Disclaimer: I do not, in anyway own the wonderful world of Harry Potter, or Charmed. I am just dabbling in the world they left for us. Though I do own the plot...

Chapter 59

Final Showdown and a Surprise...

Hogwarts School

The early morning dew clung tightly to the blades of grass, glistening ever so slightly in the risen suns light, despite the lateness of the morning. It was as if it too were just as eager as the students to see who would come out as victor in this final duel of the tournament. Harry was the favorite of course, but Neville had amassed quite the following as well. Even the professors were buzzing about it. This tournament had been out of their hands from the start. It was all under the watchful eyes of Professor Bixby. There were also the rumors, which seemed to have reached a new high, even by Hogwarts standards, about the "supposed" surprise ending that was to occur at the completion of the tournament.

"Look, girls, I am sorry but you will just have to wait like everyone else to find out what, if anything is going to happen." Professor Bixby said with a large smile, which told the two girls everything they needed to know.
With an overly theatrical swishing of his cloak, professor Bixby turned from the steps leading into the castle and headed in the direction of the Quidditch pitch; both girls practically flying at his heels, pushing him for anymore information they could get.

"Those two are, without a doubt, the Biggest gossips Hogwarts has even been host to."

"But you have to admit they are really good at what they do. They could even give Rita a run for her money, I'm sure." Ginny said smiling.

"True, but did you see what they did Gin? They got the professor to tell them what others have been trying to do for almost a year." Ron exclaimed.

"Lavender brown and Pavarti Patil have been...well, who they are since first year. And please, did either of you see the way professor Bixby was grinning? He knew what they were up to and only told them what he did to get them off his back." Hermione said with a scowl.

"Or," Ginny began, pushing off from the wall near the now vacant steps, "it's because today is the day of the final tournament and he doesn't care if people find out that there is going to be a surprise at the end. So naturally he doesn't mind the school knowing about, even though we all have for months. He's really not that great at being sneaky. I mean come on; even Ron can do a better job than him."

"As adept as Mr. Weasley is at his sneakiness," a voice said from behind, "it is time you three begin making your way to the pitch as well." McGonagall said as she passed three of her lions. The three of them nodded in understanding. When she was a sufficient distance away, Ginny started to chuckle.

"What's up Gin?" Ron asked.

"McGonagall is. She said herself, when asked by professor sprout the other day which of her cubs she was going to support in the final duel, she said that Harry and Neville knew they each had equal amounts of support from her and that she had no reason to adorn herself with any potter or Longbottom paraphernalia."

"And so what's funny about that?" Hermione asked.

"Did either of you see her collar? She had a tiny golden lightning bolt on one side and a small plant looking pin on the other." Ginny said with a smile as she led them towards the pitch.

The other two smiled as they made to follow and catch up to Ginny. They continued to chat as they navigated the familiar, winding, path which led to the stadium. They were just coming up on the pitch when Ginny stopped suddenly. "Oi, Ginny, would you warn someone when you are going to stop so abruptly." Ron said after nearly colliding with his sister.

"What's wrong Ginny?" Hermione asked, moving forward to stand next to the redhead.

"Not that it really matters, but why would Harry and Neville be out by the lake and not in one of the changing rooms at the pitch? It's almost time for their duel." before either Ron or Hermione could respond, Ginny had already begun to quickly make her way to her boyfriend.

As fast as they could, Ron and Hermione followed Ginny. It wasn't too long that they caught up with her, but by the time they did, she was already well into her questioning. "...and so you thought you'd just go somewhere without telling anyone?"

"Ginny..." Harry began.

"No, I don't want to hear it. Did you even think that there would be those who would come looking for you? We're you both simply planning on not going to YOUR duel? What gives you...?"

"Ginny!" Neville exclaimed and Ginny turned on him, fire in her eyes. "What Neville?" silence descended around them at her exclamation. Ginny and Neville were staring each other down while Harry watched Ginny, hope and fear, burning in his eyes, meanwhile Ron and Hermione's gazes flickered between them all. Slowly, Ginny turned back to Harry, who was smiling sheepishly.

"I'm sorry gin." Harry said meekly. "It won't happen again."

Ginny's gaze flickered back to Neville and then back again to Harry. "It's alright Harry." she said, moving forward, arms outstretched, to give him a hug.

