An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Nov 26, 2019 0:58:57 GMT 10
Amara arrived at the chamber with grace and purpose. She had her wand out already, which explained why her pathway to the middle of the chamber was cleared by anyone nearby. No one dared get in her way, though she hoped at least a few were stupid enough to try. She needed the practice, especially now that Thomas was becoming a bigger problem than she'd anticipated.
'I'm here until dinner,' Amara announced. 'If anyone wants a challenge, step right up - but know you do it at your own risk.' She rolled up the sleeves of her uniform shirt, still having forgone her robes. That was ideal now, as she didn't have to back a trip back to the common room to remove them. For wand combat, having the robes on were just a hindrance. Not that she hadn't trained herself to battle in any conditions regardless.
She didn't expect a challenger right away, so Amara had a Quidditch history book with her to peruse while she waited. Despite what anyone thought, she did take her new position of leadership very seriously. Of course, her book was focused on the fouls performed over the years and how one might get away with them. She wasn't someone who liked cheating, but in Quidditch she didn't consider it cheating if her team just happened to be better than the other's.
They played there to win, after all. That same determined applied to her duels as well, though she could take a hit when it helped her improve. Not that she expected to lose, as the mere idea that someone was a better duellist than her was laughable. Nevertheless, they were welcome to try.
Last Edit: Nov 26, 2019 1:00:13 GMT 10 by Amara Seabrook
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Nov 26, 2019 12:46:36 GMT 10
Nyx's movements were delicate, sure and swift as she wandered into the chamber, peering around at the various groups of students. Even though her face was slightly wan with fatigue after dealing with the likes of Thomas and Langford, there was no slackening in her pace. She moved into the location with intention, hoping that Katherine was following closely behind her, and if not, then she'd hang out with her another time. Their interactions had been brief during the Krystalite Charm training process, but it was nice spending time with her nevertheless.
Then, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain spotted who she was looking for. Amara Seabrook. Nyx didn't approach her right away, instead preparing herself for what was to come. She slipped off her house robes, revealing a blue–and–bronze sweater and skirt set, both highly flattering to her frame and also rather conservative. She took a second to neatly fold her vestments, before tucking up her sleeves. Nyx was prepared for action. And, yes, she already assumed her challenge was accepted. She highly doubted Amara would decline an opportunity to duel.
Instead of addressing her on the side, Nordstrom spoke to Seabrook from the center of the chamber, not caring if anyone else heard or watched their interaction. "I'm ready to duel if you are, Seabrook," she said with a casual tone, her wand already in hand. Nyx knew that Amara would be a worthy opponent, believing that the Slytherin felt the same about her. And, if either ended up losing, it wasn't too big of a deal, right? Every loss could be a small victory, especially when dueling. However, Nyx didn't know how Amara would perceive such a loss.
Last Edit: Nov 26, 2019 12:49:21 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Post by Amara Seabrook on Nov 27, 2019 2:25:50 GMT 10
Amara put her book away, setting her bag further from reach of any wayward spells. Not that it wasn't spelled for anti-theft or anti-damage regardless, but one could never be too careful with their belongings. She smirked at Nyx, clearly pleased to have a worthy opponent to duel against.
'Then let's duel.' She nodded, raising her wand. Amara accepted the challenge, and readied herself for an exciting combat. She expected Nyx to be capable enough to make it worth her time. As much as Amara loved exerting her power and dominance over others, she needed proper opponents to improve her skills - not just amass a win tally.
Adjusting her footing like Hathmore had taught her, despite the bitterness of the reminder, Amara aimed her wand with precision. She cast an offensive spell, deciding to save her curses for strategic points. Despite what others assumed, Amara was very good at casting spells and her knowledge was extensively varied - not just curses and hexes.
Amara hoped Nyx gave it her all though. Not just for the challenge, but also Amara was intrigued by the Ravenclaw girl and wanted to know more about her. There was potential there, and Amara knew that someone like Nyx could certainly come in handy to have on her side. It was a test, in a way, yet one she did hope Nyx passed. Even if it meant getting defeated in a duel, but Amara wasn't expecting that to happen - not easily, at least.
Last Edit: Nov 27, 2019 2:27:53 GMT 10 by Amara Seabrook
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Nov 27, 2019 17:35:13 GMT 10
With a wide–eyed look, Nyx clung to her own arm. She felt a strong zap, wanting to let out a soft cry from the sudden pain, but kept quiet. It had hurt more than she anticipated. How pitiful would she have looked if she let that one escape? Pretty pathetic. Instead, Nyx inhaled a breath and lifted her chin. She wasn't going to let that get to her. Nordstrom knew that her opposition in the duel was one of the stronger—if not the strongest—opponents in her year. The fact Nyx stepped up to face Amara without hesitation was testament to the Ravenclaw's resolute ambition. How many would willingly take Seabrook on without any fear? Not many.
