I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely. Positively Nothing at all.
Protego. She quickly shielded against the spell as it splashed onto the shield before dispelling it sending returning fire.
"Stupefy! Confundus! Petrificus Totalus!" The 3 spell chain was quickly launched as it was diverted and shielded against easily before a ball of fire was sent her way in the half second pause.
Protego! She quickly pulled it up yelling it internally rather than a calm incantation feeling it nearly break as she took a step back trying to gain distance.
To no avail however as two stupefys back to back followed seeing a gap in defense .
Knowing it would destroy her defense then take it out she instinctively dropped to the floor before pushing herself to left sloppily incase another spell came.
Ventus! Ventus! She quickly sent the gust of wind towards her opponent then to the ground sending the dust flying up to get in their eyes.
"Ventus!" She immediately closed her eyes hearing her strategy being used against her getting up before throwing up a shield bracing herself feeling the wind push her.
"Colloshoo." She stuck herself down feeling herself slip before trying to focus sending the spells foward.
"Stupefy! Incendio!" She quickly sent them in retaliation casting a silent finite incantatem down at her feet unstucking herself.
Looking up she transfigured the wooden crate that was sent towards her at high speeds into a bird before flinching feeling the water splash onto her evidently being hidden intentionally.
"Glacio." She immediately felt her self stiffening as her eyes remained open glaring.
"It seems I've won this one ma biche" The blonde haired woman sauntered up to her daughter saying immediately casting a counter charm to unfreeze her, conjuring a blanket right after.
Sighing in relief feeling the warmness the girl immediately said " We need to go again Mama."
I'm not satisfied with that performance. It was far too subpar.
The woman shook her head at the demand" I'm afraid not Fleur. This is a bad habit you're beginning to form. Your match is next and yet you wish to tire yourself so? Please use your sense my child."
Any professional worth their salt knew you did not perform at 100% training right on the day of a big event. In fact even a child could figure it out but, clearly her own child was allowing prejudice to guide her her senses. Not that she was much different really...
As if to confirm it she vehemently shook her head saying "I do not need to be at 100% to beat such a little boy playing man mother. Please don't insult me." She looked at her gloomy.
The mere mention that she thought she needed more than a single pinky to beat such a little snot was highly humiliating.
A rich snobby prejudiced boy can beat me? Younger than me as well? Please find another joke mother.
Sighing Apolline Delacour tried to find something to say about it. It should be easy to find many reasons why she shouldn't completely tire herself but...
Sadly I must agree with her. My girl could probably run circles around 5 of that pompous little brat and still come home unscathed. She mused silently.
She had seen two of the matches he was in and knew from the first moment she did so, it was rigged. So how would he fair against someone who wasn't intimidated by his standing?
He would lose obviously. Smacking her lips realising she wouldn't be able to convince her she instead tried to change the directions of her thoughts.
"What did you think you were lacking in that duel?" She looked at her in the eyes inquiring.
Looking down feeling the towel expire, the conjuration undoing she thought about it.
Everything was textbook perfect. The spell chain, counter and spell choice. So what could be better? Blinking feeling something come up she perked.
"My spells. They need to be silent Mother?" She inquired feeling like that was the answer. She knew a lot of duelist even the best still used worded incantations as they were stronger most of the time.
Intent and will strengthened magic and the better you could shape your intent? The stronger the spell was.
So it stood to reason shouting it out loud was easily able to bring out it's full power. Or rather as much power as you could put into it anyway.
It could easily allow you to strongly identify with the name imagining the spell.
Apolline nodded " That and you need to practice waiting and reacting more. You were entirely on the attack instead of probing trying to dismantle me."
She had begun picking up some dueling to help her girl who wanted to make it big. Being a fully realized witch with experience along with some tips easily put her above her daughter who was admittedly making her struggle lately.
Fleur looked down frowning at hearing it before she tried to make a rebuttal. " But my book said we needed to stay on the offensive. It's the best defense isn't it?" She challenged her looking at her.
Thinking about it Apolline hummed. It was true that being offensive and defeating the enemy before they do so to you was the best way of winning but...
"Did it work?" She posed the simple question to her. That was the answer to it really.
"No..." Fleur looked down confused trying to figure it out before blinking.
"My offensive either wasn't strong enough or your defense was just too strong!" She exclaimed feeling the idea form.
Apolline nodded getting the same idea as she crossed her hands over her chest. "Neither offense nor defense are purely the best. It's just decided on which wizard or witch has the better skill. Can you break my defense before I find a gap or will you break my defense before I can do so."
