One would be surprised at the number and diversity of students present at
the first meeting of the Dueling Club; considering the two professors
running the activity had at one time been members of the Slytherin House -
infamous for producing wizards (dark wizards at that) partial to unfair
displays of advantage towards their own kind. Yet, from whispers amongst
the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and even Gryffindors such as Harry Potter, Ron
Weasley and Hermione Granger; it was becoming common knowledge that
Professor Yardley stood to exceed all expectations. The tensions between
Professors' Snape and Yardley could be seen in the Great Hall at meals,
down every corridor and were blatantly apparent to every student at
Hogwarts. If there wasn't a quick round of vicious wordplay between the
two, there were the seething sideglances and the underhanded remarks that
seemed their only mode of communication with one another. Snape and
Yardley seemed mortal enemies who were using the Dueling Club for their own
means to get at each other's throats. It was Ron who came to the
conclusion that it had something to do with Snape's sordid past as a Death
Eater; but as of yet his theories could not be confirmed. Harry assured
Ron that they would inundate Hagrid with all these questions some afternoon
later in the week; but they were itching to know.
Professor Yardley sat quietly in thought on a short wall outlining the area, as scores of students buzzed with excitement.
"Ten galleons on Snape for an easy win," Malfoy told Goyle. He made a rather hideous face at Hermione.
"When Snape's done with her she'll be pleading for mercy." Malfoy continued as Millicent Bulstrode with Pansy Parkinson pushed through the crowd almost knocking Malfoy to his knees
"Stuff it, Draco," bullied Millicent. Hermione was surprised to ever find anything in common with Millicent Bulstrode of all people. She only could assume that they were merely in agreement since this was a battle of witches versus wizards.
The arrival of Professor Snape quickly hushed the mass of students eager to begin. He was surprised to see those like Colin and Dennis Creevey, Neville Longbottom, Lavendar Brown, Parvati and Padma Patil, who never showed prior interest in spells and so forth
"This is quite the surprise. For those who may not know it, this is the Dueling Club." In an attempt at intimidation, Snape's eyes lingered for a few more seconds on Neville and the swarm of first year Hufflepuff girls who gave their full attention. "Since there is such a large number of you, we will be breaking into two sections in order to train.if Professor Yardley has no objections, of course." Snape glanced at Yardley who was now on her feet.
"No objections."
"Good. Now, let's get started." Snape began to divide the crowd into two groups. It was no surprise that the students nearest to him where his Slytherin favorites. "Now, in continuation of the tradition Professor Lockhart started many years back." There were giggles from those year five and above, for they remembered how Snape knocked Lockhart off his feet within a three second mark. Snape cleared his throat in order to quiet everyone. "Professor Yardley and I will demonstrate for you proper dueling."
Snape's upper lip curled making him appear quite sinister. He turned to face Yardley who had already taken position with her wand drawn.
"Mind you.no playing dirty." To the dismay of the Snape supporters, Yardley seemed just as confident as Snape. He nodded in assent and she bowed her head in recognition.
"You may have first draw," Yardley stated.
"Ladies first." Snape argued, "Well, on second thought." Before Snape uttered the word "Expelliarmus", the disarming spell, Yardley cast the first spell.
"Aegirio Incendo." A protective shield of light surrounded Yardley tenths of seconds before Snape's spell, headed in her direction. Yardley smiled in contentment as the shield absorbed his spell. Harry, Ron and Hermione amongst other students cheered for her.
"Flagro Glomero!" Snape cast a spell creating a fireball that shot like a cannon from his wand. Snape's supporters, mostly boys in Slytherin and students looking to better their grades in potions, cheered for Snape and jeered when her shield absorbed the fireball.
"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed.
"I've read that those shields are not conjured by wands and are not actual fire, but through intensive mediation they can absorb a great deal.which is why she was so quiet when we first arrived." Hermione proudly stated.
"Succido!" Yardley pointed the wand at the grass that turned rather slick beneath Snape causing him to slip and fall backward to the ground. Many in the crowd began to giggle. The angrier Snape became, the more intensive were his spells.
"Wow, that's smart," commented Ginny Weasley, the youngest of the Weasley family.
"Flagro Glomero!" Snape still on the ground waved his wand several times shooting out multiple fireballs thereby destroying her shield much to Yardley's dismay. Just as he rose to his feet.
"Aura Multiplica!" Yardley created clones of herself, which made it difficult for Snape to distinguish which was in fact the professor. Hermione explained that this tactic was a major defense spell that they would most likely not be learning at Hogwarts. Harry was worried that Malfoy or one of his goons would try something underhanded, so he kept a watchful eye.
