Disclaimer: As before the only character i own in this story is Rhiannon Dumbledore. The others as always belong to JK Rowling, as with the characters, i don't not own any of the harry potter concept (spells etc) used withing this chapter.
A/N: heres the next chapter, sorry it took so long to update, but the way i work my fics is turn about lol so the next to get updated will be one of my HG/MM fics.
This is and MM/OC (femslash) fic so if you don't like don't read its as simple as that
Chapter 13: Duelling lessons
Rhiannon groaned as the morning light shone through her curtains, rolling over to get away from the offending light only to be met by a half naked but smiling Minerva McGonagall.
"Morning Rhia" she smiled
"What time is it, bloody sunshine, no consideration" Rhiannon replied
"Its 6.30, and a good morning would have been nice" Minerva teased gently
"I'm sorry, you should know by now I don't do mornings, and besides I didn't expect you to still be here when I woke up, your not usually" Rhiannon smiled placing a light kiss on the side of her mouth "what's changed"
"I don't know, I guess I just couldn't leave you anymore, I hate leaving you in the early hours, we spend so little time together as it is" Minerva gave her a sad smile
"Yeh well, there is one simple solution to that" Rhiannon said placing her hand lightly on Minerva's cheek "You could just move your things into here, or I could move my stuff to your rooms"
"I...I...Rhia I don't know...are you sure its what you want?" she asked
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know, students will start to talk, I know the staff does ... well most of them do"
"Well we'll just give them something to talk about, I'm not concerned about what the students will think, I'm more concerned about how you'd feel about it?"
"You'd have to move your things into the Headmistresses rooms, they are much bigger than these" Minerva smiled
Rhiannon looked at her "You're sure?"
"Never been more sure of anything, I'll have the house elves move your things after breakfast" Minerva said smiling. Rhia smiled back at her.
Rhiannon gave her the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, one of love, tenderness and happiness rolled into one, she hated to be the one to spoil the moment but she didn't want either of them to be late, for she knew if they stayed wrapped around each other much longer then neither of them would make it to breakfast on time.
Rhiannon pressed her lips against Minerva's lightly to begin with, but increased the pressure and intensity of the kiss as Minerva responded in kind before that annoyed need for air reared its ugly head.
"I should be going" Minerva said softly resting her forehead against Rhiannon's. kissing her forehead lightly before she slipped out of bed wrapping a sheet around her as she searched the floor for her clothes that lay disregarded across the floor. Rhiannon smiled at the scene before her cuddling her knees up to her chest as she watched her lover, the way the light was shining through the gap in the unopened curtains making her look even more attractive than ever.
"What you smiling at?" Minerva asked catching her staring at lovingly as used a cleansing charm, got dressed and charmed her hair up (this time back in its usual trade mark bun – much to Rhia's disappointment).
"Oh am I not allowed to smile while I watch the loveliest of creatures, not to mention the sexiest, dress in the morning" Rhiannon smiled, almost laughing at how incredibly corny that actually sounded once she had said it.
"You my dear are incredibly cheeky, and I think you should start getting changed as well" she smiled and threw her bathrobe at her "Oh remember Remus is arriving this afternoon, and the class is arranged to take place after dinner this evening. There was a notice this morning reminding the students in their common rooms this morning. Not to mention a reminder for the staff."
"Minerva relax it will all be fine, we have no classes this afternoon, so once Remus arrives we can discuss the format and layout etc., it's all going to be fine" by his time Rhia had gotten out of bed and slipped on the robe making her way across to stand before her. "I'll see you at breakfast" she place a light kiss on Minerva's cheek and received a small smirk as Minerva left her rooms. She stared at the door for a few moments (if she was honest she was watching them just incase Minerva walked back through them, wishful thinking) before she set about her usual morning routine.
XXXXXXXXXX
The morning classes seemed to pass quickly, and after lunch Rhiannon and Minerva made their way out of the schools main entrance. It wasn't that cold but still the slight cool breeze made it seem slightly chilly than it really was, and despite herself Rhiannon gave an involuntary shiver, which hadn't gone unnoticed by Minerva.
"You ok Rhia love?, your not cold are you?" she asked
"No I'm fine." She gave Minerva a warm smile.
They were of course awaiting the arrival of one Remus John Lupin. He had promised to arrive at the school early that afternoon, so they could discuss (with the other heads of house) how they thought these lessons should pan out. He was running slightly late, but neither Minerva nor Rhiannon minded in the slightest, neither of them had any classes that afternoon, and besides any excuse to be alone in the others company was a good one.
