Hello! Sorry for the delay in bringing the latest chapter up. A couple of apologies first.
1) Below is a cliffhanger- in the parlance - 'cliffy' - It wasn't really intentional - time and circumstance dictated. To be more precise - We are now caught up with what I have typed so far. With the holidays it (American Thanksgiving- turkey was great thank you very much), and other things I'm behind on my writing.
The "good news" (I can't believe I just typed that!) The good news is I've been laid off, and so will have more time to write. As long as I can pay the electric and internet bill - this should give us more time.
2) If you're expecting a big battle - forget it. No way would a clear headed McGonagall and Flitwick want to battle a couple of 15 yr olds. But there will be others soon I expect.
A guest commentator asked: Wait, did Mr. Bole end up liking what he was compelled to do under specific circumstances, without being in those circumstances?
A fair question- Mr. Bole - like any other red blooded male- began to think if it is going to get him the attention of some young ladies - then it is a good thing. Whether the compunction on him was a lasting one or not - I'll leave up to the reader. I at this point have no plans to expand on that - but since this is going to be a looong multipart story- who knows - You're suggestions are appreciated.
To continue - Look for the pizza soon, some more fun with Percy the prat, and another "goody" I've been thinking about.
Omake- my google translator - says this means sauces. It may or may not have anything to do with the plot. This one is more of a minor rant.
Lastly - thank you to all of you, Mr. Beta - Rob4133 (read his tales, good stuff there). Please comment both positively and negatively-So we know how we are doing.
bob
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Earlier that morning.
Luna's dreams were normally of two or three different kinds. Her favorites are where she travels down the road of possibilities and pinging back and forth between two or three different ones. She likened it to that silver ball she saw that bounced back and forth between two bumpers making bells ring and lights flash. Very fun, very distracting. She also had the dreams where she was on a ship. She stood at the prow of the ship and followed that path of a life. Most times this was okay, she invariably learned something from the person, whether male or female in that other reality. But it could be boring too. The few times she didn't like where this person was steering their life, she would order the captain to fire a broadside. This always jerked the person awake with a nasty migraine and removed her from the dream. She always smiled sweetly when someone told her they woke with a severe headache. Luna always asked, "annnd... have you been good?"
Last night it was the former type of dream. A lot of fun, but sometimes she just didn't remember who she was. She could more easily remember the two she visited. In this case, two ladies, one whose name was Theresa Bornstein and the other was Evanna Lynch. (A/N 20 imaginary house points if you can identify these ladies).
Harry was gone, which wasn't unusual. He always woke early to "greet the sun" as he called it. Whether there was a sun showing or not. She wondered if he could greet it, when he couldn't see it. Very confusing.
Normally he was the one who reminded her exactly who she was, being a drifting seer was so hard! 'Mione was always a bit difficult first thing in the morning.
Her pretty love was lying on her back softly snoring her brown locks had done their usual job of tangling itself. She knew she was going to hear her swear softly while she brushed it, even though she still chastised everyone else for swearing.
She needed to remember everything bout herself, dithering around think about Hermione's hair was fine but she didn't feel like waiting. Straddling Hermione, she gently rocked up and down on the girls which were barely visible through the thin shirt. "Hermione. C'mon 'Mione wake up. Who am I?"
"Not now Luna. I'm trying to sleep." She refused to open her eyes.
"I know I'm Luna, but who am I?" Her pushing on Hermione's chest got a little more forceful. "'Mon 'Mione. Get up. Who am I?"
Sleep was impossible now. Her eyes opened, this time with a bit of fire. "Someone who will die if you don't leave my boobs alone!"
"Silly 'Mione. You won't kill me. You love me. We gotta see Harry. He needs us. He is still angry."
"Harry needs us?" She jumped out of bed and ran to the adjoining loo.
"I'll ask someone else. Maybe they'll tell me who I am."
Luna wandered down to the small informal dining room. Being winter, Augusta kept the manor warm. She was just old enough that the cold began to creep into her bones. A few extra degrees helped fight that.
Barefoot, dressed in her shorty shorts saw Harry sitting on one of the more comfortable chairs. He had a towel that he had used to wipe the sweat off of him. He had planned on having a cuppa before showering. His eyes were closed and he didn't open them until Emma spoke. "Good morning."
