Quest of the Seekers: Animals Within
Year Two at Hogwarts
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Chapter 11: The Dueling Tournament
Tyler became very cheerful throughout the following week. It had felt good to at least get his friends to know his secret. It was as if a heavy load had been taken off his shoulders. His slytherin pals noticed this and he merely shrugged it off by saying he had a good holiday. Chaos was even starting to notice the changes although he did know why Tyler was so happy.
It didn't last long though. Professor Arnold's attitude towards Tyler didn't lighten at during the break. He was as obnoxious towards Tyler just the same. Tyler still couldn't find out why Arnold was hostile towards only him. He was the only student that he didn't like. Everybody else was on great terms with him. Tyler started to dread going to Defense classes and face Arnold. Everybody else absolutely loved his lessons especially the Gryffindors, Jacke included. He tried to not act any different around Professor Arnold, just to show that he wasn't affected by him but he still shook with anger around him. However, as much as he didn't like Professor Arnold, he had to admit one thing: he was a great teacher. Everyone, even Tyler, was especially excited when Professor Arnold announced that the second years were going to be put in a dueling test.
"This dueling test will be held on Sunday, starting at 11 am," he announced to the class, which were making excited noises. "All the students will be placed in a tournament of sorts. However, winning isn't important, because I will test the form of your dueling to see if it is correct. You could be the overall winner and fail my test. You will be judged by how you start, aim, defend, and the way you try to end the duels. Also, I hope that personal issues with other students in this tournament will not cause anyone the need to be rushed to the hospital wing."
"Professor," started Zack Moore. "What does the winner get?"
"Well winning isn't important but the winner of the 2nd year tournament gets an instant 50 points for his/her house."
Matt leaned closer to Tyler so Arnold couldn't hear. "Perfect, an easy 50 points could really help with the house cup."
"Now the rules of the tournament are quite simple," restarted Professor Arnold. "You could win the duel if your opponent is knocked out, gives up, or if you successfully separate him from his wand in a matter that makes him/her unable to continue the duel. I wish you all the best of luck on your dueling exam."
...
The four seekers gathered in the library that afternoon doing homework and talking about the tournament coming up.
"Tyler mate, Arnold really started something up with the second years. Everywhere I go there is only talk of the tournament. I think I have a good chance of winning. I mean, I do know my charms," Jacke said with a hint of pride and praise.
"Jacke, you are forgetting about somebody who knows some pretty good hexes and curses. My family does have good knowledge on the dark arts. Pity I have to hold back on the real good ones."
Reggie and Brad's heads looked at him in surprise until Brad spoke. "I thought you and your family weren't bad wizards."
"Oh we aren't," he said quickly. "We just know a good deal of dark stuff but we aren't evil dark wizards. We can control ourselves because we were trained to as we grow. You see, before I came to Hogwarts, my dad showed me how to not let the dark arts take control of me. The deep Dark Arts tend to overwhelm the ones who learn them so much that it gets addicting. Think of it like standing up to a hard wind. You learn to walk against it than letting the wind carry you off."
"Wait," said Reggie. "If you parselmouths can use dark arts that way than why is your cousin insane?"
Ever since Tyler told them his secret, they sometimes talked of his people like this. However, Tyler only told them little facts and not of any of the deep things about him or his family.
"Just because you're a parselmouth, it doesn't automatically mean you could have control. Ordinary wizards can have the same control that I'm talking about. Voldemort wasn't trained to control himself like I was," he said finishing up the subject. "Anyway, whoever comes up against me had an unlucky draw because they'll lose."
"Unless you lose to them," Jacke muttered under his breath, which they all heard. Brad and Reggie went into laughter while Tyler hissed at them. This gave them a loud "Shh!" from Madam Pince, the librarian.
"Oh guys, I need to remind you guys that during the tournament we can't use our animagus forms to help us out, okay?" said Reggie with a good tone of seriousness.
"Promise."
"Don't worry."
"...Alright," said Brad obviously a little confused.
...
After a long wait, it finally became Sunday. Professor Arnold set up the arrangements with Professor Dumbledore to use the Great Hall. In fact, he was there to see the tournament himself. All the tables were moved to the side and in their place was a dueling platform. Every second year student was there and talking amongst each other, waiting for the event to start. Professor Arnold had told the students that only the second years would be present at this and no other students would be present here so Regulus had to stay behind.
"Okay!" Arnold started by clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Could you all gather round the platform as we could start."
Everyone separated to the four corners of the stage by house including the seekers, which was natural to do in Tyler's mind. Professor Dumbledore stood from his chair to say a few words.
"I'm sure you all will do your best and by the book. I hope you will all pass your test with flying colors. Have fun and best to you all!"
