Chapter 66: Griffin Perch
Soon he got all his 7 remaining vassals to swear their oaths' of fealty as they each knelt before him and kissed his Lordship ring- swearing obedient in all things and so forth.
Ser Berts on the other hand disgraceful was sent out of his new Keep with no land or titles to his name. He did want to behead him on the spot, but he would be seen as a brutal tyrant if he did, and images was everything for a noble.
In some circles, that kind of visage would be well respected like in Voldy's camp. But in the Light camp, it wasn't really taken that well.
Anyways he really didn't care one wit for the man, there really wasn't much damage he do against him with no lands, titles, source of income, or men to fight for him.
What Harry was more focused on was his newly sworn in vassals. He released a sigh of relief that he didn't even know he was holding back. Really, he only had two Cohorts on hand, and if they all decided to simultaneously mutiny against him he would be hard pressed to put them all down.
He really only had the Griffin and Hippogriff cohort and posted them at his most troublesome vassals, namely Ser Berts and his true master Baron Kerry. He knew he could count on those two to cause him trouble, so he was prepared.
Other than that, he only counted for the others to remain in line if he had an example of one. Which was very precarious and counted on a whole lot of luck on his side.
It was only thanks to the fact that he was able to fib them all and hoodwink them into thinking that he had a fully armed and ready Legion on hand that they started to have second thoughts of defying him.
Nevertheless, in the end his plan worked out, and everyone was lining up to kiss his ass.
Still, he could see some weren't too happy about being forced into swearing unbreakable vows to him, and he really didn't make any friends with them with his power play.
But he really didn't give to fucks. All he wanted was for them to be in line, so he didn't have to worry about some knifing him in the back or starting trouble in his own backyard.
Still he had to keep in mind an unbreakable vow wasn't absolute. Yes, they wouldn't be able to resist him completely now that he had them sworn to him and they would have to follow his commands to a degree, but still...
They could find someway in disobeying him; like for example delay their tribute, second guess his orders, be a pain in the ass, and so forth.
Setting that aside for now, Harry turned to the men that occupied the room at large, "Now, that all that is out of the way. I had the cooks prepare a small feast in honor of you all. If you would sup with me, then we may discuss things over a meal."
Bobbing their head in general agreement, a servant came to lead them to the great hall which was now lined with his family banners instead of Ser Gimbal's devices which have been struck down at his orders.
Most of his vassals took notice of it, and Ser Watts asked with a stern gaze, "So are you reabsorbing Ser Gimbal's assets, my lord?" he added the last part begrudgingly.
"Yes," Harry replied frankly, "I plan to rename this place, Griffin Perch. A good place to station some Hippogriff riders, and I also plan to open up mines in the mountain behind this keep. Sadly it seems like House Chalet did not take advantage of what they were given by my great-grandsire. So, it would seem fit that my house does now."
"Doesn't your house have more than enough estates and holdings, my old?" Baron Kerry asked with a scowl. The jealously was clearly evident on his face, if he could have it his way then he would have been the one owning this keep and taking its riches from the mountain.
"Does my lord perhaps think that I shouldn't control this keep after by right of conquest I took this land back into my family's holding, mmm?" Harry asked in a dangerous tone, daring the man to contradict him.
"No, no, my lord," he hastily replied, taking on a more bootlicking tone, "I am just saying you should raise up a new vassal instead of bothering yourself with the management of such an insignificant place."
Harry had to give it to the man, he really knew how to change up his tone when the time called for it. I anything that's what really made him dangerous, pretending to be your friend and looking out for your best of interest while he schemed your downfall.
Taking his seat at the head of the table, already names were arranged and set up, and the seating arrangement told who was his closest and favorite vassal. On his right taking the seat of honor was Baron Bott of course then to his left were Ser Ryan and Ser Eddie. The others were further along the line.
Turning to look at Baron Kerry who was much further down, and even had some knight seated further up the line than him which was a clear insult to his rank. He asked, "So who might you have risen up Baron Kerry?"
"Oh, I have many people that you could look over, my lord. Mayhaps my cousin Arnold. He is a loyal and steadfast man."
Chuckling to himself deep down inside, he thought, 'you mean loyal and steadfast to you!'
"I also could recommend some good men to hold this keep, my lord," Ser Gray quietly added.
Shaking his head to himself, Harry thought to himself, 'why was it the most treacherous and disloyal men were asking for rewards! Did they think they could pass through whatever they wanted?'
"Well at the moment I am not looking to raise up new vassal," Harry answered respectfully as he took a sip of the wine that the server poured for each of them. "You lot are already enough for me." What he really meant to say was that they were already a pain in the ass. Why would he add more to the mix.
"Do you plan to do the same Ser Berts land?" Ser Myles asked, speaking up for the first time.
"Yes, I heard his land have some pretty good hunting grounds. I will need it to feed my every growing pens of Griffin beasts," he answered leaving the threat hanging over all their head and making them wonder how many legionaries he truly had. "So I will just rename it as the Griffin alight!"
"Now then," Harry continued as the food was brought out and set before them, "there must be a reaccounting. I believe there has been some reminisce over the tributes during the past few years that there has been no active lord, hmmm?"
"You aren't really saying that we entrust our gold to the goblins, my lord?" Ser Watts asked with disgust. You would think a man so close to the light would have better opinions of goblins and magical beings in general. But he was just the same as the Dark Side in their ways.
"Yes, yes, who knows those goblins might have cheated us of our wealth," Baron Kerry wholeheartedly agreed as he tore into his meal.
"Well, you can pay them to me," Harry smiled brightly at them, "you don't think I would cheat you do you?"
"Of course not, you are a noble and esteemed lord," Ser Watts nodded his head, not even deigning to think that his lord would ever cheat them.
"Good," Harry nodded his head, "and don't forget to add your late fees into the mix," he added as he took a bite out of his meal.
"Late fees?" Baron Kerry as his mouth was hanging a bit.
"Well of course," Harry said as if it was the most obvious thing, "this tribute is behind by over a decade so the late fees have build up quite a bit."
"This is unheard of," Ser Watts bristled as did the lord who had tributes owned to him.
"So is a vassal not paying his tribute for years on end, if I hadn't known any better I would have thought, they imagined that they could get away with it. Is that true?" he asked as he turned to face them.
Seeing how uncomfortable they were as some of them were sweating buckets, he grinned savagely, "If so, then that would mean they are usurping my authority! If that is the case, then..."
"That is far from the truth, my lord. There is no need for rash action. We will gladly pay our tributes and... the late fees," Baron Kerry hastily nodded his head even though it pained him greatly, to which the others were in total agreement with him.
"Excellent," he said with a nod as if they were in total accordance with him all along. "Now for those who have been paying their tribute. I believe rewards are in order," he said as he turned to Baron Boot, Ser Ryan, and Ser Eddie.
He needed to make a show of example that those who were loyal to him and his family- were rewarded ample, and those who weren't... well they could look to Ser Gimbal who was dead and Ser Berts who was disgracefully sent along his way.
"Baron Boot," he called out first, "for your honorable exemplary during these trying years of my house, I shall name you Director of Mirror Phone Inc." he declared to the open surprise of the man. He just like everyone at the table knew how lucrative his family's new line of business is, and to be named head of the company, now that would be a very respectable position that promised thousands if not tens of thousand Galleons in pay each month.
Harry thought of giving him a share of the company, but he wanted that to be kept in his family. So he did the next best thing for him, and anyways he was too busy with a bunch of other stuff and would need someone to run the day to day operations. He has been making Tobry and his account managers do it, but as they have gotten piled with more and more tasks he figured he need someone to take on the job in an official capacity, plus grow it as well.
"I thank you, my lord," the man bowed deeply as he could feel the emotion in his tone, "I promise I won't disappoint you."
