September 1
The salty breeze from the Baltic rolled through Stockholm Harbor, tugging at Linus's robe and carrying the sounds of gulls and creaking masts. The morning was gray, heavy with mist that hung low over the water like a veil fitting, he thought.
Families stood scattered along the docks, their voices hushed. Trunks, owls, and enchanted luggage floated beside nervous-looking children in travel cloaks. Linus, however, stood apart from the others calm, collected, a small suitcase at his side and his wand holstered neatly on his wrist.
It was strange, seeing so many young witches and wizards in one place. Sweden's magical community was smaller and far more secretive than Britain's; most here had never met others their age with magic before. A few whispered to one another about Durmstrang the dueling tournaments, the harsh winters, the legends of professors who could freeze a man solid with a single word.
Linus smirked slightly. Sounds fun.
Astrid stood a few meters behind him, her arms folded, the wind tossing strands of her pale hair into her face. "You'll write, won't you?" she said, though she already knew the answer.
"Of course," Linus replied, his tone light. "If I don't freeze to death or get into trouble first."
"That's what worries me."
Before he could answer, the air shifted. A deep hum filled the harbor low and ancient, like the groan of glaciers moving beneath the sea. The mist thickened, swirling faster and faster until the water began to churn. Then, with a sound like thunder cracking over the bay, it appeared.
The Durmstrang ship.
It rose from the mist like a ghost enormous, carved of blackened oak, its hull engraved with glowing red runes that pulsed like embers. Its sails shimmered as if woven from shadow and frost, and its figurehead, a dragon of ice and flame, exhaled mist into the air. The ship glided silently toward the dock, defying the laws of both gravity and reason.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even the adults stepped back.
A gangplank extended, and a tall wizard in crimson and black robes strode down with military precision. His boots struck the wood with purpose. "Students of Durmstrang Institute," he called, his voice carrying effortlessly through the fog, "you will board now. Parents must remain on shore. We depart when the runes align."
Linus grabbed his suitcase and turned to Astrid. "Guess that's my cue."
She managed a small smile. "Don't do anything stupid."
"No promises."
As he stepped onto the gangplank, he felt it the magic beneath his feet, thrumming in rhythm with his own heartbeat. The same pulse he'd felt when he cast Sana-Flamma.
Crossing onto the ship was like walking into another world. The temperature dropped instantly, his breath visible in the air. The deck smelled faintly of pine and cold metal, and the runes carved into the wood glowed faintly under his boots.
A few other first-years were already aboard mostly silent, their faces pale with awe or fear. One boy, tall with cropped blond hair and a heavy accent, nudged his friend and nodded toward Linus. "That's him. The Gray heir."
Linus pretended not to hear, though the corners of his mouth twitched.
Once the last student had boarded, the professor raised his staff and struck it against the deck. The runes along the hull flared bright red, and with a surge of energy, the ship lifted not sailing, but flying. The harbor fell away beneath them, and the mist swallowed Stockholm whole.
Gasps and whispers filled the air. Linus, however, just stood at the railing, watching the city vanish behind him. "So it begins," he murmured.
The ship submerged. The cold waters of the Baltic enveloped the ship like a cloak. The ship was now under water. Traveling with ease with the help of its ancient magical system to avoid obstacles. It was incredible. Many other stood around on the deck admiring. Hours passed and the ship. And the ship breached water again. Once the water disappeared it could be seen.
Durmstrang.
The fortress was colossal, towers of dark stone rising from the cliffs, their surfaces etched with runes that flickered in the snow. It looked more like a fortress. The banners of the school deep crimson, stitched with the golden symbol of the dragon snapped in the freezing wind.
Linus felt his pulse quicken. This was not Hogwarts' cozy warmth. This was power, discipline, and survival.
The ship approached slowly toward the harbor. As it docked, the same professor turned to them. "Welcome, first-years. Remember at Durmstrang, knowledge is earned, strength is proven, and weakness is not forgiven. Step off my ship, and your education begins."
