Dueling, Lesson 3 - All Years

Formal Duels.

With the holidays just around the corner, the Norwegian found herself able to practically feel the buzz of the students' desperate anticipation to get away from school until next year. She couldn't blame them; back in Lugarmago, she had been one of the worst for getting excited about Summer and Christmas breaks, usually because it meant she could see her family.

She sat lightly on the edge of her desk, wand held loosely in her fingers as she looked over at the arena, which was set up properly for a duel this time with three raised platforms.. The smile that tugged up the corners of her lips couldn't be helped, it seemed; she wanted to know where theory ended and talent began.

When Aphrodite walked in she saw what was written on the board and thought about what Formal Duels were, she knew briefly of what it was but she was not really sure. The Belladonna smiled kindly at her Professor. "Hi" Aphrodite greeted. The Veela was always told to be polite and it kind of came with her being a Veela, they were always loving and could make men fall in love with them, although she'd never find real love like that.

Ares walked his way into Dueling and only saw his sister there. He was a little stunned that his sister was the only other student in the class. The Wormwood gave a wave towards the Professor. "Hi" Ares said to her. He stood by his sister and grabbed his wand. He looked at the board and saw that there was the spell they'd be working on. He sighed because he knew this lesson was going to be hectic.

Mary frantically finished up her Arithmancy essay and made her way to the Dueling classroom. Her hair was a mess, like it usually was these days and her tie was sloppily tied, but the witch barely noticed and didn't really care. Her priority was getting through NEWTs with flying colours and getting into the University. Appearance didn't matter.

"Morning, Professor Tsahara, everybody." the Head Girl greeted everyone and went to stand near one of the platforms. It looked like they would duel that day and the witch grew excited. She's dueled with Jake before, but those weren't formal duels and she was eager to learn.

Apollo made his way towards Dueling. He had heard from someone that the class was going to be about Formal Duelings, he didn't know how true that was but he was going to find out. He pushed open the door and walked in. He walked over until he was by his younger siblings. "Hello Professor and everyone else" he greeted to the class. Now all he had to do was wait.

((wow sorry this is so late guys>.<))

"Okay," the witch started, clearing her throat and standing tall in the front and center of the room. "I guess we'll get started. Today, you're going to be in a formal duel situation. I'm sure by now we all know the etiqutette; the challenge, the bow, 'seconds' - or a trusted ally to act in your place should they need to - if you so desire, and the limits. You shall not harm, you shall not kill, you shall not have any physical contact with your partner. You can choose who you pair up with for this lesson, but don't make it too easy nor too difficult for yourselves."

She knew that it probably came across that she was taking the easy route, but it felt like more of an assessment this way. Seeing who they decided to pair up with was the first part; it was a case of people they knew or people they were the same level as. How they performed under their chosen circumstance was the next.

"I mean this with the best of intentions," she spoke up again, addressing the group before her. "But you may find yourselves wand to wand with someone you considered a friend. Not everyone is out to get you- not at all- but don't take it easy on someone just because they know your secrets. In a duel to the death, it's your life or theirs." Way to make this into a dark lesson, Lucelia she told herself, perching on her desk, ready to intervene should the need arise.

Mary listened to the Professor and while she was excited for the lesson, the speech ended on a somewhat creepy and depressing note. Just as she was thinking about having to duel a friend for real, someone tapped her on the shoulder and then Victoria was talking. Still wrapped up in her weirdly depressing thoughts, Mary was a bit startled but then smiled and nodded. "Of course. Have to get used to dueling friends, I suppose." she muttered under her breath, Professor Tsahara's words still in her head.

"Shall we?" she said and got up on the platform. "I think we're supposed to bow to each other..." she told her younger friend and then proceeded to bow with her wand held behind her back. That's what she read in the books, anyway. She waited a few moments before raising her wand.

"Rictusempra," the witch said out loud, even though she could have done it non-verbally and waved her wand.

Victoria succesfully blocked her spell and Mary smiled approvingly. She didn't bother with a Shield Charm and instead she just jumped to the side, letting the spell go past her. She raised her eyebrows as the younger witch cast cushions on the floor behind her.

"Anteoculatia," Mary sent a spell which would turn Victoria's hair into antler towards her, half hoping it would actually hit her. It would be highly amusing. "Thanks for cushions, by the way. Nice touch." she commented, smiling. Of course, in a real duel, there wouldn't be any cushions and she wouldn't be trying to turn hair into antlers. Mary hoped she would never have to duel Victoria for real, just the thought was teriffying enough.

McNeely, Mary 30 pts
Newbury, Victoria: 30 pts
Oxton, Apollo: 30 pts
Oxton, Aphrodite: 30 pts
Oxton, Ares: 30 pts

TOTAL:

Belladonna: 30 pts
Nightshade: 30 pts
Wormwood: 90 pts