It had started as a harmless argument—one of those casual Quidditch debates that turned into something bigger than it needed to be. You had disagreed about strategy during practice, and James, being James, just couldn't let it go. His ego was impossible to ignore, and it had driven you to the edge.

—“You think you know better than me?” he had scoffed, the usual arrogance in his voice.

It wasn’t just that you disagreed on tactics; it was that he had made it personal. So, when he finally snapped, challenging you to a duel, you didn’t back down.

—“You’re on,” you had said, your voice steady but laced with the frustration that had been building up. “Midnight, Room of Requirement.”

You had prepared yourself for the fight. You weren’t intimidated by James. You knew you had the skills to win; this wasn’t about victory. It was about showing him that there was more to you than just the game—and that his ego wasn’t the only thing that mattered in a team.

That night, as the clock struck midnight, you made your way to the Room of Requirement. The doors creaked open just as you reached them, and there he was, already waiting for you, wand in hand. His usual cocky grin was there, but tonight, something was different. The intensity in his eyes was real, not just the usual bravado.

—“You sure you want to do this?” he teased, though his voice was tinged with an edge of seriousness you hadn’t heard before.

—“Let’s get this over with,” you replied, taking a step forward.

You raised your wand, and the duel began. The flashes of light and sharp spells filled the room, both of you skilled and determined. But as you parried his attacks, you could feel the tension between you. This wasn’t just a duel for bragging rights; it was a battle of pride, of showing each other that neither of you would be overshadowed.

In the midst of the back-and-forth, you saw James falter. It was just a split second, but it was enough. You didn’t hesitate. A stunning spell shot from your wand, hitting him square in the chest. He staggered back, stunned for a moment, and then a slow grin spread across his face.

—“You win,” he said, catching his breath. “But you know... I didn’t really expect to lose.”

He studied you for a long moment, and for once, the playful spark in his eyes was replaced with something else.

—“Maybe you’re right,” he admitted softly. “But I think you’ve proven something else too…”

You raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to finish.

—“That I’ve got a lot to learn from you,” he said with a small smirk.