Guardian Wand

Chapter 11

[cont.]

Harry felt like he was going to burst, Amelia felt light headed, the people accompanying Amelia all seemed to shift uncomfortably as the air around them was permeated with magic, released by the visible auras produced from the agents.

A dropped pin would be comparatively loud in the now dead-silent hall.

What sounded like a loud snap caused Artemis and Corvus to jump into action, spells being traded at rates most Aurors could barely dream of. One of the warders passed out from the exertion on her magical core, a side-effect of the magic hitting the wards. She was quickly levitated out, replaced by another witch whose wand whipped quickly to erect her portion of the wards.

Harry could only gape at the performance in front of him. Vivid yellows clashing with invisible shields before hitting the wards or floor, bright reds shooting faster than the eye could track across the field sized arena, luminescent blues cleaving gorges into the floor.

Unbeknownst to Harry, Amelia herself was gaping, accompanied by over fifty-thousand other spectators.

Dipping below a cutting curse, Magnus released a torrent of cleaving curses. Dodging a Bombarda, he spelled the splinters of stone into steel spikes, an inch in diamater, before sending them through the haze caused by spells and dust. Not hearing a scream, he channelled lightning down his free wand, aiming for a spike nearest to him. A loud howl filling the air as the lightning reacted to the magically charged air, causing the arc to jump towards the other poles, producing what sounded like a banshee's scream.

Using a spell to clear the field, he noticed Artemis flanking him, evident by the bolt of fire that barely missed him. Spinning quickly, seven red bolts were fired towards the moving figure, most of them barely missing her in sequence, one hitting her on the shoulder.

Artemis rolled as the spell hit her, coming to an ultimately unconscious stop two meters later. The audience's collective sharp inhale stirring Magnus' concentration, causing him to smile. 'Stupefy won't keep her down.'

As if hearing his thoughts, Artemis sprang back into life, quickly rolling to a crouched position and firing off a barrage of cutting and piercing curses. Magnus, having noticed the movement, was already moving to the side, casting blasting and concussive curses at the ground between him and her. His smoke screen working as a diversion, he quickly cast multiple cleaving curses horizontally through the smog, dodging more spells coming through at him.

Casting a summoning charm on the ground between them, he formed a makeshift ramp out of the stone, sprinting up it, intent on attacking her from above. His plan foiled by a blasting curse from the side, crumpling his ramp, he Spongified the stone 20 metres down. With a rolling landing, he started moving and casting spells at fantastical levels once more, another flurry of colours illuminating over the crowd's gobsmacked expressions.

Hearing the sound of a shield deflecting his spells, he cast an assortment of concussive spells towards where he presumed Artemis' shield would meet the floor, able to throw her balance off with the blast. A feminine grunt was heard before multiple loud blasts went off.

Waving his wand, Magnus cleared the air once more, just in time to catch a piercing curse with his left shoulder, shredding large amounts of muscle; nearly destroying the bone. The immensely painful sting hardly blocked out, he noticed the signs of her one leg healing, a Protego in place to block more spells. She was breathing heavily, but so was he. Straightening out, he cast a healing charm on his shoulder, a Protego in place as the wound stitched itself together.

"So did you want the contract? Or did that dumbass force you to do this?"

Her body stiffening slightly, she quipped, "And you're ideal?" A grunt escaping her as the tell-tale sound of bone cracking and setting came from her leg.

"I've been ideal so far, haven't I? No complaints. Unlike your last job I hear."

Her body language indicating a scowl or a frown, he smiled, "Unlike Croxley, my boss is actually sharing reports."

A luminescent orange spell escaping her other wand, he easily deflected it away.

"Nothing to say, Arty? Just gonna fight and walk away afterwards?"

"Fuck you, asshole!"

Her wands moving in a flurry, a barrage of spells of a primarily blue and orange composition started pummelling his shield, causing him to step back; his shoulder still not ideally recovered to even lift up.

He was deflecting as many of them towards her as he could manage, but still found himself being pushed back. An irritated growl forming in his throat, he lifted his left arm and cast a disruption curse, a gleeful smirk forming on his face as most of her incoming spells fizzed out of existence. A warmth spreading from his shoulder indicating it was as healed as can be, he ran forward, her demeanour changing from surprised to annoyed once more.

Stowing her wands, she started running forward, nary a limp from her left leg, intent on intercepting him before he could cast any spells. Seeing her approaching, he stowed his own wands, knowing precisely she wanted to use her speed up-close.

