Chapter 9
"Harry, if this Lockhart is so bad then why don't we do something about him?" Filius asked as they stood outside Flourish and Blotts watching the shoppers line up for Gilderoy Lockhart's autograph.
"That's Amelia's job. She's got his books and knows what to look for." Harry shrugged.
"Still… the thought of that fraud being around children… especially given his propensity to erase a person's memories." He shuddered.
"The Castle will keep a close eye on him." Harry promised. "I'm just dreading having to listen to him blather on about his 'exploits'."
"Here comes Malfoy." Filius changed the subject as they watched the blonde man walk up with his son.
Man and son parted ways as Draco entered the bookstore and Lucius approached Harry.
"Ah… Lord Slytherin, I had intended to owl you soon." Malfoy said with something that bordered between respectfulness and a sneer.
"Oh?"
"Yes, I have a… family matter I wish to discuss with you."
"Interesting." Harry said non-committedly.
"Perhaps you could see your way to meeting with me this coming Monday?"
"No." Harry shrugged. "I'm afraid I shall be far too busy that day." A complete and utter lie… but he wasn't going to let Lucius dictate things. "You may attend me this Friday. Two days hence. Nine in the morning at Hogwarts. Don't be late." Harry said warningly.
Filius struggled at keeping his expression neutral… but the sight of Lucius Malfoy biting his cheek to prevent himself from speaking out of turn was hilarious.
"Of course, My Lord." He practically spat, but just managed to maintain decorum.
"Until Friday then, Lucius." Harry said dismissively.
Lucius quickly turned on the spot and left before he did something stupid.
"Breathe, Uncle Fil." Harry sighed as he noticed the small man turning blue.
Filius burst out laughing as he gasped for breath.
Harry just stood there patiently whilst Filius got it all out of his system. It was fairly embarrassing as people would quickly scurry by at the sight of their old Charms Professor laughing like a maniac.
Eventually the old half goblin got himself under control.
"Are you done?" Harry asked dryly.
Filius glared at him, even though the smile was tugging at his lips. "Harry, you have spent the past year doing things purely for your own amusement whilst causing me to age drastically due to the stress of your actions. You'll forgive me if I take the time to enjoy what I can."
"Can you just get on with it? I want to get out of here before Lockhart loses patience and comes out here to try and use me." Harry grumbled.
Lockhart had indeed spotted Harry outside the store and had gestured excitedly for the young celebrity to join him. Harry had pretended to not notice him.
This had been going on for about ten minutes but Lockhart was torn between leaving his adoring fans and grabbing Harry to try and increase his fame.
Fortunately he wasn't smart enough to ask someone to approach Harry for him.
Filius raised his wand and pointed it at a group of red heads that were walking away from the store. The patriarch of the group was trying to fend off his wife's prodding of his split lip. A result of a physical altercation with Malfoy Senior.
"Accio Riddle's Diary." Filius intoned quietly.
There was a cry of shock from the youngest redhead as her small cauldron jerked in her hand and caused everything to spill on the ground.
Fortunately, no one noticed the small book fly to the half-goblin's hand.
"And we are done." Harry sighed in relief.
"We should probably leave now." Filius said as he slipped the book into his robes.
"Huh?"
Filius pointed at the bookstore where Gilderoy Lockhart was emerging with a huge smile and clear intent.
Harry grabbed Filius' arm frantically. "Apparate! For the love of God, apparate!"
Harry sat in his private quarters with Filius, Minerva, Moody and Amelia.
On the small coffee table sat the remains of Ravenclaw's Diadem and Tom Riddle's diary.
Curled up next to them was a very smug little Blinky the Basilisk. He was currently attempting to swallow a large rat whole.
"Two down, three to go." Moody noted with satisfaction. "The sooner we get the other two the better."
"Nicholas says he has the ring well in hand." Filius informed them. "But I cannot think of a good way to get the cup from the Lestrange vault."
"My goblin contract means I can't do what I did last time." Harry sighed.
"Thank Merlin." Minerva glared at him. She'd seen those memories.
"Do you have any idea what Malfoy wants to talk to you about?" Amelia asked, changing the subject.
"As long as it isn't a marriage contract with his gender changed son… I don't care."
"You have a problem with being under my protection, Lucius?" Harry asked with an amused look.
