Magnus sat at the edge of the Gryffindor common room tables. The noise around him faded into the background as his fingers hovered over a blank sheet of parchment. For once, he was not thinking about homework or Snape or even the Ministry.
He was thinking about the two headed nightmare that needed a new home.
He exhaled slowly and leaned back in his chair.
This was insane.
They had just placed their bet, not small bets either. Twenty one galleons between the three of them, all riding on Charizard to win tomorrow. And he had been the one who had strongly advised his friends to stick on it.
And now he was here, about to sabotage it.
He rubbed his face and let out a low breath.
"Yeah, this is fucking insane".
Across from him, Fred raised a brow.
"Talking to yourself now, mate?"
Magnus did not answer immediately. His eyes were still on the blank parchment.
"Do you guys know where the owlery is? The express owls?" he asked.
They looked at him, confused but curious.
"You bet we do, mate. We use them all the time."
Magnus picked up the quill.
"Why?" Fred asked, looking at him closely.
"No reason."
That was a lie. And all of them knew it.
Magnus dipped the quill into the ink and let out a sigh.
"Well, sorry guys. I'm about to lose us money."
That got their full attention.
George was the first to move, dropping into the seat beside him. Fred followed right after.
"What?" Ron exclaimed.
Magnus did not look up as he started writing.
To the Silver Griffins.
You do not know me, and I am not certain you will even read this. You probably receive many letters before every match, many of which are not worth your time. I hope this one is different.
I am writing because I know how you won your last match, and I know how you can win the next one tomorrow .
The creature you are using, Gyarados, is stronger than you think. The problem is not its strength. The problem is how you are using it.
Let me explain in simple terms.
Gyarados is what I would describe as a water creature. It thrives in water and draws strength from it.
Charizard, the one you are facing, is a fire creature. Fire is naturally weakened by water. This part you probably already know. But here is where you are missing something important.
Gyarados can use much more than just brute force. It can use precise attacks. An example is the one you used last time, though I am certain you did not consciously command it.
Magnus paused, tapping the quill lightly against the parchment.
I was the one who called that move from the stands.
He could already imagine their confusion.
He leaned forward and continued writing.
What your Gyarados used was not a simple attack. It was an ice attack. I call it Ice Beam.
It is an advanced move. When used correctly, it can freeze an opponent in an instant.
When your Gyarados released that beam, it froze Charizard midair. That was not luck. That is a natural strength your creature possesses.
If you want to win tomorrow, you must treat that ability as your main weapon.
Do not rely on random attacks. Focus on control.
Charizard is strongest in the air. You must either force it to the ground or limit its movement.
If you can freeze its wings or slow it down, the battle is yours.
But this requires certainty.
You must command the move clearly. Say it without doubt. Repeat it if you must until the creature understands that this is its primary attack.
Do not hesitate. Do not wait for the perfect moment. Create the moment.
If Charizard remains in the air, you will lose. That much is certain.
He leaned back.
"What the hell, mate?" Fred said reading across from him.
"You are actually doing it. You are giving them the win."
Magnus finally looked up.
"Yeah."
George shook his head slowly.
"Mate, we just bet everything on Charizard. You cannot do this."
"I know," Magnus said quietly. " but I have to."
"Is this about Hagrid?" Harry asked.
Magnus nodded.
"We do not have time. Tomorrow is the deadline."
Ron ran a hand through his hair.
"Mate, I cannot believe you are doing this to us."
Fred grabbed the letter.
"Please do not tear it," Magnus said quickly.
Fred stopped. He looked at Magnus, then slowly handed it back.
"We can always make more money," Magnus said.
Fred and George exchanged a look.
"I will always be here," Magnus continued. "We can win it back. Bigger."
He leaned forward again.
"But Hagrid does not have time. And that thing needs a proper place now."
He returned to writing.
There is one more thing.
I am not writing only to help you win, There is a creature at Hogwarts that needs a home. It is called Deino, and it has already begun evolving.
It now has two heads and has become far more dangerous.
When it reaches its final form, it will grow into a three headed creature capable of flight and immense destructive power.
It will be extremely difficult to control, but in the right hands, it can become one of the most formidable partners in battle.
I will not lie to you. It is aggressive. It does not trust easily. Even its current caretaker has been injured by it.
But it is intelligent. And with proper training, it can form a powerful bond.
Right now, it cannot remain where it is. It is too dangerous for our environment.
It needs experienced handlers. People like you.
If you are willing to take it, you will not only gain a powerful future ally, but also prevent a dangerous situation.
I am willing to help train it during holidays if necessary.
If you are interested, send a response through the same channel this letter arrives.
Time is limited.
Magnus slowed as he reached the end.
He stared at the parchment for a long moment.
Then he signed it.
Magnus Magnus
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
He set the quill down and exhaled deeply.
"Do you really think they will read it?" Ron asked.
Magnus shrugged.
"They probably get hundreds of letters."
"Thousands," George said. "Some of them howler from rival fans, mate it's almost impossible"
Magnus folded the parchment carefully.
"Yeah," he said. "I know."
He slid it into an envelope and sealed it.
"But it is worth a shot."
He stood up, holding the letter tightly.
"I am heading to the owlery."
Fred grinned.
"Not the school owls, mate. That will take ages."
Magnus nodded.
"I know."
He turned toward the door.
"I am paying for express delivery."
He did not look back as he walked out.
He needed that letter to reach the Griffins before tomorrow.
[email protected] /Realmsinus to read ahead