Dumblemdore Family: Wizarding Witch World

Adrian had taken great care to prepare a serene spot for Alvo and his friends near a picturesque lake surrounded by lush forest. The setting was perfect: small wooden tables laid with fine china for tea, soft cushions on the benches, and a gentle breeze rippling the surface of the water. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating patterns of light and shadow that danced on the ground.

Amy, Miranda, and Henry arrived together, their expressions warm as they spotted Alvo already seated by the table. Adrian had excused himself to allow the children to reconnect without the weight of adult supervision, though he lingered discreetly nearby, ever watchful.

Amy was the first to speak, her voice soft and a little timid. "How have you been, Alvo? I missed you so much."

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, and she quickly looked down at her teacup, pretending to adjust it.

Miranda caught Amy's reaction and couldn't suppress a knowing smirk. Leaning back with an air of confidence, she added, "You don't say? It's been ages since we saw you last, Alvo." Her tone was teasing but not unkind.

Henry, always the quiet one, simply nodded in greeting, waiting for the conversation to flow before adding his own thoughts.

Alvo smiled, leaning back in his chair. "I've been... well, let's just say my father put me through a hellish five-month training regimen. I fought magical beasts, lived off the land, and learned more than I ever thought possible. But..." He paused for effect, looking down at himself. "As you can see, no scars, no injuries. I think I'm doing alright." He ended with a playful grin.

Amy's brow furrowed as her thoughts wandered. "Training? Magical beasts?" She shuddered inwardly. The WidPeetdd always kept her protected from danger, so her encounters with magical creatures were rare, and always under controlled circumstances. The mere thought of facing such things made her heart race—not with excitement, but with fear. She sighed softly, feeling a pang of inadequacy.

Henry seized the opportunity to chime in, his voice measured. "It seems everyone's been up to something challenging. The Cruz family worked with the Confederation to stabilize a planar kingdom, and they took me along for survival training. I'm not sure it was quite as intense as what you went through, Alvo, but..." He hesitated, lowering his gaze. "It made me realize just how naive I was."

Alvo placed a hand on Henry's shoulder, nodding knowingly. "I understand that feeling. I've had a lot of time to reflect on myself too. Honestly, before this, I was like a frog in a well—completely unaware of the world's vastness. I fought Level 1 magical beasts, but I'm certain I'm not ready for Level 2 yet."

Henry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I encountered two plant-based Level 1 beasts," he said. "They weren't too difficult to manage, but the carnivorous ones? Let's just say I ran more times than I'd like to admit." His wry smile was accompanied by a light laugh.

Amy and Miranda exchanged a glance, feeling a little out of place in the conversation. The boys' tales of survival and battles were a world apart from their experiences.

Breaking the silence, Miranda spoke up, her tone playful but tinged with resignation. "Well, it's clear the boys have had all the excitement. As for me, I spent my time researching and... shopping." She gave Amy a quick glance, who nodded in agreement.

Amy added softly, "I didn't have any of those adventures either. I mostly stayed safe at home."

Miranda shrugged, her voice light. "It's just how our families are, I suppose."

Adrian, seated a little way off, spoke for the first time. "That's perfectly fine. Each family has its own way of preparing the next generation. What matters is that you're all learning and growing in your own ways."

Henry nodded. "I agree. It's not about the method; it's about the progress."

Sharing Their Progress

After the initial conversation, Alvo stood and gestured toward a small area he'd prepared for demonstrations. "Come on, let me show you what I've been working on."

He explained his progress in transfiguration, detailing the complex techniques and principles he had discovered during his training. With a few gestures, he summoned a display of miniature waves on a stone platform, each wave shimmering with different elements—fire, ice, earth, and more.

The group watched in awe as Alvo described the intricate balance of magic and intention required to achieve these effects. Amy couldn't help but admire him even more, though her shyness kept her from saying much. Miranda, ever curious, asked technical questions, while Henry listened intently, his love for magic shining in his eyes.

One by one, the others showcased their own progress. Henry demonstrated a complex spell chain he had mastered, earning admiration from everyone. Miranda and Amy revealed their growth in charm work and potion brewing, impressing the group with their ingenuity.

The afternoon passed in laughter and camaraderie. The lake's calm waters reflected the golden hues of the setting sun as they enjoyed tea, snacks, and each other's company.

For a moment, as Alvo gazed at his friends, he felt a deep sense of contentment. No training, no battles—just this. He realized how much he had missed these simple, joyful moments.

After the initial conversation, Alvo stood and gestured toward a small area he'd prepared for demonstrations. "Come on, let me show you what I've been working on."

He explained his progress in transfiguration, detailing the complex techniques and principles he had discovered during his training. With a few gestures, he summoned a display of miniature waves on a stone platform, each wave shimmering with different elements—fire, ice, earth, and more.

The group watched in awe as Alvo described the intricate balance of magic and intention required to achieve these effects. Amy couldn't help but admire him even more, though her shyness kept her from saying much. Miranda, ever curious, asked technical questions, while Henry listened intently, his love for magic shining in his eyes.

