Chapter 7 - The selecting

The group pushed their way to the stadium that afternoon just in time to hear a man speaking loudly form the stage. They could not see the man but as he said "Ladies and gentleman" Sirus muttered in James ear.

"That's Ludo Bagman."

"... It gives me great pleasure to host this years Hogsmeade Wizard Dueling Knockout." The crowd cheered. "And lets get straight to the point shall we. The first match of the evening will be..." There was a pause, James assumed he was taking the names out of a hat. "Remus Lupin." All eyes turned to him. "Versus... Hogart Hughes." There was a mild appaulase.

James gulped. He may well have to face Malfoy. How embrassing would it be if he lost, and in front of Lily.

"The second contest will be between.." Another pause "..Lucius Malfoy."

James could here a group of former slytherin's cheering in the corner.

"And...sirus black." All eyes turned to sirus.

"Fine by me"he muttered, unconvincingly.

James paused, might he have to face Snape ?

There was another pause.

"Then we will see... James Potter.."

Lily squeezed his hand, which somehow made it seem better.

"...And Severus Snape"

Oh god. He have always lost to snape in Defense against the dark arts.

The three of them seemed tense.

"And that of course leaves last years champion William Haggle to face Tom Riddle."

James would have given anything to have swapped with Sirus.

Snape always beat him.

"So with out further ado." Ludo said, interupting James thoughts.

"Would Remus Lupin and Hogart Hughes please come to the stand."