AN: Welcome guys!
I decided to still publish this chapter tonight.
Let me know what you guys think!
As always, enjoy!
The recognizable sections belong to JKR
Chapter 96
Mai 1st, 1997
Rain drummed against the large colorful windows around him. The castle's thick walls did their best to keep the harsh storm outside, but it's howling still infiltrated the cold stone. The mood in the Great Hall was, as usual, these days... A weird mixture between trying to act like there was not a single care in the world, while at the same time, showing just how much the war outside the castle affected everyone.
Harry's eyes roamed over the students from all houses. Many of them had lost family and friends over the last few weeks. Voldemort was merciless in his scare tactic and his strategy proved to be successful. One only had to take a look at the worried and anxious faces of most students to confirm so. They were still so young... The only thing they should worry about is putting in their homework on time, yet they played a major role in a war, unmatched in brutality.
After his usual workout in the Room of Requirements, Harry enjoyed some breakfast while skimming over the last couple of transfiguration essays, he was grading for McGonagall. Unfortunately, from the staff table, the Scottish professor caught on to what he was doing and shot him a fierce glare when Harry's bowl of cereals was placed dangerously close to the essays... Her narrowed eyes said it all... 'There better not be a single stain on those essays, Potter!'
Harry shot her a grin and her lip thinned even further. Soon, his eyes flickered over to Dumbledore. His thoughts started wandering... Today marked one of the most important days in his life. Dumbledore had invited him to another friendly duel to evaluate his progress after the many sessions with Grindelwald. Therefore, tonight, Harry would get another chance to win the allegiance of the Elderwand.
He noticed how the headmaster's blue eyes scanned the crowd of his students with a good-natured smile. The twinkle grew stronger when his gaze rested on Harry and he shot him a small wink while standing, up soon after. Harry raised a curious eyebrow.
What could that have meant?
Dumbledore stood to his full height and spread his arm as if he was trying to hug everybody in the Great Hall. The chatter died abruptly and everyone turned towards in anticipation and interest:
"If I could have your attention for a few minutes!" Dumbledore smiled brightly: "I have an important announcement to make, which will undoubtedly brighten the mood in the castle while providing a learning experience at the same time..."
Harry rolled his eyes as the man purposefully let the words linger and waited until the chatter died down: "The professors and I decided, after careful consideration, that the Hogwarts Dueling Club will be introduced once more!"
Harry glanced around to see how the news was received. Apparently, the announcement was met with cheers and exhilarating clapping. Exciting whispers went around the Great Hall until Dumbledore continued: "Now, some of the older students will surely remember the last time such a club has been introduced under Professor Gilderoy Lockhart"
No one missed the way the headmaster had put emphasis on the word professor. The older students laughed wholeheartedly. A few of them turned to Harry, remembering how a mere second year had publicly embarrassed the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
"Needless to say, that this time around, we will have... should I say... qualified tutors. The students, who would like to join, will follow a carefully put-together syllabus, approved by Madam Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Professor Flitwick and I will act as instructors. I am pleased to announce that we decided that students from all years will be allowed to participate."
Further cheers erupted all over the Great Hall. Harry could not deny that the idea had merit. In times like these, knowing how to perform or simply shield charms or disarming jinx might save your life. But was it a coincidence that Dumbledore revived the dueling club on the day he promised to test Harry's progress?
The headmaster's eyes twinkled even stronger now and Harry did not miss the wandless voice-amplification-charm he had cast on himself: "To celebrate this announcement and spectacularly open the dueling club, I hereby challenge the world's youngest under 18 Dueling Champion, Harry James Potter, to a duel!"
Utter silence met Dumbledore's last sentence for a few seconds until the words were fully understood. Then, all hell broke loose as everyone turned from Dumbledore to Harry and back to Dumbledore. The entire Great Hall, including the other members of staff, stared in disbelief at their headmaster. It was fairly obvious that Dumbledore had not told them about this part of the announcement.
Harry forced his face to remain in a neutral expression, but he felt a fire pulsing inside him. He could not deny that he was surprised and had never expected their duel to be as public as this. There had to be a twist somewhere... What was Dumbledore playing at?