At their hug, the tension surrounding the five teens seemed to dissipate. Neville smiled, "What brings you all down here, shouldn't you three be heading to the pitch?" Ginny shot him a look and it appeared she had been about to say something, but in the next second she seemed to decide against it.

"We were but then Ginny saw you ...what were you two doing down here anyway?"

"That would be my fault, you see." Neville said speaking up. "I had had a question for Harry and preferred to ask it away from the..."

"...ears that the school has seemed to have developed since my absence this summer." Harry finished, motioning them all to begin heading to the pitch.

Ron, Hermione and Ginny all nodded in understanding and as they fell in step with Neville and Harry. They walked in silence the rest of the way to the pitch and Harry and Neville were just about to break off from the group to head into the Gryffindor changing rooms when they were approached by three figures; one male and two females. As they drew closer, both Neville and Harry smiled; though Ron, Ginny and Hermione were confused as to why Neville would be smiling.

"Mom, Dad!" Harry said with a warm smile. After giving his parents their respective hugs he turned to... "Aunt Phoebe, it's good to see you all here. But where's Aunt Paige?"

"She's...been having some issues with something back home and sends her wishes to you and to you as well Neville. It is good to see you again and you all as well." Piper said with a warm smile to the other three standing nearby.

Harry laughed, "Is he still giving her a hard time, or is it the other way around?"

Phoebe smiled and looked at her nephew "How did you know?" she asked between her laughs.

"Oh, the same way I know that you and Coop have really hit it off well!" he answered, leaving his Aunt gaping like a fish, while also causing her to blush a deep crimson. "Am I going to be calling him Uncle any time soon? Or….are there going to be little cousins running around soon?"

"Harry Matthew Potter-Halliwell, you apologize right now." Piper said sternly, while trying to hold back her smirk. Harry caught his Dads eye and saw him wink and then fall into silent chuckles. This did not go unnoticed by either Piper or Phoebe and each promptly swatted at one of Leo's arms, earning a "What was that for?" from him.

"You know exactly what that was for." Piper said matter-of-factly, while Phoebe just nodded determinedly.

"So, what times this final show down supposed to start?" Phoebe asked.

"In about thirty minutes Ms. Halliwell." Hermione answered.

"So we'll need to find our seats soon, and by the way, Ms. Granger, Hermione, please, call me Phoebe. Calling me Ms. Halliwell makes me feel…"

"Old?" Piper threw in.

Phoebe shot her sister a look, "That too, but I was going to say that made me sound like my Grams, so calling me 'Phoebe' is more than fine." She finished with a smile.

"Forgive Hermione, Phoebe; she sometimes forgets that she is allowed to do certain things when she is told she may." Neville said with a knowing smile, which cause both Ron and Harry to fall into semi-silent laughter. This only served to earn them both, swats upside their heads from their respective girlfriends. Harry and Ron both muttered their apologies quickly. Leo chuckled and nudged Neville and whispered "Whipped". Unfortunately for him, Piper and Phoebe both heard him and swatted him again. This time they swatted his head. Ginny took the liberty and swatted Neville's head, quite a bit harder than she had hit Harry's.

"What was that for?" Neville complained.

"For thinking you wouldn't get swatted." Ginny replied cheekily. "As much as I hate break up the fun we're all having, there isn't much longer and Harry and Neville still need to get changed."

Harry nodded and looked over to Neville. "Shall we?"

"Indeed. Mrs. Halliwell, Leo, Phoebe, if you all want to, you three can sit with Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the stands with some of our other friends." He said with a knowing look to the aforementioned teens. All of whom understood his meaning. After seating had been arranged, they all began walking towards the outer wall of the pitch. As they walked, Harry noticed the Headmaster, along with Professor McGonagall and Professor Bixby head into the room where He and Neville were to head to. Harry discreetly nodded to Neville, who looked up, and in the direction Harry had indicated, in time to see the Headmaster looking intently at Harry, before heading inside the room himself. Neville nodded to Harry and Harry returned one in kind, neither being noticed by their friends and family.

"Well, this is where we leave you." Harry said with a smile as they came to a set of stairs leading upwards.

"Don't worry; this will be over before you know it." Neville said grinning at Harry.