After Dumbledore finished his speech, Arnold started talking again. "All right, I have randomly put you in dueling pairs for this tournament. Just to note, I have put boys against boys and girls against girls for the first rounds so don't worry about any awkwardness until later." There were a few sighs of relief from some girls and even a few of the guys as well. "When they are done, then the matches would be mixed. First up will be...Brad Carter and Wade Kelso," he read from a clipboard.
Brad stepped up followed by a 2nd year Ravenclaw and went onto the platform facing each other. They presented their wands, then bowed and walked in the opposite direction 5 paces. Then they went into dueling stances. Brad had his wand hand twisted a little and extended out toward Kelso with his other arm a little out to his left. Kelso had a similar stance except his other hand was at his side.
"Alright," began Arnold, "Get ready on my count. 1,2,3!"
Brad immediately fired the first hex he could think of. "Expelliarmus!"
However, Kelso had also said the same spell and it resulted in both of them flying backwards while their wands left their hands, falling to the floor. They both hurriedly got to their feet to run to their wands. Kelso got to his first and shouted, "Averte Stature!" the Force Hex.
Brad would have been hit had it not been for luck that he tripped on his own robe and fell on the floor, rolling over to his wand and avoiding Kelso's hex. Once he got a grip on his wand, Brad aimed and shouted, "Gaiaranshi!" The spell hit Kelso on the feet but there was no difference at all. Kelso waved his head in disbelief and started to motion forward. However, he stayed where he was. He looked like he was just moving his upper body forward but wasn't moving his feet. When Tyler looked at Kelso's feet more carefully, he realized what Brad had done.
Kelso's shoes were turned to rock hard stone! Brad had transfigured his shoes to stone. Tyler had to hand it to Brad's talent at Transfiguration. He was a true pro at it though he could bet Kelso wasn't idolizing Brad's Transfiguration talent right now. He couldn't move his feet at all. Brad slowly stood up, raised his wand and said, "Expelliarmus!" which disarmed Kelso of his wand.
"The winner is Brad Carter!" This was followed by deep applause by the Hufflepuffs and the other seekers. After Brad rejoined his house and Arnold reversed the spell to Kelso's shoes, he went back to his clipboard to announce the next pair. "Next will be...Reginald Falkner and Max Connors. Up here please to start the next duel."
Reggie and a Hufflepuff that Tyler had seen in a few classes but never knew the name of went into dueling position. Reggie's position was almost an exact replica of Brad except that his hand was completely straight. Arnold began the countdown. "1,2,3!"
Reggie immediately shouted "Flipendo!" Connors was hit completely off guard when he was in the middle of saying the disarming spell. Reggie pointed his wand at Connors and yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!" Connors was levitated off his feet in surprise. However, it was only up by three feet. Connors sent his own flipper hex at Reggie making him flip backwards releasing him. Connors sent some orange sparks at Reggie making him jump back in surprise while Connors started to raise him wand, eyes wide at Reggie. Reggie then stuck his wand out and yelled "Lumos!"
Connors' eyes closed tightly as he put his hand to rub his eyes. Reggie then fired a disarming charm at his right hand knocking the wand in the air which Reggie caught ending the duel.
"Congratulations to Reginald Falkner! You move on to the next round." Applause greeted Reggie while Arnold went back to his clipboard again. "Ok next up is Sean Norman against Tyler Solemn."
Tyler stepped up on the platform to face his opponent. He remembered him as one of the Gryffindors that gave him a hard time last year when he and the other seekers became elementals. He would've graciously thanked Arnold for the pairing but was afraid to be alone with him. Tyler walked back five paces and raised his wand hand above his head and had his left hand out in a fist. Severus had taught him and Matt a few dueling positions last year before the end of the term. This was one of his favorite positions that Severus taught him. Arnold soon began the count.
"Ready! 1,2,3!"
Tyler's hex was the first one to be said. "Furnaculus!" Norman dodged the spell and sent a Force hex at him. So far, everyone who went up against this hex had been connected with it but not Tyler. He had just managed to dodge it and it zipped by his left side.
'It was probably a good thing that Arnold made Matt hit me with that hex all those times when he taught it to us,' thought Tyler in amusement.
"Furnaculus!" Tyler yelled again and this time it hit. Norman's face started to get boils and made him irritated. He quickly brandished his wand at Tyler, which made him subconsciously move to dodge whatever spell he was about to say. Tyler recognized it as the Leg-Locker Curse and became glad he did decide to move. He decided to cast another good jinx of his. "Locomotor Mortis!" His Jelly-Legs Jinx hit it's mark and Norman started to move uncontrollably and unable to aim properly to retaliate. Tyler decided that he should end it so he fired a disarming spell winning the match.
