Thick of it : reboot

The hum of chatter filled the Great Hall as students filed in, their voices a mix of curiosity and excitement. Word had spread like wildfire that Professor Lockhart had arranged a Duelling Club, promising a spectacle for all who attended.

James stood at the edge of the crowd, arms crossed and brow raised. "This should be interesting," he murmured to himself, scanning the buzzing students. He spotted Hermione dragging Harry and Ron into the hall, the latter looking far less enthusiastic. "Poor sods," James muttered under his breath, smirking slightly.

A loud crack of magical fireworks erupted from the front of the hall, drawing everyone's attention. There stood Gilderoy Lockhart, resplendent in teal robes with his trademark gleaming smile. "Welcome, one and all, to the inaugural meeting of the Hogwarts Duelling Club!" His voice boomed theatrically, and he spread his arms wide as if expecting applause.

The crowd responded with mixed reactions—some clapped politely, while others, like James, exchanged skeptical glances.

"Now, duelling is a delicate art," Lockhart continued, stepping forward with an exaggerated flourish. "But fret not! I, Gilderoy Lockhart, five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award, am here to teach you!"

James stifled a snort, whispering to Neville, "Is he teaching us to duel, or to preen in front of a mirror?"

Lockhart seemed oblivious to the scattered laughter. "And to assist me today," he declared dramatically, "I've invited none other than our own Professor Snape!"

There was a collective intake of breath as Professor Snape glided onto the stage, his black robes billowing like smoke. His expression was one of supreme distaste, though James swore he saw a flicker of amusement in his dark eyes.

"This is going to be brutal," James muttered, leaning toward Dean.

Snape stood opposite Lockhart, his wand drawn, looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else. "Shall we demonstrate, Professor Lockhart?" Snape's silky voice cut through the murmurs.

"Oh, absolutely!" Lockhart chirped, drawing his wand with an unnecessary twirl. "Let's give them a little show, eh?"

Snape didn't respond. He simply raised his wand and, with a sharp flick, cast Expelliarmus. The spell hit Lockhart square in the chest, sending him flying backward into a nearby suit of armor with a loud clang.

The hall erupted into laughter. Even James couldn't help but chuckle. "That's one way to start a lesson," he quipped.

Lockhart scrambled to his feet, brushing himself off with a sheepish grin. "Ah, yes! You see? Textbook disarming charm!" He tried to recover, though the pink tinge in his cheeks betrayed his embarrassment. "Now then, let's get you lot started! Professor Snape, why don't you pick the first pair of students?"

Snape's lip curled. "Perhaps we should start with a demonstration," he said smoothly. "Mr. Malfoy… and Mr. Potter."

The atmosphere shifted instantly, a charged silence descending over the hall. Harry glanced at Ron and Hermione, then stepped forward reluctantly. Malfoy, on the other hand, sauntered to the platform with a smug grin.

James folded his arms, watching intently. "This should be good."

Lockhart clapped his hands. "Wands at the ready! When I count to three—"

"Just get on with it," Snape interrupted, his voice like ice.

Malfoy and Harry faced each other, wands raised.

"Expelliarmus!" Malfoy shouted first, sending Harry staggering back but not disarmed.

Harry narrowed his eyes. He countered with Rictusempra, sending Malfoy stumbling with a yelp.

The duel escalated quickly. Malfoy, ever the show-off, sent a barrage of non-lethal spells at Harry. "Flipendo!" he cried, and Harry was flung into the air before landing on his back with a thud.

"Get up, Harry!" Hermione whispered urgently from the crowd.

Harry gritted his teeth and pushed himself to his feet. His eyes blazed with determination.

"Your move, Potter," Malfoy sneered.

Harry responded with precision and power. "Stupefy!" he shouted, and the spell hit Malfoy with such force that he was sent sprawling.

The crowd erupted in cheers. James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Well done, Potter," he muttered. But his gaze sharpened as he watched Harry aim his wand at the snake Malfoy had conjured. For a moment, it looked as though Harry might speak to it—but instead, Harry blasted the snake away with a spell, eliciting more cheers.

"Impressive," James murmured.

James Steps In

As the commotion died down, Snape's gaze swept the hall. His eyes locked on James, and a sly smile crept onto his face. "Mr. Dawson," he called, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Step forward."

James blinked, caught off guard. "Brilliant," he muttered, weaving through the crowd. As he climbed onto the platform, his mind raced. How much should I show? Should I hold back? No… I've worked too hard for that.

His opponent was Theodore Nott, a Slytherin known for his sharp mind and cunning duelling skills. James studied him as they took their places.

"Don't embarrass yourself, Dawson," Nott sneered, raising his wand.

James smirked. "I'll try to keep it fair, Nott."

The duel began. Nott fired the first spell, but James countered effortlessly. Spell after spell flew between them, sparks lighting up the platform. But it was clear from the start—James was superior. He anticipated Nott's every move, disarming him with a well-timed Expelliarmus that sent Nott's wand skittering across the floor.

The Gryffindors erupted in cheers. James stepped back, allowing himself a small smile as Nott retreated, looking thoroughly humiliated.

"Excellent form, Dawson!" Lockhart crowed, but Snape's expression remained unreadable.

"Let's raise the stakes," Snape said smoothly, gesturing for a third-year Slytherin, Peregrine Derrick, to step forward.

The Tougher Fight

Derrick was a different story. Stronger, more experienced, and clearly determined to win. The duel was intense, spells flying fast and furious. James found himself dodging and countering at a breakneck pace. Derrick pressed hard, forcing James onto the defensive.

"Come on, James!" shouted Dean from the crowd.

James gritted his teeth. Derrick thought he had him cornered, but James saw an opening. With a swift Stupefy, he turned the tide, knocking Derrick off his feet. The Gryffindors roared in approval as Derrick stumbled off the platform.

The Challenge

Lockhart stepped forward, clapping his hands. "Wonderful! That's enough for today—"

"Not quite," Snape interrupted, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "Let's see if Mr. Dawson can handle… a real challenge."

James froze. "You can't be serious," he muttered.

Snape smirked. "Fourth years, stand aside. I'll take the next round."

The crowd fell silent, the tension palpable. Lockhart looked flustered. "Now, now, Severus, the boy has done enough—"

James raised his chin. "I'll do it."

A murmur ran through the crowd. James stepped back onto the platform, facing Snape. The duel was brutal. Snape's spells came fast and relentless, and James was barely able to keep up. Sweat dripped down his face as he blocked and dodged, but Snape's precision was overwhelming.

With a final, disarming spell, Snape sent James' wand flying. The hall erupted into applause, Gryffindors cheering louder than anyone.

James stepped down, breathing hard but holding his head high. He caught Hermione's eye, and she gave him a small smile.

"Not bad," James muttered to himself as the session continued.

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