DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
A/N: For my own devious purposes I've completely changed the concept of dueling. My apologies if I manage to offend anyone.
Chapter 20 – When Panther Meets Lion
Ron sat completely stunned, mouth hanging open as the past few minutes of conversation flowed through his head. Harry had just challenged him to a duel, this was better then he had hoped for. The stupid fool had already exposed himself as the Ferret's familiar, so he may as well tromp his butt to finish the job. Ron grinned as he watched an enraged Harry threaten Dumbledore, wand pointed so steadily you could almost see the magic just waiting to explode from its tip. There was only one thing left for him to do.
"I accept." Ron's words rang through the hall, falling upon deaf ears as all eyes remained pinned on the head master and the boy-who-lived. He rose from the Gryffindor table slowly, sauntering around it as more and more eyes followed his progress. "I accept, you traitor!"
"I will not allow a duel to occur within my castle, Mr. Potter!" Dumbledore roared in a voice few had ever heard him use. The answering snarl torn from Harry's throat was more panther then human. His eyes flashed and his lips curled as he growled softly and watched the older wizard with the intensity of a hunting cat. The Slytherins behind Harry shifted uneasily, fingers gripping wands as their eyes roved over the staff table.
"I accept, you traitor!" The words rang through the hall, bouncing off the walls and ringing in the ears of the students. Harry closed his eyes and allowed a small smile to creep across his face before throwing back his head and laughing.
"Ah Ron, you were always too cocky for your own good." Harry purred, swirling around to face the Gryffindor, cloak sweeping out behind him in a cloud of silver. His eyes sparkled with happiness as he followed Ron's progress to the center of the hall.
"There will be no duel!" Dumbledore bellowed, fist slamming against the table before him causing the silverware and staff to jump in shock at his show of rage.
"With all respect Professor Dumbledore, you cannot stop this duel from proceeding." Hermione Granger announced, moving away from the Gryffindor table to stand where everyone could see her. "Wizard law states that once a duel has been accepted it must continue until the challenger declares satisfaction. Limits can be placed upon the duel itself but the actual accepting creates a binding contract between the challenger and the challengee. This contract will remain open until the challenger announces his satisfaction." A murmur raced through the hall and heads nodded in agreement, never before had a challenged duel been halted by someone other then the person being challenged.
"She's right Albus." Professor McGonagall murmured, eyes tearing as she watched the final wedge between the golden trio fall into place. "I believe it would be best to allow them to proceed. Whether its here or somewhere else, they will complete the contract. If they duel here at least we can intervene should something go wrong." She whispered, eyes resting on Harry as he paced back and forth before the Slytherins, eyes fastened on Ron. Dumbledore sank back into his chair, wand lowering as he raised a hand to his temple.
"I agree." He murmured, closing his eyes and rubbing at his forehead wearily. "I believe it is best if you take over Minerva…I don't quite feel up to it." Minerva nodded in agreement, rising from her place to address the school. Folding her hands before her, she peered out at the students who sat anxiously about the Great Hall.
"Mister Potter, we must accept the fact that you are going to duel Mister Weasley. However, my first concern is for your fellow students. If this duel is to occur, there must be certain boundaries set upon it." Professor McGonagall declared, narrowing her eyes as several students cheered. She glared at the offenders before turning her gaze to Hermione. "Miss Granger, I would like you to assist me in setting these boundaries, as you seem to have some knowledge of dueling."
"It would be a pleasure to help you Professor McGonagall." Hermione murmured, staring intently at Harry who had paused before the Slytherins. Emerald eyes glowing in satisfaction, he smirked slightly before nodding his head at her.
"Excellent, while you set the boundaries I shall ready the hall." McGonagall announced, calling several older students to assist her in preparing the Great Hall for the upcoming duel.
Hermione stood silently before Ron and Harry, eyes darting between them as she awaited their complete attention. When both wizards nodded at her, she began the delicate process of arranging the duel to their satisfaction.
"Both of you will need to choose your seconds to count the bloods. Also Harry, as the challenger, you must declare the blood." She announced, words seeming to ring through the hall as the rest of the school watched the proceedings in complete fascination.
"I declare Third Blood." Harry stated, peering directly into Hermione's eyes as she gazed at him intently. Emerald eyes became hooded as gasps at his declaration rang through the hall. Third Blood was one blood short of death and the one most rarely used. Hermione nodded her head in acceptance and turned her gaze to Ron.
"Please choose your second." She stated, lip curling slightly in disgust at the way he was watching her.
