After introducing both sides, Lee Jordan began explaining the rules of the duel to the entire audience.
"This duel follows the rules of the International Wizarding Games: no Dark Magic, no attacking when the opponent can no longer fight back, no use of any potions, and most importantly... absolutely no punching!"
At that last remark, every head turned toward Goyle and Crabbe. It was obvious who that warning was aimed at.
As for the rest of the rules, most of the young wizards present had no objections—these were the standard regulations for dueling these days.
That said, for Goyle and Crabbe, these restrictions were anything but favorable.
Aside from the rules, the dueling arena itself was also key.
The match between Harry Potter and his opponents was set on a large raised platform, with a magical barrier glowing faintly around it. This wall wasn't just there to prevent outside interference—it also protected the audience from stray spells during the duel.
The layout was clear: the arena was split into two zones, one red and one blue, marking the sides of the two competitors.
In the center ran a boundary line, which neither side was allowed to cross. In each far corner of the platform stood a referee—Professor Lupin on Harry Potter's side, and naturally, Professor Snape overseeing Goyle and Crabbe's side.
As referees, their roles extended beyond declaring the winner—they were also responsible for stepping in if anything went wrong. That was the main condition under which the school had approved this duel...
With Lee Jordan's announcement finished and Snape taking his position, expression cold as ever, the duel finally began amidst the roaring cheers of the crowd.
"Now, duelists, to the stage!!"
...
Although Harry Potter was nominally the second-in-command, the rules didn't strictly require the second contestant to appear in that order. So, under everyone's expectant and unsurprised gaze, Harry Potter—without consulting Ron Weasley—stepped straight onto the stage, meeting all eyes head-on.
Glancing at Ron Weasley waiting below, Goyle's face twisted into a cold smirk as he reached the platform. "If I remember right, Potter's your deputy. So, what's this? You afraid?"
"This is part of our strategy—it has nothing to do with fear!" Harry shot back, wand already in hand. In truth, there was no such strategy. Harry had simply assumed he should go first, not Ron Weasley, whom few believed in.
So Harry Potter stood on the stage...
"Right. The arrogant Potter who thinks he can save the world. Maybe we should change the rules a bit."
"Professor Snape... any thoughts?"
Though unwilling, the moment Snape's dark gaze swept over him, Lee Jordan reluctantly asked, glancing helplessly toward Professor Lupin beside him.
Naturally, the ever-trusted Professor Lupin—who had his own opinions—spoke up as well.
"Severus."
"To avoid wasting time on this nonsense, let's just make it a two-on-two duel," Snape said coldly, ignoring Lupin entirely.
The suggestion immediately sparked excitement among the young wizards watching nearby.
"Sounds fun."
"Yeah, that could work."
"So it's settled?"
The sudden change caught Lee Jordan off guard, and Cedric Diggory, watching from a distance, frowned. This wasn't how things had been planned, and under new rules like this, anything could happen.
He didn't have much faith in Ron Weasley's skill.
But as the Dueling Club's president, he couldn't go against everyone's opinion—especially when the suggestion came from Professor Snape.
Snape gave them no chance to argue, announcing the rule change immediately.
"Well then, what are you waiting for?" he said, giving Harry a cold glance before sweeping his black robes and walking to the edge of the field. Harry's face turned red with anger.
In a one-on-one duel, Harry was confident he could win. But two-on-two brought too many unknowns.
Realizing there was no changing the decision, Lupin sighed and began calming Harry down.
If he couldn't stay composed, he'd never become a great wizard.
"All right! Let's start again..."
As Lee Jordan's voice rang out, Goyle's eyes glinted with amusement as he watched Ron Weasley step onto the platform. He threw a mocking look toward Harry's side.
Having steadied himself after Snape's earlier taunts—about the "famous" and "arrogant" Potter—Harry leaned over and whispered to Ron, who had just joined him. "Ron, even though the rules have changed, I'll take down my opponent quickly. Just hold out, and I'll come help you."
"Oh? Really? Then I'll leave it to you."
"Don't worry. I've learned a lot of useful spells from Professor Lupin."
"So reliable."
Harry kept his focus on Goyle and Crabbe across the arena, not noticing the odd tone in Ron's voice—or the strange smile forming on his face.
Meanwhile, Pansy was giving Goyle and Crabbe her own kind of encouragement.
"Listen, if you lose, your next training session doubles!"
"I... got it."
"We won't lose. No way!"
A moment ago they'd looked relaxed, but after Pansy's pep talk, Goyle and Crabbe's expressions hardened. Astoria blinked curiously beside them.
"Won't lose, huh? Then you'd better watch that Weasley."
"Weasley? Draco, you think—"
Before Draco could answer, Pansy's question was cut short by Lee Jordan's shout.
"Team duel, begin!!"
...