deception

Stashing the unconscious Death Eaters away, I began to make my way back toward the Great Hall. I found no reason to rush and took my time, a smirk forming on my lips. I couldn't wait until intermission was over. The thrill of our operation paying off and the thought of the look of defeat on my enemy's faces left a lingering excitement that I found hard to shake.

Walking forward, I heard another set of footsteps approaching from the right. Turning, I saw Filius walking peacefully toward the Great Hall, a broad smile on his face. The diminutive professor always seemed to carry a cheerful demeanor, even after dealing with a handful of hostile wizards.

That's the goblin blood got you.

"I see you took care of your targets," I said, waiting for my fellow professor to reach me.

Filius nodded, his eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Simple work!" he replied cheerfully. "Stuck them in a closet with some heavy charms. We can interrogate them later." As he caught up, both of us started walking toward the Great Hall, our footsteps echoing softly in the corridor.

A chuckle escaped my lips at his words. "I stuck mine in an old classroom. They'll be there for a while," I said, relishing the idea of the incapacitated Death Eaters trapped and awaiting their fate. As we reached the doors, I continued, "Remember, pay no attention to Lestrange, Malfoy, and the other Death Eaters. They need to think nothing is amiss." With a flourish, I turned my palm, and a bottle of wine appeared in my hand.

Opening the door, a few glances came our way, but we paid them no mind. "Found the wine, Minerva!" I said loudly, a drunken grin creeping onto my lips. "Drink with us, will you?"

She frowned, her stern demeanor unyielding. "No, it is still school hours, Professor Morpheus. Show some decorum."

"Bah!" I waved her concerns away dismissively. "Don't worry too much." With that, I glided away toward Albus, who was seated at the high table, a serene smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, Morpheus, Filius," Albus greeted us warmly as we approached. His eyes, though twinkling with their usual mischief, held a depth of understanding and awareness that few could truly grasp.

"Albus," I said, inclining my head slightly in respect. "Care for a drink?"

"Perhaps just a sip," he replied, accepting the offered glass. "We must maintain appearances, after all."

As we settled into our seats, the hall buzzed with the sounds of chatter and laughter. Students and staff alike were blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding behind the scenes. My eyes flicked over to the section where the Death Eaters sat. Lestrange and Malfoy appeared relaxed, engaged in casual conversation. It was essential that they remained oblivious to our activities.

I poured myself a generous measure of wine, savoring the rich aroma before taking a sip. "Everything is going according to plan," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. The success of our mission hinged on maintaining this delicate facade.

Filius leaned in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. "How long do you think we have before they realize something's wrong?"

I glanced at him, a sly smile playing on my lips. "Long enough. By the time they notice, it will be too late for them to act."

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of feigned joviality and covert glances. Every so often, I would catch Minerva's eye, her stern expression softening just a touch, as if she, too, relished the subtle game we were playing.

I was surprised honestly, I would have imagined Minerva would not enjoy partaking in maneuvers such as these. I imagine she would much rather immediately subdue the death eaters instead of playing the long game.

Peering over to the back of the great hall my eyes focused on the only death eaters left besides Lestrange. They were left alone for a very important reason, but I could tell both Minerva and Albus were hesitant to leave them be.

I understand their hesitance, of course, it could be nerve-racking thinking about the slim chance of leaving your enemy be could lead to failure.

But what is there to fear?

I'm here after all.

*Narrator pov*

Intermission ended shortly after Morpheus and Filius finished eating of course the pale professor was still pouring himself glasses of wine.

The students and guests were escorted by the faculty back to the stadium, the students could hardly contain their excitement for the upcoming duels, especially the Hogwarts students. This was their first time seeing their duelist team actually duel against other schools it was exhilarating.

Many would probably sign up for the club next year.

Once everyone was settled, the Judge, a stern-faced wizard with a booming voice, announced the duelists. "AMELIA BONES VERSUS ISSA ABDI," he proclaimed, his voice echoing across the stadium.

The Uagadou student, Issa Abdi, stepped onto the stage. He was taller than most, practically towering over Amelia Bones, who looked small but determined. The contrast between them was striking: Issa with his imposing height and calm demeanor, and Amelia with her sharp eyes and resolute stance. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to see how the duel would unfold.

Morpheus leaned back in his seat, his eyes narrowing as he observed the competitors. "This should be interesting," he muttered to Filius, who nodded in agreement.

The two professors stood in the upper areas of the stadium overlooking both the duels and the crowd, they had a perfect view of the guest section where Lestrange, Malfoy, and the others were sitting.

Amelia and Issa took their positions, bowing to each other in a show of respect before raising their wands. The air around them seemed to crackle with magical energy as they prepared for the duel. The Judge raised his hand, and with a swift downward motion, signaled the start.

Amelia was quick to act, launching a series of rapid-fire spells toward Issa. "Stupefy!" she cried, sending a stunning spell hurtling toward her opponent. Issa, however, was equally swift, countering with a "Protego!" that deflected the spell. He retaliated with a powerful "Expulso!" which Amelia deftly dodged.

The crowd watched in awe as the duel intensified. Amelia's speed and agility were impressive, allowing her to dodge Issa's attacks and strike back with calculated precision. "Petrificus Totalus!" she incanted, aiming to freeze Issa in place, but he countered with a quick "Finite Incantatem!" and followed up with "Confringo!" causing a small explosion where Amelia had just stood.

"They're well-matched," Filius commented, his eyes following the rapid exchange of spells.

Morpheus nodded, sipping his wine thoughtfully. "Indeed. Amelia's technique is flawless, but Issa's raw power might be more so."

As the duel progressed, it became clear that both duelists were evenly matched. Amelia managed to land a few hits on Issa, causing him to stagger, but he quickly regained his footing and retaliated with a forceful "Reducto!" she managed to put up a shield just in time but the impact sent Amelia skidding across the stage. She recovered quickly, her eyes flashing with anger, and launched a counterattack. "Expelliarmus!" she cried, aiming to disarm him, but Issa anticipated the move and blocked it with another "Protego!"

The crowd cheered and gasped with each exchange, the tension in the stadium mounting with every passing moment.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of spellfire and strategic maneuvering, the duel reached its climax. Amelia, utilizing her agility, managed to outmaneuver Issa and disarm him with a deft flick of her wand. "Expelliarmus!" she shouted again, and this time, Issa's wand flew out of his hand. He stood there, momentarily stunned, as the Judge raised his hand to signal the end of the duel.

"Winner: Amelia Bones!" the Judge announced, and the stadium erupted in applause. Amelia bowed to the crowd, a triumphant smile on her face, while Issa, ever the gracious competitor, retrieved his wand and shook her hand in congratulations.

As the crowd settled down, the next duel was announced, and the excitement in the stadium continued to build. Morpheus watched with a sense of satisfaction, as he saw Lestrange and his fellow death eaters frown in confusion.