Brightly as always with her dreamy smile, she answered, "Good morning mum. Who am I?"
"Umm Luna, did you forget something?"
She shook her head negatively. "No. I don't think that's right. It's close but...," remembering a game show she saw, "Thanks for playing! Shall we try our next contestant?"
Harry smirked, "I'm almost sorry we ever showed you television Luna."
"Harry!" She yelled hopping on his lap. Once more hurting the boys. She kissed him soundly as Hermione came down the stairs, while Dan and Neville walked in from outside.
"Good morning Nevy! Good morning Daddy Granger. Who am I?"
"Luna, did you forget your shirt?"
"Ahnnt!" She said imitating a buzzer. "That's close to what Mum said. Doesn't anyone know who I am?"
Harry pulled her closer. "Luna love, come here. I'll tell you." She leaned in and he whispered in her ear before kissing her.
"That's right! You always know don't you Harry?"
"Of course. That's my job."
"What's your job?" Hermione asked sitting down before pouring some tea for herself. She was going to need several cups quick, fast, and in a hurry, if she was going to get Luna's nargles out.
"Oh Luna forgot who she was again."
"That's better than waking up mad at everyone."
Augusta and the other girls came in together as Emma asked, "Why doesn't Luna have a shirt?"
"I have a shirt. I have a lot of them. Dobby brought all of my clothes last night."
All the teens smirked while Emma pinched the bridge of her nose and squeezed her eyes shut tightly.
As Dobby's name was mentioned, he popped into the room. No one thought it strange that he poured himself a cup of coffee before popping to the windowsill and watched his family this morning.
With exaggerated patience she asked, "I meant, why don't you have a shirt on?"
"Oh! That's easy. I'm not cold."
"Luna." Lady Augusta thought she would give it a shot. "Young ladies don't go around showing their assets."
"What? Is there a hole in my pants?" She said jumping up and trying to look at her own rear end. Everyone was chuckling, shaking their head.
Neville said quietly, "Pure Luna."
She was about to drop her drawers to look in them when Tracey stopped her. "She means your boobs Luna honey."
Luna was genius level but this was one thing that she could never understand. "But Harry is showing his assets."
"Harry doesn't have assets he's a man. They don't have... breasts." Augusta just couldn't bring herself to say boobs.
"Sure he does. see?" She said manhandling Harry and her own breast. They're the same only mine are bigger, a little anyway."
"Merlin, Morgana, and Maeve. Give me strength, this child," she prayed.
Emma thought she would take another crack at it. "Luna you know that breasts are used to feeding babies, right?"
"What?" Dobby asked. "What happens if you have more than," he counted real quick, "four babies?"
"Well, the babies will have to take turns."
"Dobby if there a lot of babies some parents hire a wet nurse to help feed and care for them," Augusta supplied.
"Can breasts feed a lot of babies?"
Everyone was confused now. It wasn't in Dobby's nature to make fun of anyone. They knew he was earnest, but the questions were confusing.
It depends. A lot of babies would need a lot of milk and a lot of love. It's hard work taking care of little ones. Why do you ask?"
He didn't answer her question. Instead, he said, "Master Harry sir I needs to spends a lot of Gaellons."
"Care to tell me why?"
His head was shaking back and forth so fast, Harry thought something was going to fly off. "No Master Harry sir. It be something House Potter and House Longbottom will be needing."
He shrugged, "You've never lead me wrong Dobby. Nearly killed me a few times but even that was for a good cause. We trust you. Just tell me later okay?"
"Yes Sir Master Harry. Youse the greatest wizard." He was still complimenting him as he disappeared.
Luna had a secret smile and once more turned her attention to her love. Time for phase two. "Harry?"
"Yes Luna?"
"Grow your hair. Please? For me?"
Hermione spit her tea back into her cup. "What? You know it doesn't work that way."
"'Mione. We've never seen Harry get a haircut. If he can keep it short, then he can grow it long." She finished triumphantly.
Hermione moved her chair closer to her mates and rested her chin on her hand. After a few seconds she agreed. "She's right. I never noticed. Harry, we want to see your hair longer. Let's start with down to the middle of your back."