Linus smiled faintly. The amulet beneath his shirt pulsed once, warm against the cold.
"Perfect," he whispered. "Just what I wanted."
" This way first years, follow us now!" said what seemed to be a senior
The first years quickly formed formation and walked in lines of two. The walk wasn't long. The walls of Durmstrang moved closer. Two big iron doors opened with force. Runes hummed around Linus, he recognized these, ancient runes for protection and concealment. The amulet around my neck hummed with the runes as we got closer. It wouldn't surprise me if this whole place was built with this kind of magic.
Stepping into the grounds of the school, it was filled with duel spots, training dummies and what looked like fighting rings. Interesting.
Walking together we walk into the school, the corridors were cold, made of stone. It really wasn't the cozy Hogwarts.
We entered the great hall. It was big. Banners hung on the side and a big banner in the front and by the entrance. Chandeliers hanged with big candles. The first years stopped at the front in front of the professors. And without anyone telling us to we formed neat formations of two lines. It was as I this place already taught us that in the mere 10 minutes we have been here.
"Welcome, to our new first years. I'm headmaster Igor Karkaroff. Here at Durmstrang, here we rely on strength. With strength you will survive. With discipline you with learn how to be strong. You come from families with riches and power. We do not care about that here. if you are strong, you will get the respect you deserve." He looked over the group. His face was serious. "Now before we feast. You all will touch the fire of Durmstrang. It is an ancient tradition, this flame will bind your magic to this school. And it will welcome you as its children. So, as professor Ingrid says your name you will come forward and touch the flame."
The tradition started. Names were called and after they had touched the fire, they went to take a seat at one of the tables. Durmstrang didn't have houses, so students could sit where ever. So, a couple first years sat with seniors they knew, like brother and sister and so on. It was then that I heard a name.
"Sigrun Mörkhed" there she is. She walked up to the fire, hesitated at first and touched it. The fire erupted marking her as a student. This was actually a hidden thing, as many know the location of the school is hidden. And to ensure it is hidden, the school puts charms on its student to make it impossible to remember where the school is. And in this tradition is where this happens. And also marks us as student. She saw me while walking towards a table and winked at me. I winked back of course.
The tradition kept going. And finally, almost last.
"Linus Gray"
The once murmuring hall went silence and heads turned towards the fire. Linus with steady steps walked up to the fire. The professors watched with curious eyes.
I held out my hand and touched the fire. The fire changed color to a blue and white color. And with a roar it erupted harder than with any other student who touched the flame. The amulet around my neck hummed loudly and got warmer. I felt it in my blood and body. Ancient magic. And then a whisper
"The flame remembers its kin" it echoed in my mind like a scream in a tunnel.
The fire withdrew into its original state. And I withdrew my hand. Bowed a little to the fire and began walking towards the tables. With a smirk on my face. 'this is gonna be good'
Sigrun sat and waved for me to come over. She sat together with more first years but also some seniors.
"Hello Linus, what a display you put on first day." She said with a smirk
I sat down in front of her next to some guy I didn't recognize but I saw him on the boat. "I don't even know what that was, it's good to see you again Sigrun."
"It's good to see you to Linus" she said putting her face between her hands leaning into them.
The tradition came to and end. And the feast began, there wasn't a lot of crazy over the top food. Durmstrang had this thinking that the food should be just good for you, so it was often stews packed with meat and carbs. Instead of other schools who had fancy food and many varieties.
While eating I took my time to look around the room, there weren't that many students really. many just sat to themselves, not much talking. I ate my stew and looked up to see Sigrun looking at me.
" What?" i said while looking at her.
She just smiled back "Nothing…" she got this blush on her. Cute
The feast ended and the headmaster welcomed us once more before giving the first years over to the fifth year to show us the dorms. The dorms at Durmstrang are divided by gender male and female. the dorms themselves were underground. The school had a huge network of underground tunnels. The males' dorms were under the walls of the school and the females lived closer to the middle. But other then that there was no real difference. The group split into boys and girls.
