Austin was here for one reason, and one reason only. He needed to perfect his DADA skills, and there was no better way to do it than a duel. Practice makes perfect, and there was so much dummies and books could do. It was true, he had practiced with Azura in the Room of Requirement, but that was more along the lines of helping her out. He had read the books, memorized the spells, and a few of them actually worked when he tried them out. Needless to say, he was hopeful.

Hady was someone he had spoken to quite a few times. Even if she was in a different house, they had spoken on the train, and had actually gone to her birthday party last summer. But this was different. This was a duel, and friends didn't matter here.

"Hady." He said in response. Dressed in his dueling robes, he bowed at her. It was his first duel, yes but it didn't mean he was rude. He knew how this worked. Before he could even get a deep breath out, Hady was already attacking. He took a side step to avoid the ropes, and was actually a little surprised when the spell flew right past him. He was a skinny one, and his father told him many times that if he turned sideways he could go invisible. Sadly, this was not really true, but Austin was glad it helped. His small victory was short lived when suddenly things went black. Everything in his body told him to panic. Seeing was half the battle in a duel. Without sight he wouldn't be able to cast in the proper direction. She could use anything and he wouldn't notice.

No. He thought. Calm down. The voice in his head sounded like his mother's and it immediately helped. The Voice was right. He could do this. What he needed was more time. And maybe something to help identify where Hady was. Closing his eyes, he listened. The sound of her footsteps echoed into his ears, and he did his best to pin point where she was. "Titillando!" He hoped the tickling would keep her busy, as well as get a laugh out of her. Just in case he couldn't get his eyesight back.