Disclaimer: Anything you recognise from JK Rowling's works are hers…

Chapter Twenty One. A Lesson in Bullying; For Bullies

Euan and Leonis dressed hurriedly. Leonis did not miss the spark of anticipation in Euan's eyes or the excitement barely concealed in his movements. He could tell his uncle was jubilant and smug about his plan for punishing the bullies; he could also see Euan wanted to keep him on edge guessing for as long as possible what they were up to. Maverick slept through the whole commotion.

"Let him sleep, Leonis," Euan said as they tip toed noisily from the chamber. "You can thank him most profusely when we return."

Leonis grinned and glanced up at Euan. He had barely said two words since being changed back into a human. He felt he had a lot to think about. "Thank you for saving me," Leonis murmured shyly.

"Aye, well…" Euan rubbed the back of his neck. "Couldn't have Bedivere shoving you into a sack and drowning you now could I?"

Leonis shook his head. "I suppose not. I can't swim."

Euan laughed and led Leonis down the hall and into the grounds. They stopped by the kitchens back door and fetched a small break fast from the jubilant house elves. Leonis had a reputation amongst the excitable creatures for making their lives a tad bit simpler – so they were attached to Master Gryffindor.

Euan and Leonis ate in silence as they made there way to the Arena where they both knew Rourke would be waiting for them impatiently. Leonis felt nervous by the prospect of meeting his uncle in the Arena.

All Leonis knew about the Arena was that it was strictly forbidden to the younger apprentices. It was mostly the older boys that entered the area accompanied often by Slytherin's assistant teacher; Torrant Black or by his father.

A moment later they entered the Arena and Leonis took the opportunity to look around. They had entered through what looked to be a side door. Two paths separated into tiered seating a third lay straight ahead to an oval shaped impression.

Rourke stepped forward onto the oval shaped impression his sword was drawn. He struck the point into the sandy ground and picked another sword on a bench and examined it with his strong hands. Leonis had no doubt Rourke could crush his wind pipe with hands like his…

Leonis gulped nervously wondering if Euan had led him to his own demise. "Your Uncle Rourke is a skilled warrior. He may give the impression of being stern and dark but he is an excellent Swordmaster and patient teacher. Go to him and he'll explain," Euan whispered into Leonis' ear.

Leonis nodded as there was nothing else for him to do and strode shakily to where Rourke was waiting.

"Has Euan explained our meeting here?"

Leonis shook his head.

"Well you must remember me being here is a secret, understand."

Leonis nodded.

"Children such as yourselves are rarely taught by a Swordmaster… but seeing as you are my nephew and a Gryffindor… it can hardly be helped."

Leonis fought not to raise his eyebrows as he was thoroughly confused by his uncles' behaviour.

"Godric, Euan and I have issued a challenge to the Gryffindor boys on your behalf. They have accepted…as they would have had some sword training from their own fathers, I'm here to make sure you are at an advantage. None of their fathers are as highly trained or well thought of as I."

"You want me to fight Bedivere, Covington and…."

"You will be challenging Bedivere and his company, yes. I am here to make sure you are well versed enough to kick their sorry behinds back to their comfortable country estates."

Leonis jaw dropped.

"If you beat them; which I'm sure we will. Their fates lie with the decision of the founders of the school of which your father is one. If you lose well… they won't be expelled but I'm sure Magister Slytherin has thought of something nasty as a back up plan."

"You want me to fight them?"

"No you'll have your choice of victim," Rourke said glancing down at his nails.

"But I'm the third of their size! They'll smear me into the ground again."

Rourke tilted his head back and laughed. "Your size, Leonis, could be your best advantage. Any particular victim in mind?"

Leonis thought for a moment and although his name only brought dread into his stomach he nodded. "Bedivere…"

Rourke smiled evilly before becoming businesslike once more. "Of course, wise choice. Bedivere is good, well drilled in the movements. He lack however creativity and initiative. He will come at you in an offensive and has no fear. However his disadvantage could well be his size. He often will not move his stance or move quickly. We can out smart him I dare say… now en guard!"

Rourke threw the hilt of a sword at Leonis which he caught deftly. Rourke bowed slightly. "Let's begin shall we."

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"I heard of your challenge to Bedivere. The whole school is talking about it."

