Chapter 24
By the time Sirius and Severus had returned with the food, everyone started digging in making light conversations about whatever they could think about. The most surprising was Daphne as she told her parents that she was an elemental. Both Cyrus and Roxanne were stunned speechless at what they were just told, Astoria got up from her seat and grabbed her in a hug. The younger Greengrass fired questions after questions about what element her sister could do. Cyrus of course laughed at his youngest antics as she was excited, that was until Roxanne got up and calmed her down.
Daphne explained the reason why she was feeling so cold and how Harry and Emily helped her. The people who didn't know that the two siblings were elementals were shocked by what they heard, none more so than Sirius who jumped out of his seat and yelled "Woo hoo." Harry said that he would help Daphne with her newfound abilities but warned her that it would take some time before she could fully control it. Daphne flashed him a smile and mouthed thank you.
The rest of the day passed relatively smoothly as the kids finished up dinner and the adults engaged in a conversation about the plans were for the upcoming year. Harry went upstairs to go get the guitar he brought along, going into his trunk he pulled out the instrument and went back downstairs. Emily looked up to see that he had returned and lead him outside, she wanted to spend some alone time with him. Sure, they could speak to each other through their link, but it wasn't the same and as soon as summer was over, they would be separated.
When they sat on the ground Harry started playing the guitar in a melody that was familiar to the both of them. After a few minutes Emily started to sing along. The two kept it up until it was time to go back into the house as it was getting late. Blaise and his mother had gone back to their cottage and the others got dressed for bed. In a few days, the dueling competition will begin, and Harry was determined to win.
(0^0)
Back in Britain a one Albus Dumbledore was in a right state as things had not gone the way he wanted, the previous school year. It was supposed to be the year that he would begin to mold the Potter boy into becoming his weapon, but that was shot to hell. He wanted the boy to be weak and to see him as the all-knowing leader of the light, but that did not happen. The infernal brat was independent and didn't trust or adhere to him. If anything, the brat loathed him.
The boy excelled in his classes and was being allowed to skip ahead. This was bad as he need the boy to be weak and reliant on him; the boy was friends with members of slytherins and barely spent any time with members from his own house. Speaking of the house of lions two people came to mind Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, the two had tried to befriend him but he didn't want anything to do with them. The former was a member of the House of Weasley one of his most vocal supporters and he wanted the youngest Weasley boy to be friends with Potter as the family would be able to keep him away from any bad influences. Hermione Granger was an intelligent muggle-born witch who believed herself to be the best in her year and was above all willing to listen to what adults have to say. Those two would have been able to keep the boy under control but no they just annoyed him.
It didn't help when the students were meant to go home over the yule holiday, he told Minerva that he wanted Harry to stay at Hogwarts. He had hoped that he would be able to get through to the boy, but he was adamant about going home, then stay at Hogwarts. Then there was that meeting about the boys conduct. Granger and Weasley both filed complaints about him and his friends on the train but the meeting went to hell, as the boy and the members from the other houses rallied against the two gryffindors. That resulted in the gryffindor house being punished more. For as long as Dumbledore been headmaster, he had always tried to make it so that the gryffindors were at the top of the food chain. Sad to say it was now doing the opposite as members from the other houses have filed complaints about the gryffindors getting more leeway.
Another problem was the entirety of slytherin house along with other members from the other houses wrote complaints about him. That there was an absolute nightmare as not only did Harry give a speech about the good and bad sides of the houses, but he even had the nerve to question his leadership in the school. It only got worse when the international press got wind of the matter and parents went into a frenzy demanding to know what was happening to their kids. Some had even threatened to remove their kids from school and just homeschool them.
Last was the philosophers stone that he had Hagrid get from Gringotts's, he had hoped to lure Voldemort out as he knew that he was possessing Quirrell. However, that went up in smoke as the fool went and got himself killed by the Cerberus, still he had hoped that Harry would go get the stone. He purposefully made sure to make the enchantments easy as possible as he wanted to test the brat. At the end of the year, he inspected the mirror only to find that the stone was gone; oh, he had plans for the stone. He could have used it to make himself young again, but it was gone.
After the end of school poor Albus was being hounded by the media as they were in a frenzy looking for answers. Lucky enough he was an expert at manipulating people and an expert of talking his way out of things. Forming a new plan, he sent Fawkes to go deliver a letter to Lord Stevenson in hope that he would give him a chance of getting closer to Harry. The Stevenson's were not too happy with him at the moment and after a few no's did he finally get a yea and was told to be at their manor at noon.
Making sure that his grandfather persona was in place he went to go use the floo in his office, grabbing some powder he said, "Stevenson manor" and was transported out of his office."
(0^0)
Jack Stevenson was not a happy man as he was waiting for Albus bloody to many names Dumbledore was coming over. The fool kept hounding him for days wanting to have a talk with him to discuss Hadrian's actions while at school. If he could be honest, he thought what his nephew did was justified and that if there was anybody to blame then it would be the old man. It is after all his responsibility to ensure the safety of the students.
If he was to have a meeting with the old man, then he would be sure to have someone in his corner as he was positive that the old man would try to get in his good graces. Fortunately, he knew the right person Arcturus Black as he knew the man would want nothing more than to rip into the fossil. The aged Lord agreed immediately as it would be amusing to ruffle Dumbledore feathers. At the moment they were sitting by the fire waiting for the old man.
The next moment the two were on their feet as the wards surrounding the house alerted them that someone was coming through the floo. The green flames flared up and Dumbledore stepped through, wearing his signature grandfather look.
Albus looked around to see that Lord Stevenson and Lord Black were both in the room, he had only wanted to talk to Lord Stevenson. "Lord Stevenson, I thank you for allowing me to come today as I am sure you have other things to do. Forgive me for asking but what is Lord Black doing here? I thought would be just the two of us."
The Black patriarch just sneered at him. Jack stepped in "I do not seem to recall ever saying that it would just be the two of us Dumbledore" he pointed out. "Now if you don't mind can you just say what it is that you have to say." His voice may have been calm but inside he was not happy.