"Hermione Granger, will you be my second?" Ron purred, reaching forward to grasp one of her hands between both of his.
"I decline the offer." Hermione announced, chin rising at the sudden flurry of whispers racing through the hall. Ron's mouth fell open in shock, eyes bulging as Harry chuckled softly in glee. Ron turned to look at the Gryffindors standing around behind him, yet none would meet his eyes. His gaze searched the hall frantically for anyone who would second him, but finding no one willing to anger Harry.
"I will second you." The feminine voice rang through the hall. A path slowly cleared as students shifted out of the Slytherins way. Pansy Parkinson stood before the trio proudly, head thrown back in that pure blood way, eyes daring any too question her choice. Ron nodded in relief at having found a willing second. Hermione snorted, turning to look at Harry.
"Please choose your second." She murmured, raising an eyebrow as she peered at him. Harry smiled but shook his head, declining the silent offer.
"My second will be Blaise Zabini." Harry announced turning and gesturing at one of the Slytherins standing behind him. The Slytherin approached without question, leaning his head close to Harry's before nodding and rushing out of the Great Hall.
"That settles the seconds, now for the rules. There are only two rules to a Third Blood duel; you may not kill your opponent nor may you use the Unfogiveables." Hermione declared, watching as both wizards nodded their heads in acknowledgement.
"Is there anything else either of you would like to propose?" She stated, murmuring the final part of the dueling law.
"Yes, actually there is." Harry snarled, fangs flashing as his eyes took on a gleam only seen in the eyes of a hunting animal. "All wounds are to heal naturally. While magic may be used to set bones, no magic shall be used in the reparation of flesh." Mouths fell open at his words, shock evident on the faces of all who heard the proposal.
"Proposal accepted." Hermione whispered, eyes shining slightly with tears as she glanced at the pair standing before her. With a final nod to Ron, she dismissed him before turning her attention back to Harry.
"I'm sorry Harry," She whispered, holding her hand out before her, slipping him the note as he reached out and shook her hand gently.
"I know, Hermione." He grinned slightly as he looked down at her, "I forgive you, but that only means I don't hate you. It does not make me your friend." Nodding at the silent witch standing there in shock, he turned and waded into the Slytherins awaiting him.
Professor Snape marched along behind the two Slytherins leading him towards the Slytherin commons. Neither student had informed him of the urgency, but he assumed it was going to be fairly large considering the entrance Potter had made. He quickly entered the Slytherin dorms behind the pair, glancing about at the students sitting impatiently around the room. Blaise leapt up from where he had been sitting and raced towards him.
"Merlin's balls Professor! I was beginning to think you weren't coming!" He cried, latching on to Severus's arm and dragging him towards Draco's chambers. Opening the door softly, he pulled his head of house closer to the bed where Draco lay, shifting uneasily and whimpering in pain.
"What happened?" Severus asked, quickly assessing the condition of his godson.
"The Weasel jumped him in the hall. Draco said he attacked him without reason." Blaise explained, clenching his fists as he watched Draco moan beneath the gentle hands of his godfather.
"Ah, so that's what had Potter roaring bloody murder." Severus murmured, running his fingers over the large bump on the back of Draco's head. "He's got a concussion. That should be the worst of it, the rest is just minor cuts and scrapes. What?" He raised an eyebrow at the look on Blaise's face.
"You knew! You knew Damian was Harry?" Blaise gasped, eyes staring at the older wizard in shock.
"It was actually quite obvious." Severus murmured, shaking his head in amusement before ordering a young witch standing in the door way to go and fetch the potions kit from his office. Before Blaise could say anything else, the portal flew open and a young wizard stumbled in.
"Blaise! Harry wants you to second him in the Great Hall. He just challenged the Weasel to a duel and Dumbledore is allowing it!" He gasped, hands resting on his knees as he tried to recover his breath. The declaration caused a flurry of movement as all members of the house scrambled for the portal. Some students raced back to their rooms, returning with the green and silver flags they used at quidditch matches. Severus rolled his eyes before settling in to take care of Draco, ignoring the uproar in the common room.
Harry paced back and forth, eyes following the movements of Ron who stood at the opposite end of the hall. The four house tables had vanished, replaced by four sets of bleachers pressed tight to the walls. The bleachers were already crammed with students, some clutching Slytherin and Gryffindor flags while others seemed to be in a state of shock. He watched as Professor McGonagall moved to take her place at the head table, the only table that remained in place and the only other thing that had been left inside the warding. Strong warding spells had been placed around the bleachers in an effort to prevent students from stray spells as well as stop anyone form interfering with the duelers. Harry rolled his shoulders and snarled, causing shrieks to rise from the Ravenclaw bleachers.
