To break out of a shadow
A/N: Hellooooo everybody I'm back with chapter ten, before we move on to the story though lets talk about those comments of yours. As usual those uninterested may skip past the bold. For the rest of you bear with me for 100-200 words? Lol
Alright first subject would be your reactions to roger/ fleur. I honestly liked the way their relationship was developing although I'll admit that the way he acted in cannon were slightly turn offish. I hope you can think of my Roger Davies as a completely different character then canons Roger Davies. In fact to me he was Harrys best friend, the only reason I took the name was because it was easier to remember. I honestly liked how roger was developing, you know the clown who shows he has a softer but more serious side. (If you don't like roger... well there's nothing I can do about that (bows for forgiveness))
Next topic is the desire for Harry/Daphne/Fleur. Now don't get me wrong I love the Harry/Fleur pairings but this story was set for Daphne and harry, kind of tough to add in fleur (who I've been building up towards roger/fleur) into the mix. Not to mention the practicality of doing something like that, I mean in the end harry would have to choose one of them, and I don't need the headache from such a decision. And for those of you who ask why can't harry have both; let me ask you a question in response. Those of you with girlfriends and or boyfriends respectively (those without just imagine that you did) would you be willing to share them with someone else? I mean it would be every guys dream to get 2 beautiful women but it just doesn't happen in reality now does it. So ill be keeping Fleur out of the mix. I do have a harry/fleur plot in mind though which I might start up once this story ends.
Now for the disclaimer...I OWN NOTHING!
Now that that's out of the way... on with the story!
Chapter 10: A Dance? Really?
The intense excitement over the first round of the competition continued on long after the first rounds conclusion, just as things were starting to settle back down though, professor Flitwick, head of Ravenclaw house called the house together for an exciting announcement as he called it.
The entire Ravenclaw house from fourth year onwards was waiting in the common room, when the door opened and the diminutive professor headed into the room.
"Good evening everyone." The charms professor greeted, as the Ravenclaws returned the greeting.
"Good evening professor." The Ravenclaws said together.
"Now then, on to business shall we." Professor Flitwick said.
"As you know, this competition is based largely on the Triwizard competition." He explained, as the Ravenclaws nodded in agreement.
"Well the Triwizard competition has a tradition of having a dance, which is usually held on the evening of Yule. The organisers for the competition feel that it would be appropriate to continue that tradition so the Yule ball will be held this year, which is why your letters indicated for you to bring dress robes." The professor continued.
Harry and several of the boys gulped audibly, while some of the girls squealed with glee.
The professor flashed them a knowing smile, "And as it is a dance, it is traditional for you to go with a date, the Yule ball will be held in about one weeks time so that should provide you with the time to look for one" The professor added, with a thin smile on his lips, to the groans and squeals of the crowd.
"Does that include dancing?" Roger asked terror upon his face evident.
"Yes. Dancing is usually a big part of a dance." The professor explained, before exiting the common room, which immediately erupted in anarchy.
"Bloody hell! A dance of all things." Roger exclaimed.
"I think it's rather exciting." Cho giggled excitedly.
"Only because you already have a date I'm sure." Harry commented dryly, as Cho blushed slightly in response.
"At least you and Cedric, not to mention Draco and Ana already know who to ask, how the hell am I supposed to ask a girl to the dance?" Roger exclaimed, as he paced back and forth worriedly.
"You mean girls in general, or are you wondering more along the lines of a blonde haired Beauxbatons student?" Harry asked sarcastically.
Roger cringed as he blushed a deep beet red, "Well, um, I wouldn't." Roger stuttered.
"Why don't you just ask?" Harry offered.
"Yeah like it's that easy, what about you who are you going to ask?" Roger rebutted.
Harry was surprised, it hadn't even occurred to him that he would have to ask someone, a memory of a blonde haired Slytherin crept into his mind though.
"I have no idea." Harry lied.
The whole school including their guests were abuzz with the news of the oncoming dance, Harry watched rather amusedly as students all around attempted to get dates for the dance. It was rather interesting to watch as the students tried to ask out their prospective dates, more interesting though was when they failed.
Harry almost laughed at the memory of the youngest Weasley male trying to ask fleur to the dance, he had practically ended up screaming his invitation and had run off in the opposite direction before she could reject his proposal. What made it funnier was when Roger had found out Ron asked fleur, the Ravenclaw had spotted the red haired Griffindor in the halls a day later and had given the boy a stare filled with such hatred and murderous intent that the Griffindor had tripped while trying to escape Roger's piercing gaze.
Harry had made a note to store that memory away for when he was feeling depressed. Naturally there were some students who obviously got much more requests then others. For instance, the international quidditch star Victor Krum, who had a whole slew of girls trying to get him to take them to the ball.
The five children who lived were another major focus. Based on the gossip he heard from Cho and Lisa, it seemed that Harry's brother would be going with a third year Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood. Harry had spoken to the girl before and felt that the girl was an interesting conversationalist to say the least. It seemed that Luna wasn't the only Ravenclaw accompanying one of the five though as Justin Steele had asked Harry's sister to the ball, and the latter had agreed. What surprised Harry though was when Justin and Luna had approached him and asked him if it was okay, Harry had agreed readily. Harry had spent 12 years with Charlie and rose after all and despite some of their more glaring faults they were all in all good people. He did wonder when Justin and Luna had even gotten around to talking to rose and Charlie though. Harry was actually glad that they were going together, hoping that the mixing with the Ravenclaws might dampen his siblings recklessness. Believe it or not Harry was tired of having to go and save them.
