Wizard College (closed)

[wombat9966]

Trent looked up at the foreboding looking castle that was to be his home for the next four years. It looked nothing like the Hogwarts castle. that had seemed warm and inviting. This one was half built into the wild looking cliffs surrounding it and looked like it wanted to eat you up and spit you out. He had heard that that was exactly what happened to at least half the wizards and witches that attended this advanced college of magic. They failed before finishing their four year diploma and had their memories wiped of just went on inside these walls. Only the best 30 students were admitted each year and Trent was amongst them and he would prove that he was worthy of being here despite his background.

Trent had no idea who his parents were. He had been raised in one orphanage after another until he had run away from them at the age of six fed up with their stupid rules. He had learned early on that he could do what he called tricks and he used them to survive. He quickly found ways to hide in shadows from older kids that wanted to beat him up or worse, but he secretly practiced with new things and found out he could use shadows and air in lot's of fun ways and soon those same bullies learned to leave him alone.

He scoured the libraries looking for old books on magic, finding through trial and error what worked and what didn't and then experimenting with them and coming up with new things. By the time he was twelve he knew a lot of things but he was hungry for so much more. It was while he was scamming some tourists that a real wizard found him. He quickly escorted him off and demanded to know who his parents were. Trent told him he didn't have any and what did the old geezer think he was playing at. When he conjured a fireball in his hand Trent shut up. The old man wanted to know if Trent wanted to know more and he just nodded eagerly.

Two years later he was sent to Hogwarts. He had learned to keep his own spells under wraps as well as his experimentation. No one seemed to know those spells and knowledge was power in the wizarding community. He spent the next five years devouring knowledge. Every waking moment not at classes he was in the library studying. If not there he was in the dark woods practicing and making up new spells by combining old ones in new and fantastical ways. Oh he had his setbacks, but that's what healing potions were for. Gradually he became stronger and stronger and faster at casting his own spells as well as the normal spells. At 19 He graduated top of his class as a Combat wizard.

His benefactor was pleased and told him he had put his name down for a prestigious school. That if he got in he would be one of the youngest to have ever been accepted but with his record he should have no problems. It was the Wizards College specializing in combat magic. It had produced some of the best fighting wizards and witches in the world but it's methods were a closely guarded secret. No student ever talked about it and no failing student could ever remember what happened within it's walls.

Now Trent stood before it's doors with 29 other hopefuls from around the world. Sure enough at 19 he was the youngest and he was surprised that there were more women than men in this group. Still he knew how good he was and he was determined to graduate no matter what. He looked forward as the massive doors started to creak open.

 

[southern_slut]

Quintessa, or "Q", was among the young hopefuls. At 22 she was among the younger of the group but that didn't mean much. All of the people around her are combat wizards and witches, accomplished and capable and ready to turn on her too. Worst of all, one is only 19! While some joke he'll be no challenge the fact he came this far proves he's far more dangerous than he's given credit.
Still the shy girl fixed her glasses and took in the foreboding sight. Flashing back to the actual moment that earned her this spot, a duel in the gardens of Beauxbaton's Academie. Using the girls environment and transfiguring the ground around her was a risky move that almost cost Q her life. However it was that tenacity the College enjoyed seeing. As the shortest of the coming class Q was hardly regarded by her senior and taller peers. Which is good. Let them underestimate her. Suddenly ripped from her thoughts the main doors began to open. The shock caused her to drop her assembled stack of books and she scrambled after them as the 29 others laughed and pointed her way.

 

[wombat9966]

Trent had looked at the smaller girl but unlike the others he had not laughed. He had seen some of the titles on the spines and he knew of them. He had read them at Hogwarts and they were very advanced magiks. She would be someone to be reckoned with. Besides it was never his way to judge a book by it's cover. He had learned that the hard way growing up and in his search of the libraries. Some of his greatest discoveries had been made in the plainest of books.

