2021 Duelling Stage 3, Day 2 Spectator

Morning slot | Gryffindor v Hufflepuff | Gryffindor v Slytherin
Mentions and small interactions scattered throughout the post. Open to interactions!

Lucia knew it was childish, and immature, and very un-Hufflepuff-like, but she still couldn't stop herself from hoping that @Rose Moon would loose her match, just like she'd lost the two matches before this one. Okay, maybe Lucia was being a bit mean. But still - she was justified. Miss Moon had called Lucia a cheat - Lucia! A cheat! - and the Hufflepuff still wasn't over it, however kind and forgiving she was supposed to be. She could've forgotten about Rose's accusation that she was a bad duellist, since Lucia knew that she wasn't, but she couldn't abide being told that she was cheating. Especially when she wasn't. She resolved to keep a close eye on Rose's match and root for the opposition.

But she had another match to watch as well - @Alexa Mackenzie's. Lucia may or may not have harboured a secret hope that, once Alina left, she might have been made Alexa's partner, but instead @Callista Lovis had made the cut. It made more sense, and Lucia didn't mind all that much - Logan was an awesome partner too. However, this meant that Lucia could cheer Alexa (well, and Callista- she was Lucia's friend too) on for all she was worth, and that was certainly a positive of her situation. Plus, Lucia herself had gone yesterday, so she didn't have to worry about her own match. For now, she was just a spectator.

As the duellists were called forwards, Lucia made sure to see who everyone was against - or, at least, everyone in Alexa and Rose's matches. She wasn't really as interested in the other one, since she didn't recognise anyone on it. Alexa and Callista were against two Gryffindors (@Lamik Fillestar and @Raine Sage) whom Lucia didn't recognise, but - oh no - Lucia quickly realised that they were both third years, and Alexa and Callista were just a second and first year respectively. Hopefully the third years would be bad at duelling? "Come on Hufflepuff!" she cheered, trying to sound as positive as possible. "You can do this, Alexa! And Callista! You can both do this!" If either of the Hufflepuffs looked over at her, they would find an encouraging smile on Lucia's face as she stuck her thumbs up in a gesture of good luck.

Then, she turned over to Rose Moon's match. Wait - where was whatsisname? Rose's partner? Eyre, that was it. Had he quit duelling or something? Lucia didn't recognise Rose's new partner, a first year apparently by the name of @Nicholas McCowan, but she definitely recognised Rose's opponents. @Santario Martins and @Bridget Collins had beaten Lucia and Logan in Stage Two. Oh, no. On the one side, at least it meant that Rose & Co were way more likely to get knocked out - Santario and Bridget were good. On the other, Lucia really didn't want Slytherin to get the points. Lucia couldn't cheer for the Slytherins, because that wouldn't look great for her, since Hufflepuff really needed Slytherin to loose the match, but there was no way on Earth she was cheering for Rose. Nope. No way. So, instead, she just watched. If Rose looked around, perhaps getting the feeling that someone was watching her, she would probably see Lucia looking at her intently - but as soon as Lucia realised that Rose could see her, the Hufflepuff would look away.

Even if the lioness didn't notice Lucia, though, the Hufflepuff's attention would be caught quickly by the action in Alexa's duel. Two spells flew towards Callista, who jumped out of the way of one but was unlucky when it came to the other, and one from Alexa towards one of the Gryffindors. It missed. "C'mon Alexa!" she called, hoping to encourage, though if was probably just as likely that she would distract her best friend. Wait, was Alexa her best friend? Lucia certainly thought so... but did Alexa? Oh, Lucia hoped so. She really did. But now wasn't the time to think about friendships - there were duels going on! "You've got this!"

In supporting Alexa, Lucia had completely missed the action in Rose's duel, and when she glanced back again she saw that Rose was wearing a blindfold and didn't appear to be looking so good. A twinge of pity hit her, but Lucia pushed it down. Rose Moon didn't deserve her pity. Rose Moon had called her a cheat, and she hadn't apologised - and the worst part was that Lucia was pretty sure she had meant it.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Morning Slot
Group D: Gryffindor vs Slytherin[/font]

@Bridget Collins @Santario Martin @Rose Moon

As usual, Flash was looking forward to the next round of duels. Really, he needed every bit of happiness he could scavenge. It was a shame that after their amazing first round, Slytherin had dropped behind Ravenclaw in points over the second round. It was still a new competition, at least in the current way it was being run, so all of the teams had its share of changing rosters. Many of Flash's favorites to watch were still kicking. This day, at this time, it was Bridget.