As both of the agents met each other with a flurry of blows, Amelia Bones stirred herself from her hypnotised state, wiping some spittle off of her chin. She dared not take her eyes off the spectacle, but she was here for more than just the show; reconnaissance was always important.

She let her eyes quickly roam the crowds, looking for anybody familiar. Not recognising anybody, she surveyed the view boxes, like the one she and Magnus' other guests were in, and noticed some peculiar faces.

Minister Fudge with many of his...loyal supporters were gaping at the spectacle too. Dumbledore with a few of the Order members. Two more boxes were occupied by what looked like teams with Handlers...likely this Croxley, Magnus had referred to; and his own Handler, a Rawlings. One was filled by, surprisingly, a few International Duelling Guild members, both old and young. Not recognizing anybody in the other boxes, she looked up to the single room splayed right over the arena, dark windows obscuring any views towards inside. This likely held the judges and those of enough repute to warrant a personal invitation.

Placing her attention back on the fight, she noticed an alarming amount of blood covering both fighters.

The blood was a minor incovenience at best for the fighters, unseen damage having built up quickly. Both panting heavily, Magnus wiped blood off of his brow, his black duelling gloves now more maroon.

Artemis was limping again, caused by him punching her on the hip and kidneys. He was barely able to move himself, a punch from her dislocating his one kneecap, and a kick nearly dislocating his hip.

"Just surrender already Artemis, we both know this is going to go on for too long, and then I'm gonna win by a fluke. I accepted the contract and I'll be damned if I let Croc-o-shit get any form of control near him."

A deep breath racking her body, she replied, "Y-You don't deserve it...you mongrel. I deserve it. I've worked so much harder...than you, to get where I am."

"I recall us working equally hard to improve the other. I recall you accepting that walking corpse's lies and bullshit, just because you wanted money and power immediately. You couldn't learn that disruptor curse even if you tried, because you never had the fuckin' will to do so much better."

A growl escaping her before a concussion spell left the wand that suddenly appeared in her hand. A cutting hex replying, he scored a hit, severing her legs diagonally; above and below the knees. The concussion spell however, seemed to have indirectly scored a hit on him, as he found breathing difficult.

Glancing down, he saw spots of blood forming on his shirt under his jacket and vest. It seemed like some stone shrapnel had gone through him, taking at least a lung out...and who knew what else. Struggling to retain consciousness, he straggled over to Artemis' crawling form, intent on finishing the fight.

Her grunts of exertion paining his heart, he launched a red bolt into the nape of her neck at near point-blank range, ensuring her unconsciousness. Sitting down, he felt the wards collapsing as the announcer proclaimed something, the roar of the applause a dull drone in his ears.

He recognised one of the approaching figures, a Medical...it was Kate?

"I'm here Corvus, I'm here."

Giving her his best shit eating grin, not that she could necessarily see it, he uttered all he could manage.

"Kate."

"Yes, you idiot. Yes, I'm here."

He felt a stinging burn in his chest, before Kate released a sigh of relief.

"I removed the shrapnel, you're gonna be fine. Stay awake Corvus, you've gotta walk out of here too."

Repeating 'Stay awake' to himself over and over, he felt cold spreading from where he assumed his newly acquired holes were.

"Sealed up." Shoving a potion into his face, she simply demanded, "Drink."

After swallowing one of the worst potions he'd ever tasted, he glanced over at Artemis, noticing her legs had already been reattached; the skin turning a rosy pink once more.

"You guys work quick..."

Feeling hands pulling him up, he obliged, nearly collapsing again.

"Well you've got some internal damage, that'll come right in about a week. Some bone damage, that'll be better tomorrow morning already." Handing him another potion. "That's for blood-replenishment. It'll also help heal your arm, which should heal perfectly fine." Another potion stuffed into his hands, "That's for the bone damage."

Having stowed the potions, he pulled out his wands before examining them, stowing them again when he was happy with their condition. Moving over to where Artemis was now standing, he helped her balance herself, receiving a grateful nod.

"Sorry...about...what I said."

A tinkling laughter coming from the shadows of her hood, she hissed as she placed a hand onto her ribs.

"Surprisingly enough, having your legs cut off puts most things into perspective."

Chuckling himself, he thanked the medics as they walked off, having listed her problems and given her multiple dosages of potions.

