章 165: Surgical
*Severus Snape POV*
I watched as the helpers fixed the platform I was already informed my duel would be next. I was excited to evaluate my progress since the match with Mahoutokoro.
But, with excitement comes nerves. I realize they are natural to have but I couldn't help but worry about the possibility of going up there and losing.
Especially after Sirius just lost. As much as I loathe the idea of voting for Sirius Black to win a duel I truly was. Following a loss such as Sirius's is tough as it could create a snowball effect if I lose.
Throughout the other duels, I learned an important fact morale was an important part of duels such as this. When having a team a high morale could decide the outcome of the whole match.
"What are you thinking of sev?" Lily's voice dragged me from my thoughts
I peered over at her, "Thinking about what would happen if I lose," I decided to be truthful
Lily nodded in understanding she was smart like that instantly knowing my thoughts, "Don't worry too much about it sev. You overthink things too much, just go up there and show everyone how much you improved. Your record is better than some anyway just do what you always do," she had this talent to melt away my worries
I couldn't help but crack a small smile, "You're right Lily, like always," I shook my head at my previous nonsensical thoughts
"I know," she said with a roll of her eyes
A small laugh escaped my lips, "Thanks for this,"
"Anytime Sev anytime,"
"SEVERUS SNAPE VERSUS MICHEAL BAR," The judge announced causing my head to swivel toward the platform
It was pristine as if it had just been erected and no duels had ever taken place there. Standing from my seat I began to make my way onto the platform.
Everyone wished me good luck on the way, stepping onto the platform I finally got a clear look at my opponent.
He actually reminded me a lot of Remus. Studious but strong.
"Are you both ready?" the Judge asked
"I am ready," I replied with a small calm nod
"Me too," Micheal uttered I could see some nerves were affecting him
Good maybe I can start with high pressure and make his nerves go haywire stress him out and make him lose composure.
"Ready?" the judge asked again and we both nodded
"START!"
*Narrator pov*
Severus instantly moved forward his wand arm moving rapidly, "Bombarda, Bombarda," he hissed not aiming for Micheal but around him
The crackling sound of explosions filled the air as the just refurbished platform blew into pieces near Micheal. The American wizard hurriedly backed up while defending himself from the shrapnel.
Through the loud sounds, Micheal heard the haunting mutter of "Petrificus Totalus,"
"Murus," Micheal uttered causing the platform around him to twist upward forming a wall
The petrification spell crashed into the wall. Micheal wanted to sigh in relief until he heard, "Confringo, stupefy," his eyes widened in alarm before he jumped out of the way
The wall was blown into pieces followed by a stunning spell that was perfectly timed for Micheal's location.
Micheal gritted his teeth knowing he had to do something to halt Severus's onslaught waving his wand he declared, "Avis Maximum!" a large flock of birds formed from all of the rubble littering the platform blocking both of the duelist's sight
Severus surveyed his surroundings trying to find where Micheal went. As one of the birds flew above Severus it magically morphed back into a piece of the platform.
Luckily Severus saw it out of his peripheral vision and quickly dodged out of the way cursing under his breath in realization that any one of these birds could be a threat now.
Severus did something at that moment, he realized the visual stimuli of everything that was happening were too much so he took a deep breath and focused on his Occlumency. The world seemed to slow down in that instant the birds he didn't need to focus on were wiped away.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Micheal using a chunk of the previous wall as cover while he periodically transfigured birds back into stone to attack him.
Severus watched one of the birds fly near the wall and instantly whipped his wand, "Finite!" the bird transformed into a larger piece of stone rubble making Micheal dodge from his cover
Severus snapped his wrist, "Stupefy!" the spell shot through the air arching toward Micheal
Micheal seeing the spell twisted his body dodging the stunner and then quickly flourished his wand dispelling a good number of his previous bird Transfigurations and causing a hailstorm of stone.
Severus dodged and waved through the storm sometimes using the levitation spell to stop push-stones together.
He heard Micheal shout, "Stupefy," seeing the beam heading toward him Severus countered, "Repello!" the stunning spell rebounded now heading back toward Micheal
Micheal sidestepped the spell before returning with a disarming spell of which Severus dodged and returned with a body bind charm.
The two young wizards went back and forth inching closer and closer together neither having any time for even the smallest relief.
It was almost surgical how they both dueled, each dodging and returning fire in precise movements not allowing for any mistakes or distractions.
They were now so close that their reactions needed to be instant or defeat would be instantaneous. A line of sweat trickled down Severus's brown into his eyes but he didn't blink.
"Repello," he muttered returning the stunning spell as he tilted his wand upward in the direction he guessed Micheal would move
Micheal sidestepped the spell but didn't see Severus make his move a piece of shrapnel fell from the sky knocking into his shoulder, "Argh!" he grunted in pain
"Expelliarmus!" Severus snarled
Micheal was simply too late he missed the tempo he missed his opportunity and ironically it was his own spell that caused his downfall.
The disarming charm barreled into his stomach causing him to grunt in pain as his wand flew from his hand.
"Severus Snape wins!" The judge announced causing the Hogwarts side to cheer and the Ilvermorny side to groan
A rare smile cracked on the young Slytherin's face as he rejoined his teammates.
"See sev I told you; you were going to win," Lily said hugging him
She pulled away, "You are sweaty," she made a grossed-out face
Severus chuckled at her antics, "Of course I am," he rolled his eyes at his longest friend's scrunched-up face
"Good job Severus," Evan said with a small smile
"Thanks," Severus replied with a small nod taking the seat beside Evan
There were only a couple more duels left for the third-year students and they all hoped to keep the lead.
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