Hermione stood firm under her opponent's gaze, raising her guard with her arms and adopting a fighting stance. Although she had never fought anyone in her life, she still knew the basics.
Tracey smiled and approached with her arms raised. As she got close enough to her opponent, she delivered a quick punch.
The punch hit one of Hermione's arms, but Tracey had no intention of stopping. She kept punching, not giving the girl any space or time to breathe.
Hermione felt the impact of the punches on her arms, but she remained steadfast, determined not to back down. Meanwhile, her mind was working frantically, trying to remember tips Rose had told her.
Suddenly, realizing that Tracey was about to use her legs to unbalance her, Hermione noticed an opening, as the attacks had stopped. With agility, she dodged the leg aiming to knock her down and, seizing the moment, delivered a punch towards Tracey's face.
Tracey, who was just playing with Hermione and underestimating her abilities, was shocked to see her dodge the kick and even more surprised to see the punch approaching her face. The expression of shock was plastered on her face as she tried to react in time. Unfortunately, it was too late to react.
- Bang!
Hermione's punch landed on Tracey's cheek, causing the girl to recoil, holding her face while looking at Hermione in shock.
Irene couldn't help but show a look of appreciation for Hermione. It wasn't wrong not to know how to fight, but it was wrong not to be able to fight back. Although Hermione had no technique behind the punch, the girl had the will and patience to wait for an opportunity and strike back.
"That was a good punch, Granger." Wiping her cheek with the back of her hand, Tracey spoke, laughing. "But I won't underestimate you again."
Tracey assumed a serious and focused expression; she wouldn't underestimate Hermione a second time. She quickly approached and delivered a fast and precise punch.
- Bang!
Hermione didn't even have time to react as the punch struck her on the chin, rattling her brain. She tried to stay balanced, but it was difficult when the world around her seemed to be moving.
Tracey didn't stop there; she forcefully kicked Hermione's leg, causing the already dizzy girl to fall to the ground with a loud thud.
On the ground, the curly-haired girl couldn't help but look up at the ceiling with a dazed expression. Although she knew her chances of winning were slim, she didn't think it would only last a few minutes after it started.
Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of Hermione; she grabbed it and got up.
"That was a good fight, Granger. I hope you'll have improved by the next class." Tracey spoke amiably, her smile easing the feeling of loss within Hermione by a great deal.
"Next time, it won't be so easy to take me down, Tracey," Hermione looked at Tracey with a serious and determined look.
"I'm looking forward to it, Granger," Tracey replied, stepping back and returning to the group of Slytherin girls.
Hermione returned to the Gryffindor girls' group with a bit of embarrassment, but no one mocked her; they even encouraged her to try again in the next classes.
"Good job, Mione, you managed to land a punch on her," Rose congratulated her friend with a smile as she put her arm around her neck.
"I still lost," Hermione replied, feeling a bit embarrassed to be praised despite losing.
Rose shook her head and laughed. "Don't worry about it; no one is born knowing how to fight."
Hermione nodded and continued watching fight after fight of the girls, recording all the scenes and reviewing them using her Innate Technique which she called the [Great Library of Alexandria].
She promised herself that she wouldn't be so passive in the next fight!
-"Daphne Greengrass from Slytherin versus Rose Potter from Gryffindor," Irene announced after observing the note in Daphne's hands.
Seeing Rose walk nonchalantly towards the center of the ring, Daphne shot a cold glance at the girl with white hair, aware that she was being underestimated.
Before entering the ring, Daphne approached the group of Slytherin boys, to the surprise of many, including the professor.
Facing Asterion, Daphne wrapped her slender arms around his neck and kissed him, causing shock to everyone around.
Irene couldn't help but feel that Daphne was deliberately flaunting her relationship for all the girls around, as if she were claiming who belonged to him.
At the same time, Irene felt an almost irresistible urge to punch Daphne. The scene before her was striking for someone single, like herself!
After parting their lips, Daphne gave another kiss, but this time more chaste, and looked deeply into Asterion's eyes, as if expecting something.
In the next moment...
"Good luck in the fight, Daph," Asterion said with a gentler tone this time.
Daphne felt energized in that moment upon hearing that, and proudly walked towards the center of the ring.
"I must say, that was an interesting display, albeit somewhat childish," Rose commented, with her arms behind her head, her gaze falling upon the blonde with cold eyes tinged with annoyance. There was a smile on her lips capable of irritating even the blind.
Asterion held a special place in Rose's heart; he had been the first relative she had known outside of the Dursleys. His sarcastic and straightforward personality was like a breath of fresh air amidst her disastrous family life. She had somewhat latched onto him during her time at Hogwarts.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort witnessing the display of affection between Asterion and Daphne, especially the gentle look he directed towards her. It was a look he had never offered her. Though reluctant to admit it, an uncomfortable sensation of jealousy began to take hold within her.
"Jealous? If you want, I can ask him to kiss a napkin and give it to you, so you can indulge in your lonely nights, what do you think?" Daphne asked sarcastically, her eyes as cold as a snowstorm.
Rose's smile almost faltered for a moment as the white-haired girl looked at Daphne with a slightly icy gaze.
"I think I'll enjoy punching your face," she replied, clenching her fists with a smile on her lips.
"It seems we have similar thoughts, snowflake," Daphne retorted, assuming an attack position.
Rose also took an attack position; she felt certain she would enjoy wiping the arrogant smirk off the blonde girl's face.
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Author's Thoughts: I'm still thinking about how to make these two be attracted to each other, any tips?
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Next Chapter: Chapter 58 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (3), Chapter 59 - Magical Self-Defense Tactical Training Class (4), Chapter 60 - School Council, Chapter 61 - Mission (1), Chapter 62 - Mission (2), Chapter 63 - Mission (3), Chapter 64 - Mission (4), Chapter 65 - Mission (5), Chapter 66 - Consequences of the Attack (1), Chapter 67 - Consequences of the Attack (2), Chapter 68 - Invasion of Hogwarts (1), Chapter 69 - Invasion of Hogwarts (2), Chapter 70 - Invasion of Hogwarts (3), Chapter 71 - Invasion of Hogwarts (4), Chapter 72 - Invasion of Hogwarts (5), Chapter 73 - Invasion of Hogwarts (6), Chapter 74 - Invasion of Hogwarts (7), Chapter 75 - Invasion of Hogwarts (8), Chapter 76 - Invasion of Hogwarts (9), Chapter 77 - Invasion of Hogwarts (10), Chapter 78 - Invasion of Hogwarts (11), Chapter 79 - Post-War (1), Chapter 80 - Heir of Salazar Slytherin (1), Chapter 81 - Heir of Salazar Slytherin (2).