"Over the past year since you have taken up your mantle as the Lord of Slytherin, I have come to realise that our goals are very different." Lucius stated diplomatically. "I believe that… a 'parting of the ways' would be beneficial to us both."
Harry tried hard not to laugh at that. He was currently sitting on the throne like chair in the very empty Great Hall. Lucius was standing at the bottom of the dais like a peasant begging his king.
Harry loved it.
"Still… it is a bit insulting." Harry mused as he glanced to his left where his new baby phoenix familiar was resting comfortably in a nest of fire-proofed cushions. Apparently phoenix burps and sneezes were a bit of an issue.
Blinky liked it though as he enjoyed the heat.
"I assure you. No insult is intended." Lucius said in a manner that was oh so patronising.
"And how do you intend to ensure the people realise this?" Flitwick asked from where he stood at Harry's right. "When they learn of your… 'parting of the ways'… they will leap to assumptions. You will cause great insult to Lord Slytherin."
Lucius had that look again… the one that said he had accidentally swallowed something nasty and that manners wouldn't let him spit back out.
"Perhaps… Perhaps a gift, to show my appreciation for all that the House of Slytherin has done for my family?" Lucius really didn't want to part with money. It was bad enough paying Fudge.
Harry donned an expression of distaste. "Money? How… pedestrian." He said snootily.
Filius made a mental note remind Harry not to try and use all these grown up expressions so often.
After he'd shared his memories with others for a good laugh of course.
"Of course My Lord, of course." Lucius had no idea how this child could make him seem like a newcomer to the ranks of the elite. If you offered Fudge a bribe he stumbled over himself to grab it. Offer it to the brat and he seemed to consider it an insult.
"However, a statement from your family that says you merely wish to gain more independence would be useful." Harry said thoughtfully.
Lucius was sure he had misheard that. The boy just wanted him to make a statement? A statement that, from the boy's perspective, was factual? Certainly this was all a lie from Lucius' point of view, he wanted out of the boy's grip so he could bring him down… but… he could lie… it wasn't like he actually knew how to tell the truth.
"Of cou-"
"And a more suitable gift." Harry interrupted with a nod. "Money is so blasé. No, for an event of this magnitude… one that will signify how well you think of my generosity, the gift would have to have more thought behind it." Harry said with an air of wisdom.
Filius really needed to have a word with his adopted nephew.
"I believe your house elf would be appropriate." Harry decided.
"My house elf?" Lucius was confused.
"Yes, you have had him for many years now. He is well trained, experienced and has clearly served the House of Malfoy well. It would be a perfect gift that shows you have respect for the House of Slytherin. You can gift me with your elf as you know it will serve me well and will ensure my health and safety."
"My… house elf?" Lucius wasn't sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing. House elves were very hard to come by. You had to inherit them as they were protected by the ICW. But if you had more than one you could breed them and your family would never run out.
Nobody could tell you how to treat a house elf, you could use it for anything that wasn't official.
But Lucius wouldn't be able to get another one as people would question where he had got it from. His own elf had been handed down from the offspring of the Malfoy family elves.
The rest of those where dead. Killed by his own hand when he had taken over the Family after his father's death as he deemed them too old.
It wasn't until weeks later that his best friend found out and laughed at him for ruining his chance at more elves in the future.
That friend was never seen again.
On the other hand, a house elf had no real value. You weren't judged by whether you had an elf, just by your money and titles. Lucius knew that Potter could easily ask for a hefty sum for the privilege of being released from his vassals.
"Lucius, I really don't have all day." Harry said tiredly. "School starts up on Monday and I still need to make sure the castle is ready. If you can't make the decision then perhaps you aren't ready for the trials and rigours of independence."
At that point Lucius realised that the boy was too dangerous. Potter was far too savvy for a twelve-year-old, there was no way a child should be able to paint him in a corner.
He needed to get out from under the control of the Boy-Who-Lived so he could finally work to his own goals. Especially as his Master would soon return thanks to the little 'gift' he had slipped the Weasley girl.
"Of course. I would be honoured if you would accept such a humble gift." Lucius bowed low.
"Excellent." Harry gave a regal nod. "This Monday we will complete your request on Platform 9 ¾."
Lucius hid his scowl. He had hoped to keep this as low key as possible. He would have sent in a letter to the Daily Prophet as Potter wanted but he would have given strict instructions to print it as small as possible on the inside of the back page.
