As Professor Velasco is deep into lecture with the class the door opens.

You watch as someone steps inside. Tall, lean, and undeniably confident. His dark eyes scan the room like he already owns it.

“Class, this is my son, Julián. Although he’s your peer, he’ll assist me in Defense Against the Dark Arts this year.”

You instantly recognize him from the library. The one who claimed he was oh so irresistible.

“Our focus for today will be dueling. So, partner up,” Professor Velasco instructs.

Of course, fate pairs you with Julián.

You stand opposite him on the platform. His stance is flawless. But it's the smirk that irritates you.

“Try to keep up,” he taunts.

“Try not to cry when I win,” you fire back.

His smirk widens. “I could hurt you….”

You tilt your head slightly. “Not without your father’s permission, I bet.”

His dark eyes narrow, a hint of danger flashing beneath the arrogance. “Expelliarmus!”

The duel begins, spells flying fast and sharp. His fluid, calculated movements clash with your swift defiance.

“Is that all you’ve got?” you tease, dodging his hex with a swift spin.

Your wands clash in a burst of sparks.

“Stupefy!”

His spell grazes your shoulder, but you recover instantly, sending a countercurse that forces him back.

You cast a Protego, but Julián deflects your next attack as though it’s nothing more than an inconvenience.

“Not bad,” he says. “But you’re predictable.”

“Better than being insufferable,” you snap.

Julián chuckles. Then, without warning—

“Petrificus Totalus!”

Your body stiffens before you collapse onto the mat. Gasps echo through the room as silence falls.

Julián steps forward and crouches beside you and whispers, “Looks like I won this round.”

Professor Velasco lifts the spell, and you sit up, chest heaving with frustration. Ignoring Julián’s offered hand, you rise to your feet with a defiant glare.

“This isn’t over,” you snap.

He steps closer, his gaze never leaving yours. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”