Nyx could've congratulated Amara on the successful first hit, but she wasn't going to. It was a small win, but not a whole victory. She didn't believe the Slytherin to be one that enjoyed a complimentary response, either. Like herself, she supposed that Amara would prefer to do her talking with her wandwork. Nothing more, nothing less. That was respectable, at least in a match between two people such as them. Trash–talking was better saved for opponents like Luckett Langford and Tiana Thomas. Those types fed on it, but got overwhelmed by it, too.
After a moment of caressing her arm, Nyx balanced her gaze on Amara. Her wand was still firmly within her grasp, despite almost losing it seconds before. She raised her wand with sheer determination, pointing it toward her opposition. Nyx was dueling to win, and if she didn't get what she wanted, she'd go down giving one hell of a fight. Suddenly, she flicked her wand with a short, lavish snap of her wist. Hopefully that would be a good starting point toward victory.
Last Edit: Nov 27, 2019 17:40:14 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Post by Amara Seabrook on Nov 28, 2019 2:54:58 GMT 10
Amara respected that Nyx just got on with things - no wasting time or causing delays. She was rather surprised when the Ravenclaw's offensive spell overpowered Amara's defences. Though she'd never admit it aloud, she did have a bit of a disadvantage with protective spells. She was powerful with them when necessary, and had the knowledge to get by, but Amara always had a clear preference for a strong offense. So when Nyx got the upper hand in that round, she wasn't too annoyed.The whole point was to improve, after all.
There was one slip-up, however. Amara had no real awareness of it, but Nyx would surely have noticed that when Amara's spell failed and the offensive one hit her - her reaction did not match up. In fact, Amara barely reacted at all. Sure, she was an excellent duellist and everyone knew that - they knew not to mess with Amara Seabrook.
Yet...Something was odd about her reaction. It wasn't a skill-related thing, as reflexes and reactions usually just happened. She hadn't startled or showed any signs of being hit/impacted by the spell. Nyx had seen her play Quidditch - Amara was hurt just as easily as anyone.
No, the reaction soon became clear to Nyx, if she was observant and clever enough. Amara accidentally revealed that she was rather used to having spells throw at her. Harmful ones. When Nyx's spell hit Amara, she gripped her wand tight in instinct not to lose it - but the spell itself she was well-braced for. She flexed her neck, then shook the spell off.
'I'm impressed,' she said. 'It seems I finally have a worthy opponent for once. Let's see if you can keep it up...'
Amara then re-aimed her wand, and cast an offensive spell back at Nyx with a more direct and clean motion than the confident flourishing she'd used earlier. Amara loved to duel - she enjoyed the power of it all and showing off her skills, but also it was child's play compared to her father's grueling "lessons" at home. Her classmates simply weren't at that level, which gave her the advantage every time.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Nov 28, 2019 3:19:17 GMT 10
Nyx couldn't help the smug look on her face when her offensive attack landed, but it was quickly replaced by one of curiosity. Either the Slytherin girl had a stellar poker face or she simply didn't feel anything. There's no way someone could stay that expressionless after being zapped. That was, unless, they were used to it. Nordstrom had felt the pain shoot through her limbs when she received the earlier hit from Seabrook, and she struggled to conceal the hurt, despite attempting to do so. With that deduction, the only logical explanation was the latter.
Why would Amara be used to taking hits? It was morbid to think about, but also played into what she had heard through the rumor mill. Nyx didn't know what to think, but maybe she had an idea now, especially after the two girls' confrontation in the bathrooms the day before. But, the more she watched and got to know Amara, the more it became clear to her. And, with that information noted, it was evident that Amara would have an advantage when her defensive spells lacked. Nyx would just have to step up her game and increase her offensive power.
"You took the words right out of my mouth," she replied with a cool tone, although not intending to do so. Nyx naturally sounded cold–blooded, unless she was making an attempt to be more warm. In this case, she wasn't. She was focused, her perfectly angled brows drawing together in concentration. She readied her wand in a white–knuckled grip, fixating her intention on overcoming Seabrook's inevitable defensive maneuver. If Nyx were to overcome her, would more respect be established between them? With an agile swish, she sent an offensive attack.
