Strange Times Ahead (Harry Potter x Male Strange Reader)

Chapter 30

The entire day, (F/N) and Dhargey practiced and sparred, matching wits in magic duels, and even getting physical as well. When they weren't sparring, they were also testing the strength of their shields, their reflexes, the power of their spells, and capping each off with a nice tai chi session as well. With breaks in-between of each they went over some strategies and techniques. (F/N) had also made sure to let Dhargey know that Dragos was in on this as well. Though he wasn't fond of working with him, Dhargey let it slide. If they needed him to win this battle then so be it, as long as they could work together as a team.

Speaking of whom, Dragos was busy with his own practicing and sparring. He would viciously send training dummies back with blasts from his wand, used the bats from Quidditch to perfect the use of Protego, and put his energy into making sure his opponent was down without needing to get back up. He would criticize himself for his lack of form and accuracy, belittle his actions, all so that he could prepare for the battle ahead of him. If there was any time to prove how he's more superior to other Slytherins, this was it.

During his time training, Dragos's mind wandered back to his encounters with (F/N). The time he compared him to other Slytherins, how he mended his broken arm, and then decided to try and stick up for someone and put himself on a higher morality than him. The memories alone made his blood boil. To a point where each training dummy he used would be destroyed, and severed into millions of pieces.

The three of them breezed through their classes, waiting for their time. Anxious to get this over with, but nervous to go through with it. They were going to be putting their life at risk to stop Nightmare, who Dhargey and Dragos haven't even fought themselves against. It was only (F/N) who had a taste of it.

When classes were done, they each began to brew what they could of Wiggenweld potions, healing potions for any injuries they may get, but only had enough to brew three of them.

When the next day rolled around, they squeezed what little time to practice they could in, and each went to their dorm rooms to prepare.

(F/N) sat in his dorm room, sitting at the foot of his bed and looking at the floor. He continued wearing his Hogwarts uniform, having no other piece of clothing to wear beside it, and tugged his gloves tightly to make sure they were secure. Additionally, he had the cloak around his shoulder, holding itself together. The amulet remained in his pocket until it was time to head into the Dream Dimension.

Today was the day Snape would be finished with the batch of Sleeping Draught. Cauldrons are full to feed to the students and put them to sleep at an instant. When that happens, Nightmare will have full reign to outright trap them in an endless cycle of their nightmares.

And once again, the thing on his mind was the fact that he might die. That he could end up trapped in Nightmare's world forever. All the people he would leave behind, all the unanswered questions he has, and the state of the world. He ran his hand over his chest and felt his heart beating at the mere thought of dying. He came to a magic school where he can produce light from his wand, levitate objects off of the ground, and brew potions. And yet here he was, on the verge of giving his life. It's supposed to be a simple year, but alas it wasn't.

The door to his dorm room opened up, and Luna walked inside. Behind her were students heading to the Great Hall for dinner, which is where they would end up drinking the Sleeping Draught and succumb to Nightmare's desire.

"Are you coming, (F/N)?" Luna asked, angling her head curiously.

"Uh...y-yeah," he said, slowly pushing himself up to his feet. Luna nodded her head and was going to leave, until (F/N) spoke up, "wait!" She stopped and approached (F/N) again. (F/N) got up and approached Luna as well, standing across from. "Um...I just wanna...you know, my time here has been a bit...um..." He could find the words to tell her a simple "thank you". Luna just watched with a smile on her face, knowing full well what he wanted to say, as well as his feelings. "I don't think I would've been able to do some of this stuff without you, so...um..." Even after seeing horrors beyond his comprehension, able to see different dimensions beyond the one he walks, and yet he can't muster up a simple sentence. Luna giggled and reached forward, placing a finger on his lips to stop him.