A Badgers Champion

by SpitKill

The Potters had a plan for when the Dark Lord struck on Halloween. It was risky, but it worked. Lily and James Potter both survived the encounter, and their son was now the marked boy who lived. Eleven years later he sets off to Hogwarts with training to change the world. Little does he realize the Dark Lord he thought was gone, would return sooner rather than later. HannahXHarry

35. The English National Championship

Chapter 35

"Ladies and Gentlemen please find your seats! In five minutes the second round of the U17 Dueling English Playoffs will commence. For those Falmouth Falcon fans who enjoyed their first round bye we will quickly go over the new 1993 Playoff guide! The two team dueling system that is used during the regular season is null and void, because now ladies and gentlemen we will watch each duel take place one at a time. The two team captains still of course have the right to initiate the two on one duels at any point, but if they do this then they must fight their way down the rest of the ladder against two duelist as well, which could make things very sticky in today's duels...Potter and Abbot are looking astonishingly healthy in their warmups as they bounce around ferocious looking spells at each other. Earlier in the season the Puddlemere United team played the 6-0 Falmouth Falcons and their defeat was most devastating, with that having been in Puddlemere's home stadium, this is a tough looking match ahead for veteran coach Rick Carlisle!"

Harry and Darrel were in their own world on the ground as they warmed up their team. They had all attended the match between Puddlemere and Montrose Magpies, and the boys had agreed that their team would be fine, and whenever it got down to the end they would initiate the two on one duels to clean up the house if Cedric went down at all.

Harry ducked under a vicious looking bone exploding hex as threw up a huge shield protecting him and his dueling Captain, "We need to do something quickly! That was a nasty hex that almost took my head off!"

Darrel growled bombarding the two duelist back a bit, "They've got a lot of raw power, but its all got to run out eventually!"

The boys were in pretty deep at the moment. They had intended to start the 2 on 2 duels, but when they got down to Cedric they initiated it. After Cedric and Penelope both went down, the boys had quickly figured out this was not the same team they dueled a month ago! They had obviously trained hard, and taking their defeat against the Falcons to heart, and turned it around.

The two duelist Harry and Darrel were facing were the last two, as they had already defeated the one who took down Penny, who was their number three seed, but they had yet to take down either the one or two. They had been dueling for only a few minutes, but the barrage of spells was tough to counter They were also coming so fast that Harry had to draw both wands to defend, and was unable to give Darrel enough time to summon a ward.

Thinking on his feet Darrel said as quietly as possible, "Throw your patronus, and then wide spread stunners until you have no energy left."

Agreeing with the captains tactics, Harry stepped forward and non verbally conjured his patronus which charged down the pitch as full speed scaring the life out of the two boys, and surprising everyone when it back handed one of the duelist. Obviously the energy went right through him, but it was enough to frighten the young man and go down hard with three stunners. The last man standing was trying to bat it all away, but the speed of Harry and Darrel's stunning curses were relentless which eventually took the older boy down as he was bounded, disarmed, and stunned.

The crowd went up with mighty cheers, and the two boys merely fist bumped each other knowing that two more tough matches would be coming, and that they might not be able to be that creative in the next match.

They had kept Harry's animagus card for the last match in case they needed a dandy little trump card, and he hoped that it would be quite a shock to their opponents which would give him a victory or two, because it had already been decided in the finals that they would put Harry and Darrel back to back to try and take home the championship, as neither of them had been defeated all season.

The team didn't overly celebrate as they jumped on the pitch, and hugged each other briefly, or gave huge high fives, and the announcer took note of it, "This now 17-0 Falcons team does not look enthused by their victory today. They take it with modesty and reluctance knowing that harder challenges will lie ahead. Well done Falcons, and congratulations on your wins. Puddlemere you had a fantastic season, and you stood toe to toe with the best, and this announcer wishes you the best, and also his congratulations on a hard fought season. Well done everyone, and we will see you next week for the Northern Isles Championship, which will lead up to the English Championship match, thanks for coming out folks!"

Harry wasn't really sure how this team had made it this far. Penny had managed to knock down three duelist taking it down to the #1 seed, before she got knocked off, and now Cedric was up on the rise doing pretty good work against him. If Cedric didn't win the duel, he was going to wear out that #1 seed to the point of exhaustion.