"I know you won't," he nodded his head. "Now for you Ser Ryan, and Ser Eddie," he said as he turned his gaze to the two knights on his left.
"I will be easing the armed limit on you both, and expect you to raise 250 swords each for me by the year's end. I will give you the gold, wands, armor, and anything else you would need," he reassured them so that they wouldn't have to worry too much about the toil on their lands.
"But... but... but," Baron Kerry stammered out as even the other lords looked surprised. "You would be going against the Royal armed limit Decree."
"Technically I won't be," Harry pointed out, "since they are my vassals, I have higher authority over them than a long dead King. So if I allow them to have a force equal to a Baron, then that's on me."
The armed limit that his Baron was talking about was a restriction of how many soldiers each house could have, a Knights can have 100 men, a Barons can have 250 men, Viscounts can have 500 men, Counts can have 1,000 men, Earls can have 5,000 men, Marquis can have 10,000 men, Dukes can have 25,000 men, Arch-Duke can have 50,000 men, the King or Queen can have as many men as they want by generally their standing army is 100,000 men.
This was a limit that King Arthur put on a long time ago, but ever since his death everyone has been ignoring it since there was no authority really to enforce it. Still it is something that Lords with vassal impose on them so that they don't get unruly with them and have rebellious thoughts.
Yes, a house could put together more men from their household guards or staff like House Chalet who could call upon 3 Centuries at most(150 men) if the times call for it or his house which had an extra 1,250 as assistance besides their 5,000 strong Legion.
"We take you, Lord Potter," the two men bowed their heads.
"Think nothing of it," Harry said, this was perfect for him anyways. If his more loyal vassal had more men then things would be in his favored. Plus he would have more man to call upon when he wars with Voldermort and his minion.
His house used to have 9 vassal, 2 Barons which could call 250 respectfully and 7 knights that could call 100. So in total 1,200 extra men on hand for times of war. But now that he struck down two Knighly houses it was down to 1,000 with this small allowance he brought it back up to 1,300.
So a perfect deal all around for him.
"Ser Myles, I would like to set up a meeting with you later," Harry declared, he wanted to know more about the man's unusual situation. There seem to be more than what met the eye with him.
With that, the discussions carried on as he rouses up his loyal vassals and suppressed his traitorous ones. All around a great meal, but for some the most horrible one of their lives.
After concluding his gathering with his vassals, Harry continued with his work of setting everything in the Keep in order. Then he saw to the dwarves that came to check up on the prospects of the mountain to which he found had it had no name so he figured he might as well name it Griffin Ridge.
Once he saw to the dwarves and got extorted an exuberant by them, he finally arrived back at the family manor.
It really has been a few trying days, with the trails then the party which okay he had to admit was thrilling. But then he had the attack which he found out was done by his own vassal at the behest of another Great House. After that, it was war and he still had the wounds to prove his clash.
Even though he dreaded calling Aunt Dromeda over, he still did need to see to his wounds. Within the hour she was here alongside Tonks who just came out of work as well.
He was surprised with how understanding she was as he reluctantly went into detail about the battle he went into. He guessed she was after all a daughter of House Black no matter if she was disowned.
However Tonks was not that understanding, you would think that an Auror that was in deadly conflicts every day would understand and accept what his duties as Lord entitled.
But to fair elemental damage coursing through his body as it ripped and tore at him while his healing factor he gained from the phoenix worked over time in fixing it up.
Once he was cured after swallowing so many foul tasing potions and being administered with dozens of spells, he was called cured.
"Alright," Aunt Dromeda said, "make sure you are not in the front lines dear. That job should be left to your men, or better yet, my cousin. Where was he even, when you were getting blasted with Magic Cannons?!"
"It's alright I am pretty difficult to put down in my Great Black Wyrm form."
"Difficult, but not impossible," Tonks clarified with a severe and unsmiling look.
"Okay, I guess you are right?" he rolled his eyes.
"Alright I better be heading out," she said as an alert appeared in her Mirror Phone, "there is an emergency at St Mungo's Hospital."
"I will be staying here and make sure he gets to bed" Tonks called out.
Nodding her head, the older witch headed out the fireplace, then Tonk's steely eyes were back on him there were the stormy grey of her house. "I don't even know what to say," she begin in a shout, "to put yourself in such a dangerous situation. What were you even thin-..."
She tried to say but he interrupted her with a kiss, and soon she too was reciprocating once she got over her initial surprise.
Then soon she remembered that she was angry at him and broke off the kiss as she pushed him back, "What?" Harry asked with hand to either side as she glared at him.
"I missed you dearly," he whispered close to her in a husky tone.
"I missed you too," she said with a sigh, "but that's not what we were talking about. We are talking about your foolhardiness! Do you know how worried I got when I say you like that?"
"Okay, I am sorry for doing that to you," he stated as he became more serious and lanced his fingers with hers. Then with a grin, he added, "and next time I will make sure to invite you. Is that cool with you?"
"Why have I fallen for you," she asked herself, but he could see she was interested in the prospect of that. He really could use her skills and experience, it not every day you got an Auror training your men and leading them.
If there is one thing they exceed at is one on one fights.
"Now can we get back to what we were doing?" he asked, "I believe my lips and you're were enthusiastically locked with each other."
"Fine," she said as she tried to feign dead beat, but as her lips locked against his, he could see how excited and hungry she was.
Chapter 67: Relaxation(R-18)
Taking their intense make out session upstairs to his room, along the way they couldn't help it as they tore at each other clothing and tossed them off to the side.
Finally, when they did walk into his richly furnished room, they were naked as their own name day.
Picking her up and tossing her to his bed to the squeals and laugher of her voice, Harry grinned over and joined the plucky witch on the bed.
This time she took the initiative as she crawled over to him on her hands and feet and begin to kiss him.
Enjoying the kiss for a deep long while as they lashed tongues together and exchanged saliva. Finally Tonks broke off, he could feel the pink haired Auror's eyes on him, her gaze roaming over his body up and down, seeing the way she bite her lips he could see she liked what she saw.
Before long however, her focus came to his big hard cock hanging like a horse, "Mmm, it looks like someone's got a bit of a hard on! Is that because of little ole me, Harry? Did I get you all worked up and in a heat?"
Growl playfully as he loved putting on the big bad wolf act but to honest he was, Harry laid back on the pillows like a king and beckoned the pick haired witch over.
Tonks did as commanded as she looking up at him or more specifically his shaft with a hungry eyes and slightly parted lips, breathing shallowly as he rubbed his shaft all over her face.
"I want you to do me a favor," he whispered to her, "Suck it."
The pink haired girl simply nodded, so far gone already as she inhaled his scent that she didn't even comment on the humiliating and degrading order he sent her. The only response he got from her was a far off, "Mm-hmm," as she focused on the task at hand.
Tonks fingers curled around the base of his big thick prick and her lips pressing down along his hot throbbing length as she pecks at it, peppering his member with kisses back and forth before finally coming to a stop. Then without a word Tonks took his, her own cousin's, shaft in her mouth and eagerly began to bob her head up and down on his member.
Harry's girth spread the young woman's lips wide as she struggled to accommodate him, but beyond putting a hand in her head, the wizard did not direct her or interfere with her enthusiastic blowjob at all. Instead, he simply took a moment to enjoy the view of the slutty young witch sucking his cock.
A smile spread across the young lord's face and Harry let out a grunt as Nymphadora did something with her tongue that she'd never shown him before. Harry didn't know how but the plucky witch some how stretched her tongue out way beyond human proportions and wrapped around his cock thrice! THRICE for god's sake.
Then he remembered what Tonks was or more accurately her rare ability Metamorphmagus. He felt like smacking himself over the head, how could he forget that very useful ability.
Nevertheless he had to give it to the minx, she sure did love to play her games, with her tongue wrapped around him in like a serpent- it felt like she was really getting every single inch of his length.
