Lesson #1

Matt was entering the lift in the Ministry of Magic that would take him to Roberts office. It was later in the day, everyone was leaving so getting in was hell. But the Ministry seemed almost empty, which was odd, being as it was the Ministry of Magic. But he was here for lessons with Robert. He may have graduated, but he still wasn't sure if he was in ultimate condition to fight dark wizards. And Robert was one of the smartest and strong men he knew. So naturally, he'd asked for lessons in some offensive magic and other assorted areas that could help him in the real world. Like monitoring body movement and facial expressions etc.

As the lift opened for him, he looked around. It looked just like he had remembered it. Being one of the youngest Minister's of Magic. Even if it was for a short time, he felt a small jerk in his stomach. He was a little sad, but he had to move on. He was still job hunting, maybe Robert could help him with that as well. He nodded to the receptionist who motioned for him to go in. He knocked to inform Robert that he was there, and then entered.

"Well," Robert smiled," Right on time. Come talk with me a moment before we start. I've seen you fight. You're an excellent fighter. My family has depended on your skills at times. Where is it exactly that you feel like you're falling short of the mark? What would you like to concentrate on?" He picked out a couple of bottles of Fizzing Pumpkin Pop from an ice bucket. He handed one to Matt. "A new wizarding soda. Not bad. Muggle rootbeer is still better, in my opinion, but, well, this office really does need to support wizarding microbrewers, even if it is just soda." He popped the top on his glass bottle of soda. He liked it icy cold, and his new secretary was good at anticipating everything he wanted.

"Did you meet Eve when you came in? She does every bit as good a job as old Mrs. Moody, and Eve at least smiles," Robert laughed.

Matt took his bottle and popped the top. He took a swig, it was actually pretty good. But it really wasn't for him, he could tell now. He put his bottle in Robert's desk and couldn't help but grin a little bit. "I think, I'm falling short when it comes to my offensive spells." he told him. "I've always been good with Defensive Magic, and Charms. I'd also like to work on my observation skills. I find myself sometimes missing a large part of something. Whether I be thinking too complex, or just missing it in general." he finished. He looked around the office, it had definitely changed. He didn't think about it much, Robert was probably a better choice than he was anyway. His wand vibrated in his pocket, she wanted to be let loose. She was ready for some spell casting. "Uhmmm....think we could start soonish?" he asked him. "I was thinking maybe we could do some practicing in the Auror's training center." he said.

"Fine by me," Robert said, putting his soda on the desk as well. "Let's go then." He led the way down to the training room. He walked across the room, choosing the far side, giving space between himself and Matt. "I train hard, Matt. I don't use false spells. Use a protego, and then let's see you use a contego next. Lets warm up with a couple of defensive spells and then feel free to fire back. Wand at the ready?"

He made the customary bow and raised his wand. "Protego!" he cast his shield first, and then aimed at Matt. "Expelliarmus!" He wasn't going to blast his friend on the first spell out of the box. Maybe knock him off his feet if he wasn't on his game, but that was about all.

Matt was ready, he pulled out his wand and followed Robert down to the training area. As they bowed Matt was prepared, he was quick in the draw. As soon as Robert had yelled out Expelliarmus Matt had already placed his shield up, "Progeto!" he called. The shield blocked the spell with ease, honestly he had put quite a lot of effort into making it up to par. But he knew Rob was holding out, he had expected it really. He didn't know what Matt could do, but he wasn't going to question his methods. Contego was basically a larger shield, built for more than one person.

"Contego!" he called, raising a larger shield than his Protego had managed to conjure. His Protego had disappeared, "Alright Robert, go ahead!" he called. He was ready for the next spell, concentrating on the shield.

"Confundo!" Robert fired a spell to see if his Contego would hold or if it would penetrate and confuse his friend. A confundo was fairly easy to undo. "Entomorphis!" He really sort of did want to see what Matt would look like as a bug. Robert did love bugs, and the Entomorphis was his favorite transfiguration spell. It did prove to be rather handy in dueling. A bit unorthodox, but oh well. What the heck? He couldn't help a very slight grin at wondering what sort of a bug Matt might become. At least it would give them something to laugh about. Robert generally started trainings rather tamely and then got progressively more difficult. This would prove to be very interesting indeed.