The Great Hall had been cleared for an unexpected duel exercise, and to your absolute horror, you’d been paired with Hermione Granger—the brightest witch of your age, brilliant, precise… and intimidating.

“Are you sure about this?” you whispered, glancing at her as she checked her wand and adjusted her robes.

Hermione shot you a glance over her shoulder, eyes sharp and calculating. “We don’t have a choice. But I expect you to pay attention.”

You gulped. “Yes… of course.”

A hush fell over the room as Professor Flitwick stepped forward. “This is a dangerous exercise. Work as a team. Wands at the ready!”

Hermione nudged you lightly, almost imperceptibly, and whispered, “Stick close. Follow my lead.”

The opposing team launched a flurry of hexes immediately. You fumbled your wand, sending a stray spell ricocheting harmlessly off a wall… and then—ouch!—a small jinx hit your arm.

Hermione was already moving, deflecting hexes effortlessly, her wand precise and controlled. She ducked beside you, eyes meeting yours for the briefest second.

“Focus! Remember the Protego Maxima we practiced?” she hissed, her voice low but urgent.

You nodded, waving your wand shakily. A shimmering barrier flared up, catching a hex midair.

Hermione smiled faintly, a flash of pride in her eyes. “Better. Keep it steady.”

The opposing duo was quick—faster than you expected. Hermione whispered a strategy: “I’ll distract them from the left. You cast a Stunning Spell when they’re off-balance.”

You nodded, heart racing. You weren’t sure if it was the adrenaline or her presence that made your palms sweat.

She leapt gracefully to the side, dodging a curse, her hair catching the light as she moved. You hesitated for only a second… then aimed, muttering, “Stupefy!”

The spell hit, and the opponents were temporarily stunned. Hermione moved in, immobilizing the last attacker with a perfectly executed spell combo.

She turned to you, a triumphant smile tugging at her lips. “See? Teamwork. Not bad, considering.”

You exhaled, smiling despite yourself. “I think I actually… did okay.”

As the duel ended, Hermione approached, wand lowered, her eyes flicking to yours. “You weren’t terrible. Actually… you weren’t bad at all.”

You laughed nervously. “Thanks… I had a really good partner.”

Her smile softened. “You did. And… you stayed calm under pressure. That’s… impressive.”

You felt a warmth spread through your chest. “Thanks, Hermione. I… I think I learned a lot today.”

She leaned slightly closer, almost conspiratorially. “Maybe next time… I can teach you a few more tricks. Privately, of course.”