Disclaimer
I still do not own Harry Potter, and unfortunately have found no way to change that. All of this belongs to J.K Rowling, and this is just my AU spin on things.
Authors Note 1
Please review this chapter, every review means the world to me, and this chapter is the first chapter with an intense action scene, and is the first chapter that I'm switching a major cannon event aside from the sorting.
Authors Note 2
I've said this many times before, but I have received this question multiple times recently so I just want to address it again, hopefully for the last time. Harry is not evil in this fanfiction, nor will he become evil later in the series. He will be a bit dark, and do some more then questionable things along the way. But he is not evil and he will not become the next dark lord. Just wanted to clear that up.
Authors Note 3
So, I wanted to have this out two weeks ago, but life got in the way for both me and my beta and here we are now.
Authors Note 4
As far as the next chapter, I'm hoping to have it published by the end of next week. Thank you guys for your patients and as always I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Authors Note 5
Thank you as Always to my beta JZuCuadra for his work on this chapter. And sorry for all the authors notes, the one at the end is a novel as well, but if you have any questions about the chapter, then please read it before asking me, because I probably answer them there.
Beta Notes 1
Hey guys, JZuCuadra here. Have to also apologize myself, ACI100 send me this about a week ago, but my own life got in the way of me getting it to him any faster. Hope you guys enjoy the chapter
Chapter 11 The Midnight Duel.
Harry's heart sank when he saw who had called both him and Weasley from the sky. Severus Snape stood, gazing up at them. Though Snape usually did favour Slytherin's he had never seen Snape look so emotional. Oddly enough Harry couldn't truly tell you what he saw in Snape's face. At first he thought it was fury, but when he looked away for a moment before looking back he looked ecstatic, an emotion that, given the situation, Harry certainly thought he must have been misreading.
Harry and Ron flew down to the ground, Harry handing Draco his wand as he passed him on his way to Snape.
"Weasley," spat Snape, his voiced positively dripping with venom, "100 points from Gryffindor!"
"WHAT! YOU CAN'T TAKE A HUNDRED PO..'
"Make that 120, 50 for disobeying direct orders from a teacher, 50 for stealing, and attempting to sabotage Mr. Malfoy's property, and 20 for blatant disrespect of a teacher. And, let me see, a weeks worth of detentions, you will report to my office at 7:00 PM tonight, and will continue to do so for the next six days. Do I make myself understood Weasley?"
"Yessir."
"Speak up Weasley I can not understand you, another 5 points from Gryffindor for apparently disregard for my question."
"I said yes sir." Weasley got out through gritted teeth.
"Good, now Weasley, you will now report to your head of house to tell her why Gryffindor lost 130 points."
"125 sir," spoke up Parvati Patil.
"No, Ms. Patil, if you gave me 5 more seconds I was going to explain that I docked another 5 from Weasley for his back talking attitude, and I will now make that 135 points for you being an insufferable know it all"
"Now," Snape continued, rounding on Harry, "Mr. Potter, you will, follow me."
And with that, Severus Snape swept off, beginning his ascent back up to the castle, Harry hot on his heels. Was he about to be expelled? Was he about to have to go back to the Dursleys? No, even if he was expelled he would live on the streets before that happened.
When they finally made their way up to the castle, Harry expected them to make their way down towards the dungeons and Snape's office. But they didn't, instead they made their way up to the third floor. Where was Snape taking him? To Dumbledore, or worse, was Snape taking him to the third floor corridor? Where, according to the headmaster would lead to an excruciatingly painful death.
It turned out that Harry was wrong on both accounts, as, to Harry's utter bemusement they stood outside of a classroom he recognized as being the charms classroom. Snape knocked on the door hard three times before pushing it open, not waiting for an answer.
"Excuse me Fillius, so sorry to interrupt your lesson," Snape began in a tone that did not sound at all sorry to be interrupting the lesson, "however, could I please see Mr. Flint?"
"Of course Severus, of course, off you go Mr. Flint, off you go."
And with that, they were sweeping through the castle yet again, with Flint shooting Harry questioning looks, and Harry, not being able to do anything more than shrug in return, hoping that he was successfully displaying his utter ignorance as to what was going on.
This time however, they did make their way down into the depths of the Hogwarts dungeons, and far quicker then Harry would have liked, Snape was holding open the door to his office and saying "in." to the two boys in an emotionless tone.
Both of them being utterly bewildered, Harry and Marcus both entered Snape's office, with Snape sweeping in, not a moment later, and quickly taking his place behind his desk. Before taking a huge breath in, his face one of anguish, clearly looking like he was forcing himself to do something very unpleasant. To Harry's great surprise and curiosity, it was very similar to the look that Uncle Vernon wore when he was about to do anything semi decent involving Harry.
