The referee for the dueling group waved Ron over and dispelled the magic on the giant spider.
She turned to Hermione. "Ron Weasley wins the first 'magical duel.' As the loser, you may choose an event you're both good at for the second round."
Hermione could hardly believe she had lost to Ron in magical dueling!
It was the most infuriating taunt imaginable!
It was as if someone were telling her, Hey, you studied all that for nothing! All for nothing!
But a loss was a loss. She wouldn't let herself sink into such a miserable mood.
It was best of three. She still had a chance!
Ron gave Hermione an awkward smile. Then everyone looked up at the floating words of fire above the dueling platform.
--Platform 23. --Hermione Granger (15), from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (registered strengths: Charms, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Astronomy) --Ron Weasley (14), from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (registered strengths: Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, and History of Magic)
"Miss Granger, please choose between the overlapping subjects you're both good at: Charms and History of Magic."
Did she even need to think about it?
Just as Hermione had said from the beginning, this was a competition. She would give it everything she had!
"History of Magic!"
The Auror referee waved her wand, transforming the dueling platform into a square raised stage. She conjured a lectern and the kind of chairs used in classrooms.
"You two can get ready. I'll go invite a History of Magic examiner from the Chief Judges' Panel."
With that, she hurried down the stairs beside the platform.
"History of Magic?" Hermione gaped at Ron, who still looked completely bewildered. "I can't believe you registered for that!!!"
Defence Against the Dark