"Oh, you're going down Longbottom." Harry replied with a grin of his own. "Oh, before I forget, these are for you three." He said as he pulled out three pairs of Omnioculars, handing them to his parents and Aunt. "Hermione can explain what they are for and do when you all get seated. I really do hate to go, but Neville and I have to get ready. We will see you all very soon."

Both boys lingered long enough to see their friends and Harry's family pass from their site and then headed in the direction of the Gryffindor changing room, where they knew a few people were waiting for them. With a sigh Neville turned to Harry "Are you ready for this?" Neville asked, pausing right outside the changing room door. Harry shook his head and too gave a sigh, "As ready as I'll ever be, but you know…"

"Yah, I do, but worrying about it will not change a thing. Come on, we need to change." Neville said just before he opened the door. Both boys smiled at each other and with a nod, headed into the changing room.

**~hpgw~**~hpgw~**

"Did Harry mean what I think he meant by, "Sitting by some of our "other" friends?" Piper asked.

"You hit the nail on the head, Mrs. Halliwell. He just doesn't want to take any chances with you three here. It was nice of you to surprise him this way. He's been a bit on edge….if you know what I mean." Ginny said.

"I think I do." Piper answered, "I watched him all summer and while I know he was having a good time, he still seemed a bit…distanced at times. There would be times, when training and it was as though he had so much going on inside his head that he would lose his focus and trust me, losing one's focus while training in our house is a dangerous thing."

"He's always been like that. He's told me at times that it's as though the weight of the world is on his shoulders and he isn't sure how, if at all, he can rid himself of it." Ginny replied, gesturing to a row of seats. Piper noticed that all around them were a myriad of different colored ties. Harry, over the summer, had explained the house system to the family, so she knew she was among students from all of the houses, except for one. She was about to speak again, but at the moment she tried a loud voice filled the stadium. Looking down, she could see a man dressed in all black robes gesturing wildly. And in the next moment, the loudness was gone. She turned to Ginny just in time to see her putting away her wand.

"Sorry, he's just explaining the rule and what's going to happen. He does this at every tournament and what he says never changes. I put up privacy spell so that we could continue to talk without much interruption. That is until the duel actually starts."

"Thank you, but what about…"

"…They are also included." Piper smiled at her son's girlfriend. Even though he may not be aware, and she knew Ginny did; as all girls do, that what he had with her was not just some fling, but she would leave it alone until such a time that Harry came to "talk" to them and inform them of his intentions. She was also happy to get this chance to talk to Ginny and was thankful that, even though the others were obviously listening in, they were being courteous enough to let the two women have some time.

"So tell me Ginny, you say my son feels this…burden. What are you doing to help him?" Piper asked bluntly.

"I am doing my best ma'am. Harry is can be proud and doesn't ask for help all that often, but whether he asks for it or not, I am always there with him, waiting, for him to do so. And even if he doesn't, I just know that my presence calms him down. We just…have a connection I guess you could say. Besides, I know for a fact that he knows this as well." She answered calmly.

Satisfied with the answer she received, she nodded, and noticed Ginny shift slightly at her nod. Piper, catching Ginny's eye, grinned and received one in kind. Deciding to change subjects, Piper turned the conversation towards the up and coming duel. "So, tell me, you three. Who do think is going to win?"

Before anyone else could even respond, Ron pronounced "Harry" in no time flat. "You sound quite sure." Piper said with a smile.

Hermione elbowed Ron. "I personally think Harry has a pretty good chance of winning, but…"

"…Neville is no slouch either. Both he and Harry have been practicing non-stop and have to actually be pulled away from practice." Ginny, put in. "I will be rooting for Harry personally."

"I think both Harry and Neville don't care who wins. As long as they have fun, which we all know they will." Leo said with a smile. And just as Phoebe was about to speak, Ginny let the privacy ward down, sending an apologetic look over to her. Phoebe just shook her head in understanding and sent the red-head a smile back. After returning the smile, Ginny shifted in her seat and said:

"I's sorry, but that's the Headmaster, the duel is about to start."

**~hpgw~**~hpgw~**

As Harry and Neville walked through the door, both noticed the Headmaster, their Head of house and Professor Bixby. Professor McCreedy and Sparks were there as well, but both were standing off to one side as though merely spectators. Harry raised an eyebrow and Neville smiled at seeing Harry's reaction. His smile vanished though, the moment he noticed the Headmaster looking oddly at Harry. It appeared that he wanted to say something, but decided against it when becoming aware of Neville staring at him intently.