Letting out a sigh, Harry turned his attention back down to the pink haired Auror currently going to town on his cock. Harry realized he was going to cum soon, and as soon as his eyes met hers Tonks somehow knew that too.
Redoubled her pace as she bobbed in and out faster and faster, forcing his shaft down her throat and choking and gagging on his length. Tonk then goes a step further, unable to quite help herself. Opening her mouth even wider, the Metamorphmagus takes Harry's dick into her mouth the whole way, sliding it right down her throat, swallowing and forcing herself to take it all in until she's outright deep throating his cock right then and there.
A groan left Harry's lips and his hand in her short hair suddenly gripping down harder. No one really ever took his own length into his mouth, sure all the women he slept with made an effort, but only she now had this record.
It must be thanks to her Metamorphmagus ability as she stretched and widened her throat to encompass all of his tool.
Nevertheless, he does nothing on his end, allowing Tonks to finish him off as she liked.
Realizing that his release was eminent, the pink haired witch got a particularly mischievous twinkle in her eye. When the time finally came as his balls churned and Harry felt his release rapidly approaching, he was surprised when the young witch pulled back abruptly, letting his cock pop free of her lips and stroking him the rest of the way to completion.
Her goal became obvious a moment later when she opened her mouth wide and stuck out her tongue, pointing his member right at her face. Suddenly, he was firing and his cum shot painted her face white. Tonks made sure to reangle it a bit downwards as he unloaded even more cum on her, allowing a copious amount of white hot seed to coat her chest and belly as well.
At the same time, the pink haired witch swallowed what little had landed in her open mouth, before closing her lips around his member again and sucking the last remnants of his release from it as she cleaned his cock with her tongue.
As soon as she's finished up, Tonks leaned back and stares wide eyed at his dick, still hard.
Beneath his rock hard prick, his balls swing heavily still filled even more cum. Unable to help herself, Tonks reached out and gently groped his swinging testicles, massaging them real well while she leaned back in giving his cock a few more appreciative slurps for good measure as well.
Finally it was time for the main course, and even Tonks knew it as she moaned, "Harry put it inside me. I want to feel it now!" Then leaning forward in invitation as she hitched her hips up to back it up with the warm dripping sensation of her opening.
Harry didn't need to be told twice nodded as he rolled his hips forward so that his entire crown pushed inside of Tonk's pussy.
Then without further ado, Harry shove his hard cock up her sopping wet, ready and waiting cunt in one smooth motion.
A moment later, he was inside of her and as Tonks' tight passage clenched down around his cock, a groan tore its way free out both of their mouth.
Tonks quickly covered his lips with her own, snogging the hell out of him as Harry began the real work of thrusting in and out of her ready and waiting cunt.
Impaled on his cock as she was, Tonks wasn't going anywhere as Harry pistoned in and out of her, but it was clear that the pink haired witch didn't want to go anywhere as she used her control over her body to rhythmically tighten her pussy around his shaft and locked her ankles together behind him at the same time.
She was stuck to him like glue, and won't be leaving any time soon unless she got what she came her for.
"Fuck! Yes, Harry fuck me!" the pink haired witch shouted as she moaned out loud, breaking the kiss for a moment.
The pounding that Harry gave his cousin was long and hard and the plucky young woman loved every moment of it.
Finally he sent her right over the edge and she came and she came hard as an involuntary orgasm escaped her.
The Auror let out a loud scream and to make it worse Harry was inside of her and all Tonks could do was cry out joyously as he filled her up with his cock. Her eyes begin to roll back in her head as the orgasm shook her and she did her best to grab at him to hold on tight against the tidal wave assaulting her.
Her pussy juices coated Harry's already thrusting cock and made his passage deep inside of her all the easier as the massive length her longtime best friend was sporting went all the way up to the entrance of her womb before being stymied by her cervix.
"Harry, Harry, Harry…"
Tonks wanted to say more than just his name as the powerful wizard plowed her senseless right there on his bed, but in her insenced state that was all she really could do.
"Aren't you a fucking slutty little Auror!" Harry declared with a grin.
Tonks just moaned louder, her pussy tightening around his pistoning member as he plowed her, showing her appreciation at the dirty talk.
She moaned his name over and over again, shaking her head back and forth, maybe to clear her head or most likely she did not know what she was doing.
Meanwhile, Harry seemed almost like a starved animal as he thrust away into her with savage furosity. He was so beastly in his movements, not at all slow or sensual or gentle.
The pink haired Auror's head continued to lull back, exposing her smooth creamy flesh to Harry's hungry gaze as he continued to fuck her all the much harder. Licking his lips, the young lord found his eyes drawn down to Tonks' perfect pert tits, jiggling with each bounce on his member and right in front of him.
Unable to help himself, Harry's hands eventually settling on her tits where he groped and kneaded her sensitive mammaries. Tonks moaned as Harry turned what her breasts into an instrument. His fingers felt like magic on her tits and he was working them in and out of her flesh in all the right places, all while pistoning into her cunt again and again.
It felt like he knew her body better than she did and she melted back into the bed and all resistance had fled from her naked form as she lay under Harry with her legs spread wide and her pussy filled with his prick.
"Yes Harry… YES… Fuck me. FUCK me real hard!" Tonks shouted out loud as the second orgasm assaulted her body in the day.
"Oh, I will, little whore. Oh, I will! Don't you worry yourself. Daddy will take care of you," Harry grinned down at her as he took great pleaser in seeing the state he put her in. It really did something to a man's ego once he saw how well he fucked a woman as she couldn't get enough of his cock.
As they fucked in the middle of his bed, the pink haired witch bouncing up and down on his throbbing hard prick beneath the water, Harry focused all of his attention on her tits.
Lavishing all of his praise and attention on the absolutely perfect melons, the wizard suckled and licked and nibbled to his heart's content while Tonks was quickly brought to another loud, vocal climax by the young wizard's ministrations.
Realizing that he was reaching his next peak as well, Harry grunted and groaned as he railing into his hot pink haired Auror.
"Gonna cum…" he grunted out, giving her an heads up like any gentlemen would.
"Do it..." was all that she was able to get out as Harry could see she was on the last leg of her journey.
Her words were all he needed to tip over the edge and before Tonks could even finish what she was saying he was filling her up, his white hot seed painting her insides. Harry quite thoroughly creampies the Auror as his sticky, white ejaculate thoroughly painting her inner walls and filling her to the brim.
For a long moment, the room is filled with nothing but the sound of heavy panting, as chests heave up and down and the two lovers catch their breath. Eventually though, Harry is the first to collect himself and speak.
"Are you ready for some more?"
"More?" she asked in surprise, unbelieving.
"Tonks, we aren't quite so done yet. Not by a long shot at all," he smiled wickedly.
And then his hands were on her hips and the plucky pink haired witch found herself flipped over onto her back in short order.
Then he had her pinned down underneath him, and was made to lay prone by him as his heavy body rested on her.
Harry's hands were immediately on her ass, kneading and groping the sensitive butt flesh as Tonks moaned involuntarily, looking back over her shoulder with some concern.
Deep down she knew what was coming, besides the fear on her face there was also hint of anticipation and excitement.
A moment later Harry plopped his still hard cock down between her ass cheeks and began to slide in and out of her big fat bubble butt.
A moment later, instead of the expected hard cock Tonks felt the tip of a wand instead. Her eyes widened as she looked back and saw Harry bringing his wand to bear on her small little whole.
"Don't worry," Harry said feeling her worry, "I am not trying to blow your ass off." Soon he began to cast cleaning charms on her poor asshole. Tonks let out a yelp as cold water cleaned out and loosened her bowels and she shivered.