It was simplified but she felt it made sense. It wasn't anything complicated or difficult. You just needed the skill to trump anything the enemy could throw. After that it was smooth sailing.
Still another opinion on the matter would be nice. I'd ask my husband but... He couldn't duel his way out of a shack with a open door and no one blocking him.
Nodding at the statement Fleur resolved to continue practicing her offensive onslaught and silent casting. In fact she could silent cast most spells but they weren't ready to use in a one on one battle. She doubted any her age could draw the concentration to keep it up all the time without losing power.
Good thing I don't care about being like any my age She mused arrogantly. She would just have to break the mold. It was that simple.
About to get up to force her mother into a another duel she froze before holding her wand feeling the door to the private training room open.
She thought she ought to be on guard from any little tricks considering who her opponent was. A little boy with far too much money on his hands and that was dangerous considering the kind of people you could get with a couple of galleons.
Of course she calmed down seeing it was her father coming in looking around for them before spotting them smiling.
Papa you need to exercise more. This is getting unhealthy . She thought silently looking at his form in unease. Her father was not that old to be excused from having this much weight. It was getting far too ridiculous now and she wished to say something.
But she also had no wish to hurt his feelings. She knew exactly how much he loved her and he would probably be crushed if she said so.
She remembered when she was a little girl he was still in the average weight wise if not a tad overweight but now? She didn't even want to describe it.
Hopefully if she ignored it, it may go away.
"Ah ah give me a minute." He panted taking out his wand conjuring a tissue. "Textus." He intoned aloud as it appeared before him.
Swiping it up he dabbed himself before smiling " Whew! That's quite the burn!"
Glancing at each other mother and daughter said nothing as Apolline addressed him. "Dear? Is there a reason you're here? You seemed to be in a hurry."
Nodding he looked to Fleur saying "Ma chouquette? Your match is on in the next 30 minutes. You need to get prepared soon. Don't worry I already have your things out."
Let no one say he didn't care about his daughter.
Feeling her cheeks blush she ignored the smile from her mother as she went up to her papa hugging him.
Smiling he hugged her back. She seemed to grow out of them so he'd take any he could get.
Though his eyes bulged, feeling her hold him tight, her Veela blood evident as she brought his ear to her lips?
Shaking he flinched when she said "Papa~?"
"Yes dear?" He patted her on the back trying to get her to release him.
"Do I look like a pastry puff? Please use a less embarrassing name when we are outside okay?" She tried reasoning with him. It was far too embarrassing to be called that now that she was grown!
Shaking his head in negative he smiled" Unfortunately not sweety. You'll alway be that little girl who wets her bed to me."
He knew she was becoming a woman and he accepted that but he refused to let go of the name. She could move out, get a boyfriend, and a job if she wanted. However he'd keep his pleasures to himself.
"Ugh!" Fleur stomped out complaining in her native tongue about "Overbearing fathers" and the like.
Finally letting the giggle loose Apolline walked up to him kissing him on the cheek.
"Never a dull moment around you two huh?"
"I'd hope not! Wouldn't want you leaving me for some strapping young lad!"
Looking him up and down lewdly she immediately responded " You don't have to worry about that. I like my men...plus sized" She tip toed whispering into his ear.
Feeling the shiver the man glared at her beinging her to him "You don't want this woman." Better don't tempt him.
Rolling her eyes she said nothing feeling the hand land on her posterior. However she frowned remembering something as she spoke to him again.
"Alan? That child our daughter is dueling next?" She trailed off worried. She knew the power that family had and even if they had no power in this country. Or the fact they weren't totally... functional right now she was still deeply worried.
Alan stopped groping looking at her deeply insulted. "Woman who do you think I am? The minute I knew who my daughter was against I already made precautions. The semi finals and finals will be broadcasted to the entire of Magical Europe! I was able to talk them into getting the best referee available to prevent any bribing!"
"I've brought security from my own office to oversee the events aswell! The judges too are now being watched to make sure there is no foul play! And another thin-" He was cutt of by a rather fierce kiss by the woman turned on by her man throwing around his weight. Figuratively.
Cutting back to the teenage Veela she now just entered her room closing the door before sticking the ambusher to the wall.
"That didn't work the seventh time Gabrielle. Why would it work now?" She was deeply amused seeing her sister struggle on the wall like a fly.
"Blah! You'll let your guard down one day! And I will be there to take you down!" She immediately shouted back at her dreaded rival.
