Caught Ablaze

Duel

Still, in the library, Katerina continued to read, her eyes taking in every word "See I told you she would be here" looking up from the book her eyes landed on both to see Anastasia and Aleksander, their familiar eyes turning her smile to her smirk.

"We've been looking for you every-hi Vicktor" Anna blushed blushed, her usually ivory face had now turned bright red "Hello" he greeted them before returning to his book "we got paired up" Katerina stated.

Exchanging glances both Aleksander and Anastasia tried to grasp at a coherent sentence "that's exactly why were here...Alek told me how well you did on the first challenge"

Slamming the book shut Katherine rolled her eyes "I get it, you want my help" both of them immediately nodded their heads like little children, hopeful smiles spread upon their faces "fine! sit down pick up one of these books and read them, Krum and I are going to practice charms and jinxes" Anastasia's interest was immediately peaked wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Outraged by Anna's behavior Katerina took a hold of the first book and slammed it against her head.

Walking out of the castle grounds Katerina's hairs immediately stood up. Her senses on full drive and ready for battle "I believe this area will have to do" glancing around the more level field area Katerina took out her wand  "Take out your wand, let's see what you've got"

"Stupefy!" he shouted. Katerina's eyes caught each one of his flaws, his movements were fast, clumsy and most of all his stance was flawed. Flicking her wand the spell was immediately blocked "silent spells give you a few seconds of advantage, you should take them" flicking her wand she cast her spell knocking Vicktor down "stand with your feet a bit more apart and your movements need to be more relaxed" she explained as she positioned herself in a fighting stance  "like this" nodding his head he followed her actions "now I want you to attack, remember, only use silent spells" nodding his head once more he then flicked his wand.

Watching the red sparks approach her Katerina waved her wand dispersing them away from her body "good that's better, now let us have a real duel" she warned, repositioning himself into a fighting stance.

Katerina suddenly flicked her wand, her spell sending Vicktor a few feet into the air. Caught off guard he scrambled to his feet. Katerina was relentless as spell after spell flew his way  "come on Vicktor!!" Katerina shouted, she was bored, the famed Quidditch player proved to be much less than a challenge for her. 

Flicking her wand up and then downwards a giant fire whip shot out of the tip of her wand, the deadly flames entangling themselves around Vicktor's leg. 

Pain shot through his legs as the flames flew up his limb. Glaring at Katerina he flicked his wand in a similar motion making a water burst out of its tip, extinguish the fire that was burning his skin. As the fight ensued both Katerina and Vicktor had failed to notice that a large mass of students had begun now gather around them, their eyes shined in wonder as each spell was cast.

Vicktor's eyes held determination as he fought Katerina. He was growing tired, while Katerina seemed to grow stronger, yet he would not give up. Giving his wand one last flick, Katerina's own wand shot out from her hand, he won. Smirking in victory he prepared himself to cast the final spell, the spell to finish it all, and just as the menacing green light was about to reach Katerinas body, flames suddenly erupted from her palms. The fire grew faster and stronger as it encased her body.

Staring in wonder Vicktor noticed how the fire began to take a shape, each flame entwining itself to form a majestic dragon. Amazed by its beauty both Vicktor and the audience failed to notice how the creatures deadly flames were about to consume them, and just as it was about to happen a foreign spell hit Katerina.

The flame went out and Katerina fell to the ground.

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The sun was barely setting as Katerina rose from her sleep, her head and joints were consumed by pain as she tried to sit up "Ah you're awake" Running a hand through her hair she finally opened her eyes. She was no longer in the open field where she had dueled with Vicktor. No, she was laying in an infirmary with Igor Karkaroff and Vicktor Krum standing on the sides of her bed.

"Congratulations you and your partner have shown what it takes to move on to the third test" staring at Karkaroff quizzically she turned to Vicktor "that was a test?" She asked, her voice dry and hoarse due to the lack of water "oh yes and as it seems you and Vicktor have shown more than the merit needed, but you'll still have to go through a few more trials; potions being one of the few left" slowly nodding her head she slowly climbed out of the bed "but wasn't the third test supposed to happen tomorro-" "no, we had each contestant followed. We saw everything you did to prepare for the upcoming tests, something you must do if you are to participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament" Karkaroffs words seemed to make some kind of sense, yet Katerina's skepticism won over "when will the rest of the trials happen?" "A week, the nurse has informed us that would be the appropriate time for you to rest. Today's duel did take up a lot out of you".