She was his friend, ostensibly. It wasn't as though he had been particularly present or helpful to her this year. He spent most of his time with Anastasia, or alone. Ever since the day she saw him punch Vladimir in the face and followed him out of the Masquerade, they hadn't spoken much. He had been so in his own head that he hadn't even thought to check in on her, or see how she was doing. He hoped she was well, and he certainly thought she was better off not knowing what he had been up to. Since they were in different years, it was difficult to catch up unless they set apart a time to get together, and Flash hadn't really been in a good mood lately, and had no good news to share. At the very least, he could continue to cheer for her on the sidelines.

Her fellow co-captain Santario had a much better second round than first, and he hoped this third would prove the two of them would be a force to be reckoned with. They had good move planning, stamina to hold out through difficult situations, and seemed to support each other in the way they interacted. Santario was in Flash's year, but had never stood out much to him. She seemed quiet, kept to herself. Being co-captain of the Slytherin dueling team was the only thing he really knew about her, but as long as she treated Bridget well, Flash liked her.

On the other side was Rose Moon. A funny coincidence, since she had been the person who sat beside him during the last Quidditch match instead of Bridget. He hadn't been paying attention to her career up until then, but she explained it herself. It hadn't been great. He noted her partner also just changed, it used to be the Eyre boy she had talked about, but now it was someone new. She was certainly the underdog here, but Flash was not rooting for her as he might have in a different situation. He wanted Bridget to win, and Slytherin to get another point. Surely she would understand, poor thing. He hoped a decisive victory here wouldn't shatter her confidence completely.

As the match began, the match certainly seemed one-sided. While Bridget and Santario both got strong wind attacks off, the first year sent out a flame that didn't catch, and Rose blinded herself. Flash almost wanted to laugh, but felt bad. She was not kidding about how badly her duels went. Funnily enough, he didn't have to, as Rose herself starting bursting out in giggle fits herself. A tickling spell had hit her as she was trying to undo the blindfold, though Bridget's spell had missed her. Meanwhile, every hit of the first year's found its mark on Bridget, but seemed to barely phase her. It could still end up going either way.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Afternoon Slot
Group E: Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff
Group E: Ravenclaw vs Slytherin
Group F: Gryffindor vs Slytherin[/font]

@Meenauh Silmataurea @Opeila Winters @Willow Anderson @Kazuo Shimada @Dmitri Jones

When he returned that afternoon, it was another one of those days. How did it always end up that most of the matches he was interested in watching were all clumped together in one heap? It was going to be nearly impossible to really watch and enjoy all three, but at the very least he could try.

He had to see how Willow was doing, of course. She had one win and one loss, so this match would decide whether she would end the year with majority wins or majority losses. Interestingly, she was now on her third partner in three rounds. This time, it was Kazuo. If he was such a competent spellcaster, then why didn't he... well, that didn't matter. What mattered was that he properly supported his sister. Then again, being up against Miss Meenauh's team didn't bode well. While her first match had gone comically bad, debatably due to bad luck, her second had been a quick and ruthless victory. It was a match he was highly anticipating.

Opeila and Adonis however, had nothing but losses so far, the least successful team on Slytherin. He hated to think how that must have felt, especially knowing how hard the two of them were trying. Their opponents were the Ravenclaw team Willow had lost to last round, ones that had a turnabout victory after it seemed they would lose. The two birds seemed close, had a tightknit sense of teamwork. Flash would naturally be attentively hoping that Opeila could finally secure the win she had been fighting for.

The last was naturally Dmitri's match. Flash attended them all, particularly interested in the captain's indominable skill. Of all the duelists from any house, he was the most thrilling to watch, and the matches rarely ended without some kind of theatrics. This one would be the most theatrical of all, with his opponents immediately forfeiting. There were plenty of murmurs in the crowd, as the realization set in. There would be no final duel. A bit of a shock, as it was doubtful that Flash was the only one who was looking forward to it.