Then, without warning, he stuck his cock right up her asshole and Tonks let out a squeal as he began to inch into her tight back door right on the spot.
Tonks' eyes went wide as a owl asHarry fed inch after inch of his huge schlong into her back door. His cock slowly but surely disappeared inside until finally the pink haired witch could felt his crotch pressed up against her ass and knew that somehow, Harry had managed to get all of that amazing shaft inside of her.
"A-ah f-fuck Harry… dear Merlin it's so deep…"
That provoked a laugh out of Harry as he slowly began to thrust into her, his massive member pulled out and then pushed in as he slowly picked up the pace. And soon Harry was pounding away at her tight little butthole so hard and so fast that Tonks couldn't even tell when he was inside of her or wasn't.
Harry fucked her real hard and long as he went to town on her ass
By this point, Tonks was moaning like a wanton whore as he jackhammering into her asshole, pounding her bubble butt with the force of a freight train.
Lying prone like she was caused Harry to spread her ass cheeks wide so he could get himself deeper inside of her. Harry was like a machine and Tonks felt like she was going to cross-eyed from the pleasure overload he was forcing on her.
At the same time, Harry chose that moment to lean forward and murmur in her ear while his mouth nibbling on her ear and then suckling at her neck.
"I love you Tonks. And I always will love you. I'm happy you are here with me so that I could show you that!"
"I-I love you too Harry!" she answered as she came!
Chapter 68: Dueling Club
It was good to be back in these old and very familiar castle walls, he had been gone for only a week, but it felt like a whole eternity to him!
Harry greeted all his acquaintances and friends, who were all happy to see him back in their own different ways. Plus he had the sad encounter with his enemies and hated rivals, more sad for them really than him as they looked like nothing more than yapping monkeys.
Classes were back in session after the weekend that the students had to themselves. So just like any Monday that started off the week, the hallways were packed with students making their way thru and fro going to their classes, clubs, activities, and so forth.
The jam wasn't really helped by Peeves who took great enjoyment in tossing about water balloons at the students.
Regardless it was looking like a great week for him as he didn't have any Snape to deal with and only teachers that exalted him to the top and those he could stare at all day long and who knows what else they could do.
However he recalled that he did have his lessons instead with Dumbledore himself, so that was a real bummer. Who knows what the old man could uncover with his close proximity to him. But he set that aside for now, he would deal with the issue as it came up.
What Harry did notice as he made his way through the hallways of the castle were posters plastered everywhere. Tearing one of them down. he read it to himself; Dueling Club Reopened!
It would seem Professor Flitwick bite the snare, reading the notice sheet, he saw that it would be opened for next week with 2nd through 7th year students allowed in. Continuing to peer at the post, he read that Professor Flitwick would be leading the club along side the other house heads such as Professor Mcgonagall, Professor Sprout, and the new head of Slytherin Professor Vector.
Finally, he understood the underlying excitement and chitter throughout the whole school, Dueling Club was back in session! Unlike last time with an idiotic fraud and a cold blooded tormentor leading the group this time we had competent teachers to lead things.
Some how word also got around that the short little man was a Master Duellist and then went on to become a Dueling Champion. And for the first time the students treated the half-goblin with something besides respect that he was accorded as a Professor, Awe!
Onc Harry saw the notice even he was excited and couldn't wait for the day to arrive. He wondered how the little man would structure his class and what he would be teaching, what he would have them do, and so forth.
From throughout the hallways, to the classrooms, the Great Hall, outside, and nearly everywhere else students and even staff members were discussing this latest news. Coming down for breakfast, he could see that Dumbledore wasn't too happy about the prospect of his students learning to fight and duel.
The man was the embodiment of peace and harmony all that bullshit that got his students killed when they went out to the real world. The wizarding world wasn't a peaceful paradise in these ancient stone walls you might think that, but it was far from the truth.
There was danger at every corner with Dark Lords rising up ever so often, magical beasts that terrorize the countryside once in a while, magical beings that hold no love for wizards in general, monsters that preyed on the weak, dangerous artifacts that get loose, and so much more the list just goes on all day.
Students here at Hogwarts aren't really taught how to defend themselves anymore; ever since the old man took over as Headmaster. Yes, a bunch of spells are cramped into their head, but that does not mean you instantly know who to use it to good effect in a fight.
He wondered how the little man was able to force through the idea of reopening the dueling club, he was pretty sure it was a tough sell. Though on the other hand, he did fracture a pretty wide split between the Professors and Dumbledore, one of his better works if he must say.
So who knows, they might be going ahead on their own volition as a united front.
Nevertheless, the week couldn't have gone any slower for him. Excitement built each day as the day of the dueling club reopening approached.
However before that, he had one thing to deal with, his private lessons with Professor Dumbledore.
Walking to the old man's office instead of going to his double potions as he usually would have on Friday. He greeted the gargoyles out front and walked into the grand and magnificent circular office.
The first thing he noticed was that the old man wasn't in.
He did see a cauldron simmering on top of the claw-footed desk with a potion book opened up to a certain page, but other than that no old man.
What he did take notice of was the beautiful flaming red bird perched on a lovely wooden stand. It gazed at him with a tilted head, "Hello," Harry hesitantly greeted the bird.
All the bird did was stare at him without saying a word, shrugging his shoulders he knew there was nothing he could really do. A phoenix was a legendary creature, Master of Fire, a equal to Dragons and Royal Gryphon in might.
Walking up to the desk, he saw a note left by the old foggy in his cursive handwriting.
It seems like the old man was off to the International Confederation of Wizards all the way in India. So he wouldn't be back for quite a while, but he did lay out his lessons plans for the month so he could carry it out on his own.
Reading the note, he remembered the trouble he brought for the old bastard as his abuse came to light and the hand he had in it. It was clear that the committee was discussing if he should remain as Supreme Mugwump after the allegations he faced.
Harry couldn't help it as a smile split his face, more trouble for the old meddling bastard meant more joy for him. Anyways, he could use this time period that he had, to put his act together and come up with a plan of action to not get discovered by him and his sinister plans for him.
Looking at the potions assigned for him to brew, he saw it was one of the potions that Aunt Dromeda had him working on during the summer.
So in a matter of less than an hour, he was done with his potion and set it aside for the old man to look over when he came back.
Looking at the hour from his Mirror Phone, he still saw that he had plenty of time, noted the countless magical objects ranging from the most mundane and simple and to the very powerful once again during his first visit. Plus the shelves filled with endless tones on a variety of subjects on magic.
Harry couldn't help it as some drool slipped through the corner of his mouth to which he quickly wiped away. There was no one here after all to stop him, and he was surprised at the lack of wards put on the shelves once he looked at it through Magic Sight.
Giving Fawkes a weak smile, he asked him, "You aren't going to tell anyone if I skim through some book, huh?"
Finally, he got a reaction from the bird as he got a telepathic message, "who knows..." it said in a majestic and awe inspiring voice that shook his mind. "Maybe if you have some treats, I could look the other way."
Looking stunned for a long time, his mind finally asked itself, 'did I just get extorted by a bird?' Dully reaching into his Lordship ring, he pulled out some treats he held on hand for his Griffin creatures, "Would this do?" he asked.
Leaning in close, it took a sniff at it then took a tentative bite and let out a happy trill, after that it swallowed the snack whole. Then giving him an appreciative nod, it pointed to the shelves with its wing allowing him to go at it.
Shaking his head to himself, Harry didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the unforeseen situation he found himself in, but he just took it in strides as he picked up the first book from the shelf.
He had to admit, the old man really did have a neat collection, there were some pretty rare pieces of magic here and there, plus some rare secret knowledge.
Soon, Harry was relaxing back on a bean bag he summoned and enjoying his evening as he perused over some books. Among pleasant evenings, it really was amongst one of his best.
