Swords and Sorcery & strange Traditions
The original written By: Darth Gojira - - . ID# 4358919 where it can still be read.
Primary pairing: Cho C. & Neville L.
Originally Rated T – last updated: 09-19-2008
Billybob-Csagun36, Id# 12892153 … rewrite - - fist undertaken on 04-26-18
Alternate Universe (AU) Does not follow established cannon.
Sub-title: The rule of 'Morgianna of Abington'
Rated M – just to be safe
88**
Chapter 10 – Getting there is half the fun
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88**
8
"Lumos," Harry cast as he blinked away the darkness of the cave. "Where is everyone?" he wondered to himself as he walked through the cave, his assigned Portkey clenched in his left hand. Good thing he hadn't mistook it for a real compass, since he had a feeling it wouldn't have worked if he had lined up the needle.
Mr. Weasley had told him that unlike a regular compass the one in his hand didn't point north, instead it pointed directly towards whatever he wanted most in life. And the proof of that was when he pulled it out at the Burrow this enchanted compass pointed, no matter which way he turned it … the needle always turned toward Ginny.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" he called out again.
"Harry?"
Harry turned to the sound of the voice, his eyes still adjusting. Another glow appeared, revealing the pale face of Luna Lovegood.
"Hello, Harry. She said in her usual dreamy tone. "I have reason to belief that our Ministry supplied Portkey's have been tampered with. - Or maybe there's one or more Northern Sea 'Onaidh' in here. - They can strongly attract the magical fields that surround a Portkey. - Now, as this is mating season, the females try to ensnare their male counterparts by simulating the magical frequency of a portkey. The magic of the transfer device triggers the male 'Onaidh' into a mating dance. The males usually flee from the females for a mating is for life and it is the Girls of that species that control reproduction. Like with humans the male Onaidh are nearly totally terrified of the romantic concept of 'commitment'.
"Of course their relationship issues is why I find the Onaidh so fascinating. Did you know Harry that among most magical species it is the females that are dominate? The Centaur give birth to males ten times more often than females and once weened the younger males run in herds, until the rare female picks a mate among the stallion studs'. The Snorkacks are yet another example of the female inducing sexual activity. Primarily because of the low-frequency …"
... By this point, of course, Harry had 'tuned-out' Luna, just as he did time after time with Hermione. - Harry absolutely hated long winded, never getting to the point lectures_ especially by witches … for they bored him to tears, grating on his nerves and making him internally angry beyond description. - It was this annoying quality that made Harry wonder (constantly) what in_ 'Hell' _Ron had ever seen in Hermione. Now a bloke that fancied the anorexically thin; super-model types - that he could understand. But Ronnie had told him that he really didn't have a physical type. - - 'And most people thought I was a nutter (and I'm under therapy for it too) Harry said to him-self as he looked frantically for a tunnel for someone, anyone else.
"Harry, there's a light over there." Luna tapped him on the shoulder and broke him out of his musings as she pointed out a faint glow up ahead. As they walked toward the light, Harry had a thought and he turned to Luna, but be he could speak, she did.
"I know what you are going to ask and seeing that we are alone for the moment … you want to know if Hogwarts has ever said anything about your future, especially now that the Prophecy has been fulfilled and fate/destiny is pretty-much finished with you"
"Finished?" - Harry said not at all happy by that … it sounded so – 'concluded'
"Why yes Harry, you are not Hercules, your story is more akin to Perseus and the Golden Fleece: just one thing to do … a long journey, with many dangers … leading to an epic battle and then abruptly … match over".
"And that's it?" Harry replied disappointed
"Yup, why do you ask … are you unhappy with the ending? - You're still alive (and that's rare for a Hero) you've also found your soul-mate … with kinky sex galore", Luna said with a puzzled expression on her face as she looked at him.
"Ginny is my soul mate?"
"Yes … your Anam Cara, in English: Soul-mate, although I could really use that medallion right now … to settle Ron", Luna said in a clearly disappointed tone
"Medallion … what medallion?"