Rolling her eyes Fleur looked to her bed toning her out intentionally.
She couldn't help but swallow however seieng the robes.
These are definitely top of the line! Where did papa get these?!
Intricate patterns of swirling wisps embroidered along the hem and cuffs. The embroidery was in a slightly darker shade of silver thread, creating a subtle contrast against backdrop of the robes.
The light blue robes also had subtle accents of shimmering silver runes, representing protective charms no doubt already checked by rules and regulations. The symbols were scattered sporadically across the fabric, adding an air of mystique and enchantment to the overall design.
At the neckline, was a subtle embellishment of a single crystal, catching the light and casting tiny prisms of color with every movement.
Gulping she looked at the holster knowing it was for sure made out of dragon hide.
Sweating she idly released Gabi before taking the dueling robes to quickly dress going inside the bath room.
Coming out she looked down at herself for the tenth time wondering if it was to much before looking at Gabrielle about to ask. She stopped though smilling seing her stunned at the robes.
Smirking a rather nasty one she immediately walked out of the room with a sway to her hipps feeling very delicious right now.
I need to thank papa! This is amazing!
"Papa! Thank you!" She hugged him after reaching the room again hugging the stuffing out of him not noticing both him and her mother fixing themselves.
Smiling he hugged her back "No problem-" He was bonked on the head by his wife who immediately butted in.
"You're nothing more than a bussboy. Who was it really that got her those robes?!"
"Ahaha. Fleur dear? Actually your mother-"
"Thank you Mama!"
"Tsk willy kids." He grunted as he kicked the ground seeing how quick she changed up on him.
Rolling her eyes Apolline said "Let's get you to your free win baby. Don't want that little kid to win on principle right?" The rules were very strict and if you missed the 2 minute grace period they would move on without you.
Not that she was complaining. She was all for it actually.
Smilling Fleur nodded strongly puffing her chest out as she carried them the way.
"Dear can you get Gabrielle? I'll accompany Fleur there." She said to Alen glancing at the guards she recognized with a smile.
Nodding he immediately broke off casting a tempus idly seeing 10 more minutes were left.
Hurrying to the competitor spectator room their eyes immediately found the enchanted glass projecting the ongoing battle. In red writing was Semi Finals Match 1 Penelope Clearwater vs Chun Li.
Stiff competition Was Fleur's immediate thought seeing the back and forth use of elements Clearwater clearly favoring using the ground and Chun Li fire.
"You have your work cut out for you, Fleur." She pursed her lips to stop the smile seeing the massive gleam in her daughter's eyes.
She no doubt relished the challenge she was about to face. Her daughter was not one to shy away from hardship she knew that.
Wish it didn't take what it did for it though She smiled sadly. It was not a good trade off to her but what was done, was done.
"It seems like Clearwater is trying a different tactic? What's this?! The ground consistency is changing! It's becoming a-a quagmire?! Unbelievable folks! It would seem Clearwater has worked on her talent for transfiguration!" The infamous Ludovic Bagman was easily recognizable by any who owned a wizarding radio.
Fleur watching in rapt attention saw 'Clearwater' flicking her wand up with deep difficulty as the quagmire immediately spread through the arena before she rested it back down panting.
That would usually be a quick K.O for her but her opponent clearly had different concerns as she tried to find a steady grip before slipping down.
However even in that position she tried slinging spells at Clearwater but not a single one found their mark.
She watched as Clearwater navigated the quagmire easily evidently having already practiced.
Standing a bit away she took aim before headshotting Chun Li smack down in the middle of her forehead, double tapping to make sure.
"And we have our winerrrrrr! Miss Penelope Clearwater will be going on to the finals of Europe's Under 20 tournament!!!" He screamed as the arena shook by the frenzied crowd who saw the feat the girl made.
Wiping her sweat Fleur watched as the clean up crew came before she looked away feeling her father come up behind with Gabrielle.
"Don't worry dear. You go out there and give your 100% A game!" He encouraged her completely ignoring that she had another match before it.
It was a foregone conclusion so why did he need to consider it?
"Yeah my rival can't lose to some muddy witch!" Gabrielle said completely oblivious to what her words hinted at.
Already feeling the horified stares Alan kneeled downing sweating tell her exactly why she should not say that.
Breathing in and out Fleur calmed herself. She couldn't allow her opponent to get into her head before they even fought. She would have already lost by then.
