Disclaimer: I do not and have never owned the characters from either Harry Potter or Highlander. I am just borrowing them for a little bit.


There Can be Only One…

Chapter 7: Playing the Game

July 24, 1996

It was a nice and warm summer day in Paris. Harry could hear the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as the various people enjoying the weather at play in the park. He was thinking back over the past three and half weeks as he followed Duncan's lead through of a Tai Chi exercise. This was something that he just started as Duncan suggested it would help calm is mind, as well as help keep his body fit. He barely noticed the small crowd that had gathered to watch them go through their routine. Though his mind was somewhat calm, it was still preoccupied with several questions that had been stirred up lately.

Like if he was immortal and had been since the night of Voldemort's curse then why he was not a baby still baffled him. Did his magic age him, and if that is the case why does he need glasses. Was he metamorphmagus like Tonks? If so how does he access that part of his magic? Those were just some of the questions that he had about his life that he had to figure out in the near future. Some of those he knew would have to wait till he returned to Hogwarts and either talked to the Headmaster or another professor he could trust. As it was he did not know how much to tell them, especially with his immortality and the fact so much had been kept from him. Harry did know that he needed the Headmaster to help with the defeat of Voldemort, even with his immortality; He had no idea what spells or rituals Voldemort, besides the rebirthing ceremony in his fourth year. He just hoped that the Headmaster would see reason now instead of trying to keep him in the dark.

Thankfully the crowd that had gathered earlier had dispersed. Harry chuckled to himself about how the crowd had gathered when he and Duncan started to spar with the wooden practice swords laying a few feet away. Granted it was not often that you see two men battle it out with swords in public, and not like that play fighting you would see in movies or on the tele. By the time they ended their duel a small crowd had gathered and even politely applauded at the end. Harry had been a little embarrassed by the display but politely went with the flow and followed Duncan's lead by politely thanking those that applauded.

It was as they were bringing both their arms in front of their body creating the last blocking move of the routine when Harry was blindsided by someone and engulfed in a hug. Being off balance and not realizing what was going on; Harry went on autopilot and started to fall with his attacker. Going with the fall as he had been taught, Harry flipped is target over. Hearing a satisfying thump and groan Harry rolled over on top of his attacker and pinned their arms and legs down to the ground. He was about to demand that the hell was going on when he noticed who had tackled him.

"Hermione," He said in shock, "What the hell are you doing here and what were you thinking?"

Coughing a little to catch her breath back she replied, "I was happy to see a friend that decided to disappear off the face of the earth, though now I am not so sure I want to call him a friend. And as to what I am doing here I am on vacation." She huffed.

Harry smiled and told her. "You know you could have just said hi and not tackled me. For a second there I thought you were someone else and was about to defend myself."

It was at this time that Hermione's parents showed up. Demanding to know why a man was molesting their Daughter. It was then Harry realized where exactly his body was positioned and looking at Hermione he started to blush. It took Duncan's laughter to make him finally realize he needed to get up. After he had gotten off of Hermione he offered a hand to help her up. While they brushed off the grass that was stuck to them, Harry introduced Hermione and her parents to Duncan.

"Mom, Dad is it all right if I go with Harry and Mr. Macleod for a little while." Hermione asked her parents.

It was soon agreed that Hermione would spend the rest of the day with Harry and Duncan and that she would see be back at the hotel they were staying in by eleven. So with a hugs and kisses between the Grangers exchanged Hermione set off with Harry and Duncan after they had gathered up the practice swords and the two towels they had brought.

"So where are you staying?" Hermione asked Harry as she walked beside him holding on to his hand tightly. It seemed that is she let go he might disappear again.

"It is not far." Harry said cryptically. He was surprised at her really. Harry knew that she wanted to talk and ask questions but she was holding back, probably waiting for him. And as much as he wanted to talk to her, he wanted to wait till after he was cleaned up. So after walking a short ways, Harry asked. "So what brought you to the park?"

"It was such a nice day, and my parents wanted to walk along the Seine." Hermione said, "When we got to the park, I spotted you. Thought at the time I was not so sure. So I got a little closer to make sure and when it was you well you know the rest." Hermione said shyly.