Nevertheless, following the customs and general dueling etiquette, Harry stood up and inclined his head to the person that challenged him. Then, he spoke in a firm strong voice, radiating with utmost confidence: "I hereby accept your challenge, headmaster."
"Brilliant!" Dumbledore beamed up and chuckled: "As for the location, I suggest making use of the quidditch pitch once more. I hope you find 10:00 pm an acceptable time for the duel. Since I intended on allowing all students to spectate, I hope you don't mind if we stray from casting the Unforgivables and don't cast anything too brutal. We don't actually intend to harm one another, after all... This is just a demonstration for your peers..."
Harry had expected so. Those were the same rules they had agreed upon in any previous duels. Naturally, they would still use spells that could cause lethal harm. It was just about preventing unnecessary injuries if one opponent was unable to continue to fight.
"Your terms are agreeable, Headmaster," Harry replied with a small smile since Dumbledore's excitement was almost contagious.
"Thank you for agreeing, Harry." Dumbledore chuckled: "That is all for today. I know that many of you must be just as excited as I am, but do make sure to pay good attention in class today. I am certain that none of you want to earn yourself detention for tonight and miss this spectacle. Hop hop, off to class!"
With that, the headmaster dismissed the students, who cheerfully pushed the benches back exited the Great Hall. A few of them wished Harry best of luck on their way out. He heard others, especially the Slytherins, placing bets on his loss already. With a shrug, Harry placed the stack of graded essays into his bag. It was time to teach some first years, whilst no doubt be ogled at the entire time and asked questions about whether or not Dumbledore and he truly hated each other...
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE CHALLENGES HARRY POTTER TO A DUEL
What Showcase Of Power Can We Expect?
By Rita Skeeter
According to numerous sources, Albus Dumbledore, current headmaster at Hogwarts and defeater of the Dark Lord, Gellert Grindelwald, has challenged his very student, Harry Potter, youngest under 18 Dueling Champion and dubbed The-Chosen-One, to an open duel. The challenge was declared, during breakfast in the Great Hall, following the announcement of the return of a dueling club at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"The headmaster merely challenged Harry to a friendly duel. There is no bad blood between the two. It's more of a public relations and marketing stunt to draw more publicity to the dueling club at Hogwarts and get as many students excited for it as possible" Explains Terry Boot, Hogwarts sixth-year student, and friend of Harry Potter.
"Potter will be crunched like an insect under a heal. The bets favor our headmaster 10:1 and I know many who betted larger amounts of galleons themselves. He is in for a rude awakening." Says a seventh-year Slytherin student who preferred to remain anonymous.
Undoubtedly, this duel is speculated to be one of the most awaited duels in modern history. The confrontation will take place on the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, tonight at 10:00 pm. The public is invited to watch. However, security will be very high, and wait times for seats are to be expected. We asked around for some opinions of the upcoming duel.
Griselda Marchbanks, governor of the Depart of Education, who only recently tested Mr. Potter for his NEWTs said the following: "It is rather ironic that Harry potter has recently demonstrated a set of skills with his wand that I have not again seen ever since Albus Dumbledore sat his own NEWTs with me. It will be a battle as ancient as time itself... Old vs. Young... A century of experience vs. youthful enthusiasm... Age and wisdom vs. youth and innovation. I will certainly attend the duel myself. This is something no witch or wizard should miss and a fabulous idea to get younger students excited to learn how to defend themselves properly."
Elphias Doge, one of the oldest friends of Albus Dumbledore disagrees slightly with Madam Marchbank's view: "The Potter boy is fighting way over his head. I have known Albus since he was a little boy and watched him perform magic of the kind the world thought we would never see. Harry Potter might be a skilled 16-year-old and participated in a few duels, but he is severely outmatched here. School grades don't tell the entire story... Only a man's actions represent his true nature and skill."
Others argued not to underestimate the Potter heir. His godfather, Lord Sirius Black, has the following to say: "I'd like to remind dear old Doge that my godson is far from the average 'skilled sixteen-year-old'. We are talking about a young man, who sent Lord Voldemort sprawling across the Atrium in the Ministry of Magic exactly a year ago. Time and time again, people underestimated Harry, be it an older opponent in the dueling ring, or a mask death eater at the Quidditch world cup. They all paid the price for their mistake. I have no doubt that Harry will put on a stunning show and give the headmaster a run for his money. Naturally, I will be there to support him."