"Flint," he began, "what do you have planned for the seeker position this year?"
Harry was now, if possible even more confused than he had been moments earlier. And judging by the look on Flint's face, the feeling was mutual.
"Well, obviously Higgs sir, he's been the seeker for the past four years. I mean he's nothing special, but he's above average, and had done quite well."
"Were you planning on running a trial for the position Flint, or were you going to simply give it to Higgs?"
"Well sir, like I said Terence has been seeker for a long time, and he's quite good, I was going to give him the position with no contest of course."
"Well Flint, you are going to change that plan."
"Sir?" Asked Flint in a questioning tone.
"At tryouts, you will conduct all other positions as you please, however, when it comes time for seeker, you will have a one on one competition between Mr. Higgs, and Mr. Potter here for the position."
Despite Harry's mastery at hiding his emotions his jaw fell open. Snape wanted to make him a seeker, he had just broken about 10 school rules right in front of his head of house, and he was about to be rewarded with the opportunity of a lifetime, an opportunity that Malfoy, and all the other first years would kill for.
"Potter?" Asked Flint, sounding very confused indeed, shooting Harry another questioning look as he spoke.
"Yes, Flint, Potter." Snape sounded like he was trying to stay calm, and it appeared like he was doing something that pained him greatly, "I have never seen anyone so naturally talented before in my life, tell me Potter, was that your first time on a broom?" Asked Snape.
"Yes sir." Harry answered simply.
"Well then, Flint, you will practice one on one with Mr. Potter, every day until tryouts, and I dare say that by this time next week, Slytherin will be in possession of the youngest seeker in a century." All of the seeming bitterness was gone now, and Snape had an evil smirk, and a glint in his black eyes.
"Yes sir," Flint Said again, though it sounded more like a question then a statement, "but sir, may I ask why? And aren't first years not allowed to play Quidditch? Or to own a broom?"
"To answer your first question, an idiot first year Gryffindor boy stole Mr. Malfoy's wand and attempted to fly off with it. Mr. Potter outmanoeuvred him at every turn, pulling off moves that I dare say Britain's best would struggle with. Said idiot boy then flew over the lake and attempted to throw Mr. Malfoy's wand into the water from about 50 feet in the air. Mr. Potter dove head first, at full speed, on that beaten old log that the school calls a broom, he caught the wand with about 2 feet until impact and pulled out of the dive, making all of this look both easy and natural. Oh yes, and well we are on the topic, 20 points to Slytherin Mr. Potter, for defending another student and his possessions."
Marcus Flint's face had completely changed now, he had gone from looking like a 5 year old trying to do advanced algebra, to a 5 year old, who had just been told that there were going to be two Christmases that year.
He circled Harry, making him feel quite uncomfortable, seeing as Flint was eying him like a piece of raw meat, and muttering under his breath.
"He's got the build for a seeker."
And,
"Never seen such a tiny firsty in my life, needs some muscle on him."
This went on for a full minute before Snape broke Flint out of his musings by speaking up again.
"As for your second concern Mr. Flint, I will speak to the board of Hogwarts governors. I doubt that headmaster Dumbledore will make an exception for a Slytherin. However, if the board rules in our favour, Dumbledore will have no choice, and seeing as the board is made up mostly of former Slytherins, I quite like our odds. Now, Potter, I hope you understand and appreciate the opportunity I am giving to you. I could take 50 points for breaking rules, I could give you a weeks worth of detention, hell I could probably expell you, but instead I'm giving you the opportunity of a lifetime and giving you the opportunity to become perhaps, the youngest seeker ever. Are you following?"
Harry nodded, and Snape continued.
"I will refer to my speech from the first night, I expect great things from all my Slytherins, and now I expect very great things from you on that Quidditch pitch. I expect you to work unbelievably hard, I expect you to learn everything you can about being a seeker, and I expect you to dominate for the next seven years. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir, I understand. And thank you for the opportunity sir." And he meant it, in the short time he had flown, he had loved it. He had never felt so free in his life, and he knew just as much as Snape knew, that he was brilliant at it.
"Good," said Snape and then, his face contorted in a look of pure agony before saying in a very scratchy voice, "your father was a brilliant player Potter, he may have been the best chaser those damn lions have had this century." It truly seemed like it killed Snape to say that, but then his face brightened ever so slightly, "I'm expecting you to be better than he was, because after all, unlike your father, you are a Slytherin."
And with that the conversation ended and Harry, alongside Flint made his way down to the great hall for lunch.