"Tyler Solemn is your winner," Arnold said without the cheerful sound he had when he announced his friends' victories but it seemed like he was the only one who caught it. His fellow seekers applauded him politely but he knew it was because they were next to their dorm mates and couldn't give a slytherin a hearty cheer but he knew how they really felt. Matt gave him a one armed hug and got pats on the back from his other fellow slytherins.
"Matthew Carroway, you're paired with Jeremy Lynne." Tyler patted his back as Matt went up to face his Ravenclaw opponent. When he faced off against him, Tyler saw that Matt already started to mumble an incantation after two. When Arnold said three, Matt launched a Force Hex, which hit Lynne before he could react. Matt then walked and took his wand making himself the winner in the quickest match so far.
Professor Arnold then had a few of the second year girls duel and Tyler with Matt just stood back to enjoy the show. When it became time for the 15th match, Jacke's name was finally called. "Jacke Walker, you'll be up against Zack Moore." Tyler could feel the tension on this little fight. Last year, Zack and Jacke almost did get into a fight but now they had a chance to and didn't have to worry about teachers.
Tyler noticed that Jacke's dueling stage was an almost opposite of his own. While he had his left hand extended and his wand hand over his head, Jacke had it vice versa. He was curious of how Jacke would duel against Moore.
"Tyler," Matt said turning to him. "I guess I can safely say that you're rooting for Walker, huh?"
"Yes, I am and I don't want to hear anything from you about it." This seemed to quiet Matt but he did let out an irritated breath at Tyler's lack of house loyalty.
"Begin on my count, 1,2,3!"
Moore cast a flipper hex hoping to get a fast advantage but Jacke countered with the stronger force hex. His spell shattered through Moore's and hit him. But it looked like it was weakened because Moore got up quicker then anyone else who had been hit with it.
"Furnuculus!" Moore tried using one of the curses that he had used but it looked like Jacke was in control. He dodged it quite easily. Tyler couldn't understand how Jacke was so fast.
'I guess he had been training for this kind of situation,' he thought.
"Rictusempra!" Jacke's curse hit Moore and he went into a fit of hearty giggles. Jacke took the opportunity and yelled "Flippendo!" Moore was knocked off his feet and his wand went on the floor next to him. The flipper hex seemed to have canceled the laughing charm because now Moore wasn't giggling anymore. He went to reach his wand but Jacke yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!" Moore's wand flew out of his reach and so Jacke became the winner.
Tyler clapped at his friend's victory giving him looks from Matt and from Nott. Jacke smiled in his direction and left the stage so the 16th and last duel could play out.
After it was over, Arnold got everyone's attention with wand sparks. "Good, now, the 16 people who are advancing to the next rounds are as follows. From Gryffindor: Jacke Walker, Jason Kornbeck, Francine Edwards, Nicole Guillphern, and Jennifer Gardner. From Ravenclaw: Reginald Falkner, Steve Robbins, Claire Zephyr, and Maggie Barlaine. From Slytherin: Matthew Carroway, Tyler Solemn, and Morgan Stellers. And from Hufflepuff: Brad Carter, Hawkster Jones, Martha Patrickson, and Catherine Miller. We'll commence the tournament in precisely two hours so lunch can be given. Those who lost their duels are more than welcomed to watch the rest of the tournament. Okay, off you trot."
Tyler said goodbye to Matt while he went to the cave so he could get together with the other seekers. He levitated the rock and waited for them but he didn't have to wait long.
"Great duel Jacke mate! You sure showed Moore a thing or two," said Tyler giving Jacke a pat on the back as he said this.
"Well I have been meaning to hex that obnoxious, slimy slytherin; No offense to you Tyler," he added quickly remembering Tyler's real last name.
"None taken," he smirked. "I don't know about you guys but I'm still looking to have another duel."
"Relax," said Reggie. "The next rounds are in just two hours."
"That's too long," said Jacke groaning. "Besides, it wasn't too much fun because we couldn't use our other powers to help us because you said we couldn't."
"Reggie, about that, why couldn't we use our animagus forms?" asked Brad very curiously. "I mean, turning into animals isn't considered a dark art, right?"
"No Brad it isn't but we are illegal animagi. Animagi have to be registered and we aren't so we could get in trouble if that's found out. Besides, if we do register, it would make questions of how four 12 year olds became animagi in the first place." He gave a look at Tyler as he said this making Brad understand immediately.
Tyler still felt like dueling and started to agree with Jacke's feelings and couldn't wait for the 2-hour limit to be up. Then he felt some thing light up in his head like someone lit up their wand in his head.
"Hey, how about a duel right now. No holding back our powers. Whose up for it?"
Reggie gave him a stern look, "No thank you."
"I can wait for two hours," said Brad following Reggie's lead.
Jacke, however, pulled out his wand and faced Tyler. "I'm ready. Let's have that duel mate."
