The boys had settled down; now it was the girls' turn to make a fuss.
After several days, Vincent, who had finally had some free time, gained quite a few new challengers.
Just like their previous training, he and Hermione each took one dueling platform, spending every day busy and fulfilled.
The weekend arrived again, and the common room was as lively as ever.
As usual, Harry went to the Bat Cave to practice Occlumency in the morning, then came to Hogsmeade with Ron in the afternoon for Sirius Black's one-on-one magical instruction.
Lupin had not come today. He probably had something to do.
Neither Harry nor Ron asked about it. They quietly followed Sirius Black into the Shrieking Shack.
There had been many rumors that this place was haunted, so Hogsmeade residents generally did not go out of their way to approach it.
The inside of the shack had been converted into a fully equipped training room. The secret passage entrance connecting to Hogwarts remained unchanged, though a rotatable dummy had been placed over it.
Sirius Black favored an aggressive style and taught many practical combat techniques.
Harry's physical fitness had improved by now, and Sirius Black's influence could be seen from his casting movements alone.
"Well done, Harry. Looks like you've been practicing the Disarming Spell properly." Sirius Black picked up the wand that had been blasted from his hand. "Remember, a wand is the core of a wizard's power. Losing it is the same as losing your combat ability."
For students, the Disarming Spell was the most practical and versatile spell.
As long as they were not facing masters of Wandless Magic, it was more than enough against ordinary Dark wizards.
Once the two had readied themselves again, Ron, standing to the side, announced the start once