Hey guys! So if you guys see anyway grammatical errors point them out in a review( yupp, call me out on it!) or PM. Honestly I've been doing this entire story on my Iphone- that is not excuse of course- but that is the main reason for word trails and everything. Another thing, I also change POV's a lot. Should I stick to one or mix it up like I usually do? Tell me and I will abide by your humble wishes! Do you guys alway want me to include chapters on 1001 way to kill
and the occlumency book Harry is reading? Just to show what's actually in the books. It would be added as another for reading/reviewing/following/favoriting and all that rot!
Disclaimer! None of this mine. All J.K Rowlings
Third Person
The Hogwarts Hospital ward was clean. Even without house elves the matron , Poppy Pomfrey, kept the hospital almost cleaner than St. Mungos . Always following the headmasters orders to a tee, even if she was forced by the required Healers' Oath.
Dealing with adolescent screaming, curses, and whining has gifted Poppy with a patience not many witches are granted in their long life time. With an annoying fly that was buzzing around or some bug, Madam Pomfrey's patience was dwindling very quickly. Trying to swat the incessant vermin away, the nurse tended to the spreading curse on the headmaster's old wilting body. It was obvious to everyone - the Order Members who know of his injuries- that the man would die in his post as Headmaster; like many suspected.
Poppy gave another frustrated huff. Patience non-existant to this point. Secretly, the nurse was ecstatic the meddling coot was about to perish. She'd often try and give poor Harry nutrient potions and consoling for his abuse( being a healer she quickly spotted the obvious signs), but any sign of improvement often vanished in two weeks; leaving Harry with equally low self-esteem,if not lower, and weaker body. Oh the boy thought he was fooling her, but she long ago figured out the headmasters game, and supported Harry in everything he has done. So the old nurse continued to give Harry the potions everyday by delivering them to his dorm- courtesy of the house elves;neither of them ever mentioned the daily occurence.
The nurse toke a small break, nerves strung and hoping against hope that the one thing she couldn't stand doesn't barge through the double doors like she has been for the last two days.
" HOW DARE THAT BOY CURSE THE HEADMASTER! AFTER EVERYTHING WE'D DONE FOR HIM!"
Fate was never fair.
Taking a deep breath, Poppy pulled out of her revere and faced the seething face of Molly Weasley, haggard face of Arthur Weasley, and the rest of the order members; who were shooting Dumbledore's prone body worried glances.
" Mrs. Weasley, please quiet your voice before entering." The house-wife opened her mouth to argue but Poppy quickly cut in, efficiently silencing the banshee. " You'll disturb the Headmasters rest, if you do not quiet I will ask you to leave this instant!"
The Order Members pushed pasted the tomato faced witch and all sat down by Dumbledore's bedside. Gazing at the body like it would suddenly spring upwards and ask everyone if they'd fancy a lemon drop. Mad-eye sighed heavily and stood before the melancholy Order Members, speaking gruffly," desperate times call for desperate measures lads, for the greater good, after all." He continued as he noticed everyone's nods. " We all know dark wizards are evil, scum. Just exterminating all of them will easily get rid of our problems."
" But how would we do that Mad-eye? You can't tell who's a dark wizard and who's not by lookin' at em. And what about those with grey-cores?" A logical Order member questioned.
" Neutral bloody well be dark! And we'll look at the families! The Malfoys are known Dark wizards we will start with who's related to them swine' and Slytherins in general!" - Moody was conveniently forgetting all purebloods were inter-related. Some of the smarter Order members - their are few- shifted slightly, realizing what the plan would bring. While the sheep gazed at Moody thinking he'd come up with the best plan since Dumbledore's plan in first year. Poppy's eyebrows had risen from behind the door she was eavesdropping on, that was the stupidest plan she'd ever heard! Poppy went to the emergency door to exit, heading to the owlery when her office door crashed open showing Moody and two other order members
" Constant Vigilance lads! See what happens when you don't erect them silencing wards!"