"Yes that I do." Harry said smiling remembering the feel of Hermione under him.

Harry was brought out of his reverie by Hermione asking "Where did you learn to do that? Flipping me over that is."

"Duncan, he has been teaching me how to fight." Harry stated, "And here we are my home away from home." Harry said as he raised his arms and pointed down to the barge.

Hermione was little shocked for words as Harry led her down to the barge. Apparently Duncan had walked on ahead to give them some time to catch up. Going into the barge, Harry made a motion for her to sit in the living room and get comfortable while he went and got cleaned up. After she was alone Hermione started to look around at some of the antiques. Figuring it must have taken a small fortune to collect if they were real. She wondered who this Duncan was and if he was the stranger that Harry saw at Kings Cross then what was the connection between them.

"Harry is safe here for the most part." A voice interrupted her musing.

Startled Hermione turned around to see Duncan dressed casually with a towel around his neck.

"I just worry about him; his life has not been all that easy." Hermione said.

"Duncan won't hurt me Hermione." Harry said coming out of his room. "He is a friend and you can trust him."

But still, you have a lot of explaining to do mister." Hermione threatened.

Grabbing her hand, Harry told Duncan that they would be going for a walk and would be back later. They walked in silence away from the barge and along the river. Harry not really knowing what to say and Hermione trying to figure out what questions to ask.

"Have you heard from Ron?" Harry finally asked.

"Yes, right after you disappeared. "He was inviting us to spend the summer at the Burrow. I only spent a couple of days there though, since I was planning to go on vacation with my parents. I think Ron was a little upset about that. He seemed to have this grand plan for the summer but what ever it was he would not tell me and well when I left he was hardly even talking to me."

"I am sorry." Harry told her. "I know you put up with him mainly because of me."

"It is ok Harry." She replied, "He is a good friend when he gets his head out of his ass."

They walked along the river in silence, enjoying each others company. Hermione grabbed onto Harry's arm and laid he head on his shoulder. "I like this." Harry heard Hermione sigh softly.

"It is kinda nice isn't it." Harry replied.

Harry contemplated where this was going. He knew he loved Hermione, loved her probably since fourth year when he saw her come down the stairs to the Yule Ball and took his breath away. It was just not her physical beauty that he was attracted to; he loved the way she was passionate about her beliefs and bared her heart for those she cared about. He just couldn't bear to hurt or lose her.

Stopping their walk Harry started to look over the river and city. Softly he started to say. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies ... and the Dark Lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not ... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies."

"How?" Was the first thing out of Hermione's mouth.

"Dumbledore, he heard it seventeen years ago in the Hogs Head as he interviewed Professor Trelawney." Harry said. "He also told me that a spy had over heard the first part before he was caught and thrown out. So Voldemort only knows up until born as the seventh month dies."

"Oh Harry," Harry starts to cry as she turns into his chest and envelopes him in a hug. "I will help you and don't try to stop me. I am sure Ron will too once he realizes the importance."

"I know, but I had to tell you, it has been eating me up since the beginning of summer." Harry told her, "I just don't know what to do about the Headmaster anymore. He knew from the beginning and did nothing to help me. I just feel like he should have helped me more." Turning back around Harry started to walk down a side street with Hermione at his side.

Continuing on Harry started to rant at no one in particular, "He found me you know. Wanted to take me back to the Burrow, but I told him no. My training with Duncan was too important to leave at that time, but I did not tell him that. Besides, I was tired of listening to him and reminded him that as the Headmaster of my school he had no authority to tell me where to spend my Holidays. He of course did not like that and tried to threaten me. I threatened right back and he left, but I knew he would try something and he did. When Duncan and I left for Paris he had Snape, Tonks, Bill and Kingsley try to stun us. Snape and Tonks tried to get at me but I got away. Though I am pretty sure both will be mad at me when they see me again." Harry chuckled at that last thought.

"Is the prophecy why you went with Duncan is he somehow tide into this?" Hermione asked.

"No, Duncan has nothing to do with the prophecy. He is just a good friend that wants to help me with something else I found out." Harry said.

Hermione looked like she was going to pester him for more, but suddenly Harry stiffened and stopped in his tracks. She felt him looking around and wondering if they had been spotted by another wizard or even Death Eaters. She wanted to ask him what was wrong, but Harry interrupted her.