This unfortunately brought him to the conundrum he now faced, Harry was currently in the library helping Daphne with her history of magic assignment but found that he wasn't able to focus. The ball was two days away and he still hadn't found the courage to ask Daphne, he had tried but had chickened out at the last minute several times. Daphne, with her perfect long blonde hair and large ice blue eyes was a prime example of beauty, she could even compare with fleur who was a Veela. Harry had also spent enough time with her and knew that she was far more than a pretty face at the same time. Unfortunately this was simply fuel to his already steadily growing attraction towards her, and made asking her even harder. What made matters worse was that he didn't know if the feeling was mutual. Harry sighed irritably, feeling that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
"What's wrong?" Harry heard someone ask concernedly, looking up, Harry spotted those beautiful ice blue eyes that showed concern staring right at him and stifled another sigh.
"It's nothing, why do you ask?" he asked.
"Well usually I would be the one sighing and you would be the one looking amused." She laughed.
"It's this bloody ball." Harry muttered.
Daphne smiled at him warmly, "I can understand your problem." Daphne smiled.
"Have you asked anyone yet?" she asked suddenly, a little tension in her voice.
"What about you?" Harry replied.
"No, some people have asked but... I haven't accepted yet." Daphne commented.
"Thank Merlin for small mercies; at least she's not going with anyone yet." Harry thought.
"After all I barely know some of them; I would prefer to go with someone I actually know." She added.
"Then what about going with me!" Harry blurted, not even realising that he had just asked her to the Yule ball. Upon realising though Harry broke out in a cold sweat, while fidgeting slightly.
A look of surprise appeared on Daphne's face as she blushed a deep red, after which she broke out in a huge smile.
"I would love to." She finally replied still smiling warmly.
It was Harry's turn to register surprise before he too broke out in a smile.
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Of course." She answered as she continued smiling.
Needless to say their study session didn't accomplish much after that and in half an hour the two of them decided to cut their session short and make their way back to their common rooms. Harry was pretty much in a daze as he walked back to the Ravenclaw common room, Harry was still in a daze when he finally entered the room choosing to sit on one of the comfortable chairs and stare blankly at the fire. Resting on the chair Harry stared at the wall thinking about how he had finally asked Daphne to the ball.
Harry's thoughts were turned to the door to the common room though when Roger walked into the room a huge smile plastered across his face.
He walked over to Harry and grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him excitedly with a manic smile still present on his face.
"She said yes Harry! She said yes!" Roger exclaimed, Harry was finally shaken out of his stupor and stared irratatedly at the Ravenclaw.
"Who!?" he asked.
"Fleur of course! She said yes Harry!" Roger continued chanting.
"You asked her? When?" Harry asked.
"I saw her sitting around the black lake and I just went and asked her." Roger explained, his excitement fuelled by adrenaline evident.
Roger sat down next to Harry on the sofa, sighing contently at the day's events before turning towards Harry.
"Have you asked anyone yet? I hear Lisa's going with Damien." He commented.
Harry nodded dumbly, "I kind of just asked someone."
"Did she say yes?" Roger asked, and as Harry nodded the Ravenclaw once again showed excitement on his face.
"Awesome mate, who did you asked." Roger asked.
"Daphne." Harry mumbled.
"I'm sorry?" Roger asked.
"Daphne, I asked Daphne." Harry said with more confidence.
"And she said yes?" Roger asked, as Harry nodded.
"Well well well, aren't we setting our sights high, going after the Slytherin ice princess huh?" Roger teased, as Harry growled at him.
"Did you ever think she would have said yes when you asked her?" Roger asked Harry.
Harry shook his head, "well it's nice to see that I'm not the only one suffering from that problem." Roger laughed, as Harry gave Roger a stupid look.
Harry was currently freaking out, it was in the afternoon of Yule and Harry barely had 4 hours before he had to meet Daphne. It had only just occurred to Harry that he was going to the Yule ball with one of the most desirable witches in the school. Roger wasn't doing any better and was actually attempting to read a book to steady his nerves, in fact none of Harry's room mates were in any way calm as they were hours away from meeting their dates.
Most if not all of the girls had taken to staying in their rooms after lunch, as Harry guessed that they were probably beginning their preparations for the ball. It was either that or a joint ploy by all the girls in the school to make their respective dates worry. Unfortunately that was the current effect it was having on the male half of the school.
Harry had taken to pacing up and down while Justin and Damien were playing a game of checkers chess, they didn't seem to notice though that they were currently using chess pieces. Harry had seen Draco earlier and saw the young Malfoy swallowing huge amounts of candy probably in an attempt to calm his nerves.
Harry frowned visibly at his reflection, if there was ever a time, it was now that he regretted keeping such an untidy appearance. His dress robes, which was currently lying on his bed, like his other clothes were bigger than his actual body size as per his usual preference. While his hair was so long that many strands obscured the view of his face. Hogwarts for all of its rules was still rather slack in terms of attire, so Harry hadn't bothered.
"Maybe I should have listened to Sirius." Harry muttered to himself. And just like that an idea came to Harry and he immediately grabbed his dress robes and made his way out of the common room.
Aurors had been positioned and were staying in the castle, of which Harry was looking for a specific one. Spotting his black haired god or dog father patrolling the hallways Harry rushed towards him.
"I need your help." Harry rasped.
"With?" Sirius asked curiously.
"I asked Daphne to the ball." Harry mumbled.
"Really? That pretty blonde haired Slytherin? It's nice to see your taking after me." Sirius said proudly, as he petted harry on the head extremely pleased
Harry frowned, "Yeah well I don't really..." Harry mumbled while gesturing at his attire.
"So you won't change your attire for your godfather but you will for a girl." Sirius asked.
"Pretty much." Harry muttered.
"Fine, I'll help you but that means you had better not go back to your old ways." Sirius muttered, as he led Harry into an empty classroom.
"Alright ill need a pair of scissors and your dress robes." Sirius muttered, as indicated for Harry to sit down.
"Are you sure you know how to cut hair?" Harry asked.
"Do you want my help or not?"
"Fine." Harry muttered.
