A lot about dueling is in pacing and rhythm. If you are on an offence, you have to keep it. Or else you'll end up on the defending end. James knows this, which is why he doesn't wait to see what Tom throws at him next but instead spells a sticking charm on him and items exploding around him. It leaves his wand just before Tom's incarcerous and he's left open for the robes to wrap around him.

The good thing is that it's pretty commonly used magic and the counter-jinx is readily available. "Emancipare," he hisses between his lips and the ropes drop away. The bad thing is that he's off beat after that. Forced to ready a shield charm instead of attacking.

They're making a lot of noise and a lot of ruckus, eventually someone is going to come to either of their aid. It's going to be a mess and James knows that already. He just hopes it won't be anyone who will get hurt on his account.