It's another dueling club meeting time!!!

Ever since the first meeting, Ava was very excited about this. Especially since she won her very first duel against a Ravenclaw boy. She still kinda felt bad with Davie, but glad that he's not really injured unlike the other fellow members that some of them were injured, or knocked-out (yes, she knew about Blaise).

Putting on her uniform, socks, and shoes, the young lioness walked to the training hall where the meeting was held. "Hey there, Professor Dakest!" She greeted that man. Oh, there were some snacks too were provided. She grabbed some cookies and hot chocolate then joined the Professor sitting on the grass.

GRASS!

That was the first thing Adi noticed upon entering the Dueling Club Hall. It was a nice change from the usual room. He happily padded across the soft, squishy substance, waving at little sister Ava. First he was going to go say hi to Dakest. "Hello, Professor! I hope you're pleased with the first round of duels.'' By that he meant he hoped everything went on without no hitches or as few as possible.

Ohh, snacks! The Puffer snagged some hot chocolate and cookies then bounded back to sit with one half of the Burton twins and the Professor.

Whoa Grass?!

Nice. Hady grinned a little bit feeling right at home at the sight of the grass upon entering the Dueling Hall. She had been awaiting the second meeting truthfully. She knew a few people had some injuries and she was hoping it wouldn't be brought up. She already felt bad enough about that.

"Hello Professor," she greeted with a small wave also waving at Adi and Ava. Noticing the snacks she made her way to the table and collected herself a cookie and a cup of coffee. YAY! Perfect way to get her feeling a bit better. Without paying much attention to the banners she made her way to the center area and sat herself down cross-legged on the grass.

He was surprised to see the grass in the room when he had entered. And also slightly dissapointed he wasn't the first one in
But oh well. "Hey Professor" he nodded his head and didnt smile this time. He didnt know why but he felt a bit down the past few days. Saying an hello the other students as well, the Gryffindor sat dow on the grass before lying down on his back, staring at the ceiling. Completely ignoring the drinks and cookies.

Roo entered quietly, grabbing just a drink of water and moved to stand near his fellow students. He didn't dare look up at the banners for he was still in a stubborn place about that stupid Slytherin, Colt and his stupid smirking. Idiot. Absolute idiot. Sipping silently, he offered a raise of a hand in greeting to Professor Dakest and took his time observing the grass and missing the benches for sure. Was it moist grass? He bent down and felt it with his hand whilst sipping some more and avoiding eye contact with people.

He'd seen some of these students duel and he was just confused by everything.

The first thing Davie noticed when he walked into the Dueling Club meeting was the grass. Ooh, this was different. Was he supposed to check for dark creatures hiding in the grass or something? The second thing he noticed was Ava Burton, and he most definitely was not going to go sit by her. He was maybe still a little bitter that he had lost his duel to her. Just a little bitter. He did greet the professor in charge with a nod, just to be polite.

Then he drifted a little closer to Rooney, to have someone to stand near, and fiddled with his wand while he waited for the meeting to start.

The Queen had arrived!

She had also SURvived!

That was the attitude Maggie entered the room with. Hello hello hello! Yes. It was her. Actually her. If anyone wanted autographs they would have to get in line. Okay, what was she even talking about. Not IF anyone wanted autographs. Of course they wanted autographs. She was the best.

The absolute best.

Maggie might not have won but that didn't matter to her. NOPE. Still the coolest. "Hello, Professor." Had he been watching the duel? Like, had he SEEN how TOUGH she was? She had been CLOSE TO DEATH but had still kept on fighting. A proper fighter she was. Yes. Which naturally made her THE BEST!

No matter what that little banner said. Pfft.

His mother wouldn't write him a note to excuse him from the rest of Dueling Club. The boy had written a lengthy, well thought out owl on how he'd been viciously attacked and knocked unconscious but all he'd gotten back was a 'You can't just start something and not finish it, young man. You asked me to sign the slip now you'll go to the meetings'. That was why he was here, his expression somewhat sullen as he made his way over to the others.

It took only one glance up at the banners for him to decide he wouldn't be doing it for the rest of the meeting. Yes he knew Charlotte Kettleburn was his partner, yes he knew she beat him, yes he knew she knocked him unconscious. Thanks for the reminder, Sir.

