Friday 5 September
The days passed in the cold fortress that was Durmstrang. New students got accustomed to the new life in the school. It's was now Friday the week of staring at the school.
Linus and his class find themselves in the potion classroom in one of the underground chambers. The potion professor Arkadi Karkarov watches the students carefully. Arkadi is a perfectionist, he's absolutely obsessed with precision which many students failed terrible at.
Linus is standing before his cauldron of Nordic ice. The underground chamber smelled of damp stone, ash and the faint metallic tang of potion fumes. Shadows danced across the vaulted ceiling, cast by the torches set into iron holders on the walls.
"Today" professor Arkadi began, his voice slicing through the silence like a blade, "you will brew frostbite draught, a potion that amplifies one's resistance to the cold, but will destroy your flesh if brewed incorrectly"
Several students stiffened. Arkadis eyes sharp and calculating moved across the classroom like a predator scanning for weaknesses. "Precision is everything. Measure in drops, not guesses. If I see one cauldron explode, you will clean every floor in this dungeon with your bare hands."
A collective gulp echoed through the room.
Linus allowed himself a faint smirk. He wasn't worried. Potion-making had always come naturally to him and this cauldron wasn't an ordinary one.
He opened the gray family potion book. Turning the pages until he found it. Frostbite draught.
The ingredients were lined neatly on the table. Powdered frostfoot, ice willow bark, crushed snow serpent scale and a vial of pure glacier water. As Linus began measuring, he could hear other students fumbling, spoons clinking, liquids spilling, whispered curses in Russian and Finnish.
Across the table. Erik, Linus roommate scrawled over his cauldron.
"Damn it, mine keeps freezing solid" Erik muttered
"Too much frostfoot" Linus said casually, not even looking up. "Use half. Let the bark stabilize the reaction first."
Erik blinked. "You read my recipe from over there?"
Linus smirked "I read the fumes"
A small chuckle came from Sigrun sitting on Linus left. "he's not wrong. Your potion smells like a glacier dying"
Arkadi's footsteps echoed closer. "Quiet all of you!" he stopped by Linus's table. Peering down into the cauldron. The potion shimmered faintly, light blue. It emitted a steady mist, cold enough to frost nearby desks.
Arkadi's expression didn't change, but his tone did. "Interesting. Most students struggle to keep this potion liquid. Yet yours remains stable."
Linus met his gaze evenly. "Temperature control, sir"
Arkadi's lip twitched in something like amusement "smart. Most students think only of fire." He leaned slightly closer. "You've done this before"
"not this exact one" Linus said carefully "but… my family values preparations."
The professor studied him for a moment longer, then moved on.
When class ended, most students slumped over their tables, exhausted or embarrassed. Linus, however, cleaned his station with calm. His potion had turned the perfect translucent hue.
Sigrun leaned in looking at the vial with the potion.
"You make this look easy" she muttered.
"it was" Linus replied, slipping the vial into his pocket and then into his system. "Just don't overthink the process"
Before Sigrun could respond, the heavy oak doors creaked open. Professor Volkov entered. His presence alone drew silence. "First years" Volkov said, his deep voice echoing through the chamber. "Report to the dueling hall after dinner. Your first practical assessment begins today"
The student exchange nervous glances. Linus only felt his pulse quicken, a mix of anticipation and hunger.
Finally, something exciting.
Hours later, in the Durmstrang dueling hall…
The wide room was lit by torches hanging on the walls. The air buzzed with residual magic, remnants of countless duels fought over centuries. Rows of students stood along the edge, whispering, while professor Volkov paced before them.
"Dueling" he began, "is not about theatrics. Its about survival. Your goal is not to impress, but to endure. When you stand across from another wizard or witch, remember, hesitation kills."
Volkov's eyes scanned the crowd. "Gray," he said finally, his tone cutting through the chatter. "You'll go first."
Linus stepped forward, wand in hand.
"Your opponent…" Volkov's gaze turned toward the crowd. "Nikolai"
Nikoli froze for a second, then smirked. "Guess we'll see if your brewing skills matches your spellwork."
Linus gave a small, confident smile. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough."
The two stood across from each other wand in hands. Ready.
Professor Volkov lowered his arm. "begin"
The air snapped with tension.
Nikolai moved first. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted, red light flashing from his wand.
Linus didn't even flinch. A flick of his wrist, barley visible, and the spell curved harmlessly around him, dispersing into thin air like mist. He hadn't even spoken an incantation.
Murmurs rippled through the watching crowed.