"Let get something to eat. I am famished." Harry said in a nonchalant way.

Hermione knew he was hiding something but the promise she had made to herself about helping Harry made her be patient with her friend. Looking around she spotted a quiet little restaurant off the side of the street and started to lead Harry there. Waiting for the Maitre De to sit them She noticed that Harry start to fidget and look behind him as if they were being followed. Not able to take it anymore she asks, "Harry is everything all right?"

"Somewhat," Was his cryptic reply. He wanted to say more but then the Maitre De had their table cleared and was ready to sit them.

Taking advice from Duncan, Harry pulled out Hermione's chair for her and allowed her to sit first. As the waitress came to get their drink orders, and deliver the menus Harry started to relax. Finally as they were ready to order, he seemed to Hermione to be back to his old self. She still wanted to know what was wrong, but did not know how to ask without offending him. So instead she just talked about trivial things, trying to get him to open up. She was surprised that while in Paris he and done some site seeing and they started to talk about some of the things they had seen in common.

It was as their meal was ending that Hermione excused herself to the restroom. Harry signaling the waitress to bring him the check so that he could pay felt that familiar buzzing sensation again. Looking around he could not find the source, but fearing the worst got up and headed to where the restrooms were. Opening the door to the female restroom Harry shocked a patron while calling out for Hermione. When no answer came he feared the worst and headed back to his table and there he saw him.

Sitting in Hermione's chair was the Immortal that had followed them on the street. Walking over he sat down and demanded "Where is she?"

"Now, now that is no way to be polite." The stranger said in a heavy French accent. "Introductions first. My name is Michah Jameson. I have been watching you for the last couple of hours and I must say while your taste in women is fairly atrocious. Though I am sure she does have her uses, and is a little on the quaint side."

"You have thirty seconds to tell me where she is before I seriously get mad." Harry threatened.

"Now what did I tell you. You are not in charge of this little game. I am, and if you want to see your little plaything well and unhurt you will do what I tell you." Jameson said sinisterly. "While she is not my type, I could use a little entertainment if you know what I mean."

Harry bristled under the implied threat to Hermione's safety. Keeping his anger in check he waited for Jameson to continue with whatever game he was playing.

"Good you are learning." Jameson laughed. "Meet me in two hours at this address by the docks and be alone. There you will find a warehouse with a white elephant on front. I am sure you know the rest. See you in two hours my young friend." With that said he got up and left. Harry tried to follow him out but lost him in as he got into a taxi.

Harry had never run faster in his life. He dodged between the pedestrians and cars. Being yelled at for being rude, he just did not care. His only worry was Hermione, and getting her back from that bastard. He did not even realize when he got near the barge he jumped the railing and landed in a crouch twelve feet down. Sprinting over to the barge he went through the door so fast that it slammed against the wall then closed behind them.

Duncan hearing the commotion came out of his bedroom sword in hand. Seeing Harry and the state he was in knew something was wrong. "What is it?" was the first thing out of his mouth.

"Hermione was kidnapped by another immortal. He wants me to fight him." Harry replied quickly going to his practice sword and checking its sharpness.

"Put that back." Duncan said. Seeing that Harry was going to protest that order, "I was going to give this to you on your birthday but I guess this is as good a time as any." Duncan then went back into his room and returned later with a box.

Harry took the box giving his thanks to Duncan. Unclasping the locks and opening the gift, Harry was greeted with a beautiful katana. He knew it was a work of art as well as a weapon of war. Reaching down and picking it up he marveled at the detail of the hilt carvings. It looked liked the Chinese Fireball that was at the tri-wizard tournament making Harry wonder if the artisan that made the weapon actually had seen one of the dragons long ago.

"The blade belonged to my cousin, Connor. And before he used it, it belonged to his mentor Ramirez." Duncan said sadly.

Harry knew the story as Duncan had told him of his kinsmen's sacrificed himself so that Duncan could defeat an powerful immortal Jacob Kell. Knowing what such a special blade this was Harry was about to return it when Duncan put his hands on his and told the young immortal.

