0351 The Second Phase

Words : 1325 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

0351 The Second Phase "Don't you remember!" Harry hastened to explain. "It's been another two weeks. I mean, it's been a month since Professor Watson's physical education class started. He said at the beginning of this class that the first phase would last a month, and then there would be some changes!" "Which means—" A flush of delight spread across Hermione's rosy cheeks, betraying her true thoughts. "We don't have to—" Hermione's words trailed off because she noticed Ron grinning at her. "I think it would be quite good to stick with it," Neville said thoughtfully as he stopped before the Fat Lady's portrait, turning to look at them. "No one's stopping you from continuing, Neville," Ron said, pursing his lips. "Come on, move aside. I reckon you've forgotten the password again." Neville was right, though. Over the past few days, even Harry had begun to feel that Professor Watson's class wasn't entirely pointless. After getting through the initial adjustment period, he could clearly sense an improvement in his energy levels and overall vitality. Now, he no longer felt drowsy as easily, able to resist the urge to doze off even during Snape's Potions class or Professor Binns's ghostly lectures. As Harry closed his eyes that night, his mind eagerly anticipated the arrival of the new day, despite no longer harboring any resistance or fear toward Professor Watson's Muggle physical education class. Nevertheless, a sense of curiosity and excitement coursed through his veins, fueled by the prospect of the promised changes to the P.E class. Word had spread—courtesy of an unknown source—about Professor Watson previously purchasing Dungbombs from Zonko's Joke Shop as teaching aids. The following day, the number of young wizards persisting with this class suddenly dropped by one-fifth. Now, half a month later, the original group of around a hundred had dwindled to just over a third of its initial size. As April arrived, the gentle breeze wafting across the grounds had shed its early morning chill, caressing Harry's hair with a refreshing coolness as it met his face. Harry squinted at the slightly green dawn, silently adjusting his breathing—a technique he had figured out recently. Proper breathing rhythm could alleviate fatigue during prolonged exercise. "Let's begin –" Professor Watson arrived at the training grounds, punctual as always. He seemed unaware that a month had passed, donning one of his usual sports-outfits(tracksuit) as he calmly instructed them. Harry couldn't hide his disappointment, glancing around to find the other young wizards wearing similar expressions. "Professor Watson—" Hermione wasn't one to keep her thoughts to herself, furrowing her brow as she raised her hand. "You see, Professor, if I'm not mistaken –" Hermione paused, drawing in a steadying breath as her bright, inquisitive eyes fixed upon the professor's face. "You mentioned that our phase-based exercises would last a month, after which our class would undergo some changes?" "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Granger," Professor Watson gave a slight nod. "Yes, that's the plan. Our physical education class is about to enter the next phase. This morning will be your final early-morning run." Surveying the excited murmurs among the young wizards, Bryan gave a faint smile, deciding not to spoil their good mood for the moment. "Starting today, we'll move into the second phase of the curriculum, with classes scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. in the Maze Classroom." The Maze Classroom was the same room where, during Harry's second year, Professor Watson had them face off against Inferi. Last term, the engaging "Boat Race" competition had also taken place in that seldom-used classroom. Four distinct groups formed naturally. The Hufflepuffs had the longest line, while Ravenclaw, including Cho Chang, had only four students: Cho, Roger Davies, Luna, and one of the Patil twins. The numbers of Gryffindors and Slytherins remaining were roughly equivalent, with the Gryffindor comprised primarily of Harry's closest friends—Hermione, Ginny Weasley, the ever-mischievous Fred and George, the timid Neville Longbottom, Parvati Patil, and two young witches from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Unsurprisingly, Draco Malfoy's distinctive platinum-blond hair style was visible amidst the Slytherin group. Aside from the hulking, gorilla-sized Marcus Flint, the majority of the remaining Slytherins were Malfoy's year-mates. Crabbe and Goyle, Malfoy's ever-present cronies, had already abandoned the class, and Harry couldn't help but ponder whether their absence might be a contributing factor to Malfoy's uncharacteristic restraint in provoking him during Professor Watson's class; after all, Slytherins seem to possess an innate talent for sizing up a situation and acting accordingly. "First, I want to congratulate you all—" Professor Watson clasped his hands behind his back, his penetrating gaze sweeping over the assembled students. "The past month has been both training and a test for you. Those of you standing before me now have passed the training and the test, meaning you possess certain qualities worth cultivating—" No one whispered; everyone listened intently to Professor Watson's words. "—So, from now on, you will undergo more professional training. Of course, I need to make one thing clear: starting from this moment, you will be deprived of the right to quit. Everyone must persevere until the final stage until this training is over. Additionally, the entire cycle will likely last about a year." "But Professor Watson—" Considering the harshness of the past month's training and the ominous presence of the suits of armor within this room, Hermione asked thoughtfully, "What kind of improvement do you hope for us to achieve?" "I'm sure you've been troubled by this question for a long time, haven't you?" Professor Watson finally showed a slight smile on his face, raising his head to listen to the young wizards's murmuring discussion. He nodded, pacing before them with his hands clasped firmly behind his back. "All this time, Hogwarts has lacked a systematic course teaching young wizards how to fight—" Professor Watson's words ignited a flurry of hushed whispers and exclamations among the students. Their private speculations had proven accurate after all—the professor who could single-handedly defeat nearly a hundred werewolves was indeed going to teach them how to fight? Harry didn't quite agree with Professor Watson's statement, as Hogwarts had Defense Against the Dark Arts class, and that charlatan Lockhart had even held a Dueling Club once. But then again, Defense Against the Dark Arts focused primarily on countering Dark magic and dealing with dangerous creatures, while the one-time Dueling Club was a joke. "This course has never existed before, so no one knows how to conduct it. Therefore, based on my personal experience, I have designed some teaching plans. You are the first batch. If it succeeds with you, then this course may be permanently retained." "But Professor—" Cedric raised his hand eagerly. "How do you define success? I mean, what level of skill do you think we need to attain to prove this course is successful?" "Hmm, good question, Mr. Diggory—" Bryan stroked his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he pondered the query. "I think at least being able to defeat a wizard of Professor Black's caliber in a duel would be considered qualified." "We couldn't possibly!" Harry immediately exclaimed, his voice thick with disbelief, and most of the young wizards wore expressions of amused incredulity upon their faces. Defeat Professor Black in a duel? Oh, if they truly reached that level, they could probably follow Professor Watson in overthrowing the Ministry of Magic's rule! "One must have dreams, Mr. Potter," Professor Watson said, his lips curving into an enigmatic smile. "What if you achieved it?" The young wizards laughed even harder, except for Hermione and Luna, who both sensed that Professor Watson wasn't entirely joking. ******************************* For More Chapters; /FicFrenzy

0351 The Second Phase

Comments (0)