AN: Ugh, sorry for the lateness. I had absolutely nothing for this until recently. That and like I had five other ideas popping up first.

Chapter 4 - Practice makes perfect

August 25th

The day of the Entrance Exam arrived. Harry and Hermione took special pains to make sure Ron woke up on time.

"I'm still going to get you guys back for putting a giant spring under my mattress that, when released, flung me onto the floor," said Ron grumpily. Yep, special pains.

"Hey, at least it woke you up on time," said Harry, who was wearing his Ra Yellow uniform. He wore it because a) it signified that he had already passed the exam earlier, and b) it just looked cool.

"I hope I pass," said Ron. "I don't want to be at Hogwarts without the two of you."

"You'll pass, Ron," said Hermione. "Just stay calm and do your best."

"We're here, you guys," said Harry. This announcement set off the nerves of not only Ron, but Hermione as well, but this soon passed as the three saw some familiar faces walking towards them.

"Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Remus, Sirius, Charlie, what are you all doing here?" asked Harry. The three noticed that Charlie had a duel disk.

"We're here to offer moral support," said Professor Dumbledore. "That, and I seem to have a new addiction."

"There's an idea for next year; an inter-school Duel Monsters tournament," said Hermione.

"We'll see, Ms. Granger," said McGonagall.

"As for myself, after seeing all your duels, I decided I wanted to learn about dueling as well. I found out that the West Academy is in Romania, and offers a night course for adults who want to get into dueling," said Charlie. "I even went out and built my own deck."

"Let me guess, it has dragons in it," said Harry with a smirk.

Charlie glared at Harry. "I can't be that predicable, can I?"

"Yes," said the group. Charlie hung his head.

"Anyway, Harry, do you think I could practice with you before my exam?" asked Charlie. "I've dueled a few kids in the village, but I want some more experience."

"Okay. Let's ask one of the examiners if we can use an empty arena," said Harry, as he led the group inside.

Once inside, the group headed towards the desk. There they found two people working the registration desk.

"All those registering for the exam, please stay here at the desk. All those here for moral support, please head into the stands," said one of the receptionists.

As Remus, Sirius, and the Professors headed up, Harry walked up to the desk.

"Hi. I'm Harry Potter. As you can see, I've already taken the exam. My friend Charlie Weasley here is taking the adult class exam, but he wants a little more practice. Is there an empty arena we can use until his exam comes up?"

The other receptionist's eyes widened. "That would be perfect!" At Harry's and Charlie's confused looks, the man continued. "Mr. Weasley is the only adult here in England registered for the exam. However, a proctor for the exam caught a cold, so we're one short. Your other friends here are the last ones to enter, and as we have a total of thirty hopefuls, the proctors will all be doing three duels each, and we're never sure how long a duel will last. We would have had to cut Mr. Weasley's duel, if not for you. All you have to do is duel, and we'll record it. Dr. Crowler will look at the tape during break, and make the decision based off of that."

Harry was stunned, but looked over at Charlie. "You up for this?"

"Let's do this," said Charlie.

As Harry, Charlie, and the male receptionist left to set up the arena, the female receptionist had just finished up registering Hermione and Ron. "Okay, here are your numbers. Just wait here in the reception area until your number is called," she said, leading them to the second door.

As Ron and Hermione waited with the other duelists, Ron said, "All we can do now is wait."

"Maybe if we're lucky we'll see Harry's and Charlie's duel on the monitor," said Hermione. "Yep, there it goes." The monitor, which was blank, quickly changed to view the duel.

Harry and Charlie were facing each other, shuffling their decks. Meanwhile the technicians were getting everything ready for the duel.

"Harry, Charlie. While we're recording this, we'll also be broadcasting this to the waiting room where the hopefuls are," said one of the techs.

"Okay, we're all set," said Harry, as he and Charlie placed their decks in the deck zone.

"Alright," said the tech. "Now recording, Duel A-1, adult class exam. Duelists: Charlie Weasley, testee; Harry Potter, first year Ra student and acting examiner. Duelists ready? Then begin."

"Let's duel!" shouted Charlie and Harry.

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 8000

Harry's hand (opening) - Elemental Hero Clayman, Old Vindictive Magician, Sakuretsu Armor, Ancient Rules, Negate Attack

Charlie's hand (opening) - Lightning Vortex, Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Malevolent Catastrophe, Trade-In

"Testee Charlie Weasley goes first," said the tech.

