Disclaimer: I don't own anything. sigh
The main chamber of the Wizengamot was depressing, its dark stone walls, and lack of any creativity left much to desired. This elite club of the oldest pureblood families, in a society where tradition and wealth rained supreme, ruled simply by right of heritage. The lords sat with stony faces squabbling over alliances and political staging, rarely getting anything of meaning accomplished. Albus had joined with the belief he could make a difference, and unfortunately even with all his political clout and influence, even he could not push through the issues that the wizarding world needed the most. Dark creature registration laws were sadly outdated, allowing these elite family to treat half breeds terribly. The general lack of child protection laws was also a huge issue that could not be budged, no matter how often they were discussed.
The meeting had been dragging on in Albus's opinion, with Eragon's arrival, certain members of the wizengamot questioned wether or not we should harbor Eragon and Saphira or send them back. They simply did not understand, how even to send him back. So all discussion on wether or not to allow him to stay was unnecessary. Also the treaty of Vrael protected him, making him untouchable by even the Wizengamot, it wasn't their decision. However, the dunderheads had requested to see proof of the treaty themselves. Ministry staff was sent back into the records to find the treaty, wasting more than 2 hours. Then to top it all off, Lord Nott tried to claim guardianship over Eragon since he was a minor. Thankfully the treaty included emancipation, protecting Eragon and Saphira. Basically, five hours of time wasted and not a single thing to show for it, a typical meeting.
Sighing deeply Albus tried to start the standard closing statements."I believe that concludes everything on the agenda for this months Wizengamot session, before we end. I open the floor to any topics not on the agenda that any members feel prudent be discussed before next session."
The Hall was silent thankfully, and Albus pick up his grovel. "Well, if thats all we shall..."
"I Lord Malfoy of the most Ancient and Noble house Malfoy, have topic of discussion." Lucius stood from his seat making his way to the front.
Albus barely with held his sigh, so close. What was this rubbish now? Of course he waited to interrupt Albus, anything to make himself feel powerful. "Lord Malfoy you have the floor, please address your peers."
Taking his place Malfoy gave a large smile to the crowd. "My fellow lords, Members of the Wizengamot, I stand before you, humbled to do my part today to preserve Wizarding Culture." He started pompously, his body language anything but humble, his nose upturned at the rest of the crowd.
"Earlier this week, we received a most noble guest to our world, one who's ancestors helped not only defeat the goblins in the last rebellion, and put them firmly in their place at wizards feet. Eragon's ancestor Vrael was also here for the birth and formation of this noble council, that still governs our world today. With his influence and some of the oldest families here, my ancestor included, the wizengamot came to power, and has been ever since.
"Earlier today, we debated wether or not he should be aloud to stay. Eragon has as much a right to be here as any of the oldest families. I the Malfoy's personally welcome him to our world with open arms, and find inspiration in him as my forefathers once found inspiration in Vrael.
"At the time when Vrael came to help us fight the goblins, it was a proud tradition of all pureblood families to weld a sword, axe, or hammer in battle. Everyone was trained to be lethal with their weapon allowing us to survive the Goblin rebellions when they came. It was a sign of honor to wear your weapon, a sign that you have done your duty to wizarding kind, and were capable of protecting it if need be." Malfoy paused scanning his crowd, reveling in the attention of the other families, hanging on his every word.
"I look at Eragon, a mere boy who walks the Halls of the great Hogwarts. The first student in almost 300 years, to proudly walk the halls again with a weapon. There was a time when Hogwarts not only taught swordsmanship, but produced the best pureblood warriors in all of Europe! I believe it is time again, for Hogwarts to teach this fine tradition to its students, for our children to proudly where a weapon like their ancestors. Lets restore this tradition of old, a proud heirloom of pureblood wizarding culture, and honor our ancestors." The crowd graced the ending with a small smattering of applause cause Lucius to smirk pompously.
"You would have us put deadly weapons in the hands of children at a school?" Lord Davis asked loudly from the crowd, causing the applause to die down.
"That is exactly the idea. A safe environment where they can learn to properly wield one, without hurting each other. It is a school after all, but the right to wear a weapon is a noble right for all pureblood children. They have the right to carry on the great traditions of their ancestors. They would have to carry a wooden replica like their ancestors until they have proven proficient enough to carry a blade of their family by their instructor. We wouldn't wan any...accidents to befall the children." Lucius agreed silkily, making Davis sit down, in quiet embarrassment.
"I, Lord Goyle, motion we put it to a vote, and make haste to restore a noble tradition of our past. To not pass it would be willfully destroying a great chapter of our history." Goyle motioned, puffing his chest up proudly.
There is a surprise, thought Albus darkly. Goyle the famous puppet of Malfoy doing as told no doubt. Albus had expected something from Malfoy ever since rumor of Eragon threatening Draco a sword point start circling the halls, but not this. It was a masterful bit of politics, great pr for house Malfoy, makes him look like a hero of purebloods. In a tight alliance with Eragon, and puts a weapon in his sons hands to help stoke his sons bruised ego. There is no one Albus wanted less in procession of a weapon, than Draco, an immature child, prone to jealousy and malicious revenge. Albus was caught between the anvil however, he either allowed this to be pushed through, or willfully became a symbol of a destroying of Wizarding tradition. Lucius had masterfully outmaneuvered him this time.