"Alright Dobby, I'd like you to meet Tracey, Pansy and Gemma." Harry told the little creature as they sat in a compartment on the Hogwart's Express. "They are part of the family. They can ask you to help them with things if they like but remember, you are part of the family first." Harry said sternly.
"Dobby had heard Master Harry was great… but he never knew he would be so kind!" The elf said in awe.
The 'ceremony' between Harry and Lucius had gone over quite smoothly.
For Harry at least.
Harry had invited the Prophet to be present and to record the day that 'the House of Malfoy ventured into the world on their own'.
Then Harry had explained in excruciating detail to everyone present what was happening.
He had made comparisons to the House of Malfoy's new path and that of baby bird leaving the nest. A wondrous and beautiful thing.
The parents and children had lapped it up.
The Purebloods at least.
The muggleborn like Hermione had looked at him like he was insane.
Lucius had gone through the whole thing looking like he was made from granite as he tried to control his expression.
"Your main duties will be to make sure that Blinky, Hedwig, Ember and the rest of the familiars are all taken care of. Make sure they have food each day and can go out when needed."
Dobby looked hesitantly between the basilisk, owl and recently named little phoenix. "Will they eats Dobby?" He asked nervously.
"Of course not!" Harry said as though he was offended by the very thought. "Blinky currently likes rats and chickens. Hedwig likes mice and Ember likes… well, just give her different fruit each day until we know what she likes. She doesn't have much experience."
The door to the apartment suddenly slammed open.
"Ah, Potter. I see you are finally where you belong. With the slaves and servants."
"Go away Malfoy, before you actually manage to piss me off." Harry growled.
"You can't touch me now, Potter." Draco said smugly. "My House is now free of your filthy mudblood loving hands."
"I challenge you to an Honour Duel." Harry said in a low and dangerous voice.
"What?" Draco wasn't expecting that.
"An Honour Duel, Draco. You know what that means right? You have insulted my honour and I have taken offence." Harry said seriously. "To phrase it in the appropriate parlance… I will have satisfaction."
Draco wasn't expecting that. He had come to the compartment to insult the half-blood, to put the boy in his place after a whole year of being told to mind his tongue by his father.
"You- you'd never win!" Draco's bravado was undermined by his voice hitching.
"I will accept nothing less than a duel or a very public apology along with an appropriate gift." Harry said firmly as he looked down his nose at the boy. "You have until we reach Hogwarts to decide." Harry said before shoving the boy out the door and closing it.
"Are you really going to kill him?" Gemma asked worriedly.
"Nah… but he will learn his lesson and I will do my best to make sure he never forgets it."
Harry allowed the Sorting to finish and Dumbledore to give his usual speech before he stood up.
Dumbledore was once again annoyed as the food had failed to appear at his command. Now he just looked foolish.
"Draco Malfoy, you insulted my honour and the honour of my houses on the train. I offered you the option to provide the houses of Potter and Slytherin with satisfaction through apologies and appropriate gifts… or an Honour Duel.
"Have you made your decision?"
Draco looked shocked. He had thought Potter was just blowing smoke.
Of course Draco tended to forget anything that didn't please him pretty quickly. So he had already forgotten the duel where Harry killed Flint Sr.
"Malfoy, your decision?" Harry prompted as he looked down the table to where Draco was seated between Crabbe and Goyle.
Draco Malfoy had already proven he was an idiot. He had insulted a legitimate killer just hours ago. He had been warned many times by his own father and Slytherin housemates that Harry could wipe the floor with him politically and magically.
But Draco believed his own hype. He believed that, because he was a Pureblood and that his family was so well placed in the world, that he could easily handle this jumped up half-blood.
"I would be happy to end your pitiful existence, you filthy half-blood." Draco sneered as he stood.
"Fine. Then enjoy your meal. It will be your last in Hogwarts." Harry said as the food appeared. "We fight at the conclusion of the feast, here in the Great Hall."
Dumbledore really wanted to intervene, but this had been declared a matter of honour. He had no right to interfere. That being said, he could still inform certain concerned parties. He stood from his chair and left the hall as the feast began. The children were already discussing this latest bit of news. The Half-bloods and Purebloods were informing the muggleborn about what had happened, who Harry and Draco where and what was about to occur.
The elves would be very distraught that the students hadn't eaten much of their food later.
"Lord Harry. Up here please."
Harry turned and walked up to the staff table and his Uncle Fil.
