I notice the slight anger in Bridget’s eyes as I volunteer us to be first up. The way she briskly strode over to her end of the dueling platform said it all. I won’t deny feeling a slight pang of guilt; but at the same time, it would be fun to see how she dealt being under pressure. I slowly hop onto my portion of the field, back turned, ready to spin around, salute with my wand, and then begin. However, just as I turn, I hear the words [i]“petrificus totalus!”[/i] and my eyes widen. Did she really just do that? Attacking a wizard with his back turned?! I gape at her, open mouthed, but at the same time reveal a talent I had not yet revealed to anyone. Concentrating with great effort, I think in my head “Protego!!” and a barrier shoots up around my body; the curse strikes the barrier, shattering it because I didn’t have ample time to concentrate and make the shield full strength; however it did succeed in protecting me. Only just. 

I smile, arching an eyebrow. [b]“I’d have expected that from Slytherin, not from a Ravenclaw such as yourself, Bridget. I see I’m going to have to watch my back with you.”[/b] 

Then with the swiftness of a hungry wolf, my wand bounces in the air as I shout [b]“Flipendo!”[/b] sending a jet of energy towards Bridget. Before the wave even hits, I wave my wand once more with a follow up spell, [b]“Locomotor Mortis,”[/b] hoping she has difficulty dealing with a barrage of magic.