"It will go to a vote on the amendment that no student is allowed to wield a cursed, or poisoned weapon. Any such weapon shall be confiscated and destroyed on proof of its danger." Dumbledore reluctantly spoke up.
The grovel was barely heard over the thunderous applause, it had passed by a staggering amount. It was going to be a long year, Albus thought tiredly as the council broke up, madam Pomfrey was not gong to be happy with him.
~~QM~~
The sickly green curse of killing curse reflected of the walls of the defense room, giving Eragon his first true glimpse of the power of this worlds magic. Saphira growled softly from his shoulder, Eragon glanced discreetly at Alyse who had turned ghostly pale.
It is rude to make the little ones with experience of these spells relive them. Saphira Growled in his mind. Look at Neville. She was right, Neville looked even paler than Alyse if that was possible, Eragon made note to ask him about it someday.
"Only one Witch has ever survived that curse, and she is sitting in this very room." Professor moody drawled, seeming satisfied he had indeed scared the shit out of his class.
I'm really starting to not like this guy. Eragon projected to Saphira. Thankfully, the bell rang releasing the rattled students for dinner. Table and chairs ground against the stone floor as student hurriedly rushed to clear out of the classroom.
"Neville can you stay behind for a moment please." Moody gruff voice rang out above din of the students.
Glancing fearfully at Hannah and Eragon, Neville gulped still rattled by the unforgivable lesson. "Don't worry Neville,"Hannah said softly, stealing his school bag. "We'll wait for you outside."
Eragon and Saphira followed Hannah outside the classroom, she leaned against the far wall of the hall, resting her head against the wall closing her eyes.
"Its going to be a long night." Hannah whispered quietly shaking her head. "Moody should have known better than anyone that Neville should not have had to watch. There is no way he'll be able to sleep after that."
Little one, what happened to Neville that pains him so. Saphira asked kindly in Hannah's mind, Eragon hearing the question through his and Saphira's link.
"Something terrible Saphira," Hannah said her blue eyes snapping open to stare intensely at Saphira. "Its not my place to tell, we'll just have to be there for him the next week or so."
The classroom door opening to reveal a pale but Smiling Neville, braking up their conversation before Saphira could reply.
"What did he want Neville?" Hannah asked soon as he was through the door, quickly moving off the wall to take his hand in her own.
For not being a nestmates they sure are affectionate with each other. Saphira commented to Eragon, wiggling on his shoulder.
Reaching up to scratch under her chin, he responded with a soft mental laugh. I do not think either realizes yet.
Giving Hannah a reassuring smile, Neville squeezed her hand softly before answering, his eyes lighting up. Lifting a tattered leather tome like a prize for her inspection he gushed. "Professor Sprout told Moody that I am good at Herbology! Moody just wanted to give me a book, Magical Mediterranean Water-Plants and Their Properties. Its really rare book, I don't even think my family library has a copy."
"Thats wonderful Nev!...and your okay?" Hannah pressed, handing him his school bag which he was placing his new book into, retaking his hand when he had finished.
Sighing softly he glanced down for a second before answering her, "I will be, its hard. But lets go get supper, maybe gran sent mail."
Falling into step beside the two, Eragon walked in silence with the pair as the navigated the increasingly busy passages to the Great hall. The halls buzzed with excited chatter, mostly about the Triwizard tournament that had been announced Tuesday. There was much speculation which of the seventeen year olds would be representing Hogwarts in the tournament, and to his amusement grumbling that Quidditch had been cancelled.
It was Thursday, and thankfully the hype about his and Saphira's arrival was starting to die down. Many were still eager to talk to him, but he and Saphira were not getting mobbed like they had been the first few days. Draco had been quiet since Monday when Eragon had threatened him, it was disconcerting in a way. Alyse was...well still avoiding him, at some point he would have to do something about that.
The hall was packed already as Eragon and Saphira separated from Hannah and Neville to go wait at their table for food. Taking off from Eragon's shoulder, Saphira flew ahead circling above table briefly before landing in front of Alyse on the still bare table. While Alyse could easily avoid Eragon, a dragon will not be ignored, especially when one is as stubborn as Saphira. Saphira was leaning her head into Alyse's hand, asking mentally how her about her day. Eragon did not miss the look of envy Lisa shot Alyse before turning to glare stonily at her empty plate. Smiling at Saphira's antics, Eragon took a seat across from Anthony, Michael, and Terry.
"Hey look," Anthony whispered, feigned astonishment to Micheal and Terry. "Its Eragon the Malfoy slayer..."
"ohhhh" The coursed together softly, leaning their heads together in awe.
"I thought he'd be taller..." Michael commented with a dreamy voice, holding his head up on the table with one hand. Pushing the three too far, resulting in laughter that only increase as Eragon's face reddened.
"Awe Eragon were just kidding," Terry choked out between his laughter. "Your really not our type, being male and all." Sending Michael and Anthony even deeper into laughter.
"Yeah, threaten anyone else with that monster sword." Anthony asked finally calming down, wiping a tear from his eye.
Putting on a contemplative look, Eragon scratched his chin slowly as if in thought, while absently twirling his butter knife in his other hand expertly. "No, no one that distinctly stands out. Although you three seem to be racing to become next." It was Eragon's turn to laugh as their faces fell.
