13 The International Competition

"The International Competition"**

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"I've heard that you've created several spells. Is that true?" Dumbledore asked with a curious look.

"Well, yes, a few spells. But everything is fine, I haven't done anything illegal. I simply took the liberty of creating some prank spells," Stephen said confidently.

"Then there's no problem. Professor Flitwick told me that you are very skilled in charms, even some that don't require a wand. Additionally, you have demonstrated some spells of your own creation. I would like to study them if that's acceptable. But that's not why we called you," Dumbledore said with a smile, while the professors looked surprised to hear this.

"What? At 9 years old?" McGonagall asked, concern in her voice.

"I could use magic since I was a baby. My grandfather created these suppression bracelets to prevent me from accidentally hurting others," Stephen said, showing a silver bracelet on his right wrist.

"You still have that bracelet? Then how can you use magic?" Professor Flitwick asked, surprised.

"No, no, Professor. The bracelet is a magic suppressor, but it can be deactivated. I only activate it when I train physically," Stephen explained.

"And why the need to activate it, Mr. Flamel?" Professor Sprout inquired.

"I don't think it's a problem to tell you. My body is special. If I have magic flowing, I recover physically much faster. I could even train all day without getting tired. But that wouldn't serve the purpose I aim for," Stephen explained.

"Wow, although wizards already have fairly resilient bodies. That explains why some of your classmates mentioned seeing you lift a giant mallet effortlessly," Professor McGonagall commented.

"Excuse me, Headmaster, but I believe we are straying from the purpose of this meeting. I don't think inflating the ego of a clown… I mean, Mr. Flamel, is the reason. Am I right?" Snape said, taking the opportunity to insult Stephen.

"Very well. I called Mr. Flamel because Professor Flitwick, who is in charge of the International Under-14 Dueling Competition, inquired whether Mr. Flamel would be interested in representing Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, awaiting Stephen's response.

"A competition? I'm interested. But... I don't think my grandfather would want people to recognize me. Although I don't exactly hide, I don't think becoming internationally famous would be optimal given my surname," Stephen said, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Mr. Flamel. Although many pureblood families prefer to show themselves, there are also many who prefer anonymity to avoid political intrigue. You can use an alias, and as long as it is verified by the judges, even a mask," Flitwick said cheerfully.

"I have already spoken with Nicolas Flamel, and he agreed to these conditions. So, the decision is entirely up to Stephen," Dumbledore added, watching Stephen while reaching for a chocolate cockroach that he ate with pleasure.

"Then it's decided. I'd love to compete," Stephen said happily, accepting the offer.

"He just needs a squeaky nose, and his costume will be complete," Snape muttered as the conversation wrapped up and he began to leave.

"See you, Snapy. Thanks for your words of encouragement," Stephen said, cheerfully waving at Snape, who huffed, closed the door, and left.

"So, we have a few weeks until the tournament. Professor Flitwick will provide you with dueling training until the competition begins," Dumbledore said as he sat back comfortably.

"Before anything else, is it possible for me to use some of my own spells?"

"As long as it's not dark magic, I don't see a problem. But I'd like to review them beforehand, just in case," Flitwick said.

"Of course, I'll show you the book I wrote. I'd like to publish it, but I'm still missing one spell," Stephen said as he and Professor Flitwick left. Professor Sprout followed them out, heading toward the greenhouse, while McGonagall stayed behind to speak with Dumbledore.

After changing clothes and informing his friends about the tournament and his training schedule, Stephen went to class as usual. At the end of the day, he met with Flitwick and brought his Eldritch Magic book to show him.

"Fabulous, fantastic, incredible! Did you create these spells when you were 9 years old?" Flitwick asked, utterly fascinated by the book's contents.

"Well, yeah, something like that," Stephen thought while responding to the professor.

"They are amazing, though they seem a bit complex—especially since, besides magic, they require physical endurance. Is that why you train every day in the school courtyard? Without a doubt, if this is made public, it will change the lives of wizards in England—no, the world."

"Yes. I've been training since I was 5 years old. It's a martial art from a place called Kamar-Taj, located in Nepal. The plan is to publish it, but… there's one spell I'd like to include, but I'm unsure whether I should. It's this one," Stephen said, pointing to the last spell in the book—the portal.

"Is that a portal that creates a doorway to another point? Is it similar to Portkeys?" Flitwick asked.