"Right then, Dumbledore began "shall we talk in your office" he suggested. Jack narrowed his eyes a bit "in here will be fine. I was rather enjoying my week off."
The two stared at each other for a while in silence. Both Jack and Arcturus refused to allow Dumbledore to take control.
Giving a grandfatherly sigh Dumbledore spoke "I take it you two are aware of what's happened a few months back, with the international press."
The two didn't utter a word, they just kept an expressionless. Albus waited for either of them to say something but they didn't so he continued "you see ever since, Mr. potter and released the statement to the press things have been hectic."
Arcturus and Jack had a feeling they knew where this was going "I fail to see as to how you had to come here and explain that" Jack said.
"The reputation at Hogwarts has always been high" Albus began "but thanks to young Harry's speech and leaking it to the press. Parents were in a right mood and demanding to know what is really going on at school."
Arcturus was the one speak up "you're telling us that your knickers are in a twist because the press put the school in a bad light."
Albus turned to Arcturus "Lord Black please understand that Hogwarts has a certain reputation to protect and what Harry and his friends did damage it severely" he explained.
"You're really blaming Harry and his friends for this" Jack looked at him as if he grew a second head.
Albus looked at them pleadingly "please you two see reason what they did was made parents question to either send their kids to Hogwarts or homeschool them. Not only that but people are questioning whether or not I should step down."
Arcturus let out a dark chuckle "that might actually be a good thing" he commented.
Albus looked surprised "what do you mean?"
Arcturus narrowed his eyes at him "I will make this simple so you could understand" he was no longer in the mood to be nice. "The problems at Hogwarts lies with the person in charge and that means it's your problem. You have only yourself to blame for letting things get this far out of hand."
"Lord Black surely you jest, Hogwarts is the pinnacle of education and the perfect place for kids to develop their magics" he stated. "I fail to see how I can be responsible for everything that's been going on."
The Black Patriarch sneered at him "if you did more than sit on your arse all day eating your damn sweets, then maybe you will see what has been going on" his voice was menacing.
"I assure you that I have only done what I think is best for the school" his grandfather look was slipping a bit. "Just because a few of the students have a problem adjusting to Hogwarts doesn't mean that it has to effect the school as a whole."
"Then maybe you should get off your boney old arse and do the job that your supposed to, like I said you have only yourself to blame for the debacles" Arcturus angrily said.
Jack picked up where he left off "whether you like it or not Dumbledore. We do not think that Harry nor his friends are in the wrong for voicing their opinions" is voice was as firm as steel. "Is there anything else you wanted?"
Dumbledore let out an annoyed breath "is Harry around I would like to talk to him for a few minutes."
"Sorry, but that can't happen" Jack said
"I assure you jack that it would only be for a few minutes" Dumbledore tried again.
Jack's eyes hardened "one it's Lord Stevenson to you Mr. Dumbledore you are a guest in my house, and we are not friends" he emphasized the Mr. part. "Secondly, Hadrian is not in the country at the moment."
Albus was instantly alarmed, Harry was not in Britain. "Do you know where he is?"
Jack shrugged his shoulder "enjoying his vacation, as it is the summer" was his only reply.
"It is far too dangerous for him to be out of the country. Who knows what could be happening to him if anything you should not have allowed him to leave the country" Dumbledore did not like this.
"It is not your responsibility to keep him safe" Jack wanted to shout but kept his voice firm. "Besides, he is not alone. My wife and daughter are with him!" He didn't mention anything about the others going along.
"Lord Stevenson, I must insist that you do not allow harry to leave the country ever again, without my approval" he needed the boy here where he could keep an eye on him. "Do you know where they are or when they will be back?"
Jack just about had enough of the old man's prying "listen to me you old goat" his voice was cold now "what my family decides to do for vacations is our business, as to your approval" he scoffed. "Neither me nor my wife require it when it comes to dealing with our kids! If we want them to have fun outside the country, then they will. To your last question yes, I know where they are and no, I will not tell you. They will get back when they get back end of story."
"Lord Stevenson please, I can offer protection that will be" he didn't get to finish, Jack was now giving him a death glare.
"I said End. Of. Story!" He was slowly inching toward his wrong wanting to curse the insolent bastard. "Now get out of my house" his voice was deadly cold and menacing.
Dumbledore saw that he was not going to get anywhere and chose to depart. Stepping into the floo he transported himself back to Hogwarts.
Arcturus was livid who did Dumbledore think he was "that Goat fucking bastard has a lot of nerve coming here and acting as if he cares about anyone" he growled.
Jack moved to the mantle and summoned the list of people who were welcome to his home. Looking at the bottom he crossed out the name Albus Dumbledore, forbidding him from ever coming back.
Putting the floo list back on the mantle he looked at Arcturus "if you excuse me, I need to go blow off some steam" Arcturus gave him a nod and the younger man went up the stairs to go to the training room.
(0^0)
For the next few days Harry had been working on different strategies to use for the dueling tournament, even managed to get in a little bit of practice as he wanted to be prepared. Making sure to get up early he decided to review his strategies and to go meditate to reinforce his occlumency shields. After spending three hours meditating, he got up when it was time to go as today was the day.
The adults lead them to where the tournament was being held. When they got to their destination, they were marveled by what they saw, on the outside it looked like the stands of a standard quidditch field, but on the inside, it looked like a place meant for dueling as there were. While they were going through the audience section, Harry and Blaise went through the section of the people that were competing.
From what they saw there were about ten people ahead of them. Harry and Blaise looked around to see if Miwa was their or if she was already inside. Scanning around Harry felt a familiar magical presence behind him. There was no mistaking who it belonged to, turning around he saw his oldest friend smiling at him.
"Glad you could make it, Miwa" he said, causing Blaise to turn around to see that she had arrived.
Miwa let out a smile "I wouldn't have missed this for the world" she giggled and gave them each a hug. "Though, I'm surprised to see you here, Blaise. I wouldn't have guessed that you would be entering as well."