Partially, it made sense, in that the opponent was clearly outmatched, yet on the other hand, it seemed like such a shame. One might not want to get on stage and get destroyed, but surrendering felt worse, somehow. Wasn't there always a shred of hope, or had Dmitri's presence truly robbed them of it? While this level of intimidation was something Dmitri actively worked for, his reaction to the news showed he had never meant for it to go that far. He was indignant, calling for a fight. It wasn't really a good impression to leave behind for someone in his position, even if he was angry.

"Dmitri, step down. It's over." He would call out to his peer, trying to help him save some face before things got worse.

"Whew! Go Meenauh!" Oliver clapped and cheered, standing and watching with tears of joy in his eyes. He was a big fan of these tournaments, so much so that he was always one of the first students to show up. He'd wake at the crack of dawn and come down just to watch the room prepared for the event during the morning.

Oliver didn't join the Ravenclaw team, partly because he was too shy to stand up in front of a crowd but also because he had a girlfriend now and didn't have time for tournaments. He was busy being in love with an older student from a higher up year. Although he was the most powerful wizard in his year, they'd have to do without him. A true pity.

Oliver watched Meenauh from the spectator stand. They were acquaintances at most, having spoken very rarely since first meeting. But Oliver knew she had great magic potential and so he fiercely cheered her on. He wanted to see what charms she knew now, remembering her skill with them during their last magical encounter. Charms was something Oliver himself was getting more into. He finished the semester's teachings before midterm so one could say he was beginning to get advanced in the subject.

The Viper Magnate

Interacting with @Flash Holmwood

Cocky - Shea Coulee (Explicit)

Roleplaying as Dmitri Kazimir Jones
Perfectionist | Perfectionist II | Spell Spread | Terrible Presence
Sta 10, Str 2, Eva 6, Wis 14, Arc 11, Acc 10

It was a weird dilemma Dmitri was stuck in at that moment. Though outwardly displaying his irritation at the relative injustice of it all, he couldn't help but be oddly pleased at the same time. How often was it that an opponent surrenders before they even get to face you because you simply were formidable? He was confused, verily so. And maybe that was why he was so dramatic.

Though if you were to ask anybody who knew the fourth year, does he even really need a reason to be?

"Well? Anyone?"

Dmitri rolled his eyes when he was met with silence that spoke of both fear and disappointment (most of the disappointment coming from him).

"Should've known. There's a reason why I'm here, Captain of the Slytherin duelling team, and you're there simply content staring at us with your beady eyes. All of you are co—!" His spiel was cut short when a voice spoke up from the crowd.

"Dmitri, step down. It's over."

"Excuse me?" Oh so slowly, the boy would turn his head, glare ever so present. There was a visible change to his stare once his eyes met the person who called out to him.

His now-steely gaze would behold none other than Flash Holmwood.

"Well, if it isn't you."

Just because this... child has seen him vulnerable once doesn't mean he could come up here and think he can talk to him like that. Who does he think he is?

The nerve!

"You want me to stand down? Fine." In an instant, the Holmwood heir would find himself dead center on the tip of Dmitri's wand. "But you will have to make me, Young Master."

———

Training wand on Flash Holmwood.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Morning Slot
Group D: Gryffindor vs Slytherin[/font]

@Bridget Collins @Santario Martin @Rose Moon

As the match continued, things got much worse for Rose. Her partner was able to get a hit on Bridget, but just as she removed her blindfold, she was hit with the tickling jinx. It was hard to imagine how anyone could cast a spell in that state, the wind also not having ceased either. She wouldn't even get the chance to, as she was knocked flat almost immediately after. Unconscious. Was it bad luck, was she out-matched, or did her nerves get to her? Either way, he did feel bad for her. Given what she said at the Quidditch match, this was about the worst possible outcome. He wondered whether she would just quit dueling after this, or find some motivation to soldier on. She was a first year after all, and up against both of the co-captains for the Slytherin team. Then again, if it was him... well, he wasn't sure what he would think.

Now it was only one lion standing versus the two snakes. It wasn't completely hopeless, and he'd seen bigger comebacks (Bridget's first round came to mind), as there had been a few hits and misses in his favor. It didn't help that Bridget succeeded on a sneezing hex though, a spell that was sure to make his casting more difficult.

