plots and duels

*Morpheus pov*

I watched as Stiles pulled off a very close victory and grinned clapping my hands along with the crowd while I looked around to spot who I was looking for, "You must be proud," I said to the woman and man to the right of me

They both looked over with unease but pride still radiated off their very beings, "We are, I see you met my wife but I haven't had the pleasure yet Jacob Marr," he said calmly stretching out his hand

I took the offered limb and shook it, "A pleasure," I voiced not concerned with how he was gauging me

As our hands separated I could hear a scoff behind me, "Do you have something to say?" Jacob said narrowing his eyes at the 'nobles' behind me

"I have nothing to say to a mudblood," Sneered Lestrange

I couldn't contain the small chuckle that escaped my lips, "I'd be careful Lestrange even though Jacob here is obviously a part of the branch family the name Marr still holds significant weight in some circles,"

Jacob's eyes widened in surprise, "You know the Marr family?" it was interesting how some people view their own families to Jacob the main Marr family is probably recluse and secretive

To everyone else, they are just recluses. A family of wizards and witches that stay in their lands not even venturing out for education.

It was shocking to me when I saw Stiles's name at first until I realized he was a part of the branch family. The Marr family is by no means American nobility but, their influence is actually got large even though they hardly leave their lands.

The reason was simple, they are known for their spellcraft. Their libraries are said to be bigger than the Great Hall full of spells made or altered by the family.

Unfortunately, it seems Stiles wasn't gifted with the talent of spellcraft though if he was he probably wouldn't be at Hogwarts.

"Of course, I do their spellcraft is well-known Jacob," I replied to him with a small smile

His smile grew wider, "Of course, my family is quite proud of our work, I didn't know our name made it to Britain yet,"

I shrugged, "Some places have Marr books in Britain but I'd say France is where you're most popular aside from the United States,"

I could feel the confusion coming from the people listening in on us, "I see, we haven't lived here for long I may have to contact the main branch to open up a bookstore here,"

I laughed, "you'd have to get them to leave the estate first,"

Jacob erupted into laughter, "What do you think the branch family does? We make the deals while they do everything else,"

A peel of laughter escaped my throat, "Of course of course," I then turned slightly to look at the two idiots behind me, "Would you like to continue?"

Malfoy sneered, "Just because you two simpletons talk as if the Marr family is to be respected doesn't mean I will respect it,"

"Ah, but I think arguing about respecting someone is the same thing as acknowledging them," before he could say something annoying I chuckled darkly, "Of course, according to you the purebloods make the rules and I can assure you house Lestrange and Malfoys blood is river water compared to mine,"

Both men glared intensely at me but couldn't refute my words. Most would see it as idiotic to deliberately anger two relatively powerful 'lords' ones with considerable political influence at that. But, I'm not doing this without reason. There are a couple types of people other than agents of Voldemort present.

The purebloods and the halfbloods/mudbloods. The other purebloods besides Toms's men were in the light or neutral grey faction.

These people were excellent for a foundation to stand upon in the political sphere. And what I'm doing now is not only putting myself in a better light knocking down the arrogant pureblood lords but at the same time I'm easing my previous actions not entirely wiping away the damage but just enough to not be hostile anymore.

My gaze shifted from the silent penetrating gazes and looked around easily identifying another two Voldemort spies.

Meanwhile, a duel was happening below.

*Narrator pov*

with a flick of Lily's wrist. "Expelliarmus!" she shouted, aiming to disarm Dakarai right away. A red jet of light shot from her wand, but Dakarai was quick to counter.

"Protego!" he responded, raising a shimmering shield that deflected Lily's spell harmlessly into the sky. Without missing a beat, Dakarai retaliated with a spell of his own. "Stupefy!"

A stunning spell hurtled towards Lily, who barely managed to dodge it by rolling to the side. She quickly regained her footing and fired back. "Petrificus Totalus!" The Full Body-Bind Curse zipped through the air, but Dakarai spun gracefully, avoiding the spell by a hair's breadth.

The duel intensified as the two wizards exchanged spells with increasing speed and complexity. Lily conjured a barrage of small, sparkling projectiles with "Oppugno," which Dakarai countered by summoning a protective whirlwind with "Ventus!" The magical wind swept the projectiles away, but Lily was already preparing her next move.

"Diffindo!" she called, sending a precise cutting charm towards Dakarai. He blocked it with another "Protego," but the force of the spell pushed him back a step. Dakarai's eyes narrowed in concentration.

"Serpensortia!" Dakarai's wand emitted a burst of light, and from it sprang a large, hissing serpent. The snake slithered rapidly towards Lily, its fangs bared. Lily's face remained calm as she pointed her wand at the advancing creature.

"Vipera Evanesca!" she incanted, and the serpent vanished in a puff of smoke. But Dakarai used the distraction to cast another spell. "Incarcerous!"

Thick ropes shot from his wand, aiming to bind Lily. She twisted gracefully and countered with "Evanesco!" causing the ropes to disappear before they could reach her. The crowd gasped at the seamless back-and-forth display of skill.

Lily decided to switch tactics. "Rictusempra!" she cried, sending the Tickling Charm towards Dakarai. He dodged, but the brief moment of distraction allowed Lily to follow up with a well-aimed "Leviosa!" The spell lifted Dakarai slightly off the ground, causing him to lose his balance.

But Dakarai was quick to recover. While suspended, he aimed his wand and fired a "Flipendo!" spell at Lily. The Knockback Jinx hit her squarely, pushing her back several feet but not causing her to fall. She regained her stance, determination etched on her face.

Both duelists paused for a moment, breathing heavily. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, captivated by the display of magical prowess.

Then, with a swift motion, Dakarai cast "Confringo!" The Blasting Curse rocketed towards Lily, who barely had time to counter with "Protego Maxima!" The explosion was contained by the powerful shield, but the force of the impact sent ripples of energy across the platform.

Seeing an opportunity, Lily decided to end the duel decisively. She pointed her wand at Dakarai and with a fierce determination shouted, "Impedimenta!" The Impediment Jinx slowed Dakarai's movements, giving Lily the upper hand she needed.

"Expelliarmus!" she cried again, and this time, the spell hit its mark. Dakarai's wand flew from his hand, spinning through the air before landing several feet away.