Chapter 36

Hogwarts was abuzz with the news that Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter would finally be duelling against each other for all to see, past encounters with each other were being told and retold at every opportunity until they had deviated so far from the truth it bordered on ridiculous.

The incessant pestering had become too much for his Occlumency to deal with, so instead Harry would navigate the hallways of Hogwarts with the Marauders Map constantly. He knew most passageways off by heart, but he used it to check when it was clear enough he could walk down without someone spotting him and forming a crowd of people answering questions. Malfoy, on the other hand was receiving no such treatment.

"People have been following you around since you got here, don't see why it should change now." said Malfoy, they were walking on the outskirts of Hogwarts grounds. They had an hour or so until curfew, but it had been dark for some time so nobody would see them.

"I'm finding being asked the same questions over and over…annoying to say the least." muttered Harry, kicking a stone into the lake. It caused faint ripples that were illuminated by the half moon, clouds were strung across the sky but it had no chance of raining.

"So you're finally developing intolerance to morons, took you long enough." smirked Malfoy, waving his wand up and down his body and warming himself.

"I don't know…if I was intolerant to morons, would I be out here with you?" countered Harry, smiling as the jibe caused that vague look of exasperation to cross Malfoys face, it was his way of acknowledging a particularly good slight.

"Hilarious, have you talked about this with anyone else?" asked Malfoy, adjusting the neckline of his thick coat.

"No, everyone else is more obsessed with talking about the duels, or Christmas…or what I'm doing for Christmas, why do people care what I'm doing for Christmas?" asked Harry, allowing some aggravation into his voice.

"What are you doing for Christmas?" asked Malfoy, he was both curious to know and I had the pleasure of annoying Harry. It merely earned him a glare.

"We're lucky, you and I. We've seen things and…heard things nobody should have to hear. It almost forces us to mature and have a perspective on things that few are privileged to." said Malfoy, his footsteps made the frosty grass crunch as they walked in silence for a few seconds.

"I know…we are different, but it's more than that. We've both grown up in places children shouldn't have, and it creates a unique mindset…like we have a thought process different from everyone else. Does that sound arrogant?" asked Harry, sniffing slightly and rubbing his cold nose.

"Not at all, it's a compliment." grinned Malfoy. Silence fell again as they walked on by the side of the lake.

"Don't you find this all a bit weird?" Harry glanced over at Malfoy, trying to analyse the reaction to his question.

"Find what weird?" asked Malfoy, skipping over a small root.

"This, me and you…walking around the lake, talking and laughing…like everything is normal." said Harry, stopping to a halt.

"Everything is normal" countered Malfoy, looking at Harry curiously.

"You know what I mean." said Harry, turning to walk on slowly.

"I get it, we used to be enemies…now we're friends, having a deep meaningful conversation, about life and how we hate people." said Malfoy, putting his hands deeper in his pockets.

"I don't hate people." argued Harry, of all the things to pick out of Malfoys sentence it was that.

"Yet, you don't hate people yet. Soon enough they'll start boring you and acquaintances will be tedious…And you'll be left with a few, albeit very close friends. Like me." said Malfoy, sauntering off to sit on the big rock that sat in the middle of the pathway.

"Like you? You find everyone else apart from your close friends, tedious?" asked Harry, his tone humorous as if Malfoy were joking.

"Unless they are smart and I can have a proper conversation with them, or they are interesting…yes, everyone else is tedious." said Malfoy, looking up at Harry from his seated position.

"By the way, you fit in to the 'interesting' category." added the Slytherin, a slightly smug look on his face at his taunt.

"Thanks…so you really think this way?" questioned Harry, thinking about Malfoys strategy. The idea of not talking to morons certainly appealed to him.

"I'm not being divisive, but I'd rather spend time with company I enjoy…that's life." surmised Malfoy; shrugging his shoulders like it were simple.

"So…you like spending time with me? You consider me a close friend?" pressed Harry, curious what his answer would be.

"In the, we're friends…not friend friends way, yes…Harry Potter, congratulations you are one of the few people that I find interesting enough to stick around. Your prize…is this rock." said Malfoy, picking up a flat, smooth stone and tossing it to Harry.

"Wow…thanks." said Harry, taking the stone and making a poor attempt to skim it across the lake. Managing three bounces before it splashed too much and sank.

"Pathetic…here try it like this, remember it's all in the wrist…" and so Malfoy began a fifteen minute, animated tutorial about the profession that is 'skimming stones'. And it was there, leant against a large, sunken boulder on a chilly December evening…learning how to get the perfect spin on a stone that Harry Potter decided having Draco Malfoy as a close friend wasn't bad at all.

