Sparks and Spellfire
Astoria stepped into the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the scent of old parchment and polished wood filling the air.
Professor Hecat stood at the front, her sharp eyes scanning the room as students filtered in. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, illuminating the duelling platform in the centre. It was a familiar sight—one that always sent a thrill through Astoria's veins.
Sebastian, already seated at his usual spot, sent her a lazy smirk as she approached. "Try not to accidentally set anything—or anyone—on fire today."
Astoria rolled her eyes, dropping her bag onto the desk beside his. "That's rich coming from you, Sallow."
Before he could retort, Professor Hecat cleared her throat, commanding the class's attention. "Today, we will focus on advanced duelling techniques—precision, strategy, and endurance. A duel is not won by sheer force, but by intellect."
Her gaze swept over the room before she clapped her hands together. "Pair up!"
Astoria turned instinctively to Natty, but before they could move, Professor Hecat spoke again. "Blackwood. Sallow."
A slow grin spread across Sebastian's face. "Looks like we're up, partner."
Astoria sighed, but there was no missing the glint of excitement in her eyes. The class murmured as the two made their way to the duelling platform. By now, it was almost tradition—whenever Astoria and Sebastian duelled, it was always a spectacle.
They faced each other, wands at the ready. "As usual, I want a clean duel." Hecat gave them a single nod. "Begin."
Sebastian struck first, his wand slicing through the air as he sent a Flipendo charm her way. Astoria dodged effortlessly, countering with Expelliarmus, which Sebastian deflected with a well-timed Protego. The class watched in rapt attention, whispering among themselves.
"They always do this," Imelda muttered to Garreth. "Like some sort of choreographed dance."
The duel escalated. Astoria launched Confringo, forcing Sebastian to dodge sideways. He countered with Depulso, sending her skidding back, but she twisted her wand sharply, redirecting her momentum into an offensive lunge.
Their movements grew faster, more intense, neither willing to yield. Every strike was met with a counter, every feint answered with a calculated dodge. Sebastian's smirk had faded now, replaced with something fiercer—something more focused.
Astoria met his gaze, her breath quickened but steady, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them.
Sebastian's wand sparked as he fired Bombarda, but at the last second, Astoria countered with a perfectly timed Protego, sending a shockwave through the room. The force of the spells clashing sent both of them staggering, the energy crackling between them.
"Enough!" Hecat's voice rang through the air, sharp as a whip.
The room stilled. Astoria and Sebastian stood facing each other, their chests rising and falling, their wands still raised. A beat passed before they both slowly lowered them.
The silence was thick—until someone let out a low whistle and the chatter started.
"They're still undefeated against each other," someone murmured.
"It's like they weren't even thinking. Just—moving."
Sebastian exhaled, his grip tightening on his wand for just a moment before he flicked his gaze to Astoria. Something was different. He had always known she was skilled, but this—this was something else entirely. He had felt it in the way their magic clashed, in the heat of the moment, in the way his pulse had kicked up a notch when her eyes locked onto his with that stubborn determination.
She was breathtaking. And it was starting to drive him mad.
Astoria arched a brow at him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Speechless, Sallow? That's a first."
Sebastian huffed a laugh, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off whatever had settled in his chest. "I'll get you next time, Blackwood."
"Keep telling yourself that."
Professor Hecat, arms crossed, gave them both a pointed look. "Impressive, but reckless. Try not to destroy my classroom next time."
As the class dispersed, Sebastian and Astoria lingered just a little longer before heading toward their desks. Garreth leaned over, forcing a chuckle. "Merlin, do you two ever not try to kill each other?"
Imelda snorted, smirking. "You know that was basically flirting right? Honestly, at this point, you two might as well be courting with how much tension you throw around."
Sebastian shot her a glare, while Garreth shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. Astoria simply rolled her eyes. She could still feel the residual energy from the duel in her fingertips, and if she was honest with herself... it had been exhilarating.
Sebastian leaned in slightly, hands tucked lazily into his pockets. "You know," he mused, "for all your supposed brilliance, you still haven’t figured out how to beat me properly."
Astoria shot him a sidelong glance, lips curving ever so slightly. "And for someone who never seems to shut up, you actually managed ten whole minutes without pausing to admire the sound of your own voice. I'm impressed."
He chuckled. "Careful Astoria. If you keep complimenting me, people might start talking."
Astoria smirked. "So let them talk."
Sebastian's heart skipped a beat. She said it so easily, without hesitation, as if she truly didn't care what anyone thought. It was infuriating. And captivating. He found himself pleased—no, thrilled—by her response, reading into it more than he probably should have.
"For starters, people might start assuming things." Sebastian raised an eyebrow, teasing.
"Oh no, whatever shall I do?"
Sebastian grinned. "You could always start introducing me as your favourite duelling partner."
"Goodness Sallow, let off it. You're my only duelling partner," she corrected, shaking her head. "Unless Garreth finally grows a spine."
"Hey! Easy..." Garreth feigns offence.
Sebastian let out a bark of laughter. "That'll be the day."