Hogwarts: Novel Era of the Wizarding World

As they followed Professor Flitwick deeper into the alley, Adam and Hermione felt the air grow colder and more foreboding. The cobblestone streets were slick with a dampness that clung to the fog rolling in from the shadows. The buildings, much darker and older than those in Diagon Alley, loomed overhead with crooked signs swaying eerily in the breeze. There were faint whispers echoing from hidden corners, and strange figures moved in and out of narrow doorways, casting suspicious glances at passersby.

"This," Professor Flitwick said in a low voice, breaking the silence, "is Knockturn Alley." His eyes narrowed as he scanned their surroundings. "It's a place filled with dark magic and people who deal in... less than legal things. You must never come here alone, or better yet, don't come here at all. It's dangerous, especially for young witches and wizards."

Adam and Hermione exchanged nervous glances. The atmosphere felt thick and oppressive, and Flitwick's warning sent a chill down their spines. They both gulped as they continued walking, the looming presence of Borgin and Burkes just ahead—their destination. The shop's crooked sign hung overhead, the dark windows revealing nothing of the shadowy interior. Adam couldn't help but feel a wave of unease wash over him as they neared the infamous establishment.

Standing near the shadowy entrance of Borgin and Burkes, Adam felt a cold tug at the back of his mind. Just moments ago, he had been confident about the upcoming duel, determined to let Draco exhaust his magic before launching a counterattack. But now, the oppressive atmosphere of Knockturn Alley seemed to amplify his anxiety, the looming buildings and faint whispers gnawing at his resolve. As the duel drew nearer, Adam couldn't shake the growing doubt creeping into his thoughts, making him question if he was truly prepared.

Feeling the weight of the situation, Adam discreetly checked his status window. He noticed that his special points (SP) and gold had piled up significantly from his practice over the past two weeks. The numbers gave him a momentary sense of relief, but he still wanted to be more prepared. This was a duel against a Malfoy, after all, and Adam didn't want to leave anything to chance.

Adam glanced around the alley, ensuring that no one else was nearby. Professor Flitwick was walking slightly ahead, still scanning the alley with cautious eyes. Summoning his courage, Adam called out, "Professor, may I make a request?"

Flitwick turned, his expression softening with curiosity. "A request, Mr. Taylor? What is it?"

Adam hesitated for a second before speaking. "Could you show me a dueling spell? Specifically... the disarming charm. Expelliarmus. Could you demonstrate it on me?"

Professor Flitwick's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Expelliarmus?" He stopped walking, folding his arms across his chest. "Are you planning to learn it now? The duel is in a few minutes, Adam, and learning a spell like that at your stage might be too difficult, especially under pressure."

Undeterred, Adam met Flitwick's gaze with quiet determination. He had anticipated this response. "I know it's cutting it close," he admitted, "but I'd still like to try. Even just seeing the spell in action might help me grasp it better." He hesitated for a second, then added, "I don't want to leave anything to chance, especially in a duel against a Malfoy."

Professor Flitwick studied Adam for a moment, his small stature giving him the appearance of an old, wise owl as he considered the request. He wouldn't ever teach this spell to first years, let alone to someone who hasn't even entered Hogwarts. But considering the current situation and 0 possibility of Adam being able to learn it. He sighed after a few moments, nodding slowly. "Very well. It's not a difficult spell for experienced wizards, but for you... well, we'll see. It's an excellent choice, though. Expelliarmus is one of the most versatile and important spells in dueling."

Hermione watched nervously from the side as Adam stepped a few feet back, creating some space between himself and Professor Flitwick. He raised his wand, his heart pounding slightly in anticipation. The alley was quiet except for the distant murmurs from the shadows.

Professor Flitwick took out his own wand, the faint glow of its tip casting a soft light in the dim alley. "Now, listen carefully, Adam," he began, his voice patient but firm. "The Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus, is a spell used to disarm your opponent. The goal is to knock the wand out of their hand, but it requires precision and control, not brute force."

He raised his wand in a demonstration stance, his eyes focused. "It's about focus and timing, not just power. You aim your wand directly at your opponent's hand—Expelliarmus!''

Professor Flitwick's wand moved with practiced precision as he spoke, "Expelliarmus!" In an instant, a brilliant jet of red light shot from his wand, striking Adam's with pinpoint accuracy. The impact was immediate—a sharp, forceful tug wrenched Adam's wand from his grasp, sending it spinning through the air before it landed with a soft clatter on the cobblestones behind him. The force and speed of the spell left a faint hum in the air, and Adam felt a brief surge of awe at the power behind it.

"See how it works?" Professor Flitwick said, lowering his wand. "It's not just about disarming your opponent—it's about catching them off-guard. In duels, this spell is invaluable. If your opponent doesn't have their wand, they're as good as defeated."