Having little patience for her tactics, Snape incanted. "Levamentarius multiplicius!" Fire blue lightening bolts burst forth nearly missing the real Yardley. Yardley's temper began to swell.
"Flexius!" She cried as Snape's wand began to bend. He found it difficult to point his wand at any object in particular without it wobbling like one of the Weasley twin's fake rubber wands.
"Reptilioso!" The students gasped. Yardley quickly grew angered as the skin on her arms painfully bubbled.
"That's cheating!" cried Ginny Weasley, who's quiet voice was drowned out by the comments of her fellow students.
"I thought we agreed, no playing dirty." Yardley sneered, watching reptilian scales crawl up her arms forming a hard case. She was obviously turning into a reptile of some sort and had limited time left.
"Ugh, that looks painful," Cho Chang cringed as she spoke, but it was true. Yardley was in visible pain.
"Applaudius!" Yardley waved her wand at Snape who in turn began to clap his hands uncontrollably almost dropping his wand. Snape was having more difficulties casting spells, but soon Yardley wouldn't be able to cast spells given her hands would lack opposable thumbs.
"Flago glomero!" Snape spit.
"But she doesn't have a shield!" Screamed Hermione. Yardley ducked and the fireball flew overhead.
"Flago glomero gigantico!" Yardley hissed. Appearing to float above the reptilian Yardley was a gigantic fireball suspended by some force other than her wand which now lay on the ground.
"How is she doing that?" Harry asked Hermioine.
"I have no idea." Hermione answered as wide-eyed as the rest.
"Wow, really?" Ron was surprised. "Finally, something you don't know." Hermione ignored his comment.
The fireball licked at the air waiting to be directed to its target. There is no doubt that it would have brought great amounts of harm to Snape, the landscaping of the field and immediate danger to the students. So, it was especially good timing when Professor McGonagall who had herself witnessed most of the events rushed out of the castle and exclaimed "Professor Yardley! Professor Snape! What is going on here? Finite Incantatem!" And suddenly, everything was back to normal with the exception of some burnt out patches of grass and the twinkling eyes of the students. Yardley and Snape were seething, not to mention exhausted. They did not dare to even glance at each other. "Students, that is all there is of the Dueling Club for today. You will go back to your respective houses or you will receive a detention." The students quickly complied, holding their insides until they could get out of McGonagall's vantagepoint in order to discuss the battle between Snape and Yardley.
"Who would you say won?" asked Ron as they climbed the stairs to their tower.
"I'd say Yardley," Hermione answered.
"Of course you would," answered Ron, "But of course you would be absolutely correct!" Ron didn't want to start an argument with her. Harry snickered before adding, "Clearly, Professor Yardley."
"They were certainly out to do each other in," Lavendar Brown added.
"I wonder what would have happened if Professor McGonagall hadn't stepped in." Dean Thomas asked.
"Well, fortunate for them, she did." Hermione approached the painting of the Fat Lady. "Pontificate." The painting flung open and the house members stepped inside.
"I wonder what's going to happen to Yardley and Snape?" Harry asked.
"Detentions." Ron joked.
At dinner the Great Hall was a bit more quiet that usual, for all the students waited to see the consequences which would befall the two professors, who at Dumbledore's insistence now sat side-by-side at the Head Table with their eyes downcast and an air of seriousness about them. The students whispered about the events, but kept their volume down for they feared as the rumors blew out of proportion the Dueling Club would cease to exist. Through the first two courses the echo of dropped silverware was the only noises of note, but preceding dessert.
"I have an announcement to make," Dumbledore rose from his seat. His face cast a look so grim as if death had once again come to Hogwarts. "There are rumors.that Hogwarts is in the greatest of danger in the months to come. These rumors are coming from both the muggle world as well as the wizarding world. I have spoken with Beauzbatons and Durmstrang who have already implemented emergency procedures to shut down their schools!" At once hundreds of voices collided as the hall fell into uproar. Students spoke nervously about their families and turned to each other with something they had never known before - Fear. Dumbledore's face eased as he tried to lighten the atmosphere. "Please, please.not to worry.we do not plan to close down Hogwarts anytime soon, but we wish to implement further security measures just in case. Your parents have been notified of the procedure. All is well.Now, let's to the custard tarts!"