"It's an amulet or coin made of super hard brass or gold. - On one side the classical Celtic knots on the other side is an inscription which triggers the spell
"And what does it do?"
"It brings two damaged people; two half's of the same soul together – and then forges the two into one. The Anam Cara makes prefect life partners, the best lovers and finest parents. –It brings about a sort-of lover's nirvana", Luna said as she stared off into space, transfixed.
"Impossible" Harry said with distain
"So is an underage boy, mostly undertrained … facing down the most powerful wizard in sixty years and killing him with an Expelliarmus incantation?" - - Luna said sweetly
"And this thingy can help Ron?", Harry said still reeling
"I think so. He's handling rejection pretty well, but Hogwarts has a often repeatedly predicted various things concerning our children going to Hogwarts and between 'me and Rolf' and 'Ginny and you', which leaves Ronnie romantically speaking … running rather late (as in; almost out of time)", Luna said in a more worried tone.
"And Neville?"
"If he wins tonight, Cho will have his first 'bum' (of many) in her 'oven' within half a year", Luna said with absolute certainty
"Okay then, Ron is at the top of the queue, where do we find this amulet/medallion?" Harry asked as he and Luna got closer to the light.
"The last time the castle sensed it presence was during the first half of what would have been your seventh year … during your camping trip and it lost track of the medallion around the time of the last battle
"Five years ago, just peachy" Harry said as they were now close enough to the light so they could also hear muffled voices echoing in the caves.
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" … And just how reliable are these Ministry Portkey's?" the deep voice of Mr. Chang was heard clearly and he was accusing someone.
"Oh, hush, Sen. These caves are rather pretty," a faint woman's voice joined in. This was followed by a stream of muttered Chinese. "I'm all three, dearie. Chinese, Mandarin, and a touch or two of Korean!" the woman countered in heavily accented Scott-English with a laugh.
"Mr. Chang." A third voice, jittery and high. "I have no idea where the Ministry got them. You'll have to ask their Magical Items Department or a member of the Misuse of Magical Objects office, for more information."
"Mr. Dinsdale, I am an associate member of the Department of Magical Items," Mrs. Chang reminded him sternly.
"I want to know 'right now' where Cho and my boyfriend are. - If that cow and my Harry are off alone somewhere snogging; because of deliberately sabotaged portkey's, there will be hell to pay", Ginny snarled.
"They (magical items department) gave me the assurance that they would send only the most up-to-date portkey's for such an important event!" Dinsdale audibly spluttered.
"It says Angus Podgorny, 1789. - See? It's engraved on the back," Mr. Chang sighed.
By that time, Harry and Luna could see the light coming from same direction as the voices.
"Either they're talking about the Portkey's," Harry muttered, "or we've walked into a 'Python' sketch." His muttering was interrupted by a collision with something unseen. He could hear Luna grunt as she also collided with something.
"Oh my, Harry, did we hurt you?" he heard someone familiar say.
"Harry, Luna … are you two alright?"
"Just a little shaken, Neville," Luna responded. Harry got to his feet, discovering Augusta Longbottom was helping him up, while Neville was doing the same with Luna.
"Hallo, Mrs. Longbottom. - Wotcher: Neville. So, are you ready for the duel?" Harry asked. Neville nodded grimly, while Mrs. Longbottom smiled, - "Of course. - I think the Malfoy's had this coming, for a long-long time. They are betting heavily on the outcome of this as they have called in their last remaining political pull, to prevent the Wizengamot from shutting this down before the duel. Thank you so much for being my grandson's marshal in the duel. You don't know how important it is to him that you support him."
"Harry" Ginny yelled as she unexpectedly jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly in relief … before turning stern on him: "where have you been?"
