded from view.

Atlas stood there, his mind reeling from the encounter with Voldemort. The sheer power and presence exuded by the Dark Lord had caught him off guard, causing him to question the reliability of his carefully laid plans. Doubts began to creep in, and he found himself pondering the true extent of his control over Voldemort's actions. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, a testament to the intensity of the moment. He took a deep breath, relieved that the door had closed behind Quirrell, slowly disappearing once more. The close call left him shaken, but also more determined than ever.

Silently transforming back into a human, Atlas made his way back, gradually picking up the pace until he practically sprinted to the Gryffindor common room. Thankfully, the Fat Lady, barely awake, opened the door upon hearing the password, oblivious to the fact that no one stood before her. As he returned the invisibility cloak to Harry, Atlas's gaze returned to the map. Voldemort was making his way back, the pace significantly slower this time, likely opting to walk instead. Surprisingly, the names of Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape appeared in close proximity to the room on the map. They must have sensed Quirrell's use of magic, but arrived too late to catch him in the act.

While standing beneath the shower's warm spray, thoughts raced through Atlas's mind. He couldn't help but feel that utilizing the room of requirements in the following days might prove perilous. It pained him to think that the best training tool at Hogwarts would go unused, but he prioritized his safety above all else. Perhaps it was wise to minimize their reliance on the room, at least until the exchange with Voldemort concluded.

Atlas shared his concerns with Hermione, explaining that he had noticed a few teachers, including snape, acting suspiciously near the room. He proposed using empty classrooms for their sparring sessions, to which Hermione initially countered that there was no rule forbidding their entry and that they would be fine even if caught. However, Atlas swiftly rebuffed her argument by recounting the incident when McGonagall had deducted points from them after Neville defended himself. It was clear that something was amiss, and the teachers were no longer strictly adhering to the rules.

While Hermione eventually relented and accepted the reasoning, it was evident that this departure from the norm didn't sit well with her. She had always held the teachers in high regard, viewing them as personified paragons of virtue, save for Snape. Teachers who bent the rules as they pleased struck a chord within her, evoking a sense of disdain and disappointment.

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As another uneventful potion lesson came to a close, Atlas and Hermione found themselves making their way to Defence Against the Dark Arts. A slight unease tugged at Atlas's nerves, knowing that Voldemort had no qualms about delving into the minds of his students using Legilimency. While Atlas had detected Voldemort's initial attempt, he couldn't be certain if the Dark Lord had genuinely made an effort to conceal his intrusion. What added to his concern was the fact that Hermione possessed minimal defense against such an intrusion. If Voldemort probed her mind, he would discover that Atlas had informed her about possessing evidence of his continued existence, as well as Dumbledore's awareness of it.

To his great relief, and yet with a tinge of confusion, it was not Quirrell who greeted them in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, but Professor Ward instead. The professor stood before them, his gaze fixed upon them with an authoritative air, akin to a general observing his soldiers. The students hesitated, unsure if they had stumbled into the wrong classroom, but Professor Ward motioned for them to enter.

"Dear students, Professor Quirrell has informed the headmaster this morning that he is unwell and requires two weeks to recover," Professor Ward announced. "The headmaster, in his infinite wisdom, has assigned me to teach in his absence, believing it to be a valuable experience for you to learn from an actual Warmage. While I concur, I must add that this knowledge will prove truly useful only if you find yourselves embroiled in large-scale wars, a circumstance I fervently hope you never have to face. Now, to make the most of our time, I want you all to follow me outside for a practical exercise," he commanded, his tone firm and resolute, before exiting the room.

The students hurriedly gathered their belongings and eagerly trailed behind their new professor. Soon enough, they found themselves on an open space near the forbidden forest, curiosity bubbling within them.

"To understand the essence of this class, we must first delve into the basics," Professor Ward began, his tone carrying an air of authority. "Let's start with the question: What is a warmage? A warmage is a wizard who fights alongside dozens, even hundreds of fellow wizards, against equal numbers of adversaries. These battles differ greatly from duels or the realistic combat you studied under Quirrell. The key distinction lies in fighting as a cohesive unit. Today, we shall explore the smallest and most fundamental unit in military strategy—the Diamond Squad."

Professor Ward paused, allowing the anticipation to build among the students. They leaned in, eager to absorb this new knowledge.

