Chapter 8: I Have too Much Victory

(James)

Taking the last bit of strength I had I swung my other leg and it made contact with the beasts' face. It let go of my leg and gave a weird monkey-fish-scream.

You'd expect that it'd back down after that but no. Apparently monkeys got very offended kicked them in the face. The thing launched at me again. I managed to grab onto a rock and used it to bash its head.

That worked. Well, if my goal was to anger the thing into calling more of its monkey-demon friends to attack me. I was now faced with three creatures.

By this point I had managed to grab hold of my wand. I shouted the only spell that came to mind. "Stupefy!"

To my surprise the monkeys become limp and fell to the bottom of the lake.

I swan as fast as a man who only had a leg and a half could.

I was really close to the island now so I just kept swimming. I didn't dare look at my leg wound and I did my best to ignore the trail of red I was leaving behind me.

When I reached the island I could see one person was already there. I couldn't tell who it was though because of the Disillusionment charm.

Taking a deep breath I looked at my leg and gave a scream. I assure you it was a very manly scream, not a high pitched shriek of sheer terror.

I can also assure you that I handled it in a very clam manner- for example I didn't faint and then scream and cry. Nope, definitely not.

I could hear Scone laughing at me from the other side of the island. He undid his Disillusionment charm and I could see him. "Did you get attacked by a Kappa, Potter?"

"N-n-no," I stuttered a bit shaken up. I took off my Disillusionment Charm too.

"Didn't you read about them Potter? Kappas are incredibly polite-"

"Oh really? Maybe you should tell that to the one who ripped off my freaking leg!"

"Well if you're not polite to it first, it's not going to show you any respect," Scone said as if this were the most obvious thing in the world. "You see one way to defeat them is to rip off their arms and they will serve you, do whatever you ask them to."

I glared at Scone. "Yeah, because ripping off their arms is so polite-"

"You know what Potter? I feel bad for you. So I'll make you a deal. I'll heal your wound. And I've found two of your clues. I'll tell you where they are."

"On what conditions?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

"Well, if you can find you other clue and get back to the island before I find all three of my clues, which I promise you have not been dug up yet, I'll change our little bet."

"Change it to what?"

"You win, I'll do whatever you say for two weeks. But if I win you do whatever I say for two month."

It was an incredibly stupid deal. And there must've been some sort of angle or Scone wouldn't have been offering me help in the first place. But on the other hand I did have more of an advantage here. And to have Scone do whatever I like for two weeks… but no. It was too easy. There's must've been something wrong. I was about to decline his offer when he said something that peaked my interest.

"I promise you if I am lying or you find out I'm lying later whether I win or lose I'll automatically lose the bet." He paused. "Of course if you think you suck so much that you can't even win with such I high advantage, I understand…"

And so being my idiotic stupid self I replied without even thinking, "Deal!" Scone held out his hand and I shook it.

He healed my leg using a spell called "Medimento." Then he showed me the locations of two of my three clues.

I started digging around the island for my third and Scone did the same.

He found his first one in a matter of minutes. He used another Disillusionment charm after that.

I was pretty sure both Steffi and Reed were on the island now. I looked everywhere for my third clue but I couldn't find it. It wasn't until I stopped to take a breather that I noticed the island was completely empty. I squinted, double-checking to make sure I couldn't see any shapes.

I swore and wished I had been smart enough to wear a watch. I jumped back into the lake and began swimming. When I was only about a quarter way back I heard the final bell.

I swore again. Assuming everyone else had already made it back I was going to be in last place.

As if I wasn't already late enough I ran into another Kappa. I froze with fear for a second as it approached me until I remembered what Scone said. He could be lying, but then again he was a Ravenclaw and those claws did like to share random information that no one cared about.

Before it could bite me I grabbed the Kappa's arms and yanked them hard as I could. I suppose I should have expected it to be scaly and slimy but I just about dropped them when I grabbed hold. It was by far the most disgusting thing I had ever touched. And I had once picked up dragon poop with my bare hands- don't ask.

The arms just came right off. One second they were attached to a body and the next they were loose in my arm.

"I shall do you a favour in return for my arm," the Kappa said in a voice that could only be described as reptilian.

"Can you get me back to the island in seconds?" I asked half joking.

"Absolutely."

I really don't know what happened. The Kappa just grabbed onto me and then I was in the shallow part of the lake, right next to the bank.