Blaise puffed out his chest "well it would appear that you were wrong as I am here to win" he declared. "And I don't plan on losing easy to either of you!"
Harry and Miwa looked at each other before laughing "well I commend your bravery" Miwa said recovering "but if you want to win then you're going to have to get past me or Harry here" she pointed to him.
"Care to make a wager" Blaise wiggled his eyebrows.
Miwa decided to play along "what kind of wager?"
"If I make it to the finals in the wand division, then you will have to buy me some new dueling gloves" he saw the new fingerless gloves that she had sent Harry for his birthday and it made him envious.
She thought for a minute then replied "fine, but if I win, then you have to buy the first round of butterbeers at the victory party." She said naming her terms.
"Deal" Blaise held out his hand, which she took. They shook hands, then let go. He then turned to Hadrian "you want to get in on this?"
Harry shook his head while enjoying his friends antics. "I'm good, the outcome is obvious anyway" he placed a hand on Blaise shoulder "I hope you got money left" he gave a cheeky grin.
Miwa just started laughing at Blaise as the look on his face was priceless "where the support? I thought we were brothers" he pretended to look betrayed.
Harry snickered "we are and as your brother from another mother. I have to say this you're going to have your hands full" he patted him on the shoulder before moving forward.
Blaise just glared at the two of them. "With friends like you two who needs enemies" he pretended to be angry, but he was laughing with them.
When it was their turn to enter two people stood in their way, one checking the roster and one who was supposed to check the wands. The one with the roster said, "state your name, the country you are from, and the divisions you will be participating in!"
"Blaise Zabini, Magical Britain, and both wand and sword division" he then handed him the wand maker his wand for inspection.
The man looked to be in his early thirties, after checking the wand he gave it back and looked at his partner "he's clean" he said in an American accent.
The roster guy handed Blaise the form for him to sign, looking for his name he put his initials down. "Thank you, for coming please go to the boys locker room down to the right." Blaise stepped through and allowed his friends to submit for registration.
Standing by the wall he waited for them to come through. Not having to wait very long he saw them approaching.
"Here we go" they all said in unison.
As Blaise and Hadrian went to their locker room, Miwa headed in the opposite direction to where the girls section was located.
(0^0)
The rest of the people were in the stands waiting for the duel to begin. Mr. and Mrs. Kawada soon came and sat by them in the front row. All of the adults were engaged in a conversation about what to expect from the contestants. Severus was wearing a modified version of the glamor charm and added an array of runes to make sure that no one could see that it was him and to make it last. The last thing he wanted was to be spotted by anyone that might alert him to either Dumbledore or one of the death eaters.
He slowly inched closer to the Kawada's and whispered who he was and why he was under a glamor. The pair understood as it would be bad if sympathizers of anyone from Britain alerted that he was here with them.
While the adults were catching up the girls were standing up against the rail waiting anxiously for it to begin.
They didn't have to wait long as the announcer came along with a few guards and some of the workers. The workers activated some of the crystals and a large one so that everyone around the world could view. "Ladies and gentlemen" he pointed his wand at his throat amplifying it, the audience quieted down. "I would like to welcome each and every one of you for coming to this year's International Dueling Circuit for 12 year old. As many of you can see we have 30 contestants this year" he pointed to the many participants behind him. The viewing crystals got a good image of who was present. "Seeing as there are two different divisions this number might in fact change! Now let's begin, every member has been given a different number as they do not know who they will be facing as the pairing are random."
"The rules are as followed" he continued "there is to be no use of excessive force, the unforgivables are banned, no killing or maiming is allowed, and nothing that will cause permanent damage. We will begin with magical dueling, there will be a brief intermission for the ones who make it to the quarter finals. Without further ado it is dueling time."
"If you all will turn your attention to the workers to my left" he pointed to the three workers who were carrying a box of numbers "they will randomly select the first two participants."
Everyone looked to see whose names will be drawn first. The first number to be drawn was no.13, "the first contestant will be Miwa Kawada of Magical Japan" they watched as she made her way to one side of the arena. After she took her place another number was drawn, no. 22 "her opponent will be Chiara Agosti of magical Italy." The other girl came and took her position. Both girls took a dueling stance, the Italian girl took a rudimentary stance, while Miwa took an offensive and defensive stance.
"The duel will be over when either opponent is unable to continue. And the duel begins. Now!" the commentator shouted and moved out of the way.
The Italian girl wasted no time and shouted "stupefy, Expelliarmus, petrificas totalus" the spells came in tri-form, but they were inefficient.
Miwa stepped out of the way and silently shot fired two spells "silencio and petrificas totalus." Both spells rocketed to her opponent and put her out of commission. Everyone was quiet as they never expected a 12 year old to perform silent casting.
The commentator recovered "well that was truly unexpected. Whoever would have expected a person so young to perform silent casting! The victor is Miwa Kawada of Japan." The audience applaud as Miwa stepped out of the arena and went back to where the others were.
Our next competitors will be" he glanced to where the workers waiting for the number to be drawn. The ball containing no.15 and no.3 were shown "Hadrian Potter of magical Britain will be facing William Jones of magical Australia" he announced. The two boys made their way to the dueling platform and took their stances.
Jones took an offensive stance and was sporting an arrogant look. Harry took the same stance he dueled Umbridge with. When they got all clear to attack Harry didn't give the boy a chance to do anything as he sent three spells in rapid succession. A Mimblewimble curse followed by a disarming, then body bind spell, all three hit his opponent just as he was about to make his move. The opponent fell to the ground with a thud unable to continue.
"Well would you look at that people another person capable of silent casting" he commented. "Potter sure didn't give Mr. Jones a chance to do anything, with this win Hadrian Potter moves on." That was met by a round of applause and cheering as Hadrian walked to stand next to Miwa.
"Not bad!" Simple but effective" she said.
"This is the beginning let's see what happens after we get to the quarter finals" he casually said.