"It's a shame Horace said he would no longer be attending the classes, I know he said he still supports the idea that's the main thing" Minerva said
Rhiannon knew she would say something along these lines, she knew it bothered Minerva not to have all her heads of house involved with this project. "Minerva, we knew it would happen, the minute all his precious Slytherin students left the hall a few nights ago, we knew his heart was no longer in it"
"Oh I know, but I wanted all the head's of house involved"
"But we can't always have everything the way we want it now can we Headmistress McGonagall" came an unexpected reply, both women turned around and were greeted by none other than the man they had been waiting to meet, they gave him a smile.
"Remus!" Rhia smiled wrapping her arms around her old friend in greeting " What took you so long you old wolf"
"Ah I was ……um how do I put this delicately…….pleasantly otherwise detained" he gave Rhiannon sly but telling smile.
"Ah say no more" she laughed
"What have I missed something?" Minerva asked, Rhia laughed leaning to whisper something in her ear "Oh right'" she felt the slight blush creep up to her face at her own naivety.
"Lets go inside, its kinda chilly out here ain't it?" Remus said
"Good idea, the others are awaiting us in the staff room" Minerva said, she stepped towards the main door at it opened for her automatically and the three friends went inside.
XXXXXXXXXX
"We should start off simple, maybe just a recap of what has been learned so far?" Remus suggested
"That sounds good, but won't the students get bored, I mean they will loose interest if that's all they do" Pomona said
"Not every lesson will be like this, and besides it is safer this way as we will bring al the students to the same level. This isn't all to do with fun you know Pomona this is serious" Rhiannon sounded a little annoyed "So what if they get a little bored, it means that they aren't paying the attention they should"
"Rhia" Remus said calmly, doing his best to calm the rage he knew would soon come, Rhia looked across at him a nodded as she moved to stand behind Minerva "Sorry, but its true"
Pomona nodded "Very well"
"Filius" Minerva prompted "Whats your opinion?, you have been very quiet throughout this meeting."
"I am all for the students to have a brief recap but Pomona is right we need to keep them interested" he said, Rhia began to protest a bit but Minerva raised her hand to silence her. Rhia feeling like a berated school girl at that point folded her arms across her chest in defiance, making Remus and Pomona smile, she just glared back at them.
"What do you suggest them Filius?" Minerva asked
"I don't know, maybe a demonstration" he said thinking for a bit, "Maybe two of us could duel each other. Friendly of course, nothing too serious, it might show them some of the skills they could learn, techniques they could pick up." Everyone looked eagerly at Rhiannon, awaiting her response. She smiled a little.
"That sounds like an interesting idea" she said contemplating the possibilities. "I would enjoy kicking your ass again Remus"
"So its settled then?" Minerva asked "Demonstrations and recapping for the first lesson?" They all nodded their agreement "Now the other matter, I know I'll be taking charge of the Gryffindor's in Rhiannon's stead as Herself and Remus will be leading these lessons. But we need to find away to get the Slytherin's involved?"
Rhia sighed, not this again she thought "Minerva, they chose not to take part We, no YOU gave them that choice. But I guess if they hear other students talk about the lessons then they will realise what they are missing out on. We could post a message on their board as well stating that if they change their minds to come and speak to one of us, or to their head of house."
"Ok that sounds like a good suggestion" Minerva said "I hope some of them will come around soon"
"I'm sure they will Minerva" Remus said
"We should be going" Filius and Pomona said, they both had classes to teach this afternoon.
They made their goodbyes and left the headmistresses office.
"Can't wait to kick my ass huh, well just so you know, I'm a lot better and more experienced than the last time we duelled." Remus smiled
"Yes well so am I, there's not much else to do when you've been sent into seclusion of sorts" Rhia smiled
Minerva watched the exchange curiously, neither of their competitive attitudes towards each other had changed. The two of them had been the same while they were students, each one trying to out do the other ones grades, and nine times out of ten it was Rhiannon who always came out on top and she had the feeling it would be the same this time as well.
"Anyway now that I have you two alone, I have a favour to ask?" he said he clasped his hands together nervously "Well its kind of a request really" he said
"Oooo now you've peaked my interest, come out with it Moony" Rhia said
"I was wondering if you, the both of you would act as my witnesses?" he said
"Witnesses?" Rhia asked
"Oh Rhia and I thought I was being slow before" Minerva smiled "I'll be happy to Remus, who's the lucky girl then?"
"What your getting married?" Rhiannon asked her voice raised in excitement "Oh wow congratulations" she said giving him a hug. "When were you gonna tell me all bout this then, who is it?"
Remus smiled "Well if you stopped asking me questions I'll tell you"
"Sorry" Rhia said sitting down "but its not everyday you find out that your best friend is getting married"
"I know. Me and Nymphadora will be extremely pleased if you could attend, and to maybe let the children come as well"
"Congratulations to you both" Minerva smiled shaking his hand "I take it you will inform the children after the lesson?" this comment earned her a curt nod "Well let me know when and I'll make that arrangements, no doubt I'll be in everyone's bad books if I prevent any of them from going"
XXXXXXXXXX
As dinner drew to a close Minerva stood from the head table "Can I have your attention students, those of you attending lessons this evening could you please return to the great hall in an hour" there was muttering at the tables "Prefects could you escort the students back to the dormitories when ready"
Once she had sat back down Rhiannon gave her a strange look.