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Harry had a free period at the end of the day on Tuesdays, normally he would spend it doing homework, on the rare occasion he didn't have homework to do then it was 'Independent Research' as he called it. Basically he would read obscure textbooks and study various branches of magic; focusing on Warding, Potions, Transfiguration and Dark Magic. He felt the latter was more out of necessity than anything else, knowing what he would be up against would mean he would have a better chance to fight against it, plus it meant he had some surprises in store for the future

Instead he was dedicating the free time to something he had been neglecting from his schedule in the last couple of weeks.Animagus Training. In his 'Normal form' as a Red Wolf, he had been able to get both his arms and legs full of fur but could only fully transform one leg and one arm at the same time, never all four.

His Augurey form on the other hand was a bit more complicated, perhaps it was due to the fact that the physiology of a bird differed greatly from a human form, but the more likely explanation was that it was a Magical being. And Magical Animagi had never been confirmed, myths and tales of old but never a concrete documented case of a witch or wizard being able to transform into a Magical creature.

The most renowned legendary account was Godric Gryffindor having the form of a Griffin. 'And when battle raged he would transform and strike fear in the hearts of his opponent, for the Griffin was the king of all creatures and only Merlin himself could ever subdue such a beast.'

Deciding two hours was enough and having nothing else to do, Harry made his way down to the kitchens where the house elves excitedly greeted him and gave him a basket full of food. After thanking them several times, Harry left and walked through the secret passageways to avoid the Hogwarts students that would undoubtedly try to engage him in pointless conversations and eventually decided to set up camp in one. Namely the one opposite the Great Hall, anywhere else he would go he'd be swamped with Hogwarts students questioning him. Here, he could be alone and wait until he absolutely had to be in the Great Hall.

There was less than an hour until the start of the duel, but already he could hear people walking in to the hall and the conversations they were having. Letting out a small sigh, he sat down after casting a wandless Cushioning Charm and ate slowly.

As the hour progressed, Harry didn't have to look through the fake wall to know the foyer to the Great Hall was packed full of people. Excited chatter and discussion filled the air, with a constant stream of footsteps walking past. He sat back against the wall, closed his eyes and implemented some Occlumency exercises as he waited until he had to go into the Great Hall. He wanted to leave it until the last possible moment so he wouldn't be swamped by Hogwarts students, though after a few minutes he was interrupted.

"I thought you'd be here." said the voice of Draco Malfoy.

"Have you been out there?" asked Harry, gesturing to the wall as he vanished the leftover food that was left so there was room for Malfoy.

"I can hear, and that's enough. Besides you didn't expect anything less." smirked Malfoy, sitting down opposite him. He was wearing his dueling attire, a slim fitted black dragonhide with matching boots.

"Nice outfit." said Harry, smiling as he slighted the Slytherin.

"I could say the same to you...standard Twilfit and Tattings dueling robes?" asked Malfoy, as he looked over Harry's appearance. Harry only nodded in response.

"You are incorrigible; every skilled duelist should have the appropriate clothing for their encounters. And given your track record, you should probably be wearing it around the clock." said Malfoy, almost reproachfully.

"Well I don't intend on getting hit by many spells…" countered Harry, his reply infuriated Malfoy.

"It's not about whether you intend on getting hit by them, the fact is you could get hit by them. Dragonhide reduces the effects, you can't anticipate every spell being thrown at you." said Malfoy, twirling his wand in his hands as he spoke. Harry stayed silent, feeling like he was being slowly taught something Malfoy felt he should already know.

"What I'm saying is that, it doesn't hurt to have every possible advantage on your side. Understand what I mean?" asked Malfoy, looking Harry in the eye as he talked.

"Yes…Professor Malfoy…I'll get some over the Christmas Holidays seeing as you want to keep me protected so bad." said Harry, though there was no mocking tone in his voice. Malfoy merely rolled his eyes at the comment.

"Professor Malfoy doesn't sound good." stated Malfoy, after a couple of seconds of silence.

"It doesn't, don't go into teaching." said Harry, exchanging a small smile with Malfoy.

"So why are you here?" asked Harry, looking over to Malfoy.

"Housemates being even more intolerable than normal." said Malfoy, simply. Harry nodded along; Gryffindors had been hyping his duel, talking to him at every possible moment they had and trying to give their 'advice' all week-long.

"How have you dealt with being in the spotlight for so long, this week I've had all of Slytherin pestering me…has it always been like that for you?" asked Malfoy, anxious on Harry's reply.

"Nearly all the time, except for the times everyone thought that I was 'Slytherins Heir' or when I 'cheated my way into theTriwizard Tournament'." said Harry, the memories bringing back a mixture of anger and humour.

"I always knew you were neither." said Malfoy, letting out a sigh as he talked.

"How?" asked Harry, eyeing Malfoy suspiciously.

"In second year, you didn't know talking to snakes was a trait of Slytherins ancestors…so how you could be the heir of Slytherin without knowing the heir of Slytherin would have the ability to talk to snakes is ridiculous…it's like a paradox, understand?" asked Malfoy, Harry nodded his head.

"In fourth year, when you were announced as the fourth champion…nobody looked more surprised as you." said Malfoy, shrugging his shoulders as though it were obvious.