"Lost … portkey didn't work properly" Harry replied
"I had the same problem". Ginny said. "Cho I've been told (and clearly not believing it) went off to find the site of the duel and hasn't come back yet. The elder Chang's are already assembled along with one of the judges," Ginny explained as she guided the others back toward the main group. – A Moment later Cho reappeared out of the darkness (alone) heading toward the same lighted conversation as the others from a different direction. As the six of them walked toward the light, the interrupted conversation from a short distance away resumed - "Cherry fondue, Mr. Chang?" Dinsdale offered.
"No thank you. We're not hungry." Harry somehow knew Cho's father was wearing a deadpan expression just by the tone of his voice. Looking around he suddenly lost sight of Cho and a moment later he could have sworn he heard someone retch somewhere in the Darkness. 'Probably Cho', he thought, 'I don't envy her in the slightest this experience, her fate decided by others. I bet she hasn't slept or eaten in days'.
"I'd like one". Said a new, terrifyingly deep and grating voice … in Harry's mind it sounded like the cultured tones of a undertaker
"Oh, Mr. Geyer, I didn't notice you before. Mr. Geyer, I'd like you to meet the Chang's."
"Charmed", Harry heard from nearby; his spine chilled again.
"Pleased to meet you," said Mr. Chang evenly.
"I am truly sorry for your daughter. These duels can be very messy both emotionally and literally. The feeling of helpless she must be undergoing. Modern witch's these-days don't appreciate the centuries of tradition behind arranged marriages; young people can't be allowed to decide such important things on a temporary infatuation. Naturally I hope both her suitors survive. And with that thought in mind, I have added an emergency healer to the witness list" Mr. Geyer (the bloke that really sounded like an undertaker) ended his statements with an ominous chuckle.
"Um, thank you," Cho squeaked.
"I hope this duel won't end in death. I do hate it when that happens. Oh, pardon me if we are interrupted anything." Lucius Malfoy's distinctive purr added to the menace as he stepped into view.
"Milord Malfoy, glad you could make it. I'm sure you've met the Chang's?"
"We have," Sen Chang said in a tone could have made a giant back away slowly.
"And I'd like you to meet Mr. Geyer. He's the judge. Mr. Geyer, this is one of our duelists, the young lord Malfoy, and his parents."
"And us", Snarled someone in the back
"Right you are; mustn't forget you-lot", Lucius declared arrogantly. "Everyone may I present young masters Zabini, Draco's second; Nott and Montague the Malfoy Marshals and of course Miss Greengrass… our designated witness."
"Honored to meet you all", Mr. Geyer said with a snake like charm. "I hope your services will bring Honor to these proceedings."
"Of course - No magical items allowed inside the dueling circle, and, well, I'll explain everything else, whenever the Longbottom's get here."
By this time, Harry, Ginny, Luna, and both Longbottom's could see the main group. The matriarch Longbottom signaled to the group with her wand, sending into the air a flare like ball of light to which a short, stout figure that turned out to be Mr. Dinsdale replied with a wave of his own lighted at the tip wand. They could make out a group of white-robed people, with one very notable exception.
The tallest one had to be Mr. Sen Chang, Cho's thin father; Harry deduced, with the far shorter one standing closely to Sen, was a corpulent woman that just had to be the highly industrious Mrs. Mo Chou Chang, and the third in the tight Chang group appeared to be Cho; who appeared noticeably 'sickly paler' than her mother_ while wearing (naturally) the traditional red dragon ( red being the color of happiness, vigor, life and bright uplifting joy in the Chinese culture) -'Qunkwa or Longfeng Gau' – the traditional wedding dress of southern China. This very expensive looking two piece outfit was so form fitting that it was very flattering to Cho's hour glass (34-23-30) figure and it was carefully embroidered with gold and silver thread depicting classical Chinese Dragons and phoenixes'
A noise from behind them made Neville and Harry turn around quickly.
"I hope I'm not late." Hermione was wringing her hands as she sprinted towards them.
"Where is Ron?"