I'm better than this. Even if I lose there is no shame in losing to someone so skilled! However If I lose to my own mind I might as well quit this now!
Clenching her fist she nearly jumped at the next announcement "Now it is time for the final matches of the day! From the left side comes a girl with a fiery personality! She has won third and second place respectively from her last two participations! Perhaps she's going for the gold now?! Please give it up for Fleur Decalour!"
Eyes widening not knowing they would be so soon she quickly left giving her family a quick wave before slowing down waving in front of the thundering crowd as she sighed knowing exactly which side of the population was doing so.
Glancing up she smiled prettily seeing her face on the large enchanted screen above the arena.
That was what truly sent them in a tizzy. She could feel the vibration in the crowd and she did not care to make out the words they were saying.
As they quited down she heard the announcer introduce her victim.
"And how can we forget to introduce her opponent! A true dark horse in the tournament. Defeating every opponent swiftly without remorse! The prodigal heir of the Malfoy house, Draco Malfoy!"
How humiliating. As expected however. She twirled her wand with a very smug smile at the middling and rather sub par applause that echoed out.
It always delighted her to see snobby men be put in there place and she was getting excited at the thought of humiliating him publicly.
Even across the pond she heard snippets of how horrible the Malfoys were. Then what did that mean? They were far worse than she could imagine.
Just look at those features! A face born for punching! greenish grey eyes, white blonde hair with black roots, and what a ugly face...?!
She nearly recoiled on principle seeing the horrific blend of features. As if someone took the worst features of two people and carefully put them together to make the worst product.
If she didn't know they already extensively checked for glamor charms and polyjuice she'd think he was deliberately doing this.
Of course while the girl was exaggerating due to her own prejudice she wasn't too far off the mark.
Atleast he can dress well. No doubt spent tons of money for it. She glanced at the pitch black robes seeing the tell-tale signs of acromantula silk.
"It's about to be a royal rumble folks! 2 prodigies of proud magical lines are about to face themselves in battle!"
Stepping up to each other with Fleur carefully not looking him in the face, both looked at the referee.
"To display sportsmanship and make sure there are no hard feelings afterwards please shake on it." He gestured to them both. This wasn't some duel to the death. Hopefully they would all meet each again in life.
Looking at him like he was insane, she couldn't stop the words if she wanted too. She most certainly did not want so either.
"La folie! Are you insane? I'm not touching that!" She gestured with her head to the boy who slowly put his arm down.
Pursing his lips at her and even further at the immature crowd cackling at the smack talk he was about to scold her before being stopped with a cough.
He glanced at the boy who shock his head in negative clearly not seeing a need to, so he simply sighed and wondered when people would think for themselves.
Ignoring the girl he said "Head or tails?"
"Head." The little boy answered quietly keeping his eyes on the girl.
Wrong girl to have a crush on kid. He thought sympathetically mistaking the look.
Nodding the referee turned to the judge boxes as all 3 summoned massive enchanted coin to themselves.
"1, 2, 3, go!" The first judge counted as they sent them into the air as they slowed down the crowd watching in anticipation.
"Head! Tails! Head! It would seem Mr. Malfoy has won the toss!"
"Draco Malfoy has won the coin toss and will now choose the type of battle they shall engage in!" He shouted to the crowd who cheered in response having seen it zoomed in on the screen.
"Kid? How do you wish to do battle." Fleur heard the referee gently asking as she frowned deeply wondering why such a respected person like Gordon Ramsay would treat a little shit so well.
"Point match Sir." He said quietly looking at him nodding again seeing the look on his face.
Sighing he was about to announce the match type before being interrupted.
"It would seem The Malfoy heir is confident in his victory! Unlike knockout matches where it's one and done, he has to tag the witch atleast 4 times to move on! Is it confidence or arrogance-"
"Oi! Shut the fuck up!" The referee immediately shouted scaring both girl and boy overpowering the anouncer as he went quiet. No one fucked with Ramsey.
Nodding at the quiet the referee began turning around as he informed them.
"Then the designated matches will be point based on a 7 point scale. The first to reach 4 points will be declared the winner. Incase of a tie due to a draw another match will be fought to decide the winner."
"I want no funny buisness here. Dueling regulated spells only! No curses, charms, jinxes, transfigurations or the like with deadly intent! You should already know so I won't go over it!"
Looking at both to make sure they understood he nodded. "Now wands out and to the side! Take 3 steps foward!"
Fleur did so getting a unhealthy amount of his face in her vicinity. Please hurry! I can't take it any longer!