Adam nodded, retrieving his wand. His mind was already racing as he analyzed the spell's mechanics. The precise movement of Professor Flitwick's wand, the focus on the opponent's hand, the timing—it all clicked into place. He could feel his special points buzzing in his mind, ready to be spent. Adam wasn't sure he'd be able to perfect the spell in the short time before the duel, but he had one advantage: his system. He planned to use his special points to learn Expelliarmus instantly, something no one else could do.

Adam's face remained calm, but internally, he was resolved. He would use this spell in the duel—he would make sure of it.

Professor Flitwick gave a small, approving smile. "If you can master this, Adam, you'll have a significant advantage in your duel. But remember, magic is about control, not aggression. Keep your focus, and use your spells wisely."

Adam gave a determined nod. "Thank you, Professor. I'll make sure to use it well."

With that, they continued toward the entrance of Borgin and Burkes, where the duel awaited, the weight of the confrontation pressing heavier on Adam's mind—but he now had a plan—a plan that could turn the tide in his favor.

Mr. Borgin greeted the trio with a smug smile as they stepped into the dimly lit shop. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he led them through the shadowy corridors, down a creaky staircase that seemed to go deeper than Adam had expected. The basement, however, was far from what one might imagine. It was strangely spacious and well-lit, though the air was thick with tension.

At the far end of the room, Lucius Malfoy and Draco stood surrounded by a small group of people, their postures rigid and proud. Adam immediately guessed they were from other pure-blood families, likely here to witness the duel and show their support for the Malfoys. His nerves tightened at the sight. Hermione, beside him, looked terrified. Her eyes darted around the room, and Adam could feel her trembling. She was on the verge of tears, and the sheer number of pure-blood spectators only added to her unease.

Professor Flitwick led them slowly toward Lucius, who was conversing with several of the spectators. As they approached, Adam's attention was drawn to a woman and a little girl standing off to the side, away from the Malfoy group but still clearly a part of the audience. Judging by their dignified presence, Adam assumed they were pure-bloods as well. It became clear to Adam that this wasn't just a simple duel; it was an orchestrated spectacle, one meant to prove a point.

"Lucius," Professor Flitwick began, his voice calm but firm, "I ask you again to reconsider. This duel serves no purpose other than to harm these children. It should not happen."

Lucius turned, a slow, calculated smile spreading across his face. He gestured toward the gathered audience, his voice dripping with false politeness. "Filius, I appreciate your concern, but as you can see, we already have a gathered audience. These good people have taken time out of their day for this. It would be a shame to disappoint them, wouldn't you agree?" His tone was mocking, leaving no room for Professor Flitwick's objections.

Flitwick's jaw clenched slightly. He knew arguing further would be futile. The situation had spiraled beyond his control, and Lucius was determined to go through with it. Adam noticed the silent resignation in the professor's stance as Flitwick endured the humiliation of being unable to protect his students from this confrontation.

At that moment, Adam, who had been quietly following behind, stepped forward. A strange smile spread across his face, one that startled both Hermione and Professor Flitwick. His demeanor had shifted once again, cold and distant, almost unnervingly calm. He looked straight at Lucius, his voice steady and laced with an unusual confidence.

"Indeed, Mr. Malfoy," Adam said, his words cutting through the air. "This duel must happen. After all, it won't take long to end it."

Lucius's sneaky smile faltered slightly at Adam's remark, and even Draco glanced at him with narrowed eyes. The shift in Adam's demeanor was unmistakable—his calmness, the coldness in his eyes—it was as if he had transformed into someone else entirely.

Hermione, still standing beside Professor Flitwick, felt a surge of confusion and fear. She had never seen Adam like this before. She had always known him to be kind, compassionate, and gentle, but this... this was something different. Her eyes fell to Adam's pocket, and she noticed something strange: a dim glow, faint but present, emanating from within. His wand was glowing.

At first, she wasn't sure, thinking maybe it was just the strange lighting of the basement. But she was 70% certain she had seen it. The wand was shining ever so slightly, and the more she observed, the more she realized this wasn't the first time Adam had acted strangely. Back when they were confronted by Draco and his group in Diagon Alley, Adam had shifted just like this—cold, distant, and calculating. But in that moment, she had been too shaken to notice the details.

Now, with the weight of the duel pressing down on them, Hermione could no longer ignore it. This wasn't the Adam she knew. Something was affecting him—something tied to that wand. Her heart sank as she watched him face the Malfoys, his aura colder than ever. She exchanged a worried glance with Professor Flitwick, who too had noticed the sudden change in Adam's demeanor but remained silent, likely too focused on the situation at hand.

The tension in the room grew thicker as both sides prepared for what was to come. Adam's strange confidence unsettled both Draco and Lucius, but neither seemed ready to back down. The duel was inevitable, and whatever had caused the shift in Adam's attitude, Hermione knew that they were about to see the result of it.

Draco, standing beside his father, stepped forward with a sneer, his voice dripping with contempt. "You filthy blood, you have no chance to win." His words echoed in the basement, and his confidence seemed to fill the room.