The others picked at their breakfast as they enjoyed the morning show. Both of the older women decided to have a private word with Luna later after they've had plenty of alcohol to help.
To the younger ladies, Hermione asked, "Don't you think he would look good with longer hair?"
"Nev," Harry started looking to deflect attention.
"Don't look at me mate. I don't care how long your hair is. And for your information, I have to get regular haircuts."
"Not any longer," Daphne and Tracey said not quite in stereo.
"I'm not sure how to do that." Harry finally answered Hermione and Luna.
"We'll write Dora and ask her for tips. Then we'll work on your breasts."
"My what?"
"Breasts. If you can grow your hair long, then you can grow boobs, and change your nail length and hair color. It'll be a lot of fun!" She exclaimed getting into it.
Further conversation was interrupted by an owl flying in and presenting its leg to Harry.
He was going to offer it a piece of bacon, but Hedwig came in barking angrily and scared the other owl away. She stood on the table in the exact spot the other one was in and barked at the retreating coward. She then took the bacon from Harry and yelled at him for a time.
"What was I supposed to do? I was just thanking him. It's only polite."
She cuffed him gently a couple of times understanding, "He's just a human after all. He just doesn't understand owls."
Before Hedwig flew away, Harry asked him. Feel like taking a quick trip to Gringott's? I'm sure Dobby's got it under control but I just want to be sure."
Hedwig was bobbing her head up and down. And stood patiently while he wrote the note out.
He was beginning to fold it when Hedwig interrupted him. "Prek," "Bark!" She yelled at him. Nipping at his finger.
"What?" He was confused and reread it. "It's all here. I signed it see?" He said pointing to the note.
Everyone watched while Hedwig's head moved left to right reading it. She shook her head 'no', and once more "barked" at him. Taking pity on him, she nipped him again. This time directly on his head of house ring.
Sheepishly he applied the indent of Potter head of house ring.
"Good thing he has three smart girls looking after him." Dan chuckled.
"And I need all three of them to keep me in line," he answered while stroking her feathers just the right way.
After Hedwig finished Harry's bacon, she took off after a final affectionate nip at his finger.
Harry finally got a chance to read the note before passing it to the girls. "It's from Cedric," Hermione said for everyone else. "It's very terse. It says that he is only paying back the debt in similar fashion. He tells Harry to take a bath with the egg and finishes saying that he still considers him a cheater and not to interfere with him in the second task. He signed it, 'Cedric the real Hogwarts champion."
Harry sighed, he had forgotten everything for a few minutes. "Oh well," he thought, "back to work."
"I'm going to take a bath, anyone want to come?" Hermione and Luna jumped up to go with him.
She didn't show it, but Luna was a little miffed. "The milk thing went as planned, but by Morgana's left nipple that letter pisses me off." She ranted silently. "I've been saving that Metamorphmagus for a special occasion. If I'd been a little more patient, all I had to do was wait on the mail."
She was so incensed with events she didn't realize some of what she thought bled to her loves. They could sense her mood so gave her a little extra attention; which always brightened her day.
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Ron followed after the Centaurs as best he could. Hs previous comments got a couple of strange looks towards him, but naught else.
After another 45 minutes of tripping, falling, and swears. He found himself in a clearing. The difference was immediately felt and seen. He could tell there was strong magic here. Before the cold winds and deep snow hampered him. It was only after they had arrived did he notice that the three males were barechested, and seemed unaffected by the cold.
The large clearing had several dozen huts. They were high with wide doors. There was no snow on the ground and in fact, he was immediately overheated from his warm furs.
Firenze stopped to talk to him while Bane and Trell moved at a leisurely pace to the largest hut.
"We will wait here while they brief Magorian, our leader."
Noting him removing his outerwear, he continued, "Our magic keeps us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But the only adult males have that magic. Colts and females require covering." He couldn't help but smirk a little at this.
Ron missed the smirk completely. He thought Firenze was being friendly. He looked for a place to put his furs. But opted for a patch of grass. "I don't see many around?"
He had been trying to see everything. There were a few males in the village, no lady horses, and kids.
"The mares and colts were warned that a stranger was near. They are seldom seen except by others of the village." Trying to assure the young wizard he wasn't being snubbed, he added, "It's our way."
