July 23rd, 1892 — Headquarters of the London Society for the Practice of Combative Magic

---

How had he been saddled with so many childrens duels? So tedious.

With a long-suffering sigh, Charles recounted the rules to the pair of boys stood before him. Mr. Belby, when you're ready...

---

Outfit | Tag: Archer Belby Nicodemus Dursley | Notes: Please tag the next poster at the end of your post, when tagging me please tag Ursula Black!

  

---

Why had he even decided to come in the first place? All he had wished for was a nice day in Hogsmeade, to watch the duels, and to just pass his day peacefully undetected.

But, no.

Somebody had caught wind of his attendance. Somebody had signed him up and even paid for the chance to see him fail. He should have ran. He should have feigned an illness. He should have told them he'd died. Yet, here he was, trembling and nearly dropping his wand before the duel had even begun.

Archer eyed his opponent and appeared at least somewhat relieved that he knew him, at least. However, Nico was nearly a foot taller than him and was a beater on the quidditch team, which meant he could probably squash Archer with one foot, not to mention a spell. Where was that growth spurt everyone told him was forthcoming?

White in the face, Archer nodded to the judge and sputtered out the first spell that came to mind, "Im-Impedimenta."

Nicodemus Dursley

  

---

MJ is the best!

"Flipendo," Nico cast once they were to begin the round. He didn't want Belby hurt but he was sure the knock back jinx wouldn't do too much damage.

Ursula Black

  

---

set by Lady!

Ever since we met I've got just one regret to live through and that one regret is you

---

To his own surprise Charles found the corner of his mouth twitching upward in amusement. Belby's spell had not only failed but Dursley's was way off mark, hitting him in the shin and causing him to fall flat on his face. First round to Dursley! Charles cleared his throat to hide a would-be snort of laughter. Belby's nose appeared to be bleeding. Charles waved his wand to staunch the bleeding, if only temporarily. You should see the nurse when you're done, Mr. Belby. Mr. Dursley it's your turn to start.

---

Outfit | Tag: Archer Belby Nicodemus Dursley | Notes: Please tag the next poster at the end of your post, when tagging me please tag Ursula Black!

---

[Scores: Archer 4.5, Nicodemus 6.5] +6 for injury!

  

---

Nico hadn't expected Archer to fall on his face since the spell usually knocked people on their back. He winced a little at the sight before him. "I'm so sorry," he mouthed to his dormmate before beginning the next round with a silencing spell. At least that should be relatively harmless, right?

Archer Belby

  

---

set by Lady!

Archer had not been prepared to fall forward. So much so that his windmilling arms had zero chance of catching him. His face met the ground with a terrible crunch, and the blood gushed down into his mouth even before Charles could stop it. He didn't even need to look at the gathered crowd to feel their judging stares on the back of his neck. He should have backed out.

However, if there was one thing Archer was talented at, it was getting back on his feet. Despite all of his misfortune, the small boy always made sure he didn't continue to lie in his shame. The Ravenclaw swiped at his face, smearing the blood more than aiding in its removal, and climbed back onto trembling legs.

He gave Nico a slight shrug as if to say he wouldn't hold it against him. After all, it wasn't his fault that he'd landed in this mess. Just one more round, hopefully, and this Hell would be over. That was the one good thing about duels, they had a definite stopping point--two or three rounds. And then he could disappear.

"Protego."

Ursula Black ((Excuse me while I forget to tag! Thanks for the reminder, Kit))

  

---

MJ is the best!

Ever since we met I've got just one regret to live through and that one regret is you

---

For a moment Charles thought there was a stalemate. The shield charm appeared to have deflected the incoming spell and Belby looked no worse than he had already. Then Charles realized the boy seemed to be trying to say something but no sound was escaping his mouth. He looked like a goldfish, a gaping goldfish fresh from a fistfight thanks to the bloodied nose. It was entirely possible the boy was just gaping silently because he lacked sufficient brain cells to process losing a duel but if that was the case he deserved to lose for being an idiot anyway. The duel goes to Mr. Dursley. Belby, go see the nurse. He neglected to reverse the silencing charm, the nurse could deal with that too.

---

Outfit | Tag: Archer Belby Nicodemus Dursley | Notes:

---

[Scores: Archer 6.5, Nicodemus 7.5]

  

---