Next up was Blaise his opponent was from Argentina, the girl he was facing adopted an offensive position and wasted no time in shooting off spells. Blaise fired some spells back at her, but they were not meant to it her.
Harry and Miwa saw what he was doing, he was trying to frustrate her. Then it happened when she took a moment to catch her breath Blaise said "langlock and stupefy." Both spells hit her, and she was done. He stepped out of the arena and went near his friends who congratulated him.
The three watched at the rest of the first round went on. Since this was a division for twelve year old's it was much exciting. When the first rounds were over, they went through rounds two and three quickly, while Harry and Miwa came out unscathed, but Blaise got hit with some water before he ended the duel with his opponent.
Now it was time for the intermission everyone was either out getting some refreshments or preparing for the quarterfinals. Harry, Blaise, and Miwa all got some water to drink and ate a light lunch in the participants area. They didn't want to get sick as the next stage they had a feeling that they were going to be moving a lot. Five minutes later they were back in the dueling arena waiting to begin.
Soon they were joined by the remaining contestants. Looking around it was the sun was about to set and the torches were lit for when nightfall was about to come. The announcer got to center of the arena ready to address everyone "welcome to the second half of the dueling championship. The participants who have made it this far have proven to be formidable, when utilizing different combat techniques." The audience applaud the remaining contestant.
"Our first quarterfinal match up will be" he turned to his coworkers for the selection process. The first number to be drawn was no.15 "Hadrian Potter of magical Britain" this was met with cheering "he will be facing no.19 Blaise Zabini also from Magical Britain." Like harry he received a round of applause.
Both boys faced each other "you ready to do this" Blaise asked with a smirk on his face. Harry sported a grin "if you think you can handle it!"
They both took a stance waiting for the judge to tell them to begin. "Ready. And. Go!" the commentator said.
Blaise sent the first spell "aqua eructo" immediately a jet of water fired out of his wand and shot to Harry. Harry used the freezing charm on the incoming water then transfigured it into ice crystals and sent them.
Blaise saw the incoming crystals and used the mini-flamethrower spell to turn them back into water. Then fired some bone breaking curses, none of them made contact as Harry flipped out of the way.
"You're going to have to do better than that my friend" Harry said as he conjured some darts and made sure that the needle part were not sharp and sent them hurtling toward him. Blaise was not capable of battle transfiguration or producing a shielding charm, so he hit the ground to avoid them.
Harry immediately fired some spell that would have hit a lesser opponent but due to the fact that he knew his friends rolled out of the way till he got back to his feet. Blaise started retaliating with the number of spells in his arsenal, but Harry was more experienced and well-rounded in combat allowing him to dodge them. If he had to be honest Harry was holding back as he was using a tenth of his real skills.
It was all going according to plan Harry wanted to get Blaise off balance as he didn't have the same level of experience as he did. After his friend tried to use the smokescreen spell did Harry see the opportunity. The smoke started coming near him transfigured them into daggers with dulled edges and sent them back.
Acting the way, he suspected Blaise spun out of the way and just as he did harry hit him with a tripping hex that made him fall to the ground. Seeing his chance Harry fired the Hydro blast just as Blaise was about to get up and nailed him sending him flying. Harry followed that up by using the freezing charm on his soaked friend rendering him frozen and unable to duel.
"Harry potter wins the match he will be advancing to the semifinals" the audience clapped for him. He even heard his sister shout 'that's my big brother' as he made his way to his frozen friend who was lying on the ground. The officials thawed Blaise out and the boy was freezing.
Harry held out a hand to help him up, which he took "guess I win this time" he gave a grin. "Yeah whatever," they walked out of the arena and started laughing "be honest man. How much of your skill were you using?"
"Only a tenth of it," he casually replied while adding a shrug.
Blaise smirked at him "I'll get you next time" he said.
"Looking forward to it" his friend commented before going back to the others while Blaise went to stands to be with his mother and the others.
(0^0)
Cariana hugged her son when he got up to the stands "Sono così orgoglioso di te, cara! Dovresti essere orgoglioso di raggiungere i quarti di finale!" she said in italian. (I'm so proud of you dear! You should be proud about making it to the quarter finals!)
Blaise had a small smile on his face "grazie mamma, ma mi sarebbe piaciuto vincere però!" he responded in the same language. (Thanks mom, but I would have liked to win though!) He went to go stand near the rail with the others and they complimented him on what he did.
(0^0)
The rest of the quarterfinals finished, and it was safe to say that both Harry and Miwa made it through. At the moment there were only four contestants left. When the announcement came for them to begin the first division of the semifinals Miwa's number was called and she was partnered with a guy from Uganda.
Miwa had been studying her competition as she always had a feeling that it would be her and Harry who would reach the finals in the final division. The dueling at the end of the placement exams were good as it kept her in shape and aware, but this was going to teach her control. Her opponent at the moment made it this far with using his arsenal of battle charms; his style was to trick his opponents anyway he could. However, she found the weaknesses to his strategy as he had little defensive capabilities and his attacked were to linear, not to mention flashy.
Getting the greenlight to go, her opponent wasted no time in firing bludgeoning curses at her, to which she dodged with minimum effort. In order to beat opponents with this type of style the person had to be patient and wait for an opening. The fool kept on shooting spells at her all of which she dodged or blocked with a shielding charm, when he fired a bone breaking curse, she took a knee to get out of the way and fired a cutting and bone shattering curses at the boy left leg. The spells hit their mark and the boy had to hold his now broken leg.
Miwa was seeing that her plan was working as the boy was now hopping on one foot while shooting spells at her. However, that became a problem as he was getting desperate and began losing his technique. Deciding to end the duel she sent a solis flare spell into the air making him shield his eyes from the bright light, she fired some stinging hexes at him that made him fall down. Followed up by disarming him and binding I'm in rope.
"Miwa Kawada advances to the final" the commentator said. Her parents were clapping the loudest as their daughter was going to the finals.