"Then why did you make badges?" countered Harry, a sly smile on his face as he already knew the answer.

"Because you were Harry Potter, and as Draco Malfoy it was my job to annoy and torment you…plus I was slightly jealous." smirked Malfoy, looking away so he wouldn't have to look at Harry.

"Jealous?" asked Harry.

"You forgot I used the past tense, after being subjected to continuous attention for one week I don't know how you've been able to handle it all these years." laughed Malfoy, though there was a degree of honesty in his tone.

"It's all I've ever known in the Wizarding World, in the Muggle world it's a different matter." replied Harry, a bitter tone in his voice.

"All these years I've wondered what it would be like to be as famous as Harry Potter, to be in the limelight... I can safely say I don't like it." laughed Malfoy, lightening the mood.

"It does take some getting used to." joked Harry, making Malfoy chuckle.

As less and less people could be heard walking outside and into the Great Hall, Harry guessed that it would soon be time for the duel. His thoughts were confirmed as Flitwick began announcing the start of that nights Duelling Club and the upcoming duels for that evening. As their names were announced both Harry and Malfoy stood up and began lightly stretching in order to warm up.

"Ready?" asked Harry, looking at Malfoy.

"I'm always ready." said the Slytherin, somewhat overly dramatic. The comical effect made them both laugh to themselves.

"I think that I should go out first, make your entrance as grand as possible." smirked Malfoy, turning to face Harry.

"Thanks." said Harry, his scowl putting a slight grin on Malfoys face.

"Good luck." added Harry, just before Malfoy walked through the fake wall.

"Luck is for losers, Potter." said Malfoy, not stopping as he walked through the wall and left Harry alone in the passageway.

Small amounts of booing could be heard a few seconds later, Malfoy had obviously walked in to the Great Hall as Flitwickbegan announcing the first duel. Harry began loosening up as Flitwick announced his name and he walked out of the secret passageway and in to the foyer. The doors to the Great Hall weren't closed so Harry could see just how full the hall was. The students of Hogwarts parted slightly as he approached and began shouting well-wishes at him, people patted him on the back and offered varying amounts of encouragement as he reached the stage and walked to the middle, where the Charms Professor and Malfoy were waiting. Everyone in the Great Hall quieted down as they walked up to one another.

"What took you, Potter? Needed to mess up your hair before you get here?" said Malfoy, loud enough for the now silent hall to hear. Several people laughed along with Malfoys comments, as Harry narrowed his eyes.

"Unlike you, Malfoy...I don't feel the need to spend hours on my appearance to look good for another man." retorted Harry, smiling inwardly as Malfoy bit his tongue in order not to smile at his comment. The majority of the students that assembled laughed at his comeback, with Malfoy rolling his eyes.

"Gentleman! I trust you remember the rules, but I will repeat them anyway. No spells that can kill or maim the other, no spells that can cause permanent disabilities, no Dark Arts and nothing that can cause any permanent effects...agreed?" askedFlitwick, who had forced himself between Harry and Malfoy in fear they might start fighting right there. The two only nodded in agreement, it was almost as though they were performing two shows. The duel itself and then acting like they still hated each other, it was quite fun but he hastened that idea out of his head. He knew that Malfoy was a talented duellist and would throw everything he had at Harry, they ignored the command to shake hands and turned around so they were back to back and on Flitwicks command started walking.

Th awaiting gaze of hundreds of expectant students would unnerve most people, but the two people on the platform couldn'tgive a damn and both of them knew the other wouldn't be affected by it either. Harry didn't need Occlumency here, there was just a single focus running through his mind. He stretched out his arm ever so slightly, his fingers twirled in anticipation for his wand to spring into his hand. Malfoy was right-handed so he would fire across from his centre onto Harry's right with his first cast. Stepping to the left as he turned would give him the advantage and force Malfoy to defend...

"Begin!"

It didn't take Harry to hear past the first syllable for him to have turned around, have his wand in his and step to the left. Dropping down low as he did, so it would decrease the amount of his body that could be hit. Malfoy was in the middle of correcting himself, most people would have blind fired. He knew that by missing his first spell it would put him at a disadvantage.

Harry sent a trio of Stunners and moved once again, as Malfoy busied himself with shielding those Harry sent an 'Incarcerous' but Malfoy had abandoned any attempt to shield and dropped to the floor to roll under all attacks. Springing back up and sending Stunners and Disarming Charms.

'Pretty standard, let's take things up a couple notches.' thought Harry, as he deflected the spells.

"Catenam Ligeta." shouted Harry, chains sprang from his wand as they flew towards Malfoy. They would wrap around an opponent and bind them tightly, they were hard to shield against but Malfoy took an option most wouldn't consider and used a simple Vanishing Charm. The chains disappeared a few feet away and in retaliation, Malfoy sent a flurry of spells; various Entrapment Curses, Flipping Hexes, and Disorientating Spells. They were an advanced set of spells, with just enough time to raise a shield and deflect them away.

