The feast concluded amidst a complex atmosphere. Most of the Hogwarts students were dissatisfied with the Dementors' presence on campus. However, fear of Sirius Black tempered their opposition, leading to a reluctant acceptance of the Ministry of Magic's decision—a necessary measure in extraordinary times.
Back in the cold, emerald-lit Slytherin common room, the students prepared for their customary Hidden Prefect selection duel. This year, with the senior who traditionally presided over the event having graduated, Augustus, who had displayed exceptional skill in the previous Dueling Club, took up the role of host.
"Do you think Sol might take the Hidden Prefect title this year?" Draco Malfoy speculated, his tone a mix of envy and irritation. "With his magical reserves, even without using those bizarre lightning-based abilities, he could easily handle the first-years."
Indeed, Sol barely needed to tap into his lightning powers. Simple spells like Stupefy and Petrificus Totalus were enough to clear out the newcomers, who only knew rudimentary jinxes like Densaugeo or the Leg-Locker Curse. After a few straightforward rounds, most of the fresh-faced challengers conceded, clearly no match for Sol's superior skill.
"Well, well. How impressive." Loki's tone dripped with sarcasm. Watching Sol's composed demeanor in the arena, he smirked. "Bullying children must feel so satisfying. Quite the hero, isn't he?"
After yet another opponent fell to Sol's Incendio, Augustus surveyed the remaining challengers before nodding toward him. "That concludes this year's Hidden Prefect selection. Sol is—"
Before Augustus could finish, another figure stepped forward. Among the first-years, a boy with striking golden pupils caught everyone's attention. Though his youthful frame exuded calm, it held a profound energy. His chiseled features, framed by ink-black hair cascading behind him, gave him an almost ethereal presence.
"Heimdall Bussman. A pleasure to meet you all," the boy introduced himself, a refined smile lighting up his face.
"Oh, this is interesting," Loki muttered with a mischievous grin. "The heir of the Bussman family? This should be fun."
"The Bussman family?" Augustus looked puzzled.
"They're famous for their Celestial Armament," Draco explained. "A unique magical ability that allows them to summon weapons and armor. They were one of Dumbledore's strongest allies during the war against Voldemort, and their battle prowess surpasses most Aurors by leagues. Each member is a born warrior."
Sol's expression grew serious. He was well aware of the Bussman family's reputation. "A duel with a Bussman heir is no small matter. Let's consider this a friendly spar rather than a contest," he said, nodding respectfully at Heimdall.
The duel began.
"Expelliarmus!" Heimdall made the first move, a crimson flash darting from his wand.
Sol reacted swiftly, conjuring a deep-blue electromagnetic shield. The scarlet spell struck the shield, sparking a flurry of crackling energy.
From the outset, Sol unleashed his signature lightning abilities—a clear indication of how seriously he took this duel. Underestimating a Bussman would be a grave mistake.
"Well, he's finally breaking a sweat," Loki quipped maliciously. "After all, bullying kids only goes so far."
"Petrificus Totalus!" Sol's wand released a pale yellow beam, hurtling toward Heimdall. But in a flash, a radiant round shield materialized in Heimdall's left hand, intricately adorned with metallic patterns. He deflected the spell with ease.
"This is the Celestial Armament," Draco muttered grimly. "If he's mastered more than half of his summoning abilities, Sol might be in trouble."
In response, Sol conjured a shimmering blue bow of pure electricity. Drawing back, he loosed an arrow brimming with vibrant energy. The lightning-infused projectile streaked through the air, leaving a dazzling trail before striking Heimdall's shield.
The impact reverberated like thunder. Despite the shield's durability, the sheer force drove Heimdall backward, nearly pushing him out of the dueling ring.
"What? Is the Bussman heir really this weak?" Loki sneered, clearly unimpressed. "When did such a legendary family produce such a disappointment?"
Suddenly, a massive greatsword, etched with intricate runes, appeared in Heimdall's grasp. Driving it into the ground, he halted his retreat with a thunderous crash that shook the entire Slytherin common room.
"To force me to summon my Greatsword of Armament… this duel has finally become interesting," Heimdall remarked, his golden eyes gleaming with an almost feral excitement.
"Accelerate." His voice was low and deliberate. In the blink of an eye, Heimdall vanished, leaving behind a blurred afterimage. A heartbeat later, he reappeared behind Sol, his massive sword swinging downward in a deadly arc.
Sol barely managed to summon an electric shield in time. Sparks flew as the blade clashed against the barrier, the resulting force sending Sol skidding backward.
Sol's fingers danced in intricate gestures, weaving a lattice of electric energy. With a crackling sound, his body disappeared, evading Heimdall's next strike. The greatsword crashed into the ground, sending another tremor through the room.
Heimdall scanned the seemingly empty arena with his glowing golden eyes. "Hiding? How naïve," he scoffed. A moment later, his gaze lit up, radiating blinding brilliance as he prepared his next move.
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