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Ottery St. Catchpole

Inside the quaint cottage in Ottery St. Catchpole, this reporter met with International Dueler Ezekiel Chadwick, who has just returned to the United Kingdom from a 3 year absence in which he had obtained several Championship titles in Dueling tournaments. His most recent of which was the American International Tournament. This victory gives him the title of dueling champion in 4 different nations. When I asked about this spectacular, Mr Chadwick simply laughed and commented how he is only as skilled as his wand and passion. Slightly confused I asked what the man meant. The man soon replied with an interesting concept I have never once considered. "I recall when I bought my wand, I was told 'the wand chooses the wizard' and I always wondered why that was, not enough to go into Wandlore, but it got me thinking, wouldn't that mean a wizard is only as good as his wand will allow him to be? I'm not sure, but I treated my wand with respect and put my hopes into it. And it has never let me down." I next turned the conversion to what his plans are now that he has returned home. To which, unsurprisingly came his response. "To become the best dueler in England of course." With a nod, I asked how he intended to do s, and his smile brightened. "Well by dueling Britain's undefeated Champion, Coco Wu. I believe I read an article of her return to the country recently." Surprised I asked if this was his formal challenge of the woman who held the title. Nodding he informed me he had already sent in a request to the International Dueling Association. And with that large peace of information, I took my farewell. It seems as though the citizens of the nation shall soon be expecting what may be the duel of the century.

London

In the Center of London, I arrived at the apartment of Dueling Champion Coco Wu. This would be my second visit to her home since the famed duelist returned to the nation, only this time it was for a less social call. I started the interview with Ms. Wu by asking her how she was settling in to her life in her new home, which she has only lived in for two months now. She replied rather straightforwardly, "You know, It's been quite an adjustment, but I'm happy to be home again. I pretty much grew up on these streets, so it's amazing to see the change and growth this city has been through both on the muggle side and the wizard side." I then asked her about her past fame and how it was affecting her life in London, to which she stated that; "There's always going to be some sense of apprehension where my past is concerned, fame was never something I fully prepared myself for, so when it hit I just wasn't sure how to react. However, It's been nearly ten years since I last set foot anywhere in Wizarding World... so if people still remember me I'd have to say it would be flattering." While Ms. Wu has obtained the top Dueling title in United Kingdom, she states she never intended to become famous, and that she is flattered to still be recognized after so many years. I next turned the topic to her family, her son Flynn, now being 10 years old, and how her fame was affecting his life. Her expression much softer now she stated, "It's a lot easier than it may seem, keeping my past separate from my present. I mean, it's certainly an accomplishment worthy of celebration, and I'm proud of my past, yes, but first and foremost I am a mother, which is by far the greatest accomplishment in my life." And with that I brought up the reason I had come to interview her. Ezekiel Chadwick and his public challenge to duel her. To which Ms. Wu states she was surprised and quite flattered about, but would accept the challenge. I asked if she intended to do some practice and training for the upcoming duel. "I may be old, and the duel may not be as magnificent as my fans are accustomed to, but I can assure you that my skills have certainly not dulled over the years." It was at this point that Ms. Wu's true colors were beginning to show. The soft, motherly aura was now faintly overshadowed by a certain coolness that the woman had been so famous for in her youth. "My father instilled a certain philosophy on me from an early age. He stressed the importance of keeping both the mind and the body sharp at all times, because at the end of the day these two things are our greatest weaknesses." Taken slightly by surprise, but very impressed I asked how the recent increase in public attention has affected her home life, again, Ms. Wu waved it off, stating she keeps her Home and Professional Life separate. I asked that, despite her feeling of not needing training, she felt this duel would challenge her. "Certainly." she answered without even the slightest moment of hesitation. "'A duel in which you are not pushed to your absolute limit, is not a duel worthy of your time', as my father always told me. I expect to see great things from Ezekiel." I next turned to topic to the fact many of the Wizarding Community were calling this the "Duel of the Century", Ms. Wu smiled and replied, "It's a flattering thought. I'm pleased to see that the community is as excited, if not slightly more excited for this duel as I am, and I can guarantee them a good show." I asked then how she felt on some claiming this duel was more anticipated that the Quidditch World Cup. At that, Ms. Wu's demeanor softened once more. "Quidditch... Quidditch was never my thing, so I'd be biased in saying they are absolutely correct, but yes. Two former champions dueling for ultimate glory? Something like this doesn't happen every year." With my agreement I asked her one final question, about the risk that this duel could put her at. To which she replied: "I believe all form of sports bears some risk of death in one way or another. Death is inevitable, but in a proper, fair duel, I don't believe death should be something either of the duelists should be worried about, given the circumstances and nature of wizard dueling as a sport."