"Minerva, would you please contact Amelia?"
"Of course, Filius." Minerva agreed as she stood and left.
"You, sit." Filius pointed to the Headmaster's chair.
Harry rolled his eyes and walked all the way around the table and plonked himself in the large throne. He was still only twelve and hadn't grown much yet. He looked quite comical.
If Minerva or Perenelle had seen him they would have demanded he wait for them to get a camera.
"What happened?" Filius asked as he began to cut his food.
"The usual." Harry said as his food reappeared in front of him. "Malfoy came into the apartment, uninvited, where I was introducing Dobby to Pansy, Tracey and Gemma. He insulted us all by calling us slaves and servants. He called me a 'filthy mudblood lover' and gloated over the fact that he was no longer a part of my house."
"And you picked this occasion to challenge him to a duel because… ?"
"Because I'd like to enjoy at least one peaceful school year. Draco already managed to ruin that for this year, so I am taking pre-emptive steps for my third year." Harry shrugged.
"You aren't gonna kill 'im, are ya 'Arry?" Hagrid asked worriedly.
"Nah, it's an Honour Duel. First blood will do for me or until one of us is incapacitated. To the death would mean a challenge between houses and I doubt Lucius Malfoy wants to put his newly gained 'freedom' on the block." Harry grinned easily at his large friend.
The meal progressed for a few more minutes.
"Nott! You better have a damned good reason for pointing your wand at that boy." Harry suddenly called out.
The new second year quickly put his wand away and all the first years edged away from the boy.
"Good catch, Harry." Filius nodded.
A minute or so later they were approached by a certain bushy haired girl. "Professor Flitwick, could I speak to you and Professor McGonagall sometime before classes, please?" She asked nervously.
"Of course my dear." Filius beamed. "You've come to a decision then?"
"Y-Yes sir."
"Professor McGonagall will be devastated to lose you but she and I have discussed this and she agrees this would be best for you. Take your seat, I'll talk to the Professor and we will call for you, it might not be until tomorrow though considering Lord Harry's latest adventure." He glared at his nephew.
"Well done Granger." The Sorting Hat said approvingly from the edge of the table where Harry had placed it when he had joined Filius. "Attention students!" It said loudly as it spun itself around to face the masses. "Over the course of her first year, Miss Hermione Granger has discovered that she would be better suited to Ravenclaw than Gryffindor."
Hermione was blushing madly at suddenly being in the spotlight.
"This does not mean that she does not belong in Gryffindor." The Hat warned. "She showed the courage of a Gryffindor when she made her choice and approached the teachers here at the Opening Feast. She is one of the few who may claim a place in two houses. For the purposes of her education though, she will now reside and learn with the Ravenclaws."
Hermione and the school were stunned when the trimming on her robes and tie began to change. But instead of the Gryffindor colours being replaced by Ravenclaw, the simply merged.
"Hermione Granger has free access to Gryffindor and Ravenclaw common rooms." The Hat declared.
Harry suddenly stood up and put on a deep voice with his twelve-year-old tones. "So let it be written. So let it be done."
Filius just chuckled as Hermione glared at Harry. She knew that letting her dad show him classic movies would be a bad thing.
It was towards the end of the meal that Albus and Minerva both returned. Minerva was looking quite smug as she led Moody and Amelia whilst Albus was trying not to look peeved as he led Lucius.
"Potter, what is this about you challenging my son to a duel?" Lucius demanded.
Harry looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Lucius, you might have chosen to depart from my house… but I am still owed the respect due my title. Don't make me toss you out like I did with Fudge."
"I know exactly what you are boy." Lucius sneered. "Now that you can no longer control me I intend to show the world the truth about you.
"We will start with this duel you requested. It will be to the death and the winner will claim everything of the losers."
"So… you don't care that people will look at you in disgust for having children try to kill each other?" Harry asked calmly as he sat back in the throne. The rest of the teachers were outraged by Lucius' behaviour. Filius and Minerva looked ready to commit murder.
"What do I care about the opinions of peasants?" Lucius sneered.
"Well, your terms for the duel are denied." Harry shrugged. "Draco is not the head of his own house so I will gain nothing by killing him. Besides, I only require satisfaction for the slight against my honour. A duel to first blood is good enough for me."
"But not for me!" Lucius looked down his nose at the young boy in the big chair. "I will fight in Draco's place. The House of Malfoy will be wagered against the House of Potter and Slytherin."