"Naturally, we didn't come together, as to where the mindless shop-clerk is … I have no idea … these caves go on forever, I had to use a top-secret Ministry tracking spell to get here at all … took forever", Hermione said sounding (as usual) irritated. "If this isn't a defective portkey as I half expected, then this is an act of deliberate sabotage.- If Ron's portkey is anything like mine, then he's lost good and proper. It could take days to find that chronic underachiever".
"Are you officially claiming that one of the parities in this affair; have used sabotage to prevent one of the officially sanctioned dueling marshals from performing their duties", Mr. Geyer said sternly.
Hermione thought it over for a moment, "Yes, I'm; but I hold my official protest in abeyance until, I can gather more evidence".
"A verbal protest has been made, but I too will not rush to judgment in make a ruling at this time. - However I have noticed that the only faulty portkey's seems to have been issued almost exclusively to the Chang side of this affair", the undertaker sounding Mr. Geyer said sternly; while looking hard at Lucius.
"What are you implying, how dare you! - - Do you have any idea who you are dealing with" Lucius screamed
"I know exactly who you are Lucius, as I know whose lieutenant you once where. If you push me … I sir, will push back. I hereby officially warn you that any further signs of trickery from any member of the Malfoy's' party _and I will declare this duel forfeit in the Chang's favor." Mr. Geyer said with his former congeniality banished.
Lucius looked furious but had the good sense to bite his tongue.
At this point Ginny also began to complain of her portkey having been tampered with, so naturally Hermione stepped in along with Mr. Geyer to closely examine it. All the while Ginny kept an extra tight grip on her boyfriend/fiancée with her possessive smile quickly turning into an angry frown when she caught sight of Cho's dragon dress.
Neville in the interim; couldn't help but drink in the stunning beauty of Cho and study her facial expression. Her face was an equal mixture of deep fear and over stimulated nerves, and naturally there was no smile on the brides face as her eyes snapped rapidly at all the faces around her. 'Ginny jealousy was the last thing she needed right now', Neville said to himself but he didn't stop looking at her nicely sculptured pear-shaped 'rear' as they all moved into the ancient Romanist amphitheater / dueling arena.
"Ah, glad to see almost everyone's here. Ms. Weasley, Mx. Granger, Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom, Ms. Lovegood, Mrs. Longbottom." He shook hands with each in turn. "I'm Mr. Dinsdale, representing the Ministry in this matter. It is my duty gentlemen and ladies to strongly urge that both parities reach a peaceful settlement. Naturally Dinsdale looked directly at Lucius.
"There is no turning back now", the elder Malfoy sneered.
"I thought as much" Dinsdale said, mostly to him-self. "Alright then … moving on. - Mr. Geyer here will be the sole judge for this …matter. Our only delay at this point is that one of the Chang's Marshals has yet to arrive.
"As the male weasel is a no show, I request a forfeiture ruling from the Judge", Lucius declared
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"Thank you Lucius for providing all of us with the motivation for your sabotage", Augusta Longbottom replied, in a perfect verbal reflection of Mr. Chang's outward coldness.
"Good lord." Dinsdale said, "Have you as sponsor seconded Mx. Granger's charge of misconduct".
"I do", Augusta said with a hand hovering over her wand holster. A provocative move that was instantly copied by both sides as both sides took a big step back (for more fighting room)
"ENOUGH … I acknowledge the second protest and at the same time 'table' this issue pending Ronald Weasley's arrival. If however he does not come before the formal start of the duel, I will then revisit the issue". Mr. Geyer snarled forcefully, seemingly ignoring the exchange of heated glares. "On a personal level I must agree with Augusta … that was rather stupid of you Lucius, providing us all with your motivation for an alleged breach of the dueling rules. Your motion for Forfeiture in your favor is denied … with prejudice. - - Master Dinsdale you may precede".
"Well, we'll have to set up the dueling area itself. Mr. Geyer?"