One by one, the others showcased their own progress. Henry demonstrated a complex spell chain he had mastered, earning admiration from everyone. Miranda and Amy revealed their growth in charm work and potion brewing, impressing the group with their ingenuity.

The afternoon passed in laughter and camaraderie. The lake's calm waters reflected the golden hues of the setting sun as they enjoyed tea, snacks, and each other's company.

For a moment, as Alvo gazed at his friends, he felt a deep sense of contentment. No training, no battles—just this. He realized how much he had missed these simple, joyful moments.

The first headline made him pause:

"Negotiations with the Titan Plane Collapse: Dragon Plane Interference Results in the Death of Two Titan Autarchs."

Alvo sighed heavily. The death of two Autarchs was no small matter. The sheer scale of such a conflict was beyond his imagination, yet the implications were clear. A precarious balance had been shattered.

The next headline deepened his concern:

"War Declared: Oceanic Ministry Retaliates Against the Elf Plane."

The article detailed the brewing war, sparked by a slain Level 8 wizard during a trade dispute. Alvo shook his head. The Oceanic Ministry's declaration of total war seemed like an inevitable escalation, yet it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Finally, the most unsettling news appeared as he scrolled further:

"Eastern Beast Swarm Threatens the Wizarding Continent."

The article described how hordes of magical beasts were overrunning the Eastern seas, pushing onto wizarding lands. The Asian Ministry had issued a defiant statement, reminding even non-magical humans of their value and the beasts of their place in the hierarchy. The report speculated that Level 8 beasts were beginning to awaken from hibernation, a sign that the conflict could drag on for years.

Alvo's grip on the tablet tightened slightly. The memories of his training came flooding back—how he had tamed and even empathized with certain beasts. But this news stirred something deeper, a simmering disdain for those same creatures that he now viewed as a threat. He murmured to himself, "Humble beasts should know their place."

Henry noticed Alvo's prolonged silence and glanced over at him. "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.

Alvo met his gaze, then handed him the tablet. "See for yourself."

Henry took the tablet, his calm demeanor shifting as he read through the headlines. His eyes narrowed, and he let out a low whistle. "This is... troubling. It seems like everything's unraveling at once."

Alvo didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stood and moved toward the small side table where the tea and snacks were arranged. He began pouring hot chocolate into mugs, his movements deliberate.

His thoughts were swirling. Despite his young age, Alvo felt the weight of responsibility creeping into his mind. The world outside their warm, sheltered estate was in chaos. How much longer, he wondered, before these conflicts would touch them directly?

Returning to the group, Alvo handed out mugs of hot chocolate to his friends. The girls paused their conversation long enough to accept the drinks with grateful smiles. Miranda took a sip and glanced at Alvo curiously.

"What's going on in that head of yours, Alvo?" she asked.

Alvo shook his head slightly, his smile faint but reassuring. "Nothing for you to worry about tonight," he said. "Let's just enjoy the fire and forget about the outside world for a little while."

The group fell into a quieter rhythm after that, the warmth of the fire and the sweetness of the chocolate wrapping them in a cocoon of comfort. For now, the turbulence of the world outside could wait.

The first rays of sunlight poured through the grand estate's windows as Alvo stretched and dressed in comfortable training gear. His mind felt sharp and ready, the early hour invigorating him as he descended the grand staircase.

In the dining room, he found Henry already seated, sipping a cup of strong coffee while scrolling through his tablet. Henry's focus was intense, his eyes scanning the headlines about recent planar events with a subtle crease in his brow.

"Good morning, Henry," Alvo greeted with a cheerful tone. He glanced at the tablet and smirked. "Still reading about the mess out there?"

Henry nodded, setting the tablet down. "I can't help it. These developments... they're bound to affect us eventually."

Alvo placed a hand on Henry's shoulder. "That's what I like about you—always thinking ahead. But let's take a break from doomscrolling. I'm heading to the training grounds. Care to join me?"

Henry hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "I woke up early for that exact reason. Didn't think you'd be up so soon, though."

Alvo grinned as they headed out. "I guess great minds think alike."

The two walked in companionable silence, their breaths visible in the crisp morning air. The forested paths of the estate stretched out before them, leading to the familiar training encampment on a nearby slope.

After a while, Henry glanced at their surroundings with a puzzled expression. "Alvo, isn't the training field back there by the hillside?" he asked, gesturing toward the direction they'd passed.

Alvo chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Just trust me. Keep walking."

Henry frowned but followed without further comment. After a short trek, they rounded a bend and emerged into an open expanse. Henry stopped in his tracks, his jaw dropping slightly. Before him sprawled an enormous training ground, unlike anything he'd ever seen.

It was a sprawling field, as vast as two football pitches, filled with intricate obstacles. There were towering walls to scale, balance beams suspended over shallow pits, a maze of ropes for climbing, and platforms that rotated unpredictably. Sections of the field were dedicated to physical strength, agility, and even mental puzzles, with glowing glyphs and shifting runes incorporated into some of the stations.

"This... this is incredible," Henry murmured, his voice laced with awe. He turned to Alvo, who stood beside him with a knowing smile.