As one can see, opinions differ heavily within the British magical population. Unfortunately, neither Harry Potter or his girlfriend of over two years, Fleur Delacour, nor the headmaster was available for an interview before their duel. Nevertheless, everyone is certain that tonight will be a phenomenon that wizards and witches will remember for years to come. We wish both contestants good luck!
Fleur put the newspaper article to the side with an amusing smile and glanced at the silvery watch on her wrist. It was almost 9:00 pm in the evening already. She should probably get going. It would be a rather poor sign if Harry's own long-term girlfriend did not show up for his duel.
She took a look at her reflection in the mirror while fixing her hair with a flick of her wand... Breath-taking as ever... Certainly enough to motivate Harry properly and show him exactly what he is fighting for... Then, she took her Portkey vanished with a soft snap.
Salazar's Quarters looked just as she remembered them. Her raven-haired boyfriend looked up from whatever he was brooding over on the table and a genuine smile replaced the deep frown on his face: "Thank you for coming, Fleur."
She took him in her arms and pressed a soft kiss to his lips while beaming up at him: "Of course, I come to support you. I can't express how proud I am and I know how important this duel is to you."
"Yes, but how consequential is it actually?" Harry frowned once more and walked back to the table to pick up a small vial filled with golden liquid: "Important enough for this?"
"No, my love." Fleur shook her head as she took the Felix Felicis in her soft hands, opened a drawer on the table, and placed it back inside: "I understand your dream to unite them, Harry. After all, they rightfully belong to you. But we must not forget our main goal. Dumbledore is not a friend, but he is not the enemy either. He will not try to kill you by any means... Unlike Voldemort. He is the true enemy, Harry... Not the headmaster, no matter how annoying I find the man myself."
Harry could not help the chuckle that escaped his lips. It was true, Fleur was not very fond of the headmaster, especially since he occupied lots of her boyfriend's free time, which he could otherwise spend in the Veela's company.
"I am not ready for him..." Harry shook his head: "I need the wand to be able to defeat him."
"And Dumbledore knows that..." Fleur cupped his face: "He wants you to wield the Elderwand one day. But you have to earn that right. The Hallows need to be attained and taken against their previous owner's wills. That is the reason, why the headmaster makes such a spectacle out of this. If you manage to beat him in an outright duel, the Deathstick won't question its allegiance. Dumbledore just wants to make sure that its ownership will be fully transferred to you."
"I know you are right..." Harry sighed deeply but there was some self-doubt left: "And still, we are talking about Dumbledore here."
"I know you can do it, my love." Fleur gave him another soft kiss: "I believe in you. You have less to lose than him but certainly more reason to fight for."
Dark blue eyes met bright emerald- green and suddenly a flame flickered within the green orbs. A fire started burning in them, so memorizing that Fleur could not tear her gaze from it. Determination set on Harry's face: "This will be the day, the Hallows are united for the first time since their creation. Tonight, marks the resurgence of the Potter family."
Fleur pressed herself against him and beamed with pride: "I might not carry that last name yet, but I hope you will still consider me family one day."
"I already do, my love... Tonight is for us." Harry kissed her forehead: "Always for us."
30 Minutes later
"You've got this. Harry, show that twinkling old bastard that the Potter's and Black's are not to be messed with!"
Harry chuckled: "No worries... I have nothing to lose and everything to win."
Sirius nodded. The Lord Black had come to Hogwarts to meet his godson as promised to the papers. The two were having a private moment, a pep talk of sorts, before the duel could officially begin, while Fleur gave them some private time.
The entire Hogwarts stadium was overwhelming with spectators, all awaiting the outcome of what promised to be one of the most legendary duels of all time. Older Hogwarts Alumni, agents from private companies, accomplished Masters of magical arts, Ministry officials- it was a never-ending list.
Flitwick and McGonagall had to actually use expansion charms to maximum effect and even duplicate the existing number of seats, and yet, the number of spectators just seemed to increase more and more. In the center of the stadium, an elevated rocky terrain had been transfigured for the upcoming duel.