As soon as he entered the great hall, large portions of both the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables fell silent and gaped at him open mouthed, clearly thinking he was a goner for sure. He smirked to himself when he did not see Weasley at the Gryffindor table, and mock waved at his buddies Finnigan and Thomas, who were shooting him death glares as he passed their table. As soon as he took his seat beside Draco the boy came to life.
"You're not expelled are you? Surely Snape wouldn't expel you, if he did maybe my father can.."
"Draco," said Harry, rolling his eyes as he spoke, "if I was expelled do you really think I would be sitting here right now?" And then he added, in a tone loud enough for only Draco to hear, "And do you really think I would look even semi pleased, knowing what you know about who I would live with if I had been thrown out."
Draco smirked at the first remark, but paled significantly at the second.
"Well?" Asked Tracy Davis who was sitting opposite of Theo, who was to Harry's left.
Harry smirked inwardly, but showed none of that on his face, he didn't mind Tracy, she was kind hearted, and a pleasant person to talk to, but the girl was far too curious and energetic for her own good.
Harry, noticing that the attention of the entire table was on him decided to make them work for it a bit.
So, he raised an eyebrow towards Tracy, along with a fake but convincing look of confusion.
"Well what?" He asked in a voice that was filled with apparent incomprehension.
Tracy rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "boys." Her friend Greengrass though, didn't seem to be fooled as easily by Harry's mask of confusion. She was actually smirking at him, to draw any bit of emotion from the statuesk blonde was rare at best.
Harry's friends were also smirking, they had seen how convincing he could be when he wanted to, particularly in class, when he played the perfect little innocent orphan.
"Well," Tracy spoke in a voice one would adopt when explaining a particularly confusing topic to a young child.
"What happened when Snape took you in."
Harry smirked inwardly yet again, this girl was too easy.
He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly before replying, "he gave me a chance to tryout for seeker on the house Quidditch team." His voice was completely level, and full of innocence.
The reaction was instant, Draco spewed pumpkin juice EVERYWHERE, Tracy and Pansy both squealed "WHAT!" Simultaneously, a lot of the older kids looked on with disbelief, but the reaction that interested in him the most was that of Terence Higgs. Harry had known he had made a dangerous enemy when he had hit Terence with the full body bind, however, upon hearing the information that a first year, and the first year he detested above all others would be granted an unprecedented opportunity to compete against him for his spot on the team, the glare he shot towards Harry was absolutely murderous, and upon looking at his hands, Harry noticed that his knuckles were white, against the fork he had in his hands. Harry was actually quite thankful it wasn't a knife in the boys grasp.
"Harry, you've got to get a broom!" Exclaimed Draco, "a cleansweep is alright, but you should really buy a Nimbus 2000! It's the best broom in the world. Father knows some people high up at Nimbus, I wonder if he could get you a discount because they are quite expensive, not that you couldn't afford them, but every galleon saved is a galleon that can be spent later."
Harry was quite amused by how routine that last bit sounded, as if his father had drilled it into his head for years, which, Harry mused to himself, he probably had.
After charms, there final lesson of the day, Harry was quickly escorted out onto the Quidditch pitch by Marcus Flint. Flint had grabbed one of the school's brooms, while he had his Nimbus 1900, (the last model before the brand new Nimbus 2000,) under his arm.
"Right then," started Flint, "you obviously know the rules of Quidditch?" Harry couldn't help but actually feel for once relieved that Draco never shut up about Quidditch. There was definitely an underlining "or else," in Flint's seemingly innocent question.
Harry nodded, and he swore Flint let out a breath before continuing.
"Good man Potter, good man, now I'm going to put you through some basic flying drills, and then some work with a snitch, understood?"
Upon receiving an affirmative nod from Harry, Flint instructed Harry to mount his broom which he did, and together they shot skyward.
The next 2 hours were two of the happiest in his 11 years on this earth. Harry loved to fly, and by the end of the mini lesson, he knew he was good. Flint had conjured an obstacle course in the air for Harry to fly through at max speed about 20 minutes into the lesson/practice. When Harry zoomed through the obstacle course at terminal velocity Flint looked shocked, when he looked down at his watch to see how long it had taken Harry to complete the course however, he looked gobsmacked.
"I've never had anyone do anywhere close to that fast, bloody hell Potter, you beat my personal best by 3 seconds, even on that excuse of a broomstick." Gesturing to the school broom with a look of disgust.
Harry smirked, imaging the look on Draco's face if he told him that he had easily outflows their captain.