Nikolai frowned, then fired again. "stupefy!" this time Linus sidestepped, the beam grazing his school uniform. He raised his wand slowly.
"depulso"
The single word carried weight. A shockwave burst from Linus's wand, silent, colorless but powerful. Nikolai's eyes widened as he was thrown backward across the circle, skidding to the edge and only barley staying on his feet. The crowd gasped.
Volkov's eyebrows raised slightly. "That wasn't normal," he muttered to himself.
Nikolai growled and steadied himself. "Not bad Gray. Let's see how you handle this!" he began casting rapidly, three spells in quick succession. Expulso, petrificus totalus, locomotor wibbly.
Linus didn't even raise his wand this time. The air shimmered faintly blue, cold, ancient. The spells froze midair, crystalline shards of red and gold light, shattered before reaching him.
A collective silence filled the room.
Linus's expression didn't change. His eyes glowed faintly, a wolfish sharpness in them.
"My turn."
He slashed his wand downwards.
"Confringo."
The blast of fire that erupted was not the usual orange of standard magic. It was deep blue, roaring across the arena like a living storm. Nikolai barley had time to throw up a shield. Which shattered instantly, sending him tumbling back with a yelp. His wand clattered away, spinning across the stone floor.
The blue fire vanished just as quickly as it came, leaving behind only scorch marks and steam.
"Match over", Volkov said, his deep voice carrying through the chamber. "Winner, Linus Gray"
The students erupted in whispers.
"Did you see that fire?"
"What kind of spell was that?"
"He didn't even use Latin!"
Nikolai slowly pushed himself up, eyes wide. "What… what was that spell?" he asked hoarsely.
Linus extended a hand, helping him up. His expression calm, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Just a family technique." Well, it wasn't a total lie.
As Linus and Nikolai walked out of the stage.
Across the hall Volkov's gaze followed him. The professor's expression was thoughtful, and wary. That magic… that control. No first year should have that.
He made a mental not. 'Keep and eye on Linus Gray'
The next morning. Saturday finally, some time to relax and do my own thing.
During Weekend food was served a bit later then on weekdays. From 07.00 to 09.00.
Linus was sitting alone eating, none of his roommates had gone up to eat breakfast at 07.
Whispers were going around. Seems like rumors are already spreading. I looked around the hall and plenty of people were looking towards me. Some seniors even. Wonder when I can duel them.
After breakfast Linus trained, went to the gym near his common room.
Suddenly the door opened to the gym. And Erik stepped in. "Gray, Volkov wants to speak with you in his office. Right now."
Walking towards the office of professor Volkov. His office was located deep withing the eastern wing of the school. A stone chamber lined with old weapon racks and rune carved shields.
"sit," Volkov Said
Linus obeyed, calm but alert.
For a long moment, Volkov said nothing. He simply studied the boy, his gaze steady.
Then, in a voice deep and sharp.
"what you did last night, that was not ordinary spellcraft."
Linus hesitated, the spoke carefully. "It was just a family variation spell."
Volkov's expression didn't change. "Do not insult my intelligence, Gray. I have seen every type of duel. Your spells were older. Wilder. I could feel it in the air."
He leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing. "Where did you learn that magic?"
Linus met his gaze. "Nowhere," he said truthfully. "It came naturally."
Volkov studied him for a moment. "Naturally…" he muttered. "I do not know what you are, Gray. But Durmstrang values strength. And whatever you carry, it will draw attention. Some will admire it. Other will fear it. Be ready for both."
He walked around the desk and handed Linus a parchment.
"This is your dueling permit. You are now cleared to train with the second-years."
Linus blinked. "Already?"
"You made quite the impression" he said with a faint smile.
Stepping out of the office. Linus looked down at the parchment. This was something that only the strongest got. Training with the second year wouldn't be easy be I should be able to handle it. This meant that I would be able to duel with them as well.
Walking back to my common room, the halls were empty. Everyone was probably in the common rooms or training. The halls of the school were cold, damp only lit by a few torches hanging on the walls. Sudden booms from spells being casted could be heard from time to time.
Walking into the common room. My roommates sat on the couches Infront of the huge fireplace in the far most corner of the room.
Nikolai looked back to see who entered. "Linus, you are alive. How did it go?"
Linus sat down on one of the couches next to Erik who was reading a potion book.
"Went well." I said as I laid the parchment I had gotten from the professor on the table.
Nikolai and Armin leaned forward to see what it was.
"NO WAY, you got permission to duel the second years?!" he said out loud making Eik look up from his book.
I just nodded and smirked.
The four chatted along.
The fireplace crackling. The night grew closer. It was time for dinner.