"Still… your house isn't worth much compared to two of mine." Harry pointed out. "Honestly, what do you really have to offer except a manor, money and your apothecary business?"
"Harry has three houses." Came a new voice. They all turned to see an enraged Sirius Black storming in through the doors. "He is the heir to the House of Black. This is a new low for you Malfoy." Sirius accused as he reached the staff table. "But considering your Death Eater activities during the war, I guess attacking children isn't all that new for you."
"This has nothing to do with you Black." Lucius said dismissively.
Sirius grabbed the man by the throat and pinned him to the table. "That's 'Lord Black', you peasant." Sirius snarled. "You and your family have insulted my godson. You will get your duel, Mister Malfoy, but you will face me. It is my right to stand for Harry. But it won't happen today. No, it will happen this coming weekend.
"In the meantime, you get to go home and watch as all your misdeeds come home to roost." With that Sirius flung Lucius down onto the floor between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables.
"Hey! You can't-" Draco stopped with his hand to his wand as many of his housemates pulled their own and pointed them at him.
"Lucius Malfoy, remove yourself and your son from my home. You may consider yourselves cast out of the House of Slytherin. You may not claim any affiliation with the name of Slytherin." Harry said firmly.
As he spoke the sounds of armour approaching were heard.
"You'll pay for this Potter. You as well Black."
Lucius rushed over to Draco and quickly dragged him out with the armour hot on his heels.
"Leave this one to me, Harry." Sirius said as he glared after the pair of blondes. "I have big plans for that Death Eater and his scum."
Harry looked ready to object but Filius came a sharp look.
"If you're sure, Sirius."
Harry was adamant about not telling Sirius the truth about his time travel. He felt that his godfather had suffered enough and Harry intended to stomp on Voldemort and the wizarding world long before anyone realised what he was doing.
As far as Sirius was to be concerned, Harry Potter was a young boy with a sad past and devious streak of mischief.
That first week of term was filled with a lot of gossip. Harry had suggested that Filius give a school lecture on duels. Everything from why they may be demanded, what the terms may be, who can demand them and anything else that might put them off.
For instance, Harry had only claimed a duel to first blood or incapacitation. That meant that if Lucius had killed him Lucius would be put to death and everything he owned would go to Harry's next of kin.
At the moment that was Filius Flitwick, according to his will.
Outside of Hogwarts, Lucius was feeling the wrath of Lord Sirius Orion Black. Sirius was giving interviews in The Daily Prophet, The Quibbler and the Wizarding Wireless.
In every interview he referred to Lucius as 'the father of Draco the Thief'. He gave detailed accounts of Draco's actions against Harry over the past year thanks to many of the Slytherin students actually liking Harry or simply despising Draco.
Lucius had gone to Fudge to demand something be done… but it didn't matter how much money Lucius threw at him, Fudge was too scared to go against Lord Black.
Harry had spent the week with Filius, training, just in case something cropped up and it turned out he did have to duel Lucius or Draco.
When he had the time he would spend his evenings sitting atop the Astronomy Tower watching the stars. The work on his space ship was on hold as his partners in the endeavour were far too busy with classes.
But that didn't stop him from dreaming.
On his way back to his chambers from a night of star gazing he came across a rather odd sight that jogged a memory… and caused his blood to boil.
"Miss Lovegood, yes?" Harry asked with a dark look.
Eleven-year-old Luna Lovegood was standing in the cold stone halls wearing nothing but a thin nightgown.
Her feet were turning blue along with her lips. Next to her was a suit of armour, clearly trying to guide her back to the Ravenclaw Common Room.
"Mister Potter, no?" She responded dreamily.
"You are out of bed, after curfew, and severely underdressed." Harry said sternly. "Where are your shoes or slippers? Where are your robes?"
"I believe the nargles may have stolen them. It's sad really. They could have had them if they'd only asked." She said with a look to match.
"And if you saw these nargles again, could you identify them?"
"No one else has ever seen a nargle." She lectured lightly. "My father and I have searched for them but they are very illusive."
Harry conjured some slippers for Luna before taking off his robe and putting it over her shoulders and wrapping it tightly. He then applied a warming charm.
"Follow me." He ordered. As he moved he sent off a messenger spell.