"If we kept them back straight after their dinner Rhia dear, the likely hood of them feeling very unwell is great. They have just had their dinner and it would be wise to let them settle. Plus it gives us the advantage of setting things up for when they do arrive.
"Ah good idea, I never thought..." Rhiannon started
"You not thinking, there's a great change" Remus smiled
"You can shut up, I'm so gonna kick your werewolf butt" she said playfully
Minerva was sitting in-between them at the head table and couldn't help but smile at the exchange "Why is it whenever the two of you are in the same room together, you suddenly get competitive" she asked
They both looked at each other then back at Minerva and shrugged with a smile.
xxxxxxxxxx An hour later xxxxxxxxxx
The hall had been emptied of the house tables and chairs, where the staff table once was there was a long low stand like table, where Remus and Rhiannon would be doing their demonstrations throughout the lesson.
Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout had just finished placing a number of practise dummies around the room just as the first students had started to arrive. Soon enough the hall was filled with the 6th and 7th year Gryffindor's, Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff's allowed to attend, each of them in small groups chatting animatedly.
"We need to spilt the comfort groups as soon as possible" Rhia whispered in Minerva's ear, she nodded in agreement and she set Filius and Pomona that task.
"Ok can we have some silence please!" Rhiannon called "We all know your eager to get started with today's lesson, but before we start I want to you read the rules on that board and then once the groups have been selected we will begin with a friendly demonstration" the minute she mentioned they were all going to be spilt up there was instant protests.
"I know you don't want to be separated from your friends, but there is the likely hood that 'if' you take part in any fighting it won't be your best friends standing beside you, it maybe a complete stranger fighting for the same cause, so you'll need to learn to fight and trust others" Rhiannon said
The students fell silent as they listened. Pomona whispered something in her ear.
"The lists of groups are on the board, all you will be doing today is a quick recap lesson. We want to make sure each one of you are at the same level." she made her way to the long platform at the head of the hall. Followed by Remus.
"It was suggested that you have a small demonstration before we start each lesson, Myself and Professor Rhiannon here are in agreement that we will only use the spells and charms we will be working with this lesson" Remus spoke as he also made his way to the platform. Each of them made their way to opposite ends of the platform and turned to face the students.
"Ok class!" Minerva called "Professor Rhiannon and Professor Lupin are going to give us a short demonstration, now can you tell me the sort of spells you'll expect to find useful in a duel?" she asked the students "These will be some of the ones our professors will be allowed to use, but remember this is to be a friendly demonstration" she turned her head and gave them a slight smirk as both of them appeared to roll their eyes and groan in protest. As several students raised their hands to answer.
'Expelliarmus' 'Protego' 'Rictusempra' 'Stupefy' 'Everte Statum' 'Impedimenta' 'Incendio' 'Aguamenti' 'Ascendio' 'Immobulus' the spells kept coming fast for around ten minutes more before Minerva called a stop to it as many of the students started to get silly with them.
"Ok are you both ready?" she asked turning to face Remus and Rhiannon "You are to use the spells provided by the students, and any that you wish as well, but nothing to serious remember this is just a practise and a demonstration"
They both nodded towards her before facing each other once more. The both bowed to each other before raising their wands and taking positions.
"Professor Flitwick will you give them the signal when to start" Minerva asked before making her way to stand towards the right hand side of the hall, behind Rhiannon. This only served to affirm Remus's suspicions that they had indeed rekindled their past relationship.
He was dragged out his thoughts quickly as tiny professor Flitwick shot bright blue sparks from the tip of his wand.
"Ascendio" Rhiannon was the first to cast catching Remus off guard slightly with her speed, he was raised slightly off the ground. Some of the students could be heard sniggering in the background but the two duellers blocked out all other noise the best they could.
"Finetie incantauim" Remus said "Stupefy" he called but Rhiannon dodged his spell easily and so the rapid firing of spells began.
"Incendio"
"Protego…….. Expelliarmus"
"Defendo"
"Everte Statum"
"Immobulus"
"Rictusempra"
"Protego"
"Stupefy"
There was cheering and calls from the students throughout the display of casting and obvious duelling flare displayed by both professors and so it continued for another ten minutes
"Aguamenti" Remus fired and Rhiannon only just dodged the jet of water that shot from Remus's wand.
'That does it' Rhiannon thought "Carpe Retractum" she yelled and Remus was caught in what appeared to be some sort of magical force which was pulling him closer and closer towards her.
To say he was caught off guard was a bit of an understatement he was shocked.