Last Edit: Nov 28, 2019 3:23:45 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Nyx cast an offensive spell (score: 5), which overpowers Amara's defensive spell (score: 1). Amara - free-rp the outcome of your choice. Nyx wins the round and then the match.
Post by Amara Seabrook on Nov 28, 2019 3:46:33 GMT 10
Amara did not like to lose, that much was obvious to all who knew her or knew of her.
Yet, losing to Nyx was more disappointing than frustrating. Amara was cooler about not being the best when it came to practicing wand combat, as she knew her skills and training continued to need work. Apparently her defences needed a LOT of work. Nevertheless, Nyx wasn't one of those annoying idiots who had to be crushed, so Amara recovered from her loss much faster than one may expect of her.
The spell hadn't affected her much, but it still stung along with her loss of pride. She was clearly trained not to lose her wand during a confrontation, but winced at the impact of the spell. It was much stronger than she'd braced for, but again she'd endured a lot worst so she shook it off easily enough after.
'Well done.' She nodded to Nyx, respecting that her opponent had bested her. This time, anyway. 'Care to go again?' Amara offered, ready to go another round if Nyx was agreeable to that. She'd even let her go first, just to keep things moving at a productive pace.
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Nov 28, 2019 4:46:15 GMT 10
There it was. Nyx's face brightened with a clever, beautiful smile. She had spotted a concealed weakness of Amara's and managed to successfully use it to her advantage. That was how you won a duel. Nyx returned the affirmative nod toward her opponent, while watching as Seabrook composed herself. Nobody liked to lose, Nyx included, but it was surprising to see the Slytherin girl handling it as well as she was. Many would have probably assumed her to throw curse after curse at anyone that dared speak in her general direction after the outcome. But, that wasn't the case. She was calm and collected. Nyx saw that as a positive; a sign of mutual respect.
Nordstrom looked around at the room, expecting to see a sea of surprised faces. Amara was known to be an exceptional dueler, and while many knew of Nordstrom's exceptional skill in most areas, they probably doubted her to come out as the victor. However, their reactions weren't what mattered. Nyx didn't really care what everyone else thought—well, at least not presently. Normally, she would've loved the attention, the gawking from bystanders she believed inferior. But, Nyx was too busy acknowledging her own win. She was proud.
Amara's offer for another duel was expected and Nyx welcomed the challenge. These two girls seemed more evenly matched than one might have expected, but the Ravenclaw knew not to get too cocky, especially against someone like Amara Seabrook. "I'm free until dinner," she casually replied, implying that she was willing to keep on going for however many duels it took. Nordstrom wanted to leave the chamber with at least three victories, even though losses were to be expected. Without another word, Nyx got into proper formation. "Take two," she stated with a sumptuous sweep of her maple wand, sending forth her first offensive incantation.
Last Edit: Nov 28, 2019 4:54:01 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
Post by Nyx Nordstrom on Nov 29, 2019 0:51:05 GMT 10
It felt like a bolt of lightening had just struck her chest, immediately taking away her breath. It continued, even seconds after the attack, as if it were threatening to rip her in half. That was a powerful spell. Nyx crouched, managing an inhale, but immediately readjusted her posture. She wasn't going to show weakness, not in this duel against Amara Seabrook or ever. She took a moment to slick back her platinum hair with one hand, her wand in the other. It was evident the more these two dueled, the more the spells would wear Nyx down. She wondered if it would have the same effect on Amara, considering she hardly winced from expected pain.
"I'll have to remember that one for the future," she managed to comment in regard to the incantation her opponent sent her way. Nordstrom was still trying to gather her bearings, her breathing slowly but surely reverting back to its normal state. After a few seconds, she felt as though she was ready to resume the duel. Nyx sized Amara up, trying to gauge her best plan of attack. What would be a good way to distract her opponent—to not do the same old, inevitable thing? Amara was observant and was likely catching onto the pattern of spells that Nyx was casting. It was time to switch it up and try something new. What could do the trick?
Flashes of incantations flipped through her mind like one flipping the pages of a hardcover spell book. She had absorbed so much material her last five years at Hogwarts, that her mind was an encyclopedia of information. Then, Nordstrom remembered a decent one, a spell that could potentially throw Seabrook for a loop. Nyx took a step back, holding her arm above her head, her wand pointed. She nodded at Amara, before twirling toward her and snapping her wand forward, as if she were cracking a whip. It was an unused charm, one she hoped worked.
Last Edit: Nov 29, 2019 0:53:02 GMT 10 by Nyx Nordstrom
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