Arriving at the boy's dorm, there was a circular room. And doors could be seen around the circle. In the common room that was the circle there were sofas, couches, tables, fireplaces. The things you would consider normal. Inside the sleeping rooms were four beds, the rooms were nothing special, stone floors, wooden floor there were some desks here and there for each of us.
The group of 12 boys were divided into three groups. Four by three so four boys per room. I went into the room assigned to me and the three others. Before being let go for the evening the fifth year said. "Lessons start tomorrow at 08.00, breakfast is served starting from 6 to 7.30. don't miss breakfast if you want to survive." The fifth year left and closed the door leaving the four boys standing there.
I threw my things onto the bed in the right most corner. And started unpacking. When one of the boys spoke up.
"Hey, so considering we are roommates, how about some introductions?" he said with a Slavic accent. "I can start. My name is Nikolai Volkov" he said proudly.
One of the others stood up and said "My name is Erik Stenmark, pleasure to meet you." And he sat down. Seems Norwegian that one.
I stood up "Linus Gray, lets get along these years" I said as I looked to each of the. They all nodded.
The last one kept sitting and said "my name is Armin Pärn. Nice to meet all of you."
They all seemed to be well behaved and well raised. A little variety in origin of countries as well.
"So, what do you guys think?" Nikolai said excited.
The other looked up "About the school and all? I think its going to be rough, a lot of pain," said Erik. Armin nodded in agreement
"I think its going to be interesting, I have no expectations other then harsh treatment and a lot of discipline."
The four kept talking until late. In the morning the four sat and ate breakfast, there were eggs and porridge and some bacon. Very much training food Linus thought.
Looking to my right at another table sat Sigrun with her roommates, I think. she winked at me again. I winked back again. I wonder if she is teasing me.
After eating breakfast, it was time for the first class, elemental and practical magic. I had no clue what this class was even for. Sigrun walked up beside me. "Hey, slept well?"
"Like a baby" I said.
She smirked "good, you are going to need it for when I beat you in that duel"
"We will see about that" I said looking at her
Stepping into the classroom and sitting down with Sigrun. the room had benches in each opposite long wall, so half the class sat one side and the other on the other side. In the middle of the room was a ring. Probably for showing magic and such. There were murmurs as the class settled into their seats.
Steps were heard and the classroom went quiet. A women stepped in and stopped in the middle of the circle in the classroom. "Welcome to your first year, and your first class. My name is Elina Dunaite. Today we will learn about Elemental and practical magic." She paused and looked around the room "Can anyone tell me what this means?"
A few raised their hands, but she looked over them and settled her eyes on me. "Mr. Gray" she paused her voice calm. "You should be able to show and tell us what this means." Why did she have to choose me.
I stood up and said clearly "Elemental magic regards the 4 elements fire, water, earth and air, and how we can use them for practical use, as in combat, craft and other normal uses." I said calmly, it was nothing I had read I just said what I thought was right, it sounded right at least.
"Almost a perfect explanation. But yes, the fundamentals are how we use them." She held out her hand and fire came from it. "But its not so easy to just use fire, you have to command it, not beg for it to listen to you." The fire in her hand started to move and formed different shapes and animals. "Now open to page 7 and read it thoroughly before trying to do this yourself."
The class bustled as everyone opened their books. Reading the book was nothing special from what he already knew. Linus already knew how to use the elementals, he used ice so many times and from a couple weeks ago fire Aswell.
Holding out my hand I formed and ice shard, that quickly formed into and wolf out of ice in the palm of my hand.
Without me seeing it the teacher was standing in front of me. "Very good Mr. Gray, how about I give you a special task to see how long you have gotten." She smiled and looked down on me. "Stand in the circle" she pointed to the circle.
I stood up and walked into the circle.
"Now, I want you to form a sword or knife. Your choice."
I formed a dagger like the one I found in Gringotts.
