19 Duel

As it was a morning Herbology class, Slytherin was paired with Ravenclaw, while Gryffindor was paired with Hufflepuff. After a simple breakfast, the two groups separated at the stairs.

Luke watched Hermione's figure slowly ascending the stairs, walking alone, and shook his head.

No matter where you go, there are always people who have something to say about top students like Hermione.

However, Luke didn't have many friends himself. In the Slytherin common room, he was close to Malfoy, with Crabbe as an acquaintance at best.

Entering the Herbology classroom, the mundane day began.

By the time they emerged from the Herbology class, it was nearly noon. In the afternoon, both Slytherin and Gryffindor had no classes. However, in the evening, they shared a class: History of Magic.

This class covered various aspects of the wizarding world's history. The teacher was rumored to be extremely old, nearly 1,000 years old, and had been invited by the founder of Slytherin.

This intrigued Luke, and he looked forward to a living history lesson.

Finding Hermione at their agreed-upon table location, this time she wasn't alone; Harry and Ron were with her.

"This way, Luke!"

Hermione, who had been eagerly anticipating his arrival, was the first to spot Luke as he approached.

"Good afternoon," Luke greeted, nodding as he placed his textbook on the table. Harry and Ron sat across from him.

"Are you planning to go to the library this afternoon?" Hermione asked Luke after lunch. She felt the need to expand her knowledge of potions, especially when compared to Luke, she felt her own knowledge was lacking.

Given that the schedules of the Slytherins and Gryffindors were nearly identical, they often spent their free time together.

"Are you going to the library? I'm in!" Harry eagerly volunteered.

After all, Snape's harsh criticism yesterday had made him realize the importance of studying. He felt he couldn't continue like this and wanted to adopt Hermione's study methods to improve himself.

"I'll join too," Ronald chimed in. He wasn't particularly interested in studying, but his friends, especially his best friend Harry, were going, so he couldn't stay behind.

Originally, Luke had other plans for the afternoon, such as visiting the Quidditch pitch and exploring the lakeside of Black Lake. After all, he had only been at Hogwarts for two days, and there was still much to explore. However, when he saw the enthusiasm of his friends, he couldn't bring himself to decline.

"Alright, I'll go too," Luke agreed.

Now that the decision was made, they headed to the library together. It was noon, and the library was bustling with activity. Most of the occupants were older students, preparing for exams and studying various academic papers. Everyone was quietly immersed in their studies.

Luke and his friends found a table near the entrance and took out their books. Hermione helped Harry pick a thick book on potion theory, so thick it could be mistaken for a brick, which left Harry feeling a bit overwhelmed.

"Do you want to read this book?" Hermione inquired.

"Then maybe you want to be a fool," she added, raising her head like a proud white swan and casting a disdainful glance at Harry Potter.

"It's pathetic to argue," Ronald chimed in, pretending to be engrossed in a magazine. He leaned over to Harry and whispered, then couldn't resist sticking his tongue out at Hermione.

"Miss Jack of all trades!"

"Humph!"

Angrily, Hermione took a seat next to Luke, clutching a thick dictionary to her chest.

"Don't get so worked up over someone lacking motivation," Luke whispered to her soothingly.

The warmth of his breath made her petite frame shiver, and she quickly responded, "I know... I know."

Luke also picked up his copy of "Basics of Potions" and began to study. He had developed a keen interest in all things related to Potions, particularly considering the potential for financial gain. Learning about the precious basilisk fangs and blood was especially intriguing since he had kept a basilisk in the basement for nearly a thousand years.

While a few people were engrossed in their studies, Malfoy suddenly entered the library.

Glancing around, he eventually spotted a slightly drowsy Harry Potter. As he moved in that direction, he caught sight of Luke on the other side, engrossed in his reading, causing him to hesitate.

"Why am I so afraid of that Geralt fellow?" Malfoy muttered to himself, trying to muster his courage. "Draco, you're a noble wizard. Don't be afraid."

With newfound determination, Malfoy walked straight to Luke's table.

"I challenge you to a wizard's duel!" he declared, his voice carrying through the usually quiet library. His announcement drew the attention of several onlookers, including the displeased librarian, Mrs. Pince.

Malfoy realized he had spoken louder than intended and quickly lowered his gaze to avoid eye contact.

"Are you challenging me to a duel?" Luke responded thoughtfully.

Upon hearing that a duel was in the offing, Harry, who had been feeling a bit drowsy, suddenly snapped to full attention.

"No, no, not you!" Malfoy quickly shook his head, well aware of the formidable opponent Luke represented. He wanted no part in that confrontation.

"I challenge you, Harry Potter, to a duel at half-past eleven tonight, in the Trophy Room!"

"I hope you have the courage to show up!"

With those words, Malfoy briskly left, leaving behind only a glimpse of his golden-haired head as he hurried away.

"The person he's challenging... is it me?" Harry, now fully awake, was momentarily stunned.

"If I heard correctly, it's definitely you," Ronald confirmed, shaking Harry's arm. "Are you going to accept?"

"Of course, I won't back down!" Harry's determination was unwavering. He remembered Malfoy's ongoing antagonism and felt a surge of determination.

"Alright, then I'm with you tonight!" Ronald declared, fully on board with the plan.

Hermione, who had been quietly flipping through her book nearby, squinted her brown eyes and muttered under her breath, "Two fools. There's no helping them."

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