" Exit my office this instance! I'm heading to my potions chamber, someone has to take care of that Headmaster of yours!", Poppy yelled indignantly. Inwardly frightened at Moody would try, her wand was secure, but she was never proficient in defense. The matron certainty couldn't hold off three order members who were stalking into her office. But she'd have to try. Healers were neutral in all conflicts, she'd have to warn Harry, knowing the boy would return in time to stop the potential massacre. Poppy began throwing spells left and right. Praying to Merlin that she'd escape. An expelliarmus hit her in the chest, plucking the wand from her grasp. The last thing Poppy remembered was the quickly departing bug exiting the window she always leaves open and was Moody's gruff voice of " Obliviate".
Harry's Pov
Lucius and I share glances as we both make our way to the dueling platform. Once we arrive I lock eyes with my father-like figure, knowing a duel won't mean anything; but neither of us will go easy on each other. Bowing, I straighten my posture and begin to think on everything I learned about the inner circle during my research of the first war while we circle one another.
Lucius Malfoy.
Known on the battle field for his vicious hexes and curses.
Killed the most Order Members only second to the Dark Lord during the first war
Favoring his left side, which is rarely used by any wizard, adding an extra layer of defense.
Favors shields more than moving, but is extremely fast..remembering all I can in the heat of the moment ,I do the last thing the deatheaters were expecting. Probably making them reconsider my position as their second lord.
I close my eyes just as Lucius waves his wand in a silent curse.
I open my eyes after successfully blanking my mind. Coming face to face with a vicious looking purple bolt. Drawing me into the trance that was allowed me too survive my many encounters with Voldemort. Practicing my occlumency has only enhanced the trance, temporarily reducing my mind to its' baser instincts.
Duck.
Strike. I lunge forward shooting a barrage of spells.
Lucius easily blocks and returns the favor with his own spells. Giving me the chance too exude my magic onto the flooring as I conjure a shield.
Behind you. I duck as a blue curse whizzes above my head.
"Furor terrae!" Lucius hovers himself as the lava he casted surges in waves towards me.
I Iurch my hands fowards, a blue pulse emanating from my fingertips as I hiss, ~ Freezzee!~ The spell trickles from my fingertips onto the floor,which is now the perfect picture of a brewing storm circling the sky. I create a platform and blocks of ice. Lucius lets his levitation go as he descends, wary of my magic now cascading around my body.
Mistake.
I raise my wand and levitate the pieces of ice,chiseling them into ice daggers as I begin to dart around Lucius looking for an opening. Lucius apparates behind me, kicking my squarely in my back.
Flip.
I fix my fall gracefully, shooting spells as I land on my shoulder. Lucius moves to give the final blow. And finds himself stuck, glancing down he sees the ice picks imbedded into his robes and hand ; which are glowing with swirls of my black and sea-blue magic. His blood quickly decorates the ice , transforming it further, into a pretty violet color. I rise and struggle upwards. Healing my shoulder as I cast a stunning spell and expelliarmus at my strong blond -haired father, not giving him the opportunity to even contemplate his next move.
" Our Lord is the winner!" Cheers from the deatheaters awaken me from my trance. Looking around dazedly, I reawaken Lucius and help him stand. His eyes gleam at me proudly, giving me a kiss on the forehead and ruffling my sweaty hair. I usher him to Cissa , who begins healing him. My dad comes bounding towards us.
" Don't worry Luke! I'll avenge you!"
Lucius doesn't even reprimand James in his frankly annoying name for him, pausing to kiss Cissa and James, and after receiving promises to wake him for my next match, Lucius drifts off to sleep.
I pad over towards Tom, who seems to have shrunken his throne and brought it with him so he can watch the ongoings in comfort. As I reach my destination Tom reaches into his robe pockets and pulls out my miniature throne. How quaint. I take the little throne and unshrink it. Flopping gracefully onto the surprisingly soft leather cushions. I turn in surprise ad Tom reaches out and drag my throne closer to his. Making the two thrones touch. I raised an eyebrow at Tom's sudden need for proximity. Neither of us very ' touchy' people. As I've only ever been grabbed or yanked into hugs or any emotional connection. I'm sure no one has ever even grabbed Tom. Said Dark Lord was looking at a group of deatheaters who turned to us and were eyeing me with little lust in their gaze. Which quickly turned to fear and apprehension as Tom dragged my chair closer. I chuckle at Tom's small show of pocessive ness.