"The Diamond Squad comprises six members, each with distinct roles is the smallest unit in a war," Professor Ward continued. "Firstly, we have the defenders—two formidable witches or wizards who occupy the frontline. Their primary responsibility is, as the name suggests, to defend the rest of the squad. They shield their comrades, counter enemy spells, and promptly signal if they are overwhelmed. Next, we have the attackers—three agile and skilled individuals stationed in the middle of the formation. Each defender covers one and a half attackers to the best of their ability, while the attackers strive to neutralize their opponents. As battles can become protracted affairs, especially when faced with competent defenders, we introduce the third role: the Breaker. The Breaker stands as the final line of defense and specializes in casting potent, devastating spells capable of overpowering defenders or decimating the entire enemy squad."

Professor Ward's voice brimmed with authority as he continued to educate the students on the intricacies of the Diamond Squad. He emphasized the importance of the leader, who oversaw the entire battle while simultaneously fulfilling their assigned role. The leader issued commands, deciding when to retreat, when to pursue enemies, or when to adjust the formation mostly in response to casualties. Professor Ward explained that while defenders were indispensable, their intense focus on their duties rendered them ill-suited for leading the squad. Leaders were usually Attackers but in a few rare cases the Breakers would have that role.

"Now, it's time to put this formation into practice, in the hope that you will never have to employ it," Professor Ward concluded, casting a gaze upon the students reminiscent of a seasoned commander assessing his troops.

"What are you waiting for? Form your groups!" he barked, breaking the contemplative silence that had settled over the room.

Atlas swiftly assembled a group with Hermione and Neville. Reluctantly, they added Ron to their ranks after Harry vouched for him. Originally, Atlas intended to recruit Seamus and Dean, but they insisted on remaining together, leaving them in search of another available team. Unfortunately, the numbers didn't align ideally for the Gryffindors, and they still had an open slot after three squads had formed. It appeared that some students still harbored a grudge against their group for the loss of those hundred points. Surprisingly, Malfoy's group faced a similar predicament, with only five members. Two Slytherin girls engaged in a heated debate, each reluctant to join Malfoy's side, until they realized Gryffindor had an open spot as well. Their opinion swiftly changed, and they began arguing about who would have the "privilege" of joining Malfoy's group.

Not one to tolerate further delay, Professor Ward intervened and forcefully assigned the students to their respective teams. Milicent Bullstrode, a sturdy girl, joined Malfoy's group, while a thin, a bit ill looking pale-skinned girl with long black hair named Daphne Greengrass found herself among Atlas's ranks. Atlas couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't found a group earlier, but he was relieved to see that she had accepted her fate without protest.

"The groups you have formed will become your family for the next two weeks," Professor Ward declared, his voice carrying a mixture of authority and a touch of amusement. "Now, I don't expect you to share a bed with your group members, but I want you to eat together, study together, and spend your spare time together. Although, don't be too disappointed, for spare time will be a luxury you won't have much of. I negotiated with the headmaster to have full control over your education while I fill in for Quirrell, which means your training here will consume your days from 1 to 3 p.m. for the next two weeks. During your regular Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons, we will delve into different tactics and I'll introduce you to useful spells—none of that child's play you've learned before. But for today, we'll work with what you already know."

The students exchanged bewildered glances, their minds struggling to process this sudden shift in their routine. Atlas, along with several others, couldn't hide their reservations about spending all their time with their assigned groups. The expression on Daphne's face, in particular, revealed her discontentment.

Professor Ward continued, unfazed by their reactions. "I assume you're all familiar with the Protego charm, as well as the Vermillious and Verdimillious charms. For now, the Breakers will utilize the Verdimillious charm for their attacks, as you haven't yet learned strategic-level spells. So, to keep it simple, if you're struck by a green spell, regardless of the charm you used, you're out. Dodging is crucial. Each Breaker is permitted only six casts of the spell before they must join the attackers. Is that clear to everyone?"

The students remained in a state of stunned silence. This unexpected turn of events had caught them off guard, and they struggled to come to terms with the radical changes. Professor Ward, sensing their confusion, pressed on. "No questions? Very well. Use this time to discuss your roles within your teams. The first mock battle will commence in ten minutes." With that, he conjured a chair out of thin air and settled in, engrossed in the daily prophet.

As soon as Professor Ward settled into his chair, boisterous discussions erupted within each group. Ideas and opinions clashed, echoing through the room. Atlas found himself at the center of a lively conversation among his own group.

