Victors

*Narrator pov*

Hogwarts was victorious that was a fact. Mahoutokoro lost, that is also a fact going hand in hand with the other. But, unlike with Durmstrang, the atmosphere of the school's grounds wasn't dower no, the Mahoutokoro students still cheered for Hogwarts's victory and cheered for their friends even though they lost.

The atmosphere was a lot more peaceful, which was good for all parties involved as instead of a downtrodden or possible anger-infested ambiance the Hogwarts students celebrated, debated, and enjoyed their time after the match talking to their opponents.

"That wind spell you ended me with was impressive, bloody hell how was I supposed to counter that?" Frank asked Yuto

Yuto smiled, "Most of my friends find hmm I think the English say transfiguring?" at Franks's nod he continued, "Yes, transfiguring to be helpful. One of my friends even sinks his feet into the platform,"

Frank couldn't help but let his laughter ring out, "So simple yet effective, hard to think of in the moment though,"

"Those ice and fire spells were interesting though where did you learn them?" Yuto asked as they walked out of the yard

Frank smiled, "Actually I recently learned them from one of my underclassmen, well the ice shield at least," at the back of his mind Frank thought maybe he should have focused more on what he already knew instead of branching out

"Ah! What was his name," Yuto snapped his fingers as if searching for the name in his mind

"Stiles," Frank helped

"Stiles," Yuto nodded, "He was impressive, you don't see many outside of these walls who practice elemental magic at such a degree. I'm sure he is being hounded at this very moment by some of our water and ice-focused sorcerers and sorceresses."

Being hounded was speaking lightly as at that very moment Stiles was not only approached by a swarm of students but also some professors. Ice magic was known to be one of the hardest elements to focus on learning, so they wanted to seize the chance to pick Stiles's brain about it.

Stiles wasn't the only person dragged into conversations, Marinette was off talking to some sorceresses about how she duels. Evan was asking the Mahoutokoro students about spells and dueling styles.

The professors were talking and Albus was talking to his counterpart, the mood although still subtly sour from some students was bright, and for a moment the Hogwarts students realized why the dueling club was not just about dueling. They were learning from their counterparts, soaking in the culture and experience.

As the Hogwarts students made their way back to the carriages the other duelists followed to send them off.

Entering the carriages the students prepared to set off, they left the people they talked to directions on how to send an owl or owl equivalent to Hogwarts for letters, and from there build a pen pal relationship.

"Take care," Kazuki said with a gentle smile

""Thank you for having us!"" The students shouted in unison from their carriages

As the students and professors settled into their seats, the carriages sprang to life. With a gentle lurch, they rose into the air, carrying their passengers homeward bound. And as they soared over the breathtaking landscape of Mahoutokoro, laughter, and chatter filled the air.

Occasionally, a flock of colorful birds would swoop alongside the carriages, their melodious songs echoing through the air. The students leaned out of the windows, trying to catch a glimpse of the magical creatures as they danced and soared in the morning breeze.

As the journey continued, the excitement of their victory at Mahoutokoro lingered in the air, filling the carriages with a sense of joy and camaraderie. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as the students and professors shared stories and memories from their time abroad.

Eventually, the towering spires of Hogwarts came into view on the horizon, their majestic silhouette standing out against the backdrop of the rolling hills. Cheers erupted from the carriages as they approached the castle, anticipation building as they prepared to reunite with their fellow classmates.

Most important of all the students buzzed with excitement for the opportunity to share with their friends that they had come home victorious.

Disembarking from the carriages Remus had to shake James and Sirius awake or they would be left behind.

"Seriously how do you guys sleep like that?" Stiles asked

James snorted, "Sleep like what?" he replied with a mischievous grin

"Everywhere! We could be in a Quidditch stadium and you two will find a way to fall asleep," Stiles joked

"Aye! I resent that I would not fall asleep watching Quidditch!" James yelled comically causing them to erupt into laughter

Entering the great hall everyone held the biggest of smiles including Dumbledore. The man quickly walked forward to the front and held up a goblet, "Today as you all know the dueling club traveled to Mahoutokoro, a wizarding school in Japan. Your friends trained relentlessly for today and I'm happy to announce all of their hard work paid off, please give a round of applause to your fellow students and victors!"

The hall immediately burst into cheers and applause the sound was deafening in the enclosed room. Albus smiled at the sight allowing them to get it all outse

Finally, he raised his hand again causing the room to quiet down after some time. Truthfully Albus was beginning to think he would have to put his hand down from exhaustion from how long it took.

"Of course to win we needed to train and practice, which wouldn't be possible without Professor Yowie and Professor Abara. The two have helped grow the dueling club to what it is today so please give them another round of applause," Albus said with a bright smile

The room was drowned in applause once more.

As the Hogwarts duelists sat down with their friends to eat and tell the story of their victory the hall became even livelier.

The professors watched everyone bask in the glow of victory even if they didn't duel themselves, the student body still felt pride.

This was what the club was all about.

***

While the Hogwarts students celebrated thief victory; In Romania a vampire was hungry very very hungry. He had been locked down at the castle for too long defending it from what he believed to be a nonexistent threat.

After finding the ripe opportunity to leave for a bit the vampire decided to head to one of his favorite 'cattle' grounds. As he approached the area a strong enticing scent caught his attention. The vampire approached the scent rapidly, his hunger and desire growing by the second as he finally found what he was looking for.

A blond woman twenty-something in twenty-something with striking blue eyes was heading out of a bar. She walked slowly to her car as she talked to her friends.

Reaching her car she watched her friends continue their journey, "See you tomorrow!" she yelled after them

"Don't be late!" one of her friends yelled back

As she opened her car door suddenly she felt a hand go over her mouth and the wind shift. She struggled in her attacker's grip but alas she wasn't strong enough, the vampire bit down violently and began to drain her blood.

Not knowing the true ramifications that would follow.

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