Daphne Greengrass looked at her reflection once again, as a tall blonde haired girl stared back at her wearing a green dress that led down to her ankles.
"Are you ready?" Tracy, who was wearing a red dress, asked her.
"Yeah let's go." She answered, as the three girls left the dorm room.
As they descended the stairs they ran into Draco who was pacing worriedly dressed rather regally in green dress robes with silver trimming.
Draco looked up and realized his date had entered the room, Draco smiled warmly.
"Ana you look great." He commented, as Ana smiled in return at him.
"You don't look too bad yourself Draco." She chuckled as she extended her hand which Draco took happily.
"I still don't know who you two are going with though?" Ana pondered as the four slytherins left their common room.
"Well that Hufflepuff Zacharias asked me so I decided to go with him." Tracy said blandly, as the three Slytherin's faced Daphne who looked at them confusedly.
"What?" she asked.
"What about you? You still refuse to tell us about the mystery student you actually agreed to go with." Draco asked.
"Well Harry asked me." She muttered as she felt her cheeks heat up.
"Harry as in Harry potter?" Tracy asked curiously.
"Yes that Harry Potter." Daphne muttered.
Draco and the other two slytherins smiled gleefully, Daphne had grown a slight attraction with Harry in their second year but it soon grew into a full grown crush in a matter of moments when the two started spending more time with each other. It was nice to know that Harry had feelings for her as well.
The group arrived at their designated meeting point and found Cho, Lisa and Roger already with their dates waiting for them.
"Roger actually asked fleur out?" Ana commented.
"I'm not really surprised." Tracy laughed.
"Where's Harry?" Daphne asked a little worriedly.
"I'm not sure, he walked out of the common room a few hours ago and no one's seen him since." Roger explained.
"I'm guessing he lost track of time." Lisa commented with Damien right next to her.
"Who lost track of time?" a very familiar voice sounded out from behind the group, as everyone turned around they spotted Harry potter, although he looked far different then they had ever seen, as the everyone in the group stifled a gasp.
The Ex potter heir was shortened significantly revealing a strong angular face and those piercing green eyes that made Daphne feel as if she was staring straight into the depths of her soul. Harry was also wearing black dress robes with blue trim that seemed to hug his body perfectly showing those watching that he actually had a very lean and muscular body.
"You sure know how to pick them Daph." Tracy whispered as Harry walked up to the group.
"You look great." Harry commented as he smiled warmly.
"So do you." Daphne managed to force out.
"Well don't you clean up nice, is this what you did after you ran out of the common room?" Roger exclaimed.
"Well I would be lying if I said I didn't have any help." Harry answered.
"I guess I need to thank whoever it is that helped you then, although I can guess who it was." Daphne giggled, as she grabbed Harry's left arm, causing the dark haired youth to blush deeply.
"Come on lets go were going to be late." Lisa chided, as the group made their way to the great hall.
"Even at a party she doesn't like to be late." Roger scowled.
"Honestly what do you see in her Damien." Roger asked, earning himself a slap on the arm from fleur and Cho.
"I think we could ask fleur the same thing about you." Cho giggled.
"What's wrong with being on time, that's just good sense." Damien commented.
"Oh god it's like there's two of them." Roger groaned, as the group chuckled heartily.
As the group made their way to the great hall they spotted the participants of the competition gathering outside of the great hall, studying the group as fleur dragged Roger towards them; Harry noticed that victor Krum was dating a certain brown haired book worm.
"Is that Granger with Krum?" Draco asked.
"She cleans up nice as well." Cedric commented, earning himself a glare from Cho.
"Watch it Diggory." She scolded, as Cedric cringed in fear.
"I didn't mean it like that." He muttered apologetically.
As the group made their way past the group into the great hall though it seemed that the participants had started glancing in their direction, needless to say they soon spotted Harry's drastic change in appearance. The most surprised though were his siblings who were standing there slack jawed, with their dates.
Harry waved at them and at his two house mates in particular who were also looking at him, surprise evident on their faces.
"Shall we?" Harry asked, sounding far more confident then he actually felt, as Daphne took his hand as they entered the great hall.
As they entered the crowd turned to look at them expecting to see the participants of the competition, although not what they were expecting gasps still resounded across the room. Many were from the male half of the population surprised that slytherins ice princess had actually come to the ball with Harry potter. Most of the gasps though came directly from the female half of the population as Harry's drastic change surprised them as much as he had surprised his siblings.
"It seems you've made quite an impression." Daphne chuckled.
"There's not much of a difference." Harry muttered irritably unused to all of the stares.
The great hall was completely blue and white as magical snow seemed to rain down from the ceiling as a huge tree remained on one end of the hall while big round tables were found around the table.
Soon the competitors in the competition made their way into the great hall, to the raucous applause of the crowd as they sat down at tables in the front before the meal began.
The house elves had pulled out all of the stops, and had outdone themselves as far as meal preparation went. The entire meal consisted of delicacies from all over the world and everything was cooked to perfection. Soon though, the meal was over quickly and the champions of the schools made their way onto the dance floor. As the entertainment for the night, the weird sisters began playing, the champions themselves kicked of the dancing for the night. Harry watched as Roger took Fleurs hand as the two began to dance. After a moment Harry looked around and noticed that most of the school was already heading for the dance floor. Harry turned to face his date for the night, a deep red blush on his face.
"Daphne would you like to dance?" Harry asked, trying to keep his voice even.
Daphne nodded excitedly a slight red tinge on her pale skin, "Of course I would." she said as she offered Harry her arm, for which he took it happily as the two danced to the music.
Harry was suddenly glad that he had taken up professor McGonagall's offer to teach them how to dance. Harry wasn't too impressed with the idea of a dance at first. But now, as he had his hand touching Daphne's while his other arm wrapped around her petite waist Harry could see the appeal. As they danced Harry couldn't help but stare at those beautiful blue eyes, little did he know that Daphne felt the same draw to his emerald eyes.