Leonis turned around and smiled as he saw Isah leaning lazily on a statue. He hadn't seen his friend since the fateful day in the forest.

"Are you in serious trouble with your father?"

Isah raised his eyebrows incredulously. "No. I told him of the mutual benefits and how it suited me greatly to befriend the bastard son of his friend."

"In other words you told him you were using me."

"What else could I tell him?"

"Is it true?"

"Now you're challenging me."

"I'm serious. Am I just a tool for you," Leonis demanded slightly, "So if I break it does not matter?"

Isah shook his head. "If you were just a tool for me would I have stayed with you in the forest?"

Leonis smiled sadly back. "I'm sorry."

Isah snorted uncharacteristically. "I suppose you're a little on edge after all."

"Only so that I can kick Bedivere's sorry but out of Hogwarts."

Isah laughed coldly. "Yes. The whole school is anticipating the clash with baited breath. Most Slytherins hope you give him what is coming to him."

"I'm working on it," Leonis replied grinning.

"What are you up to son of Gryffindor?"

"It's a secret. I cannot speak of it."

"Hhmpf! Keep your secrets then."

"Then I shall."

Isah and Leonis parted ways and Leonis made his way through the grounds to the Arena to meet with Rourke. It was the third day of training with his uncle all was going well even though Rourke never forgot to mention how privileged he was to be given individual attention by a Swordmaster (and a Gryffindor Swordmaster too!).

Euan, normally watched and cheered Leonis on and added pointers, was waiting by the entrance with another man Leonis did not recognise.

Leonis hung back not wanting to intrude but Euan called him over. "This is Leonis," Euan said presenting Leonis to the stranger.

Leonis looked up into warm chocolate brown eyes. The man before him was wearing long emerald robes with gold fastenings. His beard was well trimmed and his lips curled into a friendly smile.

"Leonis, his lordship, the Duke of Normandy," Euan continued and then added, "Adonis' father."

It was unnecessary. Leonis knew very well who Adonis' father was. The Gryffindor boys never let him forget.

"Milord," Leonis said with a bowed head.

The duke grasped Leonis' chin with his thump and lifted the boys head so that their gazes met.

"It is a pleasure to meet the nephew of my esteem colleagues. I've worked extensively with just about all your uncles I believe. Your father I've only had the pleasure of meeting today… I heard of the crimes committed against you by my son. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive my failure."

Leonis was astonished. "You have not wronged me, milord. In time I think I should be able to forgive Adonis but I'm still angry, lord."

The duke nodded his head. "I understand." He turned to Euan. "Pleasure Swordmaster as usual…"

Leonis and Euan watched the retreating form of the duke.

"He was here to have a say on Adonis' fate," Euan said answering Leonis silent questions. "As a gentleman and the son of a duke and such an influential duke at that there are certain standards to be kept. Adonis has embarrassed his clan by his misdeeds. On his father's instance he has been expelled."

Leonis blinked. "The Duke of Normandy asked for his own son to be expelled."

"And Godric agreed," Euan added.

"Of the four he is the one who has done the lesser evil. If Forbes, Bedivere and MacKinely aren't expelled that would be hardly fair!"

"It was the duke's choice."

Leonis merely nodded before he turned into the Arena where Rourke was waiting with barely concealed impatience. "Then I better make sure I beat Bedivere tomorrow."

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Most Gryffindor and Slytherin students crowded into the Arena to watch the spectacle that would unfold between Leonis and Mortimor.

The morning sun rose over the Forbidden Forest bathing Godric and Leonis in a pale gold light as they stood to the side entrance. Godric's hand was on Leonis' shoulder. "I'm proud of you no matter what happens in there," Godric said.

Leonis looked down at his blade then to his father. "I know."

"I think Rourke secretly enjoyed training you despite his grumblings about teaching babes."

"I'm young still father."

Godric gripped Leonis shoulder. "Then you shall be my babe-in-arms," he laughed but it was without mirth.

"I will be fine, father," Leonis replied firmly.

"Spoken like a true Gryffindor," a gruff voice interrupted.

Both Godric and Leonis whipped around to see old Laird Gryffindor being led by Maverick and flanked by the other five of his sons.

"Father?"

"Close your mouth Godric. I've heard of this famous Leonis Gryffindor's duel with one Mortimor Bedivere I thought I would watch." Laird Gryffindor straightened his robes and then clapped Leonis' shoulder. "You make sure you win, boy."

