Chasing Time (sirius black)

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

"Today, we will begin our unit on dueling. As wizards and witches," Brogan winked in the direction of Marlene, Alice, and Lily as I tried not to roll my eyes. "You may decide to become Aurors after graduating Hogwarts. And as this is Defense Against the Dark Arts, it's imperative that you learn to duel and therefore defend yourself. We discussed the Unforgivable Curses but there are many other nasty curses that you will need to be wary off."

Brogan paced back and forth at the front of the classroom, hands behind his back as he observed us. "Now, I'm no fool. We will not be having all of you duel at once. That would be utter chaos with the lot of you."

Snickers could be heard around the room from the Gryffindors as well as the Slytherins. Of all the combinations of Houses for dueling lessons, this was probably the most volatile one.

"We will start with defensive spells and once you have all mastered these, we will move on to offensive spells. There are also defensive spells used to set up protections in your home, avoiding Muggles, and more. Turn to Chapter 3 in your books," Several groans resounded around the room. I turned the pages to see that we would be starting with Expelliarmus. "Basic, I know but this may the most used and useful defensive spell you will ever learn. Dueling is not just about showing off, it's about defeating your opponent and the best way to do that is?"

Hands shot in the air and Brogan pointed at Remus. "To take away their wand."

"Exactly. Because what is a wizard without his wand? Nothing." Brogan stated matter-of-factly. I frowned, thinking about his words. We were still capable of defeating someone without a wand. Hell, I'd punched a guy or two who put his hands on me without permission and won those fights. Guys were easy to beat with a swift kick to the balls after a good punch to the nose or eye. "In a duel, having your wand on you will be the difference between winning...and death. Let's have Potter and...Snape, come on up."

Either Brogan was psychotic or dumber than I originally thought. The two boys eyed each other distastefully. As Jamie went to stand up, I grasped his arm and hissed quietly. "Don't go overboard."

He rolled his eyes with a scoff, breaking away from me to go to the front of the room. Brogan had moved his desk further back, creating a space for the two students to practice. Worriedly, I picked at the skin on my lip. Brogan stood facing us, James on his right and Severus on his left. The boys glared at each other, the hatred between them almost palpable. Brogan smirked, looking back and forth between them.

That bastard knew exactly what he was doing. But why? What was the point of riling them up?

"Nice and clean, gentlemen. We'll skip the bowing nonsense. I want your best disarming charms on the count of three. And remember, you are only to use Expelliarmus." Brogan took a few steps back, emptying the space between the boys. "One. Two. Three!"

"EXPELLIARMUS!" Two voices roared, the sound echoing in the room. Flashes of light met in the middle, causing an outward blast that knocked James and Severus right off their feet. They flew only a foot or so, James catching himself smoothly while Severus tripped and fell onto his back. Brogan clapped, walking forward a few steps.

"Worthy opponents. When used against each other, depending on the skill and power of the wizard, one can overpower the other. As you can see though, when both dueling parties are equally matched, we can have the spells ricochet off one another. You may take a seat, gentlemen." Brogan glanced around the room with a careful look. "LeStrange and...Rose."