Pirates from Potions – fifteen
Crossing Blades -
Dinner could be considered strained at best. Jack leaned against the table and smiled happily as Lavender and Parvati asked him a string of questions. He grinned devilishly as the girls clung to his every answer. Hermione would occasionally look over at him before rolling her eyes in disgust and return to her meal. Ginny glanced up from her plate to find Harry sitting across from the table, watching her. Their eyes made contact and Harry smiled before looking down to stab a bite of chicken. Ginny grinned, her gaze traveling over his shoulder. Through the crowd of students Ginny's eyes found another pair staring coldly at her. Draco Malfoy sat along side his Slytherin classmates drinking from his goblet. Ginny could almost imagine the daggers being sent her way before he was forced to turn and answer a question from Pansy Parkinson. Ginny's attention was brought back to the table by the sound of Jack's voice.
". . . and then they made me their chief."
"May I have your attention please," called Professor McGonagall as she rapped on her wine glass.
The hall grew quiet and the students turned their attention to the head table as their Headmaster stood.
"Once you are finished with your meal, please file out of the hall. We will shortly begin the dueling demonstration, so kindly to be provided by Captain Jack Sparrow and Mr. William Turner," announced Professor Dumbledore from the head table.
Students turned to stare at the pirates. Jack grinned cockily at the mass of onlookers. Will's eyes darted around before returning to rest on Ginny.
Conversation picked up again as the students stood and made their way out of the dining hall to wait in the large foyer. Will rose quickly to his feet as Ginny stood. Harry and Ron scowled before turning to head towards the large doors of the main hall.
"I will see you when everyone returns?" Will asked hopefully.
"I will be here," said Ginny, dropping her napkin onto her plate and smiling up at Will.
Will nodded and glanced at Harry and Ron before turning to smile down at her.
"Come lad, we should speak to Dumbledore before this begins," said Jack, clapping Will on the shoulder. Will snuck a glimpse at Jack before nodding to Ginny as she was forced to move towards the doors by the flow of students.
"Come on," Ron grumbled as he waited for Ginny and Hermione near the entrance. Harry stood just beyond the doors; his arms crossed before him while he looked around at the crowd of students as the three approached him.
"Harry! Hey, Harry!" Colin Creevey called, he and his younger brother, Dennis, pushed their way through the thick group of students waiting in the entry hall.
Ginny had one last glance of Will walking towards the head table as the large doors closed.
"You going to take him?" Colin asked excitedly as he approached.
"Bet you can," Dennis said, smiling brightly as he bobbed excitedly on his feet.
Harry cast a wary glance at Ginny before turning to the Creevey brothers. "I never said I was going to duel," he said carefully.
Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, who had been standing close by, turned to join in on the conversation.
"You have to," piped up Dennis.
"Remember Lockhart's dueling demonstration our second year?" asked Dean, with a smirk. Seamus snorted.
"You mean that embarrassing display? Remember him dropping his wand?" said Seamus, mocking Lockhart's fumbling.
"I wasn't here," said Dennis wistfully, watching the two older boys.
"Really now," Hermione huffed.
Ginny turned and looked out at the filled Entrance Hall. It appeared that the entire student body had decided to remain for the demonstration. Ginny wandered away from the group as Seamus went on about Harry facing off against Draco. The last thing she wanted to do at the moment was relive any more details of her first year. Ginny weaved her way through the chattering students looking for a quiet spot to wait.
For several minutes Ginny wandered aimlessly, catching bits of conversation in the noisy crowd.
"I love his beaded beard," one girl giggled.
"I love the way he swaggers," another whispered loudly. Ginny shook her head and moved on.
A few minutes later Ginny leaned up against a stone wall and waited for the doors of the Great Hall to open once more. She glanced over her shoulder at the armor beside her as it creaked and shifted position before she went back to staring at the floor. The noise level in the room had steadily grown over time as the students chattered happily.
"I've heard of a broom that is supposed to be faster than the Firebolt, un-catchable really, the Quicksilver. It's said to have a shiny silver tip to mark it, all very new, top of the line."
Ginny frowned, trying to ignore Crabbe speaking as he came to a halt on the other side of the armor.
"There's no real broom that can match the Firebolt," Malfoy scoffed.
"The Quicksilver is a real broom," said Crabbe.
"No, no it's not," argued Malfoy.