"I'm just kidding guys. Besides my sword isn't really that big, compared to most true two handed swords. Mine is still small enough to be wielded with one hand as I prefer with a shield, but the slightly larger hilt allows me to squeeze my other hand onto it when I want to put more power into my blows. A true two handed swords hilt is longer even yet, and its blade even longer. I wanted a sword that would be good for fighting in all occasions, if thats a tight alley, or large battlefield." Eragon said, unintentionally reliving fights from both scenarios he described that his sword had gotten him through.
Shaking his head to clear the dark thought, Eragon changed topics. "Did I miss anything interesting? Why haven't they served yet? They do realize I have a dragon who gets grumpy when hungry right?" Eragon asked curiously, still twirling his butter knife without looking at it, much to Terry's amusement.
"I have never seen a butter knife look so Deadly," Terry whispered to Michael loudly, pretending to cover his mouth.
"Me neither, but then again. I've never threatened Malfoy at sword point." Michael loudly whispered back.
Rolling his eyes Eragon put down his knife slowly, "Better? Now spill."
"Isn't it obvious," A blond girl with big dreamy eyes asked from next to him, that until she had spoke Eragon hadn't even noticed was there. She was wearing the strangest neckless of bottle corks by the looks of it, and radish earrings. " Dumbledore has a secret to tell us, he is surrounded by Wrackspurts tonight."
Eragon looked up at the head table, Dumbledore was indeed there, but he was just sitting there looking distracted. "Um, and what are these ...um Wrackspurts?"
"Oh, they are these pesky creatures that float into your ears making your brain fuzzy. Dad warned about them in his newspaper, you can only see them with Spectrespecs. Its why I wear radish earrings to keep them away, Wrackspurts hate radishes." Luna jabbered happily, ignoring the confused look on Eragon's face. "It was nice meeting you Eragon, your a good listener." Luna finished standing from the bench and heading over to the Gryffindor table, sitting down beside a red headed girl.
Eragon couldn't help but turn and stare at her as she walked away, she was...well abrupt for one, and two... not wearing shoes. His housemates chuckling brought Eragon out of his musing. "Who was that?" Eragon asked confused looking back towards the Gryffindor table once more,"And why doesn't she have shoes."
"Thats Luna Lovegood, but everyone calls her Loony because of her well..." Terry gestured towards Luna.
"Peculiar ways," Eragon finished his sentence looking back at the three boys. "But, why no shoes?"
"Well, she claims that nargles steal them, but its actually just some girls in her dorms." Michael answered leaning on his hand bored, looking at his plate.
"So, why hasn't anyone stopped them?" Eragon asked, looking disappointed at the three of them. "She seems harmless."
"Mostly cause its just Luna." Terry replied missing Eragon's disappointment, stretching on of his long lanky arms across his body, poking Anthony in the face at the same time. " She did have one thing right tho, Dumbledore is going to make announcement. Generally if the foods not on the table when you come in, he has something to say before you start."
As if answering Terry's cue Albus stood up behind the head table, the hall quieting down immediately. "My dear students, I trust your first week of studies has been going well. Before we begin eating, and open the hall for mail. I have a couple important announcements that will no doubt be changing our school dynamics for many years to come." Albus inspected the house tables making sure he had everyones attention.
" First off, earlier today the Wizengamot decided that another course from our noble history shall be reinstated at Hogwarts mandatory for all students. With that in mind it is my great pleasure to introduce your new Professor Max Brigman!" Albus exclaimed leading a quiet if not confused round of applause.
The students groaned at the announcement of another class, while confusedly looking around for the new Professor that they still didn't know what taught. The doors to the hall opened as Albus finished, admitting a tall, well built male. The man didn't walk, more strutted to the front of the hall, his blond well-maintained feathered hair bouncing slightly as he walked. Eragon could tell the man loved attention, but that wasn't the first thing he noticed. No, the thing Eragon noticed was that he wore a long elegant handled rapier on his hip, and wore a padded jerkin. Finally sitting after much waving and smiling, Brigman sat down next to Professor Sinistra flashing her a lavish smile.
"Hogwarts will again be teaching swordsmanship, for the first time in 300 years." Albus paused for the dull roar of excited whispering that rippled throughout the students at this announcement. "Yes, it is quite exciting, but there will be some strict rules that if not followed will be met with severe consequences including expulsion.
"First rule is that there will be no weapons, that are cursed or poisoned with a fatal consequences brought to Hogwarts. We are here to learn, not mortally wound each other as we learn to wield a blade. The punishment of anyone caught with one will severe. I do not want students dying because of a small cut they inflicted on themselves or received in a dual.
"All students will be required to carry a wooden copy of their new weapon, to learn how to use it, and be tested. It is to ensure that when you receive your real weapon back to finish your training, you do not hurt yourself or others because you are unfamiliar with it. All students must start with a sword and master the basics with it, before they are aloud to switch to a axe or a Hammer. All new blades coming into the school shall first be inspected by your head of house before you are aloud to begin training with them. If you decided to switch type of weapon, be it from short sword to long sword, axe to hammer, you will be required to start again with a wooden replica, every weapon is different.
"I would like to impress on you all to remember that these aren't toys, these are deadly tools of war. Now, we are not about to let you fight with unprotected lethal weapons. Professor Flitwick and myself were up late last night researching an old charm. The charm used by the school to protect students from the sharp edges of each others blades when they were learning. While they are no longer able to cut, they will still beak bones and if one is being careless when dueling a friend, a direct blow to the neck, or head can still be fatal. Anyone caught dueling without the charm that will be demonstrated tomorrow, will lose weapon privileges, their weapons confiscated until an investigation is concluded, and appropriate punishment handed out.