Reggie's head snapped so fast Tyler almost thought that his head had apparated to its new position. "Jacke...Tyler, you guys want to duel now? Aren't you afraid you'll wear yourselves out for the tournament?"
"Well, I would like to see this. It could be worthwhile to see how our dueling could change because of our transformations. Aren't you interested in this Reggie?" Brad asked with a strong sense of question in his voice.
One weakness that was obvious to them about the Ravenclaw seeker was that when it came to learning about the deep unknown he would strive to know what it was; like a true Ravenclaw.
"Well...it would be a once in a lifetime experience," he said hesitantly. "Ok, have your duel guys."
Jacke and Tyler went to the center of the cave, near the little pond, and drew their wands. Reggie became their commentator while Brad stood next to him at a fair distance to watch. "Okay, bow." Jacke and Tyler bowed at each other with confident smiles. "Back five paces." Tyler and Jacke turned their backs on each other and walked back completely in sync to make it more dramatic. Brad rolled his eyes at that while Reggie shook his head in amusement before continuing. "Alright, 1,2,3!"
Jacke struck first, ready with a curse "Averte Stature!"
Tyler dodged this like he did when he faced Norman and then shouted "Flipendo!"
His faster hex hit Jacke straight on his right arm making him roll to the ground. Tyler had his wand raised to say another incantation but Jacke had his hand out and let out a jet of fire pushing Tyler back.
Tyler was shocked at how fast Jacke used his element considering he was just knocked down but quickly recovered. "Expelliarmus!" He sucked his teeth in irritation when Jacke went behind a tall rock for cover. Jacke slid to the other side of the rock and yelled "Rictusempra!" Tyler wasn't going to fall for that one and yelled "Protego!" His shield charm made the jinx bounce off his shield and hit the rock Jacke was hiding behind.
Tyler followed Jacke's example and went behind a tall rock quite a distance away. He fired another disarming spell but then quickly changed into a snake and started to slither towards Jacke's area. He noticed that Reggie and Brad's eyes were on him and knew that they knew his plan. Jacke still was throwing spells at the rock thinking that Tyler was still there.
'Now to move behind him' thought Tyler as he slithered. He moved behind Jacke still throwing curses. Then he transformed back to a human.
Jacke was trying to draw Tyler out with a few good force hexes but no reaction. 'Why isn't he fighting back?' Jacke was completely confused on why no return hex was fired at him. He had started to carefully go over to that rock when he heard a shout.
"Averte Stature!" shouted Tyler but Jacke dodged like Tyler had planned he would. Tyler had his left hand already out and had enough time to shoot out his lightning powers in an orb, which connected. Jacke felt like he had been hit with a troll's club but wouldn't give in. He pointed his wand at Tyler while being pushed by his lightning power and yelled in a coughy, squeaky voice, "Pungresperera!"
Tyler got connected and couldn't see or breathe. Jacke had him with a Pumpkinhead Hex. The lightning had faded out by now and Jacke started to run toward Tyler ignoring the pain in his stomach. He yanked Tyler's wand out of his struggling hand just as the pumpkin on his head shattered. Jacke pointed both wands at Tyler who grudgingly put his hands up in defeat.
Reggie and Brad were overwhelmed at the Gryffindor and Slytherin seekers' performance. It really was a once in a lifetime duel for the young wizards.
"Tyler, what was that shield you conjured to reflect my jinx before?" asked Jacke.
"Oh that was the shield charm. It sends back weaker spells and curses. My dad showed it to me to help defend myself. You wouldn't know it because it's a fourth year spell."
"A charm like that and I don't know it. Me, the charms expert! You've got to show that to us sometime."
"Don't worry, I will," he guaranteed with a hint of laughter.
Reggie clapped his hands at them making Jacke and Tyler bow in elegance. Brad rolled his eyes and spoke. "Hey guys, let's head back to the great hall and have a good lunch. I believe we all deserve it especially you guys unless you don't feel you can handle it," he said to Jacke noticing he was still holding his stomach.
"Don't worry, I think I can."
Then they left the cave heading for the castle.
...
End of Chapter 11
...
Nightlit: I'm glad that you finally updated your story Trials of the Four. I also hope that you liked this action packed chapter.
Author Notes:
Well, there we go. Sorry I haven't updated in a long time. This chapter was hard to write. The next chapter is in the making. Chapter 12: Dueling Tournament Finals will be posted soon. The tournament of the second years continues as all of the seekers battle for becoming the winner and winning the house points.
Also, I have started using a lot of magic phrases to make the story more intoned with wizard life. Do you like the phrases like "he felt like a hex hit him" or "as mad as a redcap." I also seem to notice that my chapters are starting to get bigger. It's probably because now I'm getting into the real actional scenes now that I did a lot of the building up already with the first few chapters.
Review and tell me what you think.