Further conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Magorian. Massive arms, girded with bands of gold. His clear blue eyes were penetrating and he stood a massive 21 hands high. Without meaning to his voice boomed, "I am told that you are an emissary. A bridge to us from Hogwarts. What is your name?"
"I am Ron. I am ..."
"Yes, yes you could be a roan. I see that. And you are called Ronnie?"
"My mother calls me that, yes." He was suddenly nervous and started to stutter a few words. He wasn't even sure what an emissary was. So he decided to go with what Hermy and Looney told him. They loved him after all. "I was told to tell you, I am the mayor-bridge. Venus must rise and it must rise in me!"
It was easy to look at his feet. Magorian's eyes were penetrating, making him very nervous.
"But why you? Why must you do this?"
"Because, because... I can't go back!" Tears were in his eyes. "Luna and Hermione said that I have Centaur blood. I, ... T can shoot as well as a Centaur and something else about my pants, that I didn't understand. Something that would make me wanted by you."
"Wanted by me? I have a mate!"
"Everyone should have more than one mate. The more mates you have the more important you are."
Magorian scratched his chin in thought. Some of what he said made sense. A powerful leader such as himself should have many mares. Everyone knew the more mares one has determines their standing in the herd. The fact that a human male had offered himself as a mare was very disturbing. It was only because of his years as a leader that kept him from rejecting the idea outright. But the thought of him with a human, ugh... disgusting. But if these two seers were right then the stars may demand it of him. And his sternest duty was to protect the herd, no matter how repulsive the thought.
"Bring him to the range. Let us see if he can draw a bow."
A short walk later brought them to another clearing. This one had clearly defined targets a distance away.
"Provide Ronnie the roan mare with a bow."
Ron was handed a bow and notched an arrow. Gauging the distance, he marked there was no wind for the shot to drift. He pulled back the arrow to aim... And failed. He pulled again, The bow was too much for him.
The others saw his plight. Bane remarked, "Wizards are not strong of arm. They are weak."
Ron was incensed at this, but since he couldn't draw the bow, knew better than to say anything.
"Here," Trell said handing him another bow and arrow. "Try this. It will be more to your liking. Quickly Ron drew back and put three arrows on target. Two dead center, the other an outer ring.
Magorian asked Trell, "Why the mare's bow?"
Trell shrugged. "He is the bridge-mare. Should he not have a mare's bow?"
"It is disgusting!" Bane snarled.
Magorian had decided. If this is ordered by the stars then to ignore it is foolish to the extreme. It does us no harm to keep him as an unmarried mare." To Ron he asked, "You are unmarried?"
Ron turned bright red. He didn't know what being married or not had to do with being a mayor.
Seeing his hesitancy, Magorian repeated more gruffly, "Ronnie the roan. Are you a virgin? Are you unsullied?"
If possible his face turned even redder and once more he found his boots to be very interesting. Finally, as they waited for an answer, he said in a soft voice, "Yes Lord Magorian, I've not been with anyone. I am unsullied."
"Until we get an answer from the stars, we will treat him as I said. House him as an unmarried mare. Treated and dressed as any other."
"Do you accept these terms Ronnie the roan?"
Magorian had spoken, no further arguments presented.
Ron realizing he wouldn't die or be forced back to slavery, he gratefully replied, "Yes thank Lord Magorian. I am thankful. I look forward to being treated like an unmarried mayor."
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More than one goblin stopped talking in midsentence when Dobby opened the doors and walked in.
He waited patiently for the first available teller. Dobby saw the guards fingering their weapons. It only made him stand taller.
When it was his turn, the gruff goblin growled, "State your business elf."
Dobby looked at goblin that was trying to intimidate him. "Dobby be listening. You not barky barky with that last witchy. Buts you be growling at Dobby like a bad doggy. You bees new or member of grovel clan?"
He was still growling, "That's Clan Gravel."
"I's not have time for whiny puppy. I needs to see Bloodbringer."
"Bloodbringer is an important Goblin. If you need to pull funds from your master's account I will do it for you."
"Is have business for Mr. Bloodbringer. Not you. Are youse breaking our deal?"
The irritated goblin motioned to a guard to remove the elf, and was surprised when the guard growled "No!" To any other human, it would have sounded like a growl, but this was all done in their native tongue.
