AN: Sorry for the wait, peeps! But at least I didn't leave you there for 4 months this time (yeah, yeah, I'm just trying to justify this time's wait )
I know you don't want to hear any excuses, but I do need to justify myself: there was schoolwork (it's never ending, believe me) and I couldn't get into ffnet for the past two weeks (I think the school realised what I've been doing and won't let me into that site anymore). Here's the thanks to reviewers and the chapter!
Thanks to:
Birdy: Nothing to worry about, I'm not much for fluff, so there's not much risk of it being a fluffy H/G. In fact, I'm still thinking about the actual plot too much to think much about the pairings! And I can understand what it's like to be lazy, it's such a hard habit to get out of!
Hermione21: Thanks for the review, hope you like this chapter!
Corinnetkn24: Thanks for the compliments, I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Hope you enjoy this one.
Tigris T Draconis: Okay, maybe I was mistaken in thinking not many people eat raw potatoes, because not many people I know do. There seems to be reviewers cropping up who do eat them raw! I'm still writing, won't stop writing yet, so what it is I would meet if I didn't write? Thanks for the review!
I-want-to-fly: I'd love to fly too, but the changes in pressure will probably kill my poor sensitive ears . Well, I think the Marauders changing Snape's hair colour has been overdone a bit, and I couldn't think of anything else that'd annoy Snape except of Kreacher following him (Oh, my poor mistress, what would she say…) I did intend to update a bit sooner, but couldn't get into ffnet. At least it wasn't a four month wait this time .
Readingfreak742: I'm glad you like my story, hope this update was soon enough for you!
Sierra-Falls: Yep, got the idea. But, no matter how many 'more's you put up, passing my studies will always go before fanfic, so updates may take a while at times. Hope you like this chapter though, and thanks for that review!
NoAlias: Thanks for the great review! I'm blushing at the compliments! Hmm, whereabouts do you think it gets confusing? Am I just leaving holes everywhere? So far, most people have said differentiating between people from different worlds has been easy to understand. Lol, I think that the third dimension chapter was unnecessary as well, but it was fun to write, and it was the holidays, had nothing better to do! As for interaction with the other world, there won't be too much of that, as it's not very central to the plot. The only interaction with the other world is really with the other worldly Marauders, Snape, and Lily. Thanks for your review, and I hope you like the update!
Phoebe666: Well, here's the chapter, hope you enjoy it, and thanks for the review!
LimaBean0501: Well, this is sooner than four months, so I congratulate myself on that hope you like this chapter.
Risi: A lot of people seem to think that my story will be full of Snape and the Marauders pulling pranks on one another. I haven't got many, if any, pranks planned really. The story is taking long enough as it is without adding more useless pranks to it. However, I do agree that James and Sirius have been long overdue for a prank pulled on them, so if you have any ideas, I'll consider them. Nothing too painful please, I like these characters too much to hurt them . You'll see what happens to Lucius in this chapter, it's probably not as exciting as you're imagining it though.
Raven Deathood: You really like Sirius and oSirius picking on Snape and oSnape? Well, I just write those in because I think it's kind of expected from those characters. Have you read OoTP? You actually do feel sorry for Snape once you've seen what the Marauders do to Snape. Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent. Yes, Mags does respect Harry now, but that doesn't stop her being spoilt. Thanks for your review!
Cecilia Orechio: Thanks for the review! Usually I'd feel sorry for Narcissa and Lucius, but I've made the Narcissa character the way she was so that I don't feel sorry for her, and Lucius is just evil, nothing to pity there! Tonks impersonating Lucius? I really can't imagine that, she's just so bubbly and clumsy! But I guess being an Auror with her training would have helped her pull it off. Harry will get to help in some of the action, but others he will be unable to help, but that's not for ages away. Hope this chapters alright, and thanks always for the review!
Tha Tayla: As of now I haven't had time to get into my mail box, but once I do I'll send you an email.
Pixy-Misa-Misao-Amano: Thanks for the encouragement, hope you like this chapter!
Californianchick: Thanks for the review!
Korrd: I've seen Prongs Jr. used everywhere, but I thought I'd be a little different and use something else. Did JKR actually give him a nickname? Anyway, thanks for your compliments!
Stephanie: Hmm, I like it how you say I 'should' update, most of the other reviews just ask me to update, 'please'. You're trying to make me feel guilty, aren't you? You have nothing to worry about yet, regardless of how long I take for updates, there are no plans for abandoning this fic, and if I do, I'll be sure to let everyone know rather than just never ever updating again. Thanks for the encouragement!