' Watch out Tom, I can assure you I am not a toy too claim to our minions'
Tom annoyed expression is all I need to know he obviously is still not used to being told what he can't do. Yet wary of my sweet tone. Soulmate or not. I feel a tentative acceptance from our link and send him back my commitment to him and our cause, watching as he relaxes minutely and begins to stroke my rapidly growing locks. I lean into the touch as I observe the current duel.
The two deatheaters are well trained, equal to the other by the looks of the duel. The slightly taller man with short blond hair was moving more, wisely saving his magical energy by simply dodging the curses. The opponent opposite him is surprisingly a woman. I had only assumed Bellatrix was the only woman deatheater. In reality, she is just the most well known.
The woman was also moving occasionally, her swift spell casting compensated for the lack of moving; always keeping the blond man on defense. The woman made a slashing movement with her wand causing a lighter streak - than what Lucius shot at me- of purple towards the man. I narrow my eyes as I have a sudden flashback to the department of mysteries, Antonin Dolohov made that curse. It hit Granger square in the chest then.
The duel quickly ends, the tall man's shield cannot hold from the strength of the curse and he sinks to the ground, waving his wand in defeat as he clutches his chest. The woman levitates him towards Cissa, who promptly begins healing the now unconscious man.
" Lady Iridis- Sera is the winner!" A deatheater announced. The lady bows and I narrow my eyes as the tips of her light brown hair is subtly changed to gold. The color of victory. I've never heard of Iridis before. I nudge Tom and ask him my inquiry. " Is she a new recruit? I've never seen her, but her magic feels familiar."
" Yes, she is new, I do believe you know her." Tom shoots me one his brilliant smiles as he calls the Lady forward.
" Milords." Sera rises from her bow. I take the time to examine to new recruit. She is of average height for a woman, standing at 5'6" light brown hair set in a messy bun since her duel with blond man - ' Casius' Tom interjects in my mind- her eyes are golden with flecks of brown, suggesting a creature inheritance. By the looks of her athletic body she could pass for twenty-five, if not younger. But looking at Tom, I remind myself that you can never really tell a wizards age. Sera's magic is extremely familiar as I get a better feel of her magic, its' aura is of resilience, brashness and loyalty. Must have been a Gryffindor or Puff.
~ Harryy, I believe you know Mss. Nymphadora Tonks~
I eject the walls around my mind. Only my eyes revealing my surprise. The only way an observer could notice was the twitch of right hand, urging me to draw my wand.
Still staring intensly at the ex- Order Member, I question Tom in parseltongue, watching closely for the metamorphosis' reaction.
~ Did you quesstion her yourself? She could easily be a double sspy~
Tonks' face doesn't show disgust, only curiosity and enjoyment at hearing the oily snake syllables.
" Bear your arm Sera." Tom commands. Tonks obediently complies. The blackend mark twisting and hissing for all to see. My fears are for not, the Dark Mark contains a loyaly charm, alerting the Dark Lord to any sign of treachery within the wearers body. Only Severus and Regulus by-passed this ward; both men were genius spell-creators in their own right. I know Tonks is no such thing. Ever the paranoid one I dive into her mind, slightly curious as to what was the final straw for the ex-Order Member.
What I witness has me ready to storm down into the dungeons ,ready to give another torture session to the wolf.
Tonks' Mind
Tonks was happily enjoying the food Kreature made her, from some reason the elf only listened to her, Sirius, and Harry. Tonk's hair changes grey at the thought of Sirius and Harry. The woman secretly agreed with Harry, she remembers those muggles and all the locks and cat-flap contraption. It doesn't take much to connect the dots. But why would the Headmaster send the Golden-boy back? He had to know what went on in that house.
