If Skylar was being honest with herself, she should have expected this duel to happen at some point or another. And yet, despite it, dueling ones best friend was worse than dueling a dormmate. And also yet, it was only a duel and no matter what happened, Sky knew there would be no hard feelings between them, even if she didn't exactly approve of Hattie dating Luca, at least the girl was happy? Also, was that Felicity's voice cheering her on in the stands? So appreciated, although she pushed it aside so as to not let it distract her, because focus was a must.

"Loser buys winner a butterbeer next Hogsmeade weekend," Sky said, by way of starting of the duel as she took the formal bow to start off the duel. She'd cast a featherlight charm on herself, as well, to make it easier to move around.

Distractions first, Skylar first cast "Bulla," bubbles streaming constantly from her wand, and then followed it up quickly with an "Obscuro"

Text Cut: Points Tracker

• Spells Cast:
  • Name of Spell: Feather-light Charm: Makes a target extremely light
    • Caster Points:
      • H: 0
      • M: -15
      • F: +10
    • Opponent Points:
      • H: 0
      • M: 0
      • F: 0
    • Additional Effects: Can be cast on caster/target to increase ease of physical movement. Can also be cast on inanimate objects to assist with duel.
  • Name of Spell: Bulla
    • Caster Points:
      • H: 0
      • M: -15
      • F: 0
    • Opponent Points:
      • H: -10
      • M: 0
      • F: 0
    • Additional Effects: n/a
  • Name of Spell: Obscuro: Creates a blindfold over the target's eyes
    • Caster Points:
      • H: 0
      • M: -15
      • F: 0
    • Opponent Points:
      • H: -10
      • M: -15
      • F: 0
    • Additional Effects: Spells cast by a target (under the influence of this spell) can be avoided without the use of magic or fatigue points

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• Affected by Spells:
  • Name of Spell: Featherlight Charm

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• Dueler Name: Skylar Diggory
  • H: 250
  • M: 250 - 45 = 205
  • F: 20 + 10 = 30

---------------------

Harriet knew this day was going to be come. She shouldn't have been surprised. They were both fourth years. They were both in the duelling club. It was bound to come to a day when they would duel against each other. It would be hard. Skylar was like her sister. They had grown up together. In a way it might have made it easier. She knew Sky, knew how she thought. But Sky also knew her, so she didn't really know if it would be that much of an advantage

"Distractions are a sly tactic Skylar Diggory" She murmured, shaking her head as she bowed, and then took her place. As soon as the duel start she cast the feather-light charm on herself. That would always be helpful.

And now for some offensive and defensive moves. She cast protego, trying to block Sky's spells. And now a offensive one of her own. Hattie decided to cast the langlock spell, hoping it would do some damage.

Sly tactic, ah yes, Skylar should have known. Hattie was the kid sister of two aurors-in-training, and yet she was just trying to offer the duel on a friendly term. No hard feelings. But apparently Hattie was nervous about competing against her, which is why she wanted no distractions. Logically, it made sense. They were both fourth years and even though Hattie had the advantages of older siblings who were gifted in dueling, they had the same formal magical education at this point.

"I don't need to distract you," Sky said simply. "Your boyfriend does that enough." With a smile, she merely deflected back the defensive spell that Hattie cast with a simple "Protego" of her own. If only she could recreate an image of Luca, but alas her magic wasn't that strong... yet.

"Glacius duo," she flicked her wand casually at the arena floor beneath Hattie's feat and surrounding area. And while Hattie was also featherlight, it didn't prevent her from slipping. Hopefully ....

Hattie was nervous. But then she was nervous in most of her duels to be honest. Being nervous was good. If one was too cocky or confident about something then she was pretty sure it would not turn out well. So being nervous was good. She also wanted to improve her duelling status, so she needed to do good in all of her duels. Even if they were against her best friend. So hattie just ignored anything that Skylar was saying. She was in duel mode now, and she wasn't about to let anything to distract her, even the things that Sky was saying. She'd start talking nice again one the duel was over.

Watching Sky's wand move in the direction of her feet Hattie side stepped, trying to miss whatever spell Sky was using. The featherlight spell she'd used before help. That was a good spell to use, she'd have to remember to do that every time she was in a duel. At least nothing had hit her so far. So she figured it was going pretty well.

But now to try and get a spell to hit Sky. She quickly cast Furnunculus, followed instantly by Conjunctivitis Curse and then the bat-bogey hex hoping that at least one of them might hit he target

Okay, so it seemed Hattie wasn't going to be distracted, even by mentions or taunting about Luca. Which meant she was going to have to think of something else. Also, she side-stepped avoiding the glacius spell, except Skylar hadn't aimed at her feet, but at the floor? How had that not worked had left the Slytherin feeling unsure of her spell work, which also meant she had left herself unguarded for the first of the spells that Hattie fired at her.

Having caught her off guard, the fourth year dived forward, cringing from the boils that were popping up all over her. NOT COOL BEST FRIEND, NOT COOL. But fortunately for her, the dive saved her from the other two spells Hattie cast at her in rapid succession. At least it wasn't the worst thing that could have happened to her.

And also put her at a different angle to aim her spells at Hattie. "Ventus!" Hoping to create some wind, followed by a well-placed, "Gaudeo!"

Okay. Harriet had to admit this was harder than she thought it would be. Not that it was because of Sky. It was just because they were both good. They were getting older now. So it was bound to be true that they would be getting at duelling. That would be why she was finding it harder. Also maybe because whilst she liked duelling, she did not really want to do it in the future. Was she losing interest? She wasn't true. But she still wanted to beat Sky! So she better get too it.

Now last year in DADA they'd a great spell. So she decided to go with that one. "Protego!" She murmured, and then also said "Finato Duri" So that it would strengthen her shield. That would do nicely. Now she didn't need to even worry about Sky's spells for three spells. That worked.

Then for an offensive spell, Hattie just cast a well-placed Rictusempra

That would do for now

It was always going to be hard to duel against someone who's equally as good as you and that was probably what made this duel so interesting in the first place. While he was sure that both girls were looking to not hurt the other, it was clear that they were also not holding back in their magical prowess. Maybe it was the determination in both of them.

Or maybe neither one of them wanted to pay for that butterbeer.

Amused, the man watch the duel take place, noting how both of the girls seemed to be exceptional at defending themselves. Good! Being the Defence professor, that made him very proud indeed. And, what was even better, was that Miss Paton was using Fianto Duri! This alone was enough to make Hirsch smile a wide, dimpled smile.

Unfortunately, it wasn't long after that that the duel had to come to a close. The shield was struck up between the two Slytherins, possibly reminding them that he was there too. "Excellent! Really excellent!" he said, emerging from the shadows. He gave his wand a flick, eliminating the effects of any spells that might be lingering around, particularly the boils one. You're welcome, Miss Diggory. "I have to say, I'm very impressed with the way both of you have developed your defensive skills." That smile on his face was enough to show it.

"Congratulations, Miss Paton. You've taken the lead on this round." Needless to say, Frankie would be happy to hear this. "And well done, Miss Diggory. You've put up an exceptional fight during this round. Do you need a hand?" In getting up, that is.


Stats:
Skylar Diggory: 90.6%
Harriet Paton: 92.47%