All Harry Potter properties belong to J.K. Rowling. I'm just futzing around with her ideas.

So the outpouring of support for last chapter still has me smiling like a lunatic. I couldn't care less about numbers (but I did get more reviews for that chapter than I ever have before). It was the quality of the reviews that were awesome. When I say thanks I mean it from the bottom of my heart guys. Even to those who just put this on your alerts or favorites. Thank you.

My overwhelming gratitude goes to: LK-HoGwArTs-hEaDgIrL, Rinou, flyingberry, ThePublicSector, Angel Girl5, KEZZ 1, in transit and Smithback for reviewing. Also to: 8. B. R. Adford, Iceprincess22454, IllusiveAddictions, Mogwai13 and margi209 for putting this on their alerts. As well as to: KRose07, Mogwai13 and rorolovesvamps for putting this on their favorites.

Enjoy!

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"Stop," Frank gasped.

Hermione lowered her wand and her opponent doubled over. He braced his hands on his knees and gasped for air.

Surprisingly, he had lasted an admirable amount of time. It was clear he had been training for his planned profession. He still had a good way to go, but it was a hopeful start.

Hermione approached Frank. "Are you hurt, Mister Longbottom?"

He gasped a couple of more times before looking up and giving her a friendly smile. "Nothing's bruised except my bum and my ego." He declared affably.

Hermione's lips quirked at his forthrightness. "Still it would be best to see Madame Pomfrey, especially after such a strenuous workout."

He only nodded as his breath returned. "Yes, Miss," he agreed while wiping some sweat from his brow. He was dirty all over, having fallen quite frequently. But his smile was still brilliant.

Godric's ghost, the boy had fun. No wonder he was going to be an Auror. He was obviously a glutton for punishment.

Hermione studied him for a couple of seconds. "Should I give you a few more days to decide?"

Frank laughed. "I would be daft if I didn't take you up on your offer after that thrashing!" He exclaimed. "Yes, please!"

She nodded, still amused, but slipped back into her professional persona. "Very well then. Bring me or owl me your timetable and we'll set something up. If you do not need anything else, I will be taking my leave. Until then, Mister Longbottom."

"Have a good night, Miss Grey."

Hermione dropped the shield and began walking away. While she was not as tired as Frank, she was still sweaty and pleasantly exhausted at having spent so much magic in one go. He had been a lively opponent to be sure.

Most of the onlookers swarmed Frank, giving him pats on the back and lightly teasing him. Hermione was aware of them while still having one part of her mind happily daydreaming about some pound cake and a bath. A hand caught Hermione's arm and she tensed. Fighting a student was not anything like fighting a Death Eater and she never let herself forget. But coming down from the adrenaline high was the same in both cases.

"Fair play, Miss Grey," effused Alice. The bubbly teen did not notice Hermione gripping her wand or did not care.

Hermione stopped to calm herself. She looked down at Alice and raised a brow. Alice did not get the hint. Her grip seemed to tighten.

"Where did you learn to duel like that? You were just rapid and just amazing and-"

Hermione raised both brows. She could not stay mad at Alice, no matter how hard the Potions intern tried.

"Sorry, I didn't give you a chance to answer," Alice finally breathed. "Well?"

Hermione had to think about it. Saying that she learned it in a war that would happen twenty years from now probably was not the best choice. So she went for the next best truth.

"We had a dueling club at my school."

Alice's eyes became like saucers. "That is so brilliant! We should have a dueling club!"

Hermione stiffened, but for a different reason. The suggestion surprised her. She had not thought the students would take it like that.

There was a shout from behind them. Both the girls turned to see Carver and a friend hoisting Frank playfully into the air. Alice's eyes lingered on Frank.

The older witch pounced on the potential distraction. "Mister Longbottom did well, don't you think?"

Alice turned so red, Hermione thought the teen might combust.

Words: 600

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Coming up: Sirius has a crisis. ( That looks like it should rhyme, but it does not. :( )