18 Dueling Tom

[AN: Hi guys, I am busy these past weeks. I am preparing for my thesis defense for next week. And after that, I have to submit my final project which deadline is March 8. Hence, my failure of chapter release. Hope you understand.]

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Tom prompted the first move with [Expelliarmus] spell and a wisp of light was shot from his wand.

"[Protego]" I chanted producing a protective barrier blocking the wisp of light.

And seeing that I easily blocked it, he fired another spell – a body-bind curse, "[Petrificus Totalus]".

He performed a combo with his masterful casting of non-lethal jinxes.

This time, I didn't block it with [Protego] but dodging it as to save spell output so I can fire back.

[AN: To those who forgot, spell output is the amount of effort and energy you release to perform a spell. Concentration and knowledge is what make effort, raw power is what makes the energy, please refer to chapter 10 for more info.]

Even though, I can block it, I can't effectively make a counter move if I solely block every incoming spells that is being thrown at me. Because the current me (which also include Tom) cannot attack and defend at the same time. Well, at least for now as I am still inexperience.

"[Flipendo]!" I countered to stop his combo.

"[Protego]!" He chanted blocking my spell albeit staggering a little bit, because of the power behind it.

This exchange continued for a while which made the surrounding students to feel awe with the skills we displayed.

From what I learned and observed, blocking spells requires absolute timing and concentration which second year students cannot hope to accomplish. Even senior students will have some difficulty blocking a spell.

Only the most accomplished young duelist can achieve this feat, which is why, the higher years who came to witness the fight is showing a surprised expression.

Our duel is pretty intense comparable to duels participated by higher years, using only spells for third year.

---

"Damn, are they really first years?" A senior students asked.

"Yes, I am afraid so."

"Merlin's beard! Look at how perfect their shield charm is!"

"That student called Tom is so nimble and fast with his spell. He can perfectly cast a spell in such a short time. Only those from the dueling club can perform such feat!"

"His opponent is not simple either. Look how agile he is. And his spell is powerful, it's pact with devastating blows! Look at how it hits Tom's shield charm. It is almost as if, he is getting knock over! What's his name again?"

"I think his name is Alfred."

"Currently, these two were first year. But, they're already capable of displaying such skills. If given more time, they will learn more advance spells then this fight would be a phenomenal!"

"Right."

"Ah… If only I was a genius. Then, probably I can make those Slytherin punk pay for their arrogance."

"Dream on! Those two kids are Slytherin."

"Yeah right. Even if they're not purebloods, they still got sorted in Slytherin, because they're genius!"

---

Apparently, we are using spells repetitively thinking that it would hit this time.

One of the rules in a duel is that, you only need to use spells you're familiar. Since, in most cases, a fight is never won with how much spells you know, but how well verse you are to hit your opponent.

The tactic is very simple – break your opponents' combo and then execute your own. It is possible with just simple spells that's quick enough that can distract the opponent.

This occurs many times, we each break each other's momentum and then build up ours. Victory will be decided once one of us wavers and lost momentum.

The fight already lasted for 8 minute, but the victor is yet to be determined.

I never underestimated Tom since the start of the fight.

No, I wouldn't dare underestimate him.

Never.

It is my intention to break him right from the start.

Though, I knew I will never be able to break his spirit. However, breaking his self-confidence will be enough, specially his confidence towards me.

I am giving my all to overpower him.

The longer our duel becomes, the more he struggled. But at the same time, I am also losing my patience that I aggressively attacked him.

It is evident that my power is greater than his.

But, it is all because of this power difference that his ingenuity is becoming more and more palpable.

"[Ilfinus]" This time, he chanted a different spell, breaking his usual combo of spells.

It is a spell which is unknown to me. I have no idea where he got it. But, based on the color it emitted, it is classified as a jinx.

I instinctively dodge it and prepared for a counter attack.

However, just as I was able to dodge it, he managed to cast another spell.

"[Intreccium]" He chanted loud.

[Intreccium] is a transfiguration charm that manipulates plants, making them grow and binds the opponent.

Thus, green vines emerged from the ground, grabbing my left foot and in a short moment, it is already grabbing my left hand where I hold my wand. I tried to use the other hand to resist it, but then, another vine seized my free hand.

Damn, his casting speed had improved quite a bit.

