CHAPTER 5: DEULING PARTNER

Wood shavings litter the floor as Matthew whittles away at the wand currently in his hand. A stack of eighteen boxes lay finished on the table behind him. As he finishes the last cut he smiles and admires the work currently in front of him. He grabs the two pieces of metal he had laid aside for this wand. The wand was completely straight and skinny, leading to a pointy tip. The metal pieces looked like the guard and pommel to a sword.

They were fit tight into place and Matthew breathed a fine silver powder onto the pieces. The silver faded as it touched the pieces, adhering them in place. He picked up a wooden box which was filled with pure white hair. They almost seem to glow as he picks them up and places them against the wand. He then takes his wand out and points it at his new creation. A light hits the new wand and the hairs seem to merge with the wand itself.

"Perfect." He exhales as finally he finishes all twenty of the wands. He places this wand inside of a box in front of him. Next to that box is an identical box, which he picks both up and places them both with the rest.

Ada stands up and stretches from the chair she had been quietly sitting in this entire time. "You know, I really am so proud of you." She says as she walks forward, looking at the stack of wooden boxes.

"Don't be proud yet. This is only the star. We have to see if they like the quality first." Matthew says as he waves his wand. Things begin to fly around and go back into place. He opens a small bag and begins to put all the boxes in. Twenty wand boxes all go into a satchel. He slings the satchel over his shoulder and begins to walk out of his shop. Ada follows and they lock the door behind them.

The couple chat and laugh as they walk for thirteen minutes before arriving at a large building. The building was the Brefold Private School for Young Witches and Wizards. They go up to the gate and greet the guard. "Hello, my name is Matthew. Mr. Lawrence is expecting me."

The guard looks over the tall man in amazement. "You're the wand maker? Boy, you look like you fight bears wandless and win." He walks over and compares his height.

Both Ada and Matthew laugh. "I'm actually a pacifist, so in no way would I be able to win that matchup unless I ran." Matthew speaks up. The security guard opens the gate.

"Well if you ever decide to no longer be a pacifist then we'd be happy hiring you as a guard here." The security guard waves his wand, closing the gate.

"I'll remember that if that time ever comes." Matthew smiles and says as Ada and him walk towards the school. The school was enormous compared to others in the area. Given it's reputation for having the most graduates in high end jobs, they could justify being this large. In the back a Quidditch field had a team flying and practicing their drills.

"I miss Quidditch." Ada says as she stares longingly at the field.

Matthew notices her gaze and bumps her gently. "Then why don't you get back into it? We both know you're a great Beater."

Ada giggles softly. "Yes I am, but I love my job and it takes most of my time. That and spending time with the guy I love." Even though it was a small change, her cheeks started to turn a soft shade of red.

Matthew smiled and walked into the building with her following at his side. The inside was spotless as floating dust brooms and mops passed by to go clean an unseen mess. They walk until they get to the principal's office and knock on the door. The door opens and Christopher Is sitting at the desk writing with a bright blue quill.

"Ah, Ada and Matthew. Good to see you both." He stops writing and stands up, quickly walking over to the two. "Perfect timing, the students who will be participating in this little 'experiment' are being taught some offensive magic in the training hall." He waves his hand and points down the hall. "Why don't we go meet them now and get those wands to them."

Matthew and Ada nod and follow him down the hall. They travel in silence and eventually reach the training hall. Inside was a group of twenty kids sitting on the floor listening to a middle aged man. The man was balding with hair only on the back and sides. He had some stubble growing and was well dressed. He finishes his sentence before looking up and excitedly gesturing toward the three of them.

"If it isn't Ms. Durham herself. Now class, take a good look at this young lady. She was once the best duelist in this entire school. I'd even say, better than myself in some aspects back then." He walks over and shakes Ada's hand.

"It's good to see you Mr. Duncan. I've used every bit of information you've taught me to become who I am today." She says, shaking his hand as well.

"Ah, don't call me by that name, I'm not your teacher anymore. It's Zacaria." He says with a smile towards Ada. "Mr. Clearview. It's good to see you as well." As he says that his entire demeanor changes. The smile looks fake and his eyes hold some animosity.

"You too sir. We've brought the wands for the students." Matthew says holding his satchel.

Christopher walks over to the children and motions for them to listen. "Today is the day you all get your new wands" The kids burst out in happy murmurs for only a moment before becoming silent again. "Good. Now once you get your wands I want you to pair up and start practicing what you know. And remember, nothing to cause pain or else your parents will be hearing."

Matthew walks over and begins to pull the boxes out and hands them to the appropriate child. Each box has a thin metal name plate with each of their names. Once all of the students received their wands they immediately started pairing up as instructed. One student however walked over and pointed at Ada.

"I want to challenge her." The boy holds his wand and looks smugly at her. "I'm the best duelist in this class and I need an actual challenge to learn something."

Ada looked happily stunned, looking over towards Zacaria. He nods and says, "Actually, that might be a good thing. Might teach the kids some new moves." He then whispers over towards Ada. "Might also teach him some humility."

Ada giggles at this and looks at the boy. "Sure, I'll be your partner. What's your name?"

"My name is Zachary Duncan." The boy looks even more smug when he sees Ada surprised and looking to his father. "That's right. Mr. Duncan is my dad."

Ada smirks at the kid. "I can definitely see that now." She walks over to one of the already set up stages and takes her place. As Zachary takes his spot Zacaria walks over to Ada.

"I know you, but please go easy on him. He's not usually arrogant like this. I think he's just trying to show off in front of the class." He says smiling at Ada.

"Don't worry sir. I'll make sure it's a good show while still being a good sport. Ada smiles back and gets into her stance.