They then moved onto drills with the snitch, first at low speed, and then in a real game environment, with Flint blocking, chasing, and fouling Harry at will with the help of his superior broom. But it didn't matter, it never mattered, Harry never once missed the snitch, and by the end of the session Flint looked ready to sing with joy.
"That bloody cup is ours again, no question now, you're a natural Potter, best seeker under the age of 16 that I've ever seen in my life, you could go pro one day Potter, you could go pro."
And with that, they entered the great hall for dinner.
Harry told Draco and the rest of his friends, including an eavesdropping Tracy, and surprisingly to Harry an eavesdropping Daphne, the story of the session, including him smashing Flint's personal best, and his reaction to Harry's skill. By the end of his description, many of the people at the table looked awed, even Greengrass looked impressed, "damn," thought Harry, "she's showed emotion twice today, either I'm REALLY good, or she REALLY needs to see Madam Pomfrey immediately."
His good mood however, was interrupted as he was leaving the great hall with all of the other first years.
"Oi, Potter!" Harry turned, and then saw Ronald Weasley making his way towards him, flanked by Finnigan and Thomas as was the norm.
"How was your last meal Potter, hope you enjoy the train ride home."
"I don't know what you're talking about Weasley?" Harry spoke with the same tone from lunch, flat and emotionless, but dripping with innocence.
"Don't play games Potter," said Weasley taking a step forwards. This was a mistake as every first year Slytherin minus Harry had their wands on Weasley after only an instant. After all, Slytherins stuck together, and defended one another at all costs, but Harry didn't want the help, he could see the fury and sudden realization in Weasley's eyes, as he realized Harry had not been punished. He felt like he could make Weasley break, make him do something stupid enough to lose Gryffindor more points.
"No," said Harry with more authority that he thought he could muster, "no, let him finish," he said drawing his own wand just incase ,"I'm not worried about him, and I think I can make him turn a darker red." He added the last part with mock excitement in his voice, drawing laughs from many of the Slytherin's and even a small, tentative, smirk on the face of Dean Thomas.
"For your information Weasley," Harry continued, "I wasn't punished, after all, I was only protecting Draco, and retrieving his wand from undeserving hands."
"You stupid, slimy, snake!" Spat Weasley, as he took another step closer to Harry, "I lost 120 bloody points and that stupid git didn't even punish you."
"First of all Weasley," Harry began in a tone that indicated he was about to explain something to a very slow child, "I've seen you in potions, and if today's flying lesson was anything to go off, I don't know where you get off calling someone stupid anything. And as i said, why would he punish me? I did nothing wrong after all."
"NOTHING WRONG, YOU BROKE MY BLOODY NOSE POTTER!"
Harry looked up at Weasley's nose with a thoughtful expression before stating matter of factly, "no, I don't think I did, it doesn't look any more crooked than I remember."
'THAT'S BECAUSE MADAM POMFREY HEALED IT YOU SLIMY TRAITOR!" Weasley was positively screaming now, and Harry was having trouble keeping his composure and not following the lead of the first year Slytherins who all, except Greengrass, were in fits of hysterical laughter, and even she was clearly making a conscious attempt to stay composed.
Harry raised an eyebrow at Weasley in mock surprise,
"You know what, actually" he leaned in closer to Ron, even standing on tiptoe to get a better look, "you know Weasley, I think your nose is actually a bit less crooked now, how the hell did she do that."
"Magic Potter, And OI!" Weasley only screamed that last bit after catching on to Harry's joke. He tried to press on, but Harry was on a role now.
"You identified magic Weasley, damn, I didn't know squibs could do that, if I was allowed I'd almost give 5 points to Gryffindor, I'd have to knock off a few points as well, seeing as your presence offends everyone around but.."
"THAT'S IT POTTER!" Screamed Weasley, he looked positively demented now, he stepped forward, and Harry raised his wand ready to defend himself, but Weasley only jabbed Harry in the chest with a finger, "ME, YOU, TROPHY ROOM, MIDNIGHT, WIZARDS DUEL!"
For a split second Harry was confused, he couldn't recall what a "wizards duel" was, but then he remembered Theo explaining what they were on their first night of spell practice.
"Come off it Weasel, you're not even worthy to walk the same halls as Harry let alone waste his time, I'll take you on instead." To Harry's great surprise it was Theo who had spoken, "damn," thought Harry, I really made an impression on him. But Harry cut him off quickly.
"I accept your challenge Weasley," Harry said, he actually smirked, this was far better than house points, he was going to get to wipe the floor with the Weasel twice in one day. "Draco is my second, who's yours?" He asked.
"Seamus.' Said the red headed after looking between Seamus and Dean for several moments.
"Very well Weasley, I will see you at midnight, and DON'T be late.
