In a typical display of impeccable timing, Pottermore has released a game-changing alteration to the duelling system eleven days before the awarding of the sixth House Cup.
Duelling on Pottermore has seen any number of tweaks over the past few weeks and months: CAPTCHAS (an anti-bot verification system) have disappeared and then reappeared, the rhythm of spells has fluctuated constantly in a supposed anti-botting measure, and the “duelling wizard”, who is seen in the background graphic as you cast a spell, disappeared from his traditional place at the top of the steps and then reappeared to the right of the hall (apparently levitating inches off the ground). Some of these are very significant changes, especially the disappearance of CAPTCHA, which prompted a popular petition by Pottermore users that may even have been responsible for CAPTCHA’s return. However, the change that greeted users as they entered the Duelling Hall today is the most significant by far, and probably the biggest alteration to duelling on Pottermore since the system was revamped just over a year ago, in August 2013.
River Taylor 