"Not bad, right?" Alvo said casually. "I put this together using some advanced transfiguration techniques. Needed something to keep me sharp after that 'hell mode' training my dad set me up for."

Henry ran a hand through his hair, still taking in the sight. "You built this?"

Alvo shrugged. "Took a bit of effort, but yeah. Thought I'd share it with you and the others when they're ready."

Henry's curiosity quickly turned into enthusiasm. "All right, no point in standing here gawking. Let's see what you've got!"

The two began running the course, starting with a series of hurdles that adjusted their height mid-jump. Alvo breezed through, his movements fluid and precise, while Henry struggled at first, laughing as he stumbled over one of the higher hurdles.

The climbing ropes proved to be Henry's strength; his wiry build and quick reflexes allowed him to ascend with ease, leaving Alvo trailing behind. However, Alvo quickly caught up during the puzzle section, his knack for deciphering magical runes outpacing Henry's more straightforward approach.

They pushed each other through the obstacles, laughing and teasing when one stumbled or fell. By the end, both were breathless but exhilarated, their clothes damp with sweat.

Henry collapsed onto the grass, staring up at the sky. "I'll admit it... this is leagues better than the old training grounds. You've outdone yourself, Alvo."

Alvo sat beside him, grinning. "I'm glad you think so. And this is just the beginning. I've got plans to add more magical elements—maybe even some moving targets for combat training."

Henry groaned playfully. "You're going to turn this into another hell mode, aren't you?"

Alvo laughed. "Maybe. But hey, you'll thank me when we're dodging fireballs like pros."

The two lay there for a while, enjoying the morning air. The vast training field stood as a testament to Alvo's growing skill and vision—a space that would challenge and inspire not only him but his friends and allies for years to come.

As Alvo and Henry finished their training and prepared to leave the sprawling field, they couldn't help but notice a battalion of soldiers standing neatly in formation on the sidelines. The disciplined rows of armored figures watched them in silence, their expressions a mix of curiosity and quiet respect.

Alvo, puzzled, walked over and asked, "Why are you all standing there watching us?"

The sergeant in charge stepped forward, giving a sharp salute. "Young master, we wouldn't dare interrupt your training. Our session begins in half an hour, but we arrived early to observe. Your dedication is inspiring." He scratched his head sheepishly, his tone both formal and humble.

Alvo tilted his head, then chuckled. "Well, we're only ten years old. We've had enough for today—our small bodies can't handle more rounds." His tone was light, but his words carried a trace of humor at their young age being taken so seriously.

The sergeant nodded solemnly. "That's entirely understandable. Still, seeing your efforts firsthand fills me with pride. The foundation of a strong soldier is built in youth, and your example is a reminder of that truth."

Henry, standing beside Alvo, couldn't help but smirk. "So, they're here to train too?" he asked, glancing at the imposing group of soldiers.

Alvo nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Based on the analysis, completing a certain number of rounds on this course is equivalent to a month of regular training. This has helped establish a strong base for them, physically and magically. It's why this field is in constant use."

Turning to Henry, Alvo added, "I'm here every morning at the same time. If you don't find me at home, you can head straight here. I'll be training." He grinned, his energy still contagious despite their exhaustion.

Henry returned the smile and nodded. "Sounds good. I might just make this my new morning routine too." He flexed his hands subtly, feeling the renewed flow of magical energy through his body. The effects of the rigorous training were already becoming apparent, and he couldn't deny the improvement.

With a few parting words to the soldiers, Alvo and Henry made their way back toward the estate, their footsteps lighter than before. By the time they reached their rooms, the thought of a long, hot bath was all either of them could think about. The satisfaction of a productive morning lingered as they each retreated to soak, their minds already planning the challenges of tomorrow.

After a few weeks, the girls came to say their goodbyes as their mothers arrived to pick them up. Amy and Miranda exchanged hugs with Alvo and Henry, their expressions filled with a mix of reluctance and fondness. As they prepared to leave, Henry mentioned that he had notified his father about his desire to stay and train with Alvo for the next few years. His reasoning was to strengthen the bond between their families and build a solid foundation for teamwork, knowing they would be a lifelong team in the future.

Henry's father had agreed, stating, "Whenever you wish to return, just let Adrian know."

The girls were visibly surprised to learn that Henry wouldn't be leaving with them. Amy hesitated for a moment, then waved anxiously at Alvo, her gaze lingering as their carriage moved further away.

Alvo, watching her with a small, exasperated smile, muttered, "Well, it seems I might have a young witch who's taken a liking to me."

Henry chuckled beside him and replied, "I think Miranda might have similar feelings toward me, but she's so reserved it's hard to tell. Women are impossible to read sometimes." He sighed, shaking his head in mock frustration.

Alvo clapped him on the shoulder and laughed. "Relax. We're only ten. Let's revisit these mysteries in a few years when we can actually make sense of them."

Henry nodded at the logic of Alvo's words, his earlier musings set aside for the moment. Together, they returned to the kitchen, grabbing a protein-packed pre-training snack while scrolling through the latest news on their magical tablets. The morning routine they had begun together was now a familiar rhythm, preparing them both for another challenging session on the training field.