Finishing the meal, Tonks headed to the Black Library, the female auror began to actually read about all magics instead of spouting off her regular prejudice. It was to her surprise that Dark magic is not all bad, there are more healing purposes to the magic. Even as an auror, Tonks was always interested healing, she vaguely remembers that her aunt Cissa was a certified healer. Canceling that thought because she healed deatheaters; and she would never teach her. Tonks continued her reading with increased vigor. If there wasn't anyone who could teach her, Tonks would teach herself
Ten minutes later Tonks felt a two thrums in the wards. Already knowing one was her boyfriend- Remus Lupin and mate- she quickly shut her book and made her way to the dining room. Forgetting about the extra person with him.
Tonks stopped cold at what the sight brought before her quickly hardening eyes. Hermione Granger was latched onto her boyfriend like some bicorn.
But the thing that made the pissed auror blast Remus into the wall was the passionate kiss the werewolf drew the bushy-haired witch into.
The bookworm shrieked in outrage. Yelling at Sera for hurting her Remy. Tonks stalked past and cursed the now green and silver skinned witch and pointed her wand at the glaring wolf.
" WHAT ARE YOU DOING REMUS? HOW CAN YOU CHEAT ON ME, YOUR MATE!"
The bastard had the audacity to smirk at her while Hermione cackled loudly. " Your mate? Please Remus would never be your mate, freak. We are in a relationship, now why don't you change yourself to whatever color and get out before I hex you!"
Tonks looked back at the now standing wolf. Fruitlessly hoping for some reassurance, reassurance that the man she loved hadn't used her for sex, that this was all a were quickly dashed and broken when Remus grabbed Hermione's hand and headed upstairs. Leaving an angry teary-eyed Sera with the angry muttering Kreature, fixing the hole above the cabinets.
I withdraw from Tonks' mind, copying the memory to show Lucius and James later. I rose from my throne, ignoring the new duel that has begun and watching deatheaters; drawing Tonks' into a hug, rubbing soothing circles in her back as wrecked sobs escape her mouth.
" Shh...sh Ton-"
" N-no call me Sera from now on, I-I don't ever want to remain T-Tonks."
" Okay, Sera, everything will be fine I promise." I pull Sera from my grasp, still clutching her shoulders and send her a warm- slightly sad smile. " We have Remus in the dungeons, I have given Lucius permission to do what he wants to the wolf. Ask him if you can join?"
Sera's tips turn line green in excitement before they turned grey, her face sagging in sadness.
" H-Harry..He..He got me pregnant. I'm two weeks now and I'm keeping it."
My eyes flash black as my magic causes a nearby window to explode. Halting the current duel. Werewolves should not impregnate anyone but their mate. That is their law, Fenir explained once as I asked why he was incensed with his cub. I draw Sera into another tight hug. Walking her over to Cissa, James, and Lucius- who was woken by the shattering glass- so she can explain the situation. Before I headed back towards my throne I hear Sera's voice once more.
" H-harry...will you be the godfather?"
" Sera...I am not the best example for your chi-"
"- Please Harry!" She silently begs me with her eyes. All I can do is nod and feel honor and happiness. I have my own growing family. Things are finally looking up. Returning to the throne I signal the duel to continue.
~ The wolf got her pregnant? I sensed magic circulating her stomach~ Tom asked as I sat.
~ Yesss! But I am to be the godfather~ even to the deatheaters I sound agitated, but the eyes that are swarming with happiness contradict my tone.
~ Hmm do you want childdreeen?~ Tom asked, staring at me intently.
I automatically respond. ~ Of courssee I do. For all our faultss, I believe we would be great parentss~ Surprise and a little relief trickles over the link. I know Tom believes the one thing he isn't good at is dealing with children of all types. But I know it's always different when it's your child.
I glance at the scoreboard. This the last duel before the top ten begin the second round. I glance and watch as it ends with a spell rebounding off a conjuring mirror, hitting their opponent in the back.
Tom rose and informed the remaining contenders that the thirty minute break begins now, and all who were eliminated can leave or watch the remaining matches. Cissa,Dad,father, and Sera meet Tom and I at the door. We make arrangements to relax in the informal living room in ten minutes. I head towards the room to relax muscles and relax under the cool water.
