I'm baaaccckkk…okay I know I just did the first chapter, but I don't think that's really enough to get people completely hooked so I'm typing the next chapter now. Plus, I'm just impatient! So here we go…oh, and thanks to my FIRST EVER REVIEWER! Ellis1 gets the Golden review award for the first chappie…I'm writing this kind of hastily and there might be more, but I'll give you credit in the next chapter. And btw…NO mary sues here. Promise! Now go read the story!
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything. I'm just borrowing…I swear I'll give it all back…heehee…
Chapter 2: Introductions
Severus was feeling rather good about himself as he surveyed himself in the mirror. He was not usually a narcissistic person-in fact, quite the opposite. At the moment, though, he was dressed in full dueling garb. Everything was, naturally, black, but the type of clothing wrought quite a difference to the eye. His shirt was cut close to his body, and the sleeves fell to just below the elbow. A black leather belt was settled on his hips with empty loops and holes placed along the sides, in case he would choose to fill them with weapons. The pants were also cut close to his legs, but with plenty of room to move. His long hair, wet from a shower, was tied back with a string of leather thong. Dragonhide boots and hidden armor completed the set. Severus was also enjoying the fact that the clothes allowed a generous portion of usually hidden muscle to show. Even if he was still a bit miffed about being talked into a surprise duel, anger was quickly being replaced with anticipation of the match. It wasn't as though he could help it, anyway. Fighting was simply in his blood-both his uncle and older brother had been master duelers.
Bonnngggg….bonnnggg……
The chiming of the clock shocked the potions master out of his reverie. Merlin, I'll be late…Severus was about to run out the door when he remembered that he had been talked into doing this and was supposed to appear unwilling. He sighed. That's right, Severus…don't want to ruin the evil reputation...
As Severus was fighting with this public image, Dumbledore was conjuring up chairs in the East Garden. Yes, Severus would accuse him of turning the duel into a spectator sport, but he wanted Madame Pomfrey on hand, just in case, and he'd promised Minerva…Albus was trying to figure out whether he should Disillusion the whole group or hide the behind the abundant bushes and trees when he heard the soft sound of footsteps behind him. He smiled softly and turned around.
"It's been rather a long while, Miss Fontaine. I was beginning to think my dear goddaughter wasn't going to show up!" The woman before him laughed gently at that before reaching up for a hug.
"Of course I'd show up! I love coming back to Hogwarts, and I love seeing you. The food's not bad, either…" Albus sat down in a chair to chat while his goddaughter sat on the ground and stretched. The Headmaster had 5 other godchildren, but the short little red-head had always had a special place in his heart. Amelia Fontaine's parents had once been students of his, and later cherished friends. Her father had once been the Astronomy professor…before Voldemort. Henry Fontaine was killed in a Death Eater raid, trying to protect his wife, Estelle. Both perished, leaving their 17-year old daughter behind. She was a strong girl, and recovered, but there were undeniable scars left behind. At 34, she was a bit of a loner and somewhat standoffish with those she didn't know. It suddenly occurred to Albus that he should talk with Severus before he tried to antagonize his goddaughter-he couldn't bear the thought of her being emotionally hurt any more than she had been. But Melia had other ideas.
"Albus, you said the man was a Master, correct? I think, if we are going to be working together, I'd like to give him a little test." Albus fixed his bright blue eyes on her dark green ones, and upon seeing that she had only good intentions, sighed and nodded.
"I will warn you, Severus isn't much for surprises…"
"That's fine. If he can't sense it, I won't do anything. I believe that's him now-I'd better go." And with that, she took off to a row of hedges.
Albus watched her go, quite serenely. He had no idea what she was planning, but he trusted her word. Besides, Severus really was coming, and Albus turned to greet him.
"Hello, Severus! You're looking rather dangerous today." Mentally, Severus rolled his eyes.
"Really, Albus? Perhaps I should change so I don't scare off the new Master…" The Headmaster took his scathing sarcasm with surprising ease.
"Oh, I don't think that's necessary…I hope you won't mind, but there are going to be a few other people joining us. The good thing is, we have plenty of chairs! Come, sit down…" Severus had long since been ignoring the older man. He was suddenly, oppressively aware of a magical presence nearby. Where is it...?
"Albus!" he hissed. "Someone's here…"
"Hmm…? Oh, you mean Melia, she wanted you to sense something-" Severus was already running. It truly was a Master, to raise that high of a magical signal. She had started the game…and he would play.
Melia could feel the change in the air as the man—Severus—picked
up her presence. She didn't hesitate to give up her hiding spot and dash out. A feeling akin to a predator pursuing it's prey rose up in her blood, and despite herself a smile crossed her face. Severus, who had stopped short a few feet away, already seemed to promise a worthy match. She slowly began to build up her magic…it pulsed throughout her body, and she could feel it vibrating in her hands and feet, as she waited for him to move…
Albus watched the duel commence from the safety of his chair. It was really a sight to see, wandless dueling. Even he had attempted to learn it, though he preferred a wand, but it was only now that he could fully appreciate it. In a wandless duel, a combatant used his own magic to kick harder, run faster, and occasionally-with physical contact-blast an opponent. In the duel before him, Albus could see tiny explosions of white and blue every time a punch connected, or when a foot touched down on the ground. Oh, to be young again…the old man smiled blissfully and leaned back in his seat. He was sure his colleagues would be angry for letting them miss this, but the two had started early and he'd told the others to come at 2:30. And he was simply too lazy to go get them…
Severus grunted as a swift jab to the stomach sent him of balance, then retaliated with his own. The girl was good. She was probably almost as good as he himself was. But she got reckless, somewhat often, and left her guard down-like now. Melia tried a jab, but left her face unprotected. Severus easily dodged her and-Wham! His kick knocked her down-not for long, though-and they resumed the duel.
