With her wand at the ready, Astoria reacted just in time to block the curse. Hermione flung a series of hexes at the witch, and she responded with alacrity. Astoria was exceptionally swift. Her training at Bellatrix’s hands was clear. Dodging Hermione’s Confringo, she sent an Avada Kedavra right at Hermione’s chest, screaming white rage. Hermione dove to the side, tucking into a roll, sending more hexes as she toppled. Astoria dodged or blocked them all. Bouncing right back onto her feet, Hermione pulled out the thin, sapphire-encrusted sabre again. 