The Beginning of a Training That Would Change Everything
The weekend had always been the day when that friendly competition was born, the one that used to bring the entire school together. A tradition that, thanks to Umbridge, had gradually faded away, like a candle dying without air. But now that she had left Hogwarts—and, according to rumors, was in the worst place imaginable—the outdoor lessons with students from all years returned with renewed strength.
It was at the request of all of them, encouraged by the newspaper that, finally free from Fudge's control, bluntly reported what had really happened.
Einar walked calmly across the open field where they used to train. His eyes paused for a moment on the immense crowd. Truly, the entire school was gathered there, as if no one wanted to miss that opportunity.
"How curious… They really all came," he commented in a low voice, turning his head slightly to take in the scene.
"Professor… there's only one month of classes left. And… we're really afraid," said Lee Jordan, raising his voice with a tremor he couldn't hide. He was speaking for everyone. "We want to learn everything we can before we have to leave the safety of the castle… before we're no longer under your protection."
As he spoke, dozens of heads nodded in silent agreement, weighed down by an anxiety they could no longer conceal.
"It's good that you're taking this seriously," Einar replied, showing a faint smile that barely softened the tension. His gaze, however, immediately recovered the gravity that could make even the bravest student shiver. "Then, this month, you will receive a rigorous and demanding class. I expect to see you all again next year."
A shudder ran through the crowd, but no one stepped back.
"Was it just to train? I thought we were going to fight everyone against everyone," a slightly annoyed voice suddenly commented, breaking the silence. Of course, Einar instantly recognized that tone: one of his little ones.
When he looked carefully, he saw them all, scattered along the edges of the field as if waiting for his signal.
"You… come here. You'll help me train them," he ordered with a gesture of his hand.
For the first time, all the students could see Einar's children and disciples gathered together. And at once, they realized they were those strange young people who roamed the castle, investigating every corner, sometimes destroying hidden passages, only to be scolded by Filch… who, minutes later, would usually be found unconscious in some corridor until Einar arrived to collect them.
"Perfect. With them here, you can choose whichever weapon you prefer, and each of you will be taught by a different master," he explained, calmly pointing to his noisy group.
"They look… weak," murmured Lucia, with a slight expression of confusion.
The comment sparked an indignant murmur, especially because it came from a girl who couldn't have been more than eleven years old.
Many began to wonder, with curiosity and a hint of apprehension, what on earth that little girl could possibly teach them.
"You only need to learn to survive, don't you?" Hroar chimed in, a restrained excitement tensing his massive muscles, which made quite a few students nervous—especially after learning he had defeated Hagrid himself in training.
"I'd rather keep studying the magic books of this place, but if father asks it of me, I won't mind teaching the arcane arts," Avento commented calmly, his hands folded behind his back and his posture so straight he looked like a nobleman giving an audience. It didn't escape notice that several girls his age were staring at him in silence.
"We just have to give them all staves and be done with it," Sofie muttered with barely disguised boredom.
"You're supposed to be a better mage than Avento. You're honestly just lazy," said Samuel, shaking his head. Then, with a gentle smile, he added, "If you want to learn to heal and strengthen your companions, you can come with me."
"Hey! You can join me. I'm fun, good company, and I'll teach you how to use two swords. Also, I'm rather handsome," Lars introduced himself with a bright smile that drew several sidelong glances.
"Bow and arrow," Sissel said simply, without moving a muscle of her serious face.
"I'd like to fish in that big black lake. If you want to learn to wield a greatsword, look for me there," added Alesan as he strolled off with complete tranquility.
"Honestly… The master asks us to train these weaklings, and you don't even try to motivate them," protested Blaise, tossing his reddish hair that gleamed in the sun like liquid fire. "Those who want to learn greatsword, follow me! We'll kick everyone else's ass."
"Didn't he say he would teach greatsword?" asked Lee Jordan, pointing to Alesan, who was already disappearing into the distance.
"We both use it. Any problem?" Blaise retorted seriously, crossing his arms.
"No… I was just asking," Lee Jordan stammered nervously.
Before Blaise could reply again, Einar gave him a sharp smack on the back of the head.
"Speak respectfully," he ordered with a severe tone. Then he lifted his gaze to the students. "Blaise is the leader. He will not only teach you to fight with greatsword but also to lead and devise strategies in the midst of combat. Alesan is freer and more instinctive. Samuel is a healer, but he also fights with mace and shield. Hroar is skilled in hand-to-hand combat and dual axes. Lars teaches dual sword and speed. Avento uses magic and rune traps. Sofie prefers large-scale magic, though she likes using staves. Sissel is an expert in scouting, agility, and archery. And Lucia…"
He paused for a moment as his youngest daughter looked up at him with a bright smile, waiting eagerly for what he would say about her.
"…likes to destroy everything with her warhammer," Einar finally said, unable to find a more precise description. Far from offended, Lucia's face lit up with pride, and she lifted her tiny chest as if she were the heroine of the day.
"You can each choose one of them to learn in groups. I will personally train you in physical endurance and the principles of magic. Any questions?" Einar asked, his voice so firm that no one dared to murmur.