The doors finally finished opening and a tall man stepped out flanked by a beautiful looking woman on his right and a harsh man on his left. "Good morning students. I am the principal here. You will address me as Principal Goodwin. To my left is the boys head Professor Flint and to my right is the girls Professor Hyatt. In a moment you will be taken by them to your new rooms. Each of you get's your own room which you can decorate how you like but it must be kept clean and tidy. Meal times are between 7 and 7:30 in the morning, 12 and 12:30 for lunch and dinner is at 6 to 7. If you miss those meal times you do not eat. "

"Now on to why you are all here. Wizard college turns out the best fighting wizards and witches because for the next four years that is precisely what you will be doing. Fighting. Every morning until lunch you will have lessons with your teachers, learning new spells and the proper way in which to use them in a wizard duel. In the afternoons you will have access to our library to continue your studies as well as private practice rooms. Our only conditions are that you duel at least twice a week with your fellow students. The winner is determined in the usual manner, either they are knocked out, they leave the platform or they cry uncle. However there is a slight difference in our rules after that. We like to encourage our students not to loose so there is a penalty phase. The first time you loose to a student you become their slave for a day, The second a week and finally the third time a full term. This time carries over between terms. When we say slave we mean it as well, a spell will be placed on you so you will carry out any and all wishes of your 'Master'."

"I see a lot of you grinning at that thought but let me remind you all of this. You are here for four long years and people have long memories. What you do to them now may come back to haunt you later. Still I know most of you will not heed my advice so I will turn you over to your Head councilors now and I look forward to seeing how many of you survive your first year."

He turned to walk away and had only gone a few steps when he turned back. "Oh I completely forgot. When you duel and you have slaves and you loose, those slaves become the property of the winner. Don't worry the spell takes care of everything. I think that's all. Oh well carry on it is all in your welcome books anyway."

Trent had absorbed everything and when Professor Flint motioned for the boys to follow him, he and 10 other boys quickly grabbed their bags and moved inside. So 11 boys and 19 girls. A rather large difference in the sexes. Trent wondered if they were just that much better or if there was some other reason. He was memorizing their route and they quickly came to their new dormitories. "Right," Flint began in clipped tones. "Pick a room. It don't matter which one they are all the same. Stow your things then get back here in ten minutes."
Trent looked and found a room hidden in shadows and he opened the door. Inside was a bed, a chest of drawers and a desk and lamp. He used a simple spell to put his clothes away and stowed his suitcase under his bed. He walked back outside shutting his door and used a cantrip to lock it. Then he returned to the Professor. He was the first back and was amazed that it took everyone else almost the whole ten minutes to make it back.

"Right you lot you are going to have to learn to be quicker than that. Now on to our first lesson. Follow me and this time make it snappy."
Trent was impressed. They didn't waste any time here and he was going to learn all he could.

 

[southern_slut]

Professor Hyatt is gorgeous, with flowing red hair whipping behind her. She moved with a speed to her, not like she was rushing but that she was always moving faster than average. It must be hell for her to get stuck in a line... Snickering at my own whit earned me a stern glare from the woman next to me, a hatchet faced brunette with muddy brown eyes and a pointed chin. Still, there was something veiled behind those eyes. The fact I was the junior girl, the smallest, and the one taking this less seriously than everyone else placed a chill in my spine.
"Alright, these will be your dorms. Your room stays yours for the time you're a student here so it can last for the full four years... If you're one of the lucky few."
"L-lucky few?" The Welsh girl who'd been trailing us all stammered nervously.
"Wizard College only graduates five or six students at a time. Hence why we are considered 'Elite'. Now claim your rooms and come back here. We have more to show you and then we have dinner."
Running to the room closest to the door outside, it was brightly lit with large windows. Setting my bags on the bed and taking a moment to enjoy the reprieve from all of the stimulation.
"Quickly child, we're on a tight schedule."
Professor Hyatt was standing in my doorway with a stern glare that only made her more gorgeous.

 

[wombat9966]

Trent made sure he was never first in line. Experience had taught him to place himself in the middle of any given crowd. It was easier to blend in and loose ones self. Those in the front stood out as too eager, while those at the back either too lazy or too rebellious. As they entered their first class he again sat in the middle rows as everyone else seemed to make a beeline for the front or back. Slowly the middle filled up with the unfortunates who hadn't been able to get a seat in either.

"Right you lot, explanation time," began the professor. "Lessons are not usually separate except for certain times this being one of them. Tomorrow lessons will become mixed and you will all be taught the same basic principles. As the Principal said lessons are from 8 in the morning until 12. Each lesson is one hour and covers your basic wizard dueling principles. Attack spells, Defence spells, Boost and misdirection. We don't teach anything else here. After lunch you can do what you want, but starting from tomorrow you must duel at least twice a week. Dueling is permitted across the sexes and you have the right to refuse a duel, however if you do not duel twice in a week you will get punishment detail. You get that only twice in your four years here. Three strikes and your out. Of course exceptions are made for serious injury etc. Also slaves are not permitted to duel unless permitted by their master and that will not go against their two a week rule. You must challenge the master first people. At any time you may quit if it becomes too hard for you. Out of everyone here maybe two or three of you may graduate. Well good luck. Now out with your wands and hold them up."

