A duel
"Alright gather around, gather around." Lockhart called out, smiling toothily as he watched the students assemble around the stage. There was the usual shoving and pushing, until everyone finally found a comfortable spot.
"I wish for two students to demonstrate their dueling skills up here before we begin our daily routine and divide ourselves into pairs. Now… who shall I ask?" Lockhart flipped his hair as he scanned the crowd. Everyone held their breath, not wanting to be chosen, as they preferred to avoid humiliation. Lockhart's eyes landed on the Golden Trio, and his grin stretched.
"Why don't we get our little Gryffindor Princess up here? I hear you have great skills. Of course, not as good as mine but acceptable all the same." He nodded encouragingly as Hermione climbed onto the stage, her face set in a determined scowl.
"And… ah what would be better than inviting our Slytherin Prince to face our lioness?" Lockhart beamed at a slightly pale faced Draco. Ignoring the gasps and cheering from the Gryffindor side of the room, Draco made his way up the stage as well.
"Remember, no dangerous curses! You may begin." Lockhart stood far back, his hand constantly flicking his locks of hair.
Draco and Hermione raised their wands and bowed, eyes steadily fixed on their opponent.
"Ready, Granger?" Draco smirked and a look of smugness flashed through the Gryffindor's face.
They turned in opposite directions and walked three steps, then turned and faced each other again, their expression that of utter determination.
"Incarcarous!" Hermione whispered and thick ropes erupted from her wand tip, shooting towards Draco.
Draco yelled "Stupefy!" at the same time as her, their spells meeting in between which caused a huge explosion that shook the Great Hall slightly.
"Obscuro!"
"Rictusempra!"
"Locomotor Mortis!"
"Protego!"
The fight went on for what seems like forever when Lockhart finally stepped in and put a stop to it.
"It's a tie!" The professor beamed and made them shake hands.
As their hands meet, a spark went off between them and Draco gave her a sincere smile to which she returned. Who knows what else this could lead to?