Listening to him say " Pivot 180 degrees!" She did so gladly.
"10 paces foward...and stop!" He commanded getting their bodies to do so.
"The second you hear the explosion go off you are to engage your opponent! Now get ready!"
Calmy listenting to him count she took a deep breath getting rid of the performance anxiety. It always came when she needed to perform infront of a crowd.
She tightened her grip upon her wand relaxing ready to react to anything. Her stance shifted lower to give her better grip to spin around and stun him.
She closed her eyes before opening them as she counted down with the Referee.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and! She strained her leg muscles waiting for the explosion.
"BOOOM!" immediately swinging into place she quickly sent the furious spell chain.
"Stupefy! Confundus! Petrificus Totalus!" However her eyes were filled with deep and utter panic seeing the red beam of magic already zooming straight at her chest! She hadn't even heard the tell-tale wizzing of a disarming charm!
Already knowing she could not raise a shield charm she felt the wand ripped out of her hand before landing securely into his as he stood on his tip toes like a child.
Pale she was silent along with the crowd just starring.
"What a resounding victory! The Malfoy heir has gone past expectations and easily triumphed over Decalour with a simple disarming charm! Astonishing!" He got up feeling hot at it signaling the crowd to applause as well.
Good job kid!!! "Point to Malfoy! Decalour retrieve your wand!"
Looking at him she looked over at the bra- no Malfoy realising he wanted her to do the walk of shame.
It was a unique way to disrespect your opponents walking over to pick up your wand before they dropped claiming to have made a mistake.
Feeling her heart pound she could feel the stares on her as her body shook as it refused to go any further. She refused to humilate herself.
Looking down she glanced up with wide eyes seeing the wand offered to her.
Looking at the sheepish eyes she blinked and hestitantly took the wand deeply confused but still grateful to avoid the shame.
"Don't take it too hard. Just try harder." He told her his voice nearly silent.
Looking at him she said nothing simply clenching the wand harder before being ordered to go back to the center.
Taking 3 steps foward looking at his encouraging eyes she wondered if he was mocking her.
He has to be. No boy with such a reputation can be so kind right? Infact no boy period can be so around me! I'm sure he's trying to lure me in so he can cop a feel or the like! She tried rationalizing her heart beat calming as she pivoted and took 10 steps foward.
And that win was a fluke. I was underestimating him at first admittedly but he is skilled. I will do so no longer! She stood in place sternly waiting for the countdown.
"5!"
His draw speed is much faster than mine so I need to maneuver away quickly.
"4!"
On top of that he can cast silently and powerfully at that age! I need to shake him up. She thought remembering how harshly her wand flew out and she was clutching it hard!
"3! 2!"
No more thoughts now just action. She took a deep breath slipping her game face on.
"1!"
She relaxed completely waiting for it...
"BOOM!"
Ventus! She immediately flung herself away not even trying to challege his speed.
Throwing up her shield to defend against the following disarming charm she flung a bombarda near him sucking in a startled breath when it was batted away impacting the dueling wards.
Shield breaker! She recognized immediately dropping her shield letting it splash harmlessly against her as she used the split second to cast her chain "Stupefy! Confundus! Petrificus Totalus!"
Dammit. She immediately thought seeing him side step easily predicting them before attacking sending a wide array of jinxes and charms only half of which she recognized.
And those she did recognized?
I can't get hit with any! She immediately pushed herself away again with a windy charm a bit shook at how a kid could cast so many different game ending spells so quickly!
It's like he's a encyclopedia- She tried sending herself away again sending a single spell towards him in return before feeling something catch her leg.
"Point to Malfoy!" Was what she heard immediately looking up in confusion.
"An astounding play by Mr. Malfoy! Goodness did you all see the speed of those charms?! And the masterful toying of his opponent! He led her right into his trap! Ladies and Gentlemen it's like a modern day Flitwick!" He immediately felt his blood boiling watching. It was different from this view seeing exactly how he did it!
I'm not out yet! She thought frantically denying, realizing it was a steel chain as she began following it's path. Seeing it make an entire circle out of her sight before she gazed upon the origin.
Ah. She was her first thought seeing the electric wand tip a hair breath away from tapping the metal chain.
That would have been quite humiliating. She thought sadly already seeing the outcome of such a combination.
He also silenced it, and used a disillusionment charm no doubt. Yet I was none the wiser.
Twisting her face at another loss she dispelled the animation on the snake like chain shaking it off.
"Back to your places!" Ramsey said glancing at them both.
