Chapter 21

Free from the responsibilities of training for the first time in weeks, Sirius wandered the halls in hope of bumping into Harry. He too had changed much. His eyes had lost their haunted look completely, and there was a lightness in his step that he had long forgotten. Once an auror, once a wanted criminal, now a free man.

It was not Harry who he met, but Ron, his brow furrowed in thought. Such was his concentration that he did not see Sirius, and he had to put a hand out to avoid collision. Ron looked up.

'Hello, Sirius. How are you?' Ron smiled as he recognised the instructor.

'Very well thank you, Ron. I was wondering if you knew where Harry was?'

'He'll be with Fire, in the duelling room.' Ron said, checking his watch.

'Thank you. I leave so you can get back to your strategies.' Sirius grinned.

Ron smiled his thanks.

'One day these strategies may save your live.'

'I do not doubt it. See you later.'

'Yes, see you later.'

The two walked on, both smiling from the encounter. Sirius was getting very fond of Harry's friends. Just like a godfather should, he thought.

Sirius entered the duelling room to find Harry engadged in watching his pupils sparring. He stood for several seconds looking at his godson fondly, before sneaking up behind him and quickly trapping Harry in a headlock.

'Tut tut, never.'

Sirius suddenly found himself flat on his back, his godson flat on his back.

'.let your guard down. I know.' Harry smirked.

'Evidently. Nice throw.' Sirius stood up, rubbing his forearm.

'Thanks. What are you doing here?'

Harry walked away from the group, leaving them to try and eavesdrop while sparring. Not an easy task.

'Just coming to see my favourite godson. And to ask something.'

'I'm your only godson. And what's the question?'

'Would you like to come for supper on Friday in Hogsmeade? You need a night off. And if your needed, Stealth can use the mark.'

Harry didn't have to consider long.

'Sure I'd love too. What time?'

'Meet me in the Entrance Hall at seven?'

'Seven it is.'

The Guards had stopped, and were waiting uncomfortably for the two to finish. Harry looked at them expectantly, and Jack spoke.

'We've finished. What should we do now?'

Before Harry could say a word, Sirius answeed for him.

'What do you say to a little demonstration?'

'Yeah! Cool!'

Sirius grinned, and looked at Harry slyly.

'What'd'you say?'

Harry grinned, shaking his head.

'You won't stand a chance.'

'I wouldn't be so sure, buddy boy.'

He grinned too, and stood up to get ready. Soon both were standing with their feet bare, and clothed in just loose trousers. Sirius gave Harry a questioning look. Harry nodded.

'Blades and fists only. Watch closely.'

He spoke to the group of Guard watching them in anticipation. They lined up facing each other, each trying to figure out how the other would start. Sirius gave the count.

'Three, two, one.Go!'

Both immediately drew their blades from their wrists, and attacked. Soon they were locked in a fierce dance, blades weaving, seeking an entrance through the others. For almost ten minutes the fight raged, with neither gaining the upper hand.

Then, with a lightning move, Harry managed to flick the knife from Sirius's right hand. There was a loud gasp from the Guards as the blade went spinning across the mats, sure it was over. But Sirius simply hammered his free fist into Harry's stomach, and knocked both of the blades from Harry's hands as he fought to breath. But Harry simply leapt back, bringing his hands up in defence.

The fight continued, with Sirius soon also without blades. Finally Harry slipped on the sweaty mats, and Sirius was able to knock his feet from under him. Knowing he was going to end up of the floor, Harry lashed out with his legs, chopping Sirius to the floor.

Both gasping for breath and glowing with sweat, neither rose, but lay back, trying to recover their strength. The Guards clapped wildly, and were soon joined by the crowd the duel had attracted. Around the mats were almost all of the Guardians, as well as several squads of Guards. Harry rolled to his feet, and pulled Sirius upright. They walked to the edge of the mats side-by-side, arguing about who was the victor. As the crowd left the room, Harry addressed the Guards.

'That is what a good spar looks like. Did any of you learn anything from it?'

'To never get in a fight with you or Professor Black.'

Jack grinned cheekily.

'We'd probably end up dead.'

The rest of the group laughed, and Harry grinned.

'Ok, if that's all you can up with, then it's your turn. Two at a time, against Professor Black. The rest of you watch, and try to see how he overcome the difference in numbers.'

Harry watched as Fred and George went first, and did not notice Ginny comeinmg up behind him. She spoke softly in his ear, amking him jump.

'That was very impressive, but not very good for those ribs of yours.' #

She chastised him.

'I am truly sorry, O matronly one. It won't happen again.'

Checking to see the Guards were busy looking the other way, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and then quickly asked her about her classes with the Guards.

Though they had not been seen by the group of Guards, Sirius did see them, just as he defeated yet another pair. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he smiled, and nodded to himself, deciding to question Harry on the matter over supper on Friday.

Soon it was the end of the class, and Harry left the group leaving for supper, to go and take a much-needed shower. As the hot water flowed over his lean frame, he made up his mind to speak to Charlie, and tell him about his feelings for Ginny. He would do it soon.

That's it. Next chapter not for a few days. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for any reviews. - Pose.