Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 9 - Friendly Competition

After I brought Professor Fig to the Map Chamber, we provided the book and were amazed by the giant map of the surrounding world which appeared beneath our feet.

Professor Rackham explained that I would need to complete a set of trials in order to prove myself worthy of learning to wield ancient magic from The Keepers. Apparently, that's what they call themselves. Professor Rackham, Professor Bakar, Professor Rookwood, and Professor Fitzgerald. Rackham explained that it was because they are the Keepers of this ancient magic knowledge. I find it curious because Rackham is the only one besides me and Isidora who can see or interact with ancient magic. How did they decide who would become the Keepers anyway?

But I kept my mouth shut and decided to save those kinds of questions for later.

Rackham told us that he would need some time to prepare for the first trial. He instructed us to go to San Bakar's tower in five days.

As we exit the Map Chamber, Fig turns to me. "You know what this means, Ciri?"

I sigh. "Of course. Complete my assignments and focus on classes."

Professor Fig nods, "it's important that you learn as much as you can. We don't know what you will be facing in the first trial."

—----------

Fall came and suddenly the leaves were changing. Pumpkin decorations line the outside walkways of the castle. I love this time of year because Halloween is my favorite holiday, and the weather is almost always perfect.

I've been working on completing most of my extra assignments from Professors Hecat, Garlick, and Ronen. I'm excited to be learning so many new spells. It genuinely feels like I'm getting stronger every day and catching up with my classmates.

I also had my second flying class with Madam Kogawa. I didn't expect myself to get comfortable with flying so quickly but I can't deny that I love being on a broom. I even went to Hogsmeade and bought my own, the newest edition Ember Dash.

After class, Kogawa pulls me aside.

"Miss Clarke, you are doing exceptionally well. I definitely think you should consider trying out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Should we ever get Quidditch back..." she trails off, clear distaste for Professor Black in her voice.

I smile at her. "I would love that, Madam Kogawa."

She gives me a few flying related assignments for practice. This is definitely the kind of homework that I can get enthusiastic about.

"I also think you should consider practicing with one of our best flyers, Imelda Reyes. Since Quidditch has been canceled, she's started a flying club with some of the Quidditch players and other students. They practice on the Quidditch pitch during lunch hour and usually hold races in the evenings," Kogawa nods in the direction of the pitch.

Interesting.

Flying class ends just before lunch, so I decide to do some studying outside before I check it out.

I approach the pitch to several students from different houses in their Quidditch uniform getting thoroughly berated by a brunette Slytherin girl.

That must be Imelda.

"Rickett! I expected better from you. If you don't get your time up, there's no way you'll be making the Slytherin team next year!" she yells loudly.

I step up behind her, clearing my throat. The other students look afraid of her. Meanwhile, I'm trying not to laugh.

She turns around and puts her hands on her hips. "Can I help you? Are you lost, Gryffindor?"

"Nope. Just here to check out the flying club," I yawn, attempting to feign indifference towards her aggressive demeanor.

"Ha! I know who you are. Ciri Clarke, right? You're the new fifth year who just got here. Haven't you only been able to sit on a broom for like five seconds?" she snorts.

I clench my jaw, "Maybe. I think I could probably still beat you, though."

Imelda glares at me. The other students are looking between us both, either in awe or like I've completely lost my mind to be confronting her like this.

I'm not sure where this newfound confidence is coming from, but antagonizing her is fun. Maybe Slytherins and Gryffindors are just natural enemies.

"You? Beating me? Oh you're hilarious, Gryffindor. Are you sure you want to embarrass yourself in front of everyone on such a beautiful day?" she scoffs.

I smirk at her. "I don't plan on embarrassing myself. Let's do this. Unless you're scared to lose to the new fifth year."

"Not a chance," Imelda huffs, grabbing her broom. I grab mine and we take our marks in the sky.

Imelda looks at me and sneers. "Last one back to this arch is the loser. Don't try to skip any rings or you'll get a penalty."

I nod, starting to question myself about my decision to do this.

Here goes nothing.

"Ready, set... GO!" One of the older students below shouts, his wand pointed to his throat to amplify his voice.

Imelda takes off, flying past me in a blur through the first two rings.

"You'll have to do better than that, Clarke," she taunts, looking over her shoulder at me.

This pisses me off enough to gain a bit of momentum. Up until this point, I was trying to pace myself a little, making sure to hit the speed boosts so that I could keep up. I'm trailing just slightly behind her when I decide to boost myself for the first time.

Passing Imelda, I soar through the next set of rings and gain a significant amount of distance on her. I giggle to myself, passing easily through the speed boosts and into the remaining rings.

Finally, I soar across the finish line and begin my descent back down to the pitch. I'm met with enthusiastic applause and cheering that suddenly stops as Imelda begins to land.

"Ugh! You must have cheated!" Imelda huffs in frustration as she walks toward me.

I smirk and shrug my shoulders, "I think I did pretty well, having only been able to sit on a broom for five seconds and all."

"Unbelievable!" Imelda shouts as she stomps past me. She swings around to face me one more time, face red.

"Enjoy your victory, but this race was only practice. I'll be sure to put you in your rightful place at the Irondale course," she seethes.

"Whatever you say, Imelda. Nice to meet you!" I wave at her sarcastically.

Let the games begin.