"Tomorrow morning before lunch, classes are cancelled for a demonstration on swordplay, rules of engagement and the fitting of weapons for those who would like advice as to what they should wield. Hopefully, by lunch everyone will be fitted with weapons. All students are welcome to choose from the Hogwarts armory if they do not have a sword from home they wish to wield. If you wish to use one from home please send a letter home tonight, having it sent to you head of house for inspection. Although I suspect some families will already be doing so as the announcement is in the Evening Prophet."
Looking over at professor Mcgonagall who nodded with a sigh, Dumbledore smiled triumphantly, they had been arguing who got to delver this next bit of news. " I do believe that is almost everything, so bear with me then we can tuck in. On triwizard news, we have decided that the schools themselves will have a couple challenges for the students excluding the Champions. There will be three mini challenges, a Quidditch Tournament in which madam hooch informed me tryouts will be Saturday for Hogwarts best, notices in the common room." With the promise of quidditch this year, excited screams sounded throughout the hall as excited students could barely contain their joy.
Raising his hands waiting for the students to quiet down, Albus continued. " An academic challenge that will determine the smartest amongst us, any who wish to compete may enter this event. Finally towards the end of the year after Christmas, a Gladiator tournament. The best ten of each school, single round elimination until we find the best of warrior of all the schools. For each winner there is a hundred gallon prize money, for each of the three mini tasks." Looking around Albus smiled as the students whispered excitedly to their friends. "Tuck in, if Saphira could come up here for a moment." With one last soft nudge of her snout on Alyse's cheek, Saphira took off, wining her way to the head table, landing on Dumbledore's shoulder, as food appeared around the hall.
Half focusing on what he was doing Eragon started filling his plate with food, trying to listen to Albus and Saphira's conversation, but unfortunately his housemates were demanding his attention.
"Quidditch and Gladiator competition, I reckon this year will get a whole chapter in Hogwarts a history. The highlight being a one page bio of me, winner of the Gladiator challenge." Anthony claimed Striking a hero's pose.
"Awfully bold there Anthony, you haven't even held a sword yet, let alone see me with one and your already assuming your going to win. Your overconfidence guarantees me victory." Michael proclaimed striking his own pose.
"Well, I think you're both stupid, I think Eragon is going to win. You don't carry a sword like his without being able to use it." Terry reasoned, causing Eragon to shrug.
"I don't think I'll compete, I have too much experience it wouldn't be fair." Eragon said honestly making Terry laugh.
"Such modesty, he could give you two a run for their money." Terry said between laughs, rolling his eyes, before helping himself to some mashed potatoes.
Eragon! Saphira exclaimed excitedly landing a bit roughly on his shoulder hopping excitedly. Time to eat!
Eragon laughed, lifting her to the table and pushing some raw chicken that appeared next to her towards her. Alright, spill what did Albus want and how is Alyse.
Sensing her darkening mood Eragon knew both answers were not good. Lisa has the smarts of a rock, only wants what others have, she is still being foul to green eyes. Alyse fears losing Lisa. Her emotions were bubbling over like a volcano today, it was easy to pick up stray thoughts today.
Lisa did look rather edgy when you flew over to Alyse. Eragon commented, trying some of the beef stew. What did Albus want?
He wanted to apologize for the surprise, and to say sorry for the paper. Apparently that small man you met in Diagon Alley that should be burned- Saphira flashed him a mental image of his own memory of him meeting Lucius- made it out to sound like you two worked together to bring swordsmanship back to Hogwarts. Used our name to pass the law and make himself look good. Albus also asked that you assist in the demonstration tomorrow.
Running his hand over his face tiredly Eragon sighed. I knew Lucius was trouble. Why does Albus want me to help?
The new elder to teach the little ones was paid for by Lucius. Brigman asked for you to help him to do a demonstration, he told Albus not to worry he'd take it easy on us. Albus thinks he was paid by Lucius to humiliate us for what we did to his son. Saphira growled, throwing her head back as she choked down a rather large chunk of chicken, before ripping into the next one with gusto. I told Albus you'd crush him.
A large volume of hooting drew Eragon out of his conversation with Saphira. Apparently, Albus had open the windows to the hall as hundreds of owls were circling the halls, each with some sort of letter or scroll tied to their leg. Saphira hissed as a Large brown owl landed in front of her suddenly. Staring untrustingly at the dragon, the owl held its leg out with a large scroll attached to it for Terry.
Terry quickly untied the scroll, allowing the barn owl to leave with one final untrusting look at Saphira. It is too bad I agreed not to eat owl, Saphira thought viciously. I would have torn that one to shreds.
Laughing Eragon scratched Saphira under her chin soothing her. Looking over to Terry who had spread out what appeared to be a news paper, The Evening Prophet, in front of Michael, Anthony, and himself all leaning in together to get a better look. Staring up from the page with the same haughty smile he had when Eragon had met him in the alley, was Lucius Malfoy. As the picture played, Lucius's just remained motionless, making eye contact with reader. If it wasn't for the smug wink at the end of the photo, Eragon would have thought it was a regular photo. Well, played Eragon thought, leaning back crossing his arms, well played Lucius.
