Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

My Friend the Formidable Ms. Meadowes

"Well, well, well. Back for more, are we? And so early this morning, too! You really are a glutton for punishment, huh?"

Dorcas's teasing words are delivered with a soft, playful tone as she pushes off the front door of her family's cottage, shutting it softly behind her as she steps down to me, the bright summer sunlight casting a long shadow in her wake as she goes.

Grinning back at her, I subconsciously bring one hand up and rub at my still very sore arm, the arm I use for casting, "Well you know me, Meadowes. Never one to resist a good beat down."

Her dark eyes finding mine, she flashes a smile that showcases her brilliantly white teeth, "Apparently not."

"And will you go easy on me today, Meadowes?"

That's a joke, of course.

... Though, if you do happen to want to go easy on me, I'd be very grateful for the mercy -

"You don't actually want that, Y/N. Not really."

Don't I, though?

Bit scared now -

"... Right."

Tipping her gaze to meet mine, she gives me an appraising stare, "... Besides, we both know I wouldn't be doing you any favours if I did. If anything, I'll be more difficult on you than ever before."

Of course -

Of course you will!

Laughing somewhat nervously at this, I follow at her side as the two of us make our way along the small pebbled pathway and towards the gate to the property, "Shall we, then?"

"Let's shall."

And with that we set off together, headed in the direction of the small isolated clearing we've been frequenting nearly every day for over a week now.

In the weeks that have followed my visit to Evan and Reggie, I've endeavoured to be as diligent as possible when it comes to practising my duelling.

Exactly like I promised you I would, Mr. Rosier.

I'll make my improvements; I'll hold my own yet -

You'll see!

And I'll surprise Reggie, too.

After ample practice with Sirius, he suggested I seek out the best of the best in our group for further training. And that would be none other than Dorcas herself. Dorcas, an entirely formidable opponent in battle.

To be completely honest though?

I wasn't expecting this entire summer to be one massive exercise in being humbled.

Yet here we are.

First Evan mopped the floor with me;

Then Sirius;

Now Dorcas.

Just passing myself around for punishment, aren't I?

And while it's incredibly difficult to admit that you're not very good at something, there is a certain satisfaction in finally seeing the fruits of your labour pay off.

Sure enough, turning to me as we continue to stroll along together, Dorcas murmurs softly, "You actually got quite a hit on me yesterday."

It takes all my humility not to beam back at this, to keep my voice calm and even, "Beginner's luck."

"No. I'd say not. The way I see it? You're learning to anticipate; to properly read your opponent. You noticed the way I was tiring at the end of our session and caught me quite off guard when you nicked my shoulder with that frost jinx."