The duel was pretty fierce, and Napoleon Stuttgart was having a hell of a time holding Cedric down, as the boy was still fresh, and Napoleon had been forced to duel with the juggernaut that Penny was fighting with, which made Harry cringe at the look in her eyes. Some boy, the #4 seed, was hitting on her when they took to the pitch, and he made a pretty crude comment about her back side, which made the sheltered Muggleborn girl go ballistic on the boy hitting him with a rather painful spell in the man parts, which made Harry wonder if the boy was ever going to have kids.

Cedric was still facing a rather tough opponent though. Napoleon was a quick little thing, and a seventh year student at Beauxbatons according to the announcer. He was English born, but French raised so he had to play for a English national team. The problem with that was that the boy had a completely different education than most everyone here, which left him fighting in a most unorthodox way. Only a good duelist, like Cedric would be able to deal with something like that, which answered Harry's question as to how the team had made it that far.

The Tutshill Tornadoes luck ran out however when Cedric did an aggressive move by charging forward and batting curses away from him. When the sixth year boy got close enough to his opponent he did a fake lunge, and jumped backwards throwing a freezing, stunning, and blasting curse chain with brilliant speed. It looked like something right out of the movies, but he pulled it off with perfect timing and the Beauxbatons boy went down stunned, and blasted off the platform.

The crowd went into a roar of applause, and Darrel along with Harry just sighed realizing that once again they had not gotten to duel!

The celebrations were much larger than the previous week as the Falcons had exceeded all expectations and were now 18-0 going into the Championship match next week. They had won the Northern Conference however, and were now being presented with awards and stuff on the stage as confetti of red and black rained down from the sky. The commissioner for the U17 dueling league was out there giving speeches about how dueling was a sport that had been around since basically the dawn of magic, and that now days it was used to build alliances, friendships, and teach young men and women how to defend themselves, or to one day become aurors.

The team was lined up on the pitch, with the Coach in the middle beside his two captains, and the rest of the team fanned out. When the Northern Isles Trophy was handed to coach Carmichael he was also given the coach of the year award, which did bring quite the roar of approval from his duelist, and the Falcons fans.

The ceremony was fairly quick, and they said next week the MVP would be given, and that they hoped to see all the fans there. Carmichael started a good chant, but on the way to the locker room he pulled his two captains aside, "Boys there is someone waiting to meet you two in the office as we speak. I think you two will be most pleased to meet him."

Darrel and Harry exchanged inquisitive looks, but nodded as they followed their coach away from the team who was still in a happy mood going to the locker rooms. When they made it to the locker room, a tall man in a fancy business suit was facing the wall of honor that had the last championship winning Falmouth team in 1965. Carmichael went and stood off to the side, as his two captains stood there staring at the man in awe, clearly recognizing him, "It has been 28 years since this team has looked as good as yours does. A perfect season has never happened in our Franchise's history. My team was closest back in 65', we went 17-2 and won the championship. We lost our first game, and our last game of the regular season, and then went on to shock the world with a last minute winning streak. We hadn't even won our division much less our conference, but we went to the wild card, with a new attitude and brought the Falmouth community a huge victory. I think you two both have that opportunity now, and I don't think you can just do it in the U17 league, I think you can do it in the big leagues one day too. That is why I am here, and that is why I have an offer for you, but before I do that, do you both know who I am?"

Darrel nodded, and Harry was just stunned, "You're Stanley Wood, and I now feel incredibly stupid for not making the connection."

It was so obvious, but neither boy had any reason to think of the name of the former dueling star that dominated the 70's pro league, nor did they have any reason to suspect he owned the dueling team they were currently playing for. Stanley turned around smiling widely, "Please call me Stan. I have been watching you two the whole season, and I think your teamwork, and tactics are beautiful and just about flawless. Mr. Abbot you are now 17 years old is that correct?"

Darrel nodded his head while the owner of the Falcons turned to the younger man, "Mr. Potter, you are just recently 13 yes?"

Harry shook his head, "Yes sir!"

The man clapped his hands, "Splendid, then I have an offer for you first Mr. Abbot, if you are willing to hear me out on the matter?"

The oldest Abbot son laughed nervously, "You're the boss sir, by all means."

Stan clapped, "Excellent...Now you both know that next week you will be competing for the English National Championship, and I propose that if you win Mr. Abbot I will offer you 5 million galleons a year to come play on the circuit Falcons Team. Marshawn Robinson is going into retirement next year, and I will be needing some new blood for the team. I also need a young face that I can market, and who better than an English U17 Champion. If you sign with us I will also give you a 1 million galleon signing bonus."

