Witches, Wizards, Muggles,

So I wrote this one pretty quickly. It was fun for me to write. I might go back and make it a little more in-depth... but for now I like it how it is. From here on I want to develop more of their relationship... because I'm greedy for it! Sorry for the shortness of this one... I will be posting the next chapter soon. Let me know what you think and what ideas you have for plot twists or certain things you would like to see happen.

Love,

SweetSlytherinPrincess

Locomotive

Chapter V

Words could not have described the anticipation and excitement that washed over the frizzy haired witch as she entered a room that opened up into a long dueling arena. From the sounds of it, her classmates had a similar feeling, being that there was a mass pushing and shoving to get closer. Their excited voices blending together into an unrecognizable noise that made it hard to think. Most of these students were younger than her, being that she was repeating a year, and she doubted many had had the same experiences as she had. Hermione felt confident.

"Here, here." A small yet powerful voice echoed throughout the long room as a small woman took post upon the dueling platforms. Her small frame ethereal and fairy-like.

"Hush up now." She laughed, her blonde hair twisting into intricate braids around the crown of her head before cascading down her back. Her blue eyes sparkled with amusement.

"For those of you that are unaware, I am Professor Stellamordis. Your new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to work with you fine young pupils, as I suspect you won't disappoint." Her voice was melodic, yet firm, and she stood with refined posture.

"Now, today I am going to be assessing some of your basic skills. This is in fact an advanced class. So I would like to assume you all have had enough time to refine your attacks, counter spells, charms and the like. Obviously, this is a dueling arena. Which means today you shall all be dueling." A hush fell over the classroom, and Stellamordis' grin widened devilishly.

"Don't worry. So long as everyone stays in one piece, anything goes. I simply want to see what skills you all possess. Now, who is up first?" She cooed as her eyes scanned their faces, all of which stared blankly up at her, unsure of what was to come.

"Anyone?" She demanded, her tone hardening. She folded her arms, looking down her nose. "You, Malfoy. You'll be up first then." She pointed him out and then searched for his opponent.

"Hmm, hmm hmm. I fancy we make this a bit of a tournament eh? Last one standing?" She guffawed aloud. "Well, last one armed I should say." She giggled, almost as though she enjoyed it all.

"Malfoy and…. You." She pointed at a frail, mousey looking boy. "Come up then, let's get started."

Malfoy of course had no real issue with being thrown up on the dueling platforms. He considered himself skilled in the area, especially compared to some of the greenhorns that filled the room. He strode to his station, and there was a nervous quiet in the room.

"That's not fair!" A voice rang from the back of the room. "Malfoy is a monster! He shouldn't be allowed!" There was a quiet, yet audible noise of confirmation. Stellamordis turned red at this.

"Hush up all of you!" She bellowed. "Get up her boy," She motioned to the boy she had chosen as his opponent. "I won't tolerate such ignorance. Begin!"

Hermione watched with a nervous twitch. Malfoy was indeed a skilled wizard. Though she doubted Malfoy had any intention of malicious play. But still, the young boy facing him seems out of his wits while Malfoys stood there – dark, calm, cool…. Collected.

It wasn't long before the first spell was cast. At first Malfoys opponents were disarmed with ease. He flew through student after student with little difficulty, and it was becoming more of a task than he had imagined. Stellamordis grew more and more furious with each one who was so easily defeated. It took time for the class to collectively gain morale and soon more put up a fight. Hermione however wanted nothing to do with the matter, and quietly kept sneaking further back into the line in hopes of not having to get up there and face him. Not because she felt she couldn't take him, but she couldn't be positive she would be able to look him in the face.

"Oh bloody hell! Come on now!" Stellamordis' hair had become frazzled and she shouted up at Malfoys opponents, offering them advice. With a huff she glanced around at the pickings.

"Granger. You…. You are a returned from last year. Famous practically. Get up there and let's see it." She grasped Hermione's small wrist and practically led her up the stairs. Hermione resisted with all she had but before she knew it, she was standing on the platform, facing the man she desperately wanted to escape.

"Granger." Malfoy smirked, his breath still even, despite the amount of dueling he had already done. He nodded his head at her before raising his wand into position. Hermione followed suit. She may have not wanted anything to do with this, but she would not be made a fool.

"Begin!" Stellamordis cried with excitement.

Almost instantly there were bright flashes, followed by shouts and cries from the onlookers. Suddenly the room was alive, dynamic, and exciting. Cheers began to bellow up, and the two upon the platform danced a dangerous dance of spells.

It continued, both of them heaving and glaring at each other with each spell cast. Malfoy seemed disheveled, and Hermione's hair more of a mess than usual. They were tried. They moved closer to each other, their spells slowly becoming less powerful as they worked to stay standing.

"Tired already Granger?" Malfoy spat, bruises forming where he had hit the ground. Her own face mirrored his, and she scoffed – wiping sweat from her face.

"I'm surprised you haven't run to daddy yet." She shot back at him. In that instant they both raised their wands and cast a powerful attack, causing them to shoot backwards, landing far away and on their backs. Their wands having flew out of their hands.

The audience grew quiet as Stellamordis stepped up onto the platform. Clearly, and disturbingly pleased.

"Well that was a duel!" She clapped excitedly. "Now… someone volunteer to help these two down to Madame Pomfrey. They are going to need it."