Chapter 19: The Unforgivable Curse
In the luxurious reception hall's corner, Loki stood with a mocking smile on his face, his amber eyes filled with disdain as he stared at the silent Augustus. To be provoked so openly and remain unresponsive—was this the behavior of the heir to the Julius family? Did Augustus not understand that family honor stood above all else? For the heirs of noble families like theirs, the unwritten rule was clear: even if the odds were against you, sacrifices had to be made for the family's dignity.
"Well, well, isn't this the cripple from the Adams family? Shouldn't you be at home with your cane, playing the obedient child? What are you doing out here barking nonsense? Do you think the few pathetic tricks you've learned at home can challenge Lord Augustus?" Draco Malfoy sneered, stepping out from behind Augustus with a smirk.
The moment Draco's words left his mouth, the boys behind Loki turned pale. Their faces were etched with fear as they glanced nervously at him. Within their circle, it was common knowledge that the word "cripple" was a taboo for Loki. Years ago, a boy from a family as prominent as the Adams had dared to call him that. The boy's punishment had been severe, involving dark magic so cruel that he ended up in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Since then, even Loki's closest followers had never dared use the term again.
"When did the Malfoy heir become a watchdog for the Julius family?" Loki's smile faded as he spoke, his deep voice carrying a trace of cold malice.
"A dog? Where? Oh, right in front of me—a pitiful mutt barking without realizing its own feeble strength," Draco retorted, his gray-blue eyes glinting with amusement. Draco had never shied away from a verbal sparring match, and he certainly wasn't going to start now.
"Sharp-tongued, are you? If you think I'm so weak, why don't you find out for yourself? But don't say I didn't warn you—agree to a duel, and whether you leave in one piece afterward is beyond my control," Loki said, his calm tone belying the menace in his words.
Draco agreed to the duel without hesitation. He'd been itching for a challenge ever since his victory over Harry, and Loki's arrogance grated on him. To Augustus, dueling a child who hadn't even entered Hogwarts seemed trivial. Loki's provocations were more tedious than threatening. If Draco was willing to take care of it, Augustus was happy to let him.
The boys moved to the manor's lawn. By now, the sky had darkened, and the silvery light from the streetlamps cast an eerie glow on the green grass, adding a chill to the atmosphere.
Draco and Loki stepped into a white circle drawn on the lawn, their wands raised. Draco's eyes were sharp and focused on his opponent, while Loki remained indifferent, as though the duel's outcome was already decided.
"Who do you think will win? I heard Loki could use high-damage dark magic from a young age. I'm not sure Draco stands a chance," Lillian said worriedly. Her impression of Draco had mostly been shaped by his sharp tongue and arrogance.
"Knowing dark magic doesn't equate to superior magical skill. Dumbledore is proof of that; his mastery of white magic surpasses all. Draco may seem all talk, but he's not inexperienced in dueling," Augustus replied confidently. Having trained Draco in some advanced techniques himself, he was certain Draco could handle this.
Loki signaled a boy behind him to announce the start of the duel. Then, lowering his wand slightly, he waited for Draco to make the first move. Giving up the first move was a bold choice, a clear show of contempt.
Draco didn't lose his composure. Calculating the distance, he cast a Leg-Locker Curse, aiming to restrict Loki's movement, weaken his defenses, and follow up with a more powerful spell. If executed correctly, it would give Draco the upper hand.
"Protego!" Loki's reflexes were sharp. Almost simultaneously with Draco's incantation, Loki had cast a Shield Charm. Unlike Harry during their first duel, Loki understood the critical importance of blocking immobilization spells, even if it cost him magical energy.
"Greased Lightning!" Draco's next move was a speed-enhancing spell—a practical technique Augustus had taught him. In addition to traditional magic, Augustus had introduced Draco to several unique spells from another world. Though low-level, these spells were highly effective in duels.
As Draco darted around the circle with unnatural speed, firing spells from unpredictable angles, Loki's expression flickered with confusion. A speed-enhancing spell? At Draco's age? Even with his self-taught knowledge up to third-year material, Loki had never encountered such magic.
Despite Draco's relentless attacks, Loki's sharp reflexes and deep magical reserves allowed him to block each spell.
"Annoying little insect," Loki muttered, irritation creeping into his voice. With a wave of his wand, he cast a Disillusionment Charm, vanishing from sight.
Draco froze, startled. He hadn't expected Loki to use an Auror-level spell. With his opponent hidden, Draco was suddenly on the defensive.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Loki's voice echoed as he reappeared, sending a red beam of light hurtling toward Draco. The spell struck before Draco could react, freezing him in place. Despite his preparation, Draco hadn't anticipated Loki closing the gap so quickly, leaving him unable to cast a counter-spell.
As Draco stood immobilized, Loki's eyes gleamed with cruel triumph. A surge of dark energy radiated from him, causing Augustus to frown. The oppressive aura carried a sinister, malevolent force.
"Crucio!" Loki shouted, his wand emitting a yellowish-brown light that shot toward Draco with terrifying speed.
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