Year Two at Hogwarts
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Chapter 11: The Dueling Tournament
Tyler became very cheerful throughout the following week. It had felt good to at least get his friends to know his secret. It was as if a heavy load had been taken off his shoulders. His slytherin pals noticed this and he merely shrugged it off by saying he had a good holiday. Chaos was even starting to notice the changes although he did know why Tyler was so happy.
It didn't last long though. Professor Arnold's attitude towards Tyler didn't lighten at during the break. He was as obnoxious towards Tyler just the same. Tyler still couldn't find out why Arnold was hostile towards only him. He was the only student that he didn't like. Everybody else was on great terms with him. Tyler started to dread going to Defense classes and face Arnold. Everybody else absolutely loved his lessons especially the Gryffindors, Jacke included. He tried to not act any different around Professor Arnold, just to show that he wasn't affected by him but he still shook with anger around him. However, as much as he didn't like Professor Arnold, he had to admit one thing: he was a great teacher. Everyone, even Tyler, was especially excited when Professor Arnold announced that the second years were going to be put in a dueling test.
"This dueling test will be held on Sunday, starting at 11 am," he announced to the class, which were making excited noises. "All the students will be placed in a tournament of sorts. However, winning isn't important, because I will test the form of your dueling to see if it is correct. You could be the overall winner and fail my test. You will be judged by how you start, aim, defend, and the way you try to end the duels. Also, I hope that personal issues with other students in this tournament will not cause anyone the need to be rushed to the hospital wing."
"Professor," started Zack Moore. "What does the winner get?"
"Well winning isn't important but the winner of the 2nd year tournament gets an instant 50 points for his/her house."
Matt leaned closer to Tyler so Arnold couldn't hear. "Perfect, an easy 50 points could really help with the house cup."
"Now the rules of the tournament are quite simple," restarted Professor Arnold. "You could win the duel if your opponent is knocked out, gives up, or if you successfully separate him from his wand in a matter that makes him/her unable to continue the duel. I wish you all the best of luck on your dueling exam."
...
The four seekers gathered in the library that afternoon doing homework and talking about the tournament coming up.
"Tyler mate, Arnold really started something up with the second years. Everywhere I go there is only talk of the tournament. I think I have a good chance of winning. I mean, I do know my charms," Jacke said with a hint of pride and praise.
"Jacke, you are forgetting about somebody who knows some pretty good hexes and curses. My family does have good knowledge on the dark arts. Pity I have to hold back on the real good ones."
Reggie and Brad's heads looked at him in surprise until Brad spoke. "I thought you and your family weren't bad wizards."
"Oh we aren't," he said quickly. "We just know a good deal of dark stuff but we aren't evil dark wizards. We can control ourselves because we were trained to as we grow. You see, before I came to Hogwarts, my dad showed me how to not let the dark arts take control of me. The deep Dark Arts tend to overwhelm the ones who learn them so much that it gets addicting. Think of it like standing up to a hard wind. You learn to walk against it than letting the wind carry you off."
"Wait," said Reggie. "If you parselmouths can use dark arts that way than why is your cousin insane?"
Ever since Tyler told them his secret, they sometimes talked of his people like this. However, Tyler only told them little facts and not of any of the deep things about him or his family.
"Just because you're a parselmouth, it doesn't automatically mean you could have control. Ordinary wizards can have the same control that I'm talking about. Voldemort wasn't trained to control himself like I was," he said finishing up the subject. "Anyway, whoever comes up against me had an unlucky draw because they'll lose."
"Unless you lose to them," Jacke muttered under his breath, which they all heard. Brad and Reggie went into laughter while Tyler hissed at them. This gave them a loud "Shh!" from Madam Pince, the librarian.
"Oh guys, I need to remind you guys that during the tournament we can't use our animagus forms to help us out, okay?" said Reggie with a good tone of seriousness.
"Promise."
"Don't worry."
"...Alright," said Brad obviously a little confused.
...
After a long wait, it finally became Sunday. Professor Arnold set up the arrangements with Professor Dumbledore to use the Great Hall. In fact, he was there to see the tournament himself. All the tables were moved to the side and in their place was a dueling platform. Every second year student was there and talking amongst each other, waiting for the event to start. Professor Arnold had told the students that only the second years would be present at this and no other students would be present here so Regulus had to stay behind.
"Okay!" Arnold started by clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. "Could you all gather round the platform as we could start."
Everyone separated to the four corners of the stage by house including the seekers, which was natural to do in Tyler's mind. Professor Dumbledore stood from his chair to say a few words.
"I'm sure you all will do your best and by the book. I hope you will all pass your test with flying colors. Have fun and best to you all!"