Third Person Pov
Rita Skeeter was infamous for her vicious and predatory journalism. Using those quick quill notes to deliver the truth for all the wizarding world to read. Or not so truthful when interviews became boring. When Rita Skeeter phased back into a human she grabbed a normal quill. Something the red-lipped reporter hadn't in sixteen years.
Rita had been visiting Hogwarts ever since that bossy girl's charm wore off on her. Those visits declined when it became clear there weren't in monsters lurking in the halls of Hogwarts. But today the reporter had a feeling it was too quiet Albus Dumbledore hadn't been spotted in two days and the saviour is who knows where doing who knows what. So sneaking into Hogwarts and following her instincts was the best choice she made all year. And who knew! The headmaster bording a comatose state, and the Potter boy is the cause! Ex-Aurors oblivating innocents. The Greater Good delicious! But the red-lipped reporter remembered her pact with Potter back in the boy's fourth year. Seeing the innocence in those brilliant green eyes when she dragged him into that cupboard almost made her salivate at the future story. But as soon as she locked the cupboard the boy seemed to do a 180, forcing her to take wizarding oaths. He began giving her the shortened version if his life and Rita was horrified! The savior living in a cupboard for ten years, a wizard being treated so low by mere muggles! Rita vaguely remembers something happening to those muggles but the memory quickly becomes fuzzy. Rita quickly realised this new Potter was very cunning and dangerous. So when he offered her a chance to become a totally independent writer with him as her sponsor she jumped at the chance. Now while writing a letter to Potter about that unstable Mad-eyes's plans and composing a rough draft on her latest article Rita wondered how the rest of the magical community will react as Mr. Potter takes the magical world by any means necessary. And Rita will be there all through the journey, writing out the outcome for history.
I cast a tempus so check if the thirty minutes are almost up. I spent most, if not all, the time limit in the shower. The cool water on my muscles relieved my soreness. I quickly don my dueling clothes and follow my bond with Tom towards the dueling chambers. Only to halt and watch as Tom duels fifteen dummies at once. I am completely awestruck. enthralled, I watch as Tom weaves and moves around spell after spell. Somehow maintaining a complete view of all the remaining dummies. Tom casts at lightning speed, almost all wordless and occasionally twists his right hand, using wandless spells. And just as quickly as he began it ended. Tom using an ugly black spell I recognized, causing blood-like substance to gush towards the floor. Rapidly blinking, I stroll towards my future-lover, hissing out a teasing comment.
~ Practicing for when we duel?~
~ What assuress you of your victory my ssnake?~
I scoff, the sound comes out as a hissy cough as I retort.
~ Father and dad , James, are the only competition. We all know it. I suddenly fill a tug of small regret at killing Bellatrix. She and Severus would have made great challenges I'm sure~
Tom hissed a chuckle, ~ I believe it is to late for your bout of conscious Ssnake~
~ Agreed~
The next sound was the pops of apparation as deatheaters and watchers arrived. More showed up than last time, probably to watch who wins in the second round. Tom has every contender put their name in the cup to draw the top ten into the duels. It was a tense 5 minutes of silence before the cup drew the matches.
James vs. Jugson
Lady Sera vs. Rodolphus
Amycus vs. Nott
Rabastan vs. Rockwood
Harry vs. Barty Jr.
I glance across the room towards Barty, who has suddenly developed an twitch in his left eye and began increasingly licking his lips. I watch as my dad hops onto the stage with visible excitement. His opponent - Jugson- eyeing the excited Lord with leery expression.
" Begin!"
This time my dad begins the onslot of spells this time. I must admit Jugson is skilled. The dark-haired man move fluidly while occasionally throwing up a sheild before returning the fire. Dad flicks his wrist twice, conjuring ten balls of flames throwing them at all angles towards Jugson. The man apparates behind James and casts a blasting curse at point-blank range. My magic spikes as the curse hits, an I make to stand. Only too sit as my dad disappears in a poof of smoke; leaving a mossy log in his wake. Jugson narrows his eyes at the wood and looks around for my dad. Suddenly a beam of pulsing water shots from the ceiling, effectively hitting Jugson on the shoulder-blade; crumbling the deatheater to the ground. We all look towards the ceiling and see dad standing upside down, wand pointed at the unconscious deatheater in triumph.