Darrel and Harry's jaws both dropped, "5 million galleons sir?"

Stan took a seat up against the desk grinning, "A year...on a four year contract with a promised 20% raise if you do well in the pros."

Harry put an excited hand on his best friends shoulder, as the boy was clearly overwhelmed by the offer, "I don't know what to say. Its been my dream since I was a little boy, and my dad took me to a Falcons game to play on this team..."

Carmichael grinned, "That sounds like a yes to me son."

Darrel laughed throwing his hand out to the owner of the Falcons with tears in his eyes, "That's a hell yes for me sir. I wouldn't miss the chance for anything."

Harry whooped, and the player and owner shook hands on the deal, "I will have my lawyers get in touch with you, but you will needs a sports agent my young friend. Would like some recommendations, or do you know someone who might be up to the job?"

Darrel shook his head, "I will take anyone you recommend sir. I will talk with my parents to make sure they don't know anyone super close or an ally to the house of Abbot, but otherwise I would be happy to take your suggestion."

Carmichael nodded, "With Robinson having at least two seasons left in him you will have your Hogwarts year, and then the world championship in the Summer. The team will travel around the world to compete and see who the best young duelers are in the world, that will make you ineligible for the Circuit, so you will have one year after school to train, or to travel, but we will sign you the moment you either win the world title, or get booted. We can't pay you money in the U17 league, but we can take care of you and make you offers, which we will do."

The oldest Abbot son looked blown away by the offer still, and asked, "What about Harry? Why was he brought back into this?"

Stan nodded, "Ah yes, Mr. Potter you are our local powerhouse at only 13 years old I am depressed by the fact that I can not offer you a contract as well yet, but I would like to offer you something a little different."

Pulling off a piece of paper from his desk he said, "Now I have heard your quidditch skills are almost as good as your dueling skills, and if that is the case I would like to send representatives from my friends in the American Company Nike to watch your games, and I would also like to offer you my endless amount of connections to the media, and the sponsorships that often approach me. I as an individual cannot pay you money, as it goes against the U17 guidelines, but I can show you a doorway to money, and help you build a home and career around Falmouth if you decide to go pro and keep up with your dueling training. You won't have to sign any contracts, but I will ask for your word, that if I go out for you, and make your name huge in the sports market, that when the time comes you will consider playing for my Falcons team once you are of age."

Harry considered only for a moment, "Sir you are talking to the right badger. I may find myself busy in the coming years, but I would like to keep playing for your U17 team, and if I go pro, you will be the only team I consider as long as you are fair."

This caused the men to laugh, and shake hands in agreement, while Stan said, "You boys keep working with your friend Cedric, and I may be offering him a spot to. I would rather spend the next ten years building young stars into a powerhouse, then waste my team with the mediocre talent we have today. I could see the three of you being the future faces of dueling."

Darrel then asked, "If we don't win the Championship do these offers still stand?"

Stan went silent for a moment before saying, "Your spot on this team is still promised, but the money may not be as high. It is important that you can still win in stressful situations. I heard that the Cannons ended up defeating the Harpies, so you will have a tough match from the Cinderella story next week. Most of the nation is with them, because everyone likes an underdog, but I am here to tell you that they are not as good as you two, and if you lose it will be because your nerves betrayed you. I have faith in you boys though, neither of you have gone down yet, and the Cannons will have to beat both of the undefeated duelist, it seems pretty unlikely, but certainly not impossible. Go celebrate your victory with the team boys, and remember my offer."

The two boys nodded with determination as they walked out of the office, keen to prove themselves, and win it all.

"Ladies and Gentlemen it is August 21st, 1993 and the dueling English Junior Championship is now upon us. Today we have a legendary match up against a undefeated monster, and a Cinderella story that has shocked the nation. Hi my name is Jack Wilder, and we have a heck of a match in front of us today. After last weeks crushing victory the Falcons look confident, and at ease, while the Cannons last week barely pulled off a victory against the Harpies. This will be a tough match for the Cannons, but they have continuously proven themselves in stressful situations, and this might just be a match that will go down in the U17's history. Good luck to both teams, as the line up today will be a good one."