"Yes, it is, I've seen it," Crabbe argued back.
Ginny chanced a glimpse out of the corner of her eye and saw Goyle standing beside Crabbe, nodding his head in dumb agreement.
"You've seen it?" demanded Malfoy with growing aggravation.
"Yes," Crabbe said proudly with a single nod of his head. Goyle silently turned his head to look back and forth between the two.
"You've actually seen a broom with a Quicksilver logo on the tip, that's supposed to be faster than the Firebolt, and so new that even my father hasn't heard about it?" asked Draco, wrinkling his nose in aggravation.
"No," answered Crabbe, his stance deflating.
"No," Draco mocked.
"But I have seen a broom that looked like it had a silver tip," said Crabbe, feeling encouraged again.
"Oh, and no broom that's not faster than the Firebolt could possibly have a silver tip therefore couldn't possibly be any other broom than this Quicksilver. Is that what you're saying?" Draco snapped.
"No," nodded Crabbe. Goyle scratched his head in utter confusion.
"Like I said, there's no real broom that can match the Firebolt," Draco scoffed, looking his two friends up and down.
Ginny rolled her eyes heavenwardand moved away from the conversation.
"Ginny!"
Ginny looked around to find Harry, Ron and Hermione moving around a group of students who paused in their conversation to stare before quickly turning back, their heads coming closely together to hurriedly talk.
"There you are," said Harry, coming to a stop next to her.
"Wondered where you got off to," said Ron, glancing around the room.
"The doors should be opening soon," said Hermione nervously. Ron frowned down at her before sneaking a glance at Harry. Ginny couldn't help but feel her ire rise slightly.
A sudden hush fell over the mass of students, drawing Ginny's attention away. The doors to the Great Hall slowly opened again to show Professor Dumbledore standing at the entrance, smiling at everyone.
"If you are ready, file in and we shall begin," said Dumbledore, turning to walk further into the Great Hall.
Ginny felt pressure on her elbow and looked down to see Harry's hand, nudging her along.
"Coming?" he asked as students began to gather and walk into the Great Hall.
Ginny nodded, feeling a warm tingle travel up her arm.
"Yeah."
Once through the doorway Ginny glanced around. The main hall was vacant of all tables and chairs, leaving behind a bare stone floor. Along one wall was a long rack of swords, all gleaming in the flickering lights of the wall sconces. The enchanted ceiling mimicked the fading evening sky as a light dusting of stars began to appear.
"We have decided to allow the students to try their hand at traditional sword fighting," said Professor Dumbledore, waving his hand to indicate the sword rack. "But first we shall have a demonstration in the fine art done by Captain Sparrow."
There was a light smattering of applause as Jack gave a bow, touching his fingertips to his forehead in a sweeping gesture before straightening again. His thumb grazed over the pummel of his own sword on his hip as he looked out over the crowd.
"Fear not, for we have charmed all of the swords so there will be no need to worry of injuries," said Professor Dumbledore. Professor Flitwick nodded excitedly, stepping up to stand by the Headmaster.
"That doesn't give invitation to act reckless and irresponsibly," added Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore smiled mildly, his eyes belying the amusement he held inside.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore said. "If you would. . . Captain Sparrow."
Professor Dumbledore motioned for Jack to step to the center of the room.
"Ahh, yes, thank you," Jack said, stepping forward. "Right then, let's get started, shall we?"
"Perhaps you should demonstrate with someone of your equal," Dumbledore suggested politely.
"Right you are," Jack said, looking around and catching Will's gaze. Will made to join Jack when Professor Snape brushed past him. Jack's grin broadened and took on a dangerous edge as the Potions professor briskly walked over to the rack of swords and chose one.
Several Slytherins grinned and nodded in to each other. Draco looked especially pleased as he elbowed Crabbe and nodded towards their head of house.
Snape took a few moments, testing the weight of the sword he had chosen before putting it back and picking up another. Deciding this was the one he wanted, Snape turned and walked back to the center of the room, facing Jack with a cold, set expression.
"You think this wise?" Jack asked mockingly as he raised his sword.
"Crossing blades with a pirate? I think I'll manage," answered Snape, bringing his own sword up to meet Jack's.
Jack grinned darkly and pressed forward moving his sword swiftly to catch Professor Snape off guard. Snape blocked Jack's attack easily. Jack moved again, appearing to test Snape and his knowledge of the sword.
