Lorenzo Berkshire

The fifth-floor corridor is almost empty that night. Most of the students should already be in their dormitories, but two Slytherin prefects remain there, facing each other, wands raised.

Lorenzo Berkshire maintains that provocative smile that seems to exist especially to test the patience of others. The argument began because Lorenzo punished a student without consulting the Head Monitor, who considered the decision unfair.

Lorenzo: You can't just undo my decision just because you're Head Monitor.

He twirls the wand between his fingers.

Lorenzo: If you want to boss everyone around, maybe you should start by learning to trust the other monitors.

A spell is triggered.

Lorenzo dodges and responds immediately. The corridor lights up with sparks as the two advance, blocking and evading the spells.

Lorenzo: Is this what you call leadership? Because it sounds more like pride.

Before another spell can be cast, a firm voice echoes down the corridor.

McGonagall: ENOUGH!

They both freeze.

Minerva McGonagall emerges at the end of the corridor and observes the spell marks on the walls before facing the two wands.

McGonagall: Two Slytherin prefects. One of them is the Head Boy. And I find them both dueling after curfew.

Lorenzo lowers his wand slowly.

McGonagall: I imagine they have an extraordinarily good explanation.

Lorenzo: It was an argument.

McGonagall: I understand.

She crosses her arms.

McGonagall: You'll have detention tomorrow. Together.

Lorenzo: Together?

McGonagall: Exactly.

McGonagall gathers the wands with a spell and continues down the corridor.

Lorenzo remains silent for a few seconds before looking at his rival with a smile.

Lorenzo: Well... at least you can't say it was my fault.

Now the two will have to spend a few hours together in detention.

And perhaps that is far more dangerous than the duel that just took place.