Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 2.10: Duels and New Abilities

Today was almost like any other boring day at Hogwarts, but there was one event Lyanna was eagerly anticipating: the Dueling Club. Ever since she heard about it, she had been looking forward to showcasing her talents in front of her peers. It wasn't just about proving herself; it was about the thrill of the duel, the elegance of spells and counters, the artistry of wizardry in its purest form.

The Great Hall had been transformed into a dueling arena, with a long platform set up for students to test their skills. Professor Lockhart, with his dazzling smile and flowing robes, was in his element, basking in the attention of his young audience. Lyanna took a deep breath, feeling the familiar flutter of excitement and nerves. She had been practicing wandless magic for some time now but seemed to fail almost every time. Now, she believed, was the right time to practice with them again. The dueling club was the perfect opportunity to push her limits and see if she could finally succeed.

"Gather round! Gather round!" Lockhart's voice rang out as he walked onto the stage in the middle of the Great Hall. The students gathered around the stage, their excitement palpable.

"Can everybody see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent. In light of the dark events of recent weeks, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club, to train you all up in case you ever need to defend yourselves, as I myself have done on countless occasions. For full details, see my published works." He pulled off the cape he was wearing and tossed it into the crowd, where it was caught by some of his adoring female fans, excluding the Slytherins and Ravenclaws.

"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape." Lockhart gestured, and Snape walked onto the stage, looking very dour and menacing. "He has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters to worry, you'll still have your Potions Master when I'm through with him. Never fear."

Snape and Lockhart walked up to each other, raised their wands, bowed their heads, and then walked several paces back from each other.

"One, two, three," Lockhart counted.

"Expelliarmus!" Snape's spell blasted Lockhart across the room.

"WHOOOOOOOA!" Lockhart landed on his back, and a few students laughed at the sight. He struggled to his feet, walking back towards Snape.

"An excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind me saying, it was pretty obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you, it would have been only too easy."

"Perhaps it would be prudent to first teach the students to block unfriendly spells, Professor," Snape suggested with a subtle smile.

"An excellent suggestion, Professor Snape," Lockhart paused nervously before continuing. "Let's have a volunteer pair. Granger, Weasley, how about you?"

"Weasley's wand causes devastation with the simplest spells. We'll be sending Granger to the Hospital Wing in a matchbox," Snape interjected, making Ron look embarrassed. "Might I suggest someone from Ravenclaw, Malfoy perhaps?" He gestured for Lyanna to get on the stage.

Lyanna's heart pounded with excitement and a bit of anxiety. Lockhart's eyes scanned the crowd before settling on her.

"Ah, Miss Lyanna Malfoy," he said with a grin. "Step up to the platform, if you please."

Lyanna climbed onto the platform, her excitement mingling with a hint of trepidation. She glanced at Hermione, who looked determined, her eyes glinting with resolve.

"Begin on my mark," Lockhart instructed, stepping back. "Three... two... one... duel!"

Lyanna started with a defensive spell, a simple Protego to gauge Hermione's approach. Hermione, however, was not holding back. She sent a Stupefy spell flying towards Lyanna, who deflected it with ease.