"Boys, congratulations are in order, I believe, for making it to this point in the tournament. You both have done a splendid job and I for one am very much looking forward to seeing who comes out as victor."

"With all due respect Headmaster, both Harry and I do not care who comes out as the victor. We are simply here to have a good time. And regardless of the winner, it will still be a win for Gryffindor house." Neville said, directing the last bit to his Head of House, who simply smiled proudly at both her Gryffindors.

"Too right you are Mr. Longbottom. But I believe that Mr. Bixby has something to say to you both." With a nod, both boys looked to the tournament head.

"First off boys, I too wish to congratulate you. Making it this far is just fantastic, really, good job to you both." Bixby started with a grin. "Now, as this is the day of the final duel I feel that I can tell you about the rumors that I'm sure you have heard circling. And as I am sure Miss. Patil and Brown have undoubtedly told the others by now," both Harry and Neville shared a quick look, smiled, and then turned back to Professor Bixby, who too had a large smile on his face, "It is my duty to inform you that there is indeed a special surprise for the person who comes out as the victor in todays duel"

"Now, there is something else you need to know as well. Just as before, the dome will go up signifying the start of the duel and will only fall when one of you is incapacitated. Also, boys, we chose this location for the final duel so that one, we could fit more people and so that you, the duelers, would have more space to move around in so do not be afraid to use it. In fact we hope you will, as it will make for a more interesting duel for those watching."

"We understand sir." Harry said for both he and Neville.

Professor Bixby smiled. "Good, now, I am going to go out and explain to those in the stands what I have basically told you two. This will give you enough time to change and prepare yourselves. Headmaster, with your leave."

"Thank you Professor, the others and I will follow shortly." Bixby nodded at the Headmasters words and walked out of the changing room and out onto the pitch. "Now, Professors," Dumbledore said, turning to those still left, "Would you three mind if I had a few words with these two before we too must take our seats?"

Both boys stiffened and both noticed when McGonagall frowned slightly before replying. "Of course Headmaster; Professors Sparks and McCreedy will go take our seats and wait for you."

The Headmaster waited until they had shut the door behind them to turn back to the boys, both who were looking at him expectantly. He sighed, "Boys, I really am proud of you both and simply wanted to express to you that while this is a dueling tournament, that there is no need to take any…unnecessary risks. By all means, I expect each of you to give it your all, but remember that you are both friends and are here to have fun."

Harry and Neville just stared at the man before them; neither of them had been expecting that. Harry was the first to find his voice. "Thank you sir, we will of course consider what you have said, but as we told you before we are here to have fun. Anything other than that….well that is best left for the Slytherin and Gryffindor rivalries am I right?" he said with a smile, much to the chargin of the Headmaster.

"Indeed." The Headmaster said. "Mr. Longbottom, do you mind if I speak to Harry alone for a moment?"

Neville glanced over at Harry, who simply shrugged his shoulders. Nodding, he moved to stand over where Professor McCreedy and Sparks had been standing before and leaned against the wall. Knowing that was all he was going to get from the boy, Albus Dumbledore turned back to face Harry. "Harry my boy, I wanted to take this moment to apologize to you and tell you how sorry I am for all that I have done and out you through. I know there is no excuse that I could give you that you would accept. I can only ask for your forgiveness when you are able and willing to give it."

Behind the Headmaster, Neville had a look of consternation on his face and raised an eyebrow, which he knew Harry could see. Harry, seeing the look on Neville's face and the raised eyebrow, smirked ever so slightly so that only his friend would notice it, turned back towards the Headmaster. "Thank you sir, but Neville and I need to get ready as there isn't much time for us to."

The Headmaster nodded, "Of course my boy. And by the way, I do hope your…..friends enjoy the duel." He said with a knowing look before quickly heading out.

After the door had been shut, Neville quickly walked forward and was about to speak, but was stopped by Harry's raised hand. "Later, we need to get ready and that can be dealt with later." Harry smiled when he saw the look that his friend was giving him, but ignored it and started to change. It wasn't long before both boys were changed, having done so in silence, and were ready to go.

"You ready Harry?" Neville asked, coming to sit next his friend.