Darrel had already warmed up the team before they came out to the pitch today, and he had them now all gathered around with just minutes before the match started, "Alright guys listen up. This is a match that we have all been waiting for. I know some of you dreamed of being in a position like this, and now a national championship is within our grasp. There are 10 duelist across the pitch that want to take it from us. They barely scraped 10 wins this season, and now they are going to attempt and take it away from us who have yet to lose. I am here to tell you guys I am not going to let them happen. I will duel until my core has nothing left, and I know you all will too. If we win this, then next July we are going out of the country to compete on a global scale, and we can all travel together, and do something we love to do. We go out here, and we win this thing, and we all celebrate tonight like its 1999. We fight to win. Bring it on in here, Falcons on three...1.2..3...FALCONS!"

The team roared a battle cry, and the first duelist were called to the pitch. Allison was still the #10 seed, and as the team broke the huddle she was called to the pitch to face a girl who looked instantly recognizable, "Allison Hunt face Hestia Carrow bow. Retreat to the dueling position."

Cedric came by over to Harry whistling lowly, "I didn't know Hestia was on the dueling circuit, wasn't she the one that flirted with you in your first dueling year?"

Harry blushed a bit, "Shut up Cedric...but yes she was, just don't remind Hannah of that."

Harry had been spending more and more time with Hannah as of late, as they were kind of boyfriend and girlfriend, but they were to young to go on a real date, so they just hang out at each others places, and spent the days together when Harry didn't have practice. They thought it would drive Susan away, but she had been spending more time with Ernie, but Harry was yet to be certain if they were a thing or not, for which he was strangely happy about.

As the bowing process went Allison and Hestia both went aggressive to start the duel. What would follow would be intense, but Allison had been working well on her speed. Her power was still a bit inconsistent, but it was enough to force Hestia backwards, and not allow her much room at the edge of the platform. Just as Harry thought she was done for, she flicked her wand powerfully across her body and a slash went straight at Allison, and it traveled so quickly the girl no time to dodge it. A painful yelp/scream came from the girls mouth, and then she was hit by the Petrificus Totalus curse, and the duel was over.

Their was some mild clapping from the Falcons fans, and the Chudley folks were going mad at a good come back victory. Darrel whispered over to Harry, "They act like they just won the championship by defeating our #10 seed duelist."

Harry grunted in agreement and annoyance by the lack of sportsmanship, but Natalie called to them as she walked by, "Don't worry, I will silence the crowd."

The boys grinned at the red heads retreating side, and when she marched onto the stage she bowed through the introductions, and when the duel started she pulled one straight from her captains book, by stepping forward and holding an overpowered reducto for nearly ten seconds, decimating the Slytherin 5th year witch right off the stage.

The Falcons fans were much more modest and controlled than the Cannon fans, but there was still a fair amount of cheering, and even some wolf whistles for the buxom red head. As the Cannons 9 seed duelist took the stage Harry noticed a bit of familiarity to the boy, but couldn't quite get a full look at him until he was face to face with Natalie, which caused a low animalistic growl to come from his throat, "Marcus Flint, face Natalie Porter attention bow. Retreat to the dueling position."

As the duelist retreated Darrel shouted out to his usual first duelist, "NO MERCY!"

The girl seemed surprised by the hostility in her captains voice, but saw the glares that Cedric and Heidi were sending him, and gave them reassuring smiles. When the first spells were exchanged Flint proved to be the dirty snake that he was, and summoned a flock of ravens to attack the girl. Barely being able to bat away the birds she lit them all aflame, and luckily dodged the incoming stunner that almost ended the duel right from the get go. In retaliation the girl through one of the most powerful deprimo charms Harry had ever seen which looked a lot like a tornado as it swept across the pitch. Unfortunately the new Slytherin Dueling Captain barely stumbled on this, and shook off the blasting curse that hit him in the upper shoulder, proving to be ambidextrous and switching hands for the duel.

Harry did not know Flint was capable of such moves, but it didn't prove to important, because the duel was over shortly after that. With a stunning combination of the opugno charm which she used after she summoned the paper birds, Natalie lit them on fire, and sent them straight after the snake in the grass. Flint had of course attempted to repel this with a regular water charm, but something about the fire was unable to be distinguished, and effectively distracted the #9 seed for the Cannons, for just a long enough time to put him down for good.

Natalie went down in the next duel, but it was still fierce. Luke came out and battled the large heavy set boy Sam Maul, whom took Natalie down, and pretty easily handled the situation.

It went back and fourth over the next few duels. Luke went down against the #7, while Neville came through and finished the job. Neville had almost taken down the #6 seed, but he tripped over some debris and a little embarrassingly tripped into a stunner which broke his nose. This however left Oliver with the easy job of coming in and cleaning up the 6 seed, and going down to the five seed.