Adam, however, didn't flinch. Instead, he fixed Draco with a cold, unsettling smile that made the younger Malfoy falter for a brief moment. Though Draco quickly regained his composure, standing proudly, the momentary flicker of doubt was unmistakable.

Without responding to Draco's insult, Adam turned his gaze toward Lucius, his expression unchanging. "Mr. Malfoy," he began, his tone casual yet sharp, "it took quite a bit of our time as well to be here. So, how about a bet to make it worth our while? I have 250 Galleons on me—at least this will make it more interesting. Otherwise, wasting so much time just to defeat such a snotty kid… well, it hardly seems worth the effort."

His words struck a nerve. Both Draco and Lucius were visibly triggered by the taunt, but the reaction from the crowd—a few soft chuckles—only served to further infuriate them. Draco, red with anger, began to respond, but Lucius silenced him with a swift gesture.

Lucius, his face flushed with fury, stepped forward and threw a pouch at Adam's feet. The clink of coins echoed as it hit the floor. "There are 500 Galleons in there," Lucius spat. "If you can somehow win against Draco, you can take it. But now—enough talking. Let's get on with the duel."

With a curt gesture, Lucius turned and moved to one side of the basement with Draco, the crowd parting to give them space. The spectators, understanding the gravity of the moment, moved to the sides of the room, their eyes glued to the scene.

Adam bent down and picked up the pouch, the weight of the Galleons solid in his hand. He looked up at Lucius, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Then I'll gladly take it in advance, Mr. Malfoy," he said smoothly.

Lucius paused for a split second, his eyes narrowing at Adam's boldness, but he said nothing, turning to continue his preparations. Meanwhile, Adam, Hermione, and Professor Flitwick took their positions on the opposite side of the room.

Professor Flitwick watched Adam closely, his mind troubled by the sudden, drastic shift in the boy's demeanor. He had known Adam to be composed and kind, but now, standing before him, Adam was cold and unbothered, almost arrogant. Still, there was no time to dwell on it. The duel was moments away.

Flitwick leaned in closer to Adam, his voice a low murmur. "Listen carefully, Adam. This basement may seem simple, but you can those wooden crates if you need to avoid spells. Draco may not know many spells, but don't underestimate him—Lucius might have prepared something. And remember, if anything improper happens, I'll stop the duel immediately. Just be careful."

Adam nodded, though his eyes were fixed on Lucius, who was whispering something to Draco. His mind was already racing, calculating the possibilities, but he listened to Flitwick's words, appreciating the advice.

As Adam stepped forward to take his place, preparing for the duel, Professor Flitwick began walking toward the center of the room to oversee the event, with Hermione following closely behind him, her worry clear in her eyes. Just as they were about to settle in, a voice rang out from the side.

"Professor Flitwick," a woman called, her tone calm yet authoritative. It was the woman standing beside the young girl that Adam had noticed earlier. "How about I watch over the duel for you? It wouldn't be proper for you to do so, considering you're an involved party."

Professor Flitwick turned, surprised by the sudden interference. "But—" he began, only to be interrupted by the woman.

"Don't you trust that I will judge it fairly?" she asked, a small smile on her lips. "Don't worry, Professor. I will ensure the duel is fair, and I'll guarantee their safety. Besides, I could use the opportunity for you to watch over my little Astoria for a bit."

Her words were smooth, almost coaxing. Professor Flitwick hesitated, glancing at Adam and Draco, then back at the woman. He knew she was right—he was too close to Adam to be seen as an impartial judge. After a moment of consideration, he nodded. "I believe you, Mrs. Greengrass," he conceded.

With that, Professor Flitwick stepped aside, motioning for Hermione to follow him. They made their way to where Astoria Greengrass stood, the young girl watching the proceedings with wide, curious eyes. Professor Flitwick gave her a kind smile, though his mind remained focused on the duel.

Adam, now standing alone at his side of the room, felt the weight of the moment settle over him. He could hear the soft murmur of the spectators, the quiet tension building as they waited for the duel to begin. His eyes flicked to Draco, who was standing with his wand drawn, glaring at him with a mix of anger and determination.

The weight of the moment hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Every eye in the room was fixed on the two opponents, the tension almost palpable. Adam could feel his pulse quicken, but he remained steady. On the opposite side, Draco's sneer deepened, the arrogance radiating from him like a dark cloud. The duel was seconds away from beginning, and Adam knew—this was where everything would be decided and he had to win it

Adam stood still for a moment, his gaze cold and steady as he faced Draco. He brought his wand to the ready, then slightly bowed, keeping his eyes locked on Draco. But Draco, full of pride and arrogance, made no such gesture. He simply stood there, smirking, his wand loosely gripped in his hand.