A greeting was mumbled toward the Professor, eyes down on the grass where no champions were listed. He wasn't mad at Char or anything because they got apple juice together eventually but losing still sucked. It sucked very much and so did his wand.

The second he entered the hall, he knew he didn't like the place. Grass? WAS THAT GRASS? He prodded it with his toe to find the floor was soft and squishy.. or at least, it wasn't rock hard anymore. Why was this a thing?

He looked up, his eyes landing on Sabel as he moved further into the hall, stopping beside Maggie.

The thought crossed his mind to wonder if Sabel was going soft of them, but somehow he didn't think that was the case.

While waiting, his eyes searched the room, taking in all the winning names on the banners..... ......... ...............

Charlotte went and stood BY HER BANNER.

Just so that everyone SAW. AND SAW HER NAME. SHE HAD WON. Did they all SEE? Were they all suitably impressed and quaking in their boots because obviously it was the start of some EXTREME DOMINATION?

???



OH LOOK! Naturally she skipped over to Davie who was by Rooney which was a good thing, obviously!

By way of greeting she informed her bestie, "Roo is going to help me find an ARCH ENEMY!"

Also, Roo had a nice face. Also that.

Despite the humiliation she felt at her duel with Benzi, Evie was coming to the second meeting. She was dedicated and wasn't giving up. And, of course, she still felt the need to endlessly prove to Dakest that she was worthy of his recommendation to the YATI program. With a recommendation from him, there was no way they wouldn't let her in.

So, inside she went. Unfazed by the grass, by the food, by the banners, Evie silently walked across the grass and sat near the front, but off to the side. She made eye contact with the Professor before taking a seat. That was her way of greeting him today.

So everyone's first duel had happened and the Dueling Club was scheduled to meet once more. Benny had to admit that he was interested in seeing the results all the duels, especially those that he had hadn't witnessed or been a part of. His own hadn't gone quite as he had expected, but then he doubted many had any clue how a duel they were participating in was going to end. Unless it was rigged or something.

The Gryffindor entered the dueling arena, only to find that it looked almost like the outside had invaded the interior of the castle. Interesting design choice. There was also no benches or seating of any kind. Not that that was any deterant as most DADA classes before Dakest had begun with them all sitting on mats around the room. Though Benny was content to remain standing at the moment as he walked further into the room, noting that Adi of course already arrived. His other half always had better timing it seemed.

"Hello Professor," he greeted before grabbing some tea and giving in and sitting beside the Hufflepuff. "Hey."

It was interesting watching the kids trickle in this time. The expressions, let alone the general attitude and energy, was quite different from their first meeting. Also interesting to note how so few went to grab a snack or a drink. Did they think he was tricking them? Or was the solemness affecting their stomachs as well?



A small smile touched Sabel's lips at Burton's greeting. He gave her a nod in a return greeting. "Evening, Ms. Burton."



And then there was Rehman. The Hufflepuff got a nod. "Mr. Rehman." One eyebrow quirked up, along with the corner of his mouth. "I think the better question, is, are you?"



Sabel's attention drifted to the young Slytherin joining them. It was a bit disheartening to see her more downtrodden than usual, so there was some relief in her getting the snacks. They were really there for that reason. As a congratulations and a pick-up for those that needed it. "Ms. Lynch. Good evening."



And it seemed that the solemness was only growing. Sabel quirked an eyebrow at the usually estatic Hyland. He didn't see anything wrong with the boy's hair, so he hand to wonder just what had ruffled his robes. "Hyland."



The grass might have been weird, but it most certainly wasn't moist or even remotely cold. In fact, it felt like it had trapped the heat of a warm summer's day and was still clinging to that warmth. If anything, it was more akin to a warm blanket than anything soggy or wet.

Perhaps a bad thing for those that were taking to lying down on it?

It was a curious thing to Sabel that no one asked about the grass. Perhaps they had stopped seeing the point of asking such questions? Like the others, Bronwyn got a nod of the head in acknowledgement and greeting.



