(DISC) The Rise of Hadrian Potter

I came, I saw, I duelled

"Come on, they're starting!" Sirius shouted in exasperation over the noise of the crowd. The Colosseum was completely filled, people clapping, shouting, cheering and making any noise they could to fill the enormous stone building. For muggles, the ancient stadium was nothing but a tourist attraction but for wizards, a vital landmark and commonly used duelling venue. Despite the Italian magical community being closely knit with their muggle counterparts, some topics, buildings and areas are still closely guarded away from them by the magicals- the Colosseum being one of them.

"Where's Hadrian, he's the one who wanted to come so badly!" Cyrus shouted, looking at Charlus as they sat down in their seats. After the introductory ceremony, the International u13 Duelling Championship began. "Hailing from the hosts of the tournament, thirteen-year-old: Alessandro Pellegrini!" The announcer exclaimed and a cocophany of cheers erupted all around the Colosseum, several people stamping their feet in support of one of their home representative for the tournament.

"And his opponent in this match, a newcomer to the duelling circuit and hailing from Britain, eleven-year-old Hadrian Potter!" There was another cheer but it was drowned out by the boos of the Italian spectators. Sirius, Cyrus and even Charlus looked shocked seeing Hadrian enter the stage, Lady Greengrass smiled slightly at the three men, Astoria and Canis cheered loudly whilst Daphne sat with her fingernails in her mouth and her face white as a sheet. Lady Greengrass placed a comforting hand on her eldest Daphne's arm who took a deep breath and placed her hands on her lap.

Hadrian stepped into the arena and immediately his eyes locked onto his family and the Greengrasses. He tried to lock eyes with Charlus, attempting to trigger his passive legillimency but he was too far away to notice. He pointed his wand in the air and shot off fireworks which formed into the shape of a book, the entire crowd going silent at the display. Hadrian watched as Charlus nodded and, with a wide grin, he walked to the centre of the arena to meet the referee and his opponent.

Hadrian shook hands with both and returned to his side of the stadium, breathing deeply and twisting his wand over and over in his palm. He turned and entered his stance, his weight evenly divided between the balls of each foot. The whistle blew and his opponent immediately started casting- and silently which surprised Hadrian. He rolled to the left as a wall of high speed sand flew towards him, covering his eyes with his right arm. Just my luck to get last years third place, he thought while gritting his teeth.

He jumped up quickly, narrowly avoiding a bondy-bind sent at him. Hadrian sidestepped a stunner and decided to go on the offensive. He started his chain with two stunners, then cast a shield breaker and bludgeoning hex in quick succession, followed by a third stunner. Hadrian watched as his opponent blocked the stunners, took the shield breaker but sidestepped the bludgeoning hex before blocking the final stunner. As this was happening, Hadrian began to charge closer and by the time Alessandro had dealt with his chain, Hadrian had his head under the Italian's wand arm.

Hadrian reached down to his belt and drew his sword. It was a long and thin blade like a rapier but had a blunt end instead of sharp like most swords. As he withdrew it, he cast Ventus into the hilt and a whirlwind was summoned, circling the purple metal in the blade. He swung it diagonally, slamming the sword into Alessandro's wand hand, disarming the 13-year-old. Hadrian dropped the sword into his left hand and held his wand into his opponent's neck, effectively wnding the duel.

"And the winner in the first match of the U13 Duelling Championship is Hadrian Potter of Britain!" the announcer yelled as the referee held up Hadrian's wand hand. Hadrian beamed as a large portion of the crowd cheered for him, he shook hands with Alessandro who smiled at him. "I look forward to beating you in the U16 bracket if you compete there," he said in a heavy Italian accent. "Well I hope I don't keep you waiting too long," Hadrian retorted with a grin before the two parted and went to their respective entrances to the arena.