Chapter 97 – Planning the 2nd Trial
When January arrived, we were slowly getting back into the same rhythm we had before the start of the tournament. Well, not precisely, as now we were having meetings with the same group who helped me and stood with me when Qunicy got abducted.
"You need to be quicker!" I chuckled, helping up a sixth-year student from the ground after my disarming spell hit him.
"I need to perfect my wordless casting!" He smiled, shrugging as he patted the snow off from his Slytherin robe.
It wasn't just us who dueled; all of those who were part of our group took up a big chunk of the grounds. As I looked around, spells flew from one to the other, colliding in mid-air as students from all houses participated in the activity. I watched Quincy fight against two second-year students and triumph over them, making me smile proudly. Our recent dueling practices were seen by the teachers as an excellent example to the guests, displaying our dedication to the magical arts. We were even commended for it.
In reality, we were making sure everybody was on the top of their game when the time came to flee. We all knew what was coming, and nobody wanted to be caught by a stray spell. Most of those who were in the fourth year or lower were told to focus on learning shield charms, while the more experienced students were exercising attacking spells.
"It is kinda cheating, going up against the best duelist in school!" The others joked, making me smile.
"Am I? I don't know about that!"
"Duh!" A Gryffindor student laughed, patting my shoulders, "We all saw your duel with the Malfoys! I would have been dead before realizing what was happening!"
"Then you should have seen my Father! I couldn't count how many times I was pummelled into the ground in the summer!"
With our little training session going on for another hour, we were about to finish it when Professor Slughorn appeared. I watched as he approached Quincy, talking with her, and although I saw her remain smiling, kind, and cordial when the head of our house left, he looked disheartened.
"Okay, guys!" I clapped, turning towards the rest, "Keep practicing when you can, and we will meet again next Friday and have another group exercise! I know it is cold, but those who are ready for it, bring your brooms, as we will practice while flying!"