Instead of a guard, two senior tellers behind the gilded cage immediately descended on the teller. More growling and the teller's face grew angrier and then blanched outright.
One of the two senior teller's said, as politely as goblin's could speak, "Gringott's regrets the inconvenience, but this window is temporarily closed."
The unnamed teller led Dobby through the labrynth. The teller kept trying to rush. Dobby seeing this deliberatly slowed.
The teller looked both angry and afraid. He had no idea that there was an elf that could make every teller there act out of fear. Even if they hid it well.
The teller further blanched after being told to enter, he saw BLoodbringer, one of the most respected goblins of any tribe. A certainty for the next vacancy in the council for Clan Black Rock. Humans would call the clan Obsidian; he saw Bloodbringer stand up and greet Dobby as a friend.
"On behalf of Gringott's I apologize for Wictless. He was out of the country and only recently returned, he did not know that you had your own account."
Dobby waved it away, I's had no time for Mr. Witless. I's have a problem and I may need to call in one of the favors Gringott's owes."
Bloodbringer couldn't help but smile, the two most hated members of Gravel both ran afoul of Dobby. It couldn't be a coincidence that both of them had names that humans would find amusing, the only thing Bloodbringer was unsure of is whether Dobby knew that he had already found the funniest derivation. If Potter and Longbottom found the name of the teller... Smalldirk was still unable to find employment. Too weak to be a soldier, and the dragon pens were clean for the first time in centuries.
...So I need some cows and someone to take care of them, milk milk, and clean. And I also needs to find someone to help feed the elf babies."
"Does Harry and Neville know about this?"
Dobby shook his head nervous. "Misty and Winky tricked mistress 'Mione and the told me. No ones told Master Harry and Nevy."
"Well the kids are young and they have a lot to handle. Why don't we take care of this? Of course, since this is a lot of galleons and an agreement that affects House Potter, we'll have to find some way to get Harry to authorize all of this."
Speak the words and... Hedwig chose that moment to fly to Bloodbringer's desk and stick out her leg. He quickly read the note, "Dobby has complete authorization to act as needed for House Potter."
Speaking directly to the bird, "You know how highly he speaks of you. I see that you reminded him to use his head of house ring."
Hedwig "barked", proud of herself.
He continued, "I'm not even sure how you managed to get here. Only Gringott's owls are allowed to go directly to the goblin offices. There's a confundus spell so that all other owls drop their message at the sorting desk."
Hedwig "barked" and followed it with a "Prek".
Dobby translated, "She said she is not other owls. She does what Master Harry wants."
Surprised, he asked, "You understand her?"
Dobby nodded, " She is Master Harry's familiar. I is bonded to Master Harry. I knows what she means."
Hedwig "barked" one last time, nipped Bloodbringer' finger playfully before taking flight.
He got serious. "I've been thinking about your situation. I'll have to bring it to the council for approval, but I think I have an answer to your dilemma."
He smiled roguishly before continuing. "I know of two Goblins that are unable to find employment, and I imagine we can find a third if needed. They will take an oath to serve House Potter and Longbottom interests for the next ten years. House Potter and if needed House Longbottom, will be required to pay the man an agreed upon wage. They will help care for the babies and the cows and all other duties."
Dobby said darkly, "Theys cants be growly growly with my elf babies!"
Bloodbringer smiled, "That will be part of their oath. We'll need to move on this quickly if we want to have everything in place. How long is the gestation period for elves?"
"Huh? What be gestashon?"
"How long are elf ladies pregnant for before the baby is born?"
"Oh! Nine to twelve months. If the magic bes strong 12. If average elf baby nine."
"Well we'll get right on this. Now to find a third voluntold, hmm."
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Harry came down the stairs, as angry as he had ever been. "Damn it! No! He's screwed with me since I was two years old. I can take it when it's me. But not you. Neither one of you.
Hermione and Luna were running after him. Hermione had the stray thought that for the last week or so all they ever did was to chase after him.
"Harry you know it's going to be fine," Luna voiced calmingly.
Hermione took over, "They wouldn't dare harm us. You have too much political power."
Everyone had gathered to listen to the exchange, "What's going on now?" Dan asked for the group.
He spit the doggerel verse out. "They're going to kidnap either Luna or Hermione. I won't stand for it."