Adam seized the moment to taunt Lucius once again. "Mr. Malfoy," Adam said smoothly, his voice carrying just loud enough for the audience to hear, "it seems you've failed to teach young Draco the rules of a proper duel. It's quite a shame, really, especially considering your status as a pure-blood family. One would expect better manners."

Lucius's face remained composed, but the rage beneath the surface was clear to anyone who looked closely. His jaw tightened, and his eyes burned with fury. He glanced at Draco, his voice cold and commanding. "Draco, bow."

Draco frowned at the order, clearly reluctant. But before he could protest, Lucius added in a low, icy tone, "And don't show mercy."

The second part of his father's command caused Draco's expression to change instantly. His lips curled into a cunning smile, and he gave a small, insincere bow. Adam's eyes narrowed slightly, his instincts flaring up. He had seen enough to know this was more than just an instruction—it was a code. A warning. They were planning something underhanded.

Adam didn't let the unease show on his face, though. Instead, he straightened after his own bow, his wand at the ready. He knew the Malfoys were going to play dirty, but he wasn't about to let them catch him off guard.

As both Draco and Adam finished their bows, Mrs.Greengrass, standing at the side of the room, raised her hand to signal the start of the duel.

"Begin!" Mrs.Greengrass called out.

The duel had officially started.

As soon as Mrs. Greengrass announced the start of the duel, Adam gestured toward Draco with a calm smile. "You first," he said lightly, his tone almost mocking.

Draco, already fuming with anger, didn't hesitate. He raised his wand with a snarl, his voice loud and sharp as he shouted, "Flipendo!"

A bluish bolt of light shot from Draco's wand, speeding directly toward Adam. Surprised by the sudden attack, Adam instinctively jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding the spell as it whizzed past him and crashed into a nearby crate, sending splinters into the air. He straightened himself quickly, his heart pounding from the close call.

'Flipendo?'Adam thought, his mind racing. Draco couldn't cast that in the books from his previous life... but here... He had barely avoided the hit, and the spell, though slightly weaker than it should have been, still carried enough force to send him reeling if it had landed. The audience murmured in quiet surprise, a few impressed by Draco's potential at his age. While the spell wasn't as strong as an adult wizard's, for a young student, it was impressive.

Hermione gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she watched with wide eyes. Professor Flitwick's face grew tense, though he remained composed on the outside. Both of them were fearful for Adam, but Adam remained calm, although inside, he cursed to himself.

Damn, this world is different. If I don't pay attention, I could actually lose.

Draco, grinning triumphantly, took in Adam's startled expression with satisfaction. "See that, filthy blood? You're no match for me!"

But Adam wasn't rattled for long. He steadied his breath, straightened up, and fixed Draco with a calm, calculating look. If he's going to take this seriously, I will too, he thought. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Adam raised his wand, not toward Draco, but toward a broken wooden box lying on the floor.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Adam called out, his voice clear and focused.

The audience erupted into a few chuckles, even outright laughter, as soon as the words left his mouth. Hermione's eyes widened in confusion. "What's he doing?" she whispered, gripping Flitwick's sleeve.

A few of the spectators exchanged amused glances. No one used the Levitation Charm in a duel—it wasn't a spell meant for combat. But Adam ignored their laughter. The large piece of wood from the broken box began to levitate into the air. But unlike a casual, floating motion, Adam sent the chunk of wood speeding through the air as if it had been thrown by someone with incredible strength.

The speed of the wood was astonishing, a direct result of Adam's relentless practice over the past two weeks. He had pushed himself to master not only the basic levitation spell in past two weeks but also to improve his magical strength through constant practice before that, especially with fire magic. He had experimented with levitating objects of different sizes, even testing his limits by trying to levitate Hermione, but only managing to lift her hairs. It was understandable since using Levitation Charm on living being was much more challenging than non-living objects. Now, his spell proficiency had reached a level where he could control large objects with surprising speed and force.

The wooden debris hurtled toward Draco with a speed that took him completely off guard. His smirk faltered, surprise flashing in his eyes as he realized the danger. He moved to dodge, but it was too late—the jagged piece of wood clipped his left foot, the impact spinning him off balance. With a pained yelp, Draco stumbled to the ground, clutching his foot as he landed hard on the cold floor. The arrogant smirk was gone, replaced by a grimace of shock and pain.

Draco howled as he grabbed his foot, his face twisted in agony. The audience's laughter died down instantly as they watched him writhe on the ground. The smugness and confidence in his expression had vanished, replaced by a mixture of pain and shock. He glared up at Adam with hatred burning in his eyes, his teeth clenched as he struggled to push himself back up. But when he saw Adam raise his wand again, he panicked.

Quickly standing up, Draco managed to dodge the second piece of wood Adam sent flying his way, but this time, he was on high alert. The audience murmured in amazement. No one had expected such precision and power from a simple Levitation Charm, especially not from a young wizard like Adam.