"I'm heading back to the common room." Eragon announced to his roommates who merely grunted in response, too busy with the paper. Pushing his food away from himself and standing from the bench. Saphira leapt from the table soaring above his head amongst the owls startling the ones she got near too. As he walked out of the hall, Eragon unintentionally made eye contact with Draco, who had a smug smirk plastered on his face.
~~QM~~
Eragon smiled as he entered the empty common room, spotting Alyse sitting by herself in front of the big bay windows. Unclipping his sword, Eragon sat down next to her on the couch, startling her out of her trance. Saphira glided off his shoulder onto his lap, curling up and fixing one Sapphire blue eye on Alyse. Eragon found himself slightly nervous amusingly, it was his first time talking to her again since the first day.
"Hey Eragon and Saphira." Alyse said quietly, glancing around the common room quickly making sure they were alone. Satisfied they were alone, she eased back into the couch relaxing a little, putting her feet up on the coffee table in front of them. "Thats some article in the paper, made you and Lucius look like quite the allies." Disappointment evident on her face.
"I never read the article," Eragon admitted honestly, sighing. "Nor am I allies with Lucius, he used our names to get swords brought back into school. I imagine it was to help his sons ego, after I told him to leave Neville alone."
Alyse flash Eragon a small smile, trying to hide her relief. "I figured as much, the prophet is rarely right. I heard about what you did for Neville and Hannah." Alyse looked at Eragon, her beautiful green eyes seemed to glisten, as she gave him a soft, tender smile, causing Eragon to blush and glance down momentarily. "It was really nice of you to stand up for them, not many do."
"It was nothing," Eragon mumbled, unable to look away from her green eyes, as she continued to smile at him. Alyse ran a hand through her messy black hair, which in Eragon's opinion as still very beautiful. "Their my friends."
" It wasn't nothing," Alyse disagreed shaking her head softly, looking at the now sleeping Saphira, who had started humming quietly. "The Malfoy's are one of the most politically powerful, and wealthy families in wizarding Britain, not many would dare to stand up to them."
"I wont be pushed around by the Malfoy's." Eragon said in a quiet but fierce voice, tracing a finger over one of saphira's wings.
Alyse didn't reply, just rewarded him with a smile letting the conversation lapse into companionable silence, both enjoying the view of the starry sky through the bay window.
Before long the chatter of housemates entering the common reached them, Eragon noticed Alyse tense up on the couch next to him. Feigning weariness Alyse exaggeratedly stretched, extracting herself from the couch. "Tomorrows going to be a big day, Goodnight Eragon." Alyse said quickly, walking towards the girls dorms.
"Goodnight Alyse," Eragon Whispered, watching her go.
Carefully lifting a Sleeping Saphira form his lap, he cradled her in one arm while carrying his sword still unclipped in the other. Walking slowly not to wake her he headed up to the dorms for the night.
The room was thankfully empty for what Eragon wanted to do. Placing saphira gently on the bed, he went over to his trunk pricking his finger on the blood lock, opening his trunk with a click. Focusing his magic, a bright flash of blue emitted from the wounded finger healing the small wound. Opening the black trunk from death, Eragon grabbed the keys, selecting the matte black key for the second lock, opening the other compartment with a click. Without so much of a sound, his clothes disappeared, a ladder appearing leading down a fair ways into a small room. Smiling Eragon crawled down the ladder shutting the lid, entering the small room with a circular glass lift, large enough for four people or so people. Pressing a floating button with a down arrow, the glass circled shut sealing Eragon in, he stumbled slightly as it started descended into a pitch black room.
Eragon gasped as the lamps around the room slowly brightened as the lift neared the ground, in the dead center of a large cavernous room. The room was circular, and organized like a set of proceeding larger rings centered around the area where the lift landed. The first ring was tables only a two and half feet wide, sectioned into two halves, each with enough room for two people. The two pieces wrapped around the space where the lift landed, like a ring, with gaps in between them for people to get out of the center. They were elegantly carved with Dragons and their riders up the legs and around the front edges, depicting some long forgotten battle, Directly behind the tables were a single row of open dressing cubicles like a locker room, one for each spot at the round table. The cubicles too, were sectioned into two halves with gaps granting access to the next layer, and beyond that Eragon could not see. As the lift touched down in the center its glass walls melted away leaving a marked line on the floor.
Stepping beyond the tables through a gap, Eragon made quick steps past the cubicles, revealing a round ring like the ones before only a quarter full. One side of the circle of the rack was about 30 feet and only half full. It had of throwing knives, a couple different hammers, some spears, one iridescent blue round shield, and five bows with quivers of swan arrows. Stepping up to the rack Eragon smiled at the familiar weapons from home, fingering the round shield, made of the same steal and color of his sword, with a bone white trim edge, and an ivory white oak tree on the front. On the other side of the rack was a couple different sets of battle armor displayed proudly on black mannequins, Eragon's favorite set being only steps away. Stepping up to the set, Eragon pulled the helm off the mannequin.
~~QM~~
Alyse woke late in the morning to the sound of the dorm room door closing. Yawning, she stretched out under her warm covers, reluctant to leave the safety of her warm bed. Sighing, Alyse slipped out, drawing back the blue curtains. All the other beds in the room were already empty including Lisa's, Alyse noted bitterly. Lisa had given her the silent treatment when she had come back to the common room last night, simply shutting her curtains around her bed and ignoring Alyse. Its not like Alyse could stop Saphira from being friends with her, nor make Saphira like Lisa. Besides why should it matter to her. Saphira was fun to talk too, she should be aloud to have other friends.