Kyla: I'm surprised my writing could get anyone hooked! Hope you like the update, thanks for the review!
I'm sorry if I missed anyone out! My thanks extends to all of you!
This chapter is dedicated to NoAlias, for the great review, and making me think quite a bit about my story. Thanks!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JKR, and not me, obviously.
Chapter 18
Dr. Benjamin Zaccardo was a rich man; his years of healing the rich in the wizarding community enabled him to buy the three-storey mansion he lived in. Being the top graduate of The Mediwizard Academy, his skills were sought out from all over. Today, on this bright and clear day, Dr. Zaccardo was called early in the morning by none other than the esteemed Mr. Lucius Malfoy.
He threw some Floo Powder in his fireplace. "Blott?" he called, "Blott, you there? This is urgent!" In the fireplace appeared a young face framed in light brown wavy hair. The face smiled widely and said, "Dr. Zucchini," Zaccardo groaned and rolled his eyes. "To what pleasure do I owe this early morning call?"
"Blott, we have been called to do a check up today on Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy," he said, "bring all of your equipment!"
"Right away, Doc!" Blott said and disappeared from the fireplace for a full five minutes before stumbling through the fireplace, a huge grin plastered to his face.
Jarred Blott was a young mediwizard wannabe. Leaving the family bookshop in the care of his sister, he had done his medi training, and was now working as Dr. Zaccardo's assistant. His dream? To become a fine healer of wizards and witches himself. Although Dr. Zaccardo did not have much hope for Blott, who was somewhat air-headed, he was a good assistant.
"We will apparate to the Malfoy Manor," Dr. Zaccardo said, "and remember: don't touch anything! His things are worth a lot more than you can afford, and it is not good to be on his bad side." Blott nodded hurriedly in agreement. He clutched the bag of equipment to his chest like a child would a teddy bear, and Disapparated after Dr. Zaccardo.
Malfoy Manor was larger than anything Blott could ever imagine living in; the green lawns stretched far and wide, with flowerbeds lining the walls. Blott looked around in wonder, hurriedly scurrying after Dr. Zaccardo's long strides. Dr. Zaccardo was a tall, lanky, man, whereas Blott was shorter and stockier. Blott had decided earlier on that he needed to get fitter in order to be able to follow Dr. Zaccardo around on his many jobs.
Reaching the large double doors to the Manor, Dr. Zaccardo reached up a bony hand to use the doorknocker, which was in the shape of a serpent's head. Before he reached it though, the door opened with a creak and there stood a scared-looking house-elf, looking even smaller in the shadow of the Doctor.
"Master Malfoy wants Gibby to be showing Doctor inside. Master Malfoy is waiting in the lounge," the house elf squeaked in what was definitely a female house-elf's voice. Dr. Zaccardo just nodded and followed the elf, while Blott smiled happily at the cute little thing.
They walked down beautifully decorated hallways, and Blott was beginning to wonder if they would ever get to the lounge room when Gibby stopped in front of a large archway.
Lucius Malfoy stood up from the couch as Dr. Zaccardo and Blott entered.
"Dr. Zaccardo, it is a pleasure to meet you," Lucius said with a slight bow, "and this is?"
"Oh, my assistant, Jarred Blott," Dr. Zaccardo gestured to Blott.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Malfoy," Blott said in a well-rehearsed greeting. He declined his head slightly.
"Likewise," Lucius said. Blott couldn't help staring at this prestigious man standing in front of him; the sunlight beaming through the windows reflected brightly from his silver blond hair. His pale eyes were cold, and a slight frown marred his pointy face. His robes were as black as night, without a spot of stars; this further enhanced his facial features.
"The situation?" Dr. Zaccardo asked, as he began to follow Lucius out of the room.
They were led to a wide set of stairs, and began to climb.
"I came home very late last night to discover Narcissa, who is usually awake when I return, asleep. I tried to shake her awake, but she would not budge," Lucius sounded distressed.
When they reached the second floor, Lucius turned to the left and began down the long hallway, "and how long has she been like this?" Dr. Zaccardo questioned.