Ginny looked away from the duel, catching Will staring over at her. He smiled before returning his attention to the duel. Harry stepped forward, blocking out Ginny's view of Will. She glanced up at him, not knowing if he had done this on purpose as his attention was riveted on Snape and Jack.
For several minutes the pair moved fluidly around the large open space as the students watched in rapt interest. Jack slowly side stepped, appraising Snape from head to foot.
"You know what you're doing, I'll give you that," Jack complimented.
"Just get on with it," Snape growled, keeping a close eye on his opponent.
"Well then. . ." said Jack, moving his sword quickly.
Snape stepped back, raising his sword just in time to block. Jack made a noise somewhere between a grunt and a growl and attacked. Short, testing moves gave way to intense battle as the two men concentrated on each other.
The room was silent for several minutes save for the clash of steel as Jack pressed Snape further backwards towards the rack of swords. Jack jerked back as Snape swished his sword, slicing the air where Jack's throat would have been just seconds before.
"So reminiscent, this is," said Jack, twisting his sword and catching Snape off guard. Snape's own sword went flying out of his hand and clattered loudly against the stone floor. "I wonder," Jack said, holding his sword against Snape's chest as he gave a quick glance down and back up again, meeting the Professor's stare as the Potions master panted for breath. "Eunuch?"
Snape furiously glared at the pirate and opened his mouth to reply when Professor Dumbledore spoke loudly over him.
"Well done, well done. Thank you Captain Sparrow, and Professor Snape for that highly entertaining and most entrancing display."
Jack inclined his head slightly, eyeing the angry Potions professor with a mocking grin before turning and striding back to stand beside Will.
"Now," Professor Dumbledore called and clapped his hand together, "who would like to be the first to try their hand at it?" The Headmaster glanced around at all the curious faces. "Remember, the swords are enchanted, so no harm will come to you. Come now -- anyone?"
Ginny felt Harry tense beside her as Will stepped forward, flexing his hands over his sword, which hung in its scabbard at his hip. Many hands went up into the air. On the other side of Harry, Ron's fist shot high above his head.
"I'll do it!" called a voice from the crowd. Draco Malfoy sauntered up to stand before Will. "I have a bit of a score to settle," he said, sneering at the pirate.
Will's jaw clenched and his nose curled in distaste as the two stared each other down. Professor Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and turned to a harassed looking Professor Snape. The Slytherin Head glanced out at Draco before jerking his head in approval.
"Very well then," said Professor Dumbledore, inclining his head and gesturing towards the rack of swords. Will's eyes narrowed as Draco carefully chose his sword. Once he found one that was suitable, Draco turned and held the sword up, appraising it closely. There was a collective gasp by several of the Slytherin females as Draco swished the sword and twirled it into the air before bringing it back eye level. Draco's focus traveled from the length of the steel blade to stare at Will, a cocky grin grew on the Slytherin boy's face.
Ginny felt her jaw clench as her hand subconsciously grazed her robe pocket, feeling the slender wood of her wand through the fabric; she balled her hand into a fist.
Draco strode to a halt a few feet away from the pirate and took what the students recognized as the dueling ready stance.
"Scared?" asked Draco.
Ginny felt Harry's arm jerk in response as he stood next to her.
Will didn't answer, instead he moved forward and struck quickly. Draco dodged, deflecting the unexpected blow at the last second. A smug smile played across Draco's face as he fought back.
"My father always taught that a Malfoy should be prepared for anything and be well trained in all the fine arts," said Draco, moving his sword to strike. Will easily blocked and moved as Draco swung his sword around.
"Your father apparently forgot to teach you manners," said Will, side stepping to avoid Draco's newest blow. Malfoy sneered and increased his aggressive attack.
Ginny glanced over to Jack as he stood with his arms crossed, closely watching the pair duel. Snape stood a few feet away on the other side of Professor Dumbledore, looking very sour.
"So, how was the littlest Weasley? Being a Muggle, I'm sure you don't mind her filth," Draco taunted.
Ginny felt a numbing jolt shoot through her. Harry plunged his hand into his robe pocket, his eyes blazing in fury and made to step forward, at the same time Ron snarled and balled his hand into a fist, looking ready to pummel Draco; both would have succeeded had it not been for Hermione grabbing a hold of them by the arm, hissing with her own anger. A few Slytherins chuckled in amusement.