The hall was filled with student. Walking in I noticed a few glazes from seniors, more than before. Sigrun sat down next to me and nudged me.
"Why is everyone looking?" she said while starting to eat.
I sighed. "I don't know probably the rumor from yesterday."
Across the table, Erik leaned forward, smirking. "they're saying you blew Nikolai hallway across the room with blue flame."
Linus took a bite of his stew before answering. "they're exaggerating."
Nikolai, sitting few seats away, scoffed. "Not by much." His tone wasn't bitter, more impressed than anything. "I'm still finding scorch marks on my uniform."
That earned a small laugh from the nearby students. Even a few older years turned to look, measuring Linus with quiet interest, or challenge. Durmstrang's hierarchy thrived on power, and power, when displayed, always drew attention.
With the meal finished, Linus left the hall. The corridors were dimly lit by the flicker of torches. Cold air from cracks in the old stone walls. Linus walked with his hands in his pockets.
He reached the stairwell that led down to the lower training chambers, where dueling ring and practice rooms were open to those who held permits. The second-years trained often here. as he approached, he could already hear the echo of spells. "Protego! Expulso!" and the sharp crack of magic striking stone.
When he entered, several head turned. The second years were grouped in pairs, sparring or casting against dummies. Professor Volkov wasn't here, training today was informal.
One of the boys, tall and broad shouldered, lowered his wand and smirked. "Well, well. The famous first year." His accent was heavy Bulgarian. "Gray, right?"
Linus met his gaze evenly. "that's right."
The boys smirk widened. "I'm Varek. Heard you beat Nikolai with some strange fire magic. Think you can handle someone your own size?"
Linus tilted his head. "You offering to find out?"
A ripple of laughter spread among the students. Varek grinned, clearly not expecting Linus to bite back so easily.
"Fine then. Circle's open"
The others stepped back, forming a rough ring. Sparks lit the air as torches dimmed slightly, responding to the rising tension.
Linus drew his wand.
Varek rolled his shoulders, confident. "No teachers here, little prodigy. Don't cry if you end up on the floor."
"let's make sure you're the one who doesn't." Linus replied.
The moment Varek raised his wand, the room filled with the hiss of magic.
"Stupefy!" he screamed out.
Linus sidestepped, the spell burst into the wall behind him. He didn't retaliate immediately, just watched, studying Varek's rhythm, his stance, the way his spells flared too hot, too fast.
Varek struck again. "Bombarda!"
Linus flicked his wrist. The spell fizzled midair, scattering into harmless sparks.
Whispers filled the room.
Linus finally raised his wand. His voice low and cold.
"Geildus Ardens"
A torrent of icy flame erupted from the wand, sweeping across the floor in a silent wave. The blue flame wrapped around Varek's legs, not burning, but freezing. Frost climbed his boots and locked his stance before he could act.
Varek gasped, struggling. His breath turned white. "What… what is this…"
Linus took a few steps forward, wand still glowing faintly blue. "do you yield" Linus said aiming the wand towards Varek's head.
Varek stunned. "Y..yes" the spell was released and Varek fell backwards.
No one spoke for several seconds, the silence was heavy.
Then one of the older girls let out a low whistle. "Volkov wasn't exaggerating."
Linus turned towards the door. "If anyone wants to duel more, come find me at dinner." He left the chamber before anyone could respond.
Later that night, back in the common room, Erik looked up from his book as Linus entered. "You trained with them already, didn't you?"
Linus sat down, running his hand through his hair. "You could say that"
Nikolai laughed. "and?"
"they're strong." Linus said, smirked faintly. "But not strong enough."
The others exchange glances as Linus left to take a shower.
After taking a long warm shower. Linus laid down on his bed. He hadn't opened his system in long.
*rewards available 6*
*rewards claimed: charms +1, transfiguration +1, potions +1, magic power +1, memory fragment ancient witch of Durmstrang, Veil fragment.
Memory fragment? All the sudden. Everything went black. No sound, smell, nothing. Linus looked around in the total darkness. Then a voice.
"Child of Gray, we finally meet." There was a black silhouette
"Who are you?" I asked.
The silhouette seemed to think for a moment. "My name is Nerida Vulchanova. And I am the founder of Durmstrang" she said calmly, her voice echoed slightly as she talked.
Right I've heard about her, insanely strong witch that created this school a long time ago.
"This is a memory fragment, but this doesn't seem to be a fragment. More like a talk with you?"
