Dueling - Lesson Three (All Years)

The battle had terrified Hailey. She wanted to know how to protect herself even more, so she decided to take on an extra class. Dueling. Dueling was something Hailey lacked skills in, well something she would admit that she lacked skills in. She was really better at everything else, except with her wand.

That she would admit. If she said she was better at everything else, then she would have to prove it. And Hailey was too scared to get up and stand up for herself. She had done it enough times with the whole alien business to know it's not worth getting laughed at behind her back.

And then there was Benny. She was afraid of him. He had torn her down once, he could easily do it again. That much she was afraid of as well. So today, Hailey wore her black hair up in a bun, and wore her Slytherin robes with pride as she marched into class. She didn't want anyone to know she was terrified of this class. She was Slytherin and Pureblood, and she would prove it.

Bennett had never attended a single Duelling lesson, but it seemed like the right time to start. Sadly, he had misread the times and got them confused with another class, so Bennett was running through the corridors trying to make it in time. Of course, he didn't make it in time. Bennett arrived at the exact moment Professor Newbury was talking about maternity leave. It took him a second to recall who Professor Hollands was but then he eventually remembered it was the Transfiguration professor, whom Bennett had certainly noted was pregnant. Frowning a little to himself, Bennett thought about how many pregnant people there seemed to be, but he let it go. After all, it wasn't his business.

Unlike Bennett, Professor Newbury seemed to be smiling. Maybe older people were more supportive of pregnant women, regardless of gender. It also seemed natural for coworkers to support each other through harsh times, because Bennet couldn't see how pregnancy wasn't harsh. Oh, shield charms! Bennett liked that. They were easy. Listening careful to the instructions, Bennett looked around for someone to pair up with. His eyes instantly fell on Hailey, because she was the only one he knew. A little awkwardly, Bennett walked up to her.

"Hey." he didn't bother with a proper greeting because he was half expecting her to yell at him. "Mind if I work with you?" What else was he supposed to say? Hey Hailey, I know I've been a shit with your alien obsession and ridiculous personality but I really don't want to fail this class so how about we just set that aside and work together to get a perfect grade? Unlikely. As he stood awkwardly in front of her, Bennett scratched the back of his neck and attempted to give her an actual smile. Maybe if he was nice to her she wouldn't mind working together.

Anyone I catch using spells of brutal effect will have a one way ticket to the Headmaster's office. Please pair up, and when you're ready, begin." Jake told them, motioning them off.[/color][/quote]