Everyone moved to a small comfortable den where Mike passed out tea and coffee.
Everyone's opinion was expressed in haphazard fashion extending the conversation and Harry's pain.
"It comes down to this Lord Potter," she said his name purposely. "You have no choice in the matter. You need to participate or lose your magic. Would you willingly let anyone else put themselves in danger? Your ladies as I understand it are eager to help and have a bond with you that may help."
Neville had been the quietest of everyone. While his grandmum had been speaking he had unobtrusively left only to return a short time later with a book.
Harry had slowly been calming down. It didn't hurt that Hermione had been sitting in his lap giving him little kisses. While Luna had been as close to him as possible gently tugging on his hair. When he asked her why, she answered, "I'm helping. We're getting your hair longer." Then she gave him that secret smile of hers that meant only she knew exactly what was happening.
With a sigh, "Fine. Now we have to find the best way to rescue the victim."
"And I can help you with that," Neville said still flipping pages. "Here it is," after a moment more of page turning. "Gillyweed."
Neville had read the entire page to everyone. It would help him breathe under the water and enable him to move through the water rapidly. And since he was using gills he didn't have to worry about hypothermia which was a real danger in February.
"Is every one of the tournament directors an idiot? Emma asked rhetorically. "These are kids. They may be adults legally, but they're still teenagers."
Augusta tightened her lips but didn't respond. She didn't want to try to defend people she really didn't like in the first place.
The group discussed the Gillyweed. Adding and then critiquing items to help in the task. Simple things like a sharp knife, one for each one of them secreted on their person just in case Harry lost his. Wetsuits to aid in keeping them warm.
Luna bent over and whispered in Hermione's ear. Hermione took off running upstairs while Luna decided that Harry's lap still needed company hopped on him. Once again bringing tears to his eyes.
"Must you do that every time?"
"Well, I suppose it doesn't have to be every time..."
Harry distracted, had calmed down significantly. He was still upset but Luna busting his balls and tugging on his hair while Hermione provided little kisses had done the trick.
Daphne had just finished saying, "and since the information about Gillyweed isn't widely known, that will give Harry a significant advantage and should enable him to catch up in points."
Harry smiled, "It's a good plan. Thank you everyone, but..."
"But you have another idea," Luna said.
Agreeing with her, he continued, "I have another idea. I want to keep that as a backup, and between now and then I want to practice that. But my goal for the first task was just to survive. Then Dumble Bore gave me low points for 'making a mockery' out of the tournament; so I think we need to keep that in mind."
"So you're going to try to irritate the headmaster?"
"Yes mum. That's exactly it. As long as it doesn't increase the danger for anyone else. Then yes I want to have fun with this."
Hermione had been back for a while and had opened the mirror and called for Sirius.
"Need my help with what pup?"
"Sirius, I need your and Mooney's help. Tell me what you think..."
After another hour both plans had been set in motion. Both Dobby and Winky had been called and given tasks.
Emma said, "I don't know how this is going to play out, but we need to get this recorded somehow."
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The students of the three schools were all abuzz about the honor duel this morning. Everyone had heard and many bets had placed on the outcome. The two professors were odds on favorites to win. since everyone considered Potter to be a cheater most bet with their heart. They wanted the two professors to teach them a lesson.
The professors in question had been ill for the past couple of days. First, they had to flush the poison out. Then they had felt sick because they had never wanted to duel students. Filius was especially at odds with himself. He was a goblin. Duels either magical or martial made his blood sing. That's why he was one of the most feared duelists in the world. He had retired because he couldn't continue with the grueling dueling cycle, not because he had lost any of his skills. In fact, if anything he was better than before having long ago memorized several chain spells. His down time had added to his repertoire, now even more spells at his beck and call.
But these were kids. Powerful ones, kids whom he had trained for several months now, and he had taken the full measure of them. They easily surpassed him in power, but there was much more than power in dueling. He ran to the loo again once more retching. Their competency was such that it would require deadlier spells. Any blood spilled could be fatal.
