The moment Marius Cloud spoke, the entire Slytherin common room—including Professor Snape—looked at him like he'd lost his mind.
Even Pansy, who until now had gazed at him with starry-eyed admiration, was suddenly filled with worry.
Challenging the strongest duelists from the second, third, and fourth years—at the same time—on your first night at Hogwarts?
That wasn't bold.
That was insane.
"You're challenging us?"
Barry narrowed his eyes, his tone filled with danger.
"Exactly as you understood it," Marius replied, smiling as though he were merely offering them tea.
"Forget it, Marius," said Brunel, trying to talk him down. "We've only just met, but I like you. I'd hate to see you humiliate yourself here."
Marius nodded politely, appreciating the sentiment—but didn't change his stance. Instead, he turned toward Snape.
"Professor Snape, does my challenge fall within the rules of the house?"
Snape's voice was icy cold. "According to the ceremony's rules, Shadow Prefects cannot refuse a challenge. So yes—it's allowed."
Every term, the Shadow Prefects had to accept any duel challenge in order to maintain their position. But normally, it was a student of the same year issuing the challenge.
Someone like Marius, a first-year daring to challenge not one but three upper-year champions? Unheard of.
But Snape wasn't going to stop him. If the arrogant brat wanted to embarrass himself, Snape was happy to watch it happen.
In fact, he silently hoped Marius would be beaten to the ground—it would be a fine lesson.
"Well then," said Steve with a sigh. "You should choose your opponent. I suggest Brunel. That way, at least your loss won't be too miserable."
"No, you misunderstand, Prefect Jobbs," Marius said calmly.
Steve blinked. "What?"
"I've already said it once. If I win, all three Shadow Prefects will submit to me."
Marius's eyes sharpened as he raised a single finger and curled it in a taunting gesture.
"So—why don't all three of you come at me at once?"
Gasps rippled through the room.
Joseph and Barry's expressions darkened.
This wasn't just a challenge.
It was an insult.
Shadow Prefects weren't just leaders—they were each year's undisputed champions. To call all three of them out like this…
…was a slap in the face.
"You barely know a handful of spells, yet your arrogance could fill the Great Lake," Barry scoffed as he stepped forward. "Still, if you truly possess the strength to take us all on… then I swear, I will serve you without question."
Joseph's face was cold and taut.
"Don't think that just because you're best among the first-years, you rule Hogwarts. Let me show you what real power means."
Brunel shrugged.
He couldn't refuse a challenge—it was part of the position. He just silently hoped Marius wouldn't be too badly beaten.
Steve stepped in one last time, his expression serious. "I'm asking you formally—are you absolutely sure you want to take on all three of them at once?"
Marius didn't hesitate.
"Yes. If I lose, I'll give my life for it. But if they lose… then they owe me their loyalty."
He was wagering his life.
The students collectively gasped.
Most of them had barely cast more than a few spells in their lives—much less fought real battles. And here was Marius, turning his duel into a high-stakes war.
Even the Shadow Prefects sobered.
They exchanged glances. Then Barry, speaking for all three, said gravely:
"Very well. If you're willing to risk that much, we will meet you in kind. By our family names, we swear—should we lose, we will serve you for life."
Of course, none of them believed that would happen.
Still, Marius's resolve and nerve had earned their respect.
"I don't care what stakes you agree to," Snape said darkly, stepping closer to the platform. "But I'll say it again—no killing."
The three Shadow Prefects nodded.
But before anyone could speak again, Marius lazily waved his hand.
"No worries. I don't intend to kill any classmates today."
The students nearly choked.
Confidence was one thing—but this was delusion.
Did he not see he was about to face three of the most dangerous duelists in Slytherin?
Barry and the others chuckled coldly.
They motioned for the crowd to give them room—and in an instant, the students stepped back, forming a wide-open space far larger than the dueling platform.
The room fell into a tense, eerie silence.
Even now, most couldn't wrap their heads around what was happening.
A first-year was about to take on the top duelists from second, third, and fourth year—all at once.
Pansy clenched her fists as she stared at Marius's back.
She was nervous, but also strangely exhilarated.
And she wasn't alone.
Marius's silhouette—alone and unyielding as it faced three elite opponents—burned into the minds of every onlooker.
What was this?
Bravado?
Madness?
Glory?
"Last chance to back out," Brunel offered one final time.
Marius only smiled, already drawing his wand.
"I just hope you don't regret it later."
As one, Barry, Joseph, and Brunel drew their wands.
They took up battle stances.
And so began the duel that held the breath of all Slytherin.
Four years. Three champions. One challenger.
The madman named Marius Cloud.
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