An easy victory

The girls from Beauxbatons merely watched Eli on the platform with interest. Out of maidenly reserve, none of them intended to step up.

The Durmstrang students did not move either. It was not that they lacked the courage; however tough they were, they would not barge in and challenge their hosts like that. A Hogwarts student ought to go first.

"I'll do it." A deep voice came from the Durmstrang group. Everyone turned that way, including the curious Beauxbatons girls.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable under so many stares, and the Durmstrang students were no exception.

There was one exception, though: Krum. He ignored all those eyes, as if he could see only Eli standing high above them.

"It's Krum! Eli..."

"Don't be silly. Krum's great at Quidditch, but this is a magical duel. Who our age could beat Eli?"

Even Ron Weasley, who had always idolized Krum, shook his head with a pout. "He's really being a bit reckless."

"He probably doesn't know Eli yet," Harry said with a cheerful grin. He would get to watch Eli bully someone again.

Draco Malfoy merely cast a sidelong glance at Krum as he prepared to approach. "What's wrong with his face? He looks even sourer than my family's house-elf."

Hermione Granger simply shrugged. She had no interest in a fight with such an obvious outcome. Krum could not hurt Eli anyway.

"The honor is mine!" Eli graciously walked to one side of the dueling platform.

Krum strode forward, and the students hurried to clear a path, afraid of getting hurt if he barged into them.

He stepped steadily onto the platform, took his position, and stared coldly at Eli without a word.

Eli ignored his hostile stare. He had no idea what he had done to offend this menace, and could not