"Alright, I draw," said Charlie, drawing Kaiser Seahorse. "I set one card face down and summon Kaiser Seahorse in attack mode. I end my turn."

"My move," said Harry. He drew Brain Control. That could be helpful later. "I set two cards face down and set a monster in defense mode. I end my turn."

"Something tells me this is going to be a long duel," said Ron.

Harry's hand - Old Vindictive Magician, Ancient Rules, Brain Control

Charlie's hand - Lightning Vortex, Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Trade-In

"My turn now," said Charlie. Drawing Dragon's Rage, he said, "I place one card face down, and attack your face down with Kaiser Seahorse!"

"Activate trap card. Sakuretsu Armor! Your monster is destroyed." Kaiser Seahorse was sent to the graveyard.

"I end my turn," said Charlie.

"I'm not too sure, Ron," said Hermione.

"Now I draw," said Harry, picking up Elemental Hero Burstinatrix. "I summon Elemental Hero Burstinatrix in attack mode. Attack directly with Burstfire!" Burstinatrix's attack slammed straight into Charlie, dropping his life points to 6800.

"That had to hurt," said one of the kids in the crowd.

"That's our friend for you," said Ron.

"You're friends with Harry Potter?" asked a girl nearby.

"Yes, we are," said both Hermione and Ron.

"He's one of the top rated duelists here in England. Is he single?" asked the girl, to which Hermione and Ron face faulted.

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 6800

Harry's hand - Old Vindictive Magician, Ancient Rules, Brain Control

Charlie's hand - Lightning Vortex, Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Trade-In

"My turn, once again," said Charlie while drawing The Creator Incarnate. "I summon the Creator Incarnate in attack mode. Attack Burstinatrix!"

"Activate trap card, Negate Attack," said Harry.

"I end my turn," said Charlie.

"And now I draw," said Harry. Time to have some fun. "First I play Brain Control. I pay 800 life points to take control of your monster for one turn." Charlie watched as his monster was sent over to Harry's side of the field. "Now, I didn't do that just to annoy you. I tribute Burstinatrix and The Creator Incarnate to call forth Elemental Hero Bladedge!" Charlie's face had a look of pure horror as the new monster appeared on the field.

Ah, crap, thought Charlie.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, have either of you seen Mr. Potter?" asked Dumbledore as he came into the room.

Hermione pointed to the monitor and explained the situation.

"I think I'll stay here and watch with you," said Dumbledore.

"Bladedge, attack directly!" called Harry. Bladedge struck Charlie, and Charlie lost 2600 life points.

"With that, I end my turn," said Harry.

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 4200

Harry's hand - Old Vindictive Magician, Ancient Rules

Charlie's hand - Lightning Vortex, Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Trade-In

"So far, not my day," said Charlie. "I draw." He picked up Giant Trunade. "Damn. Oh, well. First I play Lightning Vortex. I discard my Giant Trunade and destroy all face-up monsters on your side of the field." With that, Bladedge gets sent to the graveyard.

"I end my turn," said Charlie.

"Bad hand, been there," said Harry. "My move." Harry drew Change of Hero - Reflector Ray. Maybe later, he thought. "I set one monster in defense mode and end my turn."

"Now I draw," said Charlie, drawing Metalmorph. "Nothing. I end my turn."

"Drawing," said Harry. He gets Magic Cylinder. Sighing, Harry said, "I set one card face down and end my turn."

"Hope we get some action soon," said Charlie, drawing The Creator. "Finally, I can use this card. I play Trade-In. I discard one Lv 8 monster, then I can draw two cards." Discarding The Creator, Charlie drew The Dragon dwelling in the cave and Herald of Creation. "I summon Herald of Creation in attack mode. Attack the face down monster on the opponent's right."

"Activate trap card, Magic Cylinder. The attack gets stopped and re-directed at you," said Harry. Charlie once again receives direct damage.

"Bloody hell, Harry. Let me hit you for once!" yelled Charlie.

"Never!" laughed Harry. "I end my turn."

"Well, at least they're enjoying themselves," said Ron.

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 2400

Harry's hand - Ancient Rules, Change of Hero - Reflector Ray

Charlie's hand - Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Metalmorph, The Dragon dwelling in the cave

"If that's the way you want it, I draw," said Charlie. He got Decoy Dragon. "I set a monster in defense mode and once again attack the face down on the opponent's right."