He moved quickly… or as quick as his twelve-year-old legs would let him. He only had an inch or so on Luna but it was still something. Only a few more years to go before he had an adult body again… well… late teenage body.
But he'd have hair dammit!
They reached the Ravenclaw entrance with the suit of armour following dutifully along. The door swung open without challenging them.
They were met inside by Filius Flitwick, Doreen Bard and Benjamin Borth. Doreen and Benjamin were the house carers for Ravenclaw as recruited by Sirius.
"Harry, Miss Lovegood, what on Earth are you doing up at this late hour?" Filius asked sternly.
"I was taking some time to relax on the Astronomy Tower. On my way back to my quarters I discovered Luna here, walking through the halls in nothing but her nightgown. Her feet were turning blue."
"Miss Lovegood? What on Earth were you thinking, child?" Doreen scolded as she knelt in front of the girl and began checking her hands and feet for frostbite.
"The Wrackspurts said I should tour the castle." She answered as though it was obvious.
"Wrackspurts?" Benjamin frowned.
"Luna, tell them the truth." Harry ordered.
"I believe I can deduce the truth, Harry." Filius scowled. He placed his wand to his throat and cast a Sonorus. "ALL STUDENTS TO THE COMMON ROOM IMMEDIATELY! I REPEAT: ALL STUDENTS TO THE COMMON ROOM!"
Luna cringed away from them all.
After a few seconds the Ravenclaws began to file down in their pyjamas and nightgowns.
"Which of you stole Miss Lovegood's belongings and locked her out of the Ravenclaw rooms?" Filius demanded of the assembled 'Claws.
There was a lot of shared looks of confusion between the students.
Doreen shared a look of disgust and anger with her colleague, Benjamin. She pulled Luna closer to her protectively.
"Do not make me find the answers myself." Filius warned when no one spoke up.
Still no one said anything.
"Very well." Filius said as he brandished his wand, causing some of the students to flinch reflexively.
"Fures Revelio!" He incanted as he waved his wand around the room.
Immediately, several of the student's eyes widened and then they began to glow with a green light.
"Miss Johnston, Miss Alton, would you care to explain why you stole Miss Lovegood's belongings?" Filius asked tightly.
The two first year girls looked completely ashamed. Probably because they got caught but not because they thought they did wrong.
"You could have seriously injured Miss Lovegood. I will be writing to your parents about this and severe punishments will be involved. Your behaviour is abominable." He scolded them.
"Are you Purebloods?" Harry asked quietly from just behind Filius.
Both girls frowned, not understanding the purpose of the question.
"Somebody should educate them on what it means to be branded a thief in this world." Harry mused.
"You can be sure I will be doing that tomorrow night." Benjamin declared with a dark look. "All students will be here immediately after curfew. Before you head to bed I will give you a refresher course in Wizarding etiquette. I suggest you research one Draco Malfoy."
"Johnston, Alton, with me." Doreen ordered. "You will hand Miss Lovegood's belongings to me immediately."
The result of the whole incident was that the two girls were given a month's detention and all their personal belongings were sent home. The only things they were allowed to keep were their school clothes, school books and equipment and their pets, because that would have been considered unfair to the pets.
Padma Patil took a closer interest in Luna Lovegood as she felt an obligation to continue watching over her on Harry's behalf as part of his house.
She also made sure that either Doreen, Benjamin or Filius were able to witness any bullying, especially as Hermione was beginning to receive a bit of attention because of her intelligence.
Padma was definitely in the lead for being a prefect when the time came.
On the Saturday, the duel was set to take place. Harry had refused to hold it at Hogwarts and instead demanded it be held in Hogsmead.
This was a duel between the notorious Lord Black and Lucius Malfoy, a supposed close confidant of the Minister.
Anyone who was anyone was there.
And so was everyone else.
The Minister was supposed to be there as an impartial observer, but it was clear he was supporting Malfoy.
That was fine as far as Harry and the others were concerned. It would just put Fudge in a bad light when he lost.
Nicholas and Perenelle were there and were supporting Sirius and Harry. Harry had Hedwig on one shoulder and Ember perched precariously on the other. She was still very young and hadn't started to learn to fly yet.
Nicholas had Phoenix on his shoulder. The much older and clearly more powerful looking bird instantly made people want to back Sirius.
Nicholas had taken the annoying route of calling his phoenix: 'Phoenix'.
Harry was simply annoyed he hadn't thought of it first.