The transfiguration mistress was in similar distress. Now that she was thinking clearly again, she realized that harming any of her students while obviously abhorrent, was especially egregious towards one Harry James Potter. Retrospect is most often clearer and his treatment at the hands of the adults has been abysmal; including hers. She reexamined the decisions that had adversely affected the boy and she wondered how much of that was due to the antipathy potion and how much was due to stupidity. She had no concerns for the battle later this morning. She realized that if she should fall, although unlikely, it would be far better than her hurting one of these, her bairns. Both she and Filius had a personal honor code though. She couldn't fake it. If they fought she would fight as hard as possible staying within the rules, and when they won. There was little doubt , though supremely talented, the two lads were severely hampered by experience; then she would resign and end her days elsewhere. Never to teach again.
The day was rainy. A few more degrees cooler and everything would be snow. But for now the cold drizzle penetrated. Warming charms seemed to dispell all that much sooner and had to be reapplied. None of the firsts, and few of the seconds knew them, they were receiving a crash course in them now.
Even with the magic of the great hall there was just too much interest in this event which was the reason it was moved outside. At least the stated reason. No one except Dumbles wanted it at the extreme edge of the wards, an attempt to limit the castles interference.
Every single person from every school had turned out. Even Mr. Filch was in attendance, a big smile on his face anticipating student blood being shed.
The headmaster sat with various dignitaries. Minister Fudge, Madam Maxime, and Headmaster Karkaroff were there. Only Maxime looked ill at the prospect of the student's failure.
The row behind them had Percy Weasley sitting in for Mr. Crouch. He sat happy as a lark, following his embarrassment at the ball, although outwardly he projected a grim visage. "What comes round, goes round Potter." He was especially happy over the event. Looking for some retribution. Potter had embarrassed his family consigning Ronald to slavery. His brothers were happy to take his marker. His entire salary for next month was bet on the professors humiliating Potter and Longbottom, two boys he rapidly started to hate rather than the disdain he held before.
At the ninth toll, Harry and Neville strode in from the south end of the field. The susurrus of conversation ceased as the two met everyone's gaze.
There was no fear seen in the young eyes. Both young men were dressed completely in black dragon hide. The mist not penetrating the magic resistant hide. It would aid in the battle, and the tight armor gleaming even in the dreariness of the day; had more than one young lady, and a few men devouring the two with their eyes.
Several students tried to yell encouragement to them, all were ignored. One stood out from the gallery directly in their path. She was heavily cowled in blue wool. They boys stopped as did the few encouragements.
The petit hand threw her cowl back and two blue eyes and a smiling face greeted them. "Lord Potter, Lord Longbottom. You are my amie, no? Then I am yours. Bon chance Chevalier." She kissed both of their cheeks bringing a smile to their face before once more recovering her head and stepping back into the crowd.
The four ladies walked abreast. None could tell that they had been up most of the night crying for their men. Their faces stoney, wands were out. Each of their wands sparking occasionally, daring someone to say or act foolishly.
Once the guys had reached the raised platform, the girls took positions on either side of the long platform, facing out towards the crowd just outside where the wards would spring up. The dueling wards provided by the school had excellent protection for the crowd from stray spells. But only moderate protection from the crowd to the duelists. Most spells would be hampered, but the wards could be quickly compromised, not designed for prolonged abuse. This was a bit of trivia that Augusta knew, being a member of the board of governors. She too sat in the first row. Anyone who saw her mirror did not know the significance of it. Many nervous eyes watched this on an enhanced large mirror that Mooney and Sirius had worked on all night. Just completing the necessary runes immediately prior to Augusta's departure.
Mad-eye had been designated to be the referee for the event. He was thrilled with the idea of blood being shed. His only concern that Potter had to stay alive. He didn't really care what condition Potter arrived in to greet his master, only that he attend.
"Longbottom, Potter. What is the meaning of the girls? Have them join the crowd.
Neville had been elected spokesman, "No. They will stay where they are. With very few exceptions, there has been no care and concern from anyone here. The number of people we trust in this crowd can be counted on one hand."
There was some angry muttering about this, but he continued ignoring them. "With so many people in attendance, there is little chance that any one person could be individually stunned. The girls have been told to use wide area curses. This includes Bombarda and Bombarda Maxima.
Therefore it's in your best interests to make sure the person next to you doesn't raise their wand. Your inaction could be the last mistake you ever make."
"Now Harry. Isn't this excessive?"
