10 December 1892 — Hogwarts Great Hall
Dueling Tournament

"Gentlemen!" Ben exclaimed, clapping his hands together as he smiled at the two contestants. "Let's get started, shall we?" After reading through the rules, Ben gestured for Mr. Crabbe to commence.

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— Abraxas Crabbe: # | Henry Thompsett: #—

you have 72 hrs to post!

  

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A full auror was here to judge them! Abraxas grinned as he faced off against Thompsett—this was so much better than boring old Professor Darrow. It did beg the question, however: should the Hufflepuff stick to what he knew worked, or would showing off a little be in order?

Opting for the latter, Rex cast a spell that, if successful, would dramatically elongate the Gryffindor's nose. Hopefully, the lad thought, this would be distracting enough that Thompsett would be altogether thrown off.

Henry Thompsett

  

Finally getting a chance to prove how good a duelist he was not just to his fellow club members but to all the school had Henry feeling a little nervous. Dueling club was an excellent way to practice spells best suited for dueling and not just fancy lights or making things levitate. Not that Henry found any aspect of magic boring, he loved his classes, some better than others.

Standing at one end of the dueling platform listening as a real live Auror explained the rules was an experience in of itself. Henry had assumed the referee would be one of the Professors or some Ministry official but not an actual Auror. Maybe he'll get a chance to talk to the Auror later once the competition was over.

Henry, like most boys he suspected, did consider becoming an Auror. It was dangerous and exciting work, catching evil dark wizards and putting them in jail but he also knew it was very difficult to get into. One needed top grades in quite a few classes at NEWT level then qualify for special training after graduating from Hogwarts. Henry also knew it cost money and he had no idea if his father would even agree to pay for it or if he'll have to fund it himself.

Putting all thoughts about his future career choices so he could focus on the rules Auror Sterling was relaying, Henry took a deep breath and focused his mind. Once the rules were stated and understood, Henry bowed to Crabbe then prepared himself for the duel to come. He knew Crabbe was one of the Chasers on the Hufflepuff quidditch team but this would be the first time he dueled against him.

Deciding to use a defensive spell he learned in Defense against the Dark Arts not all that long ago, Henry cast the hex deflection charm. He hoped he would get it up fast enough to deflect whatever Crabbe decided to cast his way right back at him.

Benedict Sterling
Abraxas Crabbe

  

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set by Bee

10 December 1892 — Hogwarts Great Hall
Dueling Tournament

He watched the students closely, noting their eagerness and remembering his own when he duelled against his classmates. Hands clasped behind his back, Ben watched Mr. Crabbe cast his spell before his eyes flicked towards the Hufflepuff's opponent. It seemed Mr. Crabbe's spell was about to hit Mr. Thompsett when the spell was deflected at precisely the last moment. Giving the Gryffindor a nod, Ben announced: "This first point to Mr. Thompsett." He smiled encouragingly at both of them. "Mr. Thompsett when you are ready, please begin."

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— Abraxas Crabbe: 7 | Henry Thompsett: 7.5—

you have 72 hrs to post!

  

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He grinned in satisfaction when he saw his deflection spell worked and rebounded whatever it was Crabbe had cast at him right back at him. Henry hoped it wasn't a nasty hex Crabbe sent his way, he didn't it would be but one never knew in a duel.

Henry gave Crabbe an encouraging smile, not wanting any bad feelings to come out of scoring the first point. When it was time to begin the next round, Henry thought over all the spells he knew before deciding on which one to use.

Deciding on something not too fancy, Henry cast the disarming charm, calling out the incantation loudly and clearly. Eventually he hoped to master non-verbal charms but that won't be taught till his 6th year. He certainly wasn't going to attempt it for the duel, having no idea how it was done.

Abraxas Crabbe Benedict Sterling

  

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set by Bee

Rex winced good-naturedly as his spell was deflected. Opting for simple, the Hufflepuff cast a shield charm.

Faustus Prewett

  

10 December 1892 — Hogwarts Great Hall
Dueling Tournament

Both students cast their respective spells quite well, which ultimately meant that Mr. Crabbe's shield that held the strongest, and therefore deflected Mr. Thompsett's spell perfectly. "This next round to Mr. Crabbe." Ben announced with a gesture towards the Hufflepuff. "Mr. Thompsett, when you are ready please begin our tiebreaker."

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— Abraxas Crabbe: 10 | Henry Thompsett: 8.5—

you have 72 hrs to post!

  

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Henry was disappointed his disarming spell was so effectively blocked by Crabbe's shield charm but he didn't let that prevent him from smiling at Crabbe. "That was a really good shield charm," he told him before returning to his place to begin the tie breaking round.

By the time he took his place Henry had already decided on the spell he would use. With a quick movement of his wand Henry called out 'Petrificus Totalus' and finished his wand movement to point at Crabbe. He just hoped he had been quick enough to paralyze Crabbe before he could cast his own spell.

Abraxas Crabbe Benedict Sterling

  

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set by Bee

Rex frowned slightly, having hoped to have another opportunity on the offensive. Now, the Hufflepuff was in the unfortunate position of having to be creative with his defence (a second in a row! Ugh.) and risk it not paying off, or play it safe and risk boring everyone.

He attempted to disarm Thompsett before the Gryffindor could complete his own move.

Faustus Prewett

  

10 December 1892 — Hogwarts Great Hall
Dueling Tournament

The Gryffindor's spell hit its target and Mr. Crabbe's arms and legs immediately snapped to position. Before he could keel over, Ben waved his wand and quickly righted Mr. Crabbe so he might at the very least throw his arms out to steady himself. "Mr. Thompsett will move onto the next round." He announced with a smile at the victor.

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— Abraxas Crabbe: 9 | Henry Thompsett: 9.5—

  

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