From there, the tempo went up a couple notches. Defensive magic was forgotten as the pair dodged each others attempts, spells shot from wands quicker than people could keep up. They weren't alternating between their attacks, as both simultaneously tried to subdue the other. Spells crashed into one another, sometimes they would spiral harmlessly into the protective barriers. On occasion though they would rebound back to the original caster, making it even more difficult as they had to avoid both their own spells and the others.

Spells were also mixed between verbal and non-verbal, increasing the audiences intrigue when unknown spells flew from wands without words. Neither could afford to pause or stand still, with constant streams of magic forcing them to keep moving. Until...

"Peruuta Inita!" Both yelled the words at the same time, obviously having the same idea. All incoming spells dissipated, and the protective barriers seemed to shimmer slightly. They had both used a spell that effectively cancels spells within a certain area, that area depended on the power of the caster. The protective barriers wouldn't be affected as they were advancedEnchantments, they had only fluctuated because of the dual cast of two powerful young wizards.

Harry and Malfoy stood at opposite ends of the platform, panting slightly but on tenterhooks for any sudden movements from the other. Each had burning muscles and bruises forming from where they had landed a bit too hard, having been forced to dive and roll about to escape spells at all costs.

"Resictu!" shouted Harry, whipping his wand hard. Malfoy barely managed to shield himself as an invisible physical blow struck his shield. The force made him stagger and Harry tried to take advantage but was forced to step aside as the Slytherin had sent a silent Stunner whilst falling. Malfoy rolled under the Binding Hex that Harry had sent his way, as he got to his feet Malfoy sent a Sweeping Curse and Tripping Jinx.

Harry batted the curses away and wiped his brow, unleashing a Reverberating Charm and bracing himself. Several deep gongs echoed around the Great Hall, loud enough to make nearly everyone clamp their hands over their ears, the sounds were deafening as they resonated around. Malfoy flinched slightly, sending his spell of course and into the air. Harry took advantage and cast 'Levicorpus' it hit and Malfoy was hoisted into the air by an ankle, he had dropped his wand but not before he had fired an 'Incarcerous' at Harry who was cancelling the Reverberating Charm so the sounds would stop. He was hit and ropes conjured around and bound him in mid-air, his wand had fallen from his hand but if Harry could wiggle his arm free he could cancel the spell.

He looked over and saw Malfoy attempting the same thing, his arm burned as he rubbed it against the ropes and tore to get free. The crowd began cheering for the individual they wanted to win, the teachers looked like they didn't know what to do, meanwhile Harry and Malfoy where contorting their bodies and stretching for their wands. Harry's arm broke free, he grasped at the floor to get some control on his position. Malfoy had twisted himself around and was trying to gain extra momentum to reach his wand. It was a race against time, whoever got their wand first would be able to untangle themselves first and retrieve the others wand.

Harry's hand grazed against his wand, he could have wandlessly summoned it, he could have wandlessly summonedMalfoy's but he couldn't because everyone would know he could perform wandless magic.

He could hear Malfoy grunting but didn't dare look, with a final swing he grabbed his wand. A non-verbal 'Finite' and he was on the ground, and blindly sent a Disarming Charm as he got to his feet. As he looked up to check on Malfoy he as hit by a Disarming Charm, he was hurled into the air and his wand was ripped from his grasp.

He landed on his back, and hard. But he had no time to stay there, as he felt something fall on his chest. He peered up and saw a wand...it wasn't his wand though. He grabbed it, sprang to his feet and looked across to Malfoy, who was holding his wand. They had both cast Disarming Charms and hit the other, and the result was that they had each others wand. Unsure what to do next, they did the only thing they could do...

"Stupefy!" they shouted at the same time, the spells shot out of the wands and met in the middle and rebounded back to each other. Harry raised a 'Protego' just in time, Malfoy on the other hand got hit by the spell and was sent crashing to the ground unconscious.

The Great all erupted with cheers, Flitwick was barely heard declaring Harry as the winner. Snape had walked over to Malfoy to 'Enervate' his house member, he stirred back to life and picked himself up. They had to exchange wands to get their own and as they handed each others over, Malfoy let out a barest hint of a nod before turning round and walking off stage. Harry let out a small sigh of relief, not to celebrate that he had won, but that Malfoy didn't seem to hate him for it.

People kept patting him on the back as he left the platform, shouting congratulations in his ears as he awaited the duel between Blaise Zabini and Michael Fenway. After his duel, concentration had dropped off slightly as the two Slytherins took to the stage. Again, Fenway opened with borderline curses straight from the start. Zabini defended himself well, using a mixture of magical defence and movement to avoid being hit from the Seventh Years advances. They were house-mates, but Fenway was treating Zabini the same as Katie Bell, if not worse.

