Snake Venom

Duel

The week before the duel had been chaotic. The seven challengers worked tirelessly to learn new spells, and how to apply them in dueling. Falcon had been worked to the bone by Aria, and still, she persisted. The twins had been dueling each other, trying to get a feel for their styles. The three always write Bill and Charlie when they could, making sure they adjusted well to their new powers and appendages. Before they knew it, the day of the duel was upon them.

The whole school crowded together in the Great Hall, eager to watch. The tables had been pushed to the edges of the hall, and a raised platform had been placed in the center, surrounded by strong shield charms to protect other students. Falcon stood with the other Slytherins in emerald dragonskin robes, the Gryffindors in mismatched red robes. Hermione stood silently by the platform, and Madam Pomfrey was nearby. Just as they were to announce the first duel, Dumbledore strode onto the stage.

The headmaster looked at both teams before shaking his head and smiling. "Come now children, there is no need for this. Why don't we just talk and-" Falcon began to laugh, and soon the twins joined him. "Talk this out? Do you understand what they did?" Dumbledore shook his head, sighing softly. "I'm so disappointed. But carry on." He left the stage, and the two first years took their places.

Falcon smirked across the platform at Ron. The Gryffindor looked pale and was glancing around nervously. With a nod to both contestants, a Hufflepuff seventh year dropped a cloth. "Begin!" A shield flickered to life around Falcon with a whispered "Protego" and he fell into a stance prepared to defend. Ron snarled before pointing his wand. "Slugulus Eructo!" His wand immediately let out a cloud of smoke and flash, then the Gryffindor fell to his knees. Falcon lowered his wand uncertainly, ready for a trick until Ron began vomiting slugs. The Hufflepuff snorted quietly, then declared Falcon the winner.

The next few matches continued, each with a Slytherin win. George's match had been hilarious, the third year firing colorful spells at his opponent before hitting them with an immobulous. The seventh-year Hufflepuff declared him the winner, and George walked off the stage with a bow. Finally, it was the match Falcon had been awaiting. The (now) oldest Weasley brother, Percy, took his position at one end of the stage, and Marcus took up his stance on the other. What was most interesting, however, was the look on Percys' face. His face was an ashy color, and his mouth was set in a firm line. The acting ref stood poised to signal the start. As soon as he dropped his hand, Percy threw both hands up. Marcus froze and lowered his wand as Percy began to speak.

"When mother disowned the twins, I thought she was right. I believed that Slytherins were evil. But... I've since discovered that a house doesn't make you evil. Watching my house, I saw that it comes from a heart." He then drew his wand and pointed the tip over his heart. "I Percy Weasley cast out the name and magicks of House Weasley. Henceforth, I shall be known as Percy Noname. May the family tree erase my name from all current and past records, and any contracts be dissolved. So mote it be." A red light emerged from his chest, and taking the form of a weasel, the light raced up Percys' arm before disappearing in a puff of smoke. The hall was silent, and before whispers could breakout, Percy knelt on a knee, held up his wand, and bowed his head. "I yield the duel."

With that, the Slytherin team had 4 wins, making it impossible for the Gryffindors to win. A green light flared up and the bites of each challenged wizard turned emerald green. Falcon felt his own bite heating up, and watched as thick black lines traced over the scar.