His attempts to aim went awry, as Santario blasted him with a devastating knockback jinx. Was it the fact that he was weakened and cornered, which made the viper strike so assuredly? For as often as he'd seen the spell used, it didn't usually look quite so painful. The wounded cub had to take his time to stand back up, only to be blasted by two wind charms again.

Flash smiled, feeling that at this point there was no turn around. Bridget and Santario were working well in tandem, and had clearly made an efficient and powerful strategy to annihilate their opponent. It was impressive, another shining example of the power of the Slytherin dueling team. Hopefully they still had a chance at winning for the whole year. If they could cinch a win in both dueling and Quidditch, even better. He needed this. It warmed his heart to see his friend and his house doing well, a flame of pride reminding him there was still joy to be found.

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Afternoon Slot
Group F: Gryffindor vs Slytherin[/font]

@Dmitri Jones

While he had fully intended to view all of the matches that evening, the unexpected events happened to take place at the place he was front row for. His words would draw Dmitri's attention right away, as he finally stopped his screeching long enough to look over. The recognition seemed to change something, his words following with unfortunately continued rage. Moving on was clearly the best option, but there was no sign that Flash's natural calming presence reached him. In fact, having Dmitri's full attention brought a shiver down Flash's spine. He knew the kinds of things Dmitri was capable of, why his opponents had preferred to flee than to fight.

Everything about Flash's countenance would change when a wand was pointed at him. He could feel all the hairs on his body standing on end, a deep revulsion and fear that would make him visibly panic, stepping back and drawing his own wand immediately. There was a crowd around him, he started to suddenly feel trapped, claustrophobic. It was amazing that he actually managed to pronounce the words right, or hold his arm steady enough to make the movement.

"Expelliarmus!"

Flash casts Disarming Charm at Dmitri
Wisdom DC: 10
Wisdom Check: [d20:10] + 10 = 20 → Success
Auto-Miss: [d10:5] → Fail (Dmitri's Terrible Presence)
Accuracy Check: [d20:3] + 9 = 12
Evasion Check: [d20:15] + 6 = 21
12 < 21 → Miss

Not really a shock that he didn't aim right though, but that meant Dmitri was still armed, and Flash was completely open. Would someone else stop him, or was it too late? Flash's eyes were wide with horror, but he would fight to the death if he had to. Not that it was a matter of life or death, but he couldn't take any more chances.

Interacting with @Flash Holmwood and mentioning @Ruby Cazares in passing

Cocky - Shea Coulee (Explicit)

Roleplaying as Dmitri Kazimir Jones
Perfectionist | Perfectionist II | Spell Spread | Terrible Presence
Sta 10, Str 2, Eva 6, Wis 14, Arc 11, Acc 10

Dmitri was most powerful and confident behind his wand. And as a Dueling Captain, there really was no other place he'd rather be. He was a marksman behind his bow, a knight with his sword... a king with his crown.

The mere fact the other boy—pathetic, quivering Young Master Holmwood—attempted to take that away from him with nary a warning had his hairs standing on end.

But unlike the younger boy, it wasn't out of terror.

It was simply out of pure anger.

"You all saw him." He'd say out loud to the bystanders that were no doubt witnessing the spectacle beheld in front of them. It was probably not what they expected coming into the arena today, but it certainly was not that far off. They got their anticipated duel match, after all.

"He tried to hit me first. I cannot be blamed for what happens next."

As much as Dmitri could say this was all just business, it had gotten personal ever since Flash made it his business to call him out. With that failed Expelliarmus, well.

There's no going back, some would say.

"Incendio Duo!"

Dmitri Jones casts Incendio Duo
Wisdom DC: 12
Wisdom Check: [1d20: 15] + 14 = 29 → Success
Accuracy Check: [1d20: 14] + 10 = 24
Evasion Check: [1d20: 10] + 5 = 15
24 > 15 → Hit
Damage: 60 + 11 ARC * 10 = 170
Duration: [1d3: 3] → 2 rounds

Effects: Flash Holmwood sustains 170 HP worth of damage and is aflame for 2 rounds, suffering 60 HP damage for each one.

Dmitri managed to hit the boy dead-on with the spell he wasn't able to use against his previous opponents. The ones that fled in fear, that is.