"Ready to go?" Harry asked Neville as he meet him in the Gryffindor common room, "First meeting
tonight!"
"Alright," the growing boy answered, he didn't really like the prospects of fighting, but with the Heads of houses leading the club it wouldn't be as dangerous or dull as the other dueling club during their second year.
Looking at his watch, Harry saw that it was eight o'clock that Monday a week since he returned back to school, "we will be late if we do not pick up speed," he stated. The only people in the common room were first years, they all looked sullen that they would be missing out on such a fun and exciting activity.
"It's not fair, Harry," Dennis Creevey whined to him along side some other first year Gryffindors as he tried to exit out of the portrait that acted as their house's door. "You have to talk to Professor Flitwick, or Professor McGonagall. We all promise to behave, and listen to what they say."
Looking down at the little boy, he wondered if he was ever that small, smiling at him, he asked, "What spell do you know, Dennis?"
"I know the Levitation Charm, Lumos Charm, Unlocking Charm, and I taught myself the Tripping Jinx," he answered as his chest puffed up.
"What about you guys?" he asked the other little kiddies and the basically listed off 4 or 5 spells they learned over the last month.
"Well," he said once they were finished trying to upstage each other to put themselves in a better light before him. "I lost count of how many spells I learned a long time ago, but if I had to make an estimate, I would say around 250.
What about you, Neville?" he asked the shy boy.
"Same," he answered, "maybe a little bit less at 200."
"So," Harry said as he saw the look of awe on all their little faces. "It won't be fair if you guys participated in the club. You all have a lot to learn, and a long way to go. So study up this year, and next year you might give some of your seniors a run for their money."
Ruffling Dennis and getting up from the kneeling position he was in, Harry waved them a goodbye and headed out with Neville.
"You really got a way with children," Neville noted as they walked down the emptying out hallways, everyone seem to be heading to the Great Hall which had been freed up as the Dueling Club area.
"Well I imagine myself as fatherly material," he joked as they finally reached the Great Hall.
"I wonder what they would be teaching us?" Neville pondered out loud as they edged into the chattering crowd of students looking excited for the meeting to begin.
Silencing down as the four heads of house walked into the hall and onto the stage set up, everyone was as still as rabbits and on their best behavior.
Professor Flitwick was the first to speak up as he stepped before them, "I am glad to see such a great gathering. It seems like the whole school is here," he chuckled.
Looking around, Harry could see he was right, thousands of bodies cramped up against each other as there was a really good showing.
"Now, Professor Dumbledore believes that students shouldn't turn to violence, but I and as do my colleges, believe that a wizard or witch should be able to defend themselves and those he loves and cares for, and take up his or her wands in a time of need. I myself have done so on countless occasions — for the war, to intolerant bigots. So this little dueling club is to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves or your friends or families, or even to fight for your ideas!
Before anything, I believe that introduction are in order. You all might know me, but let me tell you a little bit more of myself. In my younger days, I went on to compete in many tournaments and have gone on to rise in the ranks until I proceeded to become a Master Duellist. And in my hay day, I became the National Duelling Champion of Magical Great Britain!"
Immediately a round of applause went up and of course, he heard the twins whooping and cheering the loudest.
"Thank, thank," the short little man said as he waved his hand to settle them down.
"Let me introduce my esteem colleague," he said as he went on to usher them forth and each gave a curt nod or a cheerful smile.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, and Professor Vector are very competent witches so you do best to listen to them and follow their instructions. Now, Professor McGonagall agreed to help me with a short demonstration before we begin. So that you can have a clear understanding of what a true Master could do. If you could all please take a step back," he said as he waved them back with his hand.
Doing as told, Professor Sprout and Professor Vector stood to either side of the long grand stage, they both nodded their head at each other and begin to put up a powerful shimmering shield that separated the students from the battle that was about to begin.
"What closely what I do first," the little man instructed as the two Great Wizard and Witch turned to face each other on opposite ends of the stage and bowed.
"Before you begin to honorably duel another opponent you must first bow in respect. Now, since this is a friendly duel there will be no deadly spells or area effect ones. Neither of us will be aiming to kill. It will be single-target spells, and whoever drops their wand first or surrenders loses!"
"On the count of three, we will cast our first spells!"
"One two — three —"
Then without a word, the duel was off, at first Harry was able to keep up like everyone else, but soon the fight picked up speed. Spells flung around in the air, and each person was able to counter act it with ease. Then as if they were finished warming up and done testing each other, they went on the offensive.
When he saw they really went into town against each other, Harry really meant it. Spells were being fired of faster than guns as the duel was only a light show now to the students watching, even Harry was having difficulty following what was happening.
It was the most spectacular and amazing thing he had ever seen. His eyes darted back and forth until he felt like he had a headache, if he fought then forgetting matching them at all, he would be squashed over head like an insect.
This, this was the level of Masters! True authorities in their respected field.
Then slowing down, they both ceased fire and bowed to each other. Professor Sprout and Professor Vector who had to shields up let them down, which was a really smart thing to do in the first place, because if one of those spells landed on the student body they would be finished.
"Now then," Professor Flitwick spoke up as he turned to face everyone who was god smacked into silence and stillness. "that is what Masters could do. I am sure that you all will one day reach that level of skill and ability," he falsely advertised.
Most wouldn't really even become Experts who are top specialists and pros. But still that left everyone excited and hungry to advance. He wouldn't lie that even he was affected by that small little demonstration.
He was pumped to try out his dueling club, and see what he would learn from the short little man.
Chapter 69: Tournament Arc Pt.1
"Now then," Professor Flitwick spoke up as he turned to face everyone who was god smacked into silence and stillness. "that is what Masters could do. I am sure that you all will one day reach that level of skill and ability," he falsely advertised.
Most wouldn't really even become Experts who are top specialists and pros. But still that left everyone excited and hungry to advance. He wouldn't lie that even he was affected by that small little demonstration.
He was pumped to try out his dueling club, and see what he would learn from the short little man.
"Before we begin," Professor Flitwick said, "I must first assess your skill levels and abilities. Plus," he added with a grin, "we must find out who is the very best of the best! So today, you shall all get a taste of the grueling and exciting Dueling Tournament."
At his announcement, excitement chatter when up all around, as students were thrilled at the prospect of competing in an actual Tournament for the first time in their lives.
Even Harry perked up once he heard what the little man declared, this would be very interesting indeed. He did wonder how he compared to his school mates, and at what level he was competing in.
Now, however, this was his chance to see how good he had gotten over the summer.
"This Tournament would be great for my colleague and me as we can divide everyone up into groups of their respective abilities of beginner, intermediate, and advanced thanks to the ranking they achieve and the aptitude they show."
"If I could get a raise of wands for those who want to participate?" Professor Sprout asked. "it's alright if you do not want to participate. Your wishes are respected here, and you can remain as well."
Barely anyone stopped from raising their wands into the air, doing the same as well. Harry turned and saw that Neville had his hand down and twitching at his side. "Hey, what's wrong, Neville?" he asked in confusion, wondering why the boy wasn't swept in the excitement and joining in.
"It's exactly as I thought," the shy Gryffindor answered, "we going to have to fight and struggle against each other, and then a spell might hit us accidentally, or..." he went off as he listed off all that could go ghastly wrong.
"Hey, hey," Harry said, "this time we don't have Snape or Lockhart that leading everything. Nothing will go wrong under Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, and Professor Vector's watchful eyes.
"Yeah, but..." he tried to argue, "I am no good in a fight. I will just embarrass myself, and make myself out to be a joke.
"Look at everyone," Harry said as he indicated the whole student body, "most of them never real for got into a wizarding duel, Ever. Do you think they would be better than you? To be honest I think you would be a cut above a lot of people with the training you got from your uncle."