Soon came time for Harry's turn he would be facing an opponent from magical China. From what he had seen the boy was skilled in defensive magic and his style focused more on simple techniques but effective techniques. His opponent was named Cheng Li and Harry had a feeling that he was going to need to utilize more of his power. When the duel started, he decided to observe how his opponent moved he first began by firing a weak disarming charm as predicted the person put up a shielding charm.
They continued trading spells for the next ten minutes, with Harry only using a third of his skill. His opponent was dueling like the way he thought he would; his defensive skills were good, but his offensive skills needed some work. Keeping a close eye on his opponent he noticed that he was starting to get tired and decided to finish things already.
When his opponent fired the incendio curse, Harry put up a shield and deflected it back at him and sent a shield penetrating charm at him followed by a mid-powered banishing spell. The boy foolishly chose to block the incoming attack with a shield that consumed the spell, but the shield was penetrated, and he was sent back by the banishing spell that knocked him to the ground.
Harry conjured some poison ivy in the air and levitated just as the boy was about to get to his feet, then dropped in on. Immediately the boy couldn't resist the urge to scratch himself as the leaves made his arm and legs puff up, with him scratching himself Harry sent the boy a quick body bind spell putting him out of play.
"The winner of the last semifinals is Hadrian Potter of Magical Britain" the commentator announced. Harry walked to the bench to go grab some water, ignoring the crowd altogether.
Now that he and Miwa are in the finals, they get a ten minute relaxation period. Both the two gave a nod to each other wishing each other good luck.
When their break was over, they were called to the arena. The announcer took the moment to speak to the crowd "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is what we all have been waiting for the finals for the International Dueling Circuit! What we have here today are two young individuals who have proven to be far ahead of their peers in terms magical knowledge and skills. In this corner" he pointed to Miwa. "We have Miwa Kawada of Magical Japan" the crowd cheered and applauded her "and in this corner" he pointed to Harry "we have Hadrian Potter of Magical Britain" the crowd applauded him as well.
"Both these two young individuals proven that they have the will to push through and make it as far as they have" he held a big smile on his face. "However, only one will walk away a champion tonight! Who will it be Mr. Potter or Miss. Kawada? Well, it will be who wants it more! Duelists take your position. And Begin!"
Harry and Miwa instead didn't fire any spells, they just circled each other like a pair of tigers ready to brawl neither of them looked away.
"It looks like we're the only ones left" Harry stated.
"Looks that way!" Miwa commented "However, we both know that this was inevitable. You against me!"
"At the end of the day one will stand, one will fall."
"Well then, let's make sure we give the people a real show" Miwa gave a knowing smirk.
These two may have been best friends but that didn't matter. At the moment they weren't friends, but rivals.
As they circled each other the audience was silent, and everyone was waiting in suspense as they didn't know what was going to happen. Sirius was chewing on his nails as the wait was killing him, he had no idea that his godson was this good. Then again, his friend was no slouch either as they seemed to be on equal footing. The others were also waiting with anticipation.
Miwa decided to kick things off with a bit of a bang and sent a bludgeoning curse. He just sidestepped then fired a bone exploding curse back, she to sidestepped out of the way. Eventually they stopped circling each other and started firing different spells at one another, some of which they dodged or blocked. They were only using low to mid-level spell against one another, but then again, they were in a competition. Having trained and studied together they knew what each other was thinking.
So far, the battle was consisting of battle charms. That was until Harry decided to use a different battling style conjuring some sand, he pointed his wand in a circle a few times until it formed a sizeable tornado and sent it to her. Miwa slashed her wand at the incoming sand tornado and transfigured it into shurikens and sent them his way.
Harry conjured a brick wall to impact the shurikens. When he heard the last of the shurikens hit he transfigured the bricks into spikes launching them at her. Miwa of course intercepted by turning them into a set of javelins. She watched as they neared Harry, but he immediately transfigured them into butterflies that scattered away.
Both started laughing as they were enjoying themselves.
"Well, everyone, better brace yourselves" the announcer suggested. "I have a feeling that things are going to get more serious."
Everyone was watching with such intensity as none dared to look away from the two duelist.
"I think we're done with the warmup, Kawada" Harry gave her a mischievous smile.
She returned his smile with one of her own "then let's take this to the next level. Now we duel. For real!" She fired an explosion hex and he batted it away, returning with his own she dodged and fired a bone shattering curse at him. He jumped up and performed a backflip avoiding the spell.
The second round between the two began and they were now using a considerable level of combat magic against each other. As they upped the decimal the audience was staring in amazement as neither combatant was willing to give in; the first to land a blow was Harry as he hit her with bone breaking curse to the shoulder. Miwa responded in kind by firing a bludgeoning spell that hit his left hip.
Both of them were trying to gain an advantage over one another but they just kept on going at it. Seeing the same look of determination in both their eyes, they fired a banishing charm that connected with each other and sent them flying. They both landed on the edge of the arena, narrowing their eyes at one another they started rushing toward each other either attacking or defending.
The entire things were starting to heat up as they were sporting some cuts and had some broken bones.
"You know winning is not everything" Miwa said shooting curses at him. Harry dodged and returned fire "it's just the only thing that matters at the moment."
Harry had to admit that he was having a blast dueling with her, but as much as he loved the moment, he knew that only one could win. When she fired a confringo at him, he caught it with his wand much to her shock. This was not taught until the second semester of their 6th year. He immediately threw it back and followed it up by creating some black smoke that followed immediately after. Like he thought she deflected it but was consumed by the smoke. Thinking quickly, he fired a silver ball of light into the sky above her head and quickly added an array of runes to make it split into four separate orbs that floated on both her sides along with one in front and back.
When the smoke vanished Miwa was about to attack but took notice of the orbs near her. Harry snapped his finger and the next moment she was trapped in a bubble and enveloped in a wall of sound that made her crumple to the ground holding her ears. Taking advantage of the moment Harry fired a disarming and stunning spell, which let her disarmed and out cold. Slashing his wand in the air the bubble surrounding her was gone.
