He hadn't even yet noticed who he was saving, just that the potential assailants had knives, and he was saving himself a world of trouble later on at work. Besides, he'd been passing by; it was simply convenient. Convenient helping. Words rarely used by a Malfoy.

It was indeed the beginning of a duel, and while Scorpius didn't have much experience outside of Dueling Club, Draco certainly did. Not by his choice, of course; between the City and the war, he was remarkably good at thinking quickly on his feet. He snapped off a couple more curses at two of the men, those who'd taken a bit of a tumble and whose guard was down. Better to take care of two of them. Two on two were much better odds.

"Come on," he told Scorpius, eyes still focused on the men facing them. "I saw that charm, surely you know how to defend yourself a little, don't you?"

It was an attempt to goad his fellow wizard into action - this, from him, of all people; the irony was not lost on him. Draco winced a little, dodging as one of the men turned his attention fully to Draco, lunging forward with a few slashes of his blade. He murmured a bitten off expletive, stumbling backwards to get out of range before it caught him in the gut.