"I do not know, as I was away at work all day yesterday," Lucius opened a large polished door to a large bedroom. Blott looked around Dr. Zaccardo to see a bed twice the size of his own, centred in the spacious room. There was a large window on the left, letting bright light shine off the polished wooden floors. There was a large walk-in wardrobe on the right, and a comfortable looking blue sofa with black velvet cushions situated next to the bed. In the bed was a red lump which Blott assumed was the Missus. There was a candle holder, an empty glass next to a bunch of flowers, and a little book, on the bed side table.
The three men made their way to the large bed. Lucius made his way to the left side of the bed, back facing the large window. Dr. Zaccardo went to Narcissa's other side, Blott following closely. He pulled out his wand and began making complicated wave motions above the bed. Lucius kept his grey eyes on his wife, while Blott had a note-pad out, making notes of the colours of the light that spurted out of the end of the doctor's wand.
The process continued for a long time. Gibby appeared with refreshments. Lucius sat down on the sofa, keeping his eye on the process, while Blott took two drinks from Gibby; one for himself and one for Dr. Zaccardo later on when he completed the checking process.
Finally, Dr. Zaccardo lowered his wand and sighed, "Your Lady seems to be in good health. Thanks, Blott," he said, as he accepted a drink from Blott. "There is nothing at all that suggests she is sick. However, I will need to conduct a blood test to see if there are any potions in her system that shouldn't be."
Lucius nodded in silence; what more could he do?
"Blott, give me a vial."
Blott hurriedly opened the case, and in his rush he almost dropped the vial.
"Here, Dr. Zucchini," he said, handing the vial to Zaccardo. Zaccardo gave him a disapproving look while accepting the vial. After obtaining the blood, Zaccardo turned to Lucius, handing Blott the blood sample.
"We need to go back to my labs to conduct some quick checks with this blood sample, we should be back here in an hour," he explained. Lucius just nodded silently as he kept his eyes locked on the still form of his wife.
Gibby showed them the way out the door.
"Get your gear on, Blott. Leave the vial on the desk," Zaccardo ordered. While the two healers magicked some lab-coats on, they heard a loud crash outside their window. Upon looking, they saw a cat and dog fighting each other.
"Look at that, Doc, isn't that cute!" Blott exclaimed.
Zaccardo rolled his eyes, "we need to get back to our work, can't leave Mr. Malfoy waiting too long!"
They turned around and began work on the blood sample, not noticing the door swinging slightly.
"Really, Mr. Black, can you not keep your own bodily fluids from spraying out of your mouth?" McGonagall cried as soon as she transformed back into a human, taking out a handkerchief and wiping the dog slag from her face. Sirius just gave a canine smile, tongue rolling out from the side of his mouth. Shacklebolt, who was just there for some backup, laughed at Sirius' display.
The two of them turned to the approaching footsteps, and Remus slipped out from the Invisibility Cloak.
"Did you get the Neutralising Potion into the blood samples?" McGonagall asked.
Remus gave an 'OK' sign, and winked, "yep, there'll be no way for them to know that Mrs. Malfoy had some potions in her system."
McGonagall nodded, while Sirius stood on his hind legs and licked Remus' face.
"You know Padfoot, imagine if you were a human doing that to me; that is so disgusting!" Remus only managed to control his facial features out of experience.
Sirius wagged his tale, and made a little yap, before touching his paw to the portkey to take him back to 12 Grimmauld Place.
The beginning of October was still too early for ordinary students to worry about exams. Hermione, however, was no ordinary student. She had taken the initiative for her friends by drawing up study schedules for them that worked around their Prefect duties and Quidditch practices.
However, she discovered that the timetables would need to be redone as she discovered a notice on the board that morning.
"A Duelling Club, ay?" Harry stepped up beside her.
Hermione nodded, reading the notice:
Dear students,
A Duelling Club will be held this year by Professor Plum. There will be three sessions per week in the Defence classroom-
First/second years on Saturday afternoons 12-2
Third/fourth/fifth years on Saturday evenings 5-7
Sixth/seventh years on Sunday afternoons 12-2
Feel free to come along, no signing up required. The first meeting will commence this weekend.
Professor McGonagall
"You gonna go?" Ron asked from beside Harry, making him jump.
"Of course I am! Can't miss something this important, these are skills we'll need! Although now we'll have to work Quidditch around it," Harry said.
