Bonds

*Evan Rosier pov*

It was an odd feeling being able to walk with little worry down the halls after just the other day being paranoid to even go to bed. The days following the dueling club were interesting, to say the least. It seems they have given up on frontal assaults and now want to try something more hidden.

Though I think I'm safe for now everyone in the castle is watching us waiting for a big show.

It will never come.

Entering the library I set off to find some obscure spell books I like to read through books seen as useless because the spells are so outdated. They help me come up with different ways to use spells.

Walking down my favorite section I noticed another student was browsing the old spell books, "Severus?" I called aloud

He looked up surprised, "Evan," he greeted before going back to his browsing

Seeing he didn't want to talk I started to browse the section myself.

"Impressive duels," he remarked offhandedly

"Thanks," I replied simply while pulling out a book, "I didn't know you liked reading stuff like this," I said filling the silent void

He shrugged, "Helps form ideas," he now started to flip through his own book

I nodded, "The same reason I'm here helps me form ideas,"

We both walked over to the table beside the aisle we were browsing there was only one table close to the aisle so we sat at opposite ends while we read.

The silence seemed to drag on forever until Severus spoke, "How are you so good at dueling?" his question left me stumped as I honestly don't know myself it just comes naturally

I didn't want to say that though, "Practice, my father trains me often and I think mentality is important. When I duel I can forget everything else,"

Severus nodded, "I feel the same when making potions,"

A chuckle escaped my lips, "I'm horrid at potions,"

He cracked a brief smile but didn't reply. The atmosphere wasn't awkward but it was unusual for me to spend time with another student these days.

"Say," I began hesitating slightly at my next words, "Would you like to help each other? I will help you with dueling and you help me with potions?"

Severus cracked a smile, "That doesn't sound like a bad trade,"

Maybe I've found a friend?

*Morpheus pov*

The next stop for the Hogwarts dueling club was America. Funnily enough, I think Albus likes to travel to these places as it gives the students a way to experience a different culture. After all, we should have had a home duel with America but Albus decided to go to America instead, though I think Ugadou will be visiting us after we go to America.

The duel was in two weeks and I could already tell America will be interesting the wizards there practice wizardry very similar to Britain though with a more solid focus on Transfiguration.

I briefly graded some papers before heading out of my office and walking toward the Transfiguration classroom. Minerva should still be in.

Abara and Yowie want her to put on a dueling showcase before we go to America and for some reason think I'm the one that can convince her.

I mean I can but, I honestly didn't think Minerva and I were that close.

Entering her classroom I saw her still sitting at her desk grading papers, "Not in your office?" I asked my lips curling upwards at her exhausted look

"Haven't had the time to make it over there," she admitted while putting down her quill, "What can I help you with?" she asked

I shrugged, "Not really helping me with anything but Yowie and Abara think it would be good for you to demonstrate how a real Transfiguration mistress duels before the next duel in America,"

She sighed, "They put you up to this? Those two," she shook her head in disappointment, "Between my duties as a professor, head of the house, and deputy headmistress my schedule is quite full,"

"Overloading yourself is never good Minerva," I pointed out, "Plus take a little break and blow off some steam on the dueling platform it will be fun,"

"Fun," she murmured like it was the bane of her existence, "I don't know I'll see," she said before picking up her quill and begging to grade more papers

I laughed at her clear disdain for the idea, "You know if you do this I'm sure plenty of students will pay more attention in class,"

"I highly doubt that," she refuted my words soundly

"One word. Astrology," it truly has seen an unprecedented amount of engagement and enjoyment after Abara's duel

She gazed up at me with a contemplating look in her eyes, "Very well, I will participate next meeting let Abara and Yowie know will you?"

"Of course," I smiled with a gentle nod, "Jingles!" I called out causing a house elf into existence, "Yes sir!" the salute the little guy was giving me was hilarious

"Inform Abara and Yowie that Minerva has agreed," I instructed

"I be on it!" and with a pop, the elf disappeared

Looking back over to Minvera I was met with an unimpressed gaze, "What? It's so much easier this way,"

*Lord Roiser POV*

I ducked into Knockturn Alley donning a disguise as I made my way through the crowd of sketchy Subjects. It was a rare sight to not see illegal activities when walking through Knockturn Alley.

After several minutes of walking, I entered a bar, "Finest room," I told the barkeep while knocking thrice on the desk

The barkeep nodded pointing to the back, "Through those doors," I nodded and made my way past the doors entering a wide open space with a singular table in the middle

"Haven't seen you in a while ladies and gentlemen thank you for answering my message," I said with a small smile spread across my now unmasked face

"Not that I don't oppose meeting in secret What have you called us here for old friend?" Garren Greengrass or Lord Greengrass asked I could hear his impatience

Sighing I took my seat, "As you all know I was attacked by this 'dark' Lord over the winter holls. He is everything we stand against! Our families have remained neutral deciding to sit back and watch but I say no longer! We must protect ourselves. It could be any of you next and let me tell you I was lucky to make it out alive,"

The room was drowned in an awkward silence at my words they knew I was right though. We need to do something.

"How did you make it out alive?" Garren asked slyly