Without wasting any time, the roles were swiftly assigned. Atlas and Neville took on the roles of defenders, while Ron, Daphne, and Hermione assumed the positions of attackers. Harry, to everyone's surprise, was designated as the breaker. Initially, Daphne had suggested she take on the role, but she later reconsidered, pointing out that Harry's expertise as a Quidditch seeker made him well-suited for identifying opportunities to strike the enemy. Atlas didn't have any objections; with his defensive skills, he believed their classmates would have a hard time overcoming their group—unless, of course, Seamus decided to unleash one of his explosive mishaps.

However, when it came to deciding who should be the leader, the process became more protracted. Ron, boasting his chess skills as evidence of his strategic mind, advocated for himself to assume the role. Harry supported Ron's argument, finding it reasonable. Atlas, on the other hand, rallied behind Hermione. Neville, not keen on getting caught in the middle, abstained from the decision-making process. To complicate matters further, Daphne interjected, noting the apparent differences between Hermione and Ron and expressing concern that appointing either of them as leader might lead to discord within the group. Instead, she proposed either Harry or herself.

Atlas was taken aback by Daphne's astute observation skills and couldn't help but agree with her reasoning. Against everyone's expectations, he threw his support behind Daphne, nominating her as the leader. Ron, incensed and disapproving of having a Slytherin in charge, voiced his objection. However, Harry, graciously relinquishing the responsibility, backed down after Atlas highlighted Professor Ward's mention that attackers typically assumed leadership roles. There had to be a rationale behind it, after all.

Just in the nick of time, their decision was solidified as Professor Ward announced the commencement of the first mock battle, pitting their group against Malfoy's. Neville's face lit up like it was Christmas morning upon hearing the announcement. And his elation was not unfounded, for they utterly humiliated Malfoy's group, emerging victorious without a single casualty. Atlas effortlessly deflected all incoming spells with his impeccable shield charms, while Malfoy's group was so inept that he could intercept half of their spells with his own, only needing to employ an actual shield charm to deflect a few stray attacks. This allowed Neville to revel in a generous amount of freedom, blending the roles of attacker and defender seamlessly. Under Daphne's command, Hermione and Ron adeptly maneuvered, adjusting their angles to bypass Crabbe and Goyle's feeble defenses, leading to Hermione striking Malfoy three times in rapid succession. Despite her talent, Daphne, lacking power in her spellcasting, failed to hit any of the enemies. Meanwhile, Harry, sharp as ever, effortlessly picked off Crabbe and Goyle from a distance, their sluggish reactions rendering them easy targets. The rest of the battle was child's play.

For the remainder of the session, they observed other mock battles, which, at best, appeared disorganized and chaotic. Most students struggled to fulfill their assigned roles correctly, while others mistakenly believed that focusing solely on the defender was a wise choice, causing the defenders to mindlessly spam shield spells, blocking everything easily. This group exhibited such strategic incompetence that Professor Ward deducted points from them and assigned extra homework as a consequence.

As the class drew to a close, Professor Ward made sure to emphasize the importance of their unity, going as far as assigning each of them homework to write about a specific group member. Atlas considered himself fortunate as he was given the opportunity to write about Hermione, while Hermione was tasked with writing about Neville. Daphne, however, found herself the most discontented of the group, being the only Slytherin, and was assigned the responsibility of writing about Atlas. The surprising shift in their schedule momentarily caused Atlas to forget his intention to ask Professor Ward about the wizarding genome research. Nevertheless, with Magical Theory scheduled right after lunch and the newly added war lesson immediately following, he knew there would be plenty of opportunities to seek answers.

As they strolled through the castle corridors, the animated voices of discontented students washed over Atlas. Complaints filled the air like a symphony of dissatisfaction. While Atlas thoroughly enjoyed learning the tactics, he couldn't deny that the timing could have been better and that the requirement of staying together was indeed quite bothersome. However, his primary question lingered in his mind—why did Quirrell pretend to be ill when he had appeared more than just fit before? Did the use of his power weaken him, or was there another reason for it?

Upon entering the Great Hall, a chorus of heated discussions filled the air, centered around the new lessons. Amidst the commotion, Atlas's keen eye caught sight of a lone figure—a third-year Hufflepuff seated at the Slytherin table. The sight of this unexpected arrangement offered a glimmer of solace, revealing that they were not alone in the predicament of forming groups that transcended the boundaries of their respective houses.

Author note:

Thanks for reading till now. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. The next chapter or the one after that will be an interlude chapter.