"Remember Sirius, put him down hard and fast." Harry lectured. "Don't toy with him. Don't mock him and don't acknowledge anything he says. Let your wand do your talking for you."
"Are you sure you don't want to duel him yourself?" Sirius asked with a bemused look. Inside he was very nervous. This was a fight to the death and he hadn't been in a battle in over ten years.
"Yes, I do." Harry said.
"Oh… well, tough." Sirius said, a little taken aback by Harry's firm declaration. "This is my duty."
"Then make sure you take your duty seriously- and don't make that joke, it is not the time."
"Harry, you should always make the time for a joke." Sirius grinned.
Harry looked fit to explode in anger.
"Filius, take Harry to cool off." Nicholas ordered as he grabbed Sirius by the shoulder and marched him off. "Alright young man, I realise that you are nervous and need to cope in your own way, but you also need to remember that Harry has already lost his parents. He lost his godfather, uncle and aunt for over a decade and has only just got them back.
"I think the boy has gone through enough that you can cater to his needs in this matter. Especially as he is looking out for your well-being."
Sirius would have pushed his own argument that Harry needed a laugh, but he had to admit, the boy spent most of his time doing things that would make the Marauder's seem like amateurs. Which they were… being unpaid and all.
"Alright, I'll lay off the jokes. I don't suppose you have any additional advice on how to beat the albino git?"
Nicholas thought for a moment. "Remember the strategy that Harry used against Flint. Don't waste your energy trying to break through his shield and defences. Turn the environment to your advantage.
"And like Harry said, don't toy with the man. Put him down hard and fast, he is no lightweight when it comes to wand work."
Sirius nodded and the pair turned to re-join Harry.
"Any last minute tips?" Sirius asked Harry nervously.
"If you die… remember that my parents are on the other side. I doubt they will be too pleased if you screw this up." Harry said with pointed look.
"Fear of Prongs and Lilly… got it." Sirius nodded.
"Also… the floor of a duelling pit isn't protected against spells. A few well-placed Reductos and Lucius won't have a place to stand."
Sirius nodded with an impressed look… then it fell into a suspicious one. "How do you know so much about duelling?"
"I've knocked off Lord No Name twice and duelled Flint to the death. I doubt I will manage to make it through the rest of my school years without another duel… let alone my life."
"Ah… I have no response to that." He admitted.
"I do. It's called being prepared."
Their attention was drawn to the pit where Dumbledore was calling for everyone to gather.
Sirius hugged Harry and turned to enter the pit.
The pit was different to the duelling platform. Instead of a raised platform that meant most spells went over the spectator's heads, it was very much like the roman fighting arenas where it was dug into the ground. Stadium seats had been arranged around the outside of the fifty metre wide fighting pit. As a lord, Sirius had the right to demand the form of the duel, especially as Harry had called it for insult against his honour and Malfoy had then compounded his position with his insults and attempts to kill Harry with the duel.
"This is a duel to the death between the House of Malfoy and the Noble and Most Ancient House of Slytherin. The named individuals are Draco Lucius Malfoy the Thief and Lord Harry James Potter of Slytherin."
Lucius bristled at the title given to his son by Dumbledore, but not even Fudge could wipe out the taint after the articles in the Prophet.
It wouldn't matter, after he defeated Black, he would have command of the House of Slytherin. He would be a noble lord and he would have the boy's magic bound, his wand snapped and thrown into the wilds of one of the barbarian lands.
Then he would force Fudge and Dumbledore to clear his son's name.
"The winner of the duel will earn those they fight for, the spoils of their victims. Their House, status, money and anything else of value including members of the family."
Albus was disgusted at having to preside over this despicable event. There had only been one other duel of this magnitude. It had occurred when he had called Gellert out during the war.
Although he had defeated his former love interest and ended his reign of terror, he had failed to officially end the duel by not killing him. It was a stain on both men's honour, but he had made the challenge out of ear shot of anyone. His final spell had been a memory charm that removed Gellert's memory of it being a duel to the death.
As such, magic would not accept any claim he had over the Grindlewald House. Only his brother knew the truth. Aberforth hated him for it because it meant that he could not marry or have children. The Houses of Dumbledore and Grindlewald were in limbo until the duel was ended.
In the months following the duel, Albus had travelled the world, placing charms and compulsions on anyone tied to the Grindlewald family, as well as his brother.