Harry would later admit that the team was perhaps very unsportsmanlike, but they definitely weren't going to go down without a fight. Heidi and a rather heavy set girl fought a very fast paced duel which ended with Heidi shattering the girls arm, and blasting her off the platform. It looked like a good win, but she was also seriously injured in the process. Darrel was her captain, and as her boyfriend he told she had done her part, and rested her, bringing Penelope against the #4 seed of the Chudley Cannons.

The cannons put fourth what appeared to be a full grown man to the stage, and Darrel whispered just quietly enough for Harry and Cedric to hear, "Can we see a birth certificate on that guy, he is freaking massive. His facial hair makes him look 25!"

Carmichael was standing nearby, and caught the end of the conversation saying, "Alex Van Helsing, he has been a big name this year, and I am constantly surprised that they have left him at the four seed. He comes from an older family, and is reasonably powerful. I almost recruited him at the beginning of the season, but I didn't quite like his attitude...or his hair."

Cedric laughed at this while, Darrel and Harry merely shook their heads, because as if on cue, Van Helsing swayed his long hair to the side dramatically. Harry jumped onto the platform to speak with his duelist for a moment, while Van Helsing dropped to one knee and closed his eyes. He quickly spoke with Penelope, "I can feel a pretty strange power coming from that guy Penny. Don't mess around, and watch your shield charms carefully. Beat this punk into submission, and let Cedric come up and do some serious work alright?"

Penny looked a little nervous as the crowd was getting restless, but nodded her head, "Thanks Harry, but I intend to clean up the house from here!"

Harry held out his knuckles to the girl, "That's the spirit! Get em girl!"

He motioned for the ref to go ahead, and popped down from the stage, while Darrel said, "Your girl looked pretty nervous out their Cedric, maybe you should've put the moves on her before she went up."

Harry chuckled, knowing that Cedric has had a thing for Penny for most the season since Percy broke up with her. It happened about midway through the season, and Penny showed up crying to practice, and Cedric comforted her, while the team stood by their new friend. Darrel and Harry had been giving him non-stop shit about it ever since!

Cedric himself merely just grumbled telling the boys to piss off, as the duel began. Penny had improved pretty remarkably over the past two months. It was really her power level that changed to. Harry had told her to exercise more physically and it would help her magical core, and it was the truth. She always had the precision, and timing behind her dueling, but now she had some pack a punch. She still couldn't beat Cedric, and couldn't touch either Harry or Darrel, but she was getting better.

No one except the three Hufflepuff leaders knew it, but they were questioning whom the better duelist was between the three of them now. Harry had been given a huge power boost when he became an animagus, and though Darrel was currently working on becoming one as well, there was some question.

Regardless to that the duel between Penny and Van Helsing had quickly become violent. The older boy appeared to be using a dark type of magic, but it didn't look lethal, but it didn't appear friendly either. Almost everything the young man threw was also completely unidentifiable to Harry, and the boys, which made them wonder if it was familial magic that was being used against their Ravenclaw friend!

Van Helsing was also very aggressive taking quick little steps forward throughout the duel, forcing Penny backwards. It wasn't looking good for the Ravenclaw, until she dropped to one knee under the pressure of a blasting curse, and fired a massive shot of fire towards the boy. Harry thought for sure that would be the end of the duel, but Van Helsing merely grinned and opened his arms to embrace the fire. At first Harry thought the boy was mad, and the crowd gasped thinking he was dead for sure, but faster than the blink of an eye Penny was on the ground out cold, and the Falcons were staring at the back of Van Helsing completely unharmed.

Darrel's jaw dropped, "That was seriously ballsy. He apparated through the fire. He could have splinched himself really bad doing that."

Cedric and Harry were completely gobsmacked, but the crowd, and the announcer was going crazy, "What an incredible turn of event. 4th seed Penelope Clearwater of the Falmouth Falcons has been stunned unconscious, hardly leaving a scratch on Van Helsing!"

A chant came up from the Cannon fan section with the words SLAYER coming through the olfactory nerves of the Falcons. It didn't take long for the Falcons fans to return a chant back and it was clear, "DIGGORY DIGGORY DIGGORY!"

Van Helsing apparated back to his side and just smirked, as Harry revived Penny asking her if she was okay. The girl was still stunned, but not physically. Cedric casually walked past his two friends and glared at the boy across from him. The ref only waited for Harry and Penny to get off the stands to bow them in, and when the match started Cedric pointed his wand towards the crowd, "MOMENTUM EXPUR!"

