Hogwarts Finest
That winter night, once Caitlyn had left, Vi and her brothers patrolled the streets of Zaun while Powder stayed with Ekko and Benzo. When Vander returned and called them all back home he said the strangers retreated before he, Grayson, and Silco could find them. There was a chance they were looking for Zaun but since they never approached the Last Drop in Rye they were marked as dangerous. From then on they were forbidden from leaving the town. A meeting was called to announce the warning to the rest of the people.
In Piltover Cassandra tells Caitlyn that another pureblood had been taken. That was the last straw and by the end of the week newspapers spread the warning to be on the lookout.
Vi and Caitlyn continued to exchange letters. Snowdown passed peacefully, the kidnappings had once again stopped. Soon enough winter break had gone and passed and everyone returned to Hogwarts.
It was the morning of their first classes after returning from break. Everyone else had already gathered at their table, enjoying their breakfast and catching up. Though two members had yet to arrive-
"VI! VI! VI! VI!" Powder chanted as she ran towards her sister, Ekko hot on her heels.
The group focuses on their youngest members. Vi leans back to reveal herself sitting between Caitlyn and Abby.
"Hey Pow, Little man. You're almost late for breakfast." Vi smiles at the duo.
"There's a new announcement in the hall!" Powder grabbed Vi's sleeve attempting to pull her out of the chair to follow her.
Vi chuckles fondly. "Okay okay." She shuffles out of her seat, the others of the group trailing behind them curiously.
They step out into the corridor and spot a small gathering of students looking at the announcements board. Out of respect the students move aside to allow the gang to pass. Honestly they were far too powerful in their own right. Powder points up at the large poster.
Dueling Competition!
"Over the winter break the Council of Magic has announced their intention of visiting our grand educational establishment. On that day classes will go on as usual, however a small event has been suggested.
Within the coming weeks, Professor Grayson and Professor Vander shall be hosting dueling classes in preparation for an interyear competition. 3rd year to 7th year students may participate."
Under it were several other details that Vi proceeded to ignore as a grin spread across her face. She looked to her companions, all showing varying levels of excitement.
"Good afternoon." Grayson stood up on the demonstration platform as the 3rd to 7th year students gathered around it.
"I commend you all for wanting to attend these extra lessons of your own volition whether or not you plan to participate in the competition. To explain the workings of the competition I give the floor to Professor Vander." Grayson steps aside and Vander steps up.
"The competition will be against students in the same year level. There are two categories. The single battles and the pair battles. You may only join one category. In the end there will be a single battle champion and pair battle champions for each year, you don't have to pair with your own house." Amongst the crowd two girls look at each other with the same idea. Vander finished letting Grayson take the front once more.
"Since there are so many of you, other teachers will be here to help starting tomorrow. 3rd to 5th years will be tomorrow, 6th and 7th years will be the day after and the pattern repeats. The competition will take place in the first week of February. On Friday the Council members will arrive and the final matches will take place then." Grayson allowed the words to settle before opening the floor to questions.
When all concerns has been addressed Grayson and Vander stood beside each other at the center of the long platform.
Vander cleared his throat "Right. Now to make sure none of you feel like you've wasted your time." He grins. "How would you all like to see a demonstration duel between Professor Grayson and I."
The cheers that echoed in the chamber shook the room. The other teachers who'd been standing at the sidelines step forward and quickly cast protection spells over the stage to make sure no rogue spell hits a student. Grayson and Vander go through the motions of the pre-duel pleasantries before stepping their paces.
The students gasp and sound out in awe. Two of the best known Aurors in the English magical world go head to head with non-verbal spells flying back and forth. Lights of varying colors bathed the room as seconds felt like hours. With one final flourish Vander knocks Graysons wand from her grasp.
"This old man's still got it huh?" Vander walks back to the center of the room to meet Grayson.
"You're not that old, Hound." Grayson smiles as they shake hands to end the duel.
The next few weeks pass in a blur but it's events are best recorded in whispers through the halls.
"Have you seen that Ekko kid from Slytherin?"
"They guy who's balls enough to go into short range duels?"
"Fuck ya he's wiping the floor."
"Hey, what do you think of the blue haired kid with the braid?"
"Oh that's Powder. It's impressive that she's won every match up so far with nothing but jinxs."
"Folks are startin to call her Jinx when she yelled 'GET JINXED' after one drawn out fight."
"It's a bit of a shame Miss Medarda and Viktor won't be participating like Jayce is. Both of them can cast non-verbally and have such minimal calculated movements. Gosh what did that big ol himbo do to get em both?"