Truebridge on the other hand, got an arched eyebrow as he came in. Sabel didn't miss the little looks that were going about, and he was sure based on where some of them were directed, he could come to a relatively accurate conclusion as to their intentions.

Raising his mug to his lips, Sabel took a slow sip of his coffee as he considered the kid. Only after did he give him a nod. "Truebridge. Evening."



Ah and what was this now? A bit of energy in an otherwise solemn room? A bit of perk and spice and bite? From a dueler who had not been labelled as victorious either?

It was enough to make Sabel grin. "Evening Traulton. Glad to see you're feeling back to your old self."



And it seemed just as there was a bit of sunshine, a bit of cloud decided to roll on over it. Bellaire almost looked worse for wear than when he had been in the duel. It brought Sabel's grin back a notch. "Mr. Bellaire. Glad to see you on two feet again."



Seemed that the general mood in the room was that of displeasure, reluctance, or general upset. Even Browne wasn't totally free of the muggy cloud that hung over so many student's heads. Zeke's presence reminded him, graciously, that what the kids had seen in their first duels was likely the first time they had seen such things, whether it was friends rolling into fires, getting knocked unconscious or otherwise getting hurt. And by their own hands nonetheless.

It was a solemn point, but not the point he had hoped to make with the duels.

A slow breath, another sip of coffee and a nod to the Gryffindor.



His attention was quickly snagged by Kettleburn and her rather energetic entrance. Appreciated for sure, as was her rather loud comment in the silent room. Sabel nearly lost his composure to laughter, swallowing back the outburst to a faint chuckle as he shook his head. Well, at least some students were looking for bigger meals.



And what was this now? Not even a hullo from Shacklebolt? Merlin, perhaps he should have decorated the floor in rainbow colors instead.

The young woman got an eyebrow arch along with a curious look. What, exactly, was on her mind?



His attention was drawn away from Shacklebolt, by Atreyu's greeting. The boy got a small smile and nod of his head. "Mr. Atreyu. Good to see you."


And was that it for the moment? Well goodness knew he didn't bring them all here to wallow in their shame, disappointment or general fatigue. Setting his mug down in front of himself, Sabel rested his hands on his knees and considered each student for a moment.

"First, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on your duels." His tone, however, echoed the solmeness that was prevalant in the room. Why? Because he wanted them to listen. "But for those of you who's names aren't highlighted on the banner, the grass is always greener on the other side, isn't it?" His gaze slipped from some of those students, and then to some of the winners. "And for those of you that did make a mark on your first duel, the grass can grow exceptionally long, exceptionally quick, can't it? Until you can barely see through it."

He'd let them puzzle out the analogy themselves. "So, here's what we are going to do. I would hope that you took the time to do this outside of the club and the duels themselves, but in the offchance that someone forgot, and to remind ourselves why we are hear, everyone on your feet. Find your partner, and exchange a good, heartfelt handshake, and congratulations if you feel so inclined. Whether you won or lost."

And no, he wasn't about to let anyone slip past the very mini activity. "Once you've done that, I'd like you to sit with your partner and each of you offer up something that went good, and something that went bad."


------------------------------
OOC: Heya all! Thanks for joining. If you're just joining now, you are still more than welcome

I know that we don't know who winners/loosers are for all duels just yet, but we should by tomorrow morning. Thank you all for participating in the duels. They were amazing!

Daxton was there, had slipped in at some point, and was now sat on the grass (which he had regarded with the same apprehension as he had the grass outside of Dakest's office - outside did not belong inside), sans any of the snacks or drinks (obviously). What he did have, however, were his shoes and socks. On his feet, where they would likely remain until he walked back out the door after the meeting. There really was no getting around the rule this time, and he was not one to break a rule purely for the sake of it - unless there was a loophole, which was technically not even breaking it. It just caused hassle, and, generally speaking, hassle was not what one wished for when they intended to keep a low profile.

Not that Daxton had really succeeded in keeping a low profile, not all the time anyway, but he still wanted to try, despite an innate tendency to stick out, thanks to being as strange as he was.