"And here comes James Potter of Gryffindor, who is three minutes late," announced Fred. "Ooh, that'll cost you, James. Stay with us folks as we wait for our final contestant Steffi Roberts of Hufflepuff."

Alice came to great me holding a blanket and a hot beverage which I hoped was hot chocolate. "How the hell did you get here so fast?" she asked. "One second you were fighting some creature and the next you were here."

I took the blanket gratefully and smiled. "Would you believe me if I told you a magical water demon gave me a ride?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "It wouldn't be the weirdest thing you told me."

I shrugged. "Fair enough." I took a sip of the liquid, hot coco. "So I guess you guys were watching us somehow?"

Alice pointed to four giant screens which were floating magically in front of the crowd of people. "And Fred was announcing your progress."

"He didn't tell me he was announcing."

Alice laughed. "He wasn't supposed to. He took the microphone from Professor Flitwick and when Flitwick took it back Fred just magically amplified his voice. Eventually Flitwick just gave in."

Before I could reply Fred announced. "Steffi Roberts is here and she is seven minutes late! That is going to cost her!" There was a pause as Flitwick handed Fred a piece of paper. "And the judges have made their decision. In fourth place we have Lucas Reed of Slytherin with 53 points for finding the island, defeating a Grindylow, and a Kelpie, and bonus for coming back thirteen minutes early."

I sighed with relief and the Slytherins gave a half-hearted cheer. At least I wasn't last. But that didn't really matter. I still lost the real competition, beating Scone. Now I'd have to be his slave for two months.

Fred continued when the cheer died down. "We have James Potter in third with 57 points. James found the island, two clues, some Grindylow and defeated Kappas and two different occasions but was three minutes late coming back."

The Gryffindors cheered loudly including Fred.

"In second we have Samuel Scone of Ravenclaw with 65 points. Scone found the island, all three of his clues, and defeated a Kappa, a Grindylow and a Peg Powler."

The Ravenclaws cheers were the loudest so far.

"And finally in first place we have Steffi Roberts of Hufflepuff with 68 points! Although she was seven minutes late Steffi found the island, gathered all three of her clues, and defeated two Grindylow on different occasions, and two Kelpie."

The Hufflepuff cheer was deafening.

"Thank you Hogwarts! I am Fred Remus Weasley and this has been the first task of the Hogwarts Tournament. Join me in January for the second task. And remember where there is announcing to be done Fred Weasley will be the one doing it. Good night everybody!"

Fred took a giant bow and ran towards Alice and me. "Was I great or was I great?"

"Humble I see," Alice noted.

"Yeah, well, it's hard to be while you're best announcer ever," Fred grinned widely as a girl wearing a Hufflepuff tie gave him a note.

"What's it say?" I asked.

"Fifth floor broom cupboard by the portrait of Dumbledore at eight o'clock." Fred whistled. "See? I'm popular."

Fred and Alice began walking towards the castle. I told them I'd catch up with them later and went to find Scone.

"A word please," I said when I found Scone surrounded by a group of admirers.

"Yes, Potter?" he said as if I was hardly worth his time.

"You cheated!" I snapped. "When the Kappa offered you a favour you asked for him to tell you where your clues were, didn't you?"

"Ah, I see you've figured it out," Scone muttered. "Well, unfortunately I didn't lie to you. When we made our deal I told you I that I hadn't dug up my clues yet, I didn't say I was unsure of their location."

I glared. "You're a dirty lying arse, you know that?"

"I suggest you don't speak to me like that. And of course you have to listen seeing as you're basically my personal servant for the next little while."

"Well you broke the deal by being a cheat so why should I keep true?"

"Ah, I figured you might say that. I took precautions, Potter. You might have noticed me muttering under my breath while we made our deal. That was a curse, both of us were bound to the deal when we shook. So if you chose to break this deal bad, bad things will happen. So by all means feel free."

Scone gave me a smile and a wave and turned away before speaking again. I almost forgot. He took something out of his pocket. "This is a bell. If I wish to summon you it will ring. Understand?" I nodded glaring daggers at Scone. "Good boy," he said and ruffled my hair.

I took a deep breath and instead of shooting a curse at that prick's back I just shot him with my imaginary finger gun.

(Albus)

It was disturbing to say the least.