Then giving him a pat on the back, he reassured him, "Come on, Neville, have a bit of confidence in yourself. I am sure you would be surprised with what you can accomplish if you have a positive outlook and a bit of reassurance."
"I don't know..." he mumbled as he looked more nervous with the prospect of putting more confidence in himself than anything else.
"Well if you don't have the confidence then I would for you," he said as he telekinetically raised up his hand for him.
Looking surprised and very astonished with his display of wandless magic, Harry grinned at him as Professor Sprout said, "Alright, is that all?! Good!"
Out of the blue, the most surprising and amazing thing appeared, the jolly witch raised up her wand up, and in the air above everyone's head, a tournament bracket board appeared. It had all the people who wanted to participate in the tournament.
"Now to create the field," Professor McGonagall said as she waved her wand about or a bit and did an even more interesting piece of magic. Suddenly the Great Hall slowly begin to transform, where they used to be tables and long chairs lining the wall now there was a wide open field with stages set up all about.
Stands appeared with a podium at the center, the tournament bracket board took center up above in the air where they used to be a start sky. Wizard lights floated above, lighting up the place and everyone was dropped among the stands while the Professors took center at the podium.
Looking around with his jaw hanging, Harry just couldn't believe what happened but it would seem like Professor McGonagall transformed the Great Hall into a large open tournament arena right before their very eyes!
"Now then," Professor Flitwick shouted as he must have cast an amplifying charm as his voice boomed all around, "let the Tournament begin!"
"Before we do, though," he said, waving his hand to calm the complaints being shouted, especially from the twins; those two jokers were always the loudest in everything. "I must say this again for all your eyes, so listen up. Since this is a friendly duel, there will be no deadly spells or area effect ones. Neither of you will be aiming to kill each other. It will be single-target spells, and whoever drops their wand first or surrenders loses! Plus, I must add in the spirit of fairness, no family spells."
Hearing a bunch of groans and shouts of injustice come out of the lips of many purebloods, Harry could understand their feelings. Most of his spells now that could really produce some damage and good effects were his Potter and Black family spells.
Sadly most powerful spells were kept within family grimoires, so really what's out there in public and you can learn in school is mediocre at best. Useful, yes, since you learn a lot of the basics here, but still not the best of the best.
"Now, now, settle down," the little man said, and once he got all the naysayers to settle down he continued, "If anyone breaks these simple rules they will immediately be disqualified from the Tournament and this Club as well. I won't stand for students who do not follow instructions and do whatever they wish. Dueling is a noble and sacred art which is very important as well, but it is dangerous as well. One spell that misfires or hit a vital spot might put someone's life in danger, so I will not have unruly people in the mix.
"Is that understood," he shouted, showing more teeth than he ever had.
"Yes, Professor," everyone shouted as they were swept in the mix of sternness from the man.
"Good," he said as he stepped back.
Taking over for him, Professor Vector called out, "May Group 1 to 40 set up to the battle stages," she said as she indicated to the open fields.
Turning to look at the bracket board Harry saw he was in Group 214 thus in the sixth bout of duels against someone by the name of Micah Cox. Taking in a seat since he had time before his duel, Harry closely watched the fights looking for any worthy opponent he might run into.
Most of the fights were quick and sloppy which only lasted barely a few moments. It would seem that most students all of the sudden drew blank when they were told to go at it with their wands against each other. But he saw that there were a few that were competent enough and knew what they were about and how to handle themselves in a one on one combat situation.
In the first round, he saw Daphne handle her opponent with practice ease as she made it look like child's work taking down someone her senior by a year.
Then he watched Blaise Zabini who for the first time he had seen him got ride of his lazed personality and gave his battle some amount of focus.
He also saw Lavender Brown battle it out with Millicent Bulstrode- a Slytherin in the same year as them. She was a dark haired witch with chocolate brown eyes, clear smooth skin, round face, snub nose, and haughty aristocratic features denoting of course her pureblooded statues. She also stood at 5 ft 8 inches with glossy lips, a round, chubby figure, a nice fat asss he noted, and the biggest racks he had ever seen.
She really gave Lavender a run for her money as those enormous boobs could envelop any man. However just as she was cow breasted, she was also carried with her the same attitude as one. Just like any other obnoxious pureblood Slytherin, she sneered down on everyone and saw them as nothing more than dirt.
Looking at their duel as they tore into each other and let out screams, he couldn't deny that he wasn't a bit fearful. Women could be very terrifying when they are going at each other throats!
Turning to something more tame, he saw George Weasley take the win with the cheers and whoops from his brother, Fred on the stands. Katie Bell, his fellow Gryffindor Quidditch team member move on up the brackets as well.
Then the round started to taper off as duels were concluded with clear victors and losers appeared.
Once everything was concluded Professor Vector who was acting as referee and scorekeeper called forth the second round. This time he saw more people with better control of themselves as they all seem to learn something for the first rounders.
He saw Hermione win against a Hufflepuff boy in the same year as them, what she did not have in skill or experience in dueling she sure as hell made it up with knowledge and wit.
Then there was Susan Bones who was a real badass he noted on the stage, it seem like she had the same amount of incredible skills that her aunt Amelia Bones the celebrated Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had and was a near and upcoming runner.
Harry also watched closely two people who showed great skill, and knew he had to watch out for such as Cedric Diggory a sixth year Hufflepuff that lead his house's Quidditch team. Plus Roger Davies a Ravenclaw who was also the Captain of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and played as a Chaser.
They were really good, and he knew he would have some difficultly taking them down if he wasn't careful.
Then it was time for the third round, this round was a total joke, were the second round had some competent people this one was made up of jokers.
For example, Harry nearly broke down into laughter when he saw Ron being given a hard time by a freaking second year. The little boy was more monkey than man as he jumped around the battle stage giving Ron who was a foot taller and several pounds heavier, a run for his money.
Then there was Draco was being stood at equal footing with the so-called mud blood he looked down on. A boy in Ravenclaw in the same year as them who he really didn't know was duking it out with him, and from how furious the arrogant prick looked like he just couldn't believe it.
And of course, he couldn't forget about the twins as Fred really put on a spectacular show against Gregory Goyle who he kept on tripping up to the vast amusement of everyone. Really that was the first time that someone in this Tournament surrendered in shame.
Then it was round four, and Neville was stepping up to the plank, giving him a comforting pat on the back, he wished him the best of luck and saw him off.
He also saw Cho Chang head forth, and he was surprised with how good she was. He always imagined her a bit more girly, but she truly proved that wrong as she took down the arrogant sixth year who also thought the same.
There was also Angelina Johnson in this round, who was the new Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and she handled herself pretty well.
And they weren't all, he saw Fay Dunbar, Sally Smith, and many more people participate.
Then for the fifth round, it was more of a chance for younger students to shine as he saw Luna Lovegood beat her opponent with a range mix of unusual spells. Plus he could have sworn that somehow she saw all those spells coming at her before they even left her opponent's wand.
Then he saw Ginny give herself a really good showing as she revealed she was much better than her extra weight of a brother. She really put her agility to good use, and mixed in her twin brothers prank spells really well into her duel as she won against her opponent.
Plus he even took note of Daphne's younger sister Astoria Greengrass who was in the same year as Ginny and Luna in Slytherin House. Unlike her sister who was a frosty glacier, she was much more spirited with dark brown hair, emerald green eyes that shined with mischief, the same supple smooth skin as her sis, a lithe energetic figure, full lips, dainty nose, high prominent cheekbones, and arched eyebrow.
Finally, the sixth round was called forth by and he stepped forward to the arena, Professor Vector and he walked up to dueling stage number 7.
Stepping up to the spot, he watched his opponent also step forward, he was a very bulky kid without the best looks around in 6th year, and in Slytherin from the black and green colors he had on.
