vita brevis
For the next two meetings, Professor Haywood, to Blair's frustration, insists that they practice minor hexes and defensive spells. Blair sighs. This is old hat to her.
Finally, Professor Haywood announces that his two best Defense students in the second year will duel.
"Daniel Humphrey and Blair Black, please step forward."
All the Slytherins, including the fourth years, cheer, remembering that two Gryffindors were called the last time. Blair hears Sirius amidst the chants. "That's my little sister!" He dances a gleeful jig from the Gryffindor side of the room.
Blair throws him a sharp look and flashes Regulus an apologetic smile. He must feel a tad miffed to be the only Black sibling not to be called, but no matter. He can run circles around Sirius and Blair in Charms and Potions.
She can't resist smiling triumphantly at Cissa's direction. Professors never call Cissa. She doubts they call Bella and Andy either, but what does she know about sixth and seventh years?
She glides to the front of the room. Masterful duellist she may be, but she is also a lady through and through.
Dan is already in front. "Don't worry, Blair," he snarks. "I'll be a gentleman."
"Oh please, Humphrey," she retorts. "It's not in your nature." She blushes slightly at the implication behind her words.
The crowd hoots. Haywood shushes them.
"Remember, just minor hexes and defensive spells. Alright?"
Blair and Dan do not reply.
"Alright?" Haywood grits out.
The both of them nod and bow to each other.
Dan throws a tickling hex at Blair, which she effortlessly counters.
She sends a jelly legs jinx in his direction, which he blocks with his own shield charm.
They continue vollying similar hexes for a minute, but they are at an impasse.
Finally, Blair is bored. Her magic is more excitable than usual and is itching to be summoned for a more potent spell.
She shoots a Confringo at the hem of Dan's robe. She continues with a Tarantallegra while he is busy conjuring a spurt of water to kill the flames lapping at his robes.
His legs begin spasming out of control. Blair smiles in victory. The effects of Tarantallegra last a few minutes, so she flicks her wand to finish him off with a stunning spell.
All of a sudden, Blair is thrown to the floor. Her eyes widen. Dan has resisted the Tarantallegra long enough to blast a shield charm strong enough to knock Blair off her feet.
Before she can retaliate, he hits her with an Immobolus.
The room erupts in uproarious cheers. Even Haywood looks happy.
"Well, Miss Black," he teases. "You only have yourself to blame. You were the one who first flouted the rules."
Blair sniffs as haughtily as anyone sprawled on the floor can.
To her irritation, it is Humphrey who helps her off the floor. She sweeps past him, ignoring the way her magic sings once more.
When they reach the Slytherin side of the room, he attempts to placate her. "Don't be a sore loser, Blair."
She ices him out. They can talk later.
She moves to Reg, but he has already placed an arm around Humphrey's shoulder, congratulating him.
Reg turns around long enough to smirk at Blair.
Fine, there are definitely two muggleborns that Blair respects.