To Harry's surprise, Lee Jordan had been given the opportunity to showcase his commentary skills and he took his usual place among the audience, his voice blaring out of the megaphone as he described the happenings going on.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to a duel that will be spoken about for decades. Allow me to introduce the competitors..."
"Our esteemed headmaster, holding a mastery in Transfigurations and Alchemy, defeater of the Dark Lord Grindelwald... I present to you, Albus Dumbledore!"
Dumbledore walked up the platform, dressed in what Harry recognized as formal battle transfiguration dueling robes, of a dark blue color. Lee Jordan paused, allowing the audience to keep up with his commentary while the headmaster was greeted with cheers and applause from all around the stadium.
"And now, let's hear it for The-Boy-Who-Lived, under 18 Dueling Champion, The-Chosen-one, Harry Potter!"
"I love you." Harry's eyes spoke volumes as he turned to Fleur one last time and kissed with all the passion he could foster, before stepping out of the small room that had been created for him to get ready. A murmur went through the stadium as Harry's eyes flashed so brightly in emerald, green, that even spectators from far up the seats could easily spot it. That was not everything, however...
Harry wore the exact outfit his reflection in the Mirror of Erised had shown him over five years ago. The dark dragon hide boots, made from the Hungarian horntail he killed, felt comfortable on his feet as he confidently walked the small path leading to the steps up the platform.
His form-fitting robes were made of Basilisk hide and highlighted his athletic and strong build. The robes were darkened in color until they almost matched the dimmest clouds on a rainy day. A black cloak was tied around his neck and floated elegantly in the soft wind. Harry was radiating pure magical power and spirit as he climbed the first steps.
Confident in his mission for the night, the sign of the Deathly Hallows was woven into the fabric above his chest. The symbol was also displayed in a larger format, covering his entire back. Last but not least, a golden ring on his finger proudly displayed a thick black gemstone with the very same crest.
Harry felt Harry as the magic swirled around him. The surrounding Hogwarts grounds were rich in magical power. Tonight, he would use it to maximum effectiveness. his eyes flashed once more as smooth elder flicked into his palm and heat rushed through his body.
Ignoring Jordan's distracting commentary and the cheers from the crowd, Harry climbed the last step up to the dueling platform, looking every bit of the war mage he had read about from the Black family grimoire. It was time to witness if he had it in him to continue the legacy of his original roots. This might have been a duel for the spectators and children eager to learn how to duel, but for him- it was a fight for everything he held dear and for his family's legacy... The Potters, the Blacks, but especially the Peverells.
"The two duelists have taken their place on the dueling platform, and I would like to inform everyone that apart from the Unforgivables, all spells and magics are fair game, and the duel shall continue until one of them yields or is incapacitated," Lee commented. "And now our dear Charms Professor and dueling champion himself, Professor Flitwick, is going to referee the match."
Harry's head of house walked up to the stage; his cheerful countenance vanished under a serious demeanor. He stood in the middle of the terrain and spoke up clearly, "On the count of three, the duel will begin. It is expected that both opponents shall make it a fair fight."
Flitwick stepped back and then raised what seemed to be a white handkerchief. He raised it high in the air as he yelled, "One… Two… Three…"
He stepped out from the battle terrain, as the audiences sucked their breaths in anticipation. "DUEL!"
Neither of the opponents fired a single spell. Harry's calculating and anticipating gaze was met with one from Dumbledore. The headmaster's eyes flickered over the crest on Harry's chest to the golden ring on his finger. A slight frown marred his face and Harry grinned triumphantly. Perhaps, he had already gotten into his opponent's head.
With a flick of his wand, the first curse started fizzling over to Dumbledore. The Elderwand batted it aside with minimal movement, just as expected. Both opponents started trading spells and testing the waters. So far, nothing more dangerous than a stunner was cast.
The dark night was illuminated by a rainbow of colors, as Harry dabbed deeper into his spell repertoire and started firing more dangerous hexes. Two powerful exploding curses shot out of individual wands towards each other, met in the middle, and then blew up with a tremendous explosion.