After Dumbledore finished his speech, Arnold started talking again. "All right, I have randomly put you in dueling pairs for this tournament. Just to note, I have put boys against boys and girls against girls for the first rounds so don't worry about any awkwardness until later." There were a few sighs of relief from some girls and even a few of the guys as well. "When they are done, then the matches would be mixed. First up will be...Brad Carter and Wade Kelso," he read from a clipboard.
Brad stepped up followed by a 2nd year Ravenclaw and went onto the platform facing each other. They presented their wands, then bowed and walked in the opposite direction 5 paces. Then they went into dueling stances. Brad had his wand hand twisted a little and extended out toward Kelso with his other arm a little out to his left. Kelso had a similar stance except his other hand was at his side.
"Alright," began Arnold, "Get ready on my count. 1,2,3!"
Brad immediately fired the first hex he could think of. "Expelliarmus!"
However, Kelso had also said the same spell and it resulted in both of them flying backwards while their wands left their hands, falling to the floor. They both hurriedly got to their feet to run to their wands. Kelso got to his first and shouted, "Averte Stature!" the Force Hex.
Brad would have been hit had it not been for luck that he tripped on his own robe and fell on the floor, rolling over to his wand and avoiding Kelso's hex. Once he got a grip on his wand, Brad aimed and shouted, "Gaiaranshi!" The spell hit Kelso on the feet but there was no difference at all. Kelso waved his head in disbelief and started to motion forward. However, he stayed where he was. He looked like he was just moving his upper body forward but wasn't moving his feet. When Tyler looked at Kelso's feet more carefully, he realized what Brad had done.
Kelso's shoes were turned to rock hard stone! Brad had transfigured his shoes to stone. Tyler had to hand it to Brad's talent at Transfiguration. He was a true pro at it though he could bet Kelso wasn't idolizing Brad's Transfiguration talent right now. He couldn't move his feet at all. Brad slowly stood up, raised his wand and said, "Expelliarmus!" which disarmed Kelso of his wand.
"The winner is Brad Carter!" This was followed by deep applause by the Hufflepuffs and the other seekers. After Brad rejoined his house and Arnold reversed the spell to Kelso's shoes, he went back to his clipboard to announce the next pair. "Next will be...Reginald Falkner and Max Connors. Up here please to start the next duel."
Reggie and a Hufflepuff that Tyler had seen in a few classes but never knew the name of went into dueling position. Reggie's position was almost an exact replica of Brad except that his hand was completely straight. Arnold began the countdown. "1,2,3!"
Reggie immediately shouted "Flipendo!" Connors was hit completely off guard when he was in the middle of saying the disarming spell. Reggie pointed his wand at Connors and yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!" Connors was levitated off his feet in surprise. However, it was only up by three feet. Connors sent his own flipper hex at Reggie making him flip backwards releasing him. Connors sent some orange sparks at Reggie making him jump back in surprise while Connors started to raise him wand, eyes wide at Reggie. Reggie then stuck his wand out and yelled "Lumos!"
Connors' eyes closed tightly as he put his hand to rub his eyes. Reggie then fired a disarming charm at his right hand knocking the wand in the air which Reggie caught ending the duel.
"Congratulations to Reginald Falkner! You move on to the next round." Applause greeted Reggie while Arnold went back to his clipboard again. "Ok next up is Sean Norman against Tyler Solemn."
Tyler stepped up on the platform to face his opponent. He remembered him as one of the Gryffindors that gave him a hard time last year when he and the other seekers became elementals. He would've graciously thanked Arnold for the pairing but was afraid to be alone with him. Tyler walked back five paces and raised his wand hand above his head and had his left hand out in a fist. Severus had taught him and Matt a few dueling positions last year before the end of the term. This was one of his favorite positions that Severus taught him. Arnold soon began the count.
"Ready! 1,2,3!"
Tyler's hex was the first one to be said. "Furnaculus!" Norman dodged the spell and sent a Force hex at him. So far, everyone who went up against this hex had been connected with it but not Tyler. He had just managed to dodge it and it zipped by his left side.
'It was probably a good thing that Arnold made Matt hit me with that hex all those times when he taught it to us,' thought Tyler in amusement.
"Furnaculus!" Tyler yelled again and this time it hit. Norman's face started to get boils and made him irritated. He quickly brandished his wand at Tyler, which made him subconsciously move to dodge whatever spell he was about to say. Tyler recognized it as the Leg-Locker Curse and became glad he did decide to move. He decided to cast another good jinx of his. "Locomotor Mortis!" His Jelly-Legs Jinx hit it's mark and Norman started to move uncontrollably and unable to aim properly to retaliate. Tyler decided that he should end it so he fired a disarming spell winning the match.