The two danced happily to what seemed like an eternity as they gazed happily at each other. As the band started playing a slow song though, much to Harry's surprise, Daphne closed the distance between them. Resting her head and 'chest' upon Harry's body, Harry blushed at the unexpected physical contact although he would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it. Harry took the chance to inhale Daphne's scent, she smelled like a warm summer spring breeze and Harry was intoxicated by it. After another hour of dancing though the couple found themselves getting a little tired and they decided to take a stroll around the castle.
Harry held Daphne's hand as they walked around the grounds enjoying the decorations that had been put up. It seemed that they weren't the only ones with such an idea though as Harry noticed other couples roaming the halls or sitting on benches. Finally finding an empty bench, looking out onto the black lake they sat down and simply admired the scenery.
From the corner of his eye though Harry noticed Daphne shiver slightly, realising that her dress might not have been thick enough for the cold weather Hogwarts was famous for, even with a shawl. Harry slowly reached his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Daphne tensed slightly at first; before relaxing as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Harry had lost track of how long the two of them had remained seated in that position but he truly enjoyed every second of it. Unfortunately all good things had to come to an end and eventually the increased noise from the great hall alerted the couple that the Yule ball had come to an end.
Taking Daphne's hand once again Harry led Daphne back to the castle, escorting her back to the Slytherin common room Harry's heart began beating quicker and quicker unsure as to how the night would end.
"Thank you for asking me Harry, I had a lovely time." Daphne said while smiling warmly.
"Thank you for saying yes." Harry said with just as big a smile.
As they arrived at the entrance to the Slytherin common room, they faced each other staring each other as silence seemed to reign over the entire hallway. As Harry stared into those amazing sapphire blue eyes, he lost himself as his instincts took over. Harry bent down slowly, hoping that he wasn't about to take things too far. To his surprise though Daphne had the same thing in mind and met him halfway, kissing him while wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry in turn wrapped his arms around her petite waist. They held the kiss for over two minutes although it seemed more like a few seconds to Harry and Daphne.
When they finally broke from their kiss they looked at each other, both with stupid smiles on their faces.
"Wow." Harry stuttered.
"Yeah." Daphne smiled wistfully, flushed.
"Hey Daphne?" Harry asked, blushing slightly.
"Yes?" she answered perking up slightly.
"There's a hogsmeade trip coming up this week right?" Harry asked.
Daphne nodded, "I believe so."
"Well, I was wondering if you would like to go with me." Harry asked a red tinge on his face.
"You mean as..."
"Yes." Harry asked, blushing deeply.
"So what do you say?" Harry asked, as Daphne swung her arms around him once again as she pulled him into another searing kiss, as Harry savoured the taste of her lips.
"Strawberries." Harry thought silently.
As they broke apart again, Harry had a stunned expression on his face, while Daphne smiled happily at him.
"I'll be taking that as a yes." Harry said stupidly as Daphne nodded happily at him.
"I'll see you then." She answered blushing slightly as she entered the common room.
Harry rested against the wall outside the common room stunned at the sudden turn of events. Thinking back to the taste of strawberries, Harry smiled whimsically as he made his way back into the common room.
As Harry entered the common room he still walking in a dazed manner, spotting Roger sitting down by the fire place Harry sat down next to him staring at the flames like Roger, who was still in his own world not realising that Harry had seated next to him.
When the two boys looked at each other, Harry spotted Roger with lipstick on his lips. Unbeknownst to Harry Roger was looking at his lips which also had. The two boys smiled at each other,
"I'm guessing you had a good time?" Roger laughed.
"From what I see so did you." Harry commented, as the two boys laughed loudly.
"Today was probably the best day of my life." Roger pondered out loud, as Harry silently agreed with him.
Harry muttered angrily under his breath as he made his way to the great hall, he couldn't sleep at all last night after the excitement of the past evening who could blame him. Now in the morning he was in a seriously bad mood.
"What the hell are these people staring at?" Harry scowled angrily, as the constant stares from the students were seriously starting to irritate.
"Do you have any idea how different you look?" Lisa asked, in an incredibly chipper mood, as Damien walked beside her.
"Not to mention that you went to the ball last night with Daphne." Cho pointed out.
"Still, you look good." Roger laughed, earning him a growl from Harry.
Harry's mood improved quickly though as he spotted their four Slytherin friends, or more importantly Daphne. It seemed that she spotted Harry too though as she smiled at him brightly, while the group of slytherins walked up towards them.
"So how was the ball last night?" Draco asked.
"It was fine." Roger and Harry answered at the same time, a slight red tinge appearing on their cheeks.
"Judging by how Daphne was acting when she got back at the common room I highly doubt that it was just 'fine'." Tracy smiled slyly.
Lisa and Cho perked up at that, "What, how?" Cho asked curiously.
Daphne blushed deeply at that, "Tracy don't you dare!" she exclaimed.
"She had a huge smile plastered across her face the whole night! When Nott confronted her about going with Harry instead of him she didn't say or do anything, she just kept smiling. She creeped him out so badly he just walked off." Ana added, while wrapping her around Harry's shoulder.
"So Harry what did you do to melt our ice princess hmmm?" the Zambini heiress joked cheekily as Harry and Daphne blushed slightly.
"Control her Draco." Harry whined.
Draco though just looked on amusedly, "I don't really have any control over her really." He chuckled eliciting a laugh from the group, while Harry grumbled about irritating purebloods. Before they could enter the great hall though, Harry felt a hand on his back as someone shoved him out of the way.
"Move it potter!" Sean Michaels growled, as he made his way into the great hall followed swiftly by his the other Griffindor's.
"What the hell is his problem?" Harry wondered out loud.