Facing him with a cruel grin, the bully chuckled darkly, "So if it isn't Harry Potter. I just can't believe my luck that I get to duel you. I am so going to enjoy messing up that pretty face of yours!"
"Oh, really," Harry chuckled as he showed all his teeth, "are you sure, you aren't the one whose face is going to get messed up, or should I say some more," he laughed wickedly.
The boy, Micah what-ever, he really didn't care for his name since he to be honest he would be forgetting it by the end of the day, face twisted up as rage clouded his face. "I will make sure you won't be leaving the hospital bed for quite a while," he growled menacingly.
"We will see about that," he grinned, not losing his cool, unlike him, who looked more ready to charge at him like a bull than fight him magically.
"Ready?" Professor Vector asked over one, receiving nods, or just quite acknowledge as everyone prepared in their own way. "Then bow to your opponent," she said as everyone followed her instruction.
"One — two — three — DUEL!" she shouted, to which spells light up the sky.
There were small shields put up on each individual dueling arena that absorbed any damage, so no spell interfered with other people's duels or caused havoc in the stands. The Professors had a very close eye on everything, and for anyone that dared to break the rules they were immediately disqualified and kicked out.
Plus, they made sure to interfere if things when out of and or students were in danger, and thanks to their precautions no student was injured so far.
Since Harry had much, much faster reflects he was able to get off his first spell as he just wanted to finish this up on the spot. Shouting an Expelliarmus spell to try to disarm his opponent, he had to give the boy credit as he put up some sort of defense.
Still, though Harry had the initiative so he chained his spell up with a Petrificus Totalus which complimented the Expelliarmus very well to capture criminals and have them tied up like bow tie gifts.
This time he wasn't able to put up a good defense, and his body locked up against itself as he went rigid before him. Harry could see the surprise and shock, but when he saw his grinning face, he knew it was not over.
Flinging a Bombarda at him, the spell exploded spectacularly right under the big Slytherin feet, which sent him flying up into the air.
Not stopping there, he used an Accio charm to summon him towards him, and he came hurtling towards him just like he wanted.
Following it up, he transformed his wand into a cricket bat, then getting into a professional stance as if he was playing the game. He battered up in his spot, and when he came within his striking zone, he smacked him right in the face, and he collapsed bonelessly right before him.
Standing over him smile broadly at him, he joked, "You're out!"
With that, he walked out of the arena and saw that his name advanced up the board. There was silence throughout some parts of the stands as the people watching his duel were hushed into silence at his quick, effective, and brutal fight.
When he walked past Septima, she gave him a look which said it all, "Really?"
"What," he shrugged his shoulders, "he needed to be taught a lesson don't mess with me, or else..." he said, leaving the threat hanging.
He knew how snakes operated, with one thing, Fear! It's what they used to keep others in line, and amusingly it was what kept them in line.
This sent a clear message to them; he was not to be messed with because a new and improved Harry was back in school!
Chapter 70: Tournament Arc Pt.2
Once the first preliminary circuit was over and half the competition was cut done, the second circuit began.
This time competition was much rougher as all the poor duelists were taken out, and people who were left were adequate enough to understand what they were doing and could handle themselves very well in a duel.
Harry watched as his friends and school mates struggle with their battle as the fight prolonged duels against tougher opponents. He saw that they all won in one form or another but it was clearly by the scruff of their teeth. Of course, there were some who this was still a walk in the park, like Daphne who still did not break a sweat as she took down her opponent, or Susan who finished her enemy with practice ease.
They were each badasses in the literal sense of the word, and knew he had to be careful with them or they might get the surprise on him. Still though, he couldn't deny he would love them to duel it out, now that would be a battle for the ages.
Plus he also took notice of more of his enemies, there was Theodore Nott who was trouncing his poor opponent a Gryfindor fifth year with total ease and humiliation. He noted that unlike Draco who was a prancing fool that liked to strut around everywhere, he was much more colder and heartless. Which made him all the more dangerous in his opinion, you could easily deal with a fool that you could see from a mile off, but someone that hides himself and plans things out, is a much more deadly enemy.
Sadly this was how Hogwarts was, children bring with them their parents and family's hatred and misconception to school. He guessed, really this was just how the world worked. An endless cycle of violence and revenge that gets carried around generation after generation.
Harry also took note of more of his allies, he spotted Terry Boot a Ravenclaw in the same year as him, but more than that one of his vassals. They never really were on a speaking basis since House divides at Hogwarts is just that big, but he really did want to meet the son of his most loyal and steadfast vassal.
For his second battle, he faced off against a Hufflepuff in the same year as him, Harry didn't know his name thanks to how many students there were in the whole school. Nevertheless, that didn't mean he didn't show him the respect accorded to him, since he didn't poke the bear in the metaphorical sense and was a good sport, Harry was obliging if you could say.
Taking it easy on him while making sure not too humiliating him, Harry humored him for a while as he defended himself against all those spells flying at him flawlessly, he then decided to finally finish things up with two quick spells that took him off guard and concluded the duel.
"Good duel," Harry said with a small smile as he walked over to the boy and shook his hand companionly.
"Thanks," he answered with a good lucky smile as he returned the gesture without any hurt feels. "You really are that skilled, huh? Everyone just thought that your first match was a fluke, but now I could see that's far from the treat."
"Well that's me," Harry said as he waved his hands to either side causally. Harry knew the Slytherin would do anything to put himself in a better light and not make himself look weak and pathetic, even telling lies right through his teeth.
But why did he care, he would just prove them all wrong with his abilities, and make them swallow their words.
"Next time don't expect such an easy victory," the Hufflepuff chuckled good naturedly.
Nodding his head, Harry promised he would see him any time of the dueling arena, and promised to give him any advice or pointers he wanted. With that, they walked away amicably and back to their seats.
After the second circuit was done, it was time for the third one. This time it wasn't mostly strangers that everyone had to face. No, it was time to face close friends and family.
Since the groups were so small now, people were running into those they knew and cared about.
He saw the twins who had to face each other in one round, and just as he expected in a mellow dramatic fashion they both took each other at the same time. All Professor Flitwick could was shake his head as a wry grin split his face, still Professor Vector didn't take any nonsense and disqualified them.
He also saw that Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, who won by the skin on her teeth against Millicent Bulstrode, have to face each other. And he noticed with the way that Parvati Patil tripped herself up on purpose to give her best friend the win that it was done deliberately, and Lavender seem to know that as well with how indignant she looked.
Still it was her win thanks to her friend conceding the match, and there was nothing she could do against it.
Plus there was also Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas who were in the same year and in the same house, Gryfindor, as him, or should he saw Ron's new idiotic friends. They both had to duel it out and with the way they went at it against each other, you would have thought they were hated enemies as they held nothing back and clearly wanted to bring each other down.
Soon it was his turn to head forth, and looking across from him he saw that he would be facing his newly made friend, Tracey Davis.
"Well, this is awkward," Harry chuckled. This wasn't what he needed right now, his bond with the grey eyed witch was new and fresh, and he sure as hell did not want it to be strained with this right now.
And Harry knew neither of them would give up here. They both would give it their all, he wanted to go for the top spot and claim number one, and he was sure Tracey sure as hell did not want to stop in the third circuit.
So he really didn't know if any hard feelings would develop, which was no go for him, how could he turn a woman, especially one of such beauty against himself.
Using his glib tongue to good effect, "Well, since I am a man who thinks all should be treated equally whether they be men or women. So, I am sorry to say, but I can not just concede the match to you out of courtesy. Thus, let the best of us win this duel."
Staying silent, Harry got a certain distinct air of coldness from her which perplexed him for a moment. However soon Septima called the beginning of the match before he could even ask what was wrong or get to the bottom of it.
This time, Tracey was able to get the first spell of in all the matches he has been in and take the initiative. However, Harry easily blocked the spell with his wand and redirected it towards the shield the enveloped them which quickly absorbed it.
