The next day, the Gryffindors and Slytherins had Defence against the Dark Arts before lunch. Harry patiently waited until the theoretical part of the lesson was finished. They paired up. Blaise and Draco stood in the middle between the Gryffindor and Slytherin students. Harry started his casting. Ron and Hermione were practising charms next to him to mask the hisses. After the first volley of spells had been exchanged between the Slytherins, Blaise faltered. He groaned but kept the noise contained. A minor jinx hit his arm, but instead of retaliating, he pulled back towards the wall to hide behind the other students. He moaned, only now realising what was happening. His pleading eyes flew towards Harry. Shaking his head, he breathed, "No, ... no, please."