The vulture-like nosed judge gave a slight nod of agreement who then pointed his wand to the ceiling of the cave and uttering an strange incantation, a beam of white light spat forth from his wand skyward striking what looked like to Harry to be a huge disco ball … this caused a twilight level illumination to spread out directly above the exact center of modest sized underground amphitheater. "Hmm." Dinsdale nodded in the affirmative, as he moved with purpose toward the entrance while gesturing with his wand. Several large stone cauldrons at the very top of arena caught fire adding greatly to the dim light from overhead. Another flick of Dinsdale and the combat circle in the exact center of the fighting area began to glow red.
"Now." He said as he cocked his head, birdlike, at the others. "Who are the seconds?" Luna stepped forward. "I have that honor."
"As do I." Blaise said as he walked up to Luna, towering over her. The far shorter girl nonetheless met his gaze evenly.
"Good," said Dinsdale, oblivious, "the marshals?"
Harry Potter along with Graham Montague and Theo Nott all stepped forwards.
"We are one Marshal short, Milord Judge", Dinsdale said with exaggerated formality
"Duly noted", Greyer said his growing irritation showing. "Listen good Lucius; if you really want this duel to go forward, The Chang's must be allowed to make an immediate substitution for Ronald Weasley"
"… and if I don't allow it" Lucius said.
"Then I declare a rules penalty violation on this duel, in the Chang's favor!"
"Then I agree", Lucius said sourly
"Mr. Chang?"
"I declare Hermione Granger as the substitute for her fiancee"… Sen said carefully.
"Ah yes … I read about their engagement in the 'Daily Prophet'. Well played Mr. Chang: A fiancee under the rules as a semi-official part of the Ronald Weasley household is therefore a traditionally acceptable substitute to me", Mr. Geyer said.
"Your Honor technically …I'm not…"
"Hermione for god's sake … shut your gob", Harry shouted.
"It's a plausible bit of fiction; the judge bends the rules just a tiny-bit, to allow this substitution so Harry is correct … shut it", Ginny sternly whispered in Hermione's ear.
"Mister Dinsdale, you may proceed", Geyer said with a wave of one hand
8
"The observers/witnesses will now step forward?"
Daphne Greengrass adjusted her spectacles. Harry did a double take at that point, for he didn't remembered Daphne wearing glasses at Hogwarts. – he knew that her younger sister Astoria had replace Pansy as Draco's fiancee, mere months before the end of the war. Daphne was here 'no doubt' to safeguard her sisters financial interests _ and Harry could not help but wonder 'what' the Greengrass family had demanded in exchange for such a clear breach in their marriage contract with the Malfoy's. Harry then had to suppress a chuckle when the thought accrued to him. The sincere hope that the Greengrass family had demanded gold bullion (in advance) as compensation for the two year delay in already long delayed wedding to her sister.
"I am the challenger's sponsor and I shall act as his witness, replacing the promoted Mx. Granger", Augusta declared almost daring anyone to disagree. Meanwhile Luna cheerily waved at Dinsdale.
"Very well then, everyone's here. If the two duelists would step forward and present their weapons." Mr. Geyer said
Draco was first to come forward, smirking as he drew his blade in a single motion and casually saluting his family while totally ignoring his opponent (bad form). Neville also walked forward, and drew his own sword for a salute to the judge and Draco; his however was more in the correct form of a Roman gladiator. It was his training showing, of course, and the judge clearly approved.
Harry hadn't attended even a tiny fraction of Neville's' training sessions, that Ron did. The demands of work were more an excuse than a proper reason. Harry found the whole repetition thingy of sword drills … boring to tears. - He did occasionally met up with Ron during Neville's (regular day) lunch breaks (in contrast to the repeat day secession's) mainly because Ron brought all the food for his friends and Ron really was a fantastic cook. - He would pop in serve the meal and then pop back to the W.W.W. shop until it closed at six pm. Then he would pop back to serve dinner. Neville and Tiberius loved it.