"Oh no, I need to change our study timetables now!" Hermione exclaimed, "do you think your dad will be willing to change the times so that I don't have to change these timetables? These timetables will work out quite well…"
"Shh! I doubt that Professor Plum will change the time just for the three of us," Harry said, looking around to make sure no-one heard. The Common Room was empty except for Neville, who was sitting in the corner trying to finish off one of Snape's essays, and the Weasley Twins discussing who-knows-what in a secretive manner in the other corner. Harry had told Ron and Hermione who James really was that night after the Quidditch announcements, although with Hermione of all people making a slip, Harry had to wonder if he had made a mistake.
Ron rolled his eyes, "Hermione, you're the smartest witch in our grade, and because of a little change in the timetables you make a stupid slip like that!"
Harry could see the two of them gear up for a verbal argument, so he stepped in, "let's go, break is almost over. What have we got next?"
Harry knew perfectly well that Potions was next, but hoped that the distraction would stop the argument, which it did as Hermione sighed, "Harry, it's our fifth week here and you still don't remember your timetable? Wednesday after break is Potions, then double DADA, then double Care of Magical Creatures."
"Oh, I need to get that stupid essay Snape wanted us to do!" Ron said, as he hurried up to the dorms to grab his essay. "I was doing it last night, forgot to put it in my bag!"
The three of them made their way to the dungeons, two of them dreading the coming lesson. As usual, they sat at the back, although well aware that Snape would make them move as he chose their groups for them.
"I hope I'm not stuck with Parkinson today," Ron muttered, "I've been stuck with her twice!"
"I've had her once, I totally understand what you mean," Harry muttered back.
"I think it's a, uh, good idea that he's getting us to… mix a bit more. I mean, we should be able to study in an environment without discrimination…" Hermione began, but stopped as Snape came in. He did not need to tell everyone to be silent as his imposing figure scared everyone into silence anyway.
"Today, we shall be making a general antidote, capable of washing out the most basic toxins from your system," Snape said, and crossed his arms, "what is the most important ingredient in a basic antidote?"
Harry did not need to wait long until his name was called out, "pixie dust," Harry ventured a guess, and knew immediately he was correct as Snape seethed.
"And from which gender of pixie?"
"Male?"
Snape sneered, "incorrect, the dust can be obtained from either. Five points from Gryffindor for foolishly guessing the answer."
Snape turned around and magicked the instructions on the board. Harry tried to keep his temper under control; he should be used to this by now.
"Your groups today are…"
Harry was grouped with Blaise Zabini and Malfoy.
"Nice going, Potter," Zabini sneered, "even I knew the answer to that! Then again, we must thank you for losing points for Gryffindor…"
Harry rolled his eyes, mumbling, "didn't see you putting your hand up."
Zabini shrugged, "why draw attention to myself in this class? Besides, he would've asked a follow-up question I might not have been able to answer. Sure, he wouldn't have taken points off of me, but to shame myself in front of a bunch of Gryffindors!" Zabini sounded like it was the most horrid thing imaginable.
Harry had never spoken to Zabini before; Zabini was a quiet Slytherin, not sneering and arrogant like Malfoy. Harry didn't have the energy to have a verbal fight with this Slytherin, and just remained silent. Besides, it wasn't as if Zabini was insulting him or his friends directly. He was shocked that Zabini actually turned out to be a relatively nice Slytherin who didn't insult him at every turn and glare daggers at him. Rather, Zabini seemed eager to get the work done right, which suited Harry just fine.
What shocked him even more was that Malfoy did not insult him throughout the whole lesson.
Harry found that after several weeks of jogging, his fitness had improved miraculously. As he looked around him, he saw that everyone else had gotten better as well. James was floating along lazily on his broomstick, talking about the spells they would be looking at that day.
While they were stretching, Harry asked, "Professor, can I ask a question?"
James smiled, "yes, Mr. Potter?"
"What sort of things will we do in the Duelling Club?"
"Can we do a proper shield, not all that wand waving and dropping?" Seamus asked, while the Gryffindor boys laughed.
"Is Snape going to help with the lessons?" Neville asked worriedly.
James just laughed, "you'll find out in a few days time, boys! Now back to the classroom, we have work to do!"
Hagrid looked dejected as he showed them a several tanks full of Ramoras, magical silver fish that are the guardian of seafarers. As they divided into groups, the trio found out why.
"Professor Dumbledore wouldn't let me bring an Erumpent to show the class…" Hagrid sighed.
Harry looked at Ron with questioning eyes, Ron just shrugged while Hermione frowned, "aren't they large and dangerous though?"
