Dark Dynasty || Tom Riddle

x. the duel

Victoria had been looking forward to this day ever since Professor Merrythought had announced a few weeks ago that they were going to have a dueling competition on the first Wednesday of October. Not that she would pass on an opportunity to show off, but mostly she was curious to see how her classmates would fare against her. Having been homeschooled, she's never had anyone her age to compete with and measure herself at.

When she arrived at classroom 4F she was surprised to see everyone with their noses buried in 'Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts', their professor's very own textbook. She joined Phillipe, who seemed rather unconcerned compared to the others. "I don't think I've ever seen them so studious before. What happened?" she asked.

Casually leaning against the stone wall, he opened his eyes at her voice only to dismissively close them again. "They're preparing," he yawned.

"For the duels? Why?" she frowned.

"Today's pretty important, V. Do well in the competition and she'll give you a good grade at the end of term. Merrythought does it every year."

Victoria glared at him, not that he would see it. "I told you not to call me that. I happen to like my name, thank you very much."

"Your wish is my command. V," he added cheekily, still half asleep.

In return she grabbed her wand and dyed his left eyebrow green without him noticing. Luckily, he couldn't see her smug grin.

"So, why are you not trying to cram something useful into your peabrain?"

"Wouldn't help much, I 'spose. I'm no good at dueling."

"Ah," she mocked, "spoken like a true Quidditch captain. All muscle but nothing in the head."

Phillipe huffed. "I could ask you the same question. Why are you not studying, little Miss Overachiever? You always have to be better than everybody else."

Sometimes she liked the banter, but most times he didn't know when to stop. Victoria was very easily insulted. Her expression darkening, she warned, "You're lucky I like you, Flint, or I might have to give you a lesson on how to talk to people like me."

He didn't respond, but he did look at her then with his blue eyes.

Just as Phillipe pushed himself off the wall, Professor Merrythought approached, Tom and the rest of his posse behind her. Well, the fifth graders at least. The corridor was jammed and they had to fight their way through. Usually only Slytherin and Gryffindor took DADA together, but that morning the other two houses were joining them.

As she entered, Victoria noticed someone must have put an Extension charm on the classroom or they never would've fit in there. The tables and chairs had also been put aside. Only the iron chandelier and the dragon's skeleton hanging from the ceiling remained in place.

The students gathered in front of their teacher, who was explaining the rules. "It's quite simple. You lose a duel, you're out. You don't, you enter the next round. The last one standing wins. We've covered the Wizard's duel last year, you know the rules. But, of course, no hurting, maiming or worse your opponent. "

She surveyed the crowd, one hand at her back. Merrythought was old, even for a witch and it was a surprise she was still teaching. "There are 58 of you today. I've chosen a partner for each of you to begin with." She conjured a scroll. "Abagnale and Scott. Amaah and Nott..."

Victoria's sparring partner turned out to be Thomas Boot. The teacher ordered, "Half of you go into the classroom on the right. Professor Beery will supervise you. Everyone else, begin!" 15 pairs stayed, 14 left.