Sighing grumpily, Alyse accepted that she was barely going to have time for a shower. Lisa could have at least woken her up when she left. Casting a quick tempus charm to confirm the time, Alyse quickly showered trying to let the water wash away her anger at Lisa. Still upset, Alyse quickly threw her hair into a pony tail, and headed out of the common room to the great hall.
Alyse made it to the great hall just in time to grab a piece of toast as the food faded away. Signing she bit into the plain toast, turning to Lisa, Alyse tried to start conversation. Not failing to notice Lisa hadn't spoken to her since she got there. "Good Morning Lisa," Alyse said brightly feigning a good mood, as she took another bite of her bland toast.
"Oh she remembers my name, I'm surprised your not eating this morning with Saphira and Eragon." Lisa said bitterly, glaring at Alyse.
Inwardly sighing, Alyse grit her teeth, honestly, her best friend was jealous of dragon. Further more, Alyse couldn't say Eragon was a friend because it was impossible to be near him without Lisa becoming like this. "I'm only friends with Saphira, besides I wanted to sit with my best friend." Alyse softly commented, hoping the best friend comment would thaw her out a bit.
Looking down the Raven claw table, Alyse noticed that Eragon didn't seem to be here yet, he probably was the only one who wasn't.
The doors at the back of the hall opened and a determined looking Dumbledore strode up to the front of the hall in front of the head table pivoting to address the students.
"We are about to begin, once we finish with the demonstration, and swords are chosen by all of you, your heads of house will give you your updated timetables." Albus said without any garnish getting start to the point, something Alyse wished he would do more often. Anyone who spent any kind of time with Albus would know that he love to speak in riddles. "Now if everyone will stand we can begin."
Excited laughter could be heard as excited students quickly got out of their seats. Pulling out his wand from a sleeve with a flourish, Albus did an intricate pattern in the air causing the tables to vanish. His brow creasing in concentration he began to mutter softly in Latin, and to Alyse's amusement seemed to be slightly singing as he did so. The great hall groaned, then with a soft grating sound the side walls began to expand pushing back an addition 30 feet on each side. The hall was truly massive now, and with an additional swish two sets of bleachers appeared on both sides.
"Wonderful, now if you could please take a seat on the bleachers, I will hand over the reigns to Professor Brigman in a couple minutes and we can begin." Albus said, walking with the Gryffindors and hufflepuffs to one set of bleachers. The crowd becoming loud with excited conversation.
Falling into step with Lisa, Alyse and the rest of the RavenClaws took the other bleachers with Slytherins. The Slytherins had taken the top rows of the bleachers because they were the closest. Alyse endedup somewhere in the middle, the row below the last of the Slytherin house. They hadn't been sitting for long when the drawl of a person she sincerely tried to avoid sat down next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Ready to see our school's local Dragon rider get slaughtered by one of the best sword fighters in the world." Draco said softly in her ear, his words laced with malice no doubt as he remembered being humiliated by Eragon on Tuesday. Draco's proximity caused Alyse to shudder in disgust, immediately throwing off his arm as he placed it on her. Looking for help from Lisa, she frowned when she saw that Lisa had moved down the bench from her and was now siting with Su.
"Draco," Alyse replied coldly, hoping he wouldn't try to put his arm around her again. "And what makes you think Eragon will be fighting him?" Alyse asked turning back to him to glare, feeling slightly worried that Eragon might in fact be fighting today.
Not deterred by Alyse removing his arm, Draco put on a superior smirk, reveling that he knew something she didn't. "Professor Brigman is an extremely close friend of my father's, and has been training me to sword fight since I was ten." Draco said boastingly puffing out his chest.
" Professor Brigman has won countless national tournaments all over the world, and is recognized as one of the premier fighters in the sport. Naturally, my father would not get anyone but the best to train someone with a natural skill for sword fighting like myself. My father sponsored him to come teach here for the school, since Hogwarts is piss broke, and could never afford someone of his caliber. Professor Brigman says that someday when I'm trained my skills will far exceed his own."
Rolling her eyes, Alyse laughed at him, highly doubting he was that good with a sword. If Draco's similar boasts about how good he was at quidditch were true he might actually catch a snitch every now and then. "Is that so," Alyse said slowly her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That does not explain how you know Eragon is fighting, if he is."
Draco still sat there smugly not caring that she laughed at him. " As a close friend Professor Brigman, I naturally took some friends who I can tell have potential and welcomed him to Hogwarts. He then shared with us the details of who he would be fighting with for the demonstration. Professor Brigman was pretty disappointed, he said he wished it was me or someone else of higher caliber to fight so it would at least be interesting for everyone. Instead he got at Dumbledores insistence, a poser who walks around everywhere a hand and a half sword on his back, everyone knows anyone who knows anything would have chosen a two handed sword or a one handed by now. A hand and a half are for beginners, who haven't picked their style yet. Eragon is just lucky they are using the blunt edge charm or Brigman would cut him to shreds."
"I think Eragon is going to do rather well." Alyse said defiantly, highly doubting that Death sent someone incapable of combat to defend her, and slightly worried that Eragon would get seriously injured, if Brigman was as good as Draco said.
"A wager then," Draco smirked triumphant at Alyse as his plan worked out, crossing his arms across his chest.
" I don't want your money, Draco." Alyse said coldly, glaring at him.
