*? pov*
When we all left to go on break I disappeared from the crowd and headed to an empty part of the castle. Taking my
Time I arrived in a section leading to the Transfiguration class, passing through I made my way to the Slytherin dungeon.
I couldn't go the traditional way through the passages near the great hall as too many students and professors would be near there which would easily lead me into getting spotted.
Stealthily entering the Slytherin Commons room I crept up to my room and quickly slipped inside. One there I took out a silver coin with a serpent on one side and the Lord's Mark on the other. Drawing some blood I covered the coin in my blood, the silver became muddled in crimson.
Taking a bowl I filled it with water and tossed the coin in, the water began to turn murky, and the blood whisps began to move forming a face.
Bowing I whispered, "My Lord," sweat beaded at my temple waiting for his words
The bloody face held an eerie smile, "Report," my Lord's voice was cold as ice
Nodding I quickly supplied him with everything I saw today, "Rosier should be a high-priority recruit, I know Lucius tried in the past but Rosier's pride got in the way. Severus Snape is another candidate I think we should keep our eyes on," I said going through all of the notes I took
"I see send the information you gathered and do the same tomorrow," My Lord ordered before dissipating into the water
Sighing I wiped my brow, stood up, and heard down to the great hall.
*Morpheus pov*
I sat in my professor's chair overlooking the mass of students gorging on their food, I couldn't help but observe my surroundings. Like how specific students are being looked at and treated with more respect even if they lost.
Grinning I took a bite of my chicken, "Camaraderie," I said to Albus who was on my right sitting in his tall chair
Albus nodded slowly, "I see it too," he muttered, "I'm glad the students are finding a sense of teamwork," he said with a grandfatherly smile
I nodded while enjoying some of my potatoes, there is one more match of the third years and I think it will be more interesting than most think.
*Narrator pov*
James and Maxwell stood across from each other on the dueling platform, the Saturday sum seemed to peek through the windows illuminating the arena.
Maxwell who was shaking in anxiety yesterday still seemed anxious but less so. He held his wand loosely contradicting his outward persona.
James held his wand firmly, his eyes focused on his opponent. His feet were firmly planted and his breath was in a repeated cycle.
He was not joking around today.
James wanted to win.
Maxwell wanted to win.
"Begin!"
"Take it easy on me Potter," Maxwell said with a small sly smile
"Sure, STUPEFY!" James yelled
Maxwell deftly dodged the Stunning Spell and retaliated with a non-verbal "Petrificus Totalus," attempting to immobilize James. Reacting quickly, James transfigured his robe into a makeshift shield, blocking the spell.
James, showcasing his third-year Transfiguration prowess, cast "Avis Transformo," turning a nearby rock into a flock of small birds. Maxwell, unfazed, countered with "Ventus Levitas," dispersing the birds with a gust of wind.
In response, James transfigured the platform beneath Maxwell's feet into a field of daisies. Maxwell, demonstrating his well-rounded abilities, cast "Incendio" to set the flowers ablaze, creating a smokescreen.
James, relying on his Transfiguration skills, transfigured the smoke into a herd of galloping rabbits, attempting to distract Maxwell. Maxwell, displaying his adaptability, cast "Protego," shielding himself from the animated distraction.
The audience and James were shocked, Maxwell managed to cast a sixth-year charm in year three!
The duel reached its peak as James, with a determined expression, cast "Ferretum Vinculum," transfiguring a portion of the platform into magical vines to bind Maxwell. Maxwell, showcasing his versatility, countered by transfiguring the vines into harmless butterflies.
The audience marveled at the display of magical prowess as the two wizards continued to exchange spells.
In a final gambit, James transfigured a section of the platform into a large mirror, attempting to reflect Maxwell's next spell. Maxwell, quick-witted, cast a dazzling array of colored lights, creating a mesmerizing display that disoriented James.
As the platform returned to its original state, the two third-year wizards faced each other, wands at the ready.
In a bold move, James cast "Lumos Luminis," blinding Maxwell temporarily with a burst of magical light. Capitalizing on the moment, James transfigured the rubbery ball into a snare, attempting to restrain Maxwell.
Maxwell, relying on his versatile skills, quickly cast "Furnunculus," causing the snare to sprout boils and lose its grip. He then swiftly performed a non-verbal Levitation Charm, lifting James off his feet.
Floating upward Maxwell smirked at the immobile James, "Your luck ran out," he taunted before dropping James
The crowd gasped loudly as James fell.
James, with determination, transfigured the snare into a springy mattress, cushioning his fall. Maxwell, not expecting that hurried to cast a spell but was caught off guard when a stunning spell launched through the air hitting him squarely on the chest.
'Nonverbal?' Maxwell thought before his vision went black
'I got lucky he didn't hear me say the spell over the crowd when I fell' James thought bitterly
The crowd was going wild, the Gryffindor in particular were celebrating to their heart's content.
James stood proudly facing the crowd, a grin on his face and sweat drenching his body James looked like a real duelist.
Stepping down from the platform James went to meet up with his friends when someone tapped his shoulder, "Good job" the voice of Lily Evans reached his ear
James spun around with a giant smile, "Thanks, I practiced a lot," he said casually trying to play it cool but failing miserably
Today was a good day for James Potter.
A good day indeed.
*Morpheus pov*
"These third years are something else," I said to the surrounding Professors
They really are, it seems the class of the early 1970's late 1960s comprised of absolute geniuses of magic.
Each holding something important for the future.
"Yes, I'm glad we have a large influx of talent," Albus said with a wide smile
"The Protego charm as a third year is unheard of," Filius said to my left
Nodding I said, "Protego isn't inherently hard to learn, especially if you have a good visualization the spell is rather easy. If he had gotten help from his parents then learning Protego by year 3 would be rather easy,"
Fillius nodded in agreement, "But still, the dedication is clear," He said firmly
"The real question now is who will you be picking for the duels," I asked Abara who came on to hear our thoughts
Abara laughed awkwardly, "I'm not sure we didn't expect so many talents," he almost sounded depressed over the fact the school had talents
Albus chuckled patting Abara on the shoulder, "Whatever you decide the school will back fully do not be afraid to make bold moves my friend," his words seemed to invigorate the astronomy professor
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