I do not need your sympathy little boy. She responded despondently in her head ignoring the look he sent her as she went back. Who did he think he was sending her such compassionate eyes? She was not his his friend nor lover.
Placing her wand to the side she walked three steps foward looking at him. No. Really looking at him now, her tinted lenses a bit less so.
I suppose such a face does have some redeeming features... She did not find him suddenly handsome. However she could admit some features were not as bad as she made though it still was burried under that...face.
Is he cursed? Is that why is he like this? She began taking 10 steps after a pivot before shaking the thought off.
She could wonder about the amalgam of a face later. Now she needed to try salvage this match.
"5! 4! 3!"
Think outside the box. Like he did. I can't allow myself to be confined. Being stagnant is death!
"2!"
She drowned out the cheers. Listening to her to her breathing. She tried syncing it with counting squeezing her wand tight before loosing the grip.
"1!"
Here it comes!
"BOOM!"
"Avis! Incendio! Depulso!" She first immediately took off running around the stationary boy as his disarming charm was blocked by the birds before they were dispelled with a counter charm, the fire ball she sent doused with water and the depulso redirected.
Anticipating it she already conjured atleast 50 bees sending them his way from different sides as she quickly closed the distance.
Throwing up a shield in time she was luckily able to block the powerful "fulgur catenam" the lightning chain spell as it destroyed her bees utterly splashing against her shield.
I need to time this just right! She thought seeing him lay his hands down like a conductor as he glanced at her position.
Drawing on her natural talent for flames she wandlessy sent fire balls in his direction madly as she covered up the movement of her wand.
A little more! Just a bit more! Now! She thought sweating as he finally broke her offense!
"Point Decalour!?" Ramsey immediately shouted stopping the match to the hype of the crowd.
"My word... was that? Wandless magic and spell casting remotely?! It would seem Decalour has made a niche art into a combat tactic, tagging Malfoy with a underpowered stupefy!" The man quickly gave the amazed crowd a run down. The "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" resounding deeply at the play.
Unable to keep the smile off her face at the victory no matter how small she couldn't stop the giggle if she tried. Especially seeing the astonished face plastered onto the boy!
After being beaten twice by that stoic, unchanging face she absolutely could not help gloating a bit.
"Good job, that was a amazing play! Where did you learn it and why did you practice it?!" He immediately accosted her, handing her wand back evidently baffled according to the look on his face.
She looked at her nails, feeling deeply vindicated at the attention.
"Ah you know. I saw the potential in it when I was browsing the libary at school so~" She shrugged cooly, easily lying to make herself look better.
She hadn't lied really if you looked at it. She had seen it's potential. She also did find it in the libary. However it certainly wasn't for dueling of all things!
Gabrielle is always able to avoid me in the house due to her small size, so I needed something to catch the little gremlin and voila. She mused silenty. No need to tell him that when he was admiring her that would be far too embarrassing.
"Maybe you can teach me sometime?"
"Me, teach you? Dont make me laugh." She reflexively responded before catching herself. About to open her mouth she froze looking around realising they were being watched as she was unable to utter the apology shutting her trap with a *clack"
I..uhhh She looked around awkwardly seeing the bland smile replace the curiosity as he walked back to the center. Following him she swallowed and wondered why it was so hard to say sorry.
Taking three steps foward she avoided looking him in the eyes as they both pivoted.
I can do it later! I just need to win this match first. He's almost at game point!
Ten steps later she was awaiting the signal. She had calmed down quite a bit feeling much better with the win. It actually felt doable now!
"BOOM!" She immediately threw herself to the side with a ventus, already knowing how he started his duels as she twisted sending spells.
Sadly for her, she wasn't the only one learning as she took a stupefy to the cranium having been predicted to the very last detail practically throwing herself it.
Gasping as she got up she looked around seeing the referee before her wand out, then looking to her opponent not paying any more attention to her.
"-floy is truly a suprising one! If I knew it I would have bet on him!"
Grasping for her wand blindly knowing it was the final point she heard Ramsey asking "Do you wish to use your 1 time out or will you continue?"
Glancing at him she had forgotten she even had it as she hestiated looking towards the Malfoy before nodding slowly.
"You both have 3 minutes from now." He told her sending his wand up as red sparks flew signaling the time out.
Quickly running out ignoring the disconted mumbles from the crowd she heard a bit of conversation at the back her "You aren't going to see your family?"
Looking around she quickly found her family where she left them. As she stopped looking down holding her wand.