The professor waited until he saw everyone's wands in the air before he started chanting under his breath. A large mystic symbol flashed to life under them all as he continued and then a flash erupted around them as a bolt erupted from his wand and down theirs and into their bodies. Then it was over. "There that wasn't so bad was it. Your charm has been set. Now each time you duel you start it with the term 'Pact Formed'. The loser of course will then automatically become the winners slave for the appropriate amount of time." He grinned at them. "Well that's it for today. You have your guide books and you know the food times. Feel free to get acquainted with the grounds and watch the older students duel if you wish. Tomorrow your school life begins."

 

[southern_slut]

As myself and the other girls stepped out of the stone enclosure you could see the boys we'd come with. Their wild eyed look says they'd just been charmed as well. 'Pact Formed'... Almost implies some WANT to lose and become slaves. Not that I hadn't squirmed to some darker porn myself.

To the far end was a group of boys gathered around a duel, the colored sparks flying over their heads was a dead give away. Grabbing the Welsh girl, Christine, we made for the duel to get an idea for what we're going to be getting into.

A girl and a boy were about 15ft apart on a platform laid on the ground, both of them at the farthest point from one another. They were exhausted and their clothes were singed and smoking. They were using the extra distance for more time to react, a flaw in my eyes. When your opponent is as tired as you then you make the gamble and press on them. Force an end to the fight to avoid a battle of wills.

"Q... You don't believe we're totally slaves... if we lose... do you?"
"Well Christine, we'll find out in a moment. Watch them, he's fighting a hex she cast behind her back. If he focuses on the hex then he loses when she gets him with a curse. If she keeps on the hex and doesn't curse him, he'll get her. This will be over quickly now."

 

[wombat9966]

He had made his way over towards the duel with everyone else and had watched in silence. As the girls joined them he had been squished up next to the small girl with the glasses. He knew she was older than him and he listened intently as she broke down the duel to her friend. He was impressed as he had come to the same conclusion but he could already tell that the female was going to win.

He could see her beginning to cast the beginnings of a basic paralyzing curse even as the boy was finishing his counter curse spell. Gauging their speeds he could tell he would just finish as she launched her spell. He would have no time to get his defenses up no matter how fast he was. He was now only interested i seeing just how the curse worked on a looser of a duel.

It happened just as he foresaw. The boy broke the curse just as she launched her curse. He looked up to see it streaking at him and had time to raise his wand before it hit him in the chest. He flew backwards and immediately froze in position. She calmly walked the length and shoved him over the side of the platform. A Golem in the middle of the platform announced her victory but over the cheers he did not hear her name. Suddenly the cheering died down as a green light erupted from her wand and enveloped the boy. She released her curse and he stood up and quickly ran to her side. "Yes mistress how may I serve you?"

Seeing she had a crowd of first years she decided to show them just what they were in for.
"I want you to strip naked and pretend to be a dog," she commanded.
A few in the crowd laughed thinking this was a joke, but he immediately began undressing and was soon naked. Then he got down on all fours and began barking like a dog. He even picked up his wand in his mouth and dropped it at her feet like he wanted her to throw it for him.
"Let this be a lesson for you first graders. You can order your slave to do anything but kill themselves. Anything that will automatically releases the spell and alerts the teachers and headmaster. Of course they know everything they are doing of course so be careful what you do, it may come back to haunt you." She looked back at her new slave. "Get dressed and follow me, it's payback time. Those bathrooms aren't going to scrub themselves."
"Yes Mistress," he said complying quickly.

I took careful note then walked away. That was one spell I did not want to be on the wrong end of. It was time to find the library and start studying.

 

[southern_slut]

"My lord! Could you imagine?"
"Yes, those bathrooms must be filthy..."
Christine does a double take and I blush at how I responded to her comment. We both awkwardly glance up and down at each other for a moment before I turn back towards my room. Christine debates on coming with me and jogs a little bit to catch up.
"So, I've heard about the duel that got you here..."
"Oh, thank you. What happened in your duel?"
"Duels. I was challenged one after another after another until I lost. They said they 'admired my tenacity'."
"Wow. Endurance is a useful trait to have. Can't say I've always been one to let a fight run on forever."
We laugh and settle on my bed with the large stack of books I'd brought with me. After a few minutes of studying I notice Christine looks horribly confused.
"Q... I don't read French."
"Well, we should find these in the library. Let's go."