Professor McGonagall tapped Professor Dumbledore on the shoulder. At once he suddenly remembered something he had forgotten. He stood once again, "Ah, yes, one more thing.And I would like to add.the first meeting of this year's Dueling Club was in Professor McGonagall's words 'Near catastrophic'." Mineva McGonagall nodded in assent, her lips pressed tightly together as she glanced around the room. At this point Yardley and Snape were staring at Dumbledore, trying to ascertain what punishments awaited them. "I having not been present to witness the event." Dumbledore chuckled, "Though I've heard it was quite a show.I can assure you that Hogwarts does not at any time condone such actions as that of Professor Yardley and Professor Snape.That the professors were merely demonstrating the power and the dangers of witchcraft and wizardry that none of you are to ever inflict on one another. So, let us give applause to Professor Yardley and Professor Snape for opening out eyes to this fact. The Dueling Club will continue according to schedule." The Great Hall exploded in applause and cheers as Dumbledore urged the two stunned professors to take a bow.
Professor Yardley sat quietly in thought on a short wall outlining the area, as scores of students buzzed with excitement.
"Ten galleons on Snape for an easy win," Malfoy told Goyle. He made a rather hideous face at Hermione.
"When Snape's done with her she'll be pleading for mercy." Malfoy continued as Millicent Bulstrode with Pansy Parkinson pushed through the crowd almost knocking Malfoy to his knees
"Stuff it, Draco," bullied Millicent. Hermione was surprised to ever find anything in common with Millicent Bulstrode of all people. She only could assume that they were merely in agreement since this was a battle of witches versus wizards.
The arrival of Professor Snape quickly hushed the mass of students eager to begin. He was surprised to see those like Colin and Dennis Creevey, Neville Longbottom, Lavendar Brown, Parvati and Padma Patil, who never showed prior interest in spells and so forth
"This is quite the surprise. For those who may not know it, this is the Dueling Club." In an attempt at intimidation, Snape's eyes lingered for a few more seconds on Neville and the swarm of first year Hufflepuff girls who gave their full attention. "Since there is such a large number of you, we will be breaking into two sections in order to train.if Professor Yardley has no objections, of course." Snape glanced at Yardley who was now on her feet.
"No objections."
"Good. Now, let's get started." Snape began to divide the crowd into two groups. It was no surprise that the students nearest to him where his Slytherin favorites. "Now, in continuation of the tradition Professor Lockhart started many years back." There were giggles from those year five and above, for they remembered how Snape knocked Lockhart off his feet within a three second mark. Snape cleared his throat in order to quiet everyone. "Professor Yardley and I will demonstrate for you proper dueling."
Snape's upper lip curled making him appear quite sinister. He turned to face Yardley who had already taken position with her wand drawn.
"Mind you.no playing dirty." To the dismay of the Snape supporters, Yardley seemed just as confident as Snape. He nodded in assent and she bowed her head in recognition.
"You may have first draw," Yardley stated.
"Ladies first." Snape argued, "Well, on second thought." Before Snape uttered the word "Expelliarmus", the disarming spell, Yardley cast the first spell.
"Aegirio Incendo." A protective shield of light surrounded Yardley tenths of seconds before Snape's spell, headed in her direction. Yardley smiled in contentment as the shield absorbed his spell. Harry, Ron and Hermione amongst other students cheered for her.
"Flagro Glomero!" Snape cast a spell creating a fireball that shot like a cannon from his wand. Snape's supporters, mostly boys in Slytherin and students looking to better their grades in potions, cheered for Snape and jeered when her shield absorbed the fireball.
"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed.
"I've read that those shields are not conjured by wands and are not actual fire, but through intensive mediation they can absorb a great deal.which is why she was so quiet when we first arrived." Hermione proudly stated.
"Succido!" Yardley pointed the wand at the grass that turned rather slick beneath Snape causing him to slip and fall backward to the ground. Many in the crowd began to giggle. The angrier Snape became, the more intensive were his spells.
"Wow, that's smart," commented Ginny Weasley, the youngest of the Weasley family.
"Flagro Glomero!" Snape still on the ground waved his wand several times shooting out multiple fireballs thereby destroying her shield much to Yardley's dismay. Just as he rose to his feet.
"Aura Multiplica!" Yardley created clones of herself, which made it difficult for Snape to distinguish which was in fact the professor. Hermione explained that this tactic was a major defense spell that they would most likely not be learning at Hogwarts. Harry was worried that Malfoy or one of his goons would try something underhanded, so he kept a watchful eye.
Having little patience for her tactics, Snape incanted. "Levamentarius multiplicius!" Fire blue lightening bolts burst forth nearly missing the real Yardley. Yardley's temper began to swell.
"Flexius!" She cried as Snape's wand began to bend. He found it difficult to point his wand at any object in particular without it wobbling like one of the Weasley twin's fake rubber wands.
"Reptilioso!" The students gasped. Yardley quickly grew angered as the skin on her arms painfully bubbled.
"That's cheating!" cried Ginny Weasley, who's quiet voice was drowned out by the comments of her fellow students.