"Only if provoked. And all creatures are only dangerous if you provoke them…"
"Really? Ah!" Ron jumped back as a Ramora jumped out of the water and made a huge splash. He bumped into Malfoy, who happened to be standing at the next tank.
"Watch it, Weasel!" Malfoy snarled.
"It was an accident!" Ron snarled back, "and if anyone should watch it, it should be you! At least we don't hide illegal objects in our home!"
The whole class was looking on, and Harry suddenly realised the mirror in his pocket felt warm, but he didn't want to take it out to have a look in front of so many people. Harry knew that Ron was referring to the Ministry raids that were to occur over the next few weeks. Malfoy uncharacteristically stayed silent, as he and Ron turned their backs on each other at the same time.
As the class was dismissed, Harry chanced a quick look at the mirror, only to see unidentifiable shadows. And he was also left with another mystery; which saintly cat had got hold of Malfoy's tongue?
"Absolutely predictable," Remus scoffed, as he stepped from the shadows. No-one looked twice at Remus; a dark creature all but belonged down Knockturn Alley, and anyone in a werewolf's company was most likely also up to no good.
"Well, we couldn't have done it without Harry's useful information," Sirius, in disguise, said, as he kicked the unconscious form of Lucius Malfoy, "honestly, at the first word of a Ministry raid, he goes straight to Borgin's. We only had to wait here. Too easy!"
"And it was almost too easy, it makes me wonder if we are the ones walking into a trap?" Remus said as he looked around. The alley was relatively empty, and he couldn't sense anyone lingering around. Not to mention they had cast several spells to keep any attention away from them.
The two Marauders port-keyed with Malfoy to one of the dungeons at 12 Grimmauld Place.
"Are you sure it's safe to bring him here?" Remus asked one more time, as they made sure a charm was placed to keep Malfoy sleeping.
"Stop being such a worry wart Moony! I thought you got over that after your Prefect days were over! If there's one thing I'm proud of about the Black family, it is their ability to keep a prisoner where they want them," Sirius grinned, "no magic can be done from inside the cell, so Malfoy's as good as a Squib as long as he is kept within these cells."
"I see our guest has arrived," oSirius said from the doorway, "he's as ugly in this world as he is in ours."
"I didn't know you checked out guys," oRemus said from behind him, "there's more to you than I knew."
oSirius was about to reply when Kreacher appeared, "I is doing as Master wants, the greasy man is here with the old crazy man," he said in a normal voice, then quietly, "I is hoping that this time greasy man will finish off Mistresses treacherous son…"
The Marauders just ignored the rest of Kreacher's babble as they made their way to the dark lounge to greet Snape.
oSnape was already waiting for them with Snape, and Dumbledore was sitting comfortably, having conjured a plate of biscuits and a cup of tea for himself. Both Snape's were too nervous to insult the Marauders, and the Marauders respected the nervousness; this was the type of plan where so many things could go wrong.
"You have Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yep, easy as pie," Sirius said with a grin.
Dumbledore nodded, "now, Severus, are you ready?"
Snape looked a little nervous, but he did not hesitate, "yes, Albus. I have observed Malfoy's reaction to his wife's… illness, and am capable of acting as he has."
"And the potion?"
"By using the subject's blood, the potion should last twenty-four hours at a time, rather than one hour," Snape said.
"Ah," Remus breathed, "blood is used in the most powerful of magics," he said in understanding.
"Now all we need to do is extract some information from him, and then you are to take his place," Dumbledore nodded to Remus and said to Snape, then turned to oSnape, "and you are aware of our Severus' routine?"
oSnape nodded a little stiffly, licking his lips in anticipation.
"Then it is time to proceed…"
On Saturday evening, a large group of students milled about in the Defence classroom. All the tables and chairs were neatly stacked along the side, and a raised platform was magicked into the centre of the room. It also seemed as though the room was magicked to have more space than usual to accommodate all the students. Harry guessed that almost every third, fourth, and fifth year student was present; Professor Plum was such a popular teacher, even some of the Slytherin students seemed to like him regardless of Snape's dislike.
"I wonder what sort of spells we'll be learning? I mean, we're actually doing quite a lot of spells in the classroom…" Hermione wondered aloud.
"They've placed us with the fourth and third years as well, so it's probably something we already know. It'll be good revision anyway," Harry commented.