Harry grinned and earned a short nod from Dumbledore in return. Now the most anticipated battle of the decade had really started its course. Harry whipped his wand and sent powerful and destructive spell-chains, linked together with incredible speed. His wand work was one fluent motion. The movement of the previous spell flawlessly went over into its successor's.
However, he was not fighting some pathetic Death Eater, who might have been taught the occasional jinx by his master... This was Albus Dumbledore, who whipped his wand in complicated patterns, summoning rocks and conjuring obstacles, preventing the destructive spells from reaching him firsthand.
So far, Dumbledore was mostly defending himself with conjurations and his in-depth knowledge in transfiguration. Harry decided to match his style of fighting and fight fire with fire. He whipped his wand like a baton, sending a sliver of what seemed to be silver arrows at Dumbledore who waved his wand and conjured metal shields that intercepted them easily.
A roan went through the stadium at the display of magic one might classify as deadly, but Harry ignored it. The opinions of shallow little people, as Fleur would call them, did not matter now.
"Come on my boy... Surely you can do better than that?" Dumbledore taunted him. Provocations of that sort were not something the headmaster usually utilized, but it did not matter to Harry tonight. He had faced Voldemort while being taunted about his dead parents and what the man would do to Fleur. Nothing that escapes Dumbledore's mouth could ever compete with that.
In addition, this was a battle and there was nothing that calmed Harry Potter more than being in battle. He felt his senses sharpen, as he weaved through the enormous number of spells shot out towards him from the old man.
Harry conserved some energy for he intended to cast a few more powerful pieces of magic soon. He went on the defense and dodged the majority of spells. Compared to Voldemort, Dumbledore was a bit slower but more certainly calculated and unpredictable. There were no distinctive patterns in his casting, from piercing hexes to stunner and disarming charms, Harry dodged everything and practically danced in between the incoming spell fire like a manly ballerina.
In the meantime, he started channeling his magic until he felt it pulsing in every vein under his skin. Finally, he lashed out when he could not contain it any longer.
"FORTIS LUCENDI!"
With a wide vertical slash of his wand, Harry pushed every ounce of power into his spell. A large black cloud formed above them and the air felt saturated with magic. Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly and he instantly raised the Elderwand up high into the air, conjuring a golden dome over himself just before a bright lightning bolt shot vertically from the thick cloud and impacted the shield.
An unstoppable force met an immovable object, as the ancient shield held up against the bolt of lightning, causing an explosive wave so powerful that it lifted Harry and threw him back on the ground. Dumbledore, however, stood his ground, panting, with the sturdy shield still holding up. With a roar, Harry slashed his wand forwards once more and pushed even more magic into the spell, until finally...
With a loud crack, Dumbledore's shield shattered as the headmaster fell down to his knees, panting heavily. The defense had taken a lot out of him. After a couple of seconds, he stood up, wiping off the dust from his official robes as he looked at Harry and smiled with a damn twinkle in his eye. "That's more like it, my boy. And now, we duel."
Dumbledore stood at his fullest height as he raised his wand towards the heavens and the clear night sky turned cloudy once more.
"GELIDA INFERNUM!"
Instead of a lightning bolt, like the one Harry conjured, rain started dropping. Harry had a hint of what might happen next and brought his wand to his throat while inhaling and exhaling deeply.
All around him, the raindrops increased in size until Dumbledore
spun the Elderwand in a complicated pattern and the rain froze over, changing into hail and then into small spikes of shimmering ice. With his wand still at his throat, Harry inhaled deeply one last time and then exhaled through his mouth...
"MALEDICTUS CREATURA!"
Almost like a dragon, his breath turned fiery and formed into an enormous Thestral. The creature, created by cursed flames, but tamed to serve its master, protectively took its stance behind Harry and flapped its wings to absorb any of the ice splinters raining down on him. They melted upon impacting the crimson flames of the fiery creation, dealing no visible damage.
"Ah, Harry, it's good to know that you have a few tricks up your sleeve." Dumbledore smiled mockingly, and once again, Harry did not answer. When the last icy spike dropped, Harry dispelled his own charm. Wasting unnecessary energy, just to keep the impressive creation alive, was not his cup of tea. Tonight was too serious.