"Well, you know how I told you some other people asked me to the ball before you did?" Daphne asked, a little worriedly.
"Yes? Why?" Harry answered.
"Well Sean was one of those that asked me." She explained.
"What?"
"Well he did always have a slight crush on her." Roger commented.
"Still that's no reason to act like that." Harry muttered, but soon stopped as Daphne kissed him on the cheek, while Roger and Draco whistled amusedly.
"I'm sorry about that." She smiled.
"I'll be fine." Harry answered mechanically, as Daphne flashed him another one of her smiles before the four slytherins made their way to their table.
"Your moods improved greatly." Roger commented.
"I don't want to hear that from you." Harry growled as he indicated a certain blonde haired beauxbaton student, who seemed to be looking for someone.
"I think she's looking for you." Harry smiled slyly, as Roger sputtered in shock while walking towards the table, albeit a little unevenly. Watching this Cho and Lisa laughed amusedly at the sight while Harry looked on with amusement.
Unbeknownst to Harry though there was someone staring at him and his friends, while said person sat at the Griffindor table staring at him with hateful eyes.
"Sean stop staring." Rose chided.
"What does Daphne see in him?" Sean snarled.
"He IS the top student every year." Charlie offered.
"He doesn't even pay attention in class." Hermione muttered offended at the fact that Harry was regarded as the smartest student of their year.
Charlie and rose looked at each other worriedly, they had known that Sean had a crush on Daphne for a long time; needless to say they didn't expect that Daphne would actually turn him down and go with Harry of all people.
"Come on Sean she's just a Slytherin she's not worth your time." Ron answered.
He stopped though as Charlie elbowed him in the ribs painfully, "Ow!" Ron exclaimed.
"Shut up." Charlie hissed.
"Well there is something you could do if you want him to stay away from Daphne." Celia pondered.
"What?" Sean asked excitedly.
"Remember those pure blood society books dad and mum made us read." Celia explained.
"Yes." Sean answered.
"Well there was this tradition where wizards who were courting the same witch would have a duel of honour to decide who would have the rights to court her. If one wizard refuse the challenge or loses tradition states that he should never go near that witch again." Celia offered.
Sean began smiling predatorily while staring at Harry, "That is a pretty good idea." He chuckled.
Charlie blanched at the idea, "There's no need to duel over something like this."
"Please there's no way he'll accept he'll probably just chicken out." Ron sneered, adding fuel to the fire.
Rose frowned disapprovingly, "Come on Sean, he's our brother and Daphne does seem to like him anyway, there are other girls for you to go after." Rose pleaded, but Sean wasn't hearing it.
Sean stood up swiftly and made his way to the Ravenclaw table a weird glint in his eye, as Celia and Neville followed him.
Sean found himself facing Harry potter's back, drawing the stares of Lisa and Cho who were sitting on Harry's opposite. Sean watched as Harry potter turned to face him a curiosity evident on his face.
"May I help you?" Harry asked.
"Harry potter, I challenge you to a duel of honour!" Sean announced loudly, making sure that everyone in the great hall heard his challenge, those familiar with the rules instantly perking up upon hearing the challenge being issued.
"I'm sorry? What?" Harry asked.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked.
"He's challenging you for the rights to date Daphne Harry." Sean heard Roger whisper.
"The both of you will have to duel and only the winner can court Daphne." Lisa explained further.
"That's ridiculous Daphne's not some trophy to be competed for! I won't go through with it!" Harry answered outraged.
"Harry you don't have a choice, if you reject the challenge you forfeit any right you have to be with Daphne, it may be stupid but that's just how things go." Roger explained, showing a fair amount of knowledge on the matter.
"Although no one really follows such traditions anymore." He added.
At that moment Harry stood up, as he was face to face with Sean he stared deeply into Sean's eyes, so much so that Sean had to repress a flinch.
"Very well Michaels I accept your challenge." Harry growled, while Sean smiled triumphantly as if he had already won the duel.
It was at that moment though that Albus Dumbledore decided to interfere, "Harry my boy; surely there's no need to resort to a duel." The old man explained.
"First of all, how many times have I told you not to call me 'my boy' headmaster, either call me Mr. Potter or don't call me at all." Harry growled, as Albus Dumbledore and the rest of the school looked taken aback at Harry's harsh tone against the acclaimed most powerful wizard in the world.
"Secondly, he's the one who challenged me to the duel; if you want to stop this tell him to rescind the challenge. And if not then well have that duel tonight." Harry growled, as he left the great hall followed swiftly by his friends, from the various houses.
Harry hadn't felt such uncontrolled anger in a long time, feeling that he needed to calm down, Harry made his way to black lake. Where he walked along the edge of the lake until he found a comfortable spot to
"Are you seriously going to duel Sean?" Roger asked.
"It's not like I have much of a choice now do I?" Harry rebutted.
"But he has been taught by the headmaster." Draco commented.
"What if you get hurt?" Daphne said worriedly.
Harry calmed down quickly upon seeing Daphne, smirking inwardly at the effect that she had had on him.
"I'll be fine, besides I'm looking forward to our trip to hogsmeade so i don't plan to get injured anytime soon." Harry chuckled.
Daphne still didn't look convinced though, "but what if-" she started.
Harry though grabbing the Daphne and Roger who just so happened to be the closest to him, Harry yanked them to the floor. Setting of a chain reaction as they in turn grabbed those closest to them and in the end all of them ended up sprawled on the grass.
Harry laughed loudly at the sight, "come on no sense worrying, besides it is a beautiful day and we have no lessons today, I say we just relax." Harry answered. As the group decided that there wasn't much they could do anyway.
The group then spent the rest of the day relaxing under the sun, the sun begun to set soon though and with that their worries began building up once again.
"Are you sure you'll be fine? He is skilled; the way he acted along with his friends during the first task does show that." Fleur pondered out loud.