She let him go and took advantage of his momentary distraction and obvious confusion "Expelliarmus…………." His wand flew from his hand "Stupefy" it was all over he was stunned and laying on the floor Rhiannon smiled as she picked up his wand.
"Professor Rhiannon Wins" Flitwick called shooting bright blue sparks from his wand again. The female students in the hall were all cheering for their Defence Against the Dart Arts professor while the boys looked a little embarrassed for Professor Lupin.
Rhiannon thanked the students before helping Remus up and handing him his wand.
"Now not all duels will be like that, we were only doing that for fun and to demonstrate how fast and energy consuming Duels can be. What you will be doing today will be the simple spells that will be useful in a duel. Such as Stupefy, Expelliarmus etc"
"Over the course of these lessons the spells and techniques you'll learn will increase in difficulty and the control you'll need to perform them. Now I trust you all know your groups, introduce yourselves to each other if you don't already know everyone and we will begin"
There was a scattering of students running off in each direction, there was fifteen groups in total, the staff had agreed to the spells they would teach and each had three groups (they decided to rotate between them each lesson) and so they began.
The lesson lasted for two and a half ours before the staff came to the agreement that it was time to end tonight's lesson,.
"Ok class well done, we're pleased with your progress so far the next lesson will take place the same time next week" Rhiannon looked across at Remus and he nodded his head in confirmation. "Good class dismissed"
"Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, Mr Potter and Miss Weasley could you remain behind for a few minutes" Minerva asked
"Yes miss" they chorused as the approached their three remaining Professors.
Rhiannon waited until the hall was clear before she spoke "Well done, I was really impressed, I guess 'Dumbledores Army' paid off eh" she teased gently "Remus" she said taking a step back so he could speak with them. She went across to Minerva.
"Professor?" Hermione questioned looking up at her old professor
"Hermione dear I am no longer your teacher, so please call me Remus" he smiled "Now yes there was something I wanted to ask of the four of you. I have squared it with your Head of House and the Headmistress of course, but how would the four of you like to attend a wedding at the end of the month?" he asked
The four of them stared at him "Who's wedding?" Ginny asked she was the one who found her tongue first.
He smiled at her "Mine of course, mine and Dora's"
Ginny and Hermione squealed with excitement and jumped up to give him a hug "Congratulations, yes we'll come"
Ron and Harry smiled at him and waited for Ginny and Hermione to let go of him before congratulating him and shaking his hand.
"Rhiannon and Minerva will be escorting you on the day, they are also serving as my witnesses. So there will be no fear for your safety while your off school grounds."
They bombarded him with questions and Rhiannon and Minerva watched silently, they obviously cared a great deal for their old professor and it clearly showed in their displays of friendship and love as they talked about the wedding and Tonks, how I started.
"I think we should call it a night guys" Rhiannon called, the students all turned to face her giving her a slight nod, there was no use arguing with their professor "Remus, thank you for agreeing to take part in these lessons, I can't think of anyone who could handle defeat as gracefully as you did this evening" she smirked at him
"Now Rhia you know that spell you cast wasn't fair" he smiled "But well all in good fun" he stood and shook her hand "I best be getting back, I told Dora I'd try not to be too late"
"We'll all walk you to the entrance" Minerva said
The said their goodbyes to Remus at the entrance and Rhiannon and Minerva escorted the four remaining students to their dormitory – as it was late they didn't want to risk them being caught out in the corridors so late.
"Goodnight kid" Rhia smiled as the went through the portrait if the fat lady.
"Night professors" they said and the two women made their way through the corridors towards their chambers.
"You know this is a little weird" Rhiannon smiled
"What is dear?" Minerva asked
"This…… I keep wanting to turn off down different corridors to get to my old rooms" she laughed "I guess I need to get used to living somewhere different"
Minerva smiled at her as they reached the portrait of the four Hogwarts founders next to the stone gargoyle that was the entrance up to Minerva's office.
"I changed the password its Raven love" the portrait swung open at the mention of the password and Minerva ushered Rhiannon inside.
"Why that?" Rhia asked
"I felt like it and well I love you and you have dark hair so you are my Raven Love" she smiled at Rhiannon.
"You know what Minerva McGonagall, has anyone ever old you that you're an incredible romantic, even if a little strange"
"I believe you just did" Minerva smiled catching Rhiannon's lips with her own.
A/N: well there it is the next chapter. i know it a bit fluffy in parts etc but i didn't think you'd mind. As always please do review cos ya know the more you review the more likely i am to update lol
Thanks to those who reviewed my last chapter xxChocolateChipxx and Gina, i'm glad your still with me
WARNING
however i have come to a decision on this story, many of you are just clicking on it and not reviewing...SO if not many of you review this chapter than thats it no more for this fic lol you have all been warned so if you want me to continue then all you have to do is review.
Minervarulez