Dark Wings Over Hogwarts

The sun hung high in the sky as the fourth-year students gathered in the outdoor combat training area. Despite the crisp autumn air, anticipation crackled among them like a brewing storm. The combat class was scheduled to begin at exactly 2 PM, and as expected, Zane Falconer arrived with the same punctuality as the previous day. His expression remained unreadable, his presence commanding attention without effort.

"All of you, listen up," Zane began, his voice sharp but calm. "This is not just a class where you memorize spells or practice wand movements without purpose. You are here to learn real combat—how to think, how to react, and most importantly, how to survive. This is not a dueling club; this is preparation for real-world situations where hesitation could cost you."

The students nodded, some looking excited, others slightly nervous. Unlike theoretical lessons, combat required instinct and quick thinking, and not all of them were confident in their abilities.

"To give you a better understanding, I will demonstrate," Zane continued, stepping into the center of the training grounds. "One of you will duel me. I won't hold back, and neither should you. This is your chance to test yourself."

The students glanced at each other before a confident voice spoke up. "I'll do it," said Adrian Pucey, a fourth-year Slytherin. His expression was resolute, and there was a glimmer of arrogance in his eyes. He was known for his skill in dueling and seemed eager to prove himself.

Zane gave a small nod. "Very well. Step forward."

The two took their positions, and the other students instinctively took a step back, creating a clear space for the duel.

From a hidden vantage point, Isla Rosier observed in silence, concealed beneath a disillusionment spell. She had been watching Zane Falconer closely since his arrival at Hogwarts. Despite his overwhelming skill and presence, she had never heard his name before. That alone was reason enough for her to be wary. No one that talented should be completely unknown. It didn't add up.

She studied his posture, his movements—everything about him. She couldn't hear what was being said from this distance, but the intensity of the duel would be enough to give her the answers she needed.

Zane and Adrian squared off.

"Begin."

Adrian wasted no time, firing a quick Expelliarmus, hoping to catch Zane off guard. But before the spell even reached him, Zane sidestepped with precise, almost unnatural speed. Without a word, he flicked his wand, sending a Stupefy toward Adrian. The Slytherin barely managed to conjure a shield, stumbling slightly from the force of the impact.

Isla narrowed her eyes. That speed—it wasn't just quick reflexes. It was anticipation, calculation. He wasn't reacting to Adrian's movements; he already knew what they would be.

Adrian gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance. This time, he tried a more advanced approach, casting a series of non-verbal hexes in rapid succession. Isla observed closely. A decent strategy, but Zane barely moved, deflecting each spell with effortless precision. It wasn't just skill—it was something more.

Zane shifted slightly, his stance relaxed, as if he had complete control of the duel.

Adrian, realizing brute force wouldn't work, switched tactics, aiming a well-placed trip jinx at Zane's feet. However, before the spell could reach him, Zane vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Adrian in an instant.

Adrian barely had time to react before Zane's wand pressed lightly against his back.

Checkmate.

The duel ended as quickly as it had begun. Murmurs erupted from the gathered students—some in awe, others in disbelief. Zane hadn't even broken a sweat.

Adrian turned to face him, his pride clearly wounded, but Zane's expression remained impassive.

Isla watched as Zane spoke to Adrian, but she couldn't make out the words. However, from Adrian's reluctant nod and the way his shoulders stiffened, she could tell it wasn't just dismissal—it was advice. Instruction.

After the duel, Zane turned to the rest of the class. "I hope that gave you all a clear lesson," he said, his gaze sweeping over the students. "Power isn't everything. If you rely only on brute strength, you will lose to someone who outthinks you."

He looked back at Adrian. "Your spellcasting is solid, but you rely too much on expected responses. If you fight a smarter opponent, they'll manipulate you into making predictable moves."

Adrian frowned but nodded.

Zane then turned to the rest of the students. "Pair up. I want to see how each of you handles a duel. Don't just throw spells—analyze. Read your opponent. Think about their habits, their stance, their confidence. The more you observe, the better you fight."

The students began pairing up, muttering amongst themselves, their duels starting under Zane's watchful gaze. He walked between them, occasionally stopping to correct a stance or point out a flaw in their execution.

"You hesitate too much before casting," he told one Ravenclaw girl. "By the time you decide, your opponent has already attacked."

"Your shield charm is strong, but you're relying on it too much," he told another. "Shields should be a last resort, not your first instinct."

His critiques were blunt but never cruel. He didn't just point out flaws—he gave solutions. And that was what set him apart from most professors.

From her hidden spot, Isla observed all of this. She couldn't hear the exact words, but she didn't need to. His body language, the reactions of the students, the way they adjusted their techniques after his advice—it told her everything.

Zane Falconer wasn't just strong.

He knew exactly how to mold others into warriors.

Isla exhaled softly, finally releasing her disillusionment spell. The afternoon air felt heavier now, as if she had witnessed something she shouldn't have.

Pulling her cloak tighter around her, she turned back toward the castle, her mind racing. She would wait for her family's response, but something told her that whatever they found—or didn't find—about Zane Falconer would only raise more questions.

And Isla Rosier hated unanswered questions.