Ever since he had taken his seat, in an isolated, solitary space of floor/grass where nobody would bother him, Daxton had been picking away at the grass, not really knowing why, only that he felt compelled to do it. He continued, building up a neat little pile of shredded grass as Dakest went on about... more grass, grass growing, in a statement which made absolutely zero sense to the Ravenclaw.

Perhaps predictably, the task Dakest set them was not one that Daxton could complete; having not participated in a duel, having not had permission to compete in any duels, and having not had the (official) magical ability to partake in any case, he did not have a partner. He shredded the grass with slightly more vehemence then, and found it to be quite soothing, but after a few long moments Daxton suddenly stopped and looked around at those in the room. He considered everyone, the banners, Dakest, the grass, then flipped open the notebook he had brought along (the snapping one, an inexplicable gift from Char) and began fervently writing in it with his pen (also a gift from Char, just as inexplicable as the notebook). He did not move from his position, did not make eye contact with anyone, but occasionally Daxton glanced around at those gathered for the meeting as he wrote, surreptitiously listening in where he could, all the while keeping his notebook shielded so that nobody could peek at its contents if they felt so inclined. The words he wrote were not for the sake of communication this time, but something else entirely. Everyone else could just carry on as they were; Daxton was content to sit alone with his notebook, as he invariably was.

Actually, this worked out well. There would have been zero chances that Daxton would afford anyone a handshake. Or have a conversation with anyone. Or indeed take part in what he deemed a pointless interaction with anyone at all. And yet, he still seemed to find some value in being here for this, if the scribbling in his notebook was anything to go by.

Ooooh look at that!

Professor Dakest was GRINNING!

Maggie just smirked right back at him, bowing her head slightly in greeting. "I've never felt better." Well, that was a lie but it sounded really cool in her head. And seeing as everyone seemed to not be too happy about something it was of course her job to BE happy.

Like. The duel had been awesome, no?

When Zeke joined her she took his hand in hers. Before she was able to say anything, however, the meeting had started and Professor Dakest was talking...and more talking...and she wasn't entirely sure just WHAT he was saying. Maggie was too busy looking happy to pay attention to everything.

Oh. Handshakes? So, Hady. Okay. Maggie made sure to catch Hady's eye FIRST before turning to Zeke again. "I'll be right back." She said quietly. And then she kissed him right then and there. Ahem. Professor Dakest wouldn't mind right? Like, it wasn't THAT long or anything.

Afterwards she quickly made her way over to where Hady was. "Hiii." They'd of course already interacted and stuff after the duel so this whole gesture thing was a bit over the top in her opinion. Nonetheless, Maggie offered the other girl her hand. "It really WAS a great duel." See? No resentment or anything. Nope.

The banners, he really didn't want to look at the banners right now....

Averting hi gaze back to the Professor of the moment, Zeke retuned Sabel's nod, but remained silent. It was Maggie's hand in his that received the most amount of recognition, and in spite of everything, he was glad she was okay... that mattered. He squeezed her hand a little as their 'lecture' of sorts, was underway.

The whole 'grass is greener' thing... went over his head. He couldn't think of this in that way right now, there was still a lot to process. But when they were instructed to find their partner and shake hands, he inhaled a breath and stood a little straighter. He had to. "Oka----," he'd been about to say, before Maggie's lips met his. No complaints here. Just a kiss back before she scooted off the find Hady.

.....

He glanced quickly at Sabel, because sorry not sorry, and the grin he was now wearing said as much. HE COULDN'T HELP IT, OKAY?!

...

But it was Kyroh he was supposed to show respect for, so looking one way and the next, Zeke tried to find the fifth year Ravenclaw.

Sitting silently was all that the fourth year did right now. She simply sat there and listened to Dakest speak while sipping her coffee and nibbling at the cookie.

Everything that was being said about the grass being greener on the other side and the grass growing taller she actually UNDERSTOOD. The words could mean nearly anything the person hearing them wanted them to mean. What now? She had to go over to Maggie and shake hands or something like that....well alright it was fine they had already done this.

