Masquerade (Discontinued)

Chapter XXI

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Friday the 18th of June 1999

8:20 AM

"You're set to win," Gideon cheered as he looked over at Christine's messy copy of the duelling rankings for Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Ginny smirked down into her pumpkin juice and lifted a shoulder, nonchalant, but Gideon could read the smugness in the drop of her shoulder.

"Of course she is. Her repertoire is ridiculous," Christine murmured. "Gryffindor got knocked out by some random Slytherin on a cheap shot—"

"I was the random Slytherin," Astoria put in with a tiny smile and Christine looked at her, wide-eyed. Astoria pecked Christine on the cheek, sliding her own copy of the Slytherin rankings out onto the table. "But, I got knocked out by Luna because I underestimated her. She's a mean bitch when she wants to be, isn't she?"

Christine laughed. "That's how I got knocked out," she said as she scanned the rankings. She paused, frowning down at the sheet. "Wait…Slytherin is knocked out too. That means you're going against a Hufflepuff."

"How did a Hufflepuff make it to the top?" Gideon asked in shock. Ginny sniffed.

"Sheer dumb luck. I don't think they'll be much of a problem. Do you?" Ginny asked and she was satisfied when none of them answered, unwilling to admit that they agreed with her. She glanced down at her watch and nodded. "Time to go. Ready?"

They stood with her and they went with the sea of students that were heading to the Duelling Platform in Professor Riddle's classroom. Ginny tugged on her duelling robes, straightening them. They were a gift from her brothers, Fred and George, and she was going to win in them. She smirked as she walked inside and headed straight for the platform, blocking out everyone else's reactions.

"Are you ready, Miss Weasley?" Professor Riddle asked.

"Yes, sir," Ginny said sharply.

Riddle hummed. "Look to your opponent then."

Ginny stared wide-eyed at the young woman at the end of the platform.

"This is a joke," Ginny laughed, shaking her head as she looked at the young Hufflepuff.

Professor Riddle didn't even crack a smile. "I assure you, it isn't. Now, this Duel will be scored on multiple points as opposed to the last duels you've participated in. This Duel has fewer rules. To win, you must render your opponent unable to do battle. All spells except for the Blackest and Darkest may be used now. You know the ones. Otherwise no restrictions. You will receive points for spellwork, footwork, and, of course, on whoever wins the duel. I will not be interfering. Not unless one of you is on the brink of death. You may begin whenever."

Luna giggled from her spot at Professor Riddle's side. Ginny took a step forward, raising her wand.

"I don't want to hurt you, Ariana. Forfeit," Ginny said sharply.

Ariana didn't smile. "You shouldn't worry about me."

The door creaked open and both young women turned to look. Ginny's eyes widened as Bella Potter-Riddle walked into the room, decked out in jeans and a large t-shirt, the collar too stretched out to belong to her. Her hair was completely slicked back and it put all of her strangest features on display.