The sessions Harry never attended were the repeat days, held in different training rooms. Ron on the other hand attended all of these as his duty to his brother's (George) joke shop already had been done for that normal day. Anyway theses non-Granger involved meetings, was a good opportunity for Harry to determine how his best mate was holding-up after the break-up. Ron had looked like crap for about a fortnight, but near the end of the third week of regular days, his best friend had regained some of his sharp-wit and irrelevant humor.
The biggest surprise for Harry during these lunch breaks get-together's was in seeing how often Cho showed up. He hadn't believed Ron when he had been told of Cho's daily appearances at the training or how the girl had put so much effort into getting to know Neville better. Neville always was more comfortable around plants than people, but Harry was gob-smacked at the way Cho seemed to mange to draw Neville out. Ron always insisted that he and Harry eat … off by themselves or with Master Tiberius so that the old friends could chat in private about … 'things' …but Harry hadn't been fooled, Ron didn't want to be in the way when Cho shamelessly 'chatted-up' Neville.
While Harry smiled at the memory of his best mate playing matchmaker (as clearly) Ron was in cahoots with Luna on this issue. Thirty regular days wasn't much time for a courtship; even an accelerated one, but the 'time turner' transformed 30 days into 90 and combined with Ron's clear encouragement and less than subtle nudges, Cho's 'full court press' seemed to be having a positive effect on the botanist.
As Harry thought over the 'Deeping Attraction' between Cho and Neville during such a short period of time (meanwhile) Geyer had taken Malfoy's sword out his hand and began to swing the sword around to test it. "What is this thing? - - Hand-made clearly; - but within all the required dimensions of a classical Roman Gladius. At first glance however; it appeared to be just an overly decorated ceremonial-sword".
Mr. Geyer then continued aloud: "German blade, Solingen. - 19th century. - Magically reinforced and overly-decorated for my tastes. A solid silver hilt – balance slightly off. - Started life as a ritual sword as I suspected, but not used in any fashion for a century or more. And then after a pause … Acceptable", Harry was stunned that Geyer had managed to tell the sword's entire history with a cursory examination. He gave it back to Draco, murmuring, "Very expensive, I imagine."
"Our family has been part of the nobility for years. That means all our possessions are of the finest quality."
Geyer didn't pay attention, as he was instead too busy examining Neville's sword in the same exacting manner: - "Far plainer trappings; but all-in-all … a very nice example of a Roman Ligonier's short sword, - Very functional obviously. - Spanish steel, from Toledo. - Made in the late tenth century AD – and also magically reinforced around the guard. - Hardwood hilt covered in the classic style in leather. This blade has a very noble pedigree for a very old sword - Last used around April of 1920 - excellent balance and workmanship." Geyer looked doubtfully at Neville. "Have you ever handled a sword in combat … before this duel was declared?"
"Yes, sir … once" Neville said, not making eye-contact.
"Curious," the old man sniffed in interest, but did not press the matter. "Heritage is not all, of course. It's the nobility of a man that dictates his sword's nobility," Geyer said to no one in particular as he began pacing again.
"You can't just go and buy it at 'Leon Paul', it must be earned - by deeds of valor or villainy"- Geyer continued while looking hard at Lucius; his great dislike for a 'moment or two' clearly apparent.
"Mr. Geyer, if we're to keep to our posted schedule…" Dinsdale said
"Quite right … Proceed", Geyer replied
"I want this to be strictly regulation. Now, will the Marshal's and witnesses please step forward?" Mr. Dinsdale said while peering over his thick spectacles.
Harry and Hermione stepped forward side by side, and were directed to the north and south point of the compass just beyond the red dueling circle. With Montague and Nott directed to the east and west. Each had been 'visibly' checked for a wand but not physically searched and when none were obviously apparent, as neither side pressed for a closer examination, although both sides were clearly armed. Dinsdale waved forward the seconds onto the semi-dark sandy floor and posted them to stand next to the stone chairs that faced each other across the dueling circle.