" James Potter, winner!"
Cheers echo the chambers as my dad levitates himself towards the crowd.
Tom and I walk toward him, me scooping him up into the air yelling " Your in the finals!" Tom just offers a quiet congratulations. All three of us make our way to Cissa, who's treating Jugson and Lucius.
" Good match Jugson, you almost had me with that curse there!"
James exclaims, clapping the deatheater on his good shoulder. Jugson smirks lightly giving James and impressed nod before commenting on his substitution charm.
" Ah that ole' trick! Learned that when I was in Hogwarts, came in handy for repaying my dorm-mates for their unsavory tricks."
" Good thing dad, I would've been highly displeased if that blasting charm would have met its' mark." I interject, staring at Jugson; who begins to look at the ground.
" Calm son, James is fine and you know this." My father speaks sternly.
" Of course , father." I murmur.
Tom and I stay by their sides as Tonks - Now Lady Sera- and Rodolphus make their way to the now fixed stage.
" Begin!"
Rodolphus quickly transfigures the floor into a small lake. Levitating himself then shooting electricity towards the sloshing waves. Sera barely escaped, also levitating herself in the air, she began to throw vicious curses at her uncle. The two began too uses Tom's famous type of travel. Wisping around the dueling chambers in black smoke, colliding with another before landing back onto the stage. By now the water disappeared. Sera was moving, easily dodging the spells as she moved closer to Rodolphus. Said man narrowed his eyes, jerking his head in an effort to hit the still moving witch. Sera toke another step forward and screamed. Dropping to the floor, landing in the leftover small electrocuted puddle of water. Rodolphus drew his wand, eyes brightened in adrenaline.
' He knows. He knows its her' I scream into Tom's mind,rising from the chair and using volo to stop Rodolphus. Sera admits defeat throwing her wand at Rodolphus' feet with tire, pain filled eyes as she curls into her stomach. But he doesn't waver, trembling in excitement at the chance to avenge his prior defeat at the Department of Mysteries. I am almost most there. I urge myself to go faster as he shouts.
"CRUCIO!"
I collide with the man as Sera's eyes shoot open in a heart-wrenching yowl.
We fall off the platform. Rodolphus landing on top of my bigger frame. I quickly switch our positions, casting a full-body bind on the crazed man. I look at Sera , only to see Tom, Cissa, and surprisingly, Rabastan treating her. I turn back to Rodolphus, who is staring at me impassively, knowing what is about to occur.
~ Crucio!~ I hiss, leaving the curse on for a full minute before utter the familiar glow of the deadly green light.
Cissa and Tom have made it to the hospital bed. Sera's teeth chattering in effort not to convulse. Cissa hands Sera a pain reliever and anti-cruciatus potion. A potion I granted all inner circle members with. Cissa must have made more. I grab Sera's hand and transfer some of my healing magic into her body. The shaking woman quickly becomes still before taking a dreamless sleep. Tom walks towards the stage, gathering all the deatheaters attentions.
" The match versus Sera and Rodolphus is void. Neither will be moving to the final round, for Rodolphus has been incapacitated and Lady Sera is currently resting. Now the next match, rise and take your places. Now." Tom returns to his throne, quickly attaching his slender fingers in my hair. Massaging my scalp gently. It's a stress reliever I realize. Tom has made a great effort to let me take care of matters as he sits back. I give myself a small smile, placing my hand on his thigh; sending gratitude through the link. He turns towards me with surprised before smiling slightly. I can't help but feel slightly smug. I know him better than the deatheaters, even Nott Sr. - his old classmate.
Nott, for being so old, is doing well against the squatty Carrow is also a moderate dueler.
The man is sending bolts of black at the aged man. Easily missing since his is obviously scared of the original raven-haired deateater. ' Coward' is the word that pops into my mind. The duel ends quickly, with Nott Sr. sending " Tergum et Lampades" the not-so well known skin pealing curse. The beady eyed man surrendered quickly under the pain, earning a sneer of disgust from Tom.
I chuckle at my mates expressions leaning in and whispering in parseltongue to him.