Leonis wordlessly nodded as his grandfather passed him with most of his sons. Godric was dragged away by Euan. ("Leave him be with his Swordmaster…") And Rourke stood stoically by Leonis' side.

"Remember what I taught you," Rourke murmured as he heard Mortimor being introduced along with the charge against him. "Hold your head up high. You've nothing to be ashamed of."

It must have been the first time Leonis saw Rourke smile encouragingly at him. He didn't have time to think that over as he was now being introduced as the challenger.

"Thank you for everything," Leonis said as he strode into the Arena with his sword outstretched out in front of him.

The first thing Leonis noticed was how crowded the Arena was and… silent. On the other side near the front he could see his whole clan and Mortimor Bedivere leering at him in the shadows.

Leonis unconcernedly took off his cloak and handed it to the attendant; his eyes never left the face of his foe, who was mirroring his actions.

Two blades were raised in a salute and they stepped slowly towards each other. Mortimor fanned out to his left. Heart beating in anxiety Leonis mirrored him as they came slowly closer together in decreasing circles.

"Let Mortimor be the first one to strike…"

Rourke's voice came back to Leonis and he settled his nerves. He knew Rourke knew exactly what he was talking about.

Mortimor's war cry warned Leonis in plently of time the offensive had began. He blocked with easy, swivelled on his heel and resumed as ready position his sword raised… waiting for Mortimor to strike again.

"Build up his confidence let him think that you are a weak opponent."

Mortimor swung again and Leonis dodged and pulled back startled by the nasty jeer on Bedivere's face.

"Ignore all distractions. Body movements and the sword is what you need to concentrate on."

Mortimor's third offense was greeted the same by Leonis.

"Is the bastard afraid of confrontation? Not so courageous now."

"Ignore anything spoken. Do not speak. It is a distraction."

Mortimor's fourth offence however was intercepted by a flurry of sword movements. Leonis' blade swept cleanly through the air. Steel met steel. Leonis moved with ease. Mortimor was grinning he maintained an offensive battle but he did not move his feet.

Leonis dodged a swipe at his head and feinted left and went right.

Mortimor growled and followed Leonis path but with minimal movement.

"Stay still so I can take your head off, bastard," Mortimor snarled. "It would be less painful for you in the long run." Oblivious to the fact Leonis was blocking him with easy movements and seemed to be enjoying teasing him.

Leonis confidence was growing with each failed attack of Mortimor's. The time was coming for him to exchange the roles. But he would do it only in his time.

Leonis scurried back as if retreating. He threw his sword up and changed to his left hand and started to attack with face precise movements.

"Mortimor has trained for a right handed swordsman and a poor one at that. He will be put off guard when you change hands… he has no creativity he won't be able to change his pattern of attack quickly. This is your advantage. Attack hard, quick he won't stand a chance. Don't give him chance to think."

Leonis was grinning he could feel cool sweat on his body. His movements flowed in quick succession. He wanted to laugh at the fearful look on Mortimor's face. The other boy was quickly loosing any confidence.

"If you must speak to your enemy do so when he is completely wrong footed."

Leonis saw a break in Mortimor's defence and tapped the sides his opponent's feet before coming back for a lightening speed attack.

"Move your feet," Leonis jeered.

Mortimor stumbled and landed heavily onto his backside. Leonis' sword was on the white of his neck in seconds. The smaller boy kicked the sword away.

"I'm not afraid of you, Mortimor," Leonis said loudly so everyone could hear. "And I will never be again."

Leonis stepped away from the scowling boy but kept his sword unsheathed.

"The school council would ask the victor what he would have done with the losers of the challenge."

Leonis turned and saw that the four founders had all stood in their places. It had been Lady Ravenclaw that had spoken. The crowd was hushed waiting for Leonis' reply.

"Expulsion," Leonis replied gravely. "I would ask for expulsion."

"Granted," Slytherin sneered indicating to the attendants who escorted Forbes, Bedivere and MacKinley from the Arena.

"Well done," said a voice in Leonis ear.

Now grinning like a madman, Leonis came face to face with Rourke. He went to hand the sword back.

"No," Rourke said firmly closing Leonis' hands over the hilt. "You have earned your sword."

Leonis looked up to see for the second him his uncle smiling at him. "Thank you."