As Zabini narrowly avoided yet another dangerously aimed Bludgeoning, he managed to mount an attack of his own. Fenway managed to cast a shield, but the barrage of spells was evidently too much as it broke and Fenway was sent sprawling backwards from a perfectly cast Shockwave Spell. Fenway staggered to his feet as the after effects temporarily addled his brain, Blaise went to take advantage as Fenway gathered his senses and barely escaped the Binding Curse sent his way.

The intensity and aggression in the duel picked up, with Fenway enraged at how close he had been to being beaten.

However good Zabini was, he was having to defend himself against spells that would cause harm, albeit temporary. And they took alot more to defend against than the spells he was directing at Fenway, after a few more exchanges and bursts of brilliant counters from Blaise that might have led to defeating any other opponent...Blaise was overcome by an onslaught, with a mild Bludgeoning Spell hitting him in the stomach causing him to double over and luckily avoid a Concussion Inducer and Skin Searing Hex, and being his with a nasty Disarming Charm that wrenched the wand from his hand and hit the ground hard.

As Fenway was declared the winner, he looked over to Harry who was already walking out of the hall and didn't give the Slytherin the satisfaction of looking back. On Saturday, he would treat Fenway like the future Death Eater he was going to beand wipe the floor with him.

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"Potter, Professor Dumbledore would like to see you in his office." said Professor McGonagall. It was breakfast time on Friday morning, though the Great Hall had yet to get busy. Harry was only there because of his early rises to run around the lake every other day. Harry nodded and turned back to his breakfast, but was stopped by his Transfiguration teacher.

"He wants to see you now, Potter." said McGonagall, she looked a bit annoyed with herself at the request.

"Can't it wait Professor? If I don't have breakfast now, I'll miss it." said Harry, glancing at the plastic watch he wore wheneverhe worked out.

"I'm afraid not, Potter." the Transfiguration professor had a resigned look on her face, that was soon on Harry's as he abandoned the breakfast he had barely touched and stood up.

"Password is 'Allsorts'..." muttered McGonagall, turning and walking up to the Teachers Table.

As Harry walked to the Headmasters Office, he tried to think of what Dumbledore might want to talk to him about. Apart from the notable and odd disappearances, Harry hadn't paid much attention to what Dumbledore did. And they hadn't spoken or had any interaction since the start of the year, so as he gave the password and walked up the ascending spiral staircase, Harry took a deep breath, cleared his mind and walked into the office of an awaiting Albus Dumbledore.

"Ah, Harry...good to see Professor McGonagall found you. Lemon drop?" asked the aged wizard, he was leant across the grand desk of his. Apparently rummaging around one of the many draws in his desk, he was wearing grand colourful robes as always, the same half-moon spectacles and long beard, but he felt like a completely different person. Maybe it was because they had argued, or Harry didn't feel the need to rely on him now...whatever it was, something had changed.

"No thanks, Professor." said Harry, who had remained stood up.

"I'm sorry to drag you away from your breakfast, I dare say you are quite hungry after this mornings activities." smiled Dumbledore, rising up in his chair and looking at Harry for the first time. The same blue eyes, the same sparkle...but it didn't have the effect it had normally had in the past.

"Running keeps me healthy and fit, Professor." said Harry, surveying the room to see if anything else was different.

"Forgive my summons at this early hour, however I felt this matter couldn't be delayed." said Dumbledore, popping a yellow coloured lemon drop in his mouth.

"What matter, Professor?" asked Harry.

"Harry...a few days ago when Professor McGonagall came around with the sign-up sheet for those intending leave Hogwarts over the Christmas Holidays, you signed your name on that parchment. Why?" asked Dumbledore, perching his head on his fingertips. Harry sighed, he knew immediately what this was about.

"Because I'm leaving Hogwarts for the Christmas Holidays, Professor." replied Harry. As much as he disagreed with the Headmaster on certain topics, he was the Headmaster of Hogwarts and so had to keep a respectable tone.

"Your escapades over the summer left the Order very concerned, your safety is paramount and I cannot let you risk your life and the life of others for another taste of freedom." said Dumbledore, his gaze equally as hard as his tone.

"My escapades...as you put it, weren't exactly a picnic. And I was only captured thanks to the Order, and if my safety was so important then why was I 'placed' with my relatives after the blood protection was compromised?" asked Harry, venting some of the anger he had with Dumbledore. After being missing for days sometimes weeks on end, he decides that a couple of days before he is due to go on his Christmas break is the appropriate time to stop him from leaving.

"An innocent oversight on my part, Harry. However you must realise the risk that you pose to others by being somewhere unprotected, your status with Voldemort and the Death Eaters means they will do anything to get their hands on you, I cannot allow you to leave the castle without my protection." said Dumbledore, he almost had a look of sadness in his eyes as though reluctant to tell the news. Occlumency skills gave you a knack of detecting lies, and Harry was getting a strong feeling that Dumbledore wasn't sad at all that Harry had to stay in the castle.

