2023/24, Stage 3 Hufflepuff v Slytherin: Match 3

Lucia and Jake seemed to have the same idea: both cast the shield charm. It was just as well, too, because Lucia's managed to catch a flipendo sent by Ruby, which fizzled harmlessly on her shield rather than reaching her. The really exciting thing, though, was the spell sent by Hanako, which bounced between the Hufflepuffs like a ping-pong ball before finally Jake managed to get the angle right to send it flying towards Ruby, who flew off the stage and hit the floor with a thud. Wide-eyed, Lucia turned to her remaining teammate. "Good one." That, she thought privately, was insane.

The duel was quick-paced, intense, and explosions were everywhere. With only two left on each team, and time running out, Jake knew he had to act quickly. Barely thinking, he cast Protego, shielding himself against the all-out assault he knew was coming. Lucia had the exact same thought. The two Hufflepuffs shielded at once. Their timing was better than their aim. Back and forth, back and forth, the spell bounced like a ping pong ball, until finally...somehow...Jake sent it off towards the Slytherin team. Eyes widening, he watched the spell barrel into Ruby, who didn't get back up. Lucia complimented him and Jake nodded back, still not sure how he'd managed to do it.

Hanako had taken out his own team-mate, and from the look on his eye, he was very well aware of the fact. Jake winced, looking at the boy, who looked positively crestfallen. It looked like a part of Hana had died with that flipendo. It was such a jarring change, that Jake almost missed the flirting. "Er....well....that wasn't YOUR fault...." he tried in vain to help.

Jake wondered if there was a way to cheer Hanako up. It was just hard to see somebody looking like that, even if it WAS his opponent. Especially somebody that usually had as much life as Hanako. Did HE have to flirt with him? Jake shook that thought out of his head. Even if he wanted to, he was pretty sure he wouldn't know how. Sorry, Hanako.

Round 7

Time was ticking down, that cruel master over these duellists that still had a good amount of fight in them, Piérre had no doubts. Dedicated to proving himself as a capable last man standing, Hanako sent a spray of fireworks towards the Hufflepuffs who were busy healing each other. However, his aim had not been as good as it had been frequently in the recent past. Jake--with some instinct of some sort--managed to elude even the straying crackers and Lucia the less nimble of the both only managed to take some slighting singes and a shock to the retinas that a few quick blinks would be able to clear away most handily.

"As Hufflepuff heals, Slytherin strikes! But it seems that the viridian has lost the cadence he and his fellows had once been carrying--Hufflepuff looks to be outhealing the damage being done!" Piérre shook his head as his brow furrowed. Well this looked no fun. He hated duels that ended all campy like this--he wanted to see a clear victor and no 'cheese'. The audience preferred it as well, which likely spoke more to their darkest and deepest desires to watch young children inflict harm upon each other than it did to Piérre himself: mere commentator on such cruel and sickening ends as he was.

Still... "But this is still anyone's game. Will the door be pried open just far enough for the cavalcade of the moment to pour through for Slytherin and be a surprising muckup moment for the Hufflepuffs? Or will the Hufflepuffs manage to slam the snake in the door as they close the door to Victory on it in order to keep it for themselves?" He tilted his head as he finished the musing thought with a murmur. "We are about to see..."

Information

1. You have 96 hours from this post's timestamp to owl your moves to me (Piérre Marchonné) and to make your 50+ word post.
2. Do not hint at your move in your post, as this can give an advantage to the other team.
3. Remember to send your move and make your post before the deadline. If either of these are not completed in time, your move will be void.
4. I will try to moderate early if all actions and posts are in before the deadline. If you do not wish for me to do this, please owl me.
5. Your stats, abilities, and spells are considered locked for this duel. If any are added to your trunk since 10th May, they may not be used.
6. If you have any questions or feedback regarding this match, please feel free to owl or DM me.
7. Handy links: Duelling Rules, Duelling Spells, and the most recent patch.
8. Good luck and happy duelling!

The spectator thread for this duel can be found here.
Come cheer for your House and friends!

