It was the whisper of indiscernible words that caught Sabel's attention, bringing it back to Rider and the young woman at his side. It took a bit of squinting to see exactly who it was that was beside the kid, and when Sabel recognized her, his eyebrow went up. He didn't miss the hand-holding, as brief as it was. It was too curious a thing to miss.

But good. He had hoped to see Shacklebolt here. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. "Shacklebolt, if you could stick around as well."



Hyland got a knowing grin-smirk from Sabel as he stuttered through a decline of a possible duel and cut off his own laughter. Point made, and well received. Good. The kid would go far, learning so quickly.

And asking so many questions. The young man seemed to be full of them today, and every other day their paths crossed. Sabel found himself idly wondering if he had ever inquired into Hyland's career choices. Likely not Auror. It would take it's toll on the hair too quickly.

"Well, for starters there are no permission forms. No armor. And a guarantee of injury." Something that he desperately wanted to avoid here at Hogwarts. As quickly as one could learn from a hard hit that left a mark, he didn't need parents or the Board of Govenors breathing down their necks. And he preferred to keep all students rather guilt free and out of the hospital wing. "Some of the spells and scenarios we were exposed to are also in-feasible here. Due to either technicality or difficulty, or morality. Don't imagine many of you would show up if a knee-reversal hex was a possible tactic in this club." Didn't imagine any of the parents would sign the waiver either.

"No unforgivables though. No matter the training, we did not, and do not, train to become the very thing we are fighting. That goes for this club. Train, develop yourselves and advance yourselves. But do not do it at a cost of your own good. There are lines we should not cross, not even consider crossing. What you practice here, will hold as habit in the real world. So choose carefully." Easier said than done. Easier broken than not, in the right - or rather wrong - circumstances.

The next question got a side-smile from him. "You are most indeed encouraged and welcome to use muggle means. However, as the point of this tournament is magic based, your options to use these methods will be limited. There are a certain number of points allotted for muggle maneuvers, so choose wisely."



Well, it seemed that Prince could get the memo if it was more directly directed. Which, was fair enough on it's own. The instructions had been somewhat vague, if one wished to consider them vague. A mental note was made and filed away with all the other mental notes about curious student habits and tendencies.

The forward-lean and look towards Hyland at the boy's question didn't go unnoticed. Perhaps it was a good time then, to extrapolate a bit more? "Keep in mind that close combat between wizards is much more dangerous than any hand-to-hand combat. There is never any way to know if the wizard you engage has another wand, or weapon, hidden up their sleeves or in their boots. Proximity can win or loose you a duel. So bide your timing well and with care."



Turning slightly, Sabel caught sight of Henric among the ranks. The young man got a considering look. "Some of the challenges may afford additional points to your ability to use muggle means, or the points of your health or magic. Some, but not all. Remember, these challenges and assignments are for your overall benifit. That, is an award in and of itself."



A waving hand in the air caught his attention, pulling his gaze over. He nearly laughed too, and fought momentarily to school his expression. "You may be as formal, or informal as you like. That is barring a punch to the face or any such strange way of starting things. Remember, this is to learn and practice, so challenges should be done with some decorum of respect for either party."

A slow nod left him. "You bring up a good point. If you are challenged to a practice duel, you do not have to accept. The tournament duels that you will be assigned to, however, you are expected to show up to and take part in. Extenuating circumstances will be considered carefully."



His gaze slipped to the nearly bursting Kettleburn, who looked like she might vibrate out of her seat at any moment. Really, he thought his words might have put the members to sleep. Apparently, it was doing just the opposite? Or was it simply the prospect of getting started and getting all geared up?

A quick glance went along Kettleburn's line of sight to the uniforms. Perhaps it was almost time to let them at it?



And there was another one. With wide eyes filled with that energetic excitement. Really, there had to be something about evening classes and meetings that made the kids so life-like. It was a stark contrast to the morning classes he often held. Speaking of which...

"The practice room will be open at all hours, for your convenience. The tournaments will take place most often in the afternoon. If you are not scheduled for a duel, you are welcome to take to the sidelines to watch those duels that are ongoing. Those who are not in the club are welcome to come too. Keep in mind, however, that the slightest noise or movement you make, could cost a dueler their duel. And I'm sure they will be aware enough to remember who and what cost them their standing."

So, quiet. No cheering. No rowdiness. Though, the topic did make him wonder as to if he should put up some charms on the benches.



Sabel's attention turned to Burton, his eyebrow twitching into an arch. "For the tournament, you will be assigned your dueling partner based on point ranks, and age. It is unlikely that grades will cross too much during the tournament." A breath left him. "The practice room is another story. A member may challenge a student in their grade, or one grade above or below them. This is to allow a diversity of dueling scenarios and partners, as well as skill levels. Older does not always mean winner. Keep that in mind."

And there was a slight smile to accompany the statement. "That being said, younger students are free to challenge as high up on the age scale as they would like. At the discretion of their own risk, or bravery, that is."



The scratch-scratch of a quill on a notepad caught Sabel's attention and he found one of the students diligently taking notes. It gave him pause, made him blink. He hadn't thought anyone would record the meeting, but then again, he really should have expected the unexpected. And maybe slowed down a bit. Inserted a few more pauses. Made it a bit easier for the note takers.

But, better late than never, right? And so he took a pause now.



The pause gave him a moment to take stock of who else was in the room. Faces he had skimmed over or only been able to acknowledge briefly. Now, taking that moment of silence to allow the scribbling pen to catch up, he could consider each one individually. Along with the excitement, there also seemed to be some reservation. These got a longer look of consideration from him.

He was curious to see how they would all do. What techniques they would use. How inventive and creative they would be.



Sabel's attention returned to Benzi, catching the acknowledgement and the reservation in the boy's expression. It almost got a smile from him. Almost.



And it seemed like the questions were dying out and the excitement was building. As evidenced by Zeke and the other members. Perhaps it was best to let them loose now.

Taking a step back and to the side, away from the unifroms, where he was sure there was about to be a stampede. "Remember, use not only your skills, but your creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness. Don't stay stagnant and don't try and pull out the playbook. That is one reason I am not demonstrating to you today. I want you to see what you can do, without a template to try and copy."

Tucking his wand back into his holster, Sabel gave the gathered students one more visual sweep. "On that note, you are all dismissed. Please come up and grab a uniform for yourself. There are enough sizes here that each of you should be able to find something. If you have any further questions or concerns, I'll stick around for a bit. The Challenge will be posted at the far end of the hall, which you may begin at any time. The first round of tournament duelers will be posted shortly."[/b]

Was he a bit nervous about kicking this whole thing off? Undoubtedly so. There were so many things that could, are were likely, to go wrong. And yet, so many things that were likely to go right, and wonderfully so. Hopefully, there would be more of the later than the former.

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OOC:[i] Hiya all!!

So dueling club meeting #1 is officially done. However, I'll leave the thread open for the weekend so you can post your kids getting their uniforms and what-not if you would like. If you have questions for Sabel, you can also post them here, otherwise PM me and we will find a location

All permission slips must be in by October 14th. So you've got a few more days here to get them going. The challenge will be up soon, as will the first dueling rounds. As always, if you have questions just ask!