kassja: переводы

→The blasting sounds and intensity of the lights were increasing. Harry seemed to have got a hex past Snape’s protection, but it wasn’t enough to take the older wizard out of the duel. Snape’s expression seemed more determined than ever. His eyes were fixed on Harry’s when he flicked his wand without uttering a word. A line of light escaped his wand’s tip in the direction of Harry, who seemed confident until the movement he made with his own wand failed to stop the light advancing. Nathan could see the expression of surprise on Harry’s face, and his heart skipped a beat. Ropes appeared from thin air, restraining Harry’s body and immobilizing him on the spot. He fell to the ground, bound.

→A couple more hexes were exchanged and things were getting worse. They seemed to be having more trouble deflecting each other’s attacks, especially Harry. The Slytherins were particularly pleased. Nathan could see the satisfaction on their faces; Malfoy looked like he was having the time of his life.

→Nathan seemed worried, but Harry just hissed at the conjured snake, probably asking it to go back to Snape, who then blasted the animal with a flick of his wand. The whole school seemed to be watching now, there was a big circle of people around the dueling wizards and yet more people up in the stands. Nathan could even see some of his professors, but they didn’t seem keen to stop the fight, either; that made Nathan uncomfortable.

→The snake slithered lazily in Harry’s direction, who seemed more irritated than worried about it, even though Snape was still smirking. “If you want to play with those first-year’s hexes, I may as well join you,” Snape mocked.

→Snape didn’t wait for another attack and flicked his wand saying, “Serpensortia!”

→Harry’s only answers were the narrowing of his eyes and another hex, which Snape once more deflected with ease, still smirking.

→“Are you done with these children's hexes?” Snape said with a smirk.

→“Stupefy!” he heard Harry cry. With a wave of his wand, Snape deflected the stunning hex. Harry flicked his wand then, saying, “Inanimatus Conjurus!” and rocks were suddenly appearing from thin air in front of him. As soon as they were fully formed he cried, “Oppugno!” and the rocks hurtled towards Snape. He was apparently expecting this, though, and with a single wave of his wand and a bored expression on his face, made the rocks disintegrate before they reached him.

→Another flash of bright light caught Nathan’s eyes, bringing his attention back to the duel, too.

→Nathan gasped, “Every year?” but he got no answer this time. Every eye was on the dueling wizards.

→“There’s nothing to be done. They do it every year,” an older girl answered.

→Both wizards were too intent on watching each other to see Nathan standing nearby, becoming more distressed with each hex. “Someone has to stop it!” he said looking around. No one seemed to care, though. “Why aren’t you doing anything?” he asked the other students around him in exasperation.

→A bright blue light was coming from Harry’s wand, but it was intercepted by an invisible barrier before reaching its target. Snape’s wand was moving with amazing speed and a red light burst from its tip, heading for Harry, who flicked his own wand, screaming, “Protego!” and the red light dissipated with a bang.

→By the time he arrived at the Quidditch pitch, a great number of students were already there, mostly Slytherins. They were cheering while the Gryffindors were looking apprehensive. That wasn’t very reassuring, but it was nothing compared with the scene Nathan found when he finally broke through the crowd. Professor Snape and Harry Potter were aiming their wands at each other. Nathan paled.

→Nathan’s curiosity wouldn’t let him stay behind. He rose and followed the other Gryffindors out to the castle grounds. He caught up with his friends by the magical stairs; it looked like the whole school was heading for the same place.

→“I don’t know, but if a real duel is happening down there, I’m not missing it!” Andy said, already at the Fat Lady’s portrait.

→Andy was on his feet in the moment, and Kevin was following suit, but Nathan was still confused. “Wait a minute, who’s dueling?” he asked.

→“Yeah! Let’s go, or we’ll miss it,” the boy answered and headed for the exit.

→“A duel?” asked a wide-eyed Andy.

→“To the Quidditch pitch. Didn’t you hear? The duel is starting!” the third-year said, as if it was the most natural reaction to what was happening.