"I'm gonna -- " Neville threatened from somewhere behind Ginny, as Dean and Seamus held him back, both casting dirty looks at Draco.
Ginny's head spun around to look back out at the duel as Will growled. Beyond them, Professor McGonagall was sternly talking to Professor Snape.
"You will not impugn her honor again!" raged Will.
Will assaulted Draco mercilessly in a continuous stream of blows, giving the younger boy almost no time to counter. Will's face was set in fierce concentration as he stepped forward, easily deflecting Malfoy's attempts to strike back. Draco's arrogant confidence slipped as Will steadily forced the Slytherin to step back further. Draco's eyes darted around him as Will continued with lightening speed, almost knocking Malfoy off his feet with a particularly hard blow. Will's grin was almost sinister in nature as Draco stumbled backwards towards a knot of Slytherins. In a flash Draco reached into his robes and whipped out his wand, hurtling a spell that caused Will's head to jerk back as he was spun sideways.
Ginny's hand flew up to stifle a shriek. There was an outraged cry from the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs alike as the Slytherins sniggered. Jack's arms dropped and his hand gripped the pummel of his sword.
"He cheated!" pointed Neville.
"Slytherin," Seamus spat.
Dean grunted and nodded in agreement.
"I told you Salazar was a pirate," said Luna Lovegood to Bion Alderley who shook his head, trying to see through the crowd to the duel.
Draco stood, panting, with his wand still raised. Will's hand flew up to his cheek as he remained bent.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall screeched, glaring at Professor Snape before turning back. Jack took a menacing step forward, slowly sliding his sword from its scabbard.
"Settle down everyone," Professor Dumbledore powerfully commanded.
"NO!" Will barked.
All became quiet as Will straightened. He took his hand away from his cheekbone to reveal a thin gash that slowly trickled bright red blood. Will glanced down at the blood on his hand for a moment before glaring back at Malfoy.
"You ignored the rules of engagement," Will growled, he swiped at his cheek once more.
"Win at any cost," Draco whispered mockingly.
"Mr. Turner, perhaps you should have Madam Pomfrey tend to that," suggested Professor McGonagall.
Will ignored her, staring darkly at Draco. Slowly he raised his sword again and nodded to Draco's wand.
"Put it away," he said in a dangerously low voice.
"I think I won't," said Draco.
Suddenly, Draco's wand flew out of his grasp and sailed into the waiting hand of Professor Dumbledore.
"The swords are charmed. . ." said Professor Dumbledore calmly with a slight nod of his head, his voice was tinged with stern anger. "Continue."
Ginny's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the two men fight to best each other. She didn't realize she was clutching Harry's arm until she felt his hand cover hers and gently squeeze it.
Will spun, swinging his leg out to kick Draco's feet out from beneath him. Draco fell; his sword skidding to a halt a few feet away. Will stood quickly and took the last remaining steps forward to close the distance between him and his opponent. Will towered over Draco, his sword tip pressed against the younger boy's throat, though no damage was caused by the enchanted blade.
"Never speak of her that way again."
Will's harsh whisper reverberated off of the ancient stone walls of the otherwise silent hall. Draco's eyes widened, staring at the treacherous looking pirate glaring down at him. He swallowed hard, casting his eyes around in search of help.
"That will do, Mr. Turner," Professor Dumbledore spoke quietly. "Miss Weasley, would you be so kind as to escort Mr. Turner to the hospital wing?"
Ginny nodded, stepping forward out of the crowd. Will gave Draco one last disgusted glance as he sheathed his sword and turned towards Ginny.
Draco angrily jerked his arms out of the grasp of the few Slytherins that were assisting him up from the floor. He scowled heavily as he tugged his robes into place. Ginny cast Draco a scathing look. Her attention was drawn back to Will as he reached up to wipe at his wound with the back of his hand.
"Let's get you to the hospital wing," Ginny said gently, taking Will by the elbow.
The crowd of students silently parted, watching the pair as they made their way towards the hall doors. Ginny glimpsed Ron and Harry, putting their heads together, looking furious. Before she exited the room she caught sight of Jack stepping over to speak to Professor Dumbledore, his expression set. Professor McGonagall was talking animatedly to Professor Snape as the doors to the Great Hall closed behind them.