If the boy felt anything beyond hatred and self-righteousness right then—like sympathy or remorse, both not part of his vocabulary—he would have seen just how skewed the situation was. It was hardly fair when a once-placid spectator was pitted against a person entering the arena ready for a one-sided battle that didn't get to happen. He wasn't even aware of (nor did he care about) the spectators around his target nor his teammate that has already left the premises a long while back.

All he could see was Flash Holmwood and the disrespect he almost committed.

Oh, did Dmitri see it.

"Dust yourself off." The Slytherin Dueling Captain would command the burning boy sternly, not above letting him suffer for his efforts. "Let me see you try to disarm me again." Dmitri jeered..

---
HEALTH: 1000/1000 | 100%

[font=Monotype Corsiva]Afternoon Slot
Group F: Gryffindor vs Slytherin[/font]

@Dmitri Jones

Dmitri called out to the crowd with a very clear intention, which was to absolve him of whatever violence he was about to perform. Unlike Flash, there wasn't a chance that Dmitri would fail casting the spell, and extremely unlikely that he would miss his aim. Flash wasn't in the business of being in the crossfire of spells, he had never shown the smallest interest in becoming a duelist, and it would soon be evident why.

The only thing Flash had going for him was what he knew about Dmitri, from the two rounds preceeding this once. Aggressive, dominating, and humiliating. He won quickly by being oppressive and throwing the opponent off. It started before he even cast, implying no one would blame him for attacking Flash. Fat chance. Flash had sympathizers all around the school, all Dmitri had were thralls too afraid to question him.

And Flash, who did sympathize with him. When he saw Dmitri confidently condescending to his opponents on the stage, Flash still saw the frightened, nervous boy from the rooftops, asking about death. Regardless of the amount of liquor they drank that night, he hadn't forgotten. Now, he was attacking Flash with a powerful fire spell, because of course he was.

The fire engulfed him, the crowd around him instinctively getting out of the way of Dmitri's only real target. At least he wasn't mad enough to attack someone else at random, even though he could. He wasn't seeking destruction, only revenge for slighted pride. Flash would yell, not at all brave enough to not fear a huge plume of fire enveloping him. He'd try uselessly to get it off of him, but it blazed with horrifying artistry. It also hurt, a lot.

It was no use. The second he tried to extinguish it, he would be two spells away from unconsciousness. It was part of the oppression, one couldn't deal with his first attack before the others made things worse. There was only one tactic that had any chance of success, and that was removing the source of his power. He was unstoppable so long as that wand was still in his hand. Gritting his teeth through what he was sure was going to be continuous agonizing pain, Flash lifted his wand again. It would be a miracle if he actually managed it. His only other chance was to hope that someone in the crowd would help him, but he couldn't rely on that, and he could waste a second of precious breath.

"Expelliarmus!" This time his voice was more hoarse, but the movement, concentration, and pronounciation was exact, despite everything.

Flash casts Disarming Charm at Dmitri
Wisdom DC: 10
Wisdom Check: [d20:20] + 10 = 30 → Crit success
Auto-Miss: [d10:9] → Fail (Dmitri's Terrible Presence)
Accuracy Check: [d20:2] + 9 = 11
Evasion Check: [d20:20] + 6 = 26
11 < 26 → Miss
Takes 60 damage from being aflame

He could barely see anything, barely keep his eyes open, one arm trying to save his face. Normally accuracy wasn't his greatest challenge, but given the circumstances, he only had a short amount of time left before it was too late. Maybe it already was.

Interacting with @Flash Holmwood

Cocky - Shea Coulee (Explicit)

Roleplaying as Dmitri Kazimir Jones
Perfectionist | Perfectionist II | Spell Spread | Terrible Presence
Sta 10, Str 2, Eva 6, Wis 14, Arc 11, Acc 10

Considering he did command the boy to do so, Dmitri was not exactly surprised at the second attempt at an Expelliarmus. In fact, he did not even have to do nor feel anything at all. Though the younger Slytherin did seem to perform commendable spellwork in his present condition, the smell of burning clothes, hair, and the myriad of smoke coming off of Flash definitely took a toll on his aim.