"As much as I can be I guess. All that's left to do now is…"

"Yeah, I thought we'd wait until just before they call us, which," He said looking down at his watch, "Shouldn't be too long now." Almost as soon as he said that a bell chimed in the changing rooms, signaling that they only had a few more moments to themselves. Smiling, Neville said, "How about we give them one helluva an entrance, what do you say?"

Harry smiled. "Hell ya!"

Neville smiled and pulled out a piece of paper and scooted over a little closer to Harry, who took a hold of a corner of it. Both boys smiled at each other. "Let's do this." Both said, and after a moment, there was a flash of light. After it receded, both boys shared a look and smiled. Not a moment later they heard their names being called.

"Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter!"

**~hpgw~**~hpgw~**

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us welcome to the pitch our two duelists, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter!"

All around the pitch, there was a deafening roar of cheers calling out for the two duelists, and for some, their friends. If possible, the cheers got even louder when a swirl of blue lights appeared on one side of the Headmaster and a circle of flames on the other. After the two boys appeared, the startled Headmaster made his way over to his seat.

Piper shook her head slightly smiling along with her sister, Ginny, and Leo while an amazed Ron and Hermione sat there simply clapping. Laughing, Ginny said "Show off's."

"Too true Ginny." Piper agreed with a smile.

"And where do you think he got that from?" Leo asked. And as Piper was about to respond Leo added, "That was a rhetorical question honey." with a smile. She promptly narrowed her eyes at him and then gave a smile of her own and then turned back towards the pitch, where Professor Bixby was currently moving the boys more than a few feet apart, and then too took his seat. There was a moment when nothing happened, cheers still ringing in the crowed, which stopped abruptly as the first bell chimed. Harry and Neville bowed. With the second chime, the protective dome rose, and as soon as the third chime rang throughout the pitch, the two duelers took their stances and leapt in to action and silence reigned throughout the stands as two swords met with a resounding clang. The two duelers smirked at one another at the collective gasp of those in the stands.

"What a way to start the duel huh?"

"That's what we wanted to give them, a show right?"

"Indeed. So then let's get on with it then."

Harry pushed the blade that rested upon his with such a force that it pushed Neville back. "You've been practicing." Harry smirked at his friend's statement and then rushed at him, causing Neville to go on the defensive. Neville twirled his sword in preparation of the blow he knew was coming. He raised his sword just in time to block the blow and repel the attack with a move of his own. As he thrust his sword forward, he watched as the blade missed Harry by mere inches. Neither boy was very proficient at dueling with swords, as they had only just begun to add them to their repertoire of dueling skills for this tournament.

"It looks like they're dancing." Hermione said in awe, as she watched two of her friends dodge, thrust and parry with their swords.

"They are definitely getting a workout." Phoebe said, just as in awe at the two boys as Hermione was.

"They are tiring though, you can see it in their faces." Leo stated.

And indeed they were. Both boys were huffing and puffing as blow after blow was exchanged. Then, despite his tiredness, Harry twirled his sword, faster and faster, until it left his hands, and directed it upwards, flinging it out of his hands. As the sword flew out of his hands, he quickly pulled his wand out and waved it at the sword and it promptly vanished. Sword gone, he turned his attention to Neville, who shot him a look of thanks as he too pulled his wand out. Dueling with swords was physically tiring, but magical dueling didn't take much effort, at least not really. On instinct, Neville raised a shield which promptly absorbed several spells that Harry had sent off in quick succession. Thus began the next phase of their duel.

Both boys sent spell after spell at the other, all of which were silent so as to catch the other by surprise. Only minor ones were exchanged at first, but not long after this phase of their dueling began, then did both boy step up their game, both casting, what some would call boarder-line dark. Some meant to cause pain, others to cause the ground to erupt with vines of all shapes and sizes and one particularly nasty curse that caused one to lose all their senses and control of the body when hit with it. Harry had just barely gotten out of the way when that particular spell. It seemed that Neville had decided to take this duel to the next level. 'Well, two can play that game' Harry thought to himself as he began to wave his wand in a complicated pattern.