Feeling the 2 hugs she snifled a bit but otherwise kept composure. "He was not what we predicted huh?" She heard her mother say.
Looking up she was sure her face told her that was the understatement of the century.
Smiling in amusement Alan sighed looking at the enchanted screen. They could still see him from here laying down on a towel looking up.
"My dear? I really don't know what to say. To say this was unexpected is..." He sighed out looking to her. Never in 100 years would he imagine such a outcome.
"Do your best Fleur. That is all we as a family can want from you!" He told her for a lack of better words. There was nothing else for him to say.
Shaking her head smiling, she knew he didn't unrealistically think she could win as she was now and was glad he didn't put the expectation on her even if it hurt.
Only when you could approach your problem with logic and reasoning and not 100% emotions could progress be made.
Realising she didn't get everyone's input she glanced down at bite sized saying "What's your diagnosis doctor?"
Gabrielle thinking for a bit formed her arms imitating a bird.
Looking at her confused for a second she got what she was saying before sighing "No Gabrielle. "
That was the completely last thing she wanted. Even if it would give her a edge.
Shrugging the little girl let her know she had nothing else.
Running a hand down her face she saw the sparks getting smaller on the screen and she knew it meant her time was dwindling. So looking back like she was going to a execution she waved at them before walking back out.
Well if I'm going down might as well do so with my head held high. She thought looking at her powerful opponent getting up dusting himself off with a spell.
Bitting her lips she said nothing as she neared nodding to the referee.
Getting her answer he looked towards the next kid who mirrored her.
"Get into position and 3 steps foward!"
Doing so Fleur took out her wand in resignation. She looked down at the shorter boy "Sorry for what I said before."
There was no need to be prickly or angry at someone she only heard gossip of. Now that she thought on it she could only cringe deeply. Yes was being quite the bitch.
Blinking he looked at her before smiling indifferently. "All is well. Don't think too hard about it."
So you mean I'm not forgiven huh? Understandable. She thought sadly. She could recognize that passive aggressiveness anywhere really. She lived it afterall.
Pivoting she did not pursue the matter as she took 10 steps away. She wouldn't want someone to push a apology onto her so she wouldn't do so to him.
"5!"
Now how to aproach this match? He already has me pegged so I need to be different.
"4! 3!"
He's the strongest person I've faced yet including Mama no doubt, so let's just try our best! She finished thinking looking down at her wand with a smile.
"2! 1!"
"BOOM!"
Protego! "Bombarda Maxima!" She shielded herself from behind as she spun destroying the ground in a massive explosion.
Sending rapid fire jinxes one of which being "Oppugno!" She stabbed her wand at him sending the rubble towards him at high speeds.
Breathing in she slowly walked around him trying to find a chink as she shielded against the rubble sent back at her easily.
Using it she banished them back towards him "Depulso! Incendio! Protego! " She repaired her cracked shield before taking a breath sending more spells feeling the toll take on her.
Stupefy. She side stepped the spell imitating his earlier feat before sending her own back, shielding against another feeling the weight behind the spell before it dispersed.
"Incendio!" She bellowed shaping it massively letting the flames lick a bit on her as she sent the torrent of heat towards him.
"Ventus." She heard the calm mutter as the fire was scattered.
Aguamenti She realised the wand motions faintly as her own crackled immediately.
Feeling a life line thrown to her she immediately began the motions for the spell as she belatedly realized her mistake.
I was baited! Was her first thought with wide eyes as she tried transitioning into another spell to survive the oncoming event.
"Fulmen!" She screamed out changing from using a simple fast bolt of lightning to catch him off guard to a powerful one feeling the drain as she directed it to the massive wall of earth thrown at her.
Quickly twisting her wand banishing the debree she coughed at the dust looking around trying to get it out of her eye as she pulled up a shield sloppily unable to focus.
"Stupefy! " She quickly flicked her wrist towards the sound she heard before immediately being taken out in the half of second it took her to recover from the cast, her shield being broken through with little resistance.
"Mmm" She opened her eyes blearily looking around recognizing the white walls and curtain as a infirmary before seeing her mother peeling oranges.
"Mama?" She called out to her faintly. She needed to know something important.
"Ah my dear! You're all right. That's good. The doctor said so but-"
"Enough Mama! Are the matches still on?!" She needed to see the conclusion with her own two eyes. The person who beat her had to be number 1 afterall!
There was no other option.
