Harry's twin || Between Light and Shadow

December 17th

Daisy had become a regular visitor to the second-floor girls' bathroom, a place she now frequented for its quiet solitude. Moaning Myrtle, the resident ghost, still refused to acknowledge her presence, which Daisy didn't mind in the slightest. In fact, she considered it a stroke of luck. The bathroom had become a refuge of sorts, a place where she could think without interruption.

She often ran into Hermione there, who was busy brewing the Polyjuice Potion in one of the stalls. Their shared secret had brought them closer, though Daisy regretted that she had little useful information to offer. Draco Malfoy had been unusually cautious lately, careful not to say anything incriminating around anyone who wasn't Crabbe or Goyle. Daisy had tried to keep a closer eye on Ginny as well, out of concern for the younger girl's strange behavior, but it had proven difficult. They were in different houses and different years, and Ginny seemed determined to avoid being found.

As Daisy left the bathroom that evening, her mind was a jumble of thoughts, though she felt slightly more at ease after her recent conversation with Snape. She made her way to the entrance hall, where a small crowd had gathered around the notice board, reading a freshly pinned parchment.

Dear Students,

We're pleased to announce a new addition to our extracurricular offerings: the Dueling Club.

This club will provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice defensive spells in a controlled environment.

First Meeting:
December 17th, 8:00 PM
Location: Great Hall

Best,
Professor Minerva McGonagall

Daisy wasn't particularly interested in combative spells, but the recent events at Hogwarts had left her feeling vulnerable. Knowing how to defend herself seemed like a good idea, so she decided to give the club a try.

---

At eight o'clock that evening, Daisy, accompanied by Pansy, Daphne, and Tracey, hurried to the Great Hall. The long dining tables had vanished, replaced by a golden stage lit by thousands of floating candles. The ceiling was velvety black, and the hall was packed with students, all carrying their wands and buzzing with excitement.

Daisy's heart sank as she spotted Gilderoy Lockhart striding onto the stage, resplendent in robes of deep plum. To her surprise, he was accompanied by Snape, who looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else.

Lockhart waved his arms for silence, his smile dazzling under the candlelight. "Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?" he called, his voice booming. "Now, Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves—as I myself have done on countless occasions. For full details, see my published works."

Daisy rolled her eyes, earning a snicker from Pansy.

"Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape," Lockhart continued, gesturing grandly. "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration. Now, don't worry, you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with him, never fear!"

"I hope Snape wipes that smile off his face," Daisy whispered to her friends, who nodded in agreement. While none of them were particularly fond of Snape, between him and Lockhart, the choice was easy.

Snape's upper lip curled as he and Lockhart faced each other. They bowed—Lockhart with a flourish, Snape with a curt jerk of his head—and raised their wands.