On the west point of the compass, dark, short and feeble looking Theodore Nott contrasted sharply with the tall, burly and pale faced Graham Montague stand at the east. Meanwhile Dinsdale gave his instructions to the two official duel witnesses: "Good, Miss Greengrass you will sit with the Chang's next to Ms. Weasley and behind Ms. Lovegood the Longbottom second." He indicated a set of rather incongruous stone benches with their backs to the arena outer wall. The audience benches above their heads appeared empty. And you Madam Longbottom will sit with the Malfoy party on the opposite side of the arena and behind Mr. Zabini".
"Will the challenger now step forward?" Dinsdale said sternly.
Mr. Chang stopped pacing and strode silently up to Dinsdale, his white robes billowing like a ghost. "Mr. Chang, state your grievance with Mr. Malfoy," Dinsdale said, all business.
"Blackmail and an unlawful attempt at forced marriage. The Malfoy countered by invoking 'the Morgianna Rule'. - I to this date; still do not know what item of irreplaceable value that my family has allegedly damaged or destroyed. I formally protest this infarction under the Fifth rule/Law of Ravenhurst."
"Duly noted" Dinsdale said
"Milord Malfoy, how do you refute the Chang charge of the rule/law of Ravenhurst, as I have during a careful examination of the original request for enforcement of the rule of 'Morgianna of Abington' and I declined to see what damaged or stolen item is at the center of this dispute", Dinsdale slid his gaze across Malfoy's field of vision
With the eyes of a deer in the headlights of an approaching Muggle ground transport, a briefly gob smacked Lucius seemed at a loss, but after an awkward pause he quickly rallied. "The time for technicalities has long past. I will not have the honor of my Family denied due to an empty line on a stupid governmental form. I demand as a member of the first estate satisfaction under the rule of 'Morgianna of Abington' from this upstart chink" Mr. Malfoy growled furiously.
"Your Honor; a ruling on this please", Sen Chang asked most politely.
"There have been a number of irregularities in all of this, which I fully intend to rule on … later". - However: I did not drag myself all the way out here for a duel that would now be delayed for Merlin knows how long, due to the typical bits of Malfoy trickery", Greyer said with thick under-tones of annoyance.
"Objection, nothing has been proven", Lucius protested.
"Overruled" Greyer snapped back. "Mr. Dinsdale you may precede"
"Young lord Draco Malfoy, are you willing to fight on your father's behalf?"
"Of course"
"Mr. Longbottom, are you willing to fight on Mr. Chang's behalf?"
"Yes."
"Are you both willing to engage in trial by combat, and abide by the rules set forward by the Wizengamot dueling code (of AD 1066) and to accept fully the final decision of the presiding judge: Mr. Geyer in consultation with my-self?" Dinsdale said formally
"Yes." This Draco and Neville said in unison.
"Do you, the Seconds, Marshals and witnesses, also swear to fulfill your responsibilities under the aforementioned code in regards to this duel?"
One by one, they all responded. The air seemed to grow thicker than the stone around it.
"Monsieur's - Malfoy and Longbottom … take your places inside the ring, if you please." Geyer hissed. - Draco and Neville's gazes met and locked as they walked into the still-glowing red circle.
"I bet you're too scared to even lift your weapon, Longbottom," Draco sneered.
"At least I don't pretend that I'm not frightened. I'm not a stuffed dummy controlled by a house-elf, either. You're not fooling anyone ferret, but yourself," Neville glowered back.
"Gentlemen, please?" Dinsdale cleared his throat.
Good one Neville, Cho thought with a sigh as she sat next to her parents, 'keep insulting Draco - he's weakness is his arrogant pride, he'll be expecting a quick kill, so draw it out like we planned, the more frustrated he becomes the more basic mistakes he'll make.
Cho all but literately jumped in her chair as the circle burst into flames. A white-hot, two foot-high ring of fire caged in the duelists. Even Draco stumbled from the surprise; clearly he hadn't expected the cage. - The gravity of the situation sank in to everyone. Cho bit her lip as the two boys drew their swords, which gleamed in the flickering light.
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take a moment and tell me what you think ... please
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