The audience was completely stunned. "Now that was a brilliant display of the different branches of magic and some amazing brilliance! Ladies and Gentlemen the winner of the 1992 International Dueling Circuit for the wands division is Hadrian Potter of Magical Britain." Harry tuned him out went over to go revive Miwa. "Congratulations Mr. Potter! And a congratulations to Miwa Kawada for achieving second place!" He shouted, the audience erupted in applause and cheers, as Harry helped his friend up. The two gave respectful bow to each other and smiled at one another.
Both Harry and Miwa walked out if the arena and were approached by the head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, who handed them their prizes. Harry got a big trophy and his cash prize which was 400 galleons. Miwa received a smaller trophy than him for being in second place. They thanked the man and went into the tent where the healers would be waiting. The other contestants congratulated them as they walked by and went to go see if any of the healers were available. When the healers spotted them, they immediately came over and started healing their injuries, in the next twenty minutes they looked good as new. As they were about to turn around, they were engulfed in hugs by their respective guardians, Emily followed suit and jumped on her brother.
"You both were amazing" Karai said as she let go of her daughter. Looking at her "why didn't you say that you were working on silent casting? That is really advances!"
Miwa smile at her "I wanted it to be a surprise" she grinned "besides, I had the proper motivation to do my best." Her father was the next to hug and congratulate her. He could not have been more proud of his little girl.
While she was being praised Harry attempted to slip out but was stopped by the adults and friends that accompanied him. "You truly did well" his disguised father said with a smile on his face. Severus was indeed impressed by the way his son dueled.
Daphne was the next to hug him and give him a congratulations. "That was incredible" she said with a smile on her face as she let go. "You are so going to teach me some of those techniques of your!"
"Later alright! Can we just go back home now and get some sleep? The next division is in two days!" He was drained from today's exertion. At the moment he wanted nothing more than to go home and crash on his bed.
Sarah came in "that's a good idea, you two are going to need your rest" she said looking at the both of them.
"Can't we celebrate for the night" Astoria asked. Harry was the one to reply "not so fast short stuff! We can do that after the next division" the other agreed with him.
Miwa looked at Blaise with a smirk "now about our agreement Blaise" she looked expectedly him. He mentally cursed himself as he hoped she would have forgotten, taking a breath he looked at her.
"Yeah, I remember first round of butterbeers will be on me" he groaned out. Much to everyone amusement especially his mother who was glaring at him wanting an explanation.
With that they all left the tournament and went home.
(0^0)
The next two days passed and with it came time for the swords divisions. Like the wands division the same rules applied. The representatives made sure to keep the edges of the blades dulled to avoid anyone accidentally killing each other. That said the blades were still strong enough to break a person's bones.
Miwa was particularly looking forward to this as swords were her specialty. The only opponent that could rival her would be Hadrian as they were evenly matched. Her choice of weapon was a katana as it was familiar to her and it felt right to use it. Harry went with a katana as well, but the metal was pure black, Blaise on the other hand went with a broadsword. When the competition started, they faced their opponents and defeated them with relative ease.
They blasted through the first part of the competition, took a break to get some refreshments then resumed the second half of the tournament. So far everything had been going smoothly as they made it past the quarter finals with no injuries. That was until Miwa and Blaise were pitted against each other.
If Blaise could be perfectly honest, he was a bit scared as he knew how dangerous she was and desperately wanted to forfeit. However, another voice inside him said to stay and to see it through till the end. Win or lose didn't matter as this was a good way for him to see how far he had come, since their last encounter. When they got the green light to go Miwa wasted no time in dashing towards him and started her attack. Blaise was able to either avoid or block some of her attacks.
That said she barely gave him a chance to counterattack as she parried them. Blaise could tell that she was holding back, if she wanted to beat him then she would have ended the match right there. As it was, they been going at it for 15 minutes with him being mostly on the defensive. That was until he was starting to get tired and foolishly brought his sword in a downward slash, that she blocked and retaliated with two counter attacks that forced him to a knee.
Miwa didn't stop as she kept on attacking and eventually hit the back of his hand that made him drop his sword and with a kick to the chest, he was laying on his back with her blade held at his neck.
"I yield" he said surrendering the duel to her. When the commentator announced that he conceded the match, she helped him to his feet and exited the ring.
"Man girl, it felt like you were trying to kill me" he said exasperated by her skills.
She raised an eyebrow in amusement "please if I wanted to kill you, you would already be dead. Besides, I was holding back!" She put her blade back in its sheath
"Does that supposed to make me feel better" he pretended to be hurt. She gave him a small smile "you have gotten better as your technique is superior compared to the last time we dueled" she replied.
Blaise chuckled at what she said and went to the audience where the others were.
The rest of the semifinals came and went as it was Harry who arose victorious in all his battles. For the most part he was sweaty from the effort but that didn't stop him as his spirit was still high.
After grabbing some water and relaxing a bit they were called to the arena and take their corners. The commentator gave the same speech he did when they dueled in the wands division commenting about their amazing skills and techniques they used "now everyone Mr. Potter may have won the magical duel, but I don't know about the sword division? However, I have a feeling that this is going to be a good match. Duelists draw your weapons and take your stances!"
The two bowed to each other, drew their blades and took different stances. "And begin" the commentor shouted.
Neither moved from their spots, they just stood there looking at each other with intense glares.
"You know this is my territory Harry!" she said with determination in her eyes. "the last time we dueled like this it ended in a draw. That will not be the case today!"
Harry met her determined expression with his own "I agree! Only one of us will win the duel tonight."
When he finished speaking, they charged each other and begin attacking with slashes. Both appeared to be even as they were either attacking or blocking. They were swinging their swords with intensity that some of the past contestant couldn't even see. Some could make out the noises when the blades collided with each other.
The first one to land a blow was Harry as he got in a vertical slash at her right side. It wasn't log before she got him with a hit to the arm. Quickly they jumped apart form each other with smiles on their faces, resuming their stances. They eyed each other for what a few minutes but to them it seemed like a long while. Both combatants were sweating and were trying to regain their breaths, sensing that the end was near they resumed their onslaught and brought their swords down in a downward slash. The two blades connected and the two tried to push one another off but they weren't going to give one another a chance to finish.
