Dungeons used to be cleared by large groups made up of wizards, magical creatures, half-humans, and wizards; even some Muggles took part in these incursions, back in a time when both worlds mingled continuously—a time when constant conflicts eventually drove all the species apart.
Although I still think this is not the best way to conduct a trial, the professors are not wrong in seeking the best way for each student to discover their abilities in their early school years. By going through this trial, they can explore their talents and exploit them in the best possible way.
In the same way, they'll also be able to see their weaknesses and work on them. It's a risky method, but effective in the long run for every wizard. Besides, this could serve me as well to measure my own progress more effectively without having to test myself solely on magical power, and in the best of cases, find something useful for the crafting of magical objects.
"Hurry up, students, form your groups, we don't have all day! If you have any doubts, among your classmates there are second-year students who will take their trial alongside you, so get moving," orders Professor McGonagall.
Patrick quickly sticks to me and pulls on my arm to head toward Phylicia, though halfway, He stops when he sees a boy approach her to recruit her into his group.
"Pff, what an idiot. For a moment, I didn't want to be selfish. I felt sorry for her being alone, I thought about going with her so she wouldn't be by herself, but I see that won't be necessary," says Patrick in annoyance.
Phylicia, though hesitant, accepts when she sees Patrick immediately turn away at the sight of her with the boy. The smile on her face when she saw us instantly faded because of Patrick's indifferent behavior.
"Relax, Patrick, let's find another group if we don't want to get separated."
"Alright, Dion, look—that group seems to be short by three members, let's go quickly," says Patrick as he grabs my arm again to drag me to the group he was pointing at.
"Excuse me, may we join you?"
"Yes, of course. We just got one more to complete the group, so it's perfect," says a tall boy who seems to be the one leading the group.
"Very well, students, now that everyone is in groups, pay attention to the following instructions," says Professor McGonagall.
"Each group will be given a kit of potions and a map that will draw itself and mark important places in the dungeon as you advance. Remember, always stay together, don't separate, and don't forget the spell to send the rescue signal," says Professor Silvanus.
After the instructions, each group was assigned a number from 1 to 5 to indicate the order in which they would enter the dungeon. In each dungeon, there are different paths to follow, so upon entering, it's very likely each group will choose a different route, covering more ground and increasing the chances of clearing the dungeon effectively.
Looking at the other groups, they are excited to enter their first dungeon. It's no surprise since this stage is an incredible step for wizards to perfect some spells. In my case, it wasn't any different in the future, although we didn't have any other choice. Entering dungeons became a constant task to find magical materials to fight the dark forces, but it came at a great risk of losing many soldiers of the revolution.
Thanks to one of these dungeons, we were able to find some time-turners—some more damaged than others—but thanks to that, I am here now. At that moment, the races reunited once again, both for the revolution and for those on the dark side who wanted to take control of everything.
"Alright, let the first group enter," orders Professor Silvanus.
Our group is number 5 to go in, while Phylicia's is third, so it's likely she'll come out before us, in the best case.
"What are your names?" one of the students in our group asks.
"Ha, you can call me the great wizard, destroyer of Dementors," says Patrick in an arrogant tone.
"Hahahahaha, that's a bit ridiculous. Have you ever fought against a Dementor?" asks the girl in charge of carrying the potions.
"Ehh… not really, but…" Patrick, cornered by the group's constant laughter, finally gives in. "Just call me Patrick," he says in a low voice.
"Whatever you say, destroyer of Dementors, hahahaha," the girl says again.
"Girls at this school are so annoying," Patrick mutters close to me.
"Just ignore them. Let's do our best, Patrick."
"Fine… I guess we don't have another choice," says Patrick, somewhat disheartened.
"We are Aelric, Lyara, Vaelin, Seraphis, Kaelor, Nyxithra, Talrico, and I'm Estrella," says the girl with the potions as she points to each of her companions.
"It's a pleasure. I hope I can count on you for this trial."
"You seem like a very formal boy. Dion, right?" says Aelric.
"Yes, that's correct. Do we know each other?"
"No, not at all, but I've heard rumors about you since the train ride. Plus, you put on quite a show on the day of your house selection," says Aelric.
"So it's you. Back then, I couldn't see you well because of the crowd ahead. Amazing, tell me—how long did you talk with the Hat?" says Talrico, excited.
"Don't overwhelm him, Talrico. It must not have been a pleasant experience, I'm sure. Besides, it's almost our turn to go in, so get ready," says Seraphis in a calming tone.
The group is made up of six boys and four girls. Taking into account magical abilities, the first-row wizards—those with more defensive abilities—are four at the front: two boys and two girls. The second line is those who don't particularly excel in magical ability, but nevertheless can cast basic attack spells to ward off some magical creatures (three wizards, two boys, and one girl). And lastly, three in the rear, more specialized in combat—that's where I am, along with another boy and the potion girl.
In our group, there are two second-years: Aelric, who will guide us through the dungeon, and Nyxithra, who will watch out for any attacks from the rear.
"Group 5, please enter," says Professor McGonagall. "Good luck with your adventure, give it your best effort, and be very careful."
"Yes, ma'am!" we all shout in unison.
Just as we planned, we all entered in the respective order already indicated. We all use Lumos, the spell that lights up the tip of our wands, so we can see in the darkness.
We've only gone a few meters in, and already the entrance has disappeared. The path, as indicated, is being drawn on the map so we won't get lost when it's time to find the way out.
"Alright, guys, from here o,n everything depends on us. Let's give it our all, team," says Aelric in a confident, motivating tone—something worthy of a leader.
This will be an easy task if it's an F-rank dungeon, of course, considering that with my old team we used to clear much higher-level dungeons. Even so, and though I am sure of it, some of the other students are a bit scared of the darkness surrounding us. But that changes when, a few steps ahead, we can see some lights that make everything around us more visible.
Glowing stones and luminous moss cover much of the dungeon from here on. That makes it easier to see and to prevent attacks from creatures that may come," says Nyxithra. "Don't let your guard down—they're already here."