He ruffled the back of his hair in annoyance. Unsure if he should feel better or worst that his own opponent is telling him that it’s not his fault. “I don’t think she’s going to see it that way, Morris” he groaned , “ Thanks anyway. Appreciated” he tried to say, easing on his depressive tone in an attempt to urge Jake away from attempting to make him feel better. If its not flirting then maybe silence was better. (Sorry Jake)

As the next round started he sighed, seeing him barely making any damage. “ You guys do know the chances she won't have my head is only if I end up in the hospital wing with her, right?”. He knew it wasn’t on purpose, of course. Healing on their situation was the best tactic. Yet he lowkey wished this was done and over with.

Doing as strategies but ALSO- nope not flirting with anyone at the moment. Just depressed.

Ooc note

Reducio

: hanas thoughts arent my own. This is so chaotic, I love it xD. Thanks moderator, hope you heal well from the crazy rolls. Thanks everyone else for participating and making this memorable

Lucia and Jake healed each other, and Lucia was surprised to hear Hanako's comment. "Knock yourself out," she shot back, and then realised the pun. "Hah..." She'd meant the saying figuratively, but if Hanako wanted to take it literally then that wouldn't be of any loss to the Hufflepuff team. Then again, that would probably count as self-sabotage, and Lucia had been pleased to be part of a metaphorically clean (though literally messy) match so far.

Jake was happy that the duel had become more manageable - with only one of their opponents left, it was much quieter than it had started. The boy healed himself, just wanting to stand up straighter, and get his energy back. There were two of them and only one of Hana...and Hana looked like he WANTED to go to the hospital wing. Jake wasn't sure if he could give him that or not - but his ears were still ringing from all the explosions and he still felt stunned. He shook his head, the healing spell taking effect, and wondered just how long there was to go.

Reducio

Hana, thank you all for a fun and crazy (crazy!) duel O_O

Round 8 -- End

The final bravado of the match was almost the exact same as the round before. Two incantations of the healing spell and one of the Cracker Jinx. This time, however, Hanako's aim was not only direct but surprisingly on pointe. As Lucia felt her wounds fade, they would be replaced and then worsened just as quickly in a brutal retaliation. Hanako's power in the realm of the arcane was not something to be trifled with, it would appear. However, the same misfortune would not befall Jake (once again) as some kind of pseudo-instinct seemed to take hold and cause his feet to carry him away from the worst of the potential radius damge.

That only meant, however, that the bright lights would succeed in blinding Lucia more than usual--their brilliances now fully realized as their lights were intended for her bright eyes alone.

But... unfortunately...

"ALRIGHT! Wands down, gentlemen and lady!" Piérre nodded to all but with a mock 'tipping' of an invisible hat to Lucia herself. "Unfortunately we're out of time..." The boy sucked through his teeth as he looked both teams over severely and tried to judge the better candidate for victory. They had been neck and neck almost the entire duel... but...

"With two against one... Hufflepuff looks to be in slightly better shape." He shrugged before shaking his head in resolution and averting his eyes to the ground. "There'll unfortunately be no victory for the viridian house in this match. Hufflepuff takes a point for their overall score." He clapped politely before crossing his arms and tipping his head with a stifled yawn. "Go get yourselves patched up and get something to eat. I can't imagine you're feeling too great after a match like that."

He eyed Hanako particularly. "If you want you can pretend you got yourself knocked out." Piérre smiled with a cheeky wink. "Certainly wouldn't hurt to try... unless Ruby's a mind-reader as well, of course. Then not even I can save you, bucko." He teased lightly.

With that and a light hum accompanying his amusements, he turned on his heel and marched off to the side, clearing the way to allow the next moderator to step forward and take command of the next duel in his area.

Hufflepuff Wins!

The spectator thread for this duel can be found here.
Come cheer for your House and friends!

Eligible for Rewards

To be eligible for rewards, your team should have won the duel, and you shouldn't be disqualified.

@Lindsey Springhall
@Jake Morris
@Lucia Fox

Link to this post in the trunk updates to claim your +1 stat point from this duel.