The entire stadium began to rock with the powerful spell leaving Cedric's wand, and throwing Van Helsing off balance. The boy tried to apparate again, but this time Cedric was ready for it, and turned around blasting the boy almost point blank with a bone breaking hex, and then attempting to stun him, but only to be met with a clash of magical energy in the middle. Two red lights were connected on the pitch and the crowd gasped in awe. Harry had only heard of something like this happening, and it almost never happened to Potter's due to their unusual variety of wand choices, but the wands that were facing each other in the current match were brothers. The oldest Potter son knew that Cedric's wand was from a Unicorn hair, and that must mean that it was the same unicorn, and now magic itself was fighting against the two of them. Van Helsing and Cedric were both clearly shocked, but Cedric broke out of it first, when he pulled out a secondary wand and blasted the kid clean off the platform.

Cedric didn't prefer to use two wands, but recently he had adapted the ability, and had been working with Harry to the point that he could at least cast two spells at the same time, which allowed him to carry another. It was actually his mother's, from what he had told his two best friends, but it was only temporary until he could become better, and then have his own made.

The crowd was pretty hyped now, and almost everyone was on their feet as the final three duels were about to commence. Van Helsing apparated back directly in front of Cedric, and at first Harry thought he was going to punch the Hufflepuff, but instead he offered his hand, and when Cedric took it he pulled the boy into a manly one armed embrace, smiling at the boy the whole time, and congratulating him on the match. This was the first display of good sportsmanship Harry had seen from the Cannons and joined the crowd in applause.

The #3 duelist was quick to get on the stands next, and he was pretty scary. Grubbs Grady was a pretty cut dude. Harry had been watching him, and noticed that he had scars on his face that made him slightly intimidating. The thing that made Harry curious of course was the fact that the scars looked wolf like, which made Harry wonder if Cedric was basically battling a young Remus Lupin type. Harry had heard stories from his mother and father, that when Remus was younger his werewolf abilities were a bit out of control at time, which allowed his reflexes to sharpen exponentially.

Cedric however came over and said a few words to the boys first, "I am taking this guy down. You two better be prepared for the fight of your lives though. Crespley and Shan look ready for business over there."

The three hit knuckles real quick, and the ref called the boys to the center of the ring. When it started Harry had a feeling he was completely correct in his previous assumption, because the first spell that came out Cedric's wand was so fast he wasn't sure he would've blocked it himself, yet Grubbs merely shifted out of its way, causing a gasp and roar of excitement to come from the stands.

Harry was almost more into the announcing then the actual duel, "That spell was a rocket straight from Diggory, but Grady acted like it was merely an incoming spit ball and dodged around it. Diggory however wasn't to be bothered by his failed initial plan, and has began a barrage of spells towards his opponent, most of which Grady is dodging with ease. I don't know where reflexes like that come from folks, but it almost does not look natural."

Harry had a feeling that was exactly the case, as Grady began returning firing with a heightened aggression. The spells were pretty basic blasters, stunners, freezing spells, and the chain spells were pretty fast, but Cedric wasn't one of the best for nothing. With the shield variety Harry had been knocking into his brain for over two years now, the boy was as quick as lightning with shield transitions.

At some point the basics left the duel though. Grady summoned a massive serpent composed completely of fire, and launched it at Cedric, which made the boy sweat, but not freak as he swatted it away with the back of his wand, and cool it down creating solid pieces of debris which he quickly transfigured into wolves, and blasted them towards his opponent. At first Harry thought Grady was screwed, but the boy proved to be quite resourceful as he fired a wide spread cutting charm taking both dogs down, and raising a shield in time to stop Cedric's barrage.

The duel continued and raged on with even the announcer becoming impressed by it, "This duel is incredible ladies and gentlemen, and it can longer be questioned that these two teams deserve to be here. The level of magic I have seen is auror level, and in some cases I wonder what my friends in the auror department would do to dodge such violent arrays of curses. Diggory and Grady are clearly battling for more than just a simple win, but for a ballot of respect."

Harry could acknowledge the fact that the duel was fantastic, one of the best he had watched in a while, and it was mostly because Grubbs Grady should not still be standing. The boy was a walking miracle that Cedric just could not hit.