The two struggled for a while until they backed off and began striking at each other once again. "Guess I am not the only one that's improved their technique" Harry commented.
"You really didn't believe that I would make this easy, did you?" she asked while defending against his attacks.
"This is what makes duels like this all the more worthwhile!" He was now intercepting her attacks. "Two people who are battling it out to prove who is better."
She blocked his last strike before retaliating with her own "you're right as iron sharpens iron" she pointed out. "Let's continue to always push each other!"
They continued for the next 10 minutes trying to one up each other and each time they blocked or attacked they grew more tired. Their arms were tight and sore, but it wouldn't stop them. Harry decided to end things here and now. With his sword in his right hand, he cut along the vertical axis, she moved out of the way and used her sword to hit him under his arm dislocating it. Harry lost the grip of his sword and it began to fall out of his hand.
For a brief moment Miwa thought she had won and was not aware of him catching the sword with his other hand. In one motion he hit her hand with the hilt of his blade with such force that made her drop her sword and followed up by a kick to the stomach knocking her to the ground. Holding his sword to her face he smiled "looks like you forgot that I am ambidextrous" he said with a tired smile. His right arm was completely numb.
She just giggled "fine you win this round, but next time your mine!" she conceded dead tired. Dropping the sword on the ground he extended his arm to help her up, when she grabbed it, he used what little strength he had left to pull her up.
The announcer heard her he got up "in all my years I have never once seen such skills in swordsmanship. Ladies and gentlemen the winner of the 1992 International Dueling Circuit of the swords division is Hadrian Potter!" The stadium clapped as the commentor announced his win. "Congratulations Mr. Potter for your exceptional sword skills and congratulations to Miss. Kawada for keeping her opponent on her toes!"
The head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports came up to them and gave them their prizes, like yesterday he was given the cash prize of 400 galleons. They left the arena and went to the medical tent, while Miwa didn't have any injuries Harry arm was dislocated. The healer set it right after three minutes.
Feeling his arm again they went to go leave but they were met by the others who expressed their congratulations.
"How does your arm feel" Sirius asked. Harry responded, "a little numb other than that I am alright, just tired and hungry."
His friends started laughing at what he said as they were hungry as well.
The adults took them to a pizza place to go get their foods. Since they were in the MACUSA branch there weren't any interactions with muggles as wizards and witches avoided them. When they got to the restaurant, they were led in by Karai and her husband, the two requested some private rooms. They were told that a server would be with them shortly and told wait by the chairs.
They didn't have to wait long as two waiters approached and took them upstairs to where they were led to the rooms that were available. The adults got one room, while the kids got the other. When the waiter for the kids asked what they wanted Blaise said butterbeers for them and Harry ordered some breadsticks and a salad for appetizers. There waiter left promising to return with their foods in a few minutes.
Miwa was sat with Blaise and Astoria, while the others sat near Harry, both were extremely exhausted and looked about ready to collapse.
As the others engaged in a conversation, Daphne began asking about how Harry and Miwa were that skilled. Harry told her that Mahoutokoro was a combat school that specialized in combat both magical and muggle styles. "Training over there is strict especially for the members of Class-A. If the students at Hogwarts thought that Professors Snape and McGonagall were tough, then they are woefully naïve."
"I can vouch for that" came Miwa. "The teachers in our class do not tolerate slackers very well and will not hesitate to burn you." At that moment, the waiter came back levitating their appetizers and drinks to them, placing it before them he asked if they were ready to order. They all shared a nod and ordered one large peperoni and a large ground beef pizzas.
When the waiter left the kids to go have their pizza prepared, they resumed their conversation. Eventually the pizzas arrived, and they dug in. The celebration was on and everyone was having a blast. True to his promise Blaise bought the first round of butterbeers, the second round would be on the adults. They celebrated for two hours until it was time to go back home.
Harry invited Miwa and her parents over to his house, but they declined saying that they had a house that was not to far from them. The rest of their stay in MACUSA was spectacular as the kids often went out to go enjoy themselves. Harry, Miwa, Blaise, Emily, and Daphne resumed their training regimens. While Harry, Miwa, Emily, and Blaise were use to the morning workouts Daphne was not on their level yet. However, she was fast approaching them.
Soon it was time for them to go home. Sarah, Harry, Byakko, and Emily went back to Potter castle, Sirius went to Black castle, along with the others who decided to follow suit and apparate back to their respective homes.
(0^0)
When they arrived back in Britain Severus immediately went to the castle to prepare for the new year, with any luck their will be some students who actually put some effort into their educations. Looking at the clock it read that it was a quarter past two. Everyone took a potion to help them adjust back to the time zone. Everyone went up to the rooms they occupied to go drop odd their bags, when they were done, they went back downstairs while Sarah went to go watch the news. Harry, Emily, and Byakko went outside to go enjoy the sun.
The two kids spent most of the day either playing in the courtyard either playing tag, going flying, or just reclined on the nice warm grass. Byakko went to go for a run around like he usually did. As much as the god liked being around them, he also liked being able to go act like a regular tiger. When nightfall finally came all three went back inside to go have dinner, as they went into the home, they saw that Arcturus and Jack were also in the room not looking happy. The former even had an unopened letter, that looked like it just been delivered.
"Judging by the looks on your faces I'm going to say that something rattled you two greatly" Harry summarized. The former grunted and muttered something about a meddlesome old goat, not needing to think on who he was talking about he understood.
"What did that old fossil want this time?" Harry asked while Sarah and Emily went into the dining room. Leaving the others to sit on the couch,
Jack was the one to respond as Arcturus looked ready to curse up a storm. "Long story short: Dumbledore came by a few weeks ago trying to make us see that what you and the other students did by delivering your complaints to the press caused him a lot of problems." Harry sneered at that; Jack picked up where he left off "he seemed rather upset that we refused to punish you for what happened. Then he asked if you were home! We mentioned you were not, and he had the audacity to say that we should have verified it with him first."