Lucius Malfoy, watching from the side, tightened his grip on his cane. His eyes narrowed in anger and disbelief, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked like he was restraining himself from shouting. This wasn't going as he had planned. His son, who had entered the duel so confidently, was already being toyed with by Adam, and the crowd was starting to shift their attention from Draco to Adam.

Draco, now limping slightly, scowled as he backed away, his mind racing to figure out what to do next. Adam lowered his wand, his expression still cold, calculating, and calm, while his hand tightened around his wand. Inside, he could feel something faint—a pulse from his wand, the familiar glow of its patterns barely visible. It wasn't glowing as strongly as before, but Adam could tell that his wand was amplifying his magic, just enough to make a noticeable difference. He also understood that his Levitation charm was stronger than when he practised because of his wand, but he didn't have much time to think about it in current situation.

I can't afford to lose focus, Adam thought to himself, casting a glance at Lucius. They're definitely planning something—I just need to stay a step ahead.

Draco's pride had been wounded, and Adam knew that would make him reckless. The duel wasn't over yet, but Adam was ready for whatever came next.

Draco, burning with anger, didn't waste any more time. He raised his wand and furiously unleashed a rapid succession of Flipendo spells, one after the other. Adam was already prepared for the attack, but the sheer speed and ferocity of Draco's casting nearly overwhelmed him. Each knockback jinx came faster than the last, forcing Adam to dodge and deflect with everything he had.

The last spell barely missed him, grazing past his shoulder and crashing into a stack of crates behind him. Adam stumbled slightly, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The adrenaline coursing through him was the only thing keeping him focused, but he was beginning to feel the strain. Despite his training and preparation, this duel was more intense than anything he had faced before.

But Draco was clearly running on fumes as well. His breathing was ragged, and beads of sweat dripped down his forehead. Casting so many spells in quick succession had drained him. His exhaustion was visible, and for a moment, Adam thought he might have a chance to counterattack. But then...

"Draco!!" Lucius's voice echoed through the basement, sharp and commanding. "End this! NOW!"

Draco paused mid-spell, his cruel smile twisting on his face. Adam watched warily as Draco's entire demeanor changed. His body began to glow faintly with a strange blue light. The exhaustion that had been weighing him down seemed to vanish, and his posture straightened. Draco looked reinvigorated, the light surrounding him pulsing softly as if recharging his strength.

The crowd gasped, and whispers spread like wildfire. The change in Draco didn't go unnoticed. His aura had shifted, and it wasn't just physical. There was something else—something powerful.

Hermione, watching from the sidelines, felt her heart drop. She clutched Professor Flitwick's sleeve, her voice trembling with fear. "Professor... this is...?"

Professor Flitwick's eyes were wide with surprise, and he blurted out absentmindedly, "Special ability..."

He quickly composed himself, but his gaze remained fixed on Draco. Professor Flitwick recognized what was happening—it was Draco's special ability, one that Lucius had clearly passed down to his kid. The faint blue light radiating from Draco was unmistakable, and it reminded him of Lucius's own ability, though Draco's was weaker. Still, in a duel of this scale, with Adam already pushed to his limit, it could be enough to tip the scales.

The special ability enhanced Draco's magical stamina for a brief period, and it would allow him to cast more spells with greater strength and speed than before. Professor Flitwick had seen Lucius use this ability in the past, and while Draco's version was not as potent, it was more than enough to be a dangerous advantage.

Hermione's grip tightened on Flitwick's robe as she watched Draco's cruel smile deepen. "What will Adam do?" she whispered, fear evident in her voice.

Professor Flitwick, his worry growing, kept his eyes trained on Adam. He knew that Adam had been nearly overwhelmed by Draco's earlier assault, and now with this new power coursing through Draco, the duel could take a devastating turn. "Stay sharp, Adam," he muttered under his breath, knowing that the boy's next move would determine the outcome of the duel.

Adam, feeling the pressure of the situation, straightened up. His mind raced as he assessed the scene before him. Special ability? His heart pounded. So Draco has something like that... I didn't expect this.

He took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his wand. I can't afford to panic now. I need to think, quickly. The blue glow around Draco grew stronger, and Adam could feel the mounting pressure in the air. But this was no time to back down. He glanced at Professor Flitwick, then back at Draco, his mind searching for a strategy to counter this sudden shift in the duel.

He knew one thing for certain: whatever came next, he had to stay calm and keep his focus. This duel wasn't over yet.

At this moment, Draco held out his wand and looked cruelly at Adam. Adam felt scared for a second before he calmed himself down and focused on avoiding next spell. But what he thought, didn't come.

Instead of casting knock back jinx once again, Draco instead cast another spell. He held out his wand and called out, "Fumos!!" What seemed to be like grayish smoke started escaping from Draco's wand then soon he was covered in the fog. Before he disappeared in the fog, he smiled cunningly at Adam, which made Adam feel nervous. Everyone felt confused by the Draco's choice of spell in this moment.