"Sir, I coped fine on my own in the summer. Both Voldemort and the Order couldn't find me, and where I am staying over Christmas is much more secure. I'll be fine." said Harry, forcing a mildly polite tone out of him mouth.

"Harry, I can't let you leave Hogwarts." replied Dumbledore, the same tone of reluctance laced his voice.

"With all due respect Professor Dumbledore, you are only the Headmaster of my school. You have no right to tell me where I can and can't live." said Harry, taking a deep breath and calming himself so he didn't snap.

"Do you really feel that way, Harry?" asked Dumbledore, peering over his glasses. Seemingly imploring him to take his words back.

"I do Professor, it took me a while to realise...but it's true. Maybe it was because your best interests always seemed like the best idea, because I assumed you were always right, your reputation precedes you, Supreme Mugwump, Head of The Order Of The Phoenix, Head of Wizengamot...everything, all the titles give an impression of grandeur. But I know that you can bewrong, and that just because you think you know what is best for me...doesn't make it what is actually best for me." said Harry.

He had no sympathy in his voice as he spoke to Dumbledore. He knew he would put people at risk merely by being associated with them, although not technically an adult he had managed to get a lifetime or three of experience in his years. As long as he acted responsibly and discreetly, then Harry couldn't be accused of endangering people recklessly. As Dumbledore appeared to think he would, it just showed a lack of acceptance on the Mugwump's behalf. Refusing to believe that Harry could handle his own affairs, wanting to protect and shelter him in his own special ways so he might always rely on the great Albus Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry you think that, Harry. But I cannot allow you to recklessly endanger your life and the lives of other innocent magical citizens." said Dumbledore, his tone was sharp as though he was scolding Harry for misbehaving.

"Professor, with respect I have plans for my Christmas holiday break. You, along with everyone else will have no idea where to find me. I'll be more safe and secure than if I stayed here, or went to 'Order Headquarters' which I guess are your personal preferences." said Harry, a grim feeling crossing his mind at the thought of staying there again.

"They are and they are among the most secure residencies in the British Isles." Dumbledore spoke as though they were the only options for him.

"Well...I own Grimmauld Place, Sirius left it to me. I could quite easily banish you and the rest of the Order, I don't want to but I will." said Harry, folding his arms across his chest.

"Sirius wouldn't want us to divide, Harry." muttered Dumbledore, in soft fake sounding tone. At least to Harry it sounded fake.

"I'm not dividing, Professor. I still trust and value your opinions, just not when they are about me." replied Harry.

"Well, it looks like you leave me no choice Harry...enjoy your Christmas holidays, and do bear in mind the importance you have to the Wizarding World." mumbled Dumbledore, looking down at the pile of parchment on his desk. Harry stood up and left without another word, the last guilt trip had failed but was it the end of Dumbledores attempts?

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"Any advice?" asked Harry, staring at his Slytherin counterpart.

"Not so much advice, more as a friendly warning." said Malfoy, moving a begrudgingly bickering rook across to take one of Harry's knights. Playing chess in a long abandoned Transfiguration classroom a few hours before the duel against Michael Fenway.

"And what might that be?" asked Harry, staring at the board as several tiny chess pieces yelled instructions at him.

"You saw how he treated Blaise? No regard for his health or safety, Fenway is a nasty piece of work...knows alot of curses but he can't use most of them at Hogwarts. He'll try to intimidate you, but I expect anyone able to beat me to beat that oaf." said Malfoy, he was't bitter instead he was smirking slightly.

"You said he's a future Death Eater?" asked Harry, moving his King backwards to try to gain some protection.

"The way he parades around Slytherin, you'd thought he already is one." said Malfoy, moving a pawn.

"Interesting..." said Harry, letting silence fall between as he tried to concentrate on his next move.

"Your wand didn't work for me." said Malfoy, quite abruptly after a delayed period.

"What?" asked Harry, caught off-guard as he went to move one of his final pawns.

"In our duel, when we had each others wands...I verbally cast 'Protego' and nothing happened." said Malfoy, looking at Harry's hand instead of his eyes.

"Every wand is different..." muttered Harry, rolling his wrist against his torso and feeling the imprint of his wand in its holster.

"Every wand gives a reaction when it's in your hand and you try to cast something, I remember in Ollivanders I tried half a dozen wands and all of them did something. When I had yours, it was just like a normal piece of wood in my hands, it was dead." said Malfoy, taking a second before moving his Queen.

"I don't know what to tell you Malfoy." said Harry, he hadn't told anyone about his custom wand from Gringotts, it was an ace up the sleeve for him and he always carried his old wand with him just in case.

"My father told me rumours, that you're wand and Voldemorts wand are...related." said Malfoy, speaking unnecessarily quiet.

"They have the same core, phoenix feather from Dumbledores phoenix." said Harry, there was no harm in telling him that.

"Maybe that's why." muttered Malfoy, frowning as Harry captured remaining Rook.