Ron scoffed from beside them, "you're starting to sound like Hermione there! 'Good revision', honestly!"
Harry chuckled and played along, "yep, I'm gonna follow that timetable, avoiding any sleep and leisure. I might even quit Quidditch just for more study time…"
Ron gasped in mock surprise, "but how are we gonna win without you being Seeker?"
"Natalie McDonald was quite good on her broom though, wasn't she?"
The trio jumped in surprise as Ginny came up behind them, Luna standing beside her.
"I was just kidding sis," Ron mumbled as he tried to avoid looking at Luna, who was staring at him.
"I saw Natalie earlier by the way, she said the Duelling Club went quite well this afternoon. Flitwick was there to help run it, and it was very enjoyable. Were there this many students when Lockhart was here?" Ginny asked interestedly.
"There were heaps of girls, but they all came to perve on that ugly git…" Ron said.
"Who's an ugly git?" Seamus joined their group, along with Dean and Neville.
"Lockhart," Harry answered.
"Yeah, he was, wasn't he?" Seamus agreed.
Ginny sighed and rolled her eyes, "boys are just jealous of him because he's too good looking."
"He's ugly and he's stupid, why can't girls see that?" Ron said exasperatedly with a huge roll of his eyes.
"I agree with you Ronald Weasley, I don't think Professor Lockhart was good looking," Luna suddenly piped up.
At that moment, Professor Plum walked into the room, and behind him was Snape, gliding in with the usual billowing-cloak effect; the Gryffindor boys groaned.
"Greetings, students! Tonight is the first meeting for you third, fourth, and fifth year students! Professor Snape will help me run these sessions," James did not use his usual cheerful voice as he announced this; Harry, Ron and Hermione were the only ones who knew why. "Duelling is in fact a popular wizard sport, although it is often somewhat overlooked because of the overwhelming popularity of Quidditch. I hope that in running this club, you will gain some experience that will be very important in your futures. Duelling will only mimic real-life duels to a certain extent, but everyone should gain something from these sessions that is hard to gain in a normal classroom environment. Now Professor Snape and myself will give you a demonstration of how a proper Duel is executed."
James and Snape stood on the platform facing each other. "First we bow," James said, as the two of them bowed.
"Then we get into the standard duelling position, which is feet spread out and knees slightly bent to accommodate for quicker movements," they spread their feet out, shoulder length, and bent their knees.
"Then on the count of three, we begin the duel. There are a few simple rules to duelling. If anyone begins before the count of three, they are disqualified." Harry cast a quick look at Malfoy, who was looking at the Professors with a slight look of interest on his face.
"You are disqualified if you use any spells that are considered Dark, although I'm sure none of you are capable of casting any Dark spells as none are taught here at Hogwarts. Otherwise, all spells are allowed. No physical attacks are allowed, except for physically snatching your opponent's wand, in which case you win."
"Unforgivables are, well, unforgivable. Using one will not only get you disqualified from the duel, but you also get a comfy cell in Azkaban all to yourself," James said, while some students chuckled.
"There are several ways you can win; when your opponent is unconscious, you win. If you continue to attack them, then you can get disqualified. You win if your opponent is no longer capable of coherent thought or speech, as they are no longer able to cast spells. If your opponent's wand is in your hand, then you win."
"Oh, and of course, you must try to stay within the bounds," James pointed to the red line circling the platform.
"Now, Miss Bones, could you please count to three for us?" James asked Susan, who nodded nervously.
In a loud, clear voice, Susan counted, "one, two, THREE!"
Harry watched in awe as both James and Snape whipped out their wands with lightning speed. Snape was already on the move as he shot a disarming charm.
James blocked it with the spell Lockhart tried to teach them in the Duelling Club in second year, and Harry couldn't help but smile.
James had to dodge because Snape shot a stunner straight after the disarming charm. He then returned a tickling hex, while Snape shot a curse capable of making James lose his hair and feel it as though they were being plucked one by one. Harry had to wonder if that was a Dark spell, considering the pain the victim would be in.
The spell missed James by a hair, while James growled and threw a jinx to make Snape unaware of his surroundings.
The duel went on for a very long time, while both of them threw, reflected, dodged, and blocked spell after spell. Harry wondered how long the duel went on for before James sent up some sparks in the air to indicate that they should stop.