"Harry."
Harry turned at the sound of his name, eyes following Blaise's path as he moved past the students waiting to claim a seat on their house bleachers.
"Blaise." He murmured, eyes searching out his prey once again.
"What blood have you declared?" Blaise questioned, eyes following Harry's to where Ron stood next to Pansy. "Pansy's seconding that bastard!"
"Third, and yes she is." Harry hissed eyes turning to emerald flame as he glared at the pair.
"Try and control Damian, Harry. Letting him loose will only get you hurt." Blaise stated, shaking Harry by the shoulder before stepping away and moving to take his place just outside the warding. "Good luck." He murmured, eyes trailing after Harry who had glided to the center of the hall.
Harry stood before Ron, staring into the other's eyes as he waited for the duel to be declared open. He watched as Ron shifted nervously, catching the smell of sweat and fear as the other wizard moved. Harry closed his eyes and purred, delighting in the scents that rose from the other boy.
"May I have your attention please." Professor McGonagall called, waiting as silence spread over the bleachers before announcing the specifications of the duel. "This duel is between Mister Harry Potter and Mister Ronald Weasley. It will be to the Third Blood, Miss Parkinson is seconding Mister Weasley and Mister Zabini is seconding Mister Potter. This duel is about an incident that occurred earlier this evening between Mister Weasley and Mister Malfoy. The challenge was given and accepted. This duel may be opened." She sat down slowly, eyes resting on the pair standing in the center of the hall
Harry saluted Ron with his wand, watching as the other wizard repeated the gesture. He rumbled softly as he turned his back to Ron and began the slow walk to the opposite end of the hall. Counting each step carefully, his ears listened for the sound of boots squeaking against stone as the other pivoted. The sound came suddenly, informing Harry that Ron had turned and was most likely aiming his wand at Harry's back. He lunged suddenly, rolling and rising back to his feet in a slick maneuver, allowing the spell to pass over the spot he had just been standing.
"How predictable Ron, to use expelliarmus. You really don't think I'll go that easy on you do you?" Harry taunted, eyes flashing in amusement as the other wizard stood with his mouth hanging open.
"Furnunculus!" Ron screeched, wand wavering as he pointed it at Harry.
"Protego." Harry muttered lazily, smiling as the spell struck his shield and dissolved. Raising Draco's wand, he laughed softly before casting his first offensive spell. "Sectumsempra!"
Ron squealed in pain as the spell struck, causing slashes to rise across his arms and face as his shielding spell fell beneath the attack. Harry stalked towards Ron who was cowering beneath the attack. "First Blood!" Blaise bellowed, wincing as he watched the cuts creep across the Weasel's flesh.
"Finite Incantatem!" Ron shrieked, stopping the assault and lying quivering upon the ground, feeling the cool trickle of blood run down his forehead.
"I honestly thought I'd trained you better then that." Harry mused, circling the downed Gryffindor with a smirk playing across his features. The bell attached to his collar tinkling as he shifted his head to better observe the wizard lying at his feet.
"Expelliarmus!" Ron roared, the stream of magic hit Harry and sent him flying threw the air in the direction of the head table. Harry watched as the wall sped towards him and couldn't help but smile as the silver cloak he wore blurred and seemed to wrap itself around him. For the first time since he had become an animagus, Harry shifted forms wearing clothes. He struck the wall paws first, using the momentum to push off, tail furiously twisting as he sought to correct his balance. He landed on the staff table with a gentle thump, growling loudly as he glared at Ron.
"No Blood!" Pansy hissed, angered at the thought that Harry had just escaped an injury which could have ended the duel.
The panther stalked along the top of the table, watching Ron scramble to his feet in an effort to get out of pouncing range. Damian lunged off the table and took several bounding leaps, dodging a hastily cast spell before slamming into Ron's right side. Bone crushing jaws wrapped themselves around the others knee and sank deep, tearing through muscle and ligaments, burying themselves in the bone itself. He shook his head, pulling at the limb in an effort to worsen the damage he had caused.
"Second Blood!" Blaise hollered, eyes meeting Pansy's across the length of the hall, smirking at the stunned look on her face.
Emerald eyes flashed brightly, glimmering against the black fur of the cat. Ron screamed, slamming his fist down against the panthers head with all his might, Damian let go of Ron's leg with a roar of pain. A single drop of blood slid from a gash above the panthers eyes.