"Fenway is an arse, and he's going into this duel to hurt and maim you. Thinks it might earn him brownie points or something...break him. Break him in half." said Malfoy, after another extended period of silence. Harry only nodded in response as Malfoy got checkmate a minute later.

(Scene Break)

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"Welcome all, to the finale of the Duelling Club competition." announced Flitwick, every student was in attendance as was every professor. Harry and Fenway were already on the platform, saved the trouble of meandering through the hundreds of students. The Great Hall buzzed with anticipation, as usual rumours had been flying around, none of which Harry had paid any attention to. Malfoy had been so kind to agree to a quick warm up duel, get muscles stretched, blood pumping and the magic flowing in preparation.

Harry looked around the Great Hall as Flitwick carried on talking about the past duels, the guidelines and rules of which they had to abide by and anything else that was relevant, the Charms Professor would always build up the hype and excitement for something in lessons. He spotted Hermione on the edge of the crowd, she was on her own and looked nervous, hisGryffindor classmates were all huddled up with Dean and Seamus silently taking bets, his name was called and he walked into the middle to shake hands with Fenway. They were of similar height, but Fenway was more thickset. They gripped hands and Fenway went to squeeze as hard as he could, whereas Harry clenched a pressure point in the hand that caused the Slytherin to grimace and wince slightly. A scowl crossed his face as he glared at Harry who looked back at him evenly.

"Turn around." commanded Flitwick, after a few more seconds of staring. They did so, slowly going back to back against each other and on the Charms professors count, began walking. He could hear his opponents footsteps as everyone in the crowd was silent.

"Begin!" Fenway was immediately put on the defensive as Harry launched a Concussion Curse, Sweeping Spell and Bludgeoning Hex at the Slytherin, in the time the Slytherin took to take care of that offence, Harry had closed the gap between them by five feet and had launched another set of spells, a Chain Binding Charm, Shockwave Spell and Flipping Curse. He was hit by the last and was sent soaring in a very unnatural looking backwards loop and slammed on his front. Instead ofcapitalising, Harry just stood there twirling his wand and put a bored expression on his face.

Fenway snarled as he clambered back up and rushed several steps towards him, firing a powerful Bludgeoner and Constriction Charm. Harry flicked his wand an inch and the oncoming spells stopped in mid-air, he then rapidly twirled his wand and sent them flying back at Fenway who was too surprised and was hit by the Bludgeoner. He doubled over in pain as the wind got knocked out of him, fortunately for him this meant the Constriction Charm flew over him.

Harry had other plans however, and as Fenway composed himself and went to send another curse a small puddle of oil appeared underneath him. He lost his balance and was hit by two more spells but felt no effect. Everyone else did, his hair had been transfigured into a lemon yellow afro, and his duelling robes were now a dress that had strong resemblance of something Neville's grandmother might wear. The majority of the Great Hall burst out with laughter as Fenway attempted to regain his footing, but he was hit by another Flipping Curse the force of which sent him half a dozen feet in to the air as he spiralled to the ground.

Several professors had looks of disapproval, but they couldn't intervene because technically Harry was doing nothing wrong. Now on a stable piece of the platform Fenway managed to fire a string of curses that were more dangerous than anything he had used in the competition so far. Snapping Hexes, Blasting Curses, Limb Switching Spells...all were avoided with Harry returning fire with a mixture of his own, Splitting Curse, Bombardment Hex, Twisting Curses, he mixed in a non-verbal shield breaking spell as the Seventh Year stayed where he was instead of stepping to the side, his shield vanished and the spells took effect, the fingers in his wand hand littered with small cuts that made it painful to hold his wand, the Bombardment Hex sent him crashing to the floor and the Twisting Curse twisted his ankle and causing a sharp pain and making it difficult to stand on.

Fenway was in a heap ten or so feet away from him, laboured breathing from the aggressive onslaught from Harry. The laughter had ended as every waited to see what would happen next.

"Stupefy." muttered Harry, but he spell deflected just in time as Fenway got to his feet and stepped closer to him.

"Give up, Fenway." said Harry, evenly. Raising his wand again. The Slytherin continued to walk near him, raising his wand.

"Incarsu." said Harry, the spell sent a small electircal shock around the his body and his wand fell to the floor. Knowing he wouldn't have enough time to pick it up, he lunged for Harry who used the Slytherins momentum to his advantage and tossed him over his body, slamming him on the hard wooden platform.

"Stupefy!" said Harry, stunning Fenway so he would stop struggling.

"Winner...Harry Potter!" called Flitwick, after a moment of stunned silence. The students in the Great Hall started cheering, though they were hesitant to do so after such a display. After a mumbled congratulations from Flitwick, a small nod from Remus and an expressionless gaze from Snape, Harry didn't waste another second and walked off the platform.

(Scene Break)

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"Morning." smiled Katie, it was Sunday morning. The train was due to leave in an hour or so but neither of them were in a rush to leave the warmth and comfort of Katie's bed. They kissed softly as they cuddled up to each other.

