Percy Jackson and the Heir of Slytherin [Book 2]

28) Dueling Club

People had started spreading the rumor that Colin was dead. When people talked to me about it, I told them I had seen him and that he'd be up and about again as soon as the unpetrifying potion was finished. Still, many of the kids travelled in tight-knit groups.

Ginny had sat next to Colin in Charms. They were in the same house and year. She was distraught, and Fred and George were going about comforting her in the wrong way. They covered themselves with fake fur and boils, then jumped out of closets and around corners to scare her. That only stopped when Perry threatened to tell their mother that Ginny was having nightmares.

There was also a booming business starting. People began selling talismans, amulets, and onions to anyone who could believe they were protective. Neville had bought the onion. Among other things. Gryffindors pointed out to him that he was unlikely to be attacked as he was pure-blooded.

"They went for Filch first," Neville had responded back fearfully, "and everyone knows I'm almost a Squib."

In December McGonagall came around with the list of names of people who would be staying for the holidays. I was happy to not have to put my name down, though Draco would be staying this year.

On a Thursday afternoon, chaos broke out in one of the Potions classes. We were making Swelling Solution, and I had long since finished mine, so I was just doodling on my paper. Suddenly, Goyle's potion had exploded.

Swelling Solution exploded everywhere, showering half of the class with a dangerous potion. Draco's nose was swelling like a balloon, Goyle's eyes were the size of frisbees, and Seamus was lugging a leg bigger than his torso behind him.

"Silence! SILENCE!" Roared Snape. "Anyone who has been splashed, come here for a Deflating Draught. When I find out who did this..."

Half of the class stumbled forward, all weighted down and struggling to get to Snape's desk.

After everyone had gotten a sip of the draught, Snape walked over to Goyle's cauldron and scooped out black remains of what looked to be a Filbuster Firework. Everyone quieted at the sight.

"If I ever find out who threw this," whispered Snape, "I shall make sure that person is expelled."

Everyone had a puzzled look on their face, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked a little different than the rest of us.

They all hurried away as class ended.

A week later, I found myself staring at a paper pinned up on the notice board. It said that they were starting a Dueling Club.

"What do you think, Perce?" Draco asked me, looking at the paper with mild interest.

"I think I'm prepared to absolutely demolish everyone," I said, grinning.

Draco immediately smirked, "Oh this is gonna be great."

As I walked away, I saw Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas walk up to the notice board.

At 8:00 that night I walked into the Great Hall. The four House dining tables were gone, and a long golden stage stood in its place. A good majority of the school all stood in the Great Hall, excited for what would come next.

I lost most of my hope for Dueling Club when Lockhart walked onto the stage. Thankfully, Snape had walked out onto stage with him.

Lockhart called out, "Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me? Excellent!

"Now, 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, are my published works.