Both sides luck finally ran out however when Grubbs attempted to charge the Hufflepuff boy, batting Cedric's curses away. Cedric attempted to bring out his other wand and double the curses, but Grubbs was closing in fast. In a desperate attempt Cedric yelled out and dove towards the boy launching multiple stunners, and getting stunned himself. When the confusion of what had happened settled Harry realized neither boy was standing. Harry and Darrel both jumped up on the platform wondering if their friend was still alive, and it was clear the other two captains were doing the same for their player as they each attempted to revive their teammate. Thankfully a simple Rennerverate brought both sides back to consciousness, and the duel was called a draw, which the fans loved and hated.

Cedric looked over from side to side clearly wondering what day of the weak it was, "Please tell me I hit him?"

Darrel nodded helping the boy find his feet, "You just brought us to the end my friend, good work."

The referee then stepped in, "Abbot, Potter...Crespley and Shan wish to initiate the two on two dueling. Do you accept?"

Harry gave Darrel a nod which allowed the boy to respond, "Of course, we accept."

The announcer then gave it to the crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen after an incredibly well fought duel that captains of the Chudley Cannons wish to initiate the two on two duels. We are in for a real treat as we get to watch the undefeated captains of the Falmouth Falcons battle the two unbeatable partners Larten Crespley and Darren Shan, good luck to both teams, and may the best duelist win."

The pitch was expanded to a larger facility which gave the four duelist much more room than previous rounds. The Falcons dueling team was now gathered closely to the stand screaming support to their captains, as the bowing in was commenced. When it came time to face each other and bow, it was surprising to the whole stadium that each player very respectfully bowed deeply to each other, and even smiled. It was clear this was a moment that both teams had worked very hard for.

When the two separated they were given a few seconds to talk to their partner and strategize. Harry and Darrel however were seen to be something rather strange, and that was playing a game of rock...paper...scissors. Which led to some laughing, when Harry swore at losing and nodded his head, "Good luck bro. Keep it tight, and don't give them an inch. Lets play with the water, see what were doing, and pull up wards if we have to restrategize or get desperate."

Darrel grinned, "Lets show these kids the money! Hufflepuff's till the end my friend."

The two boys pounded knuckles, and turned to face their opponents who were done talking. The ref then started a five second count down, "5...4...3...2...1...DUEL!"

At the word duel Harry shot forward raising a monstrous shield and feeling the pressure of four spells at a time hitting it. At first he was shocked, but then he noticed both of his opponents had two wands, which meant that they were in for twice the fire power. Darrel whom was still not quite proficient with a second wand, kept his in his pocket for the time being, but sent powerful wide range stunners over Harry's head.

Harry now understood why no one could beat these guys when they teamed up. Had the oldest Potter not had a special aptitude for defensive magic, they would've lost right off the bat or very shortly after the start of the duel.

Even still after merely thirty seconds Harry was starting to feel the strain of switching shields, and keeping the pressure of basically four casters off of him, as Darrel did his best to breach the two defenders.

After a minute had passed, Darrel cried out switch, which caused Harry to spin out of the way of an incoming spell, block another then return fire, with Darrel at his side advancing forward. This was proving to be an effective strategy, as they were pushing Crespley and Shan both towards the end, but then Crespley apparated to the other side of the pitch right behind them, causing Darrel to whirl around and take a hex to the arm, but getting in the spell path and preventing Harry from getting hit in the back of the head. The two then engaged their opponents back to back for another minute, with neither still making a bit of progress.

The crowd however was very impressed with Potter and Abbot both because they defended each other with such ferocity an accuracy, that not a single spell past the initial one breached their defenses.

At the three minute mark Darrel called Harry for a full 360 shield which he had been working on for months, and Harry screamed out, "PROTEGO TOTALUM!"

A blue ball of energy enveloped the two boys for about ten seconds, which gave Darrel a long enough time to summon two defensive wards to give them some cover, a tactic they had yet to use all season. Darrel and Harry both slouched into each other when it was done, as the world went quiet, and the two duelist outside the bubble yelled at each other and attempted to break the Abbot Heir's wards. Darrel spoke heavily, "Its so taxing fighting and returning that many spells. These guys have endless magical cores, we have to do something quickly or one of us is going to slip."

Harry thinking quickly said, "We need the animagus trump card, but we have to get them back on the same side. If we push towards your side can we get Crespley back onto the other side of the pitch? We can go with the flying Kong at that point, and either win or lose this duel. We have to do something."

Harry watched as the wards around them began cracking, Darrel spoke heavily, "You are going to get hurt doing this, its an insane plan."