A snort emanating from Kate, they glanced over, "You really fucked each other up. I hope that was an effective stress-reliever, because you're taking some rest. Now listen, both of you. Your bodies are fragile and your magic is little and weak. Take. It. Easy. For, at least, three days."

Two nods meeting her statement, she gave them a satisfied smirk and walked away with the rest of her medical team.

"I think I can stand...let me try."

Releasing her slightly, she tested her legs. "I hope to Merlin's sweaty sack they didn't put them on wrong."

"Are your feet supposed to be pointing backwards?"

A smack on his injured side quelling his retorts, she let go of his arm, her weight placed fully on her legs, a hiss escaping her gritted teeth.

"Be happy it wasn't a curse, those hurt way worse. And they can't easily fix it either, takes like an hour of cleaning magic to allow them to even reattach the thing."

Straightening out as the announcer approached, she felt her the rest of her trousers covering her legs, glancing down she noticed Magnus stowing his wand.

"Thanks."

A grunt accepting her thanks, the announcer arrived, his eyes still big.

"I... I'm speechless. I haven't seen something quite like that in twenty years. You can both feel like winners, this match is going down in history, and you're both making a pretty penny."

Artemis, sounding excited at the prospect of coin, perked up. "Money?"

"Aye las, any bets, whether legal or illegal, will be split with the duellers, whether they lose or win. And we cashed out for this show, lemme tell ya!"

Magnus' gruff "How much?" making the man nervous," W-well, I believe the total pool was just over 2 million goldens, you receiving a split of 10, she of 7."

A gasp escaping Artemis, Magnus nodded happily.

"Very well. Can we move this along? My insides hurt."

Grunting, the announcer sidled up to Magnus' open side, placing his wand onto his throat and putting a microphone against his lips.

"Witches and Wizards! Our winner, AGENT CORVUS!"

Deafening cheers greeting this, Magnus and Artemis were guided off the stage and into a side room.

A man in a muggle-looking suit greeted them inside; grey eyes, pepper hair, and clean shaven.

"Agents Magnus and Artemis, it is an honour to have been able to watch that absolute spectacle with my own two eyes. Now onto your winnings. The total betting pool is currently around two-point-four-million Galleons, seven-thousand and four Sickles, and nineteen Knuts. For the sake of the amazing performance, we will be rounding the total pool up to two-point-five million Galleons, which means..."

Frowning down at some figures, he seemed deep in thought for a moment. "Artemis, you will be receiving one-hundred and seventy-five thousand. Corvus, two-hundred and fifty thousand. Should there be any large additions, the proper amounts will be deposited directly into your Waverly accounts."

Standing up, the man closed the book he was using, and nodded at both of them. "Agents. It has been an honour. Farewell." Quickly walking out of another door, towards the outside of the arena. They glanced at each other, before a laugh racked their bodies.

Artemis barely able to form a comprehensive "Holy shit!"

After quieting down, Artemis grappled at Magnus, hugging him harder than he remembered in a long time.

"I can afford everything my new place needs! YES!"

Pulling her back to arm's length, he smiled down at her, a smile returning.

"We should fight more often. I mean, I feel like shit, but I haven't been this relaxed in months."

Another tinkling laugh was followed by a note stuck in his pocket.

"You ever want to relieve some more stress, that's my new place's address...maybe come visit me some time."

A pinch on his bottom had her sauntering towards the same door their accountant had left through.

"See ya around...Magnus."

The door closing behind her, he ran his hands over his face, muttering to himself.

"Bloody witches...with their nice arses...friggen..."

Standing up, he made his way over to the door they entered, listening for activity. Hearing a multitude of voices and murmurs, he dropped his hood, and cast a glamour over himself, 'Peter' assuming his face; his cloths changing into much more casual wear. Opening the door, he started towards the viewing box he was told was reserved for his entourage.

Almost at his box, he was shoved out of the way by a rather agitated looking Croxley, his team following behind at a more sedate pace. Nodding at them as they passed, he entered his view box, immediately being rushed by three figures.

The first to reach him was Harry, grabbing him around his waist, the second was Tonks, wrapping her arms around his shoulders...was her chest bigger than last time? The last was Amelia Bones, a hard grip near his damaged shoulder, a reprimanding look on her face.

Pulling away from Magnus, Harry was nearly vibrating out of his skin, "You've gotta teach me how to do that!"

Smiling down and ruffling his hair, Magnus raised his eyebrows "Do what?"