Draco's cunning smile lingered in Adam's mind as he watched the grayish smoke from the Fumos spell begin to cover Draco, expanding rapidly and darkening into a pitch-black fog that spread across the entire basement. Adam's heart pounded as the thick smoke enveloped everything, plunging him into an unsettling darkness. He could no longer see Draco, the audience, or even Professor Flitwick and Hermione.

The room became eerily silent, save for the faint whispers of the audience, who were stunned by Draco's choice of spell. Adam heard the faint murmur of confusion ripple through the crowd as they realized this wasn't a simple fog conjuring spell. Even Professor Flitwick, who had been keeping a close eye on the duel, was taken aback. He couldn't sense anything clearly inside the smoke—no movement, no magic flow except a faint aura from Draco's direction.

Hermione, terrified by the sudden shift in the duel, clung to Professor Flitwick, her eyes filled with tears. "Professor," she whispered, her voice shaking, "what's happening?"

Professor Flitwick's face was grim. "This isn't normal fog, Hermione... It's something darker, but I can't pinpoint it." He could only pray Adam would be alright as he strained to detect the magic within the blackness. He felt a small flow of magic, but it wasn't enough to stop the duel yet. Still, he was worried.

In the thick darkness, Adam felt disoriented. He strained his ears, trying to listen for any movement or hint of Draco's location. His heart raced, and for a brief moment, panic set in. But he quickly forced himself to calm down. Focus... focus, Adam, he reminded himself, desperately trying to figure out his next move. His eyes were useless in this pitch-black fog, but his ears—maybe they could help him.

Then, Draco's voice pierced through the blackness, cold and mocking. "Without seeing me, how can you defeat me now, Mudblood?"

Adam's blood ran cold. He turned toward the direction of the voice, his muscles tensing. If I can hear him, I can still fight him, Adam thought, trying to keep his fear at bay. He moved silently, sneaking away from his original position, hoping that Draco couldn't see him either.

But that hope was quickly shattered.

"Sectumsempra!" Draco's voice rang out, and before Adam could fully process the words, a sudden, sharp gust of wind struck him. The pain was immediate—searing and hot, as though his arm had been slashed open by an invisible blade. Adam's hand instinctively flew to his arm, his fingers coming away slick with warm blood. Panic surged through him as his mind raced. Sectumsempra. He knew this spell. He had read about it in previous life—a dangerous dark curse—but never imagined it would be used against him.

F**k Snape! F**k Draco! F**k Lucius!!! Adam cursed in his mind, fury bubbling within him. He had never hated Snape before, but in this moment, knowing Draco had somehow learned Sectumsempra, he couldn't help but curse the man. How did Draco know this spell? How is this even happening?!

The audience murmured in confusion as they heard the spell name. Several of the pure-blood wizards exchanged quiet whispers, recognizing the dangerous nature of the spell. Professor Flitwick, though unfamiliar with it, quickly understood its seriousness from the crowd's reaction. His hand twitched toward his wand, ready to stop the duel, but the faint magical flow told him it wasn't strong enough to seriously injure Adam—yet.

But Adam was in agony. His arm throbbed with pain, and blood soaked through his sleeve. Before he could gather his thoughts, Draco's voice rang out again, "Sectumsempra!"

This time, the spell hit Adam in the leg. He cried out, stumbling as another sharp pain tore through his flesh, and blood began pouring from the wound. The darkness seemed to close in on him, suffocating him as he struggled to remain on his feet. He could feel the sticky warmth of his own blood soaking his clothes, and he knew he couldn't take many more hits like this.

I can't see him, Adam thought in a panic, but he can see me... He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to move. His only option was to keep moving, hoping to avoid the next spell. He began running in an irregular pattern, trying to throw Draco off.

"Sectumsempra!" Another spell slashed across his back, causing him to stumble forward. Adam could barely hold back a scream. He was losing blood, losing strength, and with each hit, the panic set in deeper.

"Sectumsempra!"

Another cut, this time across his abdomen. The pain was unbearable, and Adam knew he was running out of time. If he didn't act now, he wouldn't just lose the duel—he could lose his life.

I can't go on like this... I need to end this! Adam's mind raced. He couldn't see Draco, but he had to do something, and fast.

A few people in the crowd had recognized the spell that Draco had cast. They exchanged knowing glances, aware that it wasn't Draco who had conjured the dark magic but rather Lucius himself. This type of advanced dark spell was far beyond Draco's abilities at his age, but the audience couldn't sense Lucius's magic directly. All they could feel was the faint, subtle flow of magic originating from Draco's location. Quiet whispers broke out among them.

"This snake has grown stronger over the years," one murmured.

"Yes, his control and silent casting have nearly reached the pinnacle."

"He hides his power well," another commented, their voices tinged with both admiration and caution.

Meanwhile, Adam stood in the pitch-black fog, feeling the sharp sting of blood loss from the numerous wounds inflicted by Sectumsempra. He knew he was running out of time. The duel wasn't just a game anymore—it was a battle for his life. If he didn't act soon, he could very well die. His mind raced, trying to figure out his next move.