The card revealed was Old Vindictive Magician. "You bloody wanker!" yelled Charlie as his Herald of Creation was sent to the graveyard.

"Temper, temper," said Harry. "I draw." Harry picked up Elemental Hero Sparkman. "I think I'll save this for now. I end my turn."

Charlie was steamed as he drew his next card, Spear Cretin. "I set one monster in defense mode and end my turn," he said.

"My turn," said Harry, and drew Dragon's Mirror. "Here we go. I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman in attack mode and attack the face down on the opponent's left." Sparkman attacked the card, which revealed Spear Cretin. "Due to Spear Cretin's effect, both of us can summon one monster in either face-up attack or face down defense mode," said Charlie. "I call forth Herald of Creation."

"I call forth Elemental hero Bladedge!" said Harry. "As it's still my battle phase, Bladedge, attack Herald of Creation."

"Crap, I forgot about that card," said Charlie as his Herald was once again sent to the graveyard.

"Dang, Harry's sure proving that he belongs in the top ranking," said a boy close to the monitor.

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 1600

Harry's hand - Ancient Rules, Change of Hero - Reflector Ray

Charlie's hand - Draconic Knight, Darkblaze Dragon, Metalmorph, Decoy Dragon

"My turn now," said Charlie. He drew The Shallow Grave. "Okay, first I set a monster in defense mode, then I play The Shallow Grave. Both of us can select a monster to summon in face down defense mode." Charlie selects his monster, and Harry does the same. "I end my turn."

Harry draws his next card, Fusion Gate. "Time to end this. I play Fusion Gate in the Field Zone. I remove from play, Elemental Hero Sparkman and Elemental Hero Bladedge to fusion summon Elemental Hero Plasma Vice!"

"Mother!" whimpered Charlie as he saw the new monster appear.

"That's a new monster," said Ron.

"Plasma Vice, attack the middle face down monster with Thunder Hammer Arm!" called Harry. The face down was revealed to be Decoy Dragon, and since there aren't any dragons in Charlie's graveyard, its effect can't activate and was destroyed, but not before Plasma Vice's effect knocked Charlie's life points down to zero.

Final:

Harry's LP - 8000

Charlie's LP - 0

"Good duel, Charlie, though you might want to work on anger control," said Harry.

"You're right, Harry. I just have to remember that it's all a game," said Charlie, shaking Harry's hand.

"Excellent job, guys," said the tech. "We'll have the video prepared for Dr. Crowler, as well as a copy for both of you in an hour. The exam duels are just starting, so why don't both of you head to the stands." Harry and Charlie nodded and the two left the arena.

Dumbledore had left Ron and Hermione after the duel was over and joined up with the two young men just as they reached the others.

"So where have you two been?" asked Sirius.

"One of the proctors called in sick, and instead of practicing, I ended up as his examiner," said Harry. "The guys here made a video to show Dr. Crowler, and he'll determine if Charlie gets into the adult class. They're also making a copy for Charlie and myself."

"I hope I did well. I could not get a single hit on Harry here," said Charlie.

"Yeah, and swore like a sailor because of it," said Harry with a smirk.

"I will not pound Harry, I will not pound Harry, I will not pound Harry..." muttered Charlie while the others laughed.

"Well, I'm glad that you both had an excellent duel. Now let's watch the other duels going on," said Dumbledore.

Dr. Vellian Crowler, vice-chancellor of the Duel Academy Main Branch, was watching the duels and deciding which ones to keep, and which ones to send on their way.

During the lunch break, he and some of the other examiners watched the video recording of the duel between Harry and Charlie. He was impressed with how the two fared, especially Harry.

The young man, Weasley, can go into the adult classes, thought Crowler. But how did such a talented duelist end up in Ra Yellow instead of Obelisk Blue. I must get him into my dorms. Getting up from his now finished meal, Crowler went to track down Harry.

Meanwhile, Harry was with his friends and the Hogwarts Professors, enjoying lunch in the arena cafeteria. All around them people were chatting and having tabletop games. It was then that some people entered the room, and slowly the room quieted.

Harry was taking a bite of his sandwich when he felt a presence behind him. Quickly finishing his bite, He turned around and found himself face to face with Dr. Vellian Crowler.

"Mr. Potter, I'm so glad to meet you," said Crowler. "Can I talk to you for a moment privately?"

"You can talk with me, but I'd rather it be here in front of my friends," said Harry. "Less chances for me to indite you on something." Crowler's eyes widened at the suggestion.

