That it would be his superior (professionally speaking, at least) that he would be facing off against first struck Julius as one of life's little ironies, though he did not wish to dwell upon it. The summer had been...difficult, professionally speaking, so far, and he was eager for even the brief respite that dueling would provide. The wizard did his best to clear his mind and focus on the task at hand as Darrow went through his motions.

Wand at the ready, Julius cast a quick, wordless stinging hex.