#5 Practice Makes Perfect

There was nothing for her to do but wait after signing her name upon the parchment and she found herself wishing she'd brought along a friend, to pass the time with and make waiting a more bearable task. However, it wasn't long before Professor Hathmore arrived and the Hufflepuff immediately perked up in anticipation.

As he led her further into the chamber, she clung to his every word- like a sponge, soaking in he information that he gave to her. Her attention was drawn to a row of three dummies, just as Hathmore told her to pick one to duel against. Weighing up her options, she made her decision rather quickly "I think I'll go with... White" she'd decided that she wasn't confident yet in her duelling abilities and would prefer some extra tutelage.

Listening to Professor Hathmore as he taught her about some of the basic stances, following his advice on foot work and the best position to put her feet. She felt a vague thrill of excitement pass through her at the idea of beginning to duel, even if she was just practicing on a dummy- that was the first step in becoming a truly great dueller after all.

Trying out a few of the stances that he'd taught her, she tried to be brief but thorough in her attempts to get each of them right before settling one that felt comfortable and natural to her. Taking out her wand, she adjusted her grip upon it and aimed it at the dummy's chest. Taking a deep, calming breath before she sent an offensive spell towards the dummy, aimed directly at its chest as instructed.

Elara smiled when she cast her first spell and it overpowered the dummy's defenses, maybe she would be better at this than she expected. Listening to Hathmore as he explained how duelling worked and what her win meant going into the next round. Adjusting her footing as she was instructed, she prepared for the dummy to cast its spell.

When the next round began, Elara this time cast a defensive spelll and easily deflected the dummy's offensive spell. She smiled as she won against the dummy for a second time, but resisted the urge to grow too comfortable- she was still only starting out and a couple of wins did not mean that she would continue to be so lucky.

Waiting for the dummy to begin the third round, she adjusted her footing once again and then watched as the dummy cast its spell. She once again attempted to deflect the spell but the dummy's spell easily overpowered her own and she was knocked backwards, stumbling and falling backwards. Using her hands to break her fall, she wasn't hurt but her ego was a little bruised as she got back to her feet, dusting herself off.

Listening to Hathmore's words, she turned her wand back on the dummy, aiming once again for its chest with clear determination set upon her face. With a flick of her wand, she sent an offensive spell once again towards the dummy's chest in the hopes that she would regain her winning streak.