Suddenly the ground in front of Neville's feet vanished, leaving a gaping hole. Neville raised an eyebrow and sent a smirk to his friend. But Harry's spell didn't stop there. From its depths a torrent of fire sprung from its core and headed right for him. In seconds, Neville began to shoot every water-based spell and ice-based spell he knew at the monstrous form of flames, with little result. After what seemed like an age, one of his spells that he threw at it actually slowed it down, if only for a moment. Quickly, Neville backed up only to find his back hitting a wall of stone. The ward that he had erected was meant to only stop the flames from getting to him and even then, the particular ward he had chosen would only slow the flames down. He hadn't foreseen Harry conjuring a wall of stone around the perimeter of his ward. Neville pulled his gaze from the slowly-oncoming fire to that of his friend. He watched as Harry waved his wand, causing the hole to vanish, leaving only the flames, which were beginning to overcome his ward with every passing second. He was even beginning to feel the heat from the flames. And then his ward fell. On impulse, Neville did the only thing he could think of and he chided himself for not having thought of it sooner. As it was, he had barely managed to cast his charm before the flames overtook him.

"Oh no!" Hermione gasped.

"S'all right 'Mione, look." Ron said, scooting closer to her while gesturing down at the pitch.

Lowering her hands, Hermione watched as Harry strode up to a heavy-breathing and slightly smoking Neville.

"Had enough?" Harry asked as he closed in on Neville.

Neville paled. Harry had said the parchments trigger word and knew he only had moments to cast his next spell. He just hoped he was quick enough. With a twirl of his wand, Neville cast a spell that lit up the entire pitch, with a light so bright that those outside the dome had to cover their eyes. Neville sighed; he had made it, but only just.

After the light dissipated, he saw Harry smirking at him and then wink. Harry was about to do something that Neville knew he would hate. But it wasn't as though he could be mad at his friend. They had agreed, after all that in their duel, anything would go, including that of using the trigger word that would...but Neville was interrupted in his thoughts, having to roll out of the way of the oncoming spell that Harry had just thrown at him. With a smirk of his own, he pushed himself upwards off the ground, channeling as much magic into his hands and feet as possible and did a flip over his advancing friend, landing himself a good six feet away, and then promptly pointed his wand over his right shoulder with a quick jab that he knew would catch his friend off guard.

Piper and phoebe both gasped "no way!" Completely shocked at what they had just witnessed.

"What?" Ron asked. But he there came no response from the two female Halliwell's as they had turned their attention back to the two duelists.

Ginny, who had been watching them, smiled and then turned her gaze back to pitch just in time to see that Harry had recovered from the spell Neville had sent, and had somehow gotten the upper hand again and was advancing on Neville, who was trying his best to get rid of the multitude of large, weaving vines, heading his way.

"Oh no" hermione exclaimed, covering her eyes.

"Hermione, you have to watch." Ginny said with smile.

"No, I can't" she replied, shaking her head vigorously.

"Oh no!" Ginny exclaimed.

"What?" Hermione gasped, pulling her hands from her eyes looking down at the pitch, only to see Harry still advancing with even more vines, still creeping upon Neville, who was having an even harder time now at trying to get rid of the vines. Hermione could see that Neville was quickly tiring and was more than likely running on fumes.

The crowd gasped collectively as they witnessed Harry summon even more vines, this time behind Neville, which immediately wrapped themselves around his legs, pulling him to his knees. Neville quickly put his hands out to break his fall, wand forgotten, which was under one of the hands that broke his fall. As Neville lay there panting, the vines slowly, yet quickly started to form a dome around his arched form, leaving no room for an exit. No sooner had the dome fully encased the young wizard, did Harry let up off the spell only to then jab his wand, silently, at the ground, scooping up a massive amount of earth and promptly drop it on the dome of vines as an added precaution.

Smiling, Harry slowly made his way toward the mound and gave it a gentle kick with his foot. This had not been a good idea. No sooner had he done that than a bunch of tiny shafts of red light could be seen emanating from different parts of the makeshift cage. Had Harry known what was going to happen next, he would have backed away a whole lot faster than he was currently because without warning he was thrown from his feet and into the air. Managing to twist in the air just enough he was able to land in such a way that he did not injure himself. Harry knew he was covered in dirt and the tiny remains of his vines, but that was the last thing on his mind. Currently in front of him, and hovering in the air no less, was Neville Longbottom, who still had the faint glow of red around him and was also pulsating ever so slightly.

Harry watched, unable to move, as Neville drew closer to him. Just as Neville was coming to a stop in front of Harry, lowering himself in the process, did Harry start to move again. And as he came to a standing position, he felt just how tired his muscles and his magic were from the workout. He would definitely need to take a few potions when this was all over, he thought to himself as Neville came to a full stop in from of him. They stood facing each other for only a moment before Neville smiled and winked at Harry and cast the last spell of the dueling tournament.