"First Blood!" Pansy shrieked happily, giving Blaise the finger before chanting Ron's name and clapping her hands wildly.
Damian stalked away from Ron and with a light swirl, reverted to his human form. Black fur sliding back into silver cloak, Harry stood there pondering the situation for a moment before sighing softly.
"I suppose I should end this before I'm tempted to tear your throat out." Harry said, prowling around the edge of the warding while listening to the sound of Ron trying to pull himself to his feet. The students in the stands sat quietly, some eyes held tears as they whimpered over the violence they had just witnessed, and others held lust as they watched Harry Potter saunter along before them. He raised a finger and lightly stroked the bell hanging from his collar, his mind reaching out and grasping for Dracos. He curled a lip in anger when he encountered only darkness, snarling he turned back to look at Ron who stood shakily in the center of the Great Hall. Harry raised his wand slowly, eyes meeting Rons for a moment before he cast his final spell of the duel.
"Oppugno!" The silverware from the staff table was sent flying towards Ron, slamming into him with a crash. Ron was knocked off his feet by the force of the attack and forced to the ground where he remained, nothing more then a quivering heap of whimpering Gryffindor.
"Third Blood!" Blaise called, moving through the warding towards Harry who stood over the weeping Gryffindor with a look of pure pleasure on his face.
"I am satisfied." Harry purred, the contented look he wore sending whispers and gasps through the crowd who couldn't believe he could be so calm after so much violence. Nodding to the staff sitting quietly at the head table, Harry glided out of the hall, followed by the cheering crowd of Slytherins; many of which were still waving their flags madly.
Harry pushed past several Hufflepuffs standing just outside the door, rudely elbowing them aside. As soon as he was clear, he let the change rip through him. Silver cloak once again wrapping itself around his form, he allowed the panther senses to overwhelm him.. The panther raced through the halls of Hogwarts, ignoring any students who he happened to pass. His coat glistened when he passed through the beams of moonlight ghosting through the windows. Emerald eyes flashing as he sped towards his destination. When he reached the stairs heading into the depths of the dungeon, he pushed off and allowed himself to float through the air before landing with a light patter of paws. Trotting quietly down the hall to the entrance into the Slytherin dorms, he was surprised when the portal swung open before he reached it. Severus Snape stood in the center of the entrance, black eyes blazing as he glared down at the panther standing before him. Harry curled his lips and flashed his fangs in warning, surprised when Severus merely raised an eyebrow and stepped to the side, holding the wall back so the panther could enter the common room. Harry stalked by and quickly trotted towards the door to Draco's room, pausing when Severus spoke.
"He's been waiting for you." The older wizard whispered, still standing at the entrance. Harry turned his head, eyes looking at the other thoughtfully before he nodded his head. His ears heard the soft thud as the portal slid shut. Harry prowled to the door of Draco's chambers, rumbling softly as the door was hastily opened before him. The room was thick with shadows, the only light coming from a single candle perched on the nightstand. Stopping next to the bed, he looked into the pale eyes of Draco. A pale hand reached out and cupped the side of this head, drawing him closer to the bed.
"Where have you been?" Draco murmured, hand resting on the panther's cheek, smiling softly as the rush of magic whispered across his hand and Harry sat before him on the floor.
"Dealing with a little problem of ours." Harry muttered, raising a hand and brushing the hair off of Draco's forehead. Draco ran a finger along the cut over Harry's eye, frowning drowsily at the sight of fresh blood.
"You okay?" He whispered, eyes drifting closed as the potions Severus had given him began to sweep him under.
"Yes, never been better." Harry murmured, leaning forward and kissing Draco lightly as the other wizard sighed and slipped into unconsciousness. Rising from the floor, he quickly shed his clothes and climbed into bed next to the blonde, carefully wrapping an arm around Draco's waist. Harry closed his eyes and fell asleep with the scent of vanilla strong in his nose.
A/N: My thanks to the many people who reviewed the last chapter. I hope this was up to your expectations. Once again I thank everyone who took the time to review.
kaminoyami – Harry addressed Dumbledore as Albus a show of disrespect. Blaise brought Draco back to the Slytherin commons because he thought he would be safe there and the Slytherins are used to dealing with injuries.
Autumn – Yes, I'll need that luck to get through the next week.
hedwig11445 – Put the bond issue on the damage caused when Hermione forced Harry to change back.
Redmeadow – lol, I'd love to have Damian eat Hermione but I think I'm going to need her in future chapters.
LadyHekate – You may be hearing from me in the future.