"I'll be fine." Harry answered, shrugging of her worries nonchalantly.
"You'd better be." Daphne growled, as the group chuckled in unison.
As the group entered the great hall, they found that it was packed just like any other day. Unlike other days though the common sight of four long tables was not present, instead a long platform stood in the middle of the great hall.
"Cant he at least let me eat first before we duel." Harry muttered.
"Maybe if you didn't growl at him." Draco chided.
"I couldn't help it." Harry whined.
"Well then you're going to have to duel with an empty stomach." Cedric chuckled, as the other members of the group laughed tensely.
Harry raised an eyebrow when he spotted Dumbledore walking along the long platform, "we are here to witness a duel of honour between Harry potter and Sean Michaels." He started.
"May both of you please step onto the stage?" he added, as Harry made his way to the stage though he felt someone tug on his sleeve. Turning around he was faced by an increasingly worried looking Daphne.
"Be careful okay." She muttered, as Harry smiled warmly at her.
"Of course." He laughed before he stood up on the platform as he made his way to the centre where Sean was already waiting for him a cruel twinkle in his eye.
"I'm going to rip you apart Potter." Sean growled a little too loudly.
"You do realize that using my last name doesn't work as well when there are two other people who share it as well right?" Harry responded sarcastically while indicating his two siblings, who were looking almost as worried as Daphne did.
Harry turned around as he and Sean stood back to back, preparing to begin before they walked to the ends of the stage that had been prepared. Harry spotted Daphne and his friends fight their way to the front of the crowd and smiled at them, hoping to calm them down. As Harry reached the end he turned around while taking up a proper stance, looking at Sean who had also taken up a stance.
"You shall begin on three." The headmaster explained.
"One" he started as the hall fell silent, you could have probably heard a pin drop.
"Two" he continued as the crowd watched the two duellists face each other.
"Three" he finished, while the crowd tensed awaiting the beginning of the duel.
"reducto" Sean started, sending a bolt of energy at Harry, who side stepped it easily.
The chosen one frowned before sending an impressive number of spells at Harry including cutting curses and stupefies into the mix, all of which flew swiftly in Harry's direction
"protégo" Harry muttered, as the spells bounced of the shield harmlessly.
"stupefy." Harry said, charging the spell with power.
As the red bolt soared towards him, Sean gave Harry a truly condescending look as if he found it amusing that Harry would use such a spell against him.
"protégo." He announced, expecting the spell to bounce of harmlessly. Needless to say he was shocked when instead of doing that, the simple stupefy spell Harry launched shattered his shield, forcing him to jump to the side.
He recovered quickly but still flashed Harry a bewildered look, that look matched the ones shown by everyone in the great hall at the moment.
The foreign students, especially those participating in the competition had come to see what should have been an internal Hogwarts affair as they had been interested in watching the skills of one of the chosen ones in action. It had been clear to all those participating that despite the fact that the Hogwarts team was made of fourth years, the team was still prime for victory. They had thus come to watch the match with the hopes of building up some information on their competition.
They hadn't been disappointed when Sean had started using an impressive combination of spells and attack patterns. What they didn't expect though was for Harry to neutralize those spells that easily while attacking with such force.
"Why isn't he a champion?" was the common thought amongst the foreign students watching the duel.
The students of Hogwarts were thinking along such lines as well, most had come with the expectation that Harry would have been defeated soundly. Even if he was the top student of the year for three years running, they had still expected Sean to win; after all he was trained by none other than Albus Dumbledore.
Sean for his part was feeling a growing sense of fear in the pit of his stomach, he had expected Harry to chicken out of the duel, and for the eldest potter to actually accept had confused him earlier. Now though he was completely stunned, even though Harry had surprised him by accepting the challenge he had not expected him to have put up such a fight. It wouldn't have been wrong to say that Harry was toying with him at the moment.
Harry for his part was treating this like any other duel with a practice dummy, Sean and the five may have improved greatly but as they were now, even if they competed with him when he was 11 he would have won. Needless to say Harry had also made great improvements in his magical training; dealing with Sean was child's play. The chosen one had unknowingly proposed a challenge in which he would have no chance of winning.
"repulso." Sean exclaimed, as a burst of force flew from the tip of his wand at Harry.
"protégo." Harry countered once again blocking the spell.
Sean was getting desperate, no matter what spells he threw at Harry, they were easily dealt with even the more dangerous spells. While when Harry attacked he was almost immediately led into a corner.
It was then that a thought occurred to Sean, "Am I going to lose." He thought, horrified. He frowned; he needed an opening something that would allow his attacks to go through. It was then that a thought occurred to him.
Using a spell taught to him by the headmaster no less he sent a spell towards the crowd, or more specifically at Daphne and Harry's friends.
"interitum mundorom." He chanted as a burst of black light flew towards Harry's friends.
Harry reacted immediately throwing a shield around his friends who were taken by surprise and couldn't move in time. "aegis protegius maximus." Harry said, as a gold veil of energy surrounded his friends blocking the black jet of light.
To do that though Harry left an opening, which Sean had been ready for. "obfula malifactous." Sean shouted. As an invisible blade flew swiftly towards the other end of the stage, heading straight for Harry.
"He won't be able to cast a spell in time." Was what Sean thought, expecting the spell to cut Harry deeply ending the fight.
Unfortunately for him, Harry had honed his dodging skills perfectly, practicing daily with several practice dummies. Harry jumped into the air twisting while in midair away from the invisible blade. The blade still managed to graze his cheek though leaving a cut that was already bleeding, Sean was surprised that Harry had dodged the spell but instantly continued his magical bombardment sending spell after spell at Harry. The chosen one had lost his chance though as Harry had recovered and was easily defending against his spells again.
Harry saw red, not because he had been injured, but because Sean had the audacity to try and attack his friends. Most would have seen that spell as a misfire, but Harry knew better than that. The speed with which Sean reacted to Harry's opening was an obvious sign that his attack was intentional.
