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

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James Potter was an enigma to Hermione. He looked so much like his son and her best friend, but James' whole manner and way of acting was the complete opposite. Every time she looked at James, she expected to see him act like Harry. When he did not, her brain had a hard time accepting the idea.

The Head Boy lifted himself from the floor and brushed himself off while wearing a carefully self-depreciating smile. He loped his way into the circle. The boy oozed confidence and charisma. Even Harry, the Boy-Who-Lived and consequently was the richest and most famous man in the Wizarding world did not have this kind of lazy arrogance. In fact, instead of reminding Hermione of Harry, James reminded her of… Draco Malfoy.

Comparing the two was so ridiculous that Hermione had to stifle a chuckle. The only thing that escaped was a smile. James winked at a couple of guys that called out to him and made a big show of preparing himself.

"Are you ready Mister Potter?"

He answered in the affirmative and Hermione once again took the position.

She scrutinized the boy as his lips started forming the incantation for a shield charm. He had barely gotten his lips around the 'P' in 'Protego' when Hermione made her move.

"Expelliarmus!" She cried.

He stopped dead, dumbfounded. At first, Hermione felt a little bad for not even giving him a chance. But the sheer comedy of the look on his face was enough to make up for it. She knew his major flaw even before he started the duel. He was too theatrical. James cared more about how he looked than being an effective fighter.

The Potter boy smiled and shrugged good-naturedly at the teasing from the sidelines. Hermione handed him back his wand and waved him to his seat. Even then, he sauntered away, completely calm.

Who would be next?

Her eyes caught on a student who was practically bouncing on the floor. Alice's face was so red; it appeared that she was holding her breath to keep from saying something. Hermione gave in.

"Miss Hart?"

"Deadly!" Alice exclaimed, eliciting some giggles. Jumping up, she swiftly stumbled her way into the ring.

Hermione gazed fondly down at the fifth year. "Have you ever been in a duel before, Miss Hart?"

"No, but it'll be a great craic!" Alice breathed. "How can I ever learn if I don't do it?"

Two points-Alice.

Hermione's regard for the little fifth-year grew every time Alice spoke. The time-traveler motioned for Alice to take the position.

They both faced off. The moment Hermione decided to go easy on her, Alice made her move.

"Protego! Fumos!"

Hermione blinked. A smokescreen? That was unexpected.

"Ventus!" Hermione responded. Then the duel was on.

While nothing they did was dangerous or especially taxing to Hermione, it was still a great duel. Alice picked spells that were in her range, but the way she arranged them was incredibly inventive. Hermione quite liked it. These were the kind of duels she could get behind. Peaceful. Fun.

It went on and on marvelously. Like Frank, Alice only stopped when she was too tired out to continue. Hermione lowered her wand and walked to the panting fifth-year. Alice gave the assistant a big grin.

"How did I do?" The girl questioned.

"You did marvelously."

High praise indeed. Alice whooped her excitement and flounced out of the ring to give her friend a congratulatory hug. Intrigued, Hermione cast a glance at Frank. He was staring at the joyful Alice, appraising her.

Hermione did chuckle. That was adorable.

Words: 600

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Anon Review Reply:

Elizabeth: Rest assured that the story will answer some of your questions. Thank you very much for reviewing and I am glad you are getting into it. :)