 

[wombat9966]

He had found the Library quite easily. It was on the ground floor and took up a massive amount of space. In fact he was pretty sure it was taking up more than one dimension. He had wandered the stacks for a brief time and had seen a lot of the older students and even some teachers and actual combat wizards wandering the stacks as well, but so far he had not seen another first year. He smiled. Good that was to his advantage. He finally got serious and started looking for some advanced spell books.

It took him a good half hour to find some interesting old volumes he had never seen before and some more standard tomes that expanded on some spells he already knew. He took them to a reading desk and settled in. He pulled his wand out in case he wanted to practice, first creating a small barrier area in front of him that would catch and nullify any spell he cast. He placed his wand beside it and opened the first Tome on combat spells.

 

[southern_slut]

Christine and I made our way into the library and we saw the stacks upon stacks of books and I felt very much at home. We made our way amongst the stacks and I began pulling down the books Christine had been trying to read.
"Those won't help much here."
It was the girl who had won the duel earlier. Her new slave was carrying a stack of books behind her.
"These books were great at Hogwarts or even Beauxbatons but this is combat wizardry. Transfiguration is largely useless unless you are VERY good at it, herbs are a subtle way to win but it's risky. Honestly you want the far back stacks. Like your young friend has."
She was pointing at the boy from before. Trent or Travis or something. Buried in his own stack upon stacks of books.
Turning around Christine was wrapped around every word the older girl was saying and the four of us made for the stacks in the rear.

The deep purple binding of the tome stood out to me and pulling it down I recognized the name of it's author. Salazar Slytherin. Some may write him off as a dark wizard to be avoided. However he was easily among the best at combat in his time. Cracking the book open and sitting on a table cross legged as Christine and her new friend Amy picked out others to play with.

 

[wombat9966]

I had long ago developed a spell to help me both speed read and retain the knowledge I was reading. I flew through book after book and was soon heading back to get more when I noticed the short girl reading Salazar's book. It was a good choice and had helped me a lot, but most people tended to ignore it because of his reputation. That was stupid especially as when he had written that book he was only know as a brilliant combat wizard.

"I see you do not let the stigma of a wizard taint you in your choice of reading material. You should find pages 200 to 222 very interesting. Oh and this book," Trent said handing her one of the books he had just found 'Curses and their counters', "Should be helpful if you are able to comprehend exactly what he is getting at. It took me three months of working at it though so don't get discouraged."

Trent continued on into the stacks and then wondered why he had bothered to help her. After all she was a rival supposedly. Still there was something about her and they way she had been devouring the knowledge in that book that reminded him of himself. Plus he had never seen anyone else ever read Salazar but him.

He explored deeper into the stacks and finally found some books worth looking at. It looked like they had not been disturbed in decades if not longer. He picked one up and wiped down the spine. 'Albus Dumbledore'. His throat tightened up and he looked around. He quickly brushed off the dust from the others and all four revealed the same name. He couldn't just read these at the table, everyone would see the names and want to read them as well. He had to take them to his room. He reversed the spines so they were facing him and began walking calmly back towards his dorm room.

 

[southern_slut]

As he was steadily walking away there was a hurried patter of feet behind him. I came to a panting halt in front of him with a bulging bag of books and my heels in the other hand.
"Sorry, but... I can speak modern english very well. Slytherin writes very old and I don't understand much. Can you help me translate? The others will avoid me, because I'm reading his book."
I batted my eyelashes in a hopefully subtle attempt at winning him over. Such a quiet and studious young man shouldn't be too hard to seduce.

 

[wombat9966]

Trent smiled slightly. He detected a French accent and the fact that he was a young man who's first thought had been to head for the library, and had been to help her out had probably given her the idea he would be an easy mark for seduction. Actually she wasn't too far from the mark but he just had to do it in a certain way.

"I suppose I could help you translate the book, but that would take an awfully long time. Perhaps we could come to some other arrangement, after all I have mastered that particular book about three years ago while I was still at Hogwarts. Perhaps if I was to give you private lessons on some of the finer spells contained in it you could do something for me. Of course I will not be giving away the very best spells contained in it. For them you will have to duel me of course. Does this arrangement seem acceptable to you?"