Hady set her coffee down beside her bag and rose to her feet letting her eyes meet Maggie. She walked the few feet to the other girl meeting her half way taking the hand that was stretched out before her. "Hey," she greeted quietly with a firm nod of her head. No doubt about it that their duel had been great but they were supposed to talk about what went good or bad. There was only one thing she could think right then. Focus. She had lost hers and in that brief second that her focus had been on something else it caused injury to her partner. "On my part I know I lost focus for a few seconds. A few seconds much to long honestly but you were a great partner all the way through." Serious compliment there. The blonde was tough and she proved it out there during their duel never backing down. They were snakes and it's how they worked.

As the Professor began the meeting, Yoongi pushed himself up until he sat and turned around to face the man. He listened to his cryptic sayings, something he had a thing for it seemed. Like when he had told him something about having your heart in you head or something. Seriously, he still did not know what that meant.

It was perhaps weird for Yoongi to be quiet but he was. He kept thinking about all of this. Before the first meeting he was super excited and thought it would be fun. But now that they had done the challenge and their first duel, he had his doubts. It hit him that they werent doing this for fun. They were actually getting trained to protect themselves and attack others. It was the last part he had troubles with. He didnt want to hurt his fellow students and he wondered how the Professor had to live with the thought that he and his Auror team had to attack someone in order to protect.

Shaking his head, the Gryffindor sighed loudly as he began to look around for his opponent. A quick glance around and he realised that she wasn't there yet. Now he thought about it, he hadn't seen her in the previous meeting either. Perhaps she hadn't signed up for the meetings as that had been a choice. Making a mental note to find the Ravenclaw later if she didn't show up, Yoongi began to tear the grass out of the ground absentmindly.

Har har, the Professor was hilarious. He liked seeing himself on his two feet again too, thanks for rubbing it in. Was he the only one that went unconscious? Seriously? Did the man have no one else to bloody picked on? The boy's expression sunk even further and by the sounds of the horrible 'inspirational' speech the man attempted then the instructions, it wouldn't be getting better.

It wasn't like he was a sore loser........weeeeell.....actually he was, he really was. Why d'you think he gave up on magic? He hated losing to his wand. Now he'd gone and lost to another girl.

Having not taken a seat in the first place, he simply turned and headed toward Char, completely ignoring the banner she chose to be under. The little boy extended his hand albeit reluctantly but smiled. He wasn't mad at her, just the fact he lost.

The young lioness just smiled at Adi and Hady. She heard that both of them did a good job. And then there was Davie, entering the hall but he seemed avoided her. She did understand how hard to realize that you had lost to a match, being a karateka when she's still in muggle school of course that she had experienced that. For the first time, it was hurt. Maybe this was his first experience so... She's gonna give him some space.

Or maybe not. DANG! Professor Dakest wanted them to shake hand, congratulate, and sit with them? Well, this was gonna be awkward. Like the Professor had instructed, she stood up and walked towards the Ravenclaw boy. "Hey Davie..." She spoke to him and extended her hand in case if he wanted to shook her hand. "You did a good job..." She said truthfully. It was very intense, she almost couldn't cast the charm properly because Davie cursed her with jelly-finger curse. It was a smart move.

"It's not nice to answer a question with a question, Professor,'' Adi told the man cheerfully. But hmmm. How to answer his own question? With honesty, of course! "I know there's room for improvement on both my and Cutty's part but I really did enjoy the duel. Thanks for giving us the opportunity!'' Did Dakest realise that he had helped make his final year even more awesome?
....................

The Hufflepuff sat there, happily munching away on his cookies and sipping on the hot chocolate. He smiled brightly when he saw Benny. His teeth might have been caked with bits of cookie haha Who cared? Not Benny, he was sure. "Hiya! Cookies, fat boy?'' Ehehe. Their little joke there. And yes. Adi was sharing those cookies.
...................

As Dakest started addressing them, he turned his attention to the man. All this talk about grass... was that the reason they were sitting on it? Heh. Excuse his thinking. The sugar combination must be messing with his head. Ah, man! They had to move? Adi wanted to sit right here, though. Wait... he scanned the grassy place. Cutty wasn't there as yet so that meant he was partnerless. For now at least until the Slytherin showed up. So sitting with Benny it was, while they waited on their partners since Polly wasn't there either.

EXCUSE YOU HAD SHE NOT BEEN WATCHING??