"Yo do not underestimate the big Wick brother, er, Claggor, he might look like a teddy bear but his spells pack a fucking punch."
"The other one, Mylo? Slippery as a fuckin rat he is."
"Have you seen Jayce's fights? Dude has no chill in a fight, swinging his wand around like that but he's still somehow winning."
"Spells hit like a hammer too."
"It's the man tiddies. Everyone keeps getting distracted by the mahonkas."
Oh but a certain pair had been turning heads from day one. Apart, they are formidable.
"Vi has no fear does she?"
"Nope. Then again not like she has a choice. Her long range accuracy is trash but yikes the impact of them."
"Not to mention have you seen how she gets up after being launched and hit a fuck load of times in that one duel? How does she not have a concussion?"
"I swear she can hit a spell from half way across Hogwarts."
"They don't hurt that bad but how they hell am I supposed to hit her when she's so far away and fucking dodging like that."
Together they are unbeatable.
"How the fuck do they do that shit?!"
"They didn't look at each other once! They whisper their spells! How the hell do they not hit each other?!"
"Vi is a beast with those close quarters spells, won't let us even take pot shots at the Kiramman chick."
"And Caitlyn doesn't hesitate for a second. She fires spell after spell like she just trusts that Vi knows what to do and where to be. It's kinda scary but also girlboss."
Ekko and Powder participated in the singles matches and by the end of the last day they had moved on to the finals against each other.
Jayce had made it to the 7th year finals. Mel and Viktor showered him with praise he and showered them with affection.
Claggor and Mylo participated as a pair but lost their 3rd round.
Sky and Abby cheered for their friends and became impromptu water girls bringing snacks and drinks to the others. They didn't want to fight but they sure did enjoy helping where they could.
Finally, Caitlyn and Vi had burned through the competition. Their first few rounds even ending in one or two spells. It was honestly ridiculous but by gods did they deliver. They would move on to the finals of 5th year pairs.
The office of the Headmistress had been rearranged to fit a large round table where seven wizards now sit.
"Well, follow Councilors, have I eased your worries?" Cassandra spoke up, her posture and voice radiating authority.
"I will admit the protective spells around the school and the surrounding area are strong and thorough." Councilman Ferros stated calmly.
"Your teachers are competent and hold their classes well." Councilman Salo humms, posh tone as prideful as ever.
"Your little mongrels-" Councilman Hoskel whined in his grating voice before being cut off by a smiling Councilman Heimerdinger.
"No no Hoskel, those are my students. I would highly appreciate you treating them as such." The yordle chirps.
"It was not all of them he was referring to. I believe he was talking of the tainted bloods." Councilor Bolbok added his peace.
Hoskel grinned. "Right! Those half bloods and mudbloods have more freedom than they should. I even saw the young purebloods conversing with them like equals. What in the world are you teaching them there, Cassandra."
There was once a time where Cassandra would have agreed with that statement. At least out of tradition… but ever since Caitlyn spoke her mind.
'The only one hurting me is you, mother.'
"Councilor Hoskel I suggest you not speak of my students in such a manner. Nowadays my eyes have been opened to more… inclusive ideals. I'm allowing the change in status quo as a test." Cassandra explained.
"A test?!" Hoskel gasped dramatically.
"Interesting. Your late mother would never approve of this however I am curious to see where this goes." Councilor Shoola speaks, the tips of her long golden claw like accessories tap on the wooden table.
"Seems unnecessary." Councilor Ferros stated flatly. "But you have shown time and time again that you are capable, Cassandra. We trust you with this. Hopefully it does not backfire on us." There was an underlying threat in his words.
Cassandra held back the urge to smile. Her years of complacency were not in vain. Though she knew they were silently waiting for this to fail, curiosity could drive wonders.
"Personally I believe it a waste of time to delude the filth into thinking they will be anything more than where they should be." Salo refuted, voice tight. Bolbok and Hoskel nod in agreement.
Heimerdinger hums in a satisfied sing-song way. "Safe to say, the stance is overruled. Three to four in favour of the Headmistress' actions."
"In fact, Councilor Bolbok, I do believe your son has voiced satisfaction in the way I have been running my school." Cassandra allows a hint of pride to seep into her voice. Caitlyn… and Vi had done wonders for the boy's independence.
Councilor Bolbok had no reply for it. Sensing things were coming to an end Councilor Heimerdinger speaks up again.
"Are we in agreement that this institution should be safe against them?" He looked between his fellow council members who nodded.
"Wonderful. Now, let us celebrate with dinner and a show." Cassandra stood and led the way out.