Trent wondered what the older girl would do. This was actually the first time his knowledge might prove useful for him. Besides if she tried anything he could always fall back on his magic. He had studied each of his fellow classmates and at the moment there were actually only 2 that were close to him in speed and 1 in general knowledge, but he doubted anyone had studied half of the old writings he had or knew any of his special personal spells he had made. He didn't know of course how they would work on other wizards so he did not want to use them yet and loose any advantage he had. If he could he would wait until the final year.

He looked at the girl and waited for her answer.

 

[southern_slut]

Oh, he is very good. Gamble and go for the better spells and I'm sure to lose. Play it out and learn from him and he learns just as much about me. I've proven these spells are unknown to me so anything he uses is certain to be from this tome... Weighing him in my minds eye, piecing together what little I do know already. He's faster physically and though I'm a smaller target he doesn't seem the type to rely completely on aggressive combative spells.

"How about... You teach me the best spell in the book. Then we duel. If I win you'll teach me all of them. If I lose we try again after the slavery period. Deal?"

 

[wombat9966]

Trent shook his head. "You want the best spell in the book for a mere Day of penalty. That is a bit of a raw deal don't you think. I mean anyone in your position would go for that. It doesn't really matter if you loose does it? You have gained a very powerful spell and all you had to pay for it was a single day of duty." He rubbed his chin and looked at her. "I tell you what. I will teach you a powerful spell but not the most powerful one. Say something to whet your appetite for what is contained within the book. Then we will duel. If I win of course I have you for that day, and if you win well you can obviously make me teach you more."

Trent smiled at her knowing she would probably take the bait. She seemed pretty hungry for knowledge and this way at least she would learn something.

 

[southern_slut]

His confidence made me nervous. Why wasn't he as afraid to lose as I was? Me getting better made it easier for him. I'd owe him a debt and be able to handle the more powerful classmates. Still, I needed to get better. Coming here was more luck than skill and surviving would need a lot of both.

"Fine. One powerful spell for one duel. I look forward to learning this tome tonight."

 

[wombat9966]

"Very well," Trent smiled. "Meet me by the fountain in half an hour. I need to put these books in my room then I will join you. The fountain will stop anyone from eavesdropping magical or otherwise but I will still ward us, plus I saw that it was relatively deserted." With that he walked off towards his room.

He made it without drawing undue attention and even though he really wanted to study them now he placed the books in his shelf then cast a simple spell on them to make them look like any other second grade spell books. In fact they would read like that too if anyone picked them up. No one here would be the slightest bit interested in them so they should be safe. He then locked and warded his door and made his way to the fountain.

The girl was already there so he sat on the edge and patted the rock beside him and held his hand out for the book. "Before we start I should introduce myself. My name is Trent. The spell I will be teaching you is one of Salazars favorites but not his most powerful, but it can be used to set up a wizard for a final victory spell. It's called 'Binding Serpent'. It is an air based spell and all but invisible unless you are looking for it. A serpent of air wraps an opponent in it's coils and binds them for thirty seconds making it hard for them to breathe or move. Normally enough time for you to cast a devastating knockout blow or force them off the platform."

He watched her eyes and saw the greed but also the wariness in them. He understood if this was not the most powerful spell what else was in the book and with a little tweaking this spell could do real harm and in fact had. "Yes this is one of his deadly spells. He changed the wording and it lasted longer and squeezed a lot tighter killing his opponent, but don't worry this one is safe," he said grinning. "Now you hold your wand like this and move it like this while saying..." he began.

 

[southern_slut]

Practicing the spell was among the most difficult of my life. Twice the tree nearest the fountain erupted like a hand grenade. However after almost two hours, sweat beading along my brow and the backs of my hands, I felt capable of performing sufficiently. My sweat shirt was laying next to my pile of books and I could feel my shirt clinging to me with sweat.

"Good lord, that was far more difficult than I had thought."

 

[wombat9966]

"I did try to warn you," I began. "These spells are not to be taken lightly. I did start you with a decently powerful spell but it is also one of the easiest to learn. If you had insisted on learning the most powerful spell first, well I would have refused of course but if you had won the duel and forced me you would have probably died trying it. At your current level I would suggest you wait for at least two years before you attempt it. Of course that could be speeded up if you would care to study harder but you are still at least a year away from attempting it even with expert tutelage."

I look at you and smile patiently. "Now before we duel I suggest we find a quiet arena so no one can see us and we try not to attract too much attention. Oh and if it is not to much trouble could you please tell me your name?"

 

[southern_slut]

"Q, short for Quintessa. Yours?"

