...
The Slytherin Common Room was nearly silent. It wasn't empty. In fact it was filled with both Nightingale and Slytherin students working. Specifically the Nightingale students were encircled around a single table. Tom had tried to see what they were working on several times and was met with cold looks.
So Tom and his inner circle were sitting by the fire. A few were quietly talking amongst themselves. Abraxas and Regulus were also watching the Nightingale students. Curiosity filled Abraxas eyes but there was something else was in Regulus's eyes. Tom didn't trust the look in the youngest Black's eyes. He would have to keep an eye on him.
Tom was sitting with an open book on Ancient Runes in his lap. It was a book he had already read but no one else knew that. He used it as an excuse to pretend not to be studying his puzzle. That was what he considered Harrison, a puzzle. By all accounts he should be a Light Wizard with heavy Light mentality. He was raised by James Potter and the black sheep of the Black Family. Then again Sirius Black was proof that just because you were raised for a certain mentality didn't mean you would believe in it. Black who had been raised on believing in Dark Arts had Light mentality that equaled that of Albus Dumbledore. The difference was that Harrison had spent most of his childhood at a school few could attend.
As he was thinking this he felt grey magic in strength he hadn't felt before. Every magic sensitive member of the House head came up. Surprise and uncertainty was clear in their eyes. Even those that only had a small ability. Tom had called his wand out of the holster. Only the Nightingale students seemed unfazed even though he was sure they felt it.
Shadows began to form around the group of students. This caused those who were in the chsirs furthest from the fire to julp away. A unfamiliar snake began to form within the shadows. It was not a large snake only three and a half feet in length but Tom got the sense that it was dangerous. It had a green and black zigzag pattern and a triangular head signifying it was venomous.
A part of him wanted to speak to the snake and ask it why it was there. He didn't get the chance. Several of the Nightingale students stepped away allowing Harrison to come out. Green eyes were solely focused on the snake.
What would he do? It wasn't like he could speak Parseltongue. Tom was the last of the Slytherin Line.
Harrison greeted with a strange familiarity, "Ziggy it's only been a few days."
Ziggy? Who in their right mind named an obviously venomous snake such a childish name?
The snake hissed, $I wouldn't normally come to you with so many outsiders. There was no choice however. The goat man has called your brother in. They are going to make a challenge to you.$
A challenge?
Harrison's face darkened as he growled, "A challenge? You're sure Ziggy?"
Tom's mouth dropped open. Surely he couldn't understand the snake? It was impossible. The Potters didn't have any Slytherin Line connections.
$I wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure,$ snapped back the snake.
Harrison asked, "Is there anything else I should know?"
$The challenge is intended to be made as soon as you step out of the Common Room.$
Harrison nodded his head as he pulled out his wand. He conjured several large rabbits and recieved a muttered thanks from the snake. It bit each of the rabbits before disappearing with them into shadows.
To XIII, Harrison asked, "Be my second?"
XIII stood straighter his blue eyes were like ice as he said, "Of course. Battle Mage robes or regular?"
Excuse him what?
Harrison replied already heading for their dorms. Several of his Slytherins looked to him for guidance. They wanted to know if they could do anything to help them. He didn't know honestly. It was unlikely the young man he was trying to court didn't want his help here. Even more likely that he didn't need the help either. What should they do?
...
Harrison was already pulling off his robes and unbuttoned his shirt the moment he entered the shared dorm. Regular robes would not hold up in a duel. Especially if he decided to go all out. He had not decided on whether or not he would let loose. He wanted to be prepared either way.
Once his shirt was off he kicked open his trunk and switched it to the third compartment where he kept his Battle Mage equipment. XIII was across the room doing the same. A brief consideration was given before he grabbed his most recent robes. They had all of the patches indicating his rank and status. The most important being that he was the Leader of the Black Hawk squad. It's crest being a black hawk in the center with a grey background and a gold trim.
The shirt that went under the robes was a black regular look tshirt. Unbeknownst to anyone who was simply looking at it was enchanted. Weather proof, fire proof, resizing charms, and anti trnasfiguratiom. The final one had been added after the last Dueling tournament where his opponent with impeccable aim transfigured his shirt into venomous snakes. His pants were a similar style to that of muggle military fatigues. Plenty of pockets that could hold surprises. They had all the same charms on them as his shirt. Black dragon hide boots were laced up.
Harrison pulled out his CAD and tightened the straps. Flexing his hand to ensure it wasn't too tight he grabbed Fool's World. The card went straight into his pocket so that he could use it if necessary. Then he put on the robes adjusting them so the protective enchantments activated.
He brought his hand up and called, "Shock!"
The purple magic circle formed and sent lightning just as he wanted. XIII was running through his own warm-ups. Magic permeated the air thick with its power. Blue eyes looked up and he nodded. XIII was ready.
Then they headed out of the dorms and back into the Common Room. Tom was trying to get information out of his fellow Nightingale students. They were tight-lipped and refused to answer his questions. When he saw Harrison his eyes trailed up and down him appreciatively. An odd shiver ran down his spine.
What did that mean? No there was no time to think about it now. He went to leave the Common Room but Malfoy and Black put themselves between them and the door. Wands came out. He didn't trust Malfoy or Black.
That's when Riddle glanced over and snapped, "Malfoy, Black step back."
Malfoy did as he was told but Black hesitated. Green and grey eyes clashed as they stared down. There was something in those eyes. Riddle might have his underlings but Black was not one of them. If it wasn't keeping him from leaving Harrison would almost be impressed.
Then Black stepped away but he did not bow his head as others would have done. Riddle's eyes narrowed and his lips tightened in anger. Harrison did not wait to see what happened next instead choosing to slip out with XIII on his heels.
Without needing to say a word they began talking about practicing a "new" spell. They moved up the stairs towards the first floor. Almost as soon as they reached the first floor they were confronted by Jacob.
The angry 13 year old yelled loud enough that a few of the dozen or so students turned to look at them, "Harrison I challenge you to an Heir duel!"