"Tyler Solemn is your winner," Arnold said without the cheerful sound he had when he announced his friends' victories but it seemed like he was the only one who caught it. His fellow seekers applauded him politely but he knew it was because they were next to their dorm mates and couldn't give a slytherin a hearty cheer but he knew how they really felt. Matt gave him a one armed hug and got pats on the back from his other fellow slytherins.
"Matthew Carroway, you're paired with Jeremy Lynne." Tyler patted his back as Matt went up to face his Ravenclaw opponent. When he faced off against him, Tyler saw that Matt already started to mumble an incantation after two. When Arnold said three, Matt launched a Force Hex, which hit Lynne before he could react. Matt then walked and took his wand making himself the winner in the quickest match so far.
Professor Arnold then had a few of the second year girls duel and Tyler with Matt just stood back to enjoy the show. When it became time for the 15th match, Jacke's name was finally called. "Jacke Walker, you'll be up against Zack Moore." Tyler could feel the tension on this little fight. Last year, Zack and Jacke almost did get into a fight but now they had a chance to and didn't have to worry about teachers.
Tyler noticed that Jacke's dueling stage was an almost opposite of his own. While he had his left hand extended and his wand hand over his head, Jacke had it vice versa. He was curious of how Jacke would duel against Moore.
"Tyler," Matt said turning to him. "I guess I can safely say that you're rooting for Walker, huh?"
"Yes, I am and I don't want to hear anything from you about it." This seemed to quiet Matt but he did let out an irritated breath at Tyler's lack of house loyalty.
"Begin on my count, 1,2,3!"
Moore cast a flipper hex hoping to get a fast advantage but Jacke countered with the stronger force hex. His spell shattered through Moore's and hit him. But it looked like it was weakened because Moore got up quicker then anyone else who had been hit with it.
"Furnuculus!" Moore tried using one of the curses that he had used but it looked like Jacke was in control. He dodged it quite easily. Tyler couldn't understand how Jacke was so fast.
'I guess he had been training for this kind of situation,' he thought.
"Rictusempra!" Jacke's curse hit Moore and he went into a fit of hearty giggles. Jacke took the opportunity and yelled "Flippendo!" Moore was knocked off his feet and his wand went on the floor next to him. The flipper hex seemed to have canceled the laughing charm because now Moore wasn't giggling anymore. He went to reach his wand but Jacke yelled "Wingardium Leviosa!" Moore's wand flew out of his reach and so Jacke became the winner.
Tyler clapped at his friend's victory giving him looks from Matt and from Nott. Jacke smiled in his direction and left the stage so the 16th and last duel could play out.
After it was over, Arnold got everyone's attention with wand sparks. "Good, now, the 16 people who are advancing to the next rounds are as follows. From Gryffindor: Jacke Walker, Jason Kornbeck, Francine Edwards, Nicole Guillphern, and Jennifer Gardner. From Ravenclaw: Reginald Falkner, Steve Robbins, Claire Zephyr, and Maggie Barlaine. From Slytherin: Matthew Carroway, Tyler Solemn, and Morgan Stellers. And from Hufflepuff: Brad Carter, Hawkster Jones, Martha Patrickson, and Catherine Miller. We'll commence the tournament in precisely two hours so lunch can be given. Those who lost their duels are more than welcomed to watch the rest of the tournament. Okay, off you trot."
Tyler said goodbye to Matt while he went to the cave so he could get together with the other seekers. He levitated the rock and waited for them but he didn't have to wait long.
"Great duel Jacke mate! You sure showed Moore a thing or two," said Tyler giving Jacke a pat on the back as he said this.
"Well I have been meaning to hex that obnoxious, slimy slytherin; No offense to you Tyler," he added quickly remembering Tyler's real last name.
"None taken," he smirked. "I don't know about you guys but I'm still looking to have another duel."
"Relax," said Reggie. "The next rounds are in just two hours."
"That's too long," said Jacke groaning. "Besides, it wasn't too much fun because we couldn't use our other powers to help us because you said we couldn't."
"Reggie, about that, why couldn't we use our animagus forms?" asked Brad very curiously. "I mean, turning into animals isn't considered a dark art, right?"
"No Brad it isn't but we are illegal animagi. Animagi have to be registered and we aren't so we could get in trouble if that's found out. Besides, if we do register, it would make questions of how four 12 year olds became animagi in the first place." He gave a look at Tyler as he said this making Brad understand immediately.
Tyler still felt like dueling and started to agree with Jacke's feelings and couldn't wait for the 2-hour limit to be up. Then he felt some thing light up in his head like someone lit up their wand in his head.
"Hey, how about a duel right now. No holding back our powers. Whose up for it?"
Reggie gave him a stern look, "No thank you."
"I can wait for two hours," said Brad following Reggie's lead.
Jacke, however, pulled out his wand and faced Tyler. "I'm ready. Let's have that duel mate."