It was a curious request yet I'd forgotten we'd hardly exchanged pleasantries. Still the look of him told me that was one piece of information he wanted, yet spells needing one's name are horribly complex and passive. It'd take ages for any to have significant enough effect to save him. These thoughts rolled around as we made our way beyond the trees and fountains to a small rectangular structure. Greek looking with marble pillars and a slightly dug in platform.

"This seems like a quaint arena, no?"

 

[wombat9966]

"I did introduce myself before the lesson Quintessa but I guess you were to excited about learning the spell to take much note of it," I told her with a slight rebuke. "My name is Trent. Not a very imposing name is it. Trent the Wizard," I laughed. "Still it is what my parents called me so i will not change it. Let history decide if it is a good name or not."

I look around at the grounds and shrug my shoulders. "It has it's charm, the main being there is no one about. Well shall we get on with it. Just remember what I said though. If you really want to learn those spells be careful. Once I am your slave I will be forced to teach you so if you die on your head be it." I smile knowing that wont be happening but allowing you to think so will make you think I am worried about the outcome.

Strolling out onto the platform I wait for you to get into your position. As you do the Golem in the center of the platform suddenly comes to life and rises up. It is carved to look like Zeus. "You are now on a dueling platform and have taken up the necessary places to begin a duel. Id's have been noted. Trent first year student, Quintessa, first year student. If you wish to duel please indicate by saying Pact Formed and the duel will be sanctioned and begin."

I look at you and shrug. "Pact Formed," I shout and wait for your response.

 

[southern_slut]

"P-pact formed"

The awesome sight of the large stone creature suddenly made things very clear. This was a very real duel and every effort to make light of that fact was quickly expelled from my mind. The cold grip of fear and nerves settled in the base of my stomach and I could see beneath Trent's little light hearted comments. He was far more capable in part of how often he was underestimated. Having me secluded meant no one would learn how he'd won or even if there was a duel.

No. I can't think of such things, I must be positive and focused. Raising my wand with my arm curled behind my head like a scorpion's tail, I had to think ahead... The platform was very dense and transfiguring it like my previous duel would be difficult. Casting off hand magic without my wand was beyond dangerous and the distance was too great to guarantee anything. Weighing my options I went for a jab, a test of his reflexes. With pursed lips I whisked my wand forward and the scarlet streak of a stunning spell flew towards Trent.

 

[wombat9966]

I smiled. There was three ways I could deal with this spell. One simply dodge it. It would impact the safety barriers around the platform and dissipate harmlessly. Two I could raise a shield and absorb or bat it aside, or three I could bounce it back at her. As I already had a plan in mind for when she was my slave I decided on the third option. I raised the shield I had already conjured and bounced her attack straight back at her. Immediately I also sent a creeping vine spell scuttling off along the platform to entangle her. Hopefully she would be focused on her own attack and fail to see the vines. Besides I would get to see the speed of her casting anyway. I had timed it so that she would have about ten seconds between attacks. I could have made them simultaneous but I was feeling her out as well.

 

[southern_slut]

The yellow flash and crack of spell vs spell sent my mind for a quick spin. As I raised my wand to deflect I could sense something just behind the streak of energy and to it's right. Instinctively I jump back and out of the spells path however the creeping vines find my ankle. The crushing weight is lifted after a quick counter curse yet my right foot can't take my full weight. Merde! I'll have to be careful, even more so than before. Shutting my eyes and cracking down my wand like the handle of a whip forces and blinding flash and a crack like thunder. My distraction allows me to slip behind the Golem and focus on my ankle. My options now were simple. Throw him off or press the attack. He was faster than I am so I either can't stop and commit to the overwhelming force or attempt to trap him with some behind the back hexes...

 

[wombat9966]

I smiled. She was quick but not quick enough and she was panicking a little. I had watched as she had both avoided the spell and the vines by dodging but the outer tendrils had managed to grasp her and had damaged her ankle. He had been ready for some kind of distraction when she had raised her wand but he let her go even though he had protected himself from her flash tactic.

He watched as she made it behind the Golem and he decided to wait to see what she would do. With the way her ankle was she needed to end the battle quickly and that meant either defeating him or throwing him off the platform. He was thinking she would go for the platform option but he would prepare for them both. He cast a few defensive spells on himself quickly and then sent two low powered spells towards her. A standard fireball and petrifying curse that would track her before striking. It was traveling right behind the fireball so would be hard to spot. He would see how she handled this combo.