As Harry slumped to the ground, the dome around the inside of the pitch fell.

Silence reigned for the first few moments after the dome had fallen. Everyone in the stands were silent as they tried to process what they had just witnessed. Among them were the Halliwell's; all three somewhat shocked at the level of magic they had just witnessed. It wasn't long before pure, unadulterated chaos sprang forth, with cheers of pure joy directed solely at the young man standing in the middle of the pitch. Neville Longbottom had become Hogwarts dueling champion.

Professor Bixby ran out onto the field as quick as he could, along with Madam Pomfrey, who had a solemn look on her face as she quickly conjured a floating chair and helped Harry sit down and then promptly spelled the chair, with Harry still in it, to the sidelines, with her quickly following. Bixby smiled. First at watching the Medi-witch carting Harry Potter off, quite literally and then at the boy beside him, who was panting heavily and gazing up and around at the stands. He watched keenly as Neville gazed around the pitch, stop briefly, smile widely and then continue looking around.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Hogwarts School; I am most pleased to announce that the winner, if it wasn't already obvious, is none other than Neville Longbottom." The cheering had ceased once Bixby had begun to speak, but as soon as he quieted, the cheering began again, this time louder.

"Yes, yes, we are all proud of our Champion, but I ask you to give us just another moment of your time as Neville here has a quick check up with the wonderful Madam Pomfrey before I ask him to join me back out on the pitch." As he broke off, instead of cheering, there crowd dissolved into whispers. Some talking about the duel they had just been witness too, though most were talking about the surprise that was to follow the end of the duel. Among those who fell into quiet talking was Harry's family.

"Did you see that, that had to have been the best duel of the century!" Ron exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. "I mean, did you see Neville do that flip over Harry? That cinched it for me."

"I have to agree, that was quite a duel." Hermione said, leaning into Ron. "What do you think Mrs. Halliwell, this being your first Wizard duel and all?"

Piper nodded silently, still gazing out at the now empty field. Leo smiled and said. "I don't think she was expecting what she just saw…if you know what I mean. I for one didn't expect that." Phoebe nodded in agreement. She like her sister was still processing what she had just witnessed. Everyone turned their gaze to Ginny next, who too was silently looking out, gazing out at nothing in particular. Just as Ron was about to call out to his sister, two figures walked out onto the pitch.

"Again, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you the Hogwarts dueling champion…..Neville Longbottom." As before, cheers rang throughout the stadium, but were quickly silenced when a few cannon shots were fired from within the Teachers box. Every eye turned and watched as the Headmaster slowly put away his wand and then nod slightly to Bixby, who kindly returned with a nod of his own. "Now, much has been heard and many rumors spread, about something that was to occur at the completion of this most wonderful Dueling Tournament. I can now say this is no rumor at all, but is indeed fact."

Even though the entire stadium, save for a few pockets, dissolved back into whispers, Professor Bixby could still be heard, having had the thought to cast a charm on his voice. "Mr. Longbottom…" Bixby said as he gestured the young man forward so that he would right next to the Professor, "has beaten his opponent and that has earned him this surprise." And in one swift movement, Bixby whipped out his wand and silently banished Neville several yards away from him. There were a few gasps, but the Professor held up a hand. "Now, as it is with most duels, the biggest surprise one can get is thinking his fight…is over." And with another, quick, movement, he too was several feet away from where he just stood. "Mr. Longbottom's surprise is that he now has to duel with me, a Dueling Master and a loyal follower of the Dark Lord."

The entire crowd went silent, allowing Bixby's cackling to be heard far and wide. Quickly waving his wand, he magicked the protective dome into being; only this time it surrounded the entire pitch. "As before, no human nor spell can leave this dome until there is 'One' left standing. Oh, and I wouldn't bother with try to dispel my spell Dumbledore, it can only be ended by its caster, and that would be me. So unless I am killed unexpectedly...you shall find yourself unable to cancel my spell." Bixby called out to the Headmaster, whom he had noticed had drawn his wand and had begun attempts to lower the shield.

With a sigh of exasperation, the Headmaster lowered his wand. "What is it you want Richard?"