Harry had been hoping to extend the battle so as to not hurt Sean or his ego too badly, his actions though totally changed Harry's plan as the dark haired youth decided he would crush the chosen one.
"accio Sean Michaels." Harry exclaimed, as the crowd watched in amazement as Sean flew towards Harry.
When he was merely one or two meters away from him, Harry took action.
"bombarda." Harry hollered as the blasting spell hit Sean point blank throwing him back, Harry held back but expected the chosen one to have at least suffered from a few broken bones. Unfortunately for Sean Harry was far from done with him though.
Harry didn't wait for him to land on the floor or hit the wall before continuing his attack.
"gravitas confringitus." Harry shouted, as gravity seemed to increase on the chosen one thrusting him towards the platform which shattered upon impacting Sean. The force was so strong that it kept Sean pushed against the stone floors of the great hall actually causing the stone to seem to sink inward.
Harry walked slowly and confidently towards the youth as everyone in the room was in a state of shock and didn't even think of stopping the match. Sean was still being pushed against the floor by the spell when Harry arrived one meter away from him. Harry knelt down in front of him,
"Do you yield?" Harry asked waiting until Sean finally managed to squeak out a confirmation, before he released the spell though Harry had one more thing to say to the boy.
"If you ever think of harming Daphne or my friends again, then I will find you no matter where you hide and I will bleed you like a pig." Harry whispered silently as Sean cringed in fear.
"Am I clear?" Harry asked, as Sean squeaked out another confirmation. After which Harry released the spell, while the crowd seemed to have finally recovered from the shock, as Celia and the Griffindors rushed to Sean's aide. A large portion of the hall though still remained their attention on Harry potter, who had left the hall with his friends following right behind him.
One of those stunned on lookers was none other than Albus Dumbledore, 'esteemed' mentor to the chosen ones. One of whom had just been beaten easily by none other than Harry Potter; the headmaster frowned visibly as memories of the fight were still fresh in his mind.
Dumbledore had trained the five intensively after their encounter with Quirell in their first year; it was his opinion that they were the strongest students in the school. His assumption had just been proven wrong by the Ex Potter heir. After watching the duel, the headmaster had no doubt that if it came down to it the potter heir would definitely beat the five in a fight.
The ex potter heir was a complete mystery to the wizened old man, the boy was like a puzzle that seemed to get more complicated just as he felt he was about to solve it. What made matters worse was Harry's outright aggression towards him, the paragon of the light side. Looking at Sean's limping body as his friends from Griffindor brought him out of the hall. Dumbledore sighed wearily, he expected Sean to make an easy victory of the duel, thereby ending any of Harry's rebelliousness, now though it seemed that he would be sending a message to what would be two very irate parents.
"That was incredible!" Roger exclaimed, as the group swarmed around Harry.
"Where did you learn to duel like that?" Draco asked, impressed.
Harry shrugged, as it if it was inconsequential.
"Harry, your hurt." Daphne frowned indicating his cheek.
"It's just a scratch." Harry dismissed.
"We don't know that it could be a cursed, you need to see madam Promfrey." Cho chided, as Harry cringed in horror.
"No! Please anything but that, she'll make me stay for observation." Harry groaned.
"You need to see her." Daphne frowned.
"But-."
"No buts, you're going to the hospital wing." She growled as she dragged Harry along, Harry frowned as he followed rather grudgingly. From the corner of his eye he noticed Roger cedric and Draco giggling, he couldn't quite make out what they were saying but he did hear the words 'whipped' rather clearly.
Madam Promfrey tsked as she cleaned the blood from the long gash on Harry's cheek, "Honestly the youth today." She griped.
"It's just a scratch." Harry muttered.
"That bleeds like this? I don't think so." She added, as Harry's friends watched on in amusement.
"Drink this." she demanded, while passing him a vial with a weird orange twinge.
As Harry forced the disgusting drink down his throat, she twirled her wand closing the wound.
"By the way you will probably be getting a more serious patient any moment now." Harry muttered rather embarrassed.
She frowned, "what did you do?"
"I may have injured Sean Michaels rather severely." Harry muttered, as the wizened matriarch of the hospital wing groaned audibly.
"How severely?" she asked.
"I might have broken a few of his bones." Harry answered.
The woman frowned at him, while Harry raised his hands in a placating gesture.
"You know about the duel right?" as Harry asked, she nodded immediately.
"Well he sort of attacked them in the crowd and I lost my temper." Harry answered, while indicating his friends.
She frowned, while groaning something about the youth of today.
The doors to the hospital burst open at the same time as Sean was brought into the hospital wing by several Griffindor's who cringed as they noticed Harry in the room.
"I had better take care of this; you stay here and don't move." She moaned, as she walked over to Griffindor's while asking them to lay Sean on one of the beds.
Harry watched as madam Promfrey ran through a series spells and potions to Sean before she walked back to Harry.
"How is he?" Harry asked with a forced smile.
"You broke five ribs tore three of his muscles and fractured the bones in his arms and legs." She chided.
"If I wasn't so upset I would say that I'm actually pretty impressed, what exactly did you did to him?" she asked.
"Meh." Harry shrugged, as madam Promfrey swatted his head.
"Ow!" He exclaimed.
"You can go; I won't make you stay for observation this time." She scolded.
"I've said this once and ill say it again, your bed side manner is horrible."
"Only for those extra special patients." she laughed. As Harry stood up and walked towards the exit though, the doors burst open once again as Darren and Sarah Michaels entered the hospital wing along with Albus Dumbledore.
Once they noticed their son lying on the bed unconscious they rushed over to him immediately worried expressions on their faces.
Harry spared them a momentary glance before he began making his way out of the hospital wing; unfortunately the Michaels soon turned their attentions to Harry, their faces practically glowing red with anger.
