the lion and the snake [draco versus hermione]

It was odd having Granger and this masked man at his tail. A temporary “truce” lasted through the evening before he and the General decided to walk away. Draco didn’t want to be left alone or left in the clutches of Granger, who obviously hated him, although it was nice to be free of the masked man’s bloody stench. The smell of death was sickening.

To make matters worse, Draco hated this bloody castle. The paths and staircases led to confusion. Now he was stranded in a room with Granger, who had a deadly gleam in her eyes.

“You evil little cockroach,” she snarled.

She hit him with a spell this time, a sharp pain across his cheek. She was actually trying to kill him this time!

“I didn’t want to fight you but have it your way, Granger!”

Grimacing, he withdrew his wand and felt the magical power surging. It had finally returned.

[Attacks Hermione – knife]
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Shallow Cut on Right Shoulder -- 3.5 damage

His spell was not precisely aimed, but it hit her shoulder and caused a reaction nonetheless. Weakening an opponent was important in a duel; it didn’t require the biggest spells knocking one another to the ground. He was certain Granger knew that as well, so she was dangerous.

He tried to hide his nerves. Don’t let your wand hand shake.

Clever Granger decided to mock him, and he was too prideful not to take the bait.

“Oh no, this is just the beginning,” he growled, breaths uneven. "Are you scared, Granger?"

[Attacks Hermione – knife]
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Shallow Cut on Right Forearm -- 3.5 damage

His head pounded from the rebound of her previous spell. Bloody hell, it was difficult to concentrate through the haze. His next spell fell short again, not striking anything vital. Of course Granger could match him in a fight – she was muggleborn but defied the ways of magic and managed to outperform her entire class.

He could feel his palms sweating. Granger was not to be underestimated, but neither was he. He had to find an opening somewhere.

“Shut up,” he grumbled.

[Attacks Hermione – wand]
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Deep Gash on Right Forearm -- 8.0 damage

He had a short-lived victory, managing to cripple her right side. The onslaught of spells forced her to switch hands, and if she couldn’t wield a wand as well in that hand –

Her stupefy knocked him backwards, breaking through skin and ripping him open. He groaned as the wind was knocked out of him. He clutched at his chest, blood pouring out faster than he could’ve imagined.

Now was the time to panic.

He crawled to his feet, hand now coated in blood. It didn’t stop. “Why did you bother starting this fight, Granger?”

He aimed his wand again.

[Attacks Hermione – wand]
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Two Severed Fingers on Right Hand -- 9.0 damage