"Don't," Duncan said. "Connor would want you to have the blade. So go and rescue that beautiful young woman you love so much."

Getting his jacket and hiding the blade in the special compartment Harry bid his farewell to Duncan and went off to face his destiny.

Hailing a taxi, he told the driver to head towards the docks. Forty-five minutes later Harry was at the warehouse district of the docks and looking for the white elephant. It was difficult, night had fallen and lighting was minimal. He was almost afraid of getting mugged, but his fear for Hermione was driving him on. Going down between two rows of building Harry finally found the building with a huge white elephant on the side. Running with all his might, he barreled into the side door and was greeted with the site of Hermione tied and gagged to a stanchion. Warily he walked up to her and untied the gag.

"Shh" He told her. "I will get you out of here I promise." Seeing the fear in her eyes and feeling the buzz of the immortal he ducked just in time to miss being decapitated.

"My, my." Jameson said. "Prompt, I must say you have impressed me." He started to circle Harry with his blade.

Harry recognized it as a simple longsword with a simple crossgaurd for protection. Harry immediately pulled out his katana from behind him. Slowly Harry circled the opposite direction, putting obstacles between him and Jameson. That allowed him to discard his long coat so he could fight unencumbered.

"We don't have to do this you know." Harry tried to reason with him.

"But of course we do, that is the nature of the game." Was the reply. "Now fight."

And with that the clash of steel against steel was heard in the night. Jameson went on the offensive, slicing at Harry's chest. Not expecting the suddenly savage attack Harry backpedaled, blocking each stroke till he could regain his composure.

"Such a sweet blade you use. I will take great pleasure in using it once I have your head." Jameson teased Harry.

Realizing that he was being toyed with and that Jameson was trying to distract him with useless chatter, Harry started to try and formulate a plan of attack. Feigning to the left, Harry suddenly swung his blade down and right slicing open his opponents thigh. Feeling a little heartened at getting first blood, Harry then went on the offensive, but his katana was met each time by Jameson's longsword. Back and forth they went neither giving ground to the other but each slowly wearing their opponent down with small cuts and open gashes.

Harry realized he had to finish this and soon or he would be too tired to behead the other immortal. Thinking to every trick that Duncan had taught him so far, Harry discarded each as soon as they came to his head. Jameson just seamed to good. Finally his opportunity came. Jameson had raised his guard after slicing open Harry's left shoulder again. Harry putting on a burst of speed ducked down and brought his blade across Jameson's stomach eviscerating the man. When he turned around he kicked the now discarded blade away and looking Jameson in the eyes.

And told him, "There can be only one." With that said he brought his blade down and severed the head of Micah Jameson from his body.

Immediately after the head rolled away sparks and tendrils of lighting started to snake their way from Jameson to Harry. Once the majority reached Harry, his back arched and the lighting started to play over his body. Engulfing it in blinding fury of light and sound. Harry could barely make out Hermione's scream, or the sound of windows breaking all around him. Finally when the noise and pain subsided Harry knelt by the decapitated body and fainted.

Hermione did not know or understand what was going on between Harry and the other man. She wanted to scream out but couldn't for some reason. The deadly fight was both beautiful and breathtaking. Seeing that Harry finally won she started to cheer, but when she saw he was going to decapitate the man Hermione started to turn away and close her eyes. Hearing Harry say something, she let her curiosity get the better of her and turned back around to face him. As she looked where Harry was standing over the decapitated man she was blinded by a bright light and deafened by a thunderclap. As her eyesight and hearing slowly returned she felt her bonds had been loosened. Stepping out of the ropes she heard.

"Hurry up, sometimes the first time can be really tiring." A stranger said grabbing Harry by the arm and lifting him up. Once the stranger had Harry situated he looked around and noticing that Hermione was not doing anything told her harshly, "Grab his coat and hide his sword in it and come on girl before the authorities get here."

Going on automatic and following the strangers instructions, Hermione quickly grabbed up the coat and katana. And heading toward the stranger started to ask, "Who are you and what are you doing?"

"Helping this young man obviously." The stranger replied. "I am a friend of Duncan's and he sent me to make sure his young apprentice did not lose his head. Now you lady we need to go. And to answer your first question you may call me Adam."