Darren Michaels rushed forward and grabbed Harry's shoulder, turning the youth around he made a move to punch him.
"How dare you hurt my son!" He screeched, when he sung his first though he found that he had only managed to hit nothing but air.
Harry's magical sense had warned him of the danger and he had twisted out of the Michaels fist, Harry's wand was immediately in his hand pointing at the man who had tried to attack him.
Dumbledore chose that exact moment to cut in though getting in between lord Michaels and Harry before, as Dumbledore assumed, Harry hurt Darren.
"I want him expelled!" Sarah screeched.
"For what?" Harry asked contemptuously.
"Harry, you severely hurt Sean, that is grounds for some serious punishment." Dumbledore mentioned, as the Michaels looked triumphant while madam Promfrey not to mention Harry's friends looked horrified.
"However if you were to apologize, we could be slightly more lenient." Dumbledore mentioned, this was in part his plan as there was no way that he would be kicking Harry out as Harry had shown to be a great talent and the light side couldn't risk such talent turning to the dark side. Forcing Harry to apologize would be a good way to control him, after which he would slowly put the boy under his thumb.
To Dumbledore's surprise Harry chuckled, as if he was watching something rather amusedly.
"I don't think so, besides you have no grounds to take any form of action against me." Harry dismissed.
"You put our son in the hospital wing!" Sarah screeched.
"Because of a duel which, for your information your son challenged me to. The moment he challenged me to such a duel was the moment the school rules held no sway over me. Besides he was using some pretty dangerous spells as well, so you have no grounds for any of these punishments you wish to inflict. Now I would appreciate it if you would stop wasting my time, good day Mr and Mrs Michaels, headmaster." Harry answered, his tone stating that the subject was done. As he walked out of the hospital wing with his friends, not before waving to madam Promfrey who waved at him in return.
The days passed after the duel, but Sean was still stuck in the hospital wing, even magic could only go so far. Harry though wasn't really concerned about the chosen one. he had practically demanded the duel and after what he tried to do harry was beyond remorse at the moment.
"He's still in the hospital wing?" Lisa asked.
"Yeah, you really put quite number on him Harry." Roger laughed, as Harry shrugged.
"It was very impressive." Fleur concurred.
Lisa though was deep in thought, "What's wrong?" Cho asked.
"The second task is in three days time; at this rate we only have four people on the team." Lisa pondered.
"Dumbledore will probably find a replacement." Harry muttered, as he felt someone taping on his shoulder. As he turned around a third year Griffindor passed him a letter before walking off, Harry stared stupidly at the letter. As he read the letter he couldn't help but feel an intense feeling of irritation rising.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I would like to discuss something with you concerning the international wizard cup as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely, Albus Wulfric Percival Dumbledore
Ps my favourite candy is gobstoppers.
Harry frowned visibly at the letter while Roger read the letter over his shoulder.
"I'm guessing he's found his replacement." Roger commented dryly.
"You've got to be kidding me." Harry muttered.
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk looking at four of the five chosen ones; he was honestly pleased with his idea. The competition had rules in place that dictated that a replacement could be chosen, Dumbledore was currently pretty pleased with his decision of replacement. Making Harry work with the five was a perfect way to build a better relationship with the boy.
"Are you sure you want him to replace Sean headmaster." Neville asked, he like all the others had been given a glimpse of what Harry could do and honestly he feared Harry.
"Yes I'm sure Neville; in fact I believe he will be arriving shortly." The head master commented.
His statement couldn't have been truer in fact as Harry potter soon burst into the room, the anger on his face evident.
"Harry please sit." The head master said a smile on his face while he indicated the chair in front of him
"Why don't you just ask Dumbledore, and by the way I will not be replacing Sean as a participant." Harry growled.
"But Harry the school does need a temporary replacement not to mention that you do have some responsibility in putting Sean in the hospital wing." Dumbledore stated.
"As I've told you it's his own damn fault for challenging me in the first place, you can forget about guilting me into participating." Harry added.
"You have a lot of talent Harry I could help you develop It." he offered.
"If I participate in the competition?" Harry asked, as Dumbledore nodded though Harry chuckled once again.
"I've seen your lessons and honestly I'm not impressed." He commented as five pairs of eyes stared at him incredulously.
"How would you have seen our classes?" Celia asked rather harshly, although Harry guessed that he deserved that a little what with the state her brother was in.
"You used to hold your classes below my old room, it wasn't difficult." Harry commented.
Dumbledore sighed as his only trump card was shot down by Harry, "Then what would it take to have your cooperation?" he asked desperation clear.
Harry frowned; the old man had to have a reason for his desperation, although Harry had a slight feeling that it was a stupid one. Harry had a strong feeling that at the moment he could have probably asked Dumbledore for anything and the man would have to agree, it was then that a truly delicious idea came to Harry. It was one thing to get something from a powerful man, but to have a powerful man be indebted to you now that was promising.
"I'll join the competition for the second task and the second task only." Harry started, as Dumbledore lit up at the thought.
"But you'll owe me one; I want you to swear that you will do something for me as long as it does not involve doing any direct harm to others." Harry finished as he saw Albus Dumbledore pale slightly.
"Surely ther-"
"That's my offer take it or leave It." Harry answered a sense of finality in his tone.
Dumbledore sighed once again; he knew it was for the greater good to build a better relationship between Harry and the five. The problem was that usually when he thought about the greater good it would be someone else who had to sacrifice something important. He sighed once again when he realised there was no way out of this, so he made a magical oath.
"Wonderful." Harry answered, before bidding all those in the room goodbye.
That's the end of chapter ten, as usual I'll be seeing you next week for chapter 11, and did you enjoy Harry's makeover? It was an idea I juggled around before writing. After all our heroes are supposed to be handsome and all that right?