Richard Bixby cackled again. "It isn't what I want, Headmaster. It's what He wants." In one swift movement, he snapped his fingers and in an instant, Neville Longbottom was overtaken by a series of ropes, wrapping themselves all around his body, though it appeared not to tightly as he was able to remain standing. "The Dark Lord has plans for Hogwarts as well as you. He simply needed an inside man. You never had any idea Dumbledore. Once again, there was a tournament within the halls of this waste for a school and again, you failed to notice that one of your teachers were in league with the Dark Lord himself. What say you to that I wonder?"

The Headmaster didn't respond. He turned his gaze to that of Neville and looked sadly at the Youngman standing, tied up, before someone whom he yet again, had place some measure of trust in. Bixby noticing this, laughed again. "Oh I plan on having some fun with young Mister Longbottom here. It isn't quite known, but I was there along with Ms. Lestrange and her other cohorts the night this boys' parents were tortured into insanity. Let's have some fun shall we."

"We will fight you Richard, you are outnumbered." Dumbledore called out.

"You will do no such thing Headmaster. Why have you let this go on as far as it has if you had been planning on stopping me? Is it because you are sympathetic to the Dark Lords ideas?" The crowd gasped and turned towards where the Headmaster was currently standing. "Or is it because you have now realized, that for some reason beyond your comprehension that you, along with every other person locked inside this dome, cannot access their magical cores?" More gasps were heard, only to be followed, not by silence, but by people trying to alight their wands with even the simplest of magic's. Bixby cackled some more, brought his hand up, snapped his fingers and what followed was a multitude of cloaked figures appearing behind Richard Bixby, who just kept on smiling.

As one, all of the figures took a step forward, some raising wands, as if readying to attack, but were stopped by a single hand in the air. Bixby turned to them, "Not yet, it is the Dark Lords wish that the winner of the Tournament be the first to die. He thought it fitting." And with a smile, Bixby slowly crept towards Neville with an evil smile adorning his features, eyes never leaving his prey, the Dark Lords followers close behind. His steps faltered and then came to a complete stop when he saw the smiling face of the boy he was about to kill. "Is death amusing to you, should I just issue the curse that is to end your life now?"

"It's not that sir. I welcome death, even met him once…and what a trip that was…" Neville began loudly, calmly watching the man not too far from him. "It's just that…"

"It's just what Longbottom? It's. Just. What?"

"Well, it's just that you aren't the only one capable of surprises." With another smile the image of Neville Longbottom shimmered and fell away, along with the ropes binding him, revealing the smiling, practically smirking, form of Harry Potter who promptly yelled out "KNIGHTS, TO ME!"

Several things happened at once. All the students in the stands vanished in swirls of white lights, along with Harry's parents, leaving only the adults in the stands. As this happened, more unknown figures appeared on the field. Only this time they appeared behind Harry, clear to those watching from the stands, ready for a fight. They wore long, midnight blue tunics hemmed in black at the bottom. The middle of the tunics cinched with wide black leather belts with silver buckles embossed with Celtic knots. The hoods of the tunics, also trimmed in black, hung close about their heads and faces, hiding them in shadow. Each person wore calf-high black leather boots, but some had only black leggings under the tunic while others wore black cotton pants tucked into their boots. Their gauntlets' black and silver gilding shone with white fire in the sunlight.

The crowd first gasped, and then cheered. Harry turned his gaze to the stands. "We, the Knights of Salem, would welcome any help that can be given." Harry called out.

The Headmaster nodded and reached into his robes and pulled his wand and with a swish of his cloak appeared down on the pitch, next to Harry, along with all of the other members of the Order. "The Order is here to help Harry." Harry frowned slightly and then nodded. Not too soon after Dumbledore had left his seat, then did rest of the adults in the stands do the same thing. Some ran, some joined Bixby's side, but the majority sided with Harry and the Knights.

Looking at those assembled around him he turned to face Bixby and smirked. "Your move."

A/N: Well, there you have it, the final duel. I personally wish it could be more, but with what the next chapter holds...I wanted to keep the majority of my hand and ideas for it. Not too much longer now before the end. I have carved out the plot in my head and this next chapter marks the Beginning of the End. (that is not the chapter title by the way...) So drop me a line and tell me what you thought. Please and thank you! See you all very soon...!

Mudbloodpotter