And with that, Harry and the other first year Slytherins pushed past Weasley and his friends, and made their way back down to the common room, many of them still laughing hysterically as they went.
The news of the duel passed quickly through the house of serpents. And it was around 7 when Harry's chess game was interrupted by a voice he recognized to be that of Draco's brother Elan.
"Potter, follow me now." Harry looked up slightly taken aback. Elan had never ordered him around. Nonetheless he clambered to his feet and followed Elan out of the common room. They weren't however alone, they were being accompanied by Jamie Davis, Jemma Fawley, and Abraham Montague. They walked in silence for several moments when they finally came to an unused classroom, and Harry was quickly ushered inside.
Once inside Elan aimed his wand at the door and muttered something under his breath. Seeing Harry's questioning look he smirked and said "locking charm." Harry nodded, mentally noting that that was a spell he needed to learn, but before he could think more Elan spoke yet again.
"So, Potter, you're dueling the youngest Weasley tonight?"
Harry, seeing no reason to lie just shrugged and nodded.
They all smirked and this time it was Jamie who spoke.
"Breaking his nose and embarrassing him in front of two houses wasn't enough for you in one day?" She questioned with a teasing smile.
"He asked for it," Harry responded, "he challenged me, I just graciously accepted the challenge."
This drew some appreciative smirks from the others.
"So," asked Jemma, "are you planning to show up, or are you gonna no show and hope he gets expelled?"
"I'm going." Said Harry.
"Well," spoke Elan in a very cheerful voice, "I'm certainly not gonna stop you from embarrassing Weasley twice in a day, but I'm sure as hell gonna make sure you make that Weasley regret every choice he and his family or blood traitors have ever made."
Harry smirked, and it wasn't hard to adjust the tone of his voice, he actually felt mildly offended.
"Do you seriously doubt that I can beat Weasley?" He asked in the most incredulous tone he could muster.
Elan, Montague, and Jemma all snorted, Jamie smirked but spoke.
"No, if what my sister says is true you could probably out duel most second and maybe even some third years, we're just going to make sure you leave a long lasting message, and prevent any flukes from taking place."
"What she means," spoke up Elan, "is we're going to show you some spells to make sure you pulverize the Weasel, we will accept nothing less then a flawless victory after this session, understand?"
Harry smirked and nodded, he was excited to see what some of the houses best had to show him.
"We'll each show you one spell," said Jemma, "are you ready Potter?" He nodded, "good, draw your wand Potter, Ms. Davis if you please."
As Jamie stepped forward Harry held his wand at his side not sure if he was supposed to try to do something against Davis or just wait to repeat her spell, that was his mistake.
'Expelliarmus," the bolt of red light exploded from the end of Jamie's wand and hits Harry straight in the chest, he staggered backwards from the force of her spell, and his wand flew from his hand and into hers.
"That, " she said, throwing his wand back to him, "is a disarming spell, doesn't do damage, as you can tell, but it's deadly useful, you're opponent will have no chance, if they don't have a wand. Now the wand movement is like so," she demonstrated the circular motion, "now, disarm each of us once, GO!"
Harry had no trouble with the spell, he performed the wand movement first, just drawing it out in the air a few times before firing off the spell, he managed to disarm each of them.
Next, Abraham stepped forward.
"Good, now, do you know any basic ways to shield yourself?" Harry nodded,"which shield?" Asked Abraham.
"Aegis, Vocare." Said Harry instantly.
"That will probably be good enough to beat Weasley, but it will only take a few minor jinxes, one strong hex would probably do it in, and any curse would blast straight through it. I'm gonna show you a shield charm you usually don't learn until 4th year. If you don't have the power to pull it off, don't worry about it, most first years wouldn't but, I've heard you've got some talent on you, so we'll give it a shot. So, curse me Potter."
Harry raised an eyebrow at the request but fired off a full body bind at Montague, "Protego!" He shouted, a blue barrier sprung into being in front of him, and Harry's curse hit the barrier before there was a flash of light and then there was no trace of Harry's spell, though the barrier still stood, completely up damaged.
The shield charm took Harry two attempts, but he managed it, which seemed to greatly impress the older prefects. Next, Jemma stepped forwards.
"This is also a useful spell, and if you hit Weasley with it, the duel is over, the incantation is stupefy, the wand movement is simple, just make a stabbing motion with your wand, ending with the wand pointing towards the desired target, it's a stunning spell, and will knock whoever is hit with it unconscious." She waved her wand and a bunch of pillows appeared on the floor. "Any volunteers?" She asked with a smile. Jamie sighed after a minute of silence, and then stepped forward.