However, Lee Jordan immediately raised his hand. Einar nodded slightly to let him speak.
"I'm sure everyone was wondering the same thing… but the little one—I mean, Lucia, right?—does she really use a warhammer?"
"She is stronger than any of you," Einar replied with implacable calm. "Now choose quickly. We don't have all day."
And so, while everyone exchanged looks of nervous curiosity, the training began—one that none of them would ever forget.
…
Einar watched the training with his arms crossed over his chest, sitting on a bench made of logs near Hagrid's hut. From there, he could see each group in the middle of their lessons: some sweating as they wielded weapons larger than themselves, others focused on learning runes or trying to ignite flames with their wands.
Heavy footsteps crunched over the grass, and Hagrid appeared, his imposing figure outlined against the afternoon sky. He had a slightly bruised eye that didn't quite match his forced smile.
"Still hasn't healed?" Einar asked, raising an eyebrow as he noticed the bruise.
"Ah… the one the giants gave me a while back is gone," Hagrid replied, scratching his beard. "This one was from that boy of yours," he added with a resigned sigh. "Reminds me of when we first became friends, you know?" he said, letting out a nostalgic chuckle.
"Yes. Even if they're noisy… they're my pride," Einar replied with a faint smile as his eyes followed Lucia, who was gesturing enthusiastically with both hands, trying to explain how to crush an enemy with her hammer.
"They're good kids. They even helped me with Grawp," Hagrid commented warmly.
"What happened with the giants?" Einar asked at last, turning his attention fully to him.
"Well… the truth is, I'm a bit confused now," Hagrid confessed, frowning. "After our fight, they all seemed to accept me as their leader. But a few weeks ago… they just disappeared. Vanished. Luckily, I brought Grawp with me, because otherwise I wouldn't have the slightest idea where they might've gone."
Einar fell silent, his gaze growing cold for an instant as he considered it.
"Will you help look for them?" Hagrid asked this time, his tone serious.
Einar didn't answer immediately. He raised one hand and whispered a spell so softly it was almost inaudible. Lines of light spread out over the ground like the roots of a tree, tracing paths in every direction. One of them led straight toward the castle.
"It would be too easy if I did it myself," he replied calmly, lowering his hand as the lights faded. "And even if I found them now, their followers would still be free. I'll leave that adventure to whoever has the will to take it on."
"But won't it be dangerous if any of your students decide to try?" Hagrid insisted, frowning in concern.
"If they wish to, who am I to stop them?" Einar answered with quiet serenity. "I spent my adolescence living among catacombs and dungeons just for the thrill of it. No one understands better than I do how much a real adventure can teach you. Danger—if you learn to face it—is the greatest teacher of all."
His eyes drifted away, without softening, until they settled on Harry. The boy was training alone in a distant corner of the field, sword in hand, his brow furrowed as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"But don't worry," Einar added in a softer voice, "if they call for me, I'll be ready. I won't let them die."
—
That same night, Einar was in his study, reviewing a handful of parchments when he heard a couple of firm knocks on the door.
"Come in, Harry," he said calmly without lifting his gaze from his notes.
The door opened with a creak, and Harry stepped in slowly. He walked until he was standing in front of the desk and raised his eyes, so serious he looked more like an adult than a teenager.
"Professor… I know you gave me until the end of the term, but I think I've already made up my mind," he announced in a firm voice.
"Oh?" Einar lifted his head just slightly to look at him.
"I want to go after them. I want to destroy them. I want to finish this once and for all… with my own hands, if I have to," Harry said, his breath short from the tension he was holding in. "I want you to train me to do it right."
Einar studied him for a long moment, as if he'd expected those words for some time.
"More training than what you already have?" he asked in a neutral tone.
"Yes. I want you to teach me the art of survival. How to track prints. Follow clues. Not just fight," Harry insisted.
"You're planning to do this alone?" Einar asked, a note of almost imperceptible reproach in his voice.
"I don't want my friends to be in danger because of my decision," Harry replied seriously.
"…Don't say things you didn't even ask us about," came a voice suddenly from behind him.
Harry turned around with a start. Hermione and Neville stood in the doorway, their faces pale but determined.
"We want to go with you too," Neville said, his voice trembling but unable to hide the resolve in his eyes. "We'll train with you."
"But…" Harry began, but Hermione raised a hand.
"No 'buts'," she declared firmly. "Since first year, we've risked everything for you. We're not going to stay behind now."
Although she spoke in plural, they all knew Ron was no longer part of that "we." His relationship with Harry had deteriorated so badly that they couldn't even look each other in the eye. Hermione still felt guilty: after all, Ron had acted out of fear and for his family… but he had betrayed them. And nothing had been the same since.
Einar sighed, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the room.
"All right," he said at last in a low voice that left no room for argument. "Before and after classes, you will come with me. To the Forbidden Forest. There, you'll learn everything you need."
And as determination took shape on the faces of the three young people, none of them suspected that this decision would be the beginning of something much bigger than themselves.