The Duel That Wasn't

The afternoon flying lesson swiftly passed amidst Evan's turmoil, fortunately without further incident, and he emerged as the first student to complete the training.

Evan even took a moment to caution Malfoy, advising him to fly carefully to avoid another precipitous descent.

Madam Hooch observed Evan's demeanor from afar and her estimation of him rose a few notches. To her, it was rare and commendable for a Gryffindor to show such concern for a Slytherin.

Malfoy, however, was fuming and boasted that he would demonstrate a complex flying maneuver to prove his skill—only to be promptly stopped by Madam Hooch. Given Malfoy's prior fall, she was understandably apprehensive about letting him fly again during the lesson.

...

[Ding, Flying Class concluded. Comprehensive class evaluation: Excellent.

Evaluator: Rolanda Hooch

Reward: Academic Points *10]

Strolling through the corridors, Evan let out a sigh of relief upon seeing the final class evaluation. Despite Malfoy's mischief, he had achieved his goal.

In contrast, Ron and Hermione were less cheerful, particularly concerned about Harry being whisked away by Professor McGonagall.

Especially Hermione, still irate, approached Evan the moment class ended, babbling.

"I think we should tell Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch the truth! What if Harry gets expelled?"

Evan paused, reassuring Hermione.

"There's no way Professor McGonagall would expel Harry over this minor incident. Perhaps she saw potential in his flying and intends to recruit him for the Quidditch team."

"One must be at least in their second year to join the Quidditch team!" Hermione corrected Evan's mistake.

"There are always exceptions, and not just any young wizard can fly as well as Harry did on their first try," Evan replied with a smile.

Hermione considered this, and it seemed plausible; Ron's face lit up as they discussed the likelihood of Harry joining the Quidditch team. If Harry could make it, Ron fancied his own chances...

By the time the trio reached the Great Hall for dinner, Harry was already seated there. Before they could join him, Harry rushed over, eager to share that Professor McGonagall had appointed him as the new Seeker.

Despite Evan's forewarning, Ron and Hermione were still astonished, Ron in particular, who was thrilled beyond words.

"Harry, I can't believe you've joined the Quidditch team. You might be the youngest Seeker in Hogwarts history! I mean, do they still need players? Like Beaters or Keepers?" Ron asked eagerly, hoping for good news.

"No, Wood said they're all set," Harry replied awkwardly, puzzled by Ron's excitement. He had only just heard about Quidditch that day and was still unsure what it entailed.

"By the way, Evan, what was that all about during flying lessons?" Harry asked, turning to Evan with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

"Wasn't it Malfoy who took Neville's crystal ball and then I chased after him? Since when did it become a joint training session with us and Malfoy?"

Harry had been terrified when Professor McGonagall took him away, fearing expulsion and a return to his uncle's cramped and filthy cupboard. Thankfully, the reality was far less grim.

Evan saw no need for secrecy and explained how he had used the Full Body-Bind Curse on Malfoy, embarrassing him greatly.

"If I had tattled on Malfoy, I'd have ended up in detention with him. Besides, he learned his lesson, right?" Evan said, spreading his hands in a gesture of indifference.

Ron embellished the story of Malfoy's restricted flight during class, and Harry's gloom was instantly replaced with laughter.

Hermione, however, still seemed troubled by the breach of school rules. Seeing Evan and the others chatting merrily, she turned and stalked off in a huff.

Evan thought about calling her back but decided against it. Hermione's rigidity needed softening.

It wasn't that following rules was bad, but sometimes being too rigidly confined by them left no room for flexibility.

Just like in the original story, Malfoy faced no real punishment for causing trouble during flying lessons.

It was bad luck for Harry that Professor McGonagall didn't give him a chance to explain, but even if he had, she would likely have just deducted points from both boys, which meant little to Malfoy.

At least for now, Malfoy had been thoroughly frightened and likely wouldn't dare cause trouble again soon.

Unfortunately, Evan's expectations were quickly dashed. Before he could finish his meal, Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, arrived to stir up trouble.

Perhaps emboldened by his cronies, Malfoy regained his haughty demeanor but couldn't hide his animosity towards Evan.

"Potter, enjoying your last meal? Tomorrow you'll be saying goodbye to this place, back to your Muggle world, right?" Malfoy taunted loudly.

Evan and Harry remained unresponsive, looking at Malfoy as if he were a fool. Ron was tempted to reveal Harry's new Quidditch role, anticipating Malfoy's reaction.

Their nonchalance unsettled Malfoy, but he steeled himself and delivered his challenge.

"Halse, if you have the guts, meet me in the Trophy Room tonight for a duel!"

What Malfoy hadn't anticipated was Evan's firm refusal.

"Not going!"

What a joke. That night, Evan planned to collect his system reward in the Restricted Section. He had no time for Malfoy's duel charades.

Besides, Evan remembered that Malfoy intended to stand him up and inform Filch instead. He'd be daft to walk into such a trap.

"Halse, are you scared?" Malfoy sneered.

"I've no interest in dueling a defeated opponent; it's a waste of time," Evan replied, glancing sideways at Malfoy with a look of disinterest.

"Come back when you've learned some advanced magic... Otherwise, if you fall again, there might not be anyone to save you."

Tips:

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