"Stupefy." Shouted Harry, the jet of red light shot from the tip of his wand and struck Jamie full in the face, she went stiff as a board and fell backwards, right onto the pillows.
"Well done Potter, well done," said Jemma, as she sent a bolt of white light into Jamie's chest causing her to wake up, "well Malfoy, what do you got?"
The smirk that appeared on Elan's face was perhaps the most evil thing Harry had ever seen.
"I'm gonna be straight with you Potter, I don't expect you to be able to work this curse." That caught Harry's attention, he loved a challenge, and Elan seemed to be preparing to teach him something truly powerful.
"Now, this spell is illegal, because is deemed to be a dark arts spell," he smirked at Harry, "but Weasley can't rat you out, or he would get expelled for challenging you to a duel at midnight. And this may seem like overkill but I can't stand the Weasley's and it would be so satisfying to see the look on the eldest face tomorrow if his little brother was hit with this."
He slashed his wand through the air, pointing at a desk at the last moment.
"Ozio Fracto!" A bolt of wine red light shot from Elan's wand, when it hit the desk there was a loud crack and a flash of the same coloured light that composed the spell, and the desk split in two.
"That," said Elan, "is the bone breaker, it would have been more impressive against a human, but I don't think anyone would've volunteered to take it. So Potter, I'm not gonna have you try this one, because without a test dummy we won't know if you've got it, so I'll just show you the wand movement and give you some pointers, and 50 galleons if you can pull it off against Weasley, you'd probably the youngest ever.
So for the next few minutes Elan showed Harry the wand movement which Harry got down fairly easily.
"Good work Potter, now the hard part, this is the same for any dark arts curse, you need to charge the spell with a negative emotion. Personally I find hatred works the best, at least, that's what my father says, anyway, the emotion doesn't have to be associated with who you're casting the curse at, it can be any negative emotion but it has to be a very powerful one. And of course, this spell takes an extreme amount of raw power to pull off, normally I wouldn't even bother showing this to anyone under the age of 14, but you're hardly the norm, you defeated The Dark Lord, so you've obviously got an extraordinary amount of power. And if what my brother says is true then you're a prodigy in the making. So that's all Potter good luck tonight, and take more than just my brother, I would take 5 students just incase Weasley tries to pull a fast one on you."
And with that, they made their way back to the common room, anticipation building in Harry as the hours moved on.
Though Harry constantly heard none stop talk of unity in the house of serpents, he had never seen it come to life as it had that night. Students ranging from 1st to 7th year wished him the best in his duel, and all seemed to have small bits of advice to offer.
Mercifully midnight arrived, Harry had decided on taking Draco and Theo, since they, aside from him were the best in their little group when it came to spell casting. He also insisted on Crabbe and Goyle coming along, not because they were talented but because the intimidation factor was a very welcome intangible.
Harry was reading his potions text when Draco put a hand on his shoulder and spoke.
"Harry it's 11:30, should we leave now."
Harry who had badly flinched at Draco's touch, as usually stood.
"Yes, we should go, and let this be a message to all of you, stop touching me, I know you mean nothing negative by it, but just stop."
And with that Harry, Draco, Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle made their way towards the trophy room.
It took them about 20 minutes to get their, but they finally had.
"Maybe Weasel won't show." Said Theo.
Harry shook his head in response.
"I doubt it, I despise Weasley but he's in Gryffindor for a reason, and I'm a pretty good judge of emotions, trust me he's coming."
Not 5 minutes after that statement Ron Weasley, Seamus Finnigan, and Dean Thomas stepped into the trophy room, Ron already had his wand drawn.
Ron looked surprised when he saw them, and for a fraction of a second, slightly panicked, Harry didn't miss it.
"What's the matter Weasley? Did you think we wouldn't show up? Did you think I would try to get you caught? Pathetic, where's that famed Gryffindor courage?"
"Shut your mouth Potter, I'm here aren't I? So clearly I'm not afraid of you."
"Good, well in that case, we select someone to count us down, and I end this little tustle quickly, any objections to Not counting us down?"
"Only if he swears an oath to do it fairly."
Weasley's voice was an octave higher than usual, and Harry knew he was, at the very least nervous, at the most, petrified.
"Alright then, Theo if you would."
"I, Theodore Nott, heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Nott, swear on my blood, and my magic that I will fairly referee this duel between Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, so mote it be."
There a was flash of light around Theo, a clear signal that the oath was in effect.
"Let's get this over with then, if you're ready Weasley."
Ron nodded curtly, and they took their stances at opposite ends of the room. Harry knew that Ron was nervous, but he wasn't, anxious yes, nervous no. He knew he was miles ahead of Weasley in both knowledge and power, and thanks to Elan and the rest he had some tricks up his sleeve.
