Wands Ready

As the echoes of the last page flipped closed, I addressed my ever-loyal Great Sage. "Scan the pages I've just devoured, and serve me a gourmet dish of detailed theories, their practical applications, and all the secret techniques I could deploy in a fight."

My eyes had been feasting on the new stack of books, borrowed without permission, from my unsuspecting classmates. Having scarce galleons to my name, I was only in possession of two books, a uniform, and of course, my wit. One was a tome on Transfiguration, the other an exploration of Charms. They became my partners on the train journey. However, the bountiful generosity of my classmates in leaving their books unattended in the common room was a gift I couldn't ignore.

It was merely a lesson, I swear, a lesson on the value of books. If they let their knowledge roam free, who was I not to capture it? I would say it was an educational service I was providing. My heart agrees!

Time started to tango to a slow rhythm around me, as Sage showered me with the knowledge I had asked for. Information on the entire Hogwarts syllabus poured into me, turning me into a knowledge reservoir of my year.

I chuckled darkly to myself, 'Thought Acceleration is quite the power tool.' It was a skill I used for the mundane and the extraordinary, and it was a secret weapon in any duelling scenario.

'Why do people fawn over Sharingan when Great Sage exists?' I thought, striking a comedic pose as I rubbed my chin in mock contemplation. But alas, the answer was clear. Sharingan heightened perception, not exactly my case.

In my reality, when the skill activated, I turned into a spectator, an observer in the slow-motion world. I couldn't react to the speed of the thoughts, as my reflexes were not exactly as nimble as the Uchihas. Just because I could see everything slowed didn't mean I could move any faster.

"Nice of you to join us, Timothy," came the cheery whisper from Zee as she plopped down next to me. "But it's not nice to steal."

Rolling my eyes, I made room for her, crammed into the corner as I was. Noticing the hostile glares, even from these book-loving nerds, I fathomed the popularity of the girl now sharing my corner.

"Though, I would have pegged you for a Slytherin," she jabbed, playfully nudging my shoulder.

"Well, it was either this or Slytherin. But after some thought, I chose Ravenclaw. It comes with a private library and introverted peers who generally mind their own business. Unlike the entitled lot over at Slytherin," I quipped, her laughter getting muffled as she covered her mouth with her hand.

"Ha... you're like a snake in a sheep pen," she said. I refrained from correcting her — I believe the saying goes, 'a wolf amongst sheep' — but it didn't seem important enough to argue.

"Now tell me, Zee, what part of the muggle world are you from? Your accent sounds American," I queried, genuinely curious. I knew there were top wizarding schools in America similar to Hogwarts, so why come here?

"San Francisco, California," she chirped back.

I merely nodded, keeping my thoughts to myself. I returned my gaze back to the book, attempting to resume my reading.

The peace didn't last for long, as her friends started calling her name. I looked into her eyes, signaling, "Go. I prefer my own company."

I watched from my corner as a collective scowl formed on the kids' faces. They had already started to get on my nerves. I stood up, readying myself for the day's classes.

"G-GOoo-good morning, ssss-students."

I held back a snort at Quirrell's exaggerated stuttering. With the Dark Lord playing puppeteer, one would think he'd at least be a competent professor, considering Voldemort's original goal was to instruct at Hogwarts.

"Professor!" I called out, my hand raised high. The room quieted as everyone turned to look at me.

"Y-yesss. Mr. Timothy." He stuttered back, all part of his charade.

"I was wondering if we could witness a live demonstration between students, if possible." My fingers itched to wield magic. While I had practiced a few spells in the common room, what could compare to using them on a live tar- ahem... I mean, a willing participant!

Quirrell's lips trembled, and he clutched his head as if an internal struggle was unfolding. A new light flickered in his eyes as he responded, "Wonderful... Would anyone like-"

"Actually, I was hoping to learn from you, Professor. After all, what can I learn from fellow first-year students?" My retort wasn't well received, especially by a particular Hufflepuff whose roar echoed through the room.

"I see..." A dark glint flashed in Quirrell's eyes, causing me to shiver slightly. The atmosphere shifted from the typical monotony to a simmering pot of anticipation.

The once-docile students were abuzz, their eyes flitting between Quirrell and me. The professor seemed torn between reluctance and the tantalizing prospect of asserting his authority over the cheeky first-year.

As the lecture neared its end, a hush fell over the room. Students packed their belongings in haste, casting worried glances my way, while others seemed electrified by the upcoming spectacle.

"Alright, Mr. Timothy. The stage is yours," Quirrell uttered in a trembling voice, clearly taken aback by my audacity. The moment of truth had arrived.

I rose from my chair, confidently striding towards the makeshift dueling platform in the center of the room. The collective gasp from my classmates was music to my ears. Their wide-eyed, nervous gazes clashed with the underlying spark of excitement as they watched me prepare.

"Class, take this as an opportunity to learn," Quirrell said, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Watch closely."

Every move he made, I mirrored, maintaining a safe distance. My eyes never strayed from his form. 'Great Sage, be ready,' I thought, receiving an acknowledging pulse from the deep recesses of my mind.

The classroom fell into a tense silence. Their wide eyes darted between Quirrell and me, the tension palpable.

"You may cast the first spell, Mr. Timothy," Quirrell sneered. The icy tone of his voice echoed across the room.

I swallowed hard, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Instead of responding, I took a deep breath and nodded to myself. 'This is it,' I thought, steadying my trembling hands. 'The moment I've been preparing for...'