She chuckled a little. "Indeed, little one. The reason you are here is only to meet me. As I like you use ancient magic." She held out her hand and blue light came from it. Similar to mine but lighter. "There are things you need to learn with ancient magic, right now you only use a portion of how it can be used." She held out a hand and a green lush field appeared. "This is all things that are possible with this magic, the weather, creation, anything you can think of you can do." In the open field a lighting strike hit, the more, then more. Almost like raining lighting. "I used lighting a lot in combat, I think you should have it." She said as she touched my shoulder.
At the same moment a wave of images came into my head. Her and her lighting, her life. I could see it all.
She removed her hand. "That should be all." she smiled towards me. "We will talk another time, when it's right. Until then. Goodbye Child of Gray."
The dorm room came back. 'What the hell' holding up my palm I thought of the lighting, and sparks started forming, jumping between my finger. I stopped not wanting to destroy the dorm accidentally.
Linus was breathless, he focused to regain composure. She was powerful. Powerful enough to make it feel like if I breathed wrong, she could kill me without looking.
Looking around I found my roommates still doing their own thing, reading, eating snacks and talking.
It was so very exciting, can I become like her. Create a space just with the snap of my fingers. I hadn't really tried to deep dive into ancient magic yet. Only really done combat. But seeing that this whole school is built by it. Why shouldn't I be able to as well?
Linus got lost in his thinking. And fell asleep soon after.
Monday morning. The great hall was once again filled with students. New week and classes had resumed.
Rumors of the duel between a certain first year and the second year Varek had already spread like wildfire.
Linus didn't listen to the rumors, instead he was focused on eating his fill of the breakfast. Linus had spent the whole Sunday thinking about the witch Nerida\s words. About how ancient magic was so much more then I thought it was. The ability to create more was fascinating.
"…Linus can you hear me." Sigrun tapped my shoulder.
Linus looked over, everyone at the table was staring at him. "What? Sorry I was thinking about something."
"Yeah, we know, you were off all day yesterday. What's going on?" Sigrun said with what seemed to be worry.
"Nothing I just…" before I could finish my sentence a girl came over to our table and looked at me.
"You must be Gray." She said with a little smile, she sounded nice.
"I am"
"Good, I want to duel you." She said casually. This girl looked older the twelve, she could be third year.
"I'm only allowed to duel second years so far." I said, even though I wanted to accept.
The girl smirked. "In two weeks on the Friday, the first Blood duel will begin. During this duel anyone can challenge anyone." She said while looking deep into my eyes. "So I want to challenge you to that duel."
I looked over at the teachers table to see professor Volkov sitting there looking at us, he seemed to listen as he nodded, as if confirming what see said.
"Alright then senior, I accept." I said with a smile.
The girl smiled playfully. "Great, my name is Elisa Winterholm."
Winterholm, Linus eyes widened.
"You are Monikas granddaughter?" I have no clue who her mother his but.
Elisa nodded. "Daughter of Christan Winterholm, nice to finally meet you Lord Gray, grandmother has told me a lot about you." She smiled. "Now I have to take my leave but, see you on the duel in 2 weeks. Be ready" she said turning but giving me a playful wink before walking off.
I took a sip of my juice. She's interesting, she seemed strong she had a couple scars, showing signs of combat.
I looked back to everyone sitting at the table, what greeted me was open jaws and frozen faces.
Nikolai spoke first. "Linus are you stupid or just stupid… that was the first ranked third year."
"So?" I said casually, it really didn't matter.
Erik put his face into his palms. "It was nice knowing you Gray."
{status window}
{Title: Head of House Gray
{Linus Gray}
Age 11
Bloodline: Pure-blood (Gray), Veilborn,
{Attributes}
*Magic power: 7 (ancient magic)
*Leadership: 7
*Potions: 5
*Herbology: 3
*Charms: 4
*Transfiguration: 4
{skills}
Wolfs eye (much easier to see other in the dark an in general will also highlight people friend or foe)
Berserker (increases pain tolerance, health and stamina for 5 minutes, spells also become more powerful during this time)
{trait}
Nordic cold (resilience against cold weather and magic, also help user keep a cool mind) Rune-sight (Ancient symbols are easier to read) Born leader (The people respect you, hold your head high) veilmark (grants resistance to illusion-based magic and mind magic) ice wolf (ice magic deal more damage and spells are cast faster) Cauldron bonded (dormant) Ancient born of the veil (Ancient magic flows inside you, you now use ancient magic)
{items}
Gray family book of spells SS tier, Gray family book of potions SS tier, silver ward charm, Charmstone x1, cauldron of Nordic ice S tier. veil fragment x2, Veritaserum x1