~ Mayybe you sshould up hisss pain tolerancce~
Tom sent me a dark seductive smirk before scowling in annoyance at the stout Carrow. ~ I would love to Ssnake, but while a coward, the fool doess a mission perfectly. I will not begin to torture without causse again~
I chuckle at Tom's response, inwardly happy at the obvious signs of my mate's sanity.
Rabastan and Rookwood are up next. Unlike his brother, Rabastan looks like he has almost recovered from the effects of Azkaban, if only a little on the thin side. Rookwood is already on stage, the grey-greasy haired man looks impatient as Rabastan makes his way towards us. The thin man prostrates himself onto the floor murmuring " milords" as Tom relieves him of the position. Rabastan stays on one knee surprisingly looking into our eyes as he speaks.
" Milords I sincerely apologize for my deranged sister-in-law and brother. If I had known Rodolphus recognized Dora I would've notified you immediately, I swear."
Tom looks down at one of the few of his most loyal with fond eyes while speaking. " Rabastan we do not blame you of their folly, for I know you were not involved. But tell me, how did you recognize the former Nymphadora."
My eyebrows rise as I see the deatheaters faint coloring on his checks as he answers. " Thank you milords! I...I recognize her dueling style it is afterall unforgettable." Rabastan rose, bowed once more, and walked briskly towards the stage.
' You think Sera will go for her own uncle?' I ask Tom
'My Snake. How would I know? They aren't even blood related'
' Doesn't Lord Voldemort know all?' I send teasingly.
' Of course he does - Tom manages to sound haughty even in my mind- I care not for others relationships Snake. Only ours.' I mentally give Tom a piercing kiss before turning my attention to the duel. Relaxing into the slender hands kneading my scalp.
I estimate the duel has been going on for five minutes now. Curses, hexes, and jinxes been thrown back and forth. Rookwood including some obscure curses he obviously knows from his life as an Unspeakable.
" Effroi!" A dark brown mist erupts from Rockwood's wand, surrounding the other deatheater. Rabastan tries to summon the winds to expel the mist but his attempts are futile. The mist abruptly enters Rabastan's nasal passages, causing his brown eyes to roll backwards as he collapses to the ground clutching his head. Small whimpers escape the prone deatheater, soon Rabastan's yells of terror escalate;causing everyone to wear his begging yells and screams.
" Rookwood, he cannot surrender. Release him." Tom commands.
" Of course my lord." Rookwood hurriedly complies with the demand, half carrying Rabastan towards Cissa to be treated.
Finally, its my turn. Of course I had to be last, I'd almost rather be first. I don't know much about Barty, but I remember his bewitching of the goblet in fourth year to know this won't be as easy as I hope. My conviction heightens as I spot the insane battle lust in Barty's brown eyes.
I instantly withdraw into my trance, body automatically straightening into my first stance as Barty crouches down.
" Begin!"
Dodge. Barty instantly puts me on the defense, forcing me to dodge all his array of spells. Isn't he a Dark Arts master?
" Lumos!" I yell, causing the Junior to shield his eyes.
Volo. I use the short minute my distraction gave me to draw runes across the stage, hastily casting a disillusion charm on them. Barty rids him self of the light and apparates. I close my eyes to follow his magical trail, moving just in time as a thunder-bold crashes down from the ceiling. And there's Barty, looking every bit like an insane black widow on the ceiling
~ Fiendfyre~ I hiss in parseltongue. The fire erupts in the form of a baslisk from my mouth- a trick I watched Voldemort do in the Atrium- charging towards my opponent. Barty apparates again, this time directly behind me.
Fall. I mist across the room as he slices the air with a deadly looking dagger. Directing my snake towards him.
The deatheater conjures his own fiendfyre. A dragon emerges from Barty's wand and begins to duel my basilisk.
We continued on like this for five minutes. Just standing as our respective animals dueled one another. I quickly canceled my fiendfyre, knowing my last card could drain me if I held the snake any longer. Barty wasted no time in directing his dragon towards me. I mist across the room pressing the triangle rune in my throne as I hiss.
