Jungkook~
The morning fog hasn't even lifted when we're back in the arena.
Round One was chaos, but Round Two? This one feels personal.
We're lined up at the edge of a wide circular field—flat, stone-paved, enchanted to change layout mid-battle. This time, it's a duel-based elimination. Paired matchups. Magic against magic. No team-ups. No second chances.
"Today's round," McGonagall announces, "will test your combat instincts, magical accuracy, and your ability to think under pressure. You'll each duel against a randomly chosen opponent. The winner advances to the final round."
The crowd is quieter today. More tense. Maybe it's the realization that people are actually getting knocked out now. Maybe it's because Taehyung is still holding a cookie like it's emotional support.
"Pairings will be revealed now."
Floating scrolls appear in front of each of us.
I glance at mine.
Jeon Jungkook vs. Edward Flinn – Gryffindor.
I narrow my eyes. Edward is tall. Loud. One of those classic Gryffindor golden boys with a fan club and a tendency to shout before he thinks.
This is going to be annoying.
Taehyung pats my back. "You'll do great. Just pretend he's a flying jellybean and swat him."
"Thanks, Tae."
"And I'm up against... oh."
He holds his scroll upside down.
Kim Taehyung vs. Park Jimin.
Well. Shit.
⸻
The duels begin fast. A countdown charm echoes across the field. Everyone spreads out to their assigned zones.
Edward is already bouncing on the balls of his feet when I walk into the ring.
"Ready to lose, Ravenboy?"
"Ready to shut you up," I mutter, drawing my wand.
"Begin!"
He starts fast—of course he does—with a roaring Expulso that sends half the stone floor flying in the air.
I block it mid-air and counter with Levicorpus, lifting him a few inches off the ground before he flips out of it like a show-off. He shoots back with Petrificus Totalus, but I roll to the side, scraping my knee on the floor.
"Faster than I thought," he grunts.
"You're slower than I hoped."
He growls and goes for a wide arc of flames with Incendio Maxima—way too showy. I use the smoke to vanish behind him.
"Behind you."
He turns too late.
Expelliarmus.
His wand flies clean out of his hand and lands at my feet.
Match over.
I win.
⸻
I rush toward the healing area, but not before I hear the groan of the crowd.
I glance back.
Taehyung is lying flat on the ground, groaning as a healer hovers over him.
Jimin stands tall and smug in the ring, not even a scratch on him.
"Sorry Tae," I mutter under my breath.
But Taehyung waves when he sees me, still smiling like it was the best nap of his life.
"Did I win?"
"No, buddy," I laugh. "But you're still the people's champion."
⸻
Later, in the contestant tent, only two names are left on the magical board.
Jeon Jungkook – Ravenclaw
Park Jimin – Slytherin
The Final Round is set.
I'm toweling off my face when I feel a presence beside me.
"Look at us," Jimin says with a grin, "last ones standing."
"I'll give you one shot to surrender now."
"Oh? And miss the chance to whoop your ass in front of Y/N?"
I tense. "Don't bring her into this."
"She's already in it, Jeon," he says, tapping his temple. "In our heads."
Before I can answer, we hear a commotion from outside.
Y/N bursts into the tent with Lima on her heels.
Her eyes sweep across me, then Jimin, then back to me.
"Are you okay?" she asks.
"I'm fine," I assure her. "Nothing I couldn't handle."
Taehyung walks in behind Lima not long after that, still dazed but cheerful. "Did anyone see my muffin?"
"You left it in the ring," I say.
"Damn."
Y/N's gaze lingers on me longer than usual, like she's memorizing my face just in case something bad happens.
"Don't do anything reckless," she says softly.
"Never."
"And don't let Jimin get into your head."
I smirk. "Too late. He already lives in mine rent-free."
Y/N groans and smacks my shoulder.
Jimin chuckles from the corner. "I like this new energy. Can't wait for the final round."