Adam's mind raced as he quickly pulled up his status window. His eyes flicked to the special points—80,000, more than enough. The familiar name of a spell glowed faintly in the system: Expelliarmus. The cost was staggering—75,000 points—but the price didn't matter now. It was a lifeline, his only chance to turn the duel around. His heart pounded as he hovered over the purchase option, hesitation gnawing at him. Should he use the points now?

Adam hesitated, feeling the pain of potentially spending such a large amount of points for a spell he had considered relatively simple in the books. But deep down, he understood the system's pricing. It wasn't just about the spell's difficulty—it was about its usefulness and versatility. A spell like Expelliarmus could be a game-changer in any duel.

Still, Adam felt a bit of reluctance. He cursed under his breath, knowing he had no other choice but to purchase it. But before he could confirm the purchase, he felt a familiar warmth emanating from his wand. It was the same feeling that had surged through him during moments when his spells had become unusually powerful. His wand had a way of amplifying his magic at random times.

The warmth gave him pause. Maybe... just maybe, I won't need to use my SP. He decided to trust his wand, feeling the magic pulsing within it. If his wand failed, he could always buy the spell later. For now, he would see if this strange power could get him through the duel.

Adam stood frozen, his breath shallow as he strained his ears for any hint of movement. The suffocating darkness pressed in on him, and every sound—every whisper of the audience, every shift of the smoke—seemed amplified. His wand felt heavy in his hand, but he kept it raised, ready for whatever came next. Then, just as he began to steady his nerves, Draco's voice cut through the blackness, cold and mocking, casting another spell.

Adam reacted instinctively, diving to the side just in time to dodge the spell. He rolled on the ground, wincing from the pain in his wounded leg and abdomen, but quickly regained his footing. Locking onto the direction of Draco's voice, he raised his wand with renewed determination. His wand's patterns were glowing more brightly now, casting a faint light that cut through the oppressive black fog surrounding him. The warmth from his wand spread through his body, filling him with confidence.

Adam closed his eyes, focusing all his remaining strength into his wand. He could feel the magic coursing through him, being drawn into the wand as if it were amplifying his power beyond his limits. When he opened his eyes again, he could almost make out Draco's silhouette through the black smoke. Draco seemed to be holding something—a magical item that was releasing the dense fog.

But Adam didn't care about the details. He focused solely on the task at hand.

With a burst of energy, Adam raised his wand and shouted, "Expelliarmus!"

The magic in his body surged into the wand, forming a massive red ball of light at the tip. The ball grew to the size of a human head before rocketing toward Draco at incredible speed, cutting through the black smoke like a blade through fog.

Draco barely had time to react. The red ball of magic hit him squarely in the chest. His eyes widened in shock, and he let out a sharp cry of pain before being thrown backward, crashing to the ground. He lay motionless, unconscious from the force of the spell.

The basement fell into an eerie silence. Draco's pained howl had disappeared as quickly as it had begun. The audience stood still, their eyes wide in disbelief. The thick black smoke that had filled the room moments ago began to dissipate, revealing the aftermath of the duel.

Draco lay crumpled on the ground, unconscious, while Adam stood at the opposite end of the basement, his wand still raised, its patterns glowing faintly. Blood dripped steadily from Adam's arm, leg, and abdomen, staining his clothes and pooling on the ground beneath him. His face was pale, a clear sign of the blood he had lost during the duel, but he remained standing.

Professor Flitwick and Hermione were frozen in shock, unable to move. They had watched Adam endure hit after hit, yet they hadn't expected that situation had so dire. It wasn't until Adam's weak smile broke the silence that they snapped out of their stupor.

"I won," Adam said softly, before collapsing to the ground with a soft plop. He sat there looking at Draco and Lucius who had quickly moved towards Draco.

At that moment, Lucius Malfoy rushed to Draco's side. His face was a mask of fury as he bent down and discreetly slipped the magical item—responsible for the black smoke—into Draco's robes. But it was too late. Everyone had already seen it. The whispers in the crowd grew louder as they realized the duel had not been as straightforward as it appeared.

Mrs. Greengrass stepped forward, her voice calm and authoritative. "Draco Malfoy lost the duel. The boy wins. Do you agree, Lucius?"

Lucius, his face dark with anger, looked up at Mrs. Greengrass hatefully but muttered through clenched teeth, "Draco lost."

His gaze then shifted to Adam, who was still sitting on the ground, exhausted and bleeding. Lucius's eyes burned with hatred as he asked in a cold voice, "Boy, what's your name?"

Adam, still breathless and in pain, looked up with a weak but triumphant smile. "I'm Adam Taylor, Mr. Malfoy. Nice to meet you. Thank you for the 500 Galleons."