It was Albus' intent that both Houses would die with him and Gellert.
"Lord Sirius Orion Black, you will now swear your oath of honour in this duel to Lord Harry James Potter of Slytherin."
It was necessary for this to occur so that the Seconds couldn't turn on those they fought for and steal what they had offered to win. You couldn't be forced to be a Second.
"I, Lord Sirius Orion Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, swear fidelity and honour to Lord Harry James Potter of Slytherin, Head of the Most Ancient House of Potter, the Noble House of Parkinson, the Noble House of Farley and the Most Ancient House of Davis.
"I so swear as the Head of the House of Black."
As Sirius spoke there were gasps throughout the crowd. Sirius had essentially sworn the House of Black as Vassals to Lord Harry James Potter.
He had also just revealed that Harry was the head of numerous houses, only Farley was known to have been under Harry's control due to the duel between Harry and Flint. But the revelations regarding Davis and Parkinson would be Earth shattering for the Wizarding World.
"Mr Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, you will swear an oath to Draco Lucius Malfoy to honour your position as fighting in his stead."
It was different for Lucius, he was Draco's father. Draco would inherit everything anyway, but he was still only a child and all his assets were held and managed by his father.
Draco would become the heir to the houses and lordships if Lucius won.
"I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, do swear to fight for the honour of my son."
"This duel is to the death. In the event that both participants are unable to continue, then the primary participants will be required to enter the arena.
"The laws of the land still apply. You may not use any Unforgivables or illegal spells. Use of such spells will result in criminal prosecution and forfeiture of the duel.
"Duellers, face each other."
Sirius and Lucius glared at each other with thirty feet between them.
"Duellers, bow."
Both gave very slight bows, but it was enough to satisfy etiquette.
"Begin."
Sirius didn't hesitate, his wand was out and pointing at Lucius and a torrent of spells headed his way silently. Many were deflected, but Sirius was a powerful wizard and he had magic to spare. He was also sending out a very simple spell: Reductos.
He had utilised a strategy that meant that Lucius was always on the defensive and would back the man into a corner. For every spell he sent at the man himself, he sent two more at the man's feet.
Lucius was caught between trying to deflect and shield the spells coming directly at him and trying to find more steady footing as the ground vanished beneath his feet.
Lucius was a skilled duellist. He had even taken a turn on the professional circuit. But in a battle to the death he was useless without the ability to apparate and use dark curses.
The arena was sheathed in anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards to prevent acts of cowardice by fleeing. Had Dumbledore fought Grindlewald in a pit like this he would have had no choice but to kill his former lover.
Of course, Sirius' skills were honed on the battlefield during a war. He knew how to fight in a proper duel, but he also knew how to bulldoze his opponents when fighting for his life and the life of his loved ones.
And Harry's life was on the line as well as his own. He couldn't lose.
Eventually the strain of focusing on both deflecting spells and watching his footing became too much for Lucius and one of Sirius' Reductos slipped through, breaking his leg.
He fell to the ground in pain, never seeing the final spell speeding towards his head… which promptly exploded into a gory mess.
Sirius Black stood over his opponent's corpse breathing heavily, his wand still pointed just in case.
"Lord Sirius Black emerges triumphant in the service of the House of Slytherin. To the victor go the spoils." Dumbledore announced gravely.
"The Ministry of Magic demands an investigation!" Fudge piped up, he was looking fairly pale.
"On what grounds?" Dumbledore asked.
"Use of illegal magic."
Albus sighed. "Lord Sirius Black, please present your wand for inspection."
Sirius sent a hateful look at Fudge but quickly exited the pit and approached Dumbledore at the judges platform.
Albus cast a few charms as well as the Priori Incantatem. "I find that Lord Black has acted honourably and within the bounds of the law. The decision is final."
"But-"
"If you continue to insult Lord Black's honour, and mine, then I will have to challenge you to a duel." Harry glared at the man.
Albus hurriedly cancelled his sonorous charm. "Enough!" He hissed. "There will be no more killing! No more duels! It ends here!" He said angrily. "All I have fought for and sacrificed… I will not have you blackening it with your greed and misplaced pride." He glared between the three males.
"Then I suggest you reign in the Minister… Chief Warlock." Harry said mockingly before he turned and left. "Sirius, do something with Draco. I don't care what, just make sure he is out of the way." He called as he walked away, not looking back.