Many people would agree that Dmitri Kazimir Jones was made of stone. That he was a ruthless, unfeeling monster incapable of the barest human emotions. But he did have a heart.

Right then and there, looking at the boy who once shared a bottle with him on his manor's rooftop beaten down, burning up, on his ass in the stands, he felt one thing.

Pity.

But he had a duty. A responsibility to carry out.

His dignity—both as a single duelist among the many, and especially as the leader of a whole house's corps of duelists—has been questioned. Subtly, maybe even accidentally, but definitely publicly.

Flash was being made an example of.

And not a bottle of whiskey nor any comforting discussion on death would stop that from happening.

"Reparifors."

Dmitri Jones casts Reparifors
Wisdom DC: 11
Wisdom Check: [1d20: 7] + 14 = 21 → Success
Restoration: 10 + 11 ARC * 5 = 65

Effects: Flash Holmwood is healed by 65 HP.

A burst of light would engulf the other boy, alleviating some if not all of his pain, yet he would still find himself at the end of Dmitri's wand.

"Try again."

Two words. Spoken softly but clearly, carrying throughout the crowd. A command, behind which lay immense weight. An offer? A consolation?

One thing's for sure.

It was a threat, a promise.

Try again.

And fail again.

This won't stop until you do.

This is what it means to go against Dmitri Kazimir Jones, Fourth-Year Slytherin, Viper Magnate.

In the here and now, his title bore the most importance. Young Master Holmwood had no place in the dueling stage.

---
HEALTH: 1000/1000 | 100%

Afternoon Slot - Interacting with Dmitri Jones

It was safe to say that Lamik was feeling confident. He and his partner, Raine, had managed to win their final duel of the season, capping off a 3 win streak that inflated his ego like a bicycle pump inflating some sort of sad, blonde, possibly somewhat stupid tire. It wasn't that he thought himself to be better than anyone, of course. It would take far, far more than a few wins to convince the boy that he was anything other than just another person. At that moment though, and the entire day until that very point, what he did feel was a certain sense of invincibility. He may have been average, maybe even slightly less than that, in most other areas of life, but when it came to self-defense he was good.

Unfortunately, it was impossible to completely ignore the fact that throughout all 3 duels, his and Raine's opponents had been of lower years. To say that any of them were fair fights wasn't quite a lie, but it wasn't quite a truth either. It was due to the need to brush of these inconvenient thoughts that Lamik decided to distract himself by spectating a duel instead of fighting in it, for once. He wasn't sure which one it was that he would be walking into, and he was pleasantly surprised when he saw two of his own teammates step up onto the dueling stage, against who, according to the announcer, were two of the Slytherin duelists. This was sure to be an interesting duel.

That was what he thought, at least, until the unexpected happened. Everly and Jackson just... walked away. They resigned. But surely it was some kind of trick, some loophole in the dueling rules that let them claim to be resigning only to turn back at the last moments and catch their opponents by surprise! It was with bated breath that Lamik watched, certain that at any moment someone would explain what was going on. That moment never came though. In fact, from there things just got worse. Dmitri Jones, who was, evidently, the head of the Slytherin team, wasn't happy with the duel's outcome. Why wouldn't he be? Lamik wondered. It's a free win! Any sort of speculation would have to be left for later though because Dmitri was more then unhappy. He looked absolutely livid. One thing led to another, and after someone (whose name he couldn't quite remember) ordered Dmitri to stand down, another duel had somehow commenced. Flash (Who was kind enough to mention his name out loud to Dmitri under some pretext or other) cast the disarming charm, as any responsible moderator would. Unfortunately, he missed and was hit by a fire-making spell. That was when the panic set in, and for just a few moments, Lamik lost touch with what was going on as a fierce debate raged in his head.

Go call for help!

But why? I can beat Dmitri myself... probably.

Don't be stupid, he's the captain of the dueling team! You wouldn't be able to take him on.

Alright, maybe not along, but with Flash and me working together...

It doesn't matter! The right thing to do is to go get help.

..But let me ask you this:

Mm?

Just let me ask you this:

Yes?

Listen, let me ask you this:

What?!

If I go call for help, how in the world will I prove myself as a good duelist?

Wait wha-

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Lamik's wand was held out in front of him before he had even consciously decided to step in.

ACTION: WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA @ DMITRI