I do not own any of this!

Chapter 16

The end of the week came swiftly, and with it the choice faced by many of the students. After what Fletcher had put them through in just the few hours he had had then for in the single week, many were hesitant when it came to signing over to his class. The conversation on Friday at supper almost solely discussed this question, with various views being put forward.

For Harry, there was no question, as his actions were governed by Snape. And even without his urgings, it was unlikely that Ron and Hermione would not have chosen to major in the course, but with then Harry didn't even bother to ask, he knew they would go for it. In fact, many of Harry's year-group had chosen to continue, some after questioning Harry, asking for his advice. When asked what he though, Harry always gave the same answer.

'It'll cost you sweat, blood and tears, but in the end it'll save you're life, and help you to save others.'

Half way through supper, Fletcher stood from his place on the staff table, and addressed the hall shortly.

'I would ask all those in the fourth form and above to remain behind after they have finished eating. Thank you.'

Hushed whispers followed the announcement, with those in the older years skiving the younger years until they finished eating and hurried out of the hall. Despite this, Fletcher left them stewing in silence until all the staff had also left. When the last of the teachers had also left, he rose, and slowly made his way to the front of the platform.

'Before each of you makes this choice, it is important that you know and understand a few things. For many of you, the classes this week were hard, both physically and mentally. Know now, they were nothing to what you will fact should you chose to take this 'subject' full time.

'This will not be like you're other classes, where excuses will be accepted. I will expect more from you than anyone else ever has, and you will deliver. Also, you continue with the course only as long as I deem you worthy, and I reserve the right to throw off anyone who does not meet standards.'

Fletchers gaze swept the room, lingering on the Slytherin table. Though he had no problems with the house in principle, he knew very well that arrogance would not sit well in those who wished to train with him.

'Well, now comes the question. Would all those who do not wish to take this course as a major subject please leave and return to their houses. It is possible that I may be contacting some of you regarding you're choices at a later date.'

When the shuffling of feet had stopped, and the doors to the great door had closed once more, somewhere between fifty and sixty students remained. As predicted, most were Gryffindors, though there was a fair scattering of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were also present. There were few Slytherins, only one or two per year. It was these few who, in a way, Fletcher respected most. He knew they were well aware of the fact that their choice would lose favor for them in their houses, and yet they had made it anyway.

Left with his prospective students, Fletcher walked down from the stage, gesturing those who remained closer to him. When they stood in a circle around him, he addressed them once more.

'You have made you're choices, and for now all I will say is I hope you will not regret it. Now, I have a lot to say and I am sure you are all tired so I will begin, if you would care to pull up some chairs.'

Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Harry collected a chair along with his friends, and sat down, relaxed yet still ready to move quickly if needed. Once they were all seated, Fletcher began.

'The first thing I wish to make clear is the absence of house rivalry. When you are training, you are equal until I say otherwise. For this reason, actions in my presence will have no effect on house points, either negative or positive. Sometimes you'll need access to some of the books in the restricted section of the library, so until you do something to annoy me you've all got unlimited access. If I find anyone using this freedom wrongly, that person will regret it. Is that clear?'

No one moved. Smiling inwardly, Fletcher marveled at his ability to sound almost exactly like the teachers he had scorned when he was younger. Turning back to the class, he continued.

'Pass these round between you.'

Fletcher gave a sheaf of papers to the person sitting on the end of the rows. Taking one and passing the stack on, soon everyone had a copy. It was several sheets, clipped together with a muggle staple in the top left hand corner. Before anyone had time to examine them further, Fletcher spoke once more.

In order to participate in this course, you will need some equipment and articles of clothing you currently do not possess. Therefore I have obtained permission from the headmaster for you to go to Hogsmeade tomorrow afternoon and but those items. They will be charged to your bill, which you're parents will be sent at the end of the year. The first sheet you have is a list of what you will require.'

Harry looked down at the sheet in his hand, his eyes running over what was written there, and the Hogwarts seal that topped the page.



In addition to what you should already own, those taking the Dueling and Defense course will need the following,

3 pairs black trousers (strong, suitable material)

2 white shirts

2 black shirts

5 t-shirts (black)

2 pairs trainers (minimum one pair being black)

1 belt (black)

1 set swimwear (black)

1000 Complex Curses by Frederick Bongus

Advanced Shields Charms by Felicity Locus

100 Steps to Becoming a Dueler by Wiulliam Amadeus

Muggle Methods of Defense by Benjamin Bludger

1 NEW wand

1 wand holster

1 hooded cloak (plain, black)

1 set dueling knives

1 personal charmable item

All items can be found in Hogsmeade village, and are required, not recommended.

'Due to the nature of the work you will be doing, Hogwarts uniform is inappropriate. You are therefore excused from the wearing of normal school uniform. Instead, you will wear the items on the list you have, in addition to what you were given at the start of this week..

On Sundays, when you're time would normally be free, those who do not meet the weekly standards I will set will report for extra training. The rest of you will be free to work on you're other assignments. I also suggest you try and practice some of the things that come up in that work. Sundays is also when you will complete any detentions you pick up during the course of the week. Are there any questions on that?'

Fletcher stern tone was a long way to the cheerful way he had addressed Harry at various times during the week. Stilled by this, and the shock some of the items on the lists had caused, stunned his audience into silence.

'In that case there is only one other thing you need to know. I am expecting to see all of you in the Entrance Hall, and six a.m. on Monday morning. Anyone who I do not see there will be thrown off the course immediately. Do you all understand?'

Fletcher tone was mild, but receiving no response he sharpened his voice.

'Do you understand!?'

Realizing none of the other had any idea what to do, Harry stood, ducking his head. He glanced across his seated friends.

'Yes, sir.'

Finally catching on, Ron and Hermione also stood, and mumbled their responses. Soon the others followed suit. Once all were standing, Fletcher nodded his dismissal, and strode out of the hall and down the corridor towards the staff quarters. Silence greeted his departure.

After a few moments, Harry turned to his friends, raised his eyebrows and nodded in the direction of the door. They nodded, and the three headed out of the door. Normally Harry would have had to have rushed off o the dungeons, but he had been granted a night off, on the condition that he was back in his quarters by nine. Once they were out in the great hall, it was Ron who broke the silence.

'Well, that was interesting.'

Harry snorted, and then replied.

'You can say that again.'

As they turned up the stairs to the Gryffindor common room, Hermione squeezed her way in between the two boys, and linked her arms with theirs. Smiling, she turned to Harry.

'So are you coming with us tomorrow?'

'I'll have to ask Master Shado.Snape. But it should be okay. If it's not I'll come anyway.'

Ron's reply was hesitant, and slightly unsure.

'Won't Snape be slightly angry if you do that?'

Harry shrugged.

'Yes, but it'll be worth it. A day out with friends is worth as amny hours of punishment as I can take.'

'Is that a good idea?'

Hermione was frowning slightly as she spoke, her worry showing on her face.

'probably not. But I'm hoping it won't come to that. Don't worry, I'm sure Snape will give me permission.'

Hermione would have argued, but at the moment they reached the portrait hole, and were pulled inside by a rancorous crowd, all wanting to know where Harry had been all this time. Making a face, and receiving a sympathetic glance in return, Harry relented and began to answer the question that people were firing at him.



Okay, because I go back to school tomorrow, and the fact that ff.net refused to let me upload yesterday, this is probably the last upload for the next few weeks. There is a slight chance of me coming home next weekend or the one after, so keep your eye's peeled for updates.

Big thanks to everyone for reading this and reviewing - Pose