"As you can see from our duel," James said, slightly out of breath, "we each effectively shot spells at each other and either dodged or blocked the spells. I am aware that at this level, you are capable of quite a number of spells, and instead of teaching you new spells, these sessions will be very practical. We will choose random students to come up on the platform and duel, and Professor Snape and myself will then give you some sort of a critique on your performance. By doing this, we hope that you will learn from your fellow students also. Sometimes if there is a particular spell that we think is useful, we will divide you into pairs to practice it. Is there anyone willing to volunteer to go first?"
No-one raised their hand, and before James could choose someone, Snape stepped forward, and Harry was not surprised when he was called forth.
"How about Mr. Potter and… Mr. Longbottom?"
Harry nervously made his way to the platform with Neville by his side. Snape obviously wanted Neville to do something wrong, and for Harry to bear the consequences. Harry knew what he had to do; finish it off as quickly as possible.
The two of them faced each other nervously. Harry gave Neville a nervous grin, which was not returned as Neville looked like he was about to hyperventilate. They bowed to each other. James counted to three, and on the count of three, Harry speedily shot off a disarming spell.
"Expelliarmus!"
Neville was red in the face as he looked down shamefully. Snape stepped up to him and said, "that was an abysmal effort, Longbottom…"
James stepped in before Snape could continue, "very good Mr. Potter. Now Mr. Longbottom, I see that you are very nervous. There is nothing to be worried about," he leaned in and whispered in Neville's ear, "I will protect you from Professor Snape."
Neville giggled nervously, and James patted him on the shoulder, "now, Mr. Longbottom, if you are not a quick drawer with the wand, the best thing for you to do is to move; a moving target is harder than one that's standing still. Perhaps you'd like to try again?"
Neville gaped at James, but not wanting to disappoint the friendly teacher, he nodded.
"Okay, perhaps another student would like to have a go with Mr. Longbottom, what about Mr. Macmillan?"
"Ready? Don't forget to bow. Now, on the count of three… one, two, three!"
Ernie shot a jelly-legs jinx, while Neville successfully moved to the right and effectively dodged the jinx.
"Petrificus totalus!" Neville stammered.
Ernie blocked it with a shield, but the force of the spell made him step back. While Ernie looked down to see if he was out of the line, Neville shot another body bind, which hit it's mark.
"Well done, Mr. Longbottom! Well done, Mr. Macmillan! You dodged the first spell quite well. Mr. Macmillan, you need to move around on your feet a little more, although the shield was very good," James said.
"You shouldn't look at your feet while you duel, you can't see your opponent out of the top of your head…" Snape put in.
"Eye contact is very important in a duel. So keep your eyes locked on your opponent's!" James said, "any comments from students?"
Harry in fact had a comment, but wasn't sure if he should say it; he didn't want to stand out any more than he usually did. However, as soon as he decided that it would be for the benefit of the students if he commented, Malfoy had his hand up and said it for him.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Macmillan was aware that Longbottom would dodge. He should have shot another spell in the direction he thinks Longbottom would have gone," he said. Harry looked at him in surprise; he wasn't drawling in that annoying voice for once, he was talking normally.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy. Ten points to Slytherin," James looked slightly pained giving points to Slytherin, but nobody seemed to notice. Snape sneered.
"Now, are there any volunteers? No volunteers? Well, how about Miss Bulstrode and Mr. Corner?"
The rest of the night continued in the same fashion, and by the end of it, half the students have had a go.
"Very well done, everyone! It's a pity not everyone can have a go. Those who did not have a go will get a chance next week. Now I'm sure your stomachs call to you, so this will be all for this week!"
Snape glided out of the room as soon as James finished talking. Ron's stomach grumbled, "he's not wrong when he says our stomachs are calling for us!" he said.
"Only boys think with their stomachs," Ginny said matter-of-factly.
Next to their group, they heard Crabbe and Goyle's stomachs rumble, and they all laughed.
AN: That's as good a place as any to stop the chapter, it's actually a little slow, next chapter should move quicker though. Next chapter: Halloween!
Now, there are some things I'm not too sure about. Is Blaise Zabini a male or female? I wasn't sure, so you might have noticed I didn't refer to Zabini as either a he or a she. If anyone knows the exact gender of this mysterious character, please let me know!
Also, as I am not too sure, was Harry born in 1980 or 1981?
As always, if you have any comments/critiques/suggestions (I'd rather no flames, but if you must, well, they'll be dealt with accordingly), please leave a review or write to , jaane!
ultrasoul