Neville's voice had a hard edge to it. "Harry isn't here headmaster. It's Lord Potter to all except our friends. You have not been, nor will you ever be a close confidant to the houses of Potter or Longbottom."
There was more than just a little surprise at that statement. The headmaster quit his twinkling and answered, "Very well. Professor Moody, let's complete the education of these two fine lords, shall we?"
"Aye headmaster."
At the other end of the platform Professors Flitwick and McGonagall stepped up. They had heard everything. Ten meters away from them stood the two young men. Both were favorites of hers. Neither ever backed down when they thought they were right.
All Minerva saw in their eyes was stern resolve.
"Very well. We have an affaire d'honneur. Lords Potter and Longbottom have been challenged by Professor Filius Flitwick, Charms master and five-time European dueling champion. Next to him Is Professor Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration champion, and coauthor with her teammate of 'Ten Treatises of Transfiguration for duelling." He continued to the crowd, "You have already been counseled that any wand usage by any member of the audience puts you in peril for your life."
"Duelists stand by. When my napkin hits the mat begin!"
His hand held dramatically over his head. The napkin charmed to glow in the gloomy day. He took a breath drawing out the moment...
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
Flashback late afternoon the prior day...
Books and scrolls spread out over the table. Hermione and Daphne especially were going through them at a rapid rate. They would almost snarl as they reahced for the next book in the stack, flip through the pages before throwing the book to the center of the table.
They had gone through many of them. From three libraries. While there were several dozen on point and many, many others that could be utilized in a unique manner against maybe one of them or several not as skilled wizards; but no one could find a winning strategy against the two teachers.
Almost as if they were of one mind they stood and gently removed the scrolls and tomes from the girl's hands.
"C'mere you two." Harry pulled the girls to him on a wide couch. The adults continued to flip through the pages, not expecting a good resolution to this dilemma.
"Relax Daph. Trace, snuggle in a little closer." He could feel his loves. They were on the edge and ready to scream and lose control. He glanced at Harry who was doing the same for his girls. Not for the first time did he wonder why the two triads acted so much in concert. While all the girls were physically different, they each had a kindred spirit in the other triad. Just as Harry and he are.
"There's got to be something in there, we're missing!" Hermione wailed.
"She's right. For every strategy there is a counter strategy. Every trap an escape. Hermione and I; we'll find it."
"Shh Daph," he said kissing her. Trace and Luna have already figured it out haven't you?"
Luna answered tears rolling down her face. "There's none but the slimmest chance."
"That's right," Neville kissed Trace as if she answered. "Harry and I already have a plan."
"You do?" Remus looked up. He was tired of being on the sidelines. He was going to help Prong's whelp.
"We can't match them spell for spell. They know more spells than us and have loads more experience."
Harry took over, "So we'll play to our strengths. We can't match their knowledge."
Neville continued the twin speak, "They can't match our power. So we'll throw over powered spells at them as fast as we can."
"McGonagall will shield the both of them while Flitwick attacks us."
"We'll do our best to dodge everything and continue to cast."
Harry finished with, "We can cast high powered spells for hours. But they can't shield for that long!"
The girls felt a bit better at that and were content to snuggle in tight.
Neville and Harry shared a look, as did Remus and Padfoot. That was the obvious strategy for the guys to use and against a lesser opponent would work, but the professors were too canny for that. It was the only ace they had and they would ride that ace until they dropped. Now if only the girls didn't cotton on to their deception.
SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE SMARTARSE
OMAKE
"Marry Me!" A hopeful Harry said to his one true love.
"Of course!" She responded, her eyes already glistening.
"Let's exchange vowels, right here and now!"
He didn't wait for her answer. He grabbed her close and said in his most heartfelt voice, "A. E." He breathed huskily.
Tears rolling down her face, she responded. "I," her voice was soft, filled with desire. "O"
Unable to restrain themselves they cried together in passion "U"!
A bright light somewhere above them lit the room and deep voice sounding a lot like James Earl Jones completed, "and sometimes Y!"
The short Omake was to remind everyone when writing make sure you're using the right word in the right spot. Obviously I found the word vowels instead of vows in a story - and I went with it to illustrate a point.
We're all human so prone to errors, but between my beta and I we'll try to catch ours.
thanks b.
