Darkness Within||Draco Malfoy Fanfiction

Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Duels

"Volravlor!" I shouted immediately. Dolohov dodged the incoming curse, shooting one straight back at me, which missed. We flung curses to and fro.

"Crucio!" He snapped, even though it would have no effect on me. Nevertheless, I rolled away, instantly getting onto my feet.

"Impedimenta!"

"Reducto!" The two spells clashed, sending off a bang that echoed round the room.

"Abduco Sanguis!" yelled Dolohov. I cast the countercurse, quickly cancelling it out.

"Don't use my own spells against me," I smirked, "Sensaufer!" My sharp eyes watched as his wand arm moved, ready to deflect the curse. In that split-second, I yelled,

"Volravlor!" The curse streaked towards him. Dolohov started in surprise, his wand waving madly as he tried to hit both the curses. He managed to get rid of the Sensaufer, but the Volravlor hit him, and he dropped to the floor, his wand rolling away. I advanced towards him, breathing heavily as I watched him squirm on the floor.

"I think that'll be enough," said Voldemort finally, "Roxy has clearly won." I grinned, casting the countercurse. Dolohov gasped for breath before stumbling back to his feet, gripping his wand as he backed away, still recovering from the after effects. Well, it must be more powerful than I thought.

"Bellatrix, you'll duel Roxy now," Voldemort instructed, and I stared at him, trying to catch my breath. I was tired out from that first duel, and now he was expecting me to duel right after, and with Bellatrix Lestrange of all people? Bellatrix licked her lips eagerly, stepping forwards.

"Of course, my Lord," she grinned, lifting her wand. I sighed, pointing my wand at her as well. We bowed, then waited.

"Begin!"

Bellatrix wasted no time in showering me with deadly curses, one after the other. If I thought Dolohov was hard to duel, then Bellatrix was a pro at duelling. No wonder she had climbed so high in my father's ranks. That and the fact that her loyalty to him would never waver.

"Mortsentia!" I gasped, firing the curse at her.

"Bombarda Maxima!" There was a blinding burst of light as the two spells collided with one another. She shot an array of curses at me, and I hastily moved to avoid them.

"Cutis Excorio!" She blasted the curse away, leering unpleasantly. There was an even madder glint in her eyes. Uh-oh. This could not be good. Bellatrix was in full fight mode. And once she was into it, there was no backing out.

"Confringo!" she screeched.

"Protego!" I hastily shouted, casting the Shield Charm and hoping that it would be powerful enough. I had no wish to be blown to pieces. Her curse hit my shield, causing it to shake, but at least it didn't break. I held my wand steady with my other hand, strengthening the shield as it battled against the curse. I took a shaky step forwards, shoving against it with all my might. With a grunt, the curse exploded into nothing, the shield evaporating with it.

"Very good," murmured Voldemort. She was powerful, yes, but I was a match for her. I didn't want to use my gift. It didn't seem fair, and besides, it would be far too easy. I decided I would only use it if I had to.

"Incendio!" Bellatrix shouted.

"Stupefy!" I know I should've done a better one, but it was the first spell that came to my mind. And it wasn't as useless as I thought. Maybe Bellatrix and Dolohov's teachings and their constant ravings about 'useless, pathetic little spells' was rubbing off on me. After all, Potter had fought Voldemort with Expelliarmus. Orange and red hit each other in the middle. Bellatrix and I narrowed our eyes, focusing on keeping our spells intact. They were all watching intently. Draco's hand was even straying towards his wand. Narcissa's hand was on her son's shoulder, but she watched Bellatrix and I. Dolohov was leaning forwards with a look of anticipation on his face. And Voldemort's eyes were fixed right on us, waiting. On the floor, Nagini hissed lowly, causing Cybele to stir around my wrist.