Understanding the hint, Harry improvised, "Apparate!"

"Someday I can, maybe."

Looking up at the rest of the room's occupants, he realised most of them were still looking dumbly at the arena.

"What'd I miss, ladies and gentlemen?"

Andromeda Tonks gaining her bearings first, barely muttered loud enough for him to hear.

"A duel I don't think I'll ever see again."

Alastor Moody, his invitation having been accepted with a note of 'I'll be there', sat back and studied the man.

"That 'Corvus' fella's a scary sort." Giving Magnus a pointed look, "I glad he's not fighting us."

Internally beaming from Moody's veiled compliment, he surveyed the room.

"I'm famished, shall we go get some food?"

Amelia's expression turned dire. "Food? You want food?" Leaning closer to him, ensuring nobody else could hear her. "After a fight like that you think of food?!" Her aggressively hushed tones causing him to stifle a laugh.

Leaning closer to her in an exaggerated manner, he stage-whispered himself, "Yes. I'm famished from hearing of a fight like that, imagine how hungry poor Agent Corvus must be?"

Not having noticed the door opening, his attention was drawn to one Emile Greengrass' uproarious laugh at his 'joke', Eveline behind him.

"That would mean Agent Corvus must be near starved to death!"

Smiling at the man, "Right you are Emile...Right you are."

Everybody in the room having regained their senses, they shuffled towards the door, colours still flashing every time they blinked. In the hallway outside, Magnus was speaking with Harry, Amelia conversing with the Greengrasses, the three Tonks standing to the side.

Done with Harry, Magnus walked over to Amelia, Harry moving to the Tonks', intent on discussing 'How awesome that was!'. Harry seemed to be able to lie so easily, he knew there was a lot of Slytherin in him, he'd bet that Harry would rule the den of snakes...but the kid had an undeniable thirst for knowledge. Thinking to himself, he should make a betting pool amongst this...'group' he was a part of, bet on whose kids went where.

Reaching Amelia, he cleared his throat, drawing her attention. "I wanted to ask earlier, but where's the rest of your tribe?"

Smiling at his nickname for her circle, she thought to herself before taking a breath.

"Narcissa was with her 'husband', Susan had a party to be at, and the rest of them were either in other boxes or unable to come. Few people wanted to miss this, the place was packed."

"Well I hope you bet a little bit, the pool was two-point-four million last I heard."

Her eyes growing rapidly, she paled. "I bet a couple galleons...I am definitely taking a vacation to somewhere warm next year."

Chuckling, he glanced around him. Seeing everybody there, he motioned for Harry to follow, intent on leaving.

Almost making it to the door to outside, he heard an aggravated growl from behind him. Turning around he followed Amelia's sight, spotting a submissive looking Narcissa walking next to Lucius Malfoy, his little gang following close behind. Seeing the blond ponce had reminded him of his prisoner...who he had again completely forgotten about.

A hand slapping to his forehead, Amelia looked at him inquisitively, him just looking irritated at everything.

Lucius and co. reaching them, Lucius attempted his most threatening sneer, nearly making Magnus laugh in his face; he seemed to be constipated and having a stroke.

A dull drawl barely escaping his lips, he looked to Amelia.

"Director Bones."

Amelia's "Lucius Malfoy." causing Magnus to smile, the man's ire was drawn to him.

"And you are?"

Stretching a hand out, Peter gave him as much of a forced smile as he could, "Peter Burnwood, how are ya?"

Lucius looking at his hand in disdain, sniffed and started for the door.

Leaning towards Amelia, he stage-whispered, "I didn't know the Malfoys were all women."

Her snort causing Lucius to turn around, his wand in his hand, he felt a cold blade pressed into his throat.

"Don't try anything, fuckin' blonde jackass. Stow that shite and get out."

His eyes widening, his wand was stowed and he was out of the door before Narcissa could hide her smile; said woman waving at them as she left, her frowning son in tow.

He received a few glares from the rest of the 'Pure-Blood Brigade' as they too left, a few in his own group still chuckling at his jibe towards Malfoy.

He was way too hungry to deal with these assholes.

Turning towards the group, he asked them all a simple question, a question that would garner many questioning faces, and a few that seemed extremely pleased. A question that would change the older purebloods' views on muggle foods forever.

"Pizza?"

A/N: I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Chapter 12 dropping in a week probably.

Have a good one!