"On my command," said Theo, "3, 2, 1, commence."
"Rictusempra." Shouted Weasley, a jet of blue light flew towards Harry, he found that trophies were impeding his path to either side so he raised his wand to counter.
"Protego." The blue barrier burst into being in front of him and the jinx just hit the barrier and sparked out, not even creating the flash that his full body bind had earlier in the day.
Draco whooped. And the Gryffindors looked downright panicked,
"That's not a first year spell." Growled Finnigan.
"We never said they had to be" said Harry as another jinx from Weasley sparked harmlessly Against his shield.
This went on for a few moments before Weasley screamed.
"Fight back you coward, fight back!"
Harry smirked, "here we go." He thought to himself.
"Be careful what you wish for Weasley. Finite Incantatem," Harry muttered the last two words, canceling his shield charm before going on the offensive.
"Expelliarmus!" The jet of red light shot towards Weasley, Harry anticipated his next move, he doubted Weasley could manage a shield, so he anticipated a dodge, he just didn't know to what direction. As soon as he saw Weasley move he fired his next spell where he knew Weasley would be in seconds.
"Furnunculus!" The spell caught Weasley full in the face causing him to cry out it pain, and raise his hands to cover his face.
Harry hit hit Weasley with three more Furnunculus hexes in the stomach, chest, and somewhere no man should ever have to deal with boils. before Weasley could lower his hands. When he did he finally tried to counter, just as Harry stepped forward to get in a more open area.
"Impedimenta!" Harry, having no idea what that spell did sidestepped and fired a curse towards Weasley as he did.
"Flipendo." Weasley was caught by surprise, evidently not expecting Harry to doge, or counter so fast. He was sent flying backwards and smashed into the wall with a resounding CRASH!
Draco whooped again, as Crabbe and Goyle laughed stupidly, Theo sniggered. They all had had their suspicions confirmed, Weasley had no chance, and their friend had this in the bag.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Chanted Harry, as he flicked his wand towards a row of trophies they all raised into the air simultaneously, he brought them over top of Weasley before letting them fall. CRASH! Harry now knew that he had to end this quickly, he was sure that that, along with the next row of trophies dropped on top of Weasley, mixed with his friends sounds of celebration, mixed with the Gryffindors screams of worry and indignation, would surely be enough to wake the entire castle.
As Harry raised his wand again Finnigan stepped forward and screamed "ENOUGH! HE'S HAD ENOUGH, DAMMIT POTTER, FURNUNCULUS!"
Harry was shocked, he had not expected Finnigan to interrupt the duel, it was so against wizarding customs that it was nearly unheard of.
"Protego." He shouted at the last possible second.
The spell sparked harmlessly off his shield.
"Expelliarmus, Petrificus Totalus, Stupefy."
Finnigan had dodged the first two, but Harry kept chanting until the stunner caught him in the ribs, and sent him down in a heap.
He turned his head to see Thomas was in a duel with Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle were rushing forward, but he knew he didn't have time to let his goons deal with the boy, someone would be here any minute
Harry raised his wand to strike but saw Draco's wand fly out of his hand, he turned in shock to see Weasley was standing again, bruises already forming on his face, and probably on the rest of him as well.
"Fire that spell Potter, and I'll snap his damn wand."
And with that Weasley began firing hexes at Harry, two at a time, with the help of the extra wand. Just as Harry saw Theo hit Dean with a well placed leg locker curse, he heard a sound that froze their blood.
"The trophy room you said my sweet, oh, we'll have them now we will."
"FILCH!" Shouted Draco, trying to alert Harry to his presence.
Harry had to end this quickly, as quickly as possible, but he would not run until Weasley was beaten, and by the rules of a duel it could only end when one was either beaten or unable to continue. He thought back to earlier in the day. "50 galleons if you can pull it off." Ran through his mind, and he knew what to do, the only thing he knew that would end this duel without a shadow of a doubt. "You need a powerful negative emotion." That's what Elan had told him earlier, and he had said that the emotion did not need to be related to his opponent, in this case Weasley. Harry closed his eyes and conjured up an image of three faces, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley. He felt the terrible waves of hatred now coursing through his body take him over as he cried out to the heavens.
"OZIO FRACTO!" The deadly jet of red light exploded from the end of Harry's wand and hit Weasley's arm, which he had raised to cast another spell. The effect was instant. There was a blinding flash of red light, and a CRACK, that seemed to be magically magnified. And then Weasley let out a terrible scream of pain, and collapsed to the floor in tears. By the mangled limb at his side, it was clear that his arm had been broken in several spots. Harry lunged for Draco's wand, which had fallen to the floor when the bone breaker impacted Weasley's arm. Harry had the wand in an instant and through it to Draco.