"I thought we agreed, no playing dirty." Yardley sneered, watching reptilian scales crawl up her arms forming a hard case. She was obviously turning into a reptile of some sort and had limited time left.
"Ugh, that looks painful," Cho Chang cringed as she spoke, but it was true. Yardley was in visible pain.
"Applaudius!" Yardley waved her wand at Snape who in turn began to clap his hands uncontrollably almost dropping his wand. Snape was having more difficulties casting spells, but soon Yardley wouldn't be able to cast spells given her hands would lack opposable thumbs.
"Flago glomero!" Snape spit.
"But she doesn't have a shield!" Screamed Hermione. Yardley ducked and the fireball flew overhead.
"Flago glomero gigantico!" Yardley hissed. Appearing to float above the reptilian Yardley was a gigantic fireball suspended by some force other than her wand which now lay on the ground.
"How is she doing that?" Harry asked Hermioine.
"I have no idea." Hermione answered as wide-eyed as the rest.
"Wow, really?" Ron was surprised. "Finally, something you don't know." Hermione ignored his comment.
The fireball licked at the air waiting to be directed to its target. There is no doubt that it would have brought great amounts of harm to Snape, the landscaping of the field and immediate danger to the students. So, it was especially good timing when Professor McGonagall who had herself witnessed most of the events rushed out of the castle and exclaimed "Professor Yardley! Professor Snape! What is going on here? Finite Incantatem!" And suddenly, everything was back to normal with the exception of some burnt out patches of grass and the twinkling eyes of the students. Yardley and Snape were seething, not to mention exhausted. They did not dare to even glance at each other. "Students, that is all there is of the Dueling Club for today. You will go back to your respective houses or you will receive a detention." The students quickly complied, holding their insides until they could get out of McGonagall's vantagepoint in order to discuss the battle between Snape and Yardley.
"Who would you say won?" asked Ron as they climbed the stairs to their tower.
"I'd say Yardley," Hermione answered.
"Of course you would," answered Ron, "But of course you would be absolutely correct!" Ron didn't want to start an argument with her. Harry snickered before adding, "Clearly, Professor Yardley."
"They were certainly out to do each other in," Lavendar Brown added.
"I wonder what would have happened if Professor McGonagall hadn't stepped in." Dean Thomas asked.
"Well, fortunate for them, she did." Hermione approached the painting of the Fat Lady. "Pontificate." The painting flung open and the house members stepped inside.
"I wonder what's going to happen to Yardley and Snape?" Harry asked.
"Detentions." Ron joked.
At dinner the Great Hall was a bit more quiet that usual, for all the students waited to see the consequences which would befall the two professors, who at Dumbledore's insistence now sat side-by-side at the Head Table with their eyes downcast and an air of seriousness about them. The students whispered about the events, but kept their volume down for they feared as the rumors blew out of proportion the Dueling Club would cease to exist. Through the first two courses the echo of dropped silverware was the only noises of note, but preceding dessert.
"I have an announcement to make," Dumbledore rose from his seat. His face cast a look so grim as if death had once again come to Hogwarts. "There are rumors.that Hogwarts is in the greatest of danger in the months to come. These rumors are coming from both the muggle world as well as the wizarding world. I have spoken with Beauzbatons and Durmstrang who have already implemented emergency procedures to shut down their schools!" At once hundreds of voices collided as the hall fell into uproar. Students spoke nervously about their families and turned to each other with something they had never known before - Fear. Dumbledore's face eased as he tried to lighten the atmosphere. "Please, please.not to worry.we do not plan to close down Hogwarts anytime soon, but we wish to implement further security measures just in case. Your parents have been notified of the procedure. All is well.Now, let's to the custard tarts!"
Professor McGonagall tapped Professor Dumbledore on the shoulder. At once he suddenly remembered something he had forgotten. He stood once again, "Ah, yes, one more thing.And I would like to add.the first meeting of this year's Dueling Club was in Professor McGonagall's words 'Near catastrophic'." Mineva McGonagall nodded in assent, her lips pressed tightly together as she glanced around the room. At this point Yardley and Snape were staring at Dumbledore, trying to ascertain what punishments awaited them. "I having not been present to witness the event." Dumbledore chuckled, "Though I've heard it was quite a show.I can assure you that Hogwarts does not at any time condone such actions as that of Professor Yardley and Professor Snape.That the professors were merely demonstrating the power and the dangers of witchcraft and wizardry that none of you are to ever inflict on one another. So, let us give applause to Professor Yardley and Professor Snape for opening out eyes to this fact. The Dueling Club will continue according to schedule." The Great Hall exploded in applause and cheers as Dumbledore urged the two stunned professors to take a bow.
