Title: I'll Allow It
Characters: Hannah Abbott, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Michael Corner, Mandy Brocklehurst, Bill Weasley
Forum/Challenge: The Golden Snitch's 'Tiggerific Times' challenge / The Golden Snitch's 'Prompt of the Day' challenge / HPFC Friends Challenge
Prompts: (subject) DADA / (action/phrase) punch in the eye / Write about a competition of some sort.
World: Hogwarts AU
Word Count: 794
Other: 5 points (Mahoutokoro, House Mizu) each for Tiggerific Times and Prompt of the Day

"I want to congratulate you all on a successful year. I know OWLs are just around the corner, but I also know you lot know your stuff. Moreover, I've seen this one," Bill Weasley nodded toward Hannah Abbott, "falling asleep over her Defense textbook in the library twice. So, today's review is a practical. Everybody up!"

The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw fifth years stood, and Bill banished the desks to the far end of the classroom.

"We're going to have a little inter-house competition! I'm going to divide you up, Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. You'll be scored on how many hits you land and how many you successfully shield against. The House with the highest score at the end of class will receive 50 house points!"

At the professor's prompting, Sally-Anne Perks squared off against Terry Boot.

"We've got this bagged," Michael Corner said, just out of earshot of Professor Weasley. "Hell, I'm sure the only way Abbott could win a duel was if she smothered her opponent with hugs and biscuits." Anthony Goldstein and Mandy Brocklehurst sniggered.

Hannah's cheeks bloomed red, and she sniffled at the ridicule.

"Hey," Justin Finch-Fletchley threw his arm around the blonde witch. "Don't listen to them. You're a strong witch. Just because you prefer not to fight doesn't make you less skilled. With as much as you've been practicing, I'd put my money on you in a duel any day."

Mandy Brocklehurst rolled her eyes. "Awe, look at the 'Puff. You do know that just because you want everyone to be equal doesn't make it true, right? Some witches and wizards are just more powerful than others. It's not a big deal—someone had to be Minister for Magic, and someone has to bake the biscuits for the meetings." She sneered at Hannah.

Terry disarmed Sally-Anne with an Expelliarmus.

"Hopkins versus Li!"

Wayne Hopkins was probably the least skilled in their class, so it was no surprise when Sue Li made quick work of him.

"Goldstein versus Bones!"

"Good luck Susan!" Hannah offered her friend a small smile.

Justin grinned. "Yeah, kick his ass!" he called.

"Language, Finch-Fletchley!" Professor Weasley called, though a slight upturn of his lips indicated he wasn't too mad.

"What can you expect from a mudblood?" muttered Michael.

Hannah sucked in her breath. "You take that back, Corner."

"Even if I take it back, it doesn't make it less true." The two boys glared at each other as the duel between Anthony and Susan began. "His magic is tainted, Abbott. You're a half-blood; you should know all about tainted bloodlines."

Justin, who was already near blowing his top, surged forward, but Hannah held him back.

"He's not worth it," she whispered.

Susan bested Anthony with a Petrificus Totalus.

"Corner versus Abbott!"

Michael's grin was almost feral as he stalked toward the dueling platform.

Justin let out a heavy breath and squeezed Hannah's hand. "You got this."

She nodded and made her way to the platform.

"Don't forget the biscuits," Mandy hissed.

As soon as Professor Weasley announced "Duel!" Michael thew an Anteoculatia at Hannah. She deflected it, a little perturbed he'd send something so embarrassing.

"Locomotor Mortis!" she shouted. Michael yelped as his legs clapped together, then hissed a quick Finite and responded with a Locomotor Wibbly.

Hannah's legs collapsed, and her skirt flew up to her bum.

"Easy, Abbott," Michael called with a false smile. "Not quite the show we're supposed to be putting on."

"Corner," Professor Weasley admonished. Michael looked apologetic, though his smirk at Hannah told her that he was anything but.

She canceled the jinx and, in a rare show of power, sent a strong Flipendo Michael's way. He was pushed back almost to the end of the platform, and his eyes grew wide.

He threw a Calvario at her and smirked.

She shielded just in time. Professor Weasley had specifically said their spells must be easily treatable, and everyone knew you couldn't regrow the hair lost from a Calvario by magical means.

She would have been bald.

Before the professor could admonish Michael, Hannah brought down a battery of spells.

"That" she yelled, marching toward him and firing off another Flipendo, "is for trying to curse me bald!" She shot a third Flipendo at him, which he barely deflected. "That is for implying I'm not a good witch!"

She shouted Expelliarmus just as she reached him, grabbed his want, and punched him.

"And that," she said, shaking out her fist as Corner clutched his left eye, "is for calling my friend a mudblood."

The entire class was silent for a moment, then slowly turned to Professor Weasley.

He raised an eyebrow. "A hit. A very palpable hit." Then he shrugged. "I'll allow it. MacDougal versus Jones!"