The air in the Slytherin common room was thick with tension. The flickering green light from the lake outside cast eerie shadows on the cold stone walls, setting the perfect scene for a rivalry brewing between two of its newest members. Both were exceptional witches, even in their first year at Hogwarts. One had an unmatched talent for spellwork, effortlessly mastering incantations that left her classmates in awe. Haerin, on the other hand, had a cunning mind and a natural gift for potions that even Professor Snape would have found impressive. Their talents should have made them allies, but instead, they became bitter enemies.

The rivalry began when they both aimed for the coveted position of Slytherin's top first-year student. What started as mere competition quickly escalated into open hostility. Haerin would sabotage potions, adding subtle but devastating ingredients that turned successes into failures. Retaliation came in the form of charmed quills writing nonsense during exams. The war between them was silent but brutal.

One night, after yet another confrontation in Potions class, Haerin issued a challenge. "Meet me in the abandoned classroom on the third floor at midnight," she whispered, eyes gleaming with malice. "Let’s see who the better witch really is."

The invitation was accepted without hesitation.

The classroom was dark and silent upon arrival. Haerin was already there, twirling her wand between her fingers. "I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show," she taunted.

A smirk appeared. "I wouldn’t miss this for anything."

The duel began with a flash of light as spells erupted across the room, ricocheting off stone walls and sending ancient books crashing to the floor. The battle intensified until Haerin unleashed dark tendrils from the shadows and froze her opponent with Petrificus Totalus.

Haerin leaned in, smirking victoriously. "Looks like I win."