Reggie's head snapped so fast Tyler almost thought that his head had apparated to its new position. "Jacke...Tyler, you guys want to duel now? Aren't you afraid you'll wear yourselves out for the tournament?"
"Well, I would like to see this. It could be worthwhile to see how our dueling could change because of our transformations. Aren't you interested in this Reggie?" Brad asked with a strong sense of question in his voice.
One weakness that was obvious to them about the Ravenclaw seeker was that when it came to learning about the deep unknown he would strive to know what it was; like a true Ravenclaw.
"Well...it would be a once in a lifetime experience," he said hesitantly. "Ok, have your duel guys."
Jacke and Tyler went to the center of the cave, near the little pond, and drew their wands. Reggie became their commentator while Brad stood next to him at a fair distance to watch. "Okay, bow." Jacke and Tyler bowed at each other with confident smiles. "Back five paces." Tyler and Jacke turned their backs on each other and walked back completely in sync to make it more dramatic. Brad rolled his eyes at that while Reggie shook his head in amusement before continuing. "Alright, 1,2,3!"
Jacke struck first, ready with a curse "Averte Stature!"
Tyler dodged this like he did when he faced Norman and then shouted "Flipendo!"
His faster hex hit Jacke straight on his right arm making him roll to the ground. Tyler had his wand raised to say another incantation but Jacke had his hand out and let out a jet of fire pushing Tyler back.
Tyler was shocked at how fast Jacke used his element considering he was just knocked down but quickly recovered. "Expelliarmus!" He sucked his teeth in irritation when Jacke went behind a tall rock for cover. Jacke slid to the other side of the rock and yelled "Rictusempra!" Tyler wasn't going to fall for that one and yelled "Protego!" His shield charm made the jinx bounce off his shield and hit the rock Jacke was hiding behind.
Tyler followed Jacke's example and went behind a tall rock quite a distance away. He fired another disarming spell but then quickly changed into a snake and started to slither towards Jacke's area. He noticed that Reggie and Brad's eyes were on him and knew that they knew his plan. Jacke still was throwing spells at the rock thinking that Tyler was still there.
'Now to move behind him' thought Tyler as he slithered. He moved behind Jacke still throwing curses. Then he transformed back to a human.
Jacke was trying to draw Tyler out with a few good force hexes but no reaction. 'Why isn't he fighting back?' Jacke was completely confused on why no return hex was fired at him. He had started to carefully go over to that rock when he heard a shout.
"Averte Stature!" shouted Tyler but Jacke dodged like Tyler had planned he would. Tyler had his left hand already out and had enough time to shoot out his lightning powers in an orb, which connected. Jacke felt like he had been hit with a troll's club but wouldn't give in. He pointed his wand at Tyler while being pushed by his lightning power and yelled in a coughy, squeaky voice, "Pungresperera!"
Tyler got connected and couldn't see or breathe. Jacke had him with a Pumpkinhead Hex. The lightning had faded out by now and Jacke started to run toward Tyler ignoring the pain in his stomach. He yanked Tyler's wand out of his struggling hand just as the pumpkin on his head shattered. Jacke pointed both wands at Tyler who grudgingly put his hands up in defeat.
Reggie and Brad were overwhelmed at the Gryffindor and Slytherin seekers' performance. It really was a once in a lifetime duel for the young wizards.
"Tyler, what was that shield you conjured to reflect my jinx before?" asked Jacke.
"Oh that was the shield charm. It sends back weaker spells and curses. My dad showed it to me to help defend myself. You wouldn't know it because it's a fourth year spell."
"A charm like that and I don't know it. Me, the charms expert! You've got to show that to us sometime."
"Don't worry, I will," he guaranteed with a hint of laughter.
Reggie clapped his hands at them making Jacke and Tyler bow in elegance. Brad rolled his eyes and spoke. "Hey guys, let's head back to the great hall and have a good lunch. I believe we all deserve it especially you guys unless you don't feel you can handle it," he said to Jacke noticing he was still holding his stomach.
"Don't worry, I think I can."
Then they left the cave heading for the castle.
...
End of Chapter 11
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Nightlit: I'm glad that you finally updated your story Trials of the Four. I also hope that you liked this action packed chapter.
Author Notes:
Well, there we go. Sorry I haven't updated in a long time. This chapter was hard to write. The next chapter is in the making. Chapter 12: Dueling Tournament Finals will be posted soon. The tournament of the second years continues as all of the seekers battle for becoming the winner and winning the house points.
Also, I have started using a lot of magic phrases to make the story more intoned with wizard life. Do you like the phrases like "he felt like a hex hit him" or "as mad as a redcap." I also seem to notice that my chapters are starting to get bigger. It's probably because now I'm getting into the real actional scenes now that I did a lot of the building up already with the first few chapters.
Review and tell me what you think.