"We do it for the team, and the victory. A sacrifice we both may have to make one day, its not like they are going to kill me, and the perfect record can end at the championship for me, as long as you don't go down!" Harry said fiercely preparing to summon his shield once again.

Silence came between the two, and when the wards exploded Darrel barked out, "Now!"

Casting a powerful reflection charm in front of them Harry and Darrel both turned towards Larten Crespley the 17 year old power house, and began barraging him with their most powerful chain spells causing the young man to get hit twice, before apparating back to the side of his partner. The moment he did this Harry ran forward through his reflection charm, roared out, and jumped into his animagus position, only to get hit in the back with a blaster which sent him flying high through the air with an almighty roar.

He was closing in on the two boys fast, and when they didn't do anything he hit the ground and swatted at Darren Shan knocking him with his fist, but then took two stunners to the back, but in his animagus this only took him to the ground, and did not knock him unconscious.

He waited for more spells to hit him, but they never came as he laid on his knuckles trying to catch his breath, or stand, or keep fighting, depending on the situation they were in. But then the roar of the crowd hit him, and then two arms swung around screaming, "WE DID IT HARRY!"

Feeling the healing charms wash over him from Cedric and Darrel he banged on his chest and let out his most primal roar and barring his teeth to the world! When he was done with his triumph he transfigured himself back into his uniform and was picked up in celebration. Red and Black confetti was once again fired into the sky, and the announcer roared out, "I have been watching this game my entire life, and never have I seen such young and powerful talent walk through these halls. The Falmouth Falcons have gone 19-0 for a perfect season. Defeating the best in the land, they are now the U17 English Champions. Here today the Minister of Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge himself will be giving the awards, the MVP, and the national championship trophy, or as it is called now the Arthurian Cup. Well done Harry James Potter, and Darrel Brandon Abbot for taking your team to win it all, and I cannot wait for the world finals next year which will be a sudden death playoff elimination. Good luck to you all, and congratulations!"

The Falcons chant could not be silenced for several minutes, but the pitch was raised a bit higher off the ground, and a massive screen was showing the Minister smiling in front of thousands of people waiting to give the awards, "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. I first would like to congratulate all the teams who made it into the U17 playoff bracket, well done, well done! Please give these teams and particularly the Chudley Cannons a round of applause for a hard fought season!"

The crowd applauded and even the Falcons fans gave a respectable amount of cheering and applause. Harry always thought Fudge was kind of an idiot, but he also knew the man was an astute politician, "Now I have a trophy here, that I was asked to give today, but it isn't as much as a trophy, as it a chalice of victory. The Arthurian cup today even represents the triumphs of our nation and our pride as witches and wizards. It is why I feel honored to present these cup to the undefeated FALMOUTH FALCONS!"

The crowd, particularly the home crowd was in a roar of joy, while Fudge handed the cup to Carmichael who held it high, and then passed it to Darrel, then to Harry, and then to Cedric, whom just kept passing it down till each of their teammates had their moment in the light. When that was finished Fudge spoke again, "Now for this year's most valuable player. It had come to the board of this leagues attention that there are two undefeated duelist left in the entire league who happened to be on the same team, which left the opportunity for them to duel each other, and originally the plan was to have those two young men duel each other at the end of the season, but after speaking to these respective players family, the MVP has been decided in an easier way. Knowing these two friends would not wish to raise their wands to each other for something so important, the league has decided to award the MVP to Darrel Abbot and Harry Potter."

The MVP trophy was crystal and was floating over the Minister's head, but when he said this the trophy duplicated perfectly, and had each of their names on it, and it was levitated down into both of their hands, and they embraced each other happily clearly glad that no stigma was going to be between the two over the trophy.

The crowd loved it more than they did though, as such a display of sportsmanship was shown, and Fudge continued, "The future of our nations strength may lie on this field tonight, with many future young Lords and Ladies among us, and I look greatly forward to next year, where I can watch my nations team fight for the INTERNATIONAL TITLE! WELL DONE ENGLISH CHAMPIONS!"

The families and friends of the players were allowed on the field at that point, and it was a sea of hugs from Harry's parents, siblings, godfather, uncle, housemates, friends, and even a smoking kiss from the girl that he was going to very soon call his girlfriend.

The team had done it, and they had become national champions, and next they would attempt to take on the world!

(A/N) Updates will be coming, but I don't know when. I have the next chapter written out, but the one after that I am drawing a blank on. Feel free to chime in to help out, Cheers!