"FOLLOW ME NOW!" He screamed, and the 5 Slytherins, lead by Harry bolted form the trophy room as fast as possible leaving three Gryffindors in their wake. They ran for what seemed like hours the sound of Filch hot on their tails driving them onwards until they came to a door.
"It's locked" shouted Draco, Crabbe slammed his shoulder into the door but nothing happened.
"We're fucked."
"Oh, get the hell out of my way!" Exclaimed Harry stepping forward.
"Alohomora." The lock clicked and all 5 boys scrambled inside the room.
"You lost them my sweet," came the voice of Argus Filch from the other side of the door, "damnit, well, let's deal with the brats who we saw in the trophy room then."
"Harry, you're brilliant." Said Draco seemingly in awe, "you literally saved our necks, first by doing whatever the hell you did to Weasley to get back my wand, and then this. What is this place anyway?"
Harry turned with the intention to tell Draco he had no idea where they were, but the words died on his tongue instead being replaced with.
"CRABBE OPEN THE DOOR NOW, WE NEED TO GO, I SAID NOW!"
The other 4 boys turned, they had never seen Harry panicked, and what they saw made their blood turn to ice. Standing in front of them, growling menacingly, was a massive dog, with three heads, all staring directly at them. The dog let out a thunderous bark, and Draco screamed. Crabbe however, for all of his faults was well trained to follow orders, he threw the door open, and the 5 of them sprinted out of the door slamming it shut on the way out.
The sprint they were in the midst of now was completely unrivalled by their earlier getaway. They didn't stop sprinting until they were outside the Slytherin common room, and Draco, who seemed the least out of breath, though that wasn't saying much, seeing as he looked like he had just had an asthma attack gave the password. And the 5 of them wordlessly made their way up to their dorm. As soon as the door closed however Draco spoke up.
"What in the bloody hell is that old fool playing at having a dog like that in a school when father here's about this…"
"No," said Harry through a deep breath.
"What do you mean NO!?" Exclaimed Draco, taken aback.
"Draco, if you're father moves against Dumbledore over this, then Dumbledore will know that you were in that corridor, and he'll think you were trying to steal whatever that thing was guarding. Probably on the orders of your father, he'll say."
Draco didn't seem to have anything to say to that, but surprisingly Crabbe did.
"What do you mean guarding Harry?"
"Did none of you see what it was standing on?"
"No," said Theo still gasping for breath, "I was more worried about it's heads."
"It was standing on a trapdoor, Dumbledore is hiding something, something extremely valuable if he's going to these extremes to keep it safe, and it's here, at Hogwarts."
Authors Note
So, how was that, I really want feedback on this chapter, firstly because it was my first action based chapter. Secondly because it is the first major event from cannon that I have changed. My reasoning for this is simple Ron showed up in Philosopher's Stone. And some of you might say he only showed up because he was with Harry, but I don't think so. He made no objections at all, and he proved throughout all of the books, that for all of his numerous flaws, Ron Weasley is not a coward. So I believe he would have showed up, I also believe that Harry would show up, and unlike in the book Draco would also show, this is because he had seen what Harry was capable of, and he knew that Ron posed no threat to him.
Also, about the bone breaker, I know there is going to be some resistance to that, but let me explain a bit. Firstly, it is completely reasonable for Elan to know the curse and to teach Harry. Draco knew the Cruciatus curse in year 6, so there's no reason Elan shouldn't no the bone breaker (a less powerful and probably way less severe) spell in his 5th year. Also, he hates the Weasley's with a passion, and wanted to see if Harry's power stacks up to what his brother makes it out to be.
As for Harry using it, he was panicked. He knew he had to end the duel as fast as possible, and to do so, he naturally went to the most powerful weapon in his arsenal.
I also think it's reasonable for him to be able to cast it. In the books he could cast a full Patronus in book 3, which is a more difficult spell than this. Also the Harry in this universe is WAY more powerful than the one in cannon.
As for the incantation, there is no canon incantation for this curse, so I made it up. Though the translation isn't perfect.
I figured that Ozio Fracto, sounded better then Os Raptor, which means bone breaker. It just didn't sound like a spell, and all other direct translations didn't sound right to me. So I went with Ozio Fracto. Ozio is close to os, which is the Latin term for bone, and fracto is the Latin word for fracture. So I figured it would do.
I apologize for this monster of an author's note, but I wanted to clear it all up.
Thanks for reading and please review.