Studying her with his watchful eyes, Tracey let loose all her fury on him as she unleashed a tidal wave of spells. Harry just blocked them all with ease, and fired back no spell at her.
She took notice of that and growled, "Why aren't you fighting back? Where was that equal nonsense you were sprouting, huh? Was it all bullshit? Do you think you need to be considerate of me?"
Not answering her question, he turned the table and asked one of his as he danced around some spells the flew at him, "What happened between us? Why are you so angry with me?"
Women, he just couldn't understand them. One moment she was pleasant company, and now here she was unleashing her fury upon him.
"FIGHT BACK!" she shouted like a dragon ready to swallow him whole.
"Is it about me taking your spot as Daphne's partner?" Harry wondered out loud, not paying attention to how spitting wrathful she was. "Okay, for that I am sorry," he apologized, "but isn't this reaction uncalled for?" he then asked.
Looking even more piqued at the mention of the name, Tracey growled angrily, "Don't YOU dare say her name. I do not know why but he have duped her. All she could think about is you..." she said as she turned her angry and somewhat hurt eyes on to him.
"Thank you," Harry said as he puffed his chest up a bit, "I guess I do have that effect on woman, and to see it work on one such as the Ice princess herself. I got to say, I really am at the top of my skills," he bragged as he didn't notice the fury increasing Tracey's eyes.
"You degenerate," she shouted as she tossed a very nasty curse at him.
Harry once again effortlessly blocked it, and studied the grey eyed witch with his head tilted to the side. "Wait," he commanded as he held his hand up for her to pause to which she complained since she really had no choice at all considering the full body binding curse he had her under.
"You love her too," he whispered so that only the two of them could hear, however that was unnecessary since all that everyone could do was watch the duels and not hear what was being said between oppents. Plus the shielding spell prevented any interference from going on so that people could try to cheat, which included listening spells designed to hear from far away.
"What? NO," she quickly denied, and he knew right away she was lying. However, he still had to give it to her as she quickly got over her shock and a slight bit of fear, and thought quick on her feet as she came up with a plausible excuse.
"All I am doing is looking after my best friend's interest, and making sure that immoral people do not get close to her," she added as she gave him a pointed stare.
"Yeah, I get friends looking out for each other," Harry said with a playful grin, "but I can tell when someone has too much vested interest in their companion's love life. And you my friend, are one of those people."
"That's not true," she said as she somehow got out of his body binding curse and fired a spell at him.
"Hahaha," laughing out loud as he dodged around her spells, he cast a Glacius spell underneath her feet as ice formed on the ground, and with how distracted she was and how disoriented her mind was she tripped and spell. Then Harry effortlessly summoned her wand to his hand and grabbed it from the air, concluding the match and taking his victory.
Walking over to her with a grin on his face as she looked a bit dazed with her fall, he whispered to her in a low tone, "I tell you what. If you want to get more closer to our Ice Princess and I mean beyond just friends like right now. Come meet me after the Tournament is done."
With that, Hary walked away, leaving her a bit stunned on the ground and with his final parting words to keep her company.
After that, the matches picked up as he faced one contestant after the other like an endless wave. The number of reviling competition kept on dropping as person after person got eliminated and the winners moved on to keep on fighting more duels.
There were some real highlights here and there, with opponent really putting on a grand show.
For example Pansy Parkinson vs Hermione Granger!
Now that was an amazing fight! Pansy Parkinson was a black haired witch which were straight and barely reached her neck, with beautiful amethyst colored eyes that her family was known for. Sharp nose, high cheekbones, full red lips, smooth silky skin, long delicate fingers that of course never saw any work. She stood 5 foot 11 inches with a slim, coltish figure.
However what ruined her great beauty that could rival the most beautiful of girls in the whole school, was that she was a total Royal Bitch!
She had all the imperial snobbish of a pureblood, and since she was from a very powerful family she looked down at everyone as servants and slaves. And she was a total nightmare to her enemies as she knew plenty of dark spells to make their life a living hell.
Plus, he knew she was really crazy for Draco, but the idiot couldn't see beyond himself, so he really didn't notice.
Right now, she and Hermione were going at it like two titans. Pansy might have a higher and better education than Hermione, but what the brown witch had was dedication and so much effort that he was surprised she was able to match her.
The match might have gone down for the ages if there wasn't more great fight.
Then there was Theodore Nott vs Blaise Zabini!
Daphne Greengrass vs Susan Bones!
Ron Weasley vs Draco Malfoy!
Katie Bell vs Cho Chang!
Ginny Weasley vs Luna Lovegood!
Neville Longbottom vs Seamus Finnigan!
And so many more exciting battles!
This Tournament was really the collmulation of all the talents and skills that everyone had as they brought everything out and held no bargains back.
Plus everyone seem to be having a great time!
Dueling was blood sports to wizards, it was the highest form of entertainment, and at the same time the most sacred and honored thing as well.
Everyone cheered wildly whether they be muggle-born, purebloods, or half-bloods like him as they watched on the fights with great fervor. Harry guessed it was in wizarding-kind as a whole, the love of dueling something that broke all barriers and surpassed all classes!
As the competition got cut down less and less, and the weaker people were culled out, only the best of the best were left. Thus the fights were the most spectacular thing ever as powerful magics got thrown around, breathtaking displays of powers were shown, and ingenious tactics were used.
Unexpectedly the house-elves showed up as they brought with them all kinds of snacks and handed them off to students. Harry could see the twins patting themselves on the back and congratulating themselves for the brilliant idea as they munched on popcorn.
Shaking his head, Harry wondered how life would have been without the twins in it, it sure as hell would have been less amusing and much more dull that's for sure.
The teachers said nothing since they too joined in, even Professor McGonagall who was the most sternness couldn't help it as she took some Dragon Roasted Nuts and Skewered Fire Lizard.
During his duels, even Harry had to be careful and take his matches seriously.
In magical fights, just one spell that slipped through your defense could end you. Of course, more powerful wizards would not allow that as they had much better reflects, strength, tactics, spells, and magic reserves.
But still, the point remains, if you weren't careful and remained arrogant someone might get the jump on you. Harry learned that lesson well as he underestimated a third year girl a junior of his by one year in his house by name of Romilda Vane.
She seem to be some super fan of his, as he was pretty sure she tried to snare him in some love spells. She really was too crazy about having him in love with her, she didn't stop at all and had him on the defense for a while.
As the fight drew to a close and the battles thinned out, only four more people including him were left in the Tournament.
"Alright," Professor Flitwick called out, "let's have a small break to catch our breaths before we proceed to the semi-finals!"
Looking around at the final three opponents he had left, his eyes meet Matteo Travers a seventh year Slytherin. And Harry had to say the boy looked like total Snape junior, if he hadn't known better what a dickless wad Snape was, he would have thought that this was his love child or clone or something along those lines.
Looking over at his other opponent Cedric Diggory a sixth year Hufflepuff. He was a total pretty boy, who had a bunch of Hufflepuff gushing over him and cheering him on.
Then there was finally Roger Davies another sixth year who was in Ravenclaw. He was clearly one of those so-called Ravenclaw intellectuals who thought they knew it all and was smarter than everyone since they were ravens!
He hated to admit it, but each house had their own share of poor supplement that represented a bad side of their house.
Still though, the raven did at least show that he had good head on his shoulder since he had it all the way to the semi finals.
Then of course there was him, Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived, the Great Balck Wyrm, conqueror of Griffin Perch and Griffin Alight, Voldermorts & Dumbledore's Bane, Lord Potter-Black-Peverell-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Slytherin, and the list of titles just went on and on!
But what mattered most, was that he was here to take the championship, and claim the number 1 spot!
If you guys want advance chapters check out my Pa/ treon I am 25 chapters ahead!
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