Dumbledore spun around his own axis once and transfigured the surrounded debris and rocks into knights of stone. They stood like overgrown chessboard pieces, waiting to be sent to battle and burned to fulfill any of the headmaster's orders.
"Piertotum Locomotor!" Dumbledore yelled and the statues came to life, tightening their grips on huge stone swords, sharp battle axes, and long spears.
A long hiss escaped Harry's lips as he dabbed into Parselmagic for the first time during this duel. The path between himself and the approaching knights under Dumbledore's command turned into a literal minefield. Large snakes snapped up from concealed holes within the rocky ground and attacked the incoming army. One by one, the Knights fell, seemingly powerless against the surprising attacks by the snakes.
Harry decided to press his advantage and continue using the one branch of magic Dumbledore had rarely encountered before in addition, he would combine it with the learnings from his most recent lesson with Grindelwald.
With another long wave of his wand, the shattered remaining of the headmaster's Knights melted into an inanimate object of his own creation. At the same time, Harry's mind flickered back to Herpo The Foul's notes about Dementor's. He murmured under his breath as he flicked the smooth elder wood wand from left to right. It was of utmost importance to perform the incantation correctly now.
A cold washed over the entire stadium, the reason for that cold seemed to be Harry's creation, which was still shifting and twirling itself in the middle of the platform. Dumbledore's eyes widened when the cold stone turned alive and took the shape of something that resembled a very realistic wax figure.
The wax figure's facial features became additionally defined and clear as Harry pushed more magic into the spell. Finally, a handsome, young man, with shoulder-length blond hair and piercing grey-blue eyes stood in the middle of the platform, right in between Dumbledore and Harry.
Those within the ground that recognized the creation roared in disproval. But Harry could not care less.
"Albus..." The word escaped the lips of something that resembled Gellert Grindelwald almost perfectly. At the same time, despair, and hopelessness were mixed within the cold that surrounded the two duelists and the entire stadium. People looked up in panic, expecting to see an army of foul, cloaked figures... Instead, the night sky was as clear as before.
Harry grinned triumphantly, knowing that the spell had worked as intended. Herpo The Foul had spent years studying the effects of dementors and creating his own spell to replicate such effects. It was a rather dirty trick and Harry felt almost sorry for what Dumbledore and the audience must feel right now if it was not for the fact that Harry must win this exchange at any cost.
Shrieks and yells erupted all around the stadium. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry noticed a few people casting their Patroni. The hopelessness and despair rolled in waves, not from any Dementors, but from the artificially created Gellert Grindelwald, who slowly approached an unmoving headmaster.
He glanced back to Dumbledore and saw the man staring wide-eyed at his former childhood friend. Harry whispered the words he wished his creation to speak next, hoping that it would do the trick...
"We will all be united again soon, Albus. We will see Ariana again." Grindelwald's mouth moved upon Harry's command.
Dumbledore's eyes flickered and he finally seemed to overcome the shock. He raised the Elderwand and cast his own Patronus in an attempt to block out the devastating effects that the unknown conjuration in front of him created.
Harry used the opportunity to strike...
When the large ethereal Phoenix erupted from the headmaster's wand and blinded his creator temporarily, Harry's wand flicked through the air twice in rapid succession. The first flick dispelled his own creation of Gellert Grindelwald, which barely remained upright long enough to block the headmaster's view on the disarming charm that was surging towards him with incredible speed.
Harry watched in slow motion, as one of the first defensive charms he had ever learned surged through the spot in the air where Grindelwald's head had been only a split second ago, before tearing through Dumbledore's Patronus and finally connecting with the headmaster.
Harry and the entire stadium gasped as the Elderwand was ripped from Dumbledore's grip, who desperately tried a wandless summoning charm, but to no avail.
The pale, thin piece of wood spun through the air towards Harry, who caught it with his left hand. Making use of the seeker reflexes, Sirius claimed Harry had inherited from his father and grandfather or any other Potter male who played Quidditch. His fist connected around the thin shaft of dark wood and he felt the small nobs dig into his flesh as he tightened his grip.
In front of him, Dumbledore slammed to his knees. His silvery Patronus dissolved into nothing but air. He looked utterly defeated. Nevertheless, there was a proud gleam in his twinkling blue eyes: "Well done, my boy... Well done..."