By now, both had warmed up stiff joints and had grown accustomed to the other's style. The pace accelerated, but they were both still just testing. Half blinded by clumps of sweaty hair, Melia just barely dodged a kick, sparking with magic as it swung byhr head. She returned it just as quickly, and was rewarded with a sharp cry from Severus as he flew back against a stone fountain. She had time to think-That must have hurt-before he charged and caught her legs with his to drop her on the the ground. Her breath came in quick gulps as the fight wore on, and her movements became mechanic.
Dodge the leg, keep your guard…
WAIT-now thrust, jab, move back-
Jump that, find cover-
Damn.
She'd waited too long, and now was paying the price of quite literally being swung into a tree.
Get him back…
"ALBUS! How could you? You knew we wanted to watch!" wailed Madam Hooch.
"Yes, indeed!" piped Filius. The more imposing figure of the Transfiguration professor loomed before the apologetic Headmaster.
"Could you not have simply waited?" Minerva said severely. "Honestly! How long have they been going at it?"
"Ah…I believe they started at 2:10, so…half an hour." There was a general rumble of disapproval and outrage, but most of the staff was already sitting down entranced by the two oblivious duelers before them. After 20 minutes or so, a few of them began to break the silence.
"I say, they're rather good, aren't they?"
"Fabulous!"
"That's our Severus!"
"Their" Severus was currently feeling rather numb. Few duels lasted this long, but they were not fighting to win, only to test the other. This duel, however, could not last much longer. They were both exhausted, Severus knew that, and he was acutely aware of his screaming joints and plenty bruises across his body. His lungs burned, and he wanted nothing more than to lie on the ground and pass out. But he couldn't-at least, not until Melia did.
Their fighting was slow now, and clumsy. It caused more pain to throw a jab than to take one; but they couldn't stop. Albus saw they were both near collapse, and shook his head. So much pride and stubbornness was driving them now, but soon…and then it happened.
Severus had drawn back to hit her with what was probably the last of his magic, when she suddenly collapsed to the ground. Melia was so exhausted she hadn't really noticed the tremors in her legs. A little late-she thought ruefully. As if in slow motion, she watched Severus trying to stop the forward motion of his arm, but too late-and he crashed to the dirt beside her. She tried to push herself off the ground, but her arms shook so badly she let herself go limp again. Precious air was flowing through her, and Melia was quite content with that for the moment. A minute passed, where each could do nothing but try and regain their breaths. Then Severus spoke.
"Defense…needs work…" He tried to move off his back to look at her and simply rolled onto his stomach.
"I hope," she panted, "you mean…yourself." Severus was really too tired to answer, so instead he ignored her and suddenly became aware of the sound of applause from the sidelines. How many people did Dumbledore invite?-he though angrily. I don't need an audience… This thought was interrupted by a long shadow falling over his eyes. Albus looked (to them) ridiculously cheerful as he gazed down at the two prostrate duelers.
"Excellent! That may have been one of the most captivating duels I've ever seen!"
"Oh, good." Mumbled Severus. "I live to please…" Melia couldn't be bothered to respond. She was more concerned with the fact that she could no longer feel her legs, and that about 5 of her future colleagues were watching from the sidelines. It had struck her that laying on her back, drenched in sweat and spattered with blood and dirt was not the best first impression she could make. But then, she hadn't asked them to come anyway. At least it'll be a lasting first impression…she thought morosely. Her thoughts were interrupted by yet another shadow across her face.
"Of course! Of COURSE it would be Severus to go and…and exhaust himself to death!" ranted Madame Pomfrey. "Fools, all of you! Now you've got to be fixed up…why people invented that horrible sport, I don't know…"
"I am still very much alive!" snapped the potions master, but the words had little effect, as he still sounded like a fish gasping for water.
In the end, they had to allow the irate nurse to conjure up stretchers and levitate the poor souls up to the castle. Dumbledore walked along between the stretchers, rambling on about past duels and such. Before they reached the Hospital Wing, however, he seemed to remember something.
"My goodness!" Albus exclaimed. "I've forgotten to introduce you-Melia, this is Severus Snape. He's our best-and currently only-spy for the Order."
"Albus!" cried Severus. "How can you throw that information around so lightly?" That's classified-"
"And Severus," continued the old man, "this is my lovely goddaughter Amelia Fontaine, newest member of the Order."
For once, Severus was too shocked to insult anyone.
Alright, that's it! I had trouble with this chapter…I don't think I like how it came out…anyway. See the blue review button down there? Yeah. Go push it!