~ Activate!~ The runes I drew on stage began to glow an unearthly yellow color, its magic sucking Barty's dragon into the floor boards. I apparate back onto the stage, pointing my glowing yellow hand towards my opponent. The process ended in seconds. Barty looked around, seeing no results in my activation he raised his wand the throw the next curse. I wink playfully at him and his eyes widen in horror and despair, wand falling numbly from his fingertips as he sinks to the ground. The deatheater wraps himself in the fetal position.
" Please! Please! I surrender! Just...Just give it back please!" Barty continues to beg. I walk closer to him as he murmurs those words. Rolling the openly weeping man onto his back I place my hand onto his heart. The runes around me begin to emit a sickly green color before latching onto my hand as I return Barty's magic. When the process is done I hear scattered applause.
" Our L-lord has won!"
Ignoring the stuttering declaration I hold a hand out to Barty, offering my help to bring him to Cissa. I feel my face become a schooled expression as he just eyes the appendage warily. I smile inwardly as he finally grasps it, allowing me to haul him upwards. We walk towards Cissa.
" I'm almost glad I'm not in the final four!" Barty yells. Quickly defusing the awkwardness that was festering.
" You'll have your shot next time Barty, I won't be participating."
Barty pretends to wipe the sweat off his brow in relief as we arrive.
" Son, that was fantastic! Where'd you learn those runes!?" My dad exclaimed, moving off the bed so Barty could rest.
I look down sheepishly, still not used to praise. " Thanks dad..I made them myself." I look at my father before continuing. " Father do you remember the order battle by the cliff? I made those runes." His eyes widen in surprising before he continues in a tone that has me blushing. " Harry you made those? The effect it was amazing! I was enthralled at the sight of the cliff falling. It was mesmerizing son." Only he can make killing hundreds sound poetic.
Tom is the stage, announcing the results for the third and final round.
Harry vs. Rookwood
Nott vs. James
" I will duel and gift the winner with a reward of my choosing. The third and final round will begin in 72 hours. Participants, use this time to train and study your opponent. All are dismissed."
In ten minutes all the deatheaters have apparated away. Tom, Lucius, Cissa, James, and I retire onto the veranda that overlooks the garden.
Once outside I sigh happily, the cool air feels lands on my muscles. I yelp as Tom Yanks me from my chair into his lap. In retaliation I squirm in his lap all night. Openly showing my amusement as it is father who shoots Tom glares as he shifts to hide his erection.
" Father, has Sera spoken to you about Remus?"
"Yes she did, she even showed us the memory. I offered her a room in the manor. I'm sure Cissa would love to reconnect with her niece. She also mentioned learning healing."
" Yes I would love to teach her. Andromeda banned us from ever visiting Nym-Sera. War or not, I still sent my niece gifts for Christmas and every birthday."
I am presently surprised by this confession. " Do you think she would be interested in Rabastan?"
" He was comforting her about that bloody wolf..maybe," Cissa replied, getting that familiar gleam in her eyes. We continued chatting aimlessly about anything and everything. Even Tom, who got into a heated argument with dad about the importance of quidditch.
Curiosity spouted up as I saw a golden owl flying towards us. Once landing on my shoulder I retrieved the letter, spelling to read itself aloud. The voice of Rita Skeeter rang out.
Dear Mr. Potter
I have made my daily visit to Hogwarts in search of news. While the halls have been rather empty of stories I followed a mere hunch this evening. I am glad to say I did. Alastar Moody was overheard conspiring against the Slytherin house and all neutrals in the ongoing war. I strongly urge you to return to Hogwarts to investigate these matters. The information I received tears ago will be put into position as of now. Good luck Mr. Potter.
Rita Skeeter
I groan in annoyance. I hold out my hand to the standing members of the terrace in preparation to group apparate.
" Time to head to Hogwarts."
AN:/ So how'd you like this chapter? I stuck to Third Person and Harry Pov this chapter. Tom will be featured more next chapter. With the duel and arrival at Hogwarts. In the rules, I know I said no imperio, it's just that Tonks is with child. There's always something I want to add but I forget c,c
oh yeah,
father = Lucius
Dad = James
Sera/Lady Iridis = Tonks
Review! :)