"Good morning." muttered Harry, kissing Katies neck. Unlike nearly all of Hogwarts, Katie hadn't wanted to talk to him about the duel. From the Great Hall he had walked straight up and met her in her Head Girl suite, spending the night together before Hogwarts broke up for Christmas Holidays.

"Thank you for last night." mumbled Harry, nibbling her collarbone slightly.

"You don't have to thank me for sex, Harry." giggled Katie, her comment made Harry chuckle.

"Not that, for not questioning me about Fenway, like everyone else would have." replied Harry, letting his hands wander around her body.

"I thought it was...admirable." said Katie, her breath catching slightly from the activities.

"That was my plan..." smiled Harry, lowering his mouth and kissing down her body.

"I'm glad I packed early." said Katie, her hands running on Harry's head and back.

"Why?" asked Harry.

"Because it means we can do this..." whispered Katie, a wry smile on her face.

That smile was on Harry's for the train journey home, secluding a compartment to himself, Neville, Dean and Seamus. Conversation about the duel soon passed, with Neville being relatively quiet about the entire affair as Seamus and Dean where doing most of the talking. Harry could only fathom about spending Christmas in his family home, his home over Christmas.

As the train pulled in to Kings Cross and people collected luggage, Harry politely waited as all he was carrying was a leather satchel that contained his trunk, charmed to miniature size and a package he had received from Gringotts. Keys to his house and a small insurance policy, goblins protected valued and respected customers.

As he waited, Neville quietly passed Harry a piece of parchment.

"What's this?" asked Harry, sliding the parchment in to his pocket discreetly.

"It's my address...I figured that you might be spending the Christmas holidays on your own, I just thought if you get bored or something you could come over...nobody should be alone for Christmas." said Neville, smiling meekly and patting Harry on the arm.

"Thanks, Neville." said Harry, a bit moved by his friends gesture. They walked off the train together, and were about to leave the platform when Harry found it was blocked.

"Harry, Professor Dumbledore said you were to come to Grimmauld Place with us." it was Mrs Weasley, impeding his way with a small contingent of Order members. Some looked embarrassed to be there from the expressions on their faces.

"Sorry, Mrs Weasley...I actually already have plans." said Harry, his the fingers on his wand hand twirling just in case this turned ugly. His other hand slipped inside his bag behind is back. Neville meanwhile was merely looking confused as people from the train walked past them.

"Harry, Professor Dumbledore knows what is best for you. We'll all be there as well." said Mrs Weasley, brightly. To Harry though, it was only more evidence of spending Christmas away from the clutches of the Order.

"As I said, I have plans...please step aside." said Harry.

"Harry, you have to come with us." said Ginny, pleading in her voice.

"I don't have to do anything actually, and I don't want to have to force any of you out of my way either." said Harry, force in his voice that startled a few of them. Ron looked slightly uncomfortable, Ginny was looking shocked along with Mrs Weasley and Emmeline Vance.

"Harry..." gasped Mrs Weasley.

"You can't take us on your own, Harry." said Mundungus Fletcher. Harry was about to retort when someone else spoke.

"He wouldn't be fighting alone!" said Neville, drawing his wand. Someone to his left drew their wand and Harry turned to see Hermione stood with her family. They shared a knowing look with each other before staring ahead.

"Harry, Professor Dumbledore..."

"I don't care what Dumbledore orders, says or even thinks about when it comes to me." said Harry, with a sharp flick of his wrist a plume of blue powder shrouded everyone. Harry crouched down and took out the small object Gringotts had sent himjust in case something like this happened, by the time it had cleared up Harry was gone, leaving only the Order covered in a fine, blue dust.

"Where is he?" asked Mrs Weasley, frantically looking around.

"He's gone, and I think searching for him would be futile." said Neville, pocketing his wand.

"Why?" asked Hesita Jones, as she dusted herself off.

"Because he didn't want to be found over the summer, and nobody even reported a sighting." said Hermione, putting her wand away.

"Hermione, I thought you would want Harry to be safe." said Mrs Weasley, slightly accusingly.

"I do, but I think he had a right to decide where he lives. I know I wouldn't want that choice made for me." said Hermione, walking straight past the Order with her parents without another word.

"Have a nice Christmas." said Neville, feeling slightly awkward as he left the still blue Order confused and angry.

(End of Chapter)

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Authors Note.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter, the last one got over 2000 visitors but only thirty reviews. I'm not going to ask everyone who read to review because that would be insane (but that would be very very cool) If you could spare a minute and just let me know what you think, what you'd like to see, or ideas you have. Anything really, I read every single review and I do put a fair bit of work in to writing things down and plotting things out so it is as good as possible. I know a few people have asked for Luna, and I'm trying to put a story-line for her character in the book.

I have the plot of the next chapter all written, just have to write it up :)

Hope you are all well. APW