Forbidden Request

Chapter Seven: Confronting Shadows

As Professor Hecat organized the students into pairs for the practical portion of the lesson, I glanced around, hoping for a relatively straightforward partner. The class buzzed with the usual excitement and anxiety, the anticipation of practicing counter-curses palpable in the air.

"Pair up with someone you haven't worked with before," Professor Hecat instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I scanned the room and saw Sebastian stepping forward to partner with me as Ominis stood beside Aiden reluctantly. His presence was a welcome relief amidst the tension of the day.

We exchanged a brief smile before Professor Hecat's voice rang out again.

"I see some students are eager to demonstrate their skills. Imelda, as you've just arrived, you'll be paired with Jude and Sebastian for a demonstration. Let's see how well you handle a real challenge."

Imelda's smirk widened as she strode confidently to the center of the room, clearly relishing the opportunity to showcase her prowess. Her eyes flashed with a dangerous gleam as she looked at me, her demeanor suggesting she was intent on more than just a friendly duel.

Sebastian stood beside me, his usual charm replaced by a focused intensity. "Looks like we're up against Imelda. You ready?"

I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and determination. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Professor Hecat raised her wand, signaling the start of the duel. "Begin!"

Imelda wasted no time, her wand moving with quick, precise motions. She cast "Expelliarmus!" with a force that sent a shock through the air. I barely managed to deflect the spell with a hastily cast "Protego!" The impact of her spell was strong, making me stagger slightly but I held my ground.

Sebastian's voice was a calm counterpoint to the chaos. "Counter with a "Stupefy!" on her next move."

Imelda's eyes burned with anger as she advanced, her spells becoming increasingly aggressive. Her wand emitted a dark, crackling energy as she unleashed a series of rapid, high-intensity spells. "Petrificus Totalus!" she shouted, her voice harsh and unforgiving. The spell hit my shoulder with a biting cold, causing me to flinch.

I struggled to maintain my balance, casting "Expelliarmus!" in an attempt to regain control. The spell flew towards Imelda, but she dodged it with a practiced ease, her expression now a mask of pure malice.

Sebastian moved to shield me, his wand weaving through the air as he cast a series of defensive spells. "Stay on guard!" he shouted over the din. "She's not holding back."

Imelda's face twisted with a mixture of frustration and fury as she bore down on me. Her next spell, a vicious "Confringo!" exploded near my feet, sending a shower of sparks and debris. I barely had time to react, raising my wand to cast a protective barrier. The force of the explosion knocked me off balance, and I stumbled, struggling to keep my footing.

Sebastian stepped in, his wand slicing through the air as he cast a powerful "Expelliarmus!" that collided with Imelda's spell, creating a burst of magical energy that forced her back. He followed with a "Rictusempra," which struck her with enough force to make her stagger, though she quickly recovered.

The duel was intense, each spell from Imelda more dangerous than the last. Her aggression was palpable, and I could sense her intent to truly hurt me rather than merely win. The classroom was filled with the sounds of clashing magic, each spell echoing off the walls.

Finally, with a well-timed "Stupefy!" from Sebastian, Imelda's wand was knocked from her hand, and she stumbled back, her expression a mix of rage and disbelief. Professor Hecat's voice cut through the chaos. "Enough! That will be sufficient."