"Did he say anything to you?" I asked Alice and Fred.

They both shook their heads. "I knew there was something up when he ditched us to talk to Scone but this is a little ridiculous," Fred replied.

The disturbing topic we were discussing was James. Instead of sitting with the Gryffindors, who were celebrating despite the fact we hadn't won the tournament, James was sitting at the Ravenclaw table. Next to Samuel Scone.

"Why don't you ask your girlfriend if she knows what's up?" Alice said, the slightest hint of bitterness in her voice.

I decided to ignore what I may or may not have heard. Alice had made it clear that she didn't like Cassidy. But besides her, and maybe Hugo, everyone seemed to like her.

I stood up and replied, "I will."

Cassidy smiled when she saw me approach. "Hey Albus what's up?"

She made room for me next to her and I sat down. "Do you know why James is suddenly sitting with Scone?"

"I have no clue," Cassidy replied frowning at James. "It's weird though. James keeps getting stuff for Samuel. Look, right now, James is passing him the potatoes."

"Is this part of some sort of prank?"

I sat with Cassidy for the rest of dinner sort-of-not-really spying on my brother. After about ten minutes James got up with Scone, picked up Scone's bag, and they walked away together.

"Up for a little spying Cassy?"

"Always."

So we followed James. I wished we had the Invisibility Cloak. Then maybe it wouldn't be so obvious. There was no way James, a master prankster, didn't know we were following him.

James and Scone stopped. They seemed to be having an argument. I strained to hear them.

"-do what I say!" Scone was saying.

"I didn't agree to do illegal acts!" James snapped back.

"You agreed to do whatever I say, now do it!" Scone gave a kind of evil smile. "Or you know what will happen."

With an exaggerated sigh James starting to walk in the opposite direction of Scone.

I turned to Cassidy. "You take Scone, I'll take James." She nodded and we to went our separate ways.

We were just outside the library when my brother stopped.

"You can stop trying to hide Albus."

I couldn't help but grin. "Hey, it was worth a try."

James shook his head smiling a little. "It really wasn't."

I shrugged. "So, you care to tell me why you're suddenly chummy with Scone?"

"I'm not supposed to tell you."

Well can you think it? I asked my brother in his mind.

Yeah, I suppose I can. James responded grinning. You see I made a bet with Scone… long story short I'm his servant for a while.

Really? Why?

I told you I made a bet.

What was that illegal act you were talking about?

Doesn't matter. Please, Al, just leave it alone.

I didn't really want to, and I didn't really plan to but to James I said, Fine.

Good, bro. See you later. And… be careful.

James didn't say anything else he raced into the library and left me standing in the hall. I attempted to invade his thoughts but it didn't work for some reason.

I started walking back towards the Gryffindor Common Room decided to see what Rose and Scorpius thought of James' weirdness when the headaches started.

At first it was just a little dull pain in the back of my head. Annoying but bearable. Then it started throbbing. I gritted my teeth and told myself to suck it up. I didn't want to go to the Hospital Wing because of a stupid headache.

Looking back on it though, I wish I had. Then maybe the events of that night wouldn't have happened.

"Albus."

I turned to see Jonah Greengrass standing behind me.

"What do you want Greengrass?" I snapped.

"Whoa, whoa, what's with the rudeness?" Jonah asked leaning against the wall, folding his arms over his chest. "I just wanted to chat."

"About what?"

"How are your classes?"

I snorted. "Drop the act before I hex you."

Jonah put his hands up in defense. "Fine, fine, I'll cut the small talk. I really just wanted to ask you a favour. Of course I'll offer something in return."

"What do you want and what do I get out of it?"

In a way I was almost surprised to hear the words come out of my mouth. I don't know when, but I had changed. I used to be a shy nice boy, I'd help anyone because that was just the right thing to do. Now I was more demanding, and much more concerned that Jonah was playing some sort of angle. I wasn't sure if the change was good or bad but in all honesty I liked it.

"I want you to ask something of you girlfriend, and in return I'll tell you a little bit about… Ryan Code."

I narrowed my eyes. "How do you know about Ryan Code, Greengrass?"

"I'm the Malfoys cousins. My mother is Lucius' sister in law." He shrugged. "I hear things."

"Well, what do you want Cassidy to do?"

"I was paying one her friends to do this project for me in Astronomy, well she got me an A. I hardly passed! I told her