The bet

A/N: This little reminder I'm not showing all duels so intermission is coming faster than normal

*Morpheus pov*

I slipped out of the stands while everyone was busy cheering for Sirius's victory. The noise of the crowd, the students and faculty celebrating, provided the perfect cover for my quiet departure. I stepped into the corridors of the stands and motioned Filius to follow me silently.

"Third row, black robe, grey wizard hat; fifth row, red robe, blue wizard hat," I said, gesturing with my head to the two individuals Filius would be keeping an eye on. "Watch them as intermission starts. I'll tell Minerva who she should watch."

He nodded, his sharp eyes already darting toward the indicated rows. "Any idea what they are planning?" he asked while looking away from the stands, his tone low and serious.

I nodded, the gravity of the situation weighing on me. "An attack, not a large one, but one focused attack to show the school is unsafe. At the same time, they are going to sabotage the students."

His eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Sabotage how?"

I shrugged, frustrated by the uncertainty. "From what I divined, there are multiple routes they could take depending on what is most convenient at the time."

He nodded in understanding before gazing at the two pureblood lords sitting in the stands. "And them?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of disdain.

I frowned while looking at the two. "Lestrange was sent by the Dark Lord, but something is off with Malfoy. I think he is here to see if the mission goes as planned before fully investing."

"What makes you say that? Wasn't Lucius a staunch supporter of him?" Filius side-eyed the older Malfoy, his suspicion evident.

I nodded. "He is, and I'm betting that's the reason his father is here today instead of him. I've heard Malfoy Senior is rather cautious when arranging his funds."

Filius nodded in understanding. "I heard that too. Though, I wonder if we thwart their plans, the Dark Lord will lose a big backer."

A sigh escaped my lips. "Wishful thinking, my friend. Lucius is still a fervent supporter of Voldemort. If his father doesn't get in line, I fear he will be pushed aside."

Filius's face darkened at the thought. "These are dangerous times. We must tread carefully."

"Indeed," I nodded to him and began my departure

"Where are you going? Intermission isn't until after this duel," he asked

I turned my head and smiled, "I'm going to inform Minerva,"

As I departed I heard the sounds of the judge calling two students up. One was James and the other?

The student he made a bet with. It seems this duel will be very interesting.

*Narrator pov*

Morpheus slipped into the shadows as he made his way toward Mivera his mind trailing back to the earlier death eaters he stopped from entering the school.

A smirk spread across his face, his mind creating hundreds of different ways he could use them but, above all else, he formulated plans upon plans from the perspective of Tom.

To win first you must think like your opponent. Only in understanding can you dominate the playing field.

James and Ekon stood on the platform the crowd cheering for the duel to start.

"Weird we got paired up," James said with a smirk

Ekon smiled mysteriously, "Yeah what a coincidence," his smile turning into a smirk seeing James narrow his eyes

"Are you both ready?" the judge asked glancing at the two boys

Both boys nodded and the judge let out a laugh, "START!"

James and Ekon faced each other on the stone platform, the crowd's cheers fading into a tense silence as the duel commenced. Their eyes locked, both young wizards fully aware of the stakes.

"Expelliarmus!" James shouted, his wand moving in a quick, practiced arc. The disarming spell shot towards Ekon, a bright red beam of light.

Ekon sidestepped gracefully, his own wand flicking in response. "Protego!" A shimmering shield materialized, deflecting the spell harmlessly away. "You'll have to do better than that, James," he taunted, his voice calm and steady.

James grinned, the thrill of the duel coursing through him. He raised his wand again, ready to escalate the duel. "Stupefy!" he cried, sending a stunning spell towards Ekon, who once again deflected it effortlessly.

Ekon's eyes gleamed with determination. "Incendio!" he incanted, a stream of fire erupting from his wand and racing towards James. The flames twisted and danced, a beautiful but deadly sight.

James quickly countered. "Aguamenti!" A jet of water burst from his wand, meeting the fire in mid-air. Steam hissed and billowed, obscuring the platform in a thick fog. Both duelists took advantage of the cover, moving silently to gain a better position.

From the stands, the audience watched in rapt attention, their cheers now murmurs of excitement and tension. They could barely make out the figures of James and Ekon through the swirling mist.

Ekon struck first from the fog. "Rictusempra!" he cast, aiming to catch James off guard. The tickling charm shot through the fog, a shimmering silver light.

James heard the spell coming and rolled to the side, avoiding it by inches. "Nice try," he muttered, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Reducto!" he shouted, sending a blasting curse towards where he had last seen Ekon.

The curse struck the platform, sending chunks of stone flying. Ekon shielded himself, the debris bouncing off his protective spell. "Impedimenta!" he countered, a beam of blue light aiming to slow James down.

James felt the spell hit him, his movements suddenly sluggish. He grimaced, fighting against the magical restraint. With a great effort, he raised his wand. "Finite Incantatem!" he cast, dispelling the slowing charm. "Now it's my turn."

James pointed his wand at Ekon, determination blazing in his eyes. "Confringo!" he shouted, unleashing the devastating spell. The air seemed to crackle as the spell raced towards Ekon.

Ekon's eyes widened, recognizing the severity of the spell. He reacted quickly, raising his wand and shouting, "Protego terra!" The enhanced shield barely held against the explosion sparks flying, and chipped rocks soaring as the two spells clashed.

The crowd gasped, sensing the gravity of the duel escalating. Both duelists were pushing their limits, their youthful faces set with fierce concentration.

Ekon took a deep breath, deciding it was time to end this. "Serpensortia!" he cast, a large serpent materializing from his wand and slithering towards James with a hiss.

James didn't flinch. "Vipera Evanesca!" he countered, the snake vanishing in a puff of smoke. He took the opportunity to press his advantage. "Expelliarmus!" he shouted again, pouring all his energy into the spell.

This time, Ekon was caught off guard. The spell hit him squarely, his wand flying from his grasp and landing with a clatter on the platform. Ekon's eyes widened in shock as he stood unarmed.

James didn't waste a moment. "Petrificus Totalus!" he incanted, the full-body bind curse hitting Ekon and freezing him in place. The duel was over.

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering James's victory. The judge stepped forward, raising his hand for silence. "James Potter is the winner!" he announced, his voice booming across the stands.

James helped Ekon to his feet, dispelling the binding curse. "Good duel," he said, extending his hand.

Ekon shook it with a smile. "You too. I guess I'm going to need to pass over those notes,"

James scoffed, "Have them over by lunch,"

Ekon rolled his eyes, "You know you were lucky this time,"

"Sure mate,"