All Harry Potter properties belong to J.K. Rowling. I'm just futzing around with her ideas.

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Enjoy!

oOo

When Remus' turn came up, he did not know whether to be nervous or excited. The concept of a test in front of others made him embarrassed, but he was looking forward to the actual learning that would come up after everything was said and done.

Physically and mentally he was exhausted from all the stress from the week. Yet the werewolf had gotten used to heavy fatigue from his transformations. He could push through this.

Magic tickled his skin as he passed through the barrier. It awakened his senses, speeding his heartbeat. He could feel the weight of Miss Grey's gaze. She had hidden a grin from James, given a blatant smile to Alice. For once, he was okay with others getting the Potions assistant's attention. All he wanted now was her approval. That was what he asked for before he left.

"Are you ready, Mister Lupin?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Begin."

He slammed out a shield charm as fast as possible. It was good timing too, before a standard disarming spell was fired his way. Miss Grey was very meticulous. She used the same spells at the beginning of the duel. They were not complicated but the speed of them was enough to throw everyone off guard.

Alice had responded by being inventive. Remus responded by biding time. After the disarming charm came Obscuro, and Confundus. The power of them ripped his shield to bits. He took a chance.

"Arresto Momentum!" He shouted. Surprisingly enough… it worked.

Miss Grey slowed like she was moving through water. It was enough time for him to fix his defenses. While he did so, she worked to speak something as she sluggishly raised her arm to strike. Remus racked his mind for another spell but it was too late.

Her spell went into effect and she moved normally again. He never got a direct hit anymore because of all the dodging he had to do. But apparently he did well, because she even graced him with a tiny smile of his own.

"Well done, Lupin."

It made all of his hard work worth it.

Words: 350

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Coming up: Hermione sees the ramifications.