Hady didn't seem the least bit bothered by her snogging Zeke just now. Because, well, it hadn't just been a quick peck on the lips. While trying to make sure they wouldn't get in trouble (but like, Dakest wasn't Flamsteed right??) she HAD wanted to catch the other girl's attention. Pfft. Rude.

Not that any of that showed on the outside.

Still smiiiling at the fellow Slytherin, Maggie shook her hand. Which seemed a little formal but whatever. "Nooo, you were amazing!" Not that Hady had suggested she was anything but. "I think I just caught you off-guard that one time." She wasn't going to specify WHICH time exactly. Let Hady figure that out. "But apart from that you were...great." More smiling was happening.

What exactly were they supposed to be doing again?

SPOILER!!: Maggie c:

EXCUSE YOU HAD SHE NOT BEEN WATCHING??

Hady didn't seem the least bit bothered by her snogging Zeke just now. Because, well, it hadn't just been a quick peck on the lips. While trying to make sure they wouldn't get in trouble (but like, Dakest wasn't Flamsteed right??) she HAD wanted to catch the other girl's attention. Pfft. Rude.

Not that any of that showed on the outside.

Still smiiiling at the fellow Slytherin, Maggie shook her hand. Which seemed a little formal but whatever. "Nooo, you were amazing!" Not that Hady had suggested she was anything but. "I think I just caught you off-guard that one time." She wasn't going to specify WHICH time exactly. Let Hady figure that out. "But apart from that you were...great." More smiling was happening.

What exactly were they supposed to be doing again?

Oh believe you me, Hady HAD indeed noticed. And not from just the corner of her eye either. She had seen it only she simply choose to ignore it. Why should it bother her at all? Zeke was her best friend and nothing nor no one was going to change that.

Shaking hands was done in a moment and Hady allowed her hand to drop to her side before she shoved both hands into her pockets. Amazing? Alright she'd take that. "As were you." She nodded her head to confirm her words. Simple as that. They both were amazing as always. "That's the point of a duel though, catching your opponent off-guard." Catching the upper hand on them and winning. Learning something. Maggie's words didn't need to be thought over she knew what was being said. "We both were great." Hady eyed Maggie silently then almost curiously, what was up with all the smiling?

Were they finished? Could they talk about something else?

Roo was too busy inspecting the grass to notice that David had walked in and only recognised that he was near him when he stood up straight at the entrance of Miss Charlotte. In fact, he gave the other boy a nod in greeting and a smile for pure nice nice around Miss Charlotte Hannah Kettleburn. Because she was friends with David and David was the son of Big Red, and Big Red probably knew important people, which meant that by five hundred degrees of separation, Rooney knew important people. To get to where he wanted in the world, he needed to KNOW important people and mingle with them. So David needed to be on his side and start throwing dinner parties with all the important people his parents knew. Just. Saying. He managed a smile, nothing too eager, when Miss Charlotte mentioned their plan to find her an arch enemy. "That's true. I'm still looking."

He WAS considering Olly, though. Turn her against her boyfriend.

"The grass isn't wet," he pointed out, helpfully before shuffling his feet and sipping his water some more. At that point, his attention moved towards the Professor there and he rocked back and forth on his feet as he observed the banners. The bloody banners. But what was this all about grass? Rooney didn't understand it and he wasn't sure how he was supposed to. He knew that there was a saying about the grass being greener on the other side but what was this about grass growing long quickly? Was that something about how bad some of them had been? He was confused and he didn't like it. The second year looked around for his duelling partner, who was not currently here and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Colt???" Hey, he didn't like the kid, so he wasn't too upset about him not being here right now.

And shaking hands was n--"Hey!" Rooney gave Blaise's hand a push away from Miss Charlotte and frowned. "SHE has a BOYFRIEND." A boyfriend that wasn't here. Yeah, Olly. YEAH. Rooney was here and HE wasn't a boyfriend, but that didn't mean that this kid -- the one that Miss Charlotte had pretty much KILLED in their duel (PS. Ur so amazing, Miss Char OMG) -- could hold her hand because her boyfriend wasn't in the area.

He liked it better when the kid was unconscious.