"Good, class Mr. Gray has a knife made of ice, do you think this knife will be strong enough in a duel, against a real sword, or even against a spell." Just when she said that she shot a spell against me. From the looks of it a confringo spell. This is going to hurt.
I held the ice dagger at the incoming spell. The spell hit right on the blade with a bang. my body staggered backwards, ears rang. But the dagger held.
"Very good, as you all can see. Mr. Gray has trained his elemental magic so much that his ice is strong enough against the blasting curse spell confringo." She looked at me, I could barley hear from the ringing in my ears. Touching my ears a bit of blood had come out of it. "Very good gray you can return to your seat."
Returning to my seat, Sigrun took out a napkin and wiped the blood my ear.
The class continued and people trained, not many could form anything which was expected for their first lesson said the teacher.
The classes at Durmstrang followed the concept of others schools. Few lessons a day but long lessons. Often there were only 2-3 classes per day sometimes 4. So, each lesson was 4 hours long from 8 till 12 and from 13 to 17 and then dinner. And sometimes classes after the dinner from 19 to 22. It depended on the type of class and what subject it was. Times was also set for self-training and study. The school expected you to train hard always. Some did it in the morning before classes some after in the evening. There were gyms scattered around inside and outside the school for this.
Arriving at the hall to eat lunch. Linus sat down with his roommates and Sigruns roommates. It had sort of created a group and it seemed to get along well. From my room we had Erik, Nikoli and Armin. From Sigruns room, Ariana, Ester and Anji. And this sort of groups was everywhere, it seemed to be a normal thing.
"What is next class?" asked Erik out.
"Combat and defense, with professor Vasil Volkov" Ester said who sat next to him.
Murmurs began, it seemed like they were excited for this class. I wonder if we get to duel today. Sigrun smirked again. I just sighed.
Inside the combat and defense classroom. The room was like a arena. The room was an oval with spectator like seats and a pit in the middle for duels. there were stairs leading down to the pit. On the end of the spectators seating there was a platform that had a blackboard, this platform was used by the professor to watch over the class.
After a few minutes the professor appeared. Standing on his platform. "Welcome to your first year, and to Combat and Defense." He looked around. "This class is one of the if not the most important while you attend this school." He let the words sink in. "This school is about strength, and you show that in combat and knowledge. If you beat someone in a duel great you will be respected. If you know every potion by heart you will get respect. What I'm saying is, you need to do better then best to gain the respect you want here"
The words were heavy. But they were also very true. You need to be stronger then most here to get respected by others.
The professor continued. "During the year, their will be duel tournaments and also normal duels. this is allowed here. if you want to duel someone you challenge them." His gaze shifted to me. " so who wants to go first?"
The room went quiet. And then I heard it. Sigrun stood up. 'oh here we go' I didn't even wait for her to tell me I just stood up. The two walked down the stirs towards the duel ring.
"Seems like we have a pre-arranged duel, very good. Linus and Sigrun, perform the duel pleasantries and you may start."
The two stood towards each other, wands in hand. They both bowed. And it started directly.
"Expelliarmus!" Sigrun shouted. The spell shot out from her wand.
I stepped to the side the spell flew past. "Sectumsempra!" a slashing wave flew out.
"Protego!" the spells hit Sigruns shield with a bang and she staggered backwards. She countered with bombarda.
The duel went on for 1 more minute before she didn't have time to cast a Protego to counter my confringo heading towards her. Luckily the professor had created a wall in front of her and the confringo hit the wall.
"Good, very good from both of you" he said while clapping his hands lightly.
Sigrun looked exhausted, I walked towards her and help her up and almost carried her back to our seats. "thanks" she said quietly.
"You did good Sigrun" I said patting her head.
She looked away.
The duels went on, erik and nikoli had a duel, nikoli won. These duels didn't mean anything yet. These were just to get into it better.
"As a final note, there will be duels on Friday next week. If you wish to partake, come talk to me. These duels are between all classes. That will be all"
The class ended and we had no more today. The clock was now 17.00. Dinner was served from 17.00 to 19.00.
'I should eat and then train'