Pushing Limits PV Isadora Everridge Finished

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

Isadora asked what happens if duelling doesn’t end up getting easier. The quiet tone showed her doubt and pain, at least to Ruby, and it served as a reminder to the Slytherin to continue being gentle. She had already pushed Isadora, and now it was time to make her feel better about it. Weakness and powerlessness was what came before growth. No one was supremely powerful from the start. “It will,” she reassured. “When we first started with spellwork in January, your Levitation Charm wasn’t even strong enough to pull my wand out of my hand. But now you’re here, in a setting that mimics a real duel, casting spells that have succeeded every time, even if they don’t hit—and I’ve had a lot of practice with dodging. You’ve already improved so much, and it’s just going to get better from here.” If she was a more touchy-feely person, she might have laid a comforting hand on the Hufflepuff’s shoulder. But she wasn’t, so Isadora would have to make do with words.

There was a sad-sounding “What do I do when I’m in danger? and Ruby was reminded of her helpless twelve year old self, who did nothing but talk instead of taking action when the danger was crucial. “Trust your instincts. Trust your brain. Make sure you can trust the people you associate with. The worst thing you can do is not act. And you being here, showing up for these sessions, shows that you want to try to improve your skills. By doing that, you’re preparing yourself. Even if all you can do in the moment is cast one spell, that can be critical. Something is always better than nothing. What do you do? You try. And as long as you’re trying, that’s going to get you somewhere.” A pause. “Do you like tea, or perhaps hot chocolate? What say we leave here and get a nice hot drink, hm?” There was a flick of her wand as she cast a silent Reparifors again. “That should do it.”

*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*

Reducio

Ruby isn't mad, though. She says that Dora's been doing a good job, even though it doesn't feel like it. She brings up when they first began their tutoring sessions, saying how much Dora's improved. Dora supposes she's not entirely wrong. She has been getting better marks, after, so there must be some improvement.

And she knew she wouldn't be able to win against Ruby, she knew that from the beginning. Ruby's older and faster, and really good at dueling. It shouldn't be a big deal, losing. Maybe Dora should have stuck it out longer? But she's so tired of it right now.

"You’ve already improved so much, and it’s just going to get better from here.”

Dora's surprised. Does Ruby really think that? Sometimes it's hard to tell what she thinks, as she's not as open as some of Dora's other acquaintances. But then, Dora's not really that open either. Sometimes she doesn't think she knows how to be.

“Trust your instincts." Ruby advises when she asks about danger. "Trust your brain. Make sure you can trust the people you associate with. The worst thing you can do is not act. And you being here, showing up for these sessions, shows that you want to try to improve your skills. By doing that, you’re preparing yourself. Even if all you can do in the moment is cast one spell, that can be critical. Something is always better than nothing. What do you do? You try. And as long as you’re trying, that’s going to get you somewhere.”

Dora listens, trying to take it all in. How do you trust yourself when you know you're not good enough? And she does try, she tries so hard, and she hopes that it counts for something. Maybe.

She's silent for a bit, wrapping her head around everything. Maybe the frustration shows, because Ruby offers, “Do you like tea, or perhaps hot chocolate? What say we leave here and get a nice hot drink, hm?”

It's strange, Dora thought she'd let her tutor down today. But even though she's unsure, it would be rude to refuse an invitation, especially from Ruby. As she's healed, Dora replies, "Tea would be lovely."