Lucius's fury boiled over at the taunt. He pulled out his wand, pointing it directly at Adam. A dark orange flame erupted from the tip, speeding toward Adam.

Before anyone could react, a shimmering light barrier appeared between Adam and the flame, effortlessly absorbing the attack. The crowd gasped in shock. Professor Flitwick, who had been ready to cast a protective spell, froze in surprise as the barrier formed before his own spell could be cast.

A calm, firm voice echoed through the basement. "Lucius, I already promised the participants' safety."

Mrs. Greengrass stood still, her gaze unwavering. Lucius glared at her, his face twisted in rage, but he knew better than to defy her in front of the audience. With one last look of seething hatred at Adam, Lucius muttered, "I'll remember your name, boy, going against pure-blood family won't end up well for you."

Before he could grab Draco and disapperate, Adam called out to Lucius, his wand started glowing brighter in his hand at this moment, "Mr.Malfoy, money won't always save you in this world. When the time comes in the future, it will be better for you to choose an honest side. Neither money nor fear will save you next time."

Lucius was visibly shaken and stunned at this moment, his sharp-cunning mind could easily understand the tone and meaning hidden in Adam's words. This moment Lucius felt scared for the first time since he encountered Adam, even if it was just for a moment. Lucius mind spun around at incredible speed but he still couldn't figure out why Adam said such words, he couldn't understand what those words clearly meant and why they came out of a muggle boy. Completely lost in these thoughts, Lucius quickly disapperated from here.

The other spectators with similar thoughts quickly followed suit, disappearing one by one, until only Adam, Hermione, Professor Flitwick, and Mrs. Greengrass and her daughter Astoria remained in the room.

The patterns that had brightly shone on Adam's wand finally dimmed once again. As the light faded, both Professor Flitwick and Hermione noticed an immediate shift in the atmosphere. The tension that had hung heavily around them suddenly lifted, as if an oppressive weight had been removed. Professor Flitwick, who had been watching closely, could see Adam's face relax, the hard edges of his expression softening. His once cold and distant demeanor faded, replaced by the more naive and childlike look they had grown used to.

Flitwick bent down beside Adam, his wand at the ready. He cast Episkey, his voice calm but concerned. "Adam, something is wrong with your wand. I won't ask anything about what you said, but your wand, I think you shouldn't use it anymore." His face, usually full of warmth, was now serious. "We'll discuss it when you come to Hogwarts. But until then, do not use your wand."

Adam, surprised by Flitwick's tone, glanced at the wand in his hands. He could see now that something had changed, and the seriousness in Flitwick's face was unmistakable. With a reluctant nod, Adam agreed, his gaze lingering on the wand for a moment longer.

At that moment, Adam's body began to betray him. The adrenaline from the duel was wearing off, and the pain he had been holding at bay came flooding in. He felt cold, the warmth seeping out of his body, and the exhaustion hit him like a tidal wave. His breaths became shallow, and he could feel himself weakening rapidly.

Hermione, who had been standing by, couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She sobbed openly, her face pale as she looked at Adam's bloodied state. It was the first time she had ever seen anyone like this—hurt, vulnerable, and all because of her, or so she believed. The guilt tore through her, and she could barely stop herself from muttering, "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry, Adam…"

Adam, struggling to stay conscious, managed to raise his hand with difficulty, resting it gently on Hermione's head. His voice was faint but steady. "Hermione, it's not your fault," he reassured her, his eyes kind despite his condition. "Those people… they're bad, not you. You should smile because I won… why are you crying?" He gave her a weak but reassuring smile. "Professor Flitwick will make these injuries disappear with magic, and they don't even hurt that much, really."

Professor Flitwick, who had been silently working on healing Adam, stiffened slightly at Adam's words. Adam's keen eyes noticed this subtle reaction, and a sense of dread crept into his thoughts. The healing spell wasn't working as it should. The realization dawned on Adam that the Sectumsempra curse might be the cause. His mind raced as he considered what to do. Could he really afford to keep the knowledge of the curse a secret, even if it meant risking his life? No, he couldn't.

"Professor," Adam asked, his voice hoarse, "is there a problem?"

Professor Flitwick paused, his wand still glowing faintly as he attempted another healing spell. His expression darkened, and he spoke in a serious tone, not hiding the truth from Adam or Hermione. "These injuries… they seem to have been caused by a vicious curse. Normal healing spells aren't working."

Hermione's face crumpled, her tears threatening to spill again, but Flitwick quickly raised his hand to calm them both. "But don't worry," he said, his tone softening, though still firm with confidence. "With me here, these things won't hurt you anymore. My special ability is meant for this…"

His voice trailed off towards the end, almost as if he hadn't meant to reveal that last part. Adam, ever perceptive, caught the shift in Flitwick's tone. There was a story behind those words, one that held a deeper, perhaps painful meaning for the professor. But now wasn't the time to ask. Adam knew better than to pry when the situation was so dire.