Rolling her eyes Apolline pulled out her wand tapping the mirror as she idly told Fleur. " You had a visitor. " Gesturing to the card on her lap.
Looking down she was confused at it. None of her friends were here so why?
Opening it she looked at the get well soon card before turning her attention to the chicken scratch turning it trying to figure out what it said.
Hope you get better Harr- Draco Malfoy. She looked at the scratched out part confused for a second before looking at the name blinking as a smile formed reluctantly.
Apolline glanced at her daughter already seeing who brought it. She said nothing however as clearly no one had the full picture from the Malfoy family.
This incident served as a reminder that being prejudice wasn't exclusively claimed by one person.
Both ladies' heads immediately swiveled to the screen, looking with rapt attention sensing movement.
"From the left corner comes last year's reigning champion! Sweeping through her opponents with her skilled earth manipulation she is not to be messed with. Please welcome Penelope Clearwater!" Bagman announced her with a flourish letting the crowd do there work.
She's really confident...why? Nothing I've seen can even give her a chance against him... Fleur was deeply confused but said nothing seeing the sauntering. She imagined she looked just like that before disaster hit.
Perhaps she needed a reality check as well? It seemed everyone need a bit of it these days.
"And her challenger! The now black haired menace! He came with none the wiser and completely uprooted our understanding of House Malfoy! Please give it up for Draco Abraxas Malfoyyyyy!" He introduced him the crowds reaction much more lively than it was the last time he came.
Fleur looked at him as he walked in the stadiums his same calm gait but she frowned seeing the intense look on his face.
Now that is suprising! He never once looked like that in our duel?! Was I too weak to draw it out? She held the sheets between her fingers squeezing it.
That one definitely hurt and here she was holding onto the fact she even got a single match off him.
Looking down she smiled however looking at the card again before looking up at the screen. However she grit her teeth in embarrassment at what happened next.
"To display sportsmanship and leave with no hurt feelings please shake on it. "
And shake they did without hesitation, leaving Fleur to stew in her childishness.
"There will be a single round match. Once the opponent is knocked out, surrenders or I say so you are to stop immediately or be disqualified do you hear me?" Ramsay glanced at both smilling at the nods as the girl went back to glaring and the both looking at her.
"You know the drill. Standard rules. Now get into position!"
Watching as they did so Fleur bit her lips feeling the weird atmosphere from the screen.
"Are we missing something Mama?" She asked her quickly wanting to know if she had any clue or heard anything while she was out.
Sadly she shook her head." No idea unfortunately but there's definitely something going on. That's for sure." She knew that as a fact. Anyone could see the tension in the air.
"3 steps foward wands to your side!" He odered causing the crowd's breath to hasten as they saw the finalist aproach each other.
"Pivot 180 degrees and take 10 steps foward! On the signal you are to engage your opponent!"
Fleur gulped seeing it feeling the stiffness in the air, her breathing uneven. She was completely caught up in the events and she would be enchanted by what happened next.
"5!" She felt her knees shaking in anticipation as she watched.
"4!" Chills ran down her hand seeing the ramrod straight back of the Malfoy heir.
"3!" The temperature in the room rised accordingly to her emotions getting her mother to look at her in concern.
"2!" She strained her eyes knowing. Just knowing if she blinked she'd miss something incredible.
"1!" She took in a deep breath to keep her eyes peeled as her concentration strained to the max.
...
"BOOOM!"
It was like a flash of lightning. No warning, fast, loud and deadly!
One split second the Malfoy heir had his back turned the very next everything changed and Fleur caught it all without blinking.
Twisting his body as cracks resonated his wand glowed a intese white aura at the tip as his voice echoed throughout the entire stadium via enchanted glass.
"Expecto Patronum!"
In quick succession many things happened.
A radiant guardian aglow with silver light took place absorbing the spells directed to it's charge as it took form of a brillant stag.
Blowing out a gust of silver flame like fumes, it narrowed in on the girl with its eyes before taking a monstrous pace, shaking the flooring with each gallop reaching her in but a second.
The girl Penelope simply dropped to her knees, mind blank looking up at her death.
Everyone frozen could only watch as she was about to be trampled to death or rather squashed until the beast of epic proportions turned into a fine mist dissipating.
They could only watch the boy blankly their minds not comprehending, not caring about the girl who passed out.
"W-was t-that a??" Bagman stuttered out .
"A corporeal Patronus...Magnifique." Her eyes became unfocused, not seeing or perhaps deliberately ignoring his hurried breaths or his pale appearance.