Arcturus decided to take over "fucking bastard has a lot of balls as if thinking that you need his permission to go out of the country while on vacation. The fool wanted to know where you were, we declined to tell him where you went as it was none of his fucking business."
Harry rolled his eyes like hell he would ever get permission from the old prick, the moment he did ask for something. Dumbledore would either say no, start asking questions as to who I am going with, or ask for something in return. "Why am I getting the feeling that this is not the part of the conversation that your pissed about!" he enquired.
"That self-important cock sucking bastard watched the International duels on his crystals and saw that you competed in both tournaments. He then had the nerve to say that we should never have allowed you to participate in them as anything could have happened. Old bastard was hounding us for days about the whole thing and told us to tell him when you got home. No one makes demands of my house, let him figure it out for himself" he said in a grumpy voice, that indicated that he wanted to kill the goat.
Jack nodded in agreement as he to did not want to give Dumbledore the satisfaction of thinking that either him or Arcturus would do as he asked. Taking a breath, he picked up where the older man left all "this also came for you just a few minutes ago" he pointed to the letter in Arcturus hands.
The elderly hand Hadrian the letter, which he opened:
Dear Hadrian Potter
I would first like to say that it is an honor to be receiving a letter from you as neither me nor my wife had ever thought we would ever here from another member of your family. Even, though we put up wards that would not allow owl post, your owl managed to find us. Not only is she a beauty but also very intelligent and stubborn. We were shocked to see that the package she gave us, the philosophers stone! I would first like to say that it was a fake! The real stone we kept. When Dumbledore suggested that we put it in Gringotts's for safekeeping, we discussed the matter and decided to give him a counterfeit, as there was no way in hell that we were going to part with our creation so easily.
When we received a notice that it was moved to a new location, we knew that Dumbledore was intending to use it for himself. In your letter, you said that the protections were weak and ineffective as you an eleven year old could get past them. So, on behalf of me and my wife we would like to say thank you for going through the trouble for us! Also, as I'm sure you are aware Dumbledore likes to portray himself as a beacon for the light, a load of dragons dung if you ask me. He is not so as you were wise not to trust him. Whatever his plans where I urge you to proceed with caution when dealing with him as he is an expert in getting people to bend to his wishes.
Many have followed him and most either end up dead or worse! That war with Grindelwald should never have happened and it costed a lot of good and innocent people their lives and all for the greater good. If that weren't bad enough the whole thing with Voldemort was a nightmare as I'm sure you know. Once, again I like to thank you for returning the stone and preventing Dumbledore's plans from rising.
Sincerely, Nicholas Flammel
After he finished reading it, he handed it to Jack for him to read, then looked at Arcturus "well I'm glad that they got their stone back. Fake or not it was not my place to keep, and Dumbledore had no rights putting that thing in a school full of children. It didn't matter how good the defenses were, anyone could have tried to obtain it and significantly harm the students."
Jack looked up from the letter and was royally pissed at what the old man did. How dare he put the stone in a school full of children, if anything had happened to them then there would have been the devil to pay. "I don't know what that old fool has planned and I'm pretty sure that I don't want to find out" he was seething.
Arcturus grunted in agreement. Dumbledore was playing a risky game. A dangerous one at that! What wouldn't he give to end his life right now.
Harry saw that the adults had gone silent and decided to resume "were able to get anymore dirt on him?"
Arcturus grinned "oh I did" he confirmed "It wasn't easy, but I was able to get information about his more shadier dealing and what he had been doing. Were it to be released to the press Dumbledore would either be given the Dementors kiss or pushed through the Veil of Death."
Harry was astonished "it's that big?" he asked. Arcturus replied "you have no idea! I even had trouble believing it when I first heard about it."
Jack got up from his seat and went into the dining room to go sit with his wife and daughter. When he was out of earshot Harry and Arcturus continued "what about the other thing I asked you to look into" he asked questioningly.
The older man narrowed his eyes "that was relatively more easier as I sent Cassie to go investigate and what she found was interesting to say the least. However, I have to ask why you requested it in the first place?"
"The Vaisey siblings and the Puecy family I find intriguing." He paused for a moment "we may not have to be best friends but maybe some civility between our houses could be arranged."
Arcturus didn't take his eyes off him "say it is your right what makes you think we can trust them?" he wanted to know what the boy had in mind.
Harry hardened his gaze at him "as you know the Vaisey family have been long allies of the Potters and henceforth my hands are tied. I'm not saying I trust them for all I know they could be plotting behind my back at this moment, but those two seemed to genuinely hate their uncle with a passion. Which is why I decided to approach you about the subject, maybe you could offer a solution and probably offer a little protection for them" he suggested.
Arcturus reclined back in his seat thinking about what he just heard from his nephew. If what he suggested was true then they could possibly gain some potential allies, however if things went south then it could cause a headache. Putting it out of his mind for the time being he faced the boy "I will think more about the matter later."
Harry knew that it would be pointless to pursue further nodded his head, seeing that the conversation was over the three went to go join the others in the dining room.
A/N: To summarize Dumbledore was trying to salvage what was left of his damaged reputation and tried to get answers on about the whereabout of Harry. It bothered him to no end that the boy or his family ask him for permission to leave the country. Not that he even had a say in the matter in the first place. Harry, Miwa, and Blaise entered the first dueling tournament, and it was a sight to behold. Like I said before I wouldn't reach too much into the duels, but I wanted them to have a go at each other. Harry was able to win both divisions, almost being defeated in the sword duel against Miwa.
Next chapter: That brainless meat bag Gilderoy Lockhart will be introduced as the newest Defense Against the Dark Art's Professor.
Just so you all know he is one of the few people in the series I can't stand, and I have a few things in stored for him. Also please let me apologize in advance as what I'm going to have Harry do to him is not going to be pretty. You all have been warned.