"I wasn't going to bet you money. I was more thinking..." Draco trailed off running a hand through his platinum blond hair, before sliding closer to Alyse, reaching up to cup her face which she smacked away immediately. " That if I win, you'll go with me to the first Hogsmeade weekend on a date. Our first of many before you proudly join the Malfoy family." Draco said, trying to sound seductive.
"I've told you Draco, I will never marry you." Alyse said defiantly crossing her arms across her chest, biting her lips indecisively, it was a big risk. "and if I win?"
Draco smiled victoriously, "Then I won't ask you again until at least the after the first task of the Triwizard tournament."
It wasn't a bad as long as she won. "Fine deal," Alyse said, holding out her hand for a shake, which Draco did eagerly, pulling it close and turning it over placing a kiss on it. Alyse pulled her hand away quickly after he did kissed it, glaring. It was a good deal if Eragon won, Draco asked her out almost every week, it would be nice Alyse thought for some silence.
"I'll have mother send you a proper dress for our date." Draco said cockily, before turning away from her, seeming eager for the fight to start now.
Alyse sighed, why did she do this to herself, regretting her discussion to make the bet as Professor Brigman walked out from a room behind the head table, in full battle garb.
Brigman strutted into the center of the hall, he wore a bulky silver mail hauberk, complete with mail coif covering his head. The mail fully covered his arms and torso down to his knees, and added more bulk to his already imposing features. The chain mail on his chest was covered by a dark green sleeveless tunic with a silver snake on the front. He had matching greaves and braces on his forearms and shins that were a dark green dragon hide with ornate silver vines. Dark green dragon hide mail backed gloves on his hands, with matching boots. Under his right arm, Brigman carried a silver helm with green vines, while his other hand rested on his rapier. On his back was a wooden round shield with another sword hand poking out the top. The outfit was rather intimidating over all, and Alyse felt her gut clench in fear for What Eragon had to face in a few moments time.
Spinning on the spot, Brigman grinned widely. "Welcome staff and students to your introduction of swordsmanship. Today we have a real treat for you today as your very own Eragon has agreed to dual me! Do not fear I will not permanently injure him, you will have your celebrity back after we dual."
The crowd gasp appreciatively, many had been wondering if Eragon could actually do something with the sword he walked around with on his back. Beyond pulling it out to threaten Draco, no one had seen wield it.
"Today you will receive your first weapon, and begin on one of the oldest and most noble traditions of wizarding history. I realize many of you may still be worried for your friend Eragon, as I am a professionial. Fear not, for we are going to be using the blunt edge charm to protect our blades and Madam Pomfrey is here to assist Eragon when he gets injured." Brigman finished arrogantly, causing Alyse to seethe with anger. Alyse was the only one however as everyone else seemed to be convinced that Eragon was out of his league here. Based on how this man was dressed, the fact that Brigman was older, and a professional.
"Eragon if you could come out now." Everyone turned to look behind the head table, expecting Eragon to emerge from the same place Brigman had. The crowd began whispering as Eragon didn't emerge from behind the great table. Eragon instead walked into the great hall through the main doors, everyone gasping in shock as they saw him. Most students had expected him to be garbed in his simple white tunic he was wearing when he arrived. No one, including Brigman and Dumbledore expected him to be in the full set of masterful battle armor he wore now.
The only word to describe it was beautiful. It was a plate and mail combo, that made Brigman's attire look like a common soldiers. Eragon's armor was ivory white and dark blue. The mail sections that were visible between the different plates of armor was dark blue, and looked finer and thinner than would adequately protect him. The metal Breast plate was a magnificent ivory white, detailed beautifully with gold trim and a blue dragon breathing golden flames from its mouth. Similar white and gold strips of plate covered his shoulders, and white segmented plate was strapped to the outside of his thighs. A strip of dark blue cloth with strange runes hung from his belt between his legs on his front and back to his mid thigh. The bracers, greaves, and armored boots were likewise some kind of white metal and golden leather combo, with simple gold decoration. Eragon's gloves were dark blue, with a white segmented plate attached to the back of the hand. His sword was as always strapped to his back, strapped over segmented white and gold plate armor protecting his back. The handle of the sword protruded over his right shoulder. On his left arm he wore an iridescent blue round shield, with white trim on its edge and a white oak tree in the center. Under his right arm he carried a white and gold trim Spartan style helm with Sapphire blue plumage. Eragon's hair was loose today, and he wore no mail coif like Brigman. On Eragon's shoulder sat Saphira, who took off as he continued to walk towards Brigman in the center of the hall who still stood stupidly, mouth agape, staring at Eragon like everyone else.
Eragon's Pov
"Ready," I said to Brigman as I reached him in the center of the hall, breaking him out of his trance. Their reaction wasn't uncommon for this set of armor, I had the same look on my face when it was presented to me by the best Elven smith in Alagaesia. The armor was made from the metal of a falling star, just like my sword, and is the hardest material know to man in both Alagaesia and on Earth. The metal is practically indestructible, stronger than even the purest diamond once forged and enchanted with Alagaesian magic.
I watched as Saphira flew over to Alyse in the stands, landing on her shoulder, and nudging her rather hard in the head with her snout showing affection. I allowed myself to smile momentarily as Brigman began talking.
Why is Alyse sitting next to Draco. I asked Saphira curiously ignoring Brigman as he drawled on about how the students would earn their sword rights.
