Wandless - A Harry Potter Fanfic

Chapter 14 - Detective Luna

"See you, big guy," Vincent said, patting the Dretle's snout, earning a sad sound that sounded between chittering and a roar.

"In you get," a wizard in black robes guided the Dretle inside a small bag. Miraculously, the Dretle managed to fit as it disappeared into the bag, "don't worry kid, us Romanian wizards are specialized in dealing with dragons, although a man-made one is slightly new to us."

"Thank you, sir," Vincent said shaking the man's hand, earning a nod before he made his way to Hogwart's gate.

"Finally gone, eh?" Hagrid said, standing by Vincent, "Don't worry Vince, it'll be fine."

"Thanks for looking after it Hagrid," Vincent said gratefully while looking curiously at the big man.

"Hm, what is it?" Hagrid asked.

"Nothing," Vincent said, "can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead, ask," Hagrid said.

"How exactly did you get expelled?" Hagrid froze as he looked at Vincent slightly nervous.

"We-well," he spluttered before sighing, "it ain't somethin I wan to talk abou, sorry Vince."

"No problem Hagrid," Vincent said, "it was rude of me to pry into it in the first place, my bad."

"No problem Vince," he said sadly, "I'll tell you one day, but I ain't ready for tha yet."

They both stood in silence before Vincent glanced at the castle, "Well, I'll be heading off now, I'll catch you later Hagrid."

"A've a good day Vince," Hagrid waved before heading into his hut.

Vincent was about to head into the castle when he heard a loud thump, followed by a groan of pain. He raised his eyebrows before walking over to the Whomping Willow where he spotted Neville lying on the ground panting.

"Hey Neville," Neville looked up to see Vincent standing over him.

"Hey Vince," he grumbled as he got up.

"Having a go at the Willow?" Vincent asked, pointing to the now healed tree.

"I don't know how you do it man," Neville sighed, "that thing hits like a hammer, not to mention that it's pretty fast as well."

"Neville, I'm going to be blunt with you," Vincent said, "you probably won't be able to train like this in your life."

Neville just groaned as he lay on the ground, "I already figured that out, but mind elaborating?"

"I've trained my whole life on the streets, dodging and blocking physically is what I'm good at," Vincent said, "but you're a wizard, you have been taught how to approach combat differently. Focusing mainly on this type of training, you might be able to become physically stronger than all the wizards and witches in your age group, but your ability to wield magic would become neglected to the point that a first-year could beat you."

Neville was silent for a moment before talking, "So I should quit training like this?"

"That's not what I mean," Neville looked at Vincent who sat beside him, "basically, it all comes down to time management."

"Eh?" Neville was confused.

"Exactly what I said," Vincent said throwing Neville a drink, "you're spending more time on strengthening yourself physically rather than taking the time to improve your skills in magic. So I have a suggestion..."

"Starting from now, you have to spend one to two hours a day studying spells."

"..." Neville just sat there blankly, "but that's far harder than exercising. Magic and physical activity are..."