"Anyway, I saw the duel between you and Mr. Weasley here, and I'm proud to say that he's been accepted to the adult night classes at West Academy," said Crowler. "I'm also here to invite you into the Obelisk Blue dorms. Obelisk Blue can take you a lot farther than Ra Yellow can."

Harry turned back to his friends as if thinking about the offer. In reality, he traced the wand movements for privacy wards and spells that Sirius, Remus, and the professors recognized. They nodded, and under the table, cast the spells.

Harry stood up and faced Crowler and the two examiners that came with him. "So let me get this straight. You want me to become an Obelisk Blue because you think I'll go farther," he said, and Crowler nodded. "What you probably don't know is that my friends and I are only going to Duel Academy for one year, as we're just wanting a different educational experience. As such, any dorm we get into is locked for us, we cannot be promoted or demoted to the other dorms. Also, the three of us will be tutored in our regular education while at Duel Academy so that we may remain with our classmates when we return."

Crowler was steamed. The best duelist he had ever seen, and he was only going to be at the school for a year. "And what exactly is your 'regular education'?" he asked.

"I'm glad you asked that," said Harry, pulling out his wand.

"What is that?" asked Crowler.

"This? Well... Petrificus Totalus!" said Harry, casting the full-body bind. He quickly repeated this on the other two examiners. "This is my magic wand. All of us here at the table are wizards and witches. Chancellor Shepard already knows, seeing as he's a squib. Now, Ron and Hermione here are underage, but I'm an emancipated minor. You do anything to get at me, or use my friends to do the same, and you're going to wish you were never born. The Duel Academies are not connected to any of the world governments, and that includes the magical ones as well. Once we are on the island, we will be free to use our magic as we see fit. Now get out of my sight. The one thing I really hate are people that think they are superior to others because of money, connections, or linage." Harry released the spell on the three of them, and the professors, Sirius, and Remus dropped the wards.

Crowler got back up from the ground, fear in his eyes. He and the examiners quickly left the cafeteria.

"I love doing that to people," said Harry.

"Harry, that was scary. Awesome, but scary," said Ron.

"What can I say, Sirius is a good teacher," said Harry, and the group returned to their lunch.

Ron and Hermione's duels were the last ones. Hermione's was perfect, though that didn't really matter as there's only one girl's dorm on the island. Ron stumbled a bit, but managed to pass, though it got him placed in Slifer Red.

"We did it, Harry!" shouted Hermione. "We're going to Duel Academy!"

"I knew you could do it!" said Harry joyfully.

"Let's go inform my mum," said Ron. "I'm sure she'll throw a party for us."

"You guys go ahead. I still have a couple of applicants for tutors to go through," said Harry.

"Oh? For what corses?" asked Hermione.

"Occlumency and Animagus," said Harry. "I thought about asking Sirius to teach us that, but found that it would be a bad idea."

"He asked me about it earlier, and while I told him the instructions for the potion, when it came to how to get your body used to transforming, I ended up getting both him and myself turned around," said Sirius sheepishly.

"Only you could screw up instructions like that, Padfoot," said Remus.

"What about your Transfiguration teacher?" asked McGonagall.

"I asked Professor Wilchard, and while he took the potion, nothing came of it," said Harry. "Anyway, we need to get going. We'll try to be at the Burrow by 6:30, but don't hold me to it." With that, Harry side-along apparated with Sirius, quickly followed by Remus.

"We'll see the two of you home," said Professor Flitwick.

It was 6:50 PM when Harry, Sirius, and Remus arrived at the Burrow.

"Sorry about the delay, the Occlumency tutor was late and kept gabbing after the interview was over," said Harry.

"That's alright, Harry. I had to go get some more groceries, and the start of supper was delayed, so you're actually on time," said Molly.

After helping set the tables outside, the Weasleys, Harry, Sirius, and Remus sat down to eat and went over the exams and everything else that happened today.

I hope that nothing strange happens this year, thought Harry. Oh, who am I kidding, this is me I'm talking about. I never have a normal year. About the only thing normal I will have is an ulcer by age 30.

AN: You guys are lucky I managed to get this out. No idea for a month or so, then bam two days of writing gets this, and that even with re-writing the duel. Now, no complaints about my updating speed. Right now I'm just writing down things just to write. Doesn't matter if they're presentable or not. This is because my mind is stuck in holiday mode.