All this time, it was his advantage which he played well.

I was only able to cope with his casting speed over the time by my own improvement, therefore, lessening the gap. Still, I can't say that for myself as he also made an improvement.

His execution is perfect.

He timed his attack when I dodged to prepare my counter attack. Therefore, I cannot dodge right in time and was caught.

If he used spells that directly attack me, like [Disarming Charm] or other jinxes, I can still block it in the midst of dodging as I can still use [Protego].

"Surprised Alfred? Haha!" Tom exclaimed, "It is my win."

I have to admit, I was surprised, but not that much.

"Don't celebrate too early Tom." I said calmly.

"What are you going to do? You can't use your left hand and without wand movement, how can you perform a spell?"

"Oh, you might be surprised." I then firmly held my wand and channeled my energy on it.

I can feel my wand got agitated because of my action.

After that, it simultaneously released that energy causing the vines on my hand to burst.

Every day, aside from brewing potion, I practiced controlling the hidden force within me with the help of professor Dumbledore. Because of it, I was able to release some of that power. I can even blast a large boulder with it.

Still, this progress is not enough to control the entirety of it.

[AN: Remember the ending scene when Grindelwald finally gave Credence his own wand? He then blasted the mountain even without proper training. That kind of energy is what Alfred released, but kinda weaker (for now).]

"What?!" Tom exclaimed in surprised, along with the others, "Impossible!"

"[Intreccime]" I aimed at the remaining vines that was clutching my legs.

The spell "[Intreccime]" is an untransfiguration spell that undo the effect of [Intreccium].

After releasing myself, I readily fired a spell to Tom, "[Ollumpo]" which conjures a corporeal form of a human leg, kicking the opponent.

Seeing that I made my move and the uncanny movement of my spell, Tom steadied himself.

"[Protego]" He chanted in hopes to block the spell.

However, when his shield was formed in front of him the corporeal leg changed course and got behind his back which ultimately delivered a devastating kick.

Obviously, he isn't familiar with this spell. And since, a shield charm is stationary, he can't move it to defend his back.

"Arghhh!" He grasped as he was sent flying a few feet away.

I hurriedly went towards him and point my wand at his neck signaling my victory.

"Of course, I also knew spells which you don't know. Do you admit defeat, Tom?" I said.

"…"

"It's my win, Tom."

I then casted a [Nose-Removing Charm] to him.

"You!" Tom shouted in anger while touching his missing nose.

"Yikes… Like I imagined, you don't look good without nose."

"I'll remember this, Alfred! I really hate your guts!"

"And I hated you the same."

"Haha. Just you wait, I will have my revenge." He declared before leaving the scene.

Just as the fight concluded, Silvanus and the others surrounded me.

"You won! Alfred, you won! Haha!" Silvanus happily exclaimed.

"Hmmp, that Tom is really arrogant earlier. I'm really glad that you taught him a lesson!" Patrick stated.

"Wow, that was a good fight!" One of the students had said.

"Right. It is as though I am watching a duel between sixth years."

Right in the middle of the celebration, another group of individuals had approached us.

It was led by professor McGonagall.

It must be known that professor McGonagall is one of the disciplinarian at Hogwarts. Other professor may turn a blind eye over a small fight, but professor McGonagall will not.

"Well, I see that this is where you spend time during your vacant. Fighting in the school ground is prohibited. I'm glad that someone informed me of your activity, but to my dismay, I came a few minutes late. Where are the rest of you?"

"Professor, the students involved were Alfred, Silvanus, Avery and Lestrange are here while Tom left a moment ago." Stated by a petite girl in ponytail.

Her name is Luwina Gotham and she is a classmate.

I can feel Silvanus eyes narrowed when Luwina informed professor McGonagall as he was also mentioned.

"Well, thank you Ms. Gotham. Ten points to Ravenclaw." Professor McGonagall proclaimed, "Now, all of you come to my office." She then turned to the other students, "and please, someone find Tom Riddle. And if I found you in this kind of activity, AGAIN… you will found yourself in detention!" She declared.

"But professor, it wasn't us who started the fight. It was Tom!" Silvanus professed.

"You all will follow me in my office and we will talk about it… along with your punishment."

"But professor."

"No buts… it's detention for everyone." Professor McGonagall firmly declared.