"Well, yes, a little. Let me show you, Professor. I trust you, but I'm not sure I want to reveal this to the public yet," Stephen said as he grabbed his wand and, with his other hand, traced a circular motion.

In front of them, a golden circle appeared, growing in size until it reached their heads, since the portal was positioned above them on the ceiling.

"That's incredible! A portal like this would allow travel without the discomforts of Apparition. Even people who can't Apparate could use it. Brilliant! But… what is this 'Wave Ring' it says is needed? Are you using it?" Flitwick asked, still marveling.

"No, the ring isn't needed anymore… wait, a ring? That's it! A ring! Professor, you're a genius!" Stephen exclaimed, suddenly lifting the tiny professor and spinning him around in excitement until Flitwick started screaming.

"Sorry, Professor, but we'll have to postpone today's training. I just need two days," Stephen said, dashing out with the book tucked under his arm, leaving Flitwick dizzy and disoriented.

"But we just started…" the professor murmured before sitting on the floor.

Two days later, while Flitwick was grading assignments in his office, a loud noise at his door startled him.

It was Stephen, who kicked the door open, carrying a freshly bound book with a cover that looked brand new. He slammed it onto the professor's desk with a thud.

"Here, Professor. The book is finished. Thanks to you, I found a way to stabilize the spell, so now it can be safely used by the public. This is the first copy—it's for you," Stephen said, while rummaging in his pocket and pulling out a strange double-ring, placing it in the professor's hands.

"This too. This is the Wave Ring. It's used to open the portal. But you'll need to practice how to use it first."

"Oh, thank you, Stephen. But can I know what exactly you changed?" Professor Flitwick asked while playing with the ring in his hand, which automatically adjusted to his fingers.

"The truth is, it's simple. The portal is created thanks to a pair of runes that can be engraved on the wand. My grandfather helped me carve some runes into this wand without altering its function. It transforms magic and activates the portal. So, it has an energy transformation rune and a rune that opens the portal, which is the maximum a wand can handle," Stephen explained.

"Yes, anyone could engrave their wands. It would be dangerous if someone dark used it since it could bypass anti-Apparition barriers."

"You're right. When I showed you the portal, we were in Hogwarts, where there's an anti-Apparition barrier," Flitwick stood up, suddenly realizing this.

"You hadn't noticed, Professor? Well, never mind. The function of the ring is the same, but since it's made of a special metal, it can hold up to five runes. This makes it possible to prevent it from bypassing anti-Apparition barriers and even adds a rune to ensure it can't be stolen or modified."

"And to think the solution was so simple and obvious. In my attempt to make it easier to use, I lost sight of the fact that I needed to study the basics before advancing," Stephen said, feeling both guilt and joy.

"Yes, but if they manage to destroy the modification rune, couldn't they then study it and copy your magic?" Flitwick asked.

"Don't worry, Professor. It's written in a runic language that doesn't exist (at least in this world). It took me a lot of effort to make it work. And if someone can modify these runes, it means they know more about Eldritch magic than I do (which would also mean someone from Kamar-Taj is here), making it impossible," Stephen said proudly.

"Then that's fantastic. If you need help, I can contact some acquaintances to publish your book," Flitwick offered, happy for his student.

"Don't worry, Professor. I have a more fitting promotion idea. By the way, we can start training now—I'm eager for the competition," Stephen said with a grin.

"Alright, very well. Follow me to an empty classroom," Flitwick said as he climbed down from his seat, holding the book Stephen had given him, and walked out.

They arrived at a room where training dummies were set up. The professor explained:

"During a duel, witches and wizards face each other and bow as a sign of respect to their opponent," he demonstrated the proper greeting and dueling etiquette before continuing. "After that, you must take a combat stance of your choice and attempt to subdue your opponent through various means: disarming, stunning, paralyzing, injuring, among others—including killing. However, the last one is not allowed in competitions and would result in disqualification or even Azkaban," Flitwick explained seriously.

"I see. So as long as magic is used to defeat the opponent, anything goes?" Stephen asked curiously.

"Yes. Once, a witch used a gargoyle to strike her opponent. Though transfiguration isn't commonly seen, as it leaves the caster vulnerable while focusing, and enchantments are much quicker, there are still many who use it since it technically falls under magic," Flitwick answered, unaware of the mischievous glint in Stephen's eyes.

**-----------------------------

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