Draco sat by her, and apparently made a bet with her. If you loose she has to go on a date with him. Saphira replied through our link to me after a brief pause in which I assume she asked Alyse.
Bite him if he tries anything. I thought back worriedly, feeling slightly jealous of the thought of Draco taking Alyse anywhere. I shook my head returning my focus to Brigman next to me.
"A rapier is an excellent weapon." Brigman said pulling his out with an unnecessary flourish. "In this fight, Eragon is at an extreme disadvantage especially with someone of my skill. Not only is my rapier longer giving me a better reach, as I can strike him from further away. My rapier is also much faster, thinner, and more elegant than his hand and a half sword. I will be able to out maneuver him quickly one on one."
I bristled with anger, what did he think I was, some amateur with a sword. I could mentally hear Saphira growl in agreement in my mind, her anger seeping through our link. " Normally, after a few hits on my rapier from Eragon heavier sword and it would be bent all out of shape. However, with the power of runes here we can enchant our weapons to be stronger, always sharp, lighter, and even self cleaning. The draw back is that you must continually supply the magical energy for the upkeep of the enchantment as they are used. Their are runes in the handle to funnel energy into the sword. In a long siege, I would have to reduce which enchantments I have on it to the basics, otherwise I would magically exhaust myself and pass out from exhaustion making me an easy kill."
"We are going to have three fights the first, with just swords no shields. The first Eragon's hand and a half verse my rapier. After his defeat, I will switch to a more fair match up, a sword similar to his. The last being an all out battle with shields, my sword from the second fight, and it will be like you would experience in a real war." Brigman finished excitedly, walking his second sword and shield to the head table to sit them down.
Floating my helm in the air next to myself with wandless magic, I took off my shield and floated it over to the head table, leaning it against the side. Pulling my helmet out of the air, I put it on securely, doing up the strap under my chin tightly. "The rules of engagement at any fight around the school, is both combatants must draw their weapons and place the Blunt edge charm on it. To not put the charm on before you fight is a severe offense, a severe show of lack of respect for your opponent, and potentially lethal.
"We prefer if you wish to fight someone, you challenge them to a fight on Saturday. Saturday is when we will hold supervised fights. Now to not cut each other to shreds, we will be using the blunt edge charm." Brigman instructed, showing the wand movements that created an invisible layer about half an inch thick that prevented anything living from touching the edge. As he finished he walked about twenty paces away from me, putting his helm on as he went. Before spinning his sword all around himself complexly, as if in warm up before turning around to face me, crouching into the ready position.
I laughed mentally to Saphira as he took his position, turned sideways towards myself, his feet shoulder width apart, his right hand pointing his rapier towards me and his left resting on his hip. He's to high on the balls of his feet, I comment to Saphira. Drawing my blue blade slowly in my right hand, I apply the blunt edge charm quickly, before taking a much more relaxed stance. My sword is pointed down at my right side and I face him straight on flat footed. "Eragon we fight until the other strikes a blow that would kill, or has the other at sword point, at which point we will freeze. Agreed?" Brigman called out, still weaving his sword around himself in over the top flourishes.
As I watched him show off, I couldn't help but smile. "Agreed."
QM
Alyse couldn't help but hold her breath as Brigman advanced towards Eragon, who had yet to even take the ready position Brigman demonstrated earlier. Alyse wasn't even sure if Eragon had been listening, when he had. At least she wasn't the only one who was worried, Alyse could feel Saphira watching intently. Saphira's earlier playfulness had vanished as the fight had started, and she had gone still except for she flicked her tail slowly.
Once within striking distance Brigman slashed downwards immediately, a heavy blow aiming to cut Eragon all the way from left shoulder to hip. Waiting until Brigman's blade had almost reached him, Eragon took a quick step back allowing the sword to whistle past him. Wheeling his sword around in his right hand so fast it seemed like a blur, Eragon struck Brigman's sword with his own. In the same direction Brigman had swung it, giving the blade tremendous momentum causing it to deflect harmlessly. Continuing into the floor on the far side left side of Brigman's body as he over extended the blow, causing him to pitch foreword slightly. Before Brigman could recover, Eragon moved faster than seemed humanly possible and brought his sword back up as he stepped forward, and held the point of his sword to Brigman's throat.
Brigman paused eyes wide, Eragon's sword hovering against his throat. No one breathed in the great hall, as Eragon and Brigman held their pose. Brigman's face coloring deep crimson, through the thin slits of his helm. Eragon was the first to take a step back lowering his sword, retuning to the same pose he was in before the fight started several steps away.
Straightening Brigman, walked to the head table silently, no one dared to speak as his armor clinked crossing the hall. He tossed his rapier on the head table and also removing its sheath which he discarded. Brigman then picked up his shield, drawing his one handed broadsword as he advanced back on Eragon with slow steps, his initial embarrassment now replaced with a look of uncontrolled rage. His eyes dangerously glaring out from his helm, the second round long forgotten, along with the blunt edge charm for his new sword. Brigman was playing to the death.
An: A big thanks to everyone who favorited, and started following this story, and myself. A special big thanks to Blackcat0989 for my first Review! As for your question, who Eragon ends up with, is up in the air yet. There are three different girls written in my plot he could go with, and I will most likely choose on a whim. It could be any of them at this point.
I think I am going to keep the chapters this long from now on, but we'll see.
Please review I write more when this happens. :)
QM