Two days after the Quidditch match, at eight o'clock in the evening, the first official meeting of the Dueling Club commenced.
Moriarty, Lilith, and Jericho arrived at the Great Hall.
The long dining tables had vanished, and along one wall stood a gilded, spacious stage, illuminated by hundreds of floating candles.
The enchanted ceiling reflected a velvety darkness, making the stage's golden sheen stand out even more. Almost all the students in the school had gathered, crowding together eagerly. Everyone clutched their wands, eyes fixed on the stage with excitement.
"Who wouldn't want to stand up there and duel? If you ask me, the school should have an award called 'Duel King'! Whoever wins should earn a hundred points for their House!" Jericho, still reveling in his recent time in the spotlight, eagerly pushed his way into the crowd.
With him leading the way, Moriarty and the others smoothly navigated through the sea of students.
William, Leon, and other senior Slytherins stood together. Seeing Moriarty approach, William extended a hand and called out, "Come here! You'll get a better view."
Moriarty stepped into the group, discreetly scanning the crowd before exchanging glances with Leon—Bill Weasley was still nowhere to be seen.
"Professor Flitwick is here!"
A voice rang out, and the crowd fell silent as students turned to watch Professor Flitwick make his entrance.
To ensure everyone could see him, Professor Flitwick levitated onto the stage and addressed the students. "Gather round, children. To help everyone master spells and gain practical experience, I have received approval from Professor Dumbledore to establish this Dueling Club."
The students erupted in applause. "Thank you, Professor!"
Flitwick smiled and nodded. "Before we begin, you must first understand the culture and history of wizard dueling—it is a formal contest between two or more wizards where only magic is permitted.
"Ah, I know some of you are wondering—didn't Gryffindor duel Slytherin with a sword? And what about Merlin and King Arthur, who also wielded swords?"
The students nodded eagerly, and Flitwick chuckled. "Remember this, children: true strength commands respect. Though Professor Dumbledore may not fully approve of me saying this, mastering spells makes us powerful."
As the students fell into thoughtful silence, Flitwick's gaze swept the crowd. "Mr. Moriarty, would you care to join me for a demonstration?"
Applause erupted as Moriarty stepped onto the stage, positioning himself opposite Professor Flitwick. "Before a duel begins, wizards traditionally bow to one another as a sign of respect," Flitwick instructed.
They bowed, then raised their wands to their chests in the traditional dueling stance. "Now, I will count down—one—two—three!"
Flitwick was the first to act, flicking his wand and calling out, "Expelliarmus!"
A bright red jet of light shot from his wand. Moriarty, calm and composed, responded, "Protego!"
An invisible shield materialized in front of him, deflecting the red spell upward, where it struck the ceiling harmlessly.
"Oh my, an excellent Shield Charm! Ten points to Slytherin!" Flitwick clapped his hands before addressing the younger students. "The spells we just demonstrated—Expelliarmus, the Disarming Charm, forces an opponent to drop their wand or any object they're holding.
"The Shield Charm, Protego, used by Mr. Moriarty, is a vital spell. I urge you all to commit it to memory, as it can protect your life in crucial moments and even reflect many spells."
As the demonstration ended, Moriarty stepped off the stage. Flitwick then turned back to the crowd. "Now, it's time to pair up! Would you like to choose your own partners, or shall I assign them?"
"Let us choose!" the students shouted in unison, breaking into excited chatter as they sought out duel partners.
Leon raised his voice, tauntingly calling out, "William! I've been wanting to duel you for a while now. Come on, prove you're still worthy of being a Slytherin!"
William smirked. "I was wondering when you'd work up the courage. Let's settle this." He leapt onto the stage confidently.
Meanwhile, Jericho turned to the Gryffindor area and waved. "Percy! How about a match?"
Percy withdrew his wand, grinning. "Good idea! I'll show you who's the better duelist."
As Percy ascended the stage, other Gryffindors began challenging Slytherins. Oliver Wood called out Marcus Flint, and soon, more than a hundred dueling pairs had formed across the enormous stage, which was thankfully large enough to accommodate them all.
Still, most students kept their eyes on William and Leon, two of the strongest duelists in the school.
"I'll bet a Galleon on Prefect William winning," Lilith murmured beside Moriarty.
Moriarty smirked. "Everyone knows you and Leon have a rivalry."
Lilith snorted, turning to Moriarty with an eager glint in her eye. Just as she was about to challenge him, a voice rang out behind her.
"Lilith Piliwick, will you accept a duel with me?"
Penelope Clearwater stood poised, her wand twirling idly between her fingers.
Lilith turned with a cool, aristocratic air. "You hardly seem like a worthy opponent. But very well—I'll teach you a lesson."
"Then I look forward to it," Penelope replied with a knowing smile.
The students made space as the two first-year prodigies stepped onto the stage, eyes locked in silent challenge.
Gemma Farley suddenly appeared beside Moriarty, watching with amusement. "Such intensity among first-years. Quite terrifying, really."
Moriarty ignored her, his attention still on the duels—until another voice cut through the noise.
"Mr. Moriarty, I challenge you to a duel!"
Charlie Weasley stepped forward, his stance formal. "Charlie Weasley, fourth-year Gryffindor. Twelve-inch ash wood wand, unicorn tail hair core. Specializing in Transfiguration." He nodded. "Shall we?"
The Gryffindors cheered, eager for a showdown—a continuation of the rivalry from the Quidditch match.
Moriarty studied Charlie. The Weasley's red hair and freckled face were unmistakable, but his eyes were different—clear, bright, and full of resolve, reminiscent of a unicorn's gaze. Perhaps that was why he had a talent for dealing with magical creatures.
Moriarty was about to accept when another voice interrupted.
"Wait a moment, Moriarty—I have dibs!"
Tonks emerged from the Hufflepuff section, hands on her hips. "Ever heard of 'ladies first,' Charlie? I challenge Moriarty before you do."
Charlie sighed, shaking his head. "Well, if Mr. Moriarty agrees, I have no objections."
Moriarty considered for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I will duel Tonks first—then you, Charlie."
Charlie frowned. "Are you sure? Do you have the magical stamina for two duels?"
Tonks answered for him, grinning. "Oh, trust me, he does. His magic is more like an adult's than a student's."
Moriarty took her hand lightly. "Nymphadora, are you certain? You'll need a strong defense—perhaps even a Patronus Charm—to counter my Ice Serpent and Phantom Snake."