Eleven year old Anthony had been interested in defensive spells ever since he read his first Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook. He sat eagerly in class, as they practiced all sorts of defense spells but what he really wanted to learn was an attack spell. He had a look through his textbook and realised that the spell he truly wanted to master was the Leg Locking Curse. Andy grinned at the prospect of locking an attackers legs together, even if he was only to give him enough time to think of a better strategy.
Andy heard that Professor Cooper was holding a Dueling Club for some of the older students and desperately wanted to go and observe how they went about practicing their dueling. Andy sat in the balcony of the Dueling Arena and watched on, fired up to learn this spell.
After the Dueling class dispersed, Andy made his way to the Headmaster and asked if he could instruct him with learning the spell. Getting his approval, Andy grinned and wrote down the scheduled time and place.
===
Andy was punctual, hovering outside of the Headmaster's office, extremely ready, but nervous for his instruction in the fine art of the Leg Locking Curse. He was bubbling with excitement as Professor Cooper appeared and led Andy to a spare classroom where some other students were gathered. He explained that the best way to practise the spell was to have a partner to practise with. He split the students up in pairs, Andy realising that he was the only first year in the group. This just made him more determined to not make a fool of himself.
"Ready?" Andy's opponent asked, sneering at him slightly. Andy stared defiantly back, ready to prove that he could hold his own against the older student.
Professor Cooper directed the students in the proper Dueling etiquette, and Andy followed what the Headmaster was saying completely. He was nervous that he'd be leg locked by his partner on the first try, but he prayed to Wizard God that that wouldn't be the case.
Preparing himself mentally and physically, Andy steeling himself and firmly gripped his wand. The Headmaster counted down and on the count of three, Andy was about to say the incantation when he felt his legs bind together by an invisible force. He fell backwards, but was quickly restored. His face flushed at the older students and their sniggers. He'd show them.
Again and again, Andy failed and instead of being forced to leave the dueling arena ashamed and unsuccessful, this only steeled his resolve to master this curse.
On Andy's sixth attempt, he finally got the better of his older, third year partner. "Locomotor Mortis!" Andy exclaimed, and grinned as his partner fell flat faced on the ground, before Professor Cooper restored him.
Andy whooped at his success of the spell and though he was still laughed at by the older students, he hardly noticed. Getting a nod of approval from Headmaster Cooper made Andy feel even more proud of himself. He couldn't wait to try the spell out on an unexpecting James; that could be a lot of fun.
((Permission to GM Professor Tai Cooper))
