The duelling club was brought back to Hogwarts during Harry's fifth year. This time it would not be mess. Crowds of students and teachers flanked the sides of the duelling area. Blaise Zabini could be seen talking and laughing with a group of Slytherins. Hermione Granger was seen talking and discussing strategies with her friends.
"Let us begin!" Seamus Finnegan yelled.
It was the first meet. The first pair were Blaise and Hermione. Harry stood at the side with Ron and Neville. It was slightly raised and Hermione and Blaise stepped up. Blaise had a calculating look on his face. Hermione bit her lip as they bowed.
Ron gripped Harry's arm. Neville linked his arm through Harry's and they all watched. They knew that Hermione had an array of spells on the tip of her tongue, but it did not mean that they could not be worried.
Hermione and Blaise lifted their heads and wands.
"Alarte Ascendare!" Blaise shouted.
The spell flew at an incredible speed. Harry almost did not see it.
"Protego!" Hermione threw up the protecting spell in front of her face. Ron squeezed Harry's arm. They all knew that Hermione was not happy with that spell. She glared at Blaise. He smirked and raised his wand again. Before he could say anything, Hermione took her turn.
"Flipendo!" Blaise dodged the spell.
"Impedimenta!" He roared. Hermione evaded the spell. Harry could not feel his arm.
"Could you let go? My arms are hurting." Harry asked. Ron and Neville immediately let go, mumbling apologies. Harry smiled and turned back toward the match. He blinked. Something had happened in the minute he looked away. Blaise was singing and glowering at Hermione. She was staring at her wand in amazement. That looked like a Confundo was cast on her.
The referee, Professor Snape, moved to the middle of the ground.
"Seeing as Ms. Granger is incapable of casting anything, we will call it a tie and continue later." Snape cast a Finite on Blaise, who stopped singing. He looked relieved and walked over to Hermione. He grasped Hermione's arm and dragged her toward the Hospital Wing. A finite did not work.
"Where are we going Blaisey?" He sighed.
"Don't call me that."