The Great Hall had been adjusted slightly, a longer table to fit all the councilors and teaching staff. The students mostly ignored their presence, more focused on eating and making bets on who'd win the finals.
The room quiets as Grayson stands and steps up to the podium.
"Students, I believe you are all finished with your meals. Please stand and move against the walls away from the center."
The students were quick to comply, the Great Hall was massive and there was easily enough space to move and now crowd each other. Vander and Grayson set up an area of protection spells and marked out the boundaries on the ground.
"The finals match for the 3rd year level. Ekko Iterum vs Powder Wick."
As the two slytherins step into the arena the crowd erupted into chants of. "EKKO! EKKO! EKKO!" and "JINX! JINX! JINX!"
"You're going down Little man." Powder grins as they stand face to face.
Ekko returns the look. "We'll see Pow-Pow."
Their match was a whirlwind of spells and dodges. Ekko and Powder knew each other like the backs of their hands. They'd been sparing and playing together for years. Their fighting was like a dance, Ekko constantly on the move to combat Powder's stellar aim. The crowd cheered as the fight raged on and the Councilors watched, begrudgingly impressed by the 3rd year non-purebloods.
In the end Ekko hesitated for a split second and a jelly-legs jinx knocked him to the ground, giving Powder the window to disarm him and win.
The students cheered for the duo. Vander lifts the jinx and the Slytherins shake hands, big smiles on their faces as they step aside.
The other fights are called. 3rd year pairs. 4th year single. 4th year pair. 5th year single.
"Next. Our 5th year pair finals. Owen Tande and Andre Trelawney vs Caitlyn Kiramman and Violet Wick."
As the students stepped into the arena the Councilors had varying expressions on their faces. Cassandra's silent pride, Heimerdinger's open excitement, Shoola's curiosity, Ferro's skeptical eyebrow raise, Salo's glare, Hoskel's clear disdain, and Bolbok's scowl, all aimed toward the muggleborn are pureblood duo.
"Ready, Vi?" Caitlyn's expression turned stone cold serious but Vi could feel her excitement.
"With you at my 6? Always." Vi smirked, confidence radiating off her in waves.
The battle wasn't long at all. Vi played aggressor, making herself a target while casting destructive spells to throw off her opponents. Caitlyn was sniping from the far back. Waiting for the perfect moments to aid Vi and disarm the others. By the end both girls were beaming with pride as victors. The students shook the walls with their cheers. Amongst the screams one could hear murmurs of. "THAT'S HOGWARTS FINEST!"
Cassandra and Caitlyn lock eyes for a moment and, though barely noticeable, Cassandra smiles and nods in acknowledgement. On the other hand Vander was openly giving thumbs up to his daughter who was performing the same gesture.
The fights continued. 6th year singles. 6th year pairs. 7th year singles- Jayce won as 7th year champion. And 7th year pairs. Supposedly the competition was done. However the councilors were whispering ones themselves and although Cassandra and Heimerdinger seemed apprehensive they brought it to Vander and Grayson. After a moment of deliberation Vander stood and took the podium.
"Well done students! Before you stand our champions for each year!" Vander gestures to the gathering of winners.
"However." The silence returns. "Another stage has been added. A battle royal between the champions of each category. There will be the singles Hogwarts Champion and the pair Champions. If you are willing to take that crown, step into the arena. Singles champions first." Vander waited and to no one's surprise all of the winners stepped into the arena.
The battle was chaotic to say the least. Powder was inexperienced and outnumbered. She was the second to be disarmed after she'd knocked out the 4th year champion. In the end Jayce Talis was the last wizard standing.
"Well done, Jayce Talis." Vander bellowed. "Willing pair champions, step into the arena." Once again it was all.
The moment they stepped into the arena all eyes were on Vi and Caitlyn. They knew they were going to be targeted right out of the gate but Caitlyn had a plan.
She stood near the corner of the box shaped arena. The protective spell would kill any spell that comes too close to it and with Vi protecting her the only way for her to be hit was dead on through Vi.
The round began and it was a game of endurance, something Vi had in excess. One by one Caitlyn disarmed their opponents with well timed, accurate, shots while Vi defended her. When wands were lowered, Vi and Caitlyn were the last standing.
Breathing heavily but absolutely beaming with pride the two accepted the deafening cheers of.
"HOGWARTS' FINEST!"
Bolbok would return to his home in Piltover. He would retreat into his study and dispel the magic that hid an ornate, heavily locked box. When he finally lifted the lid he was greeted by the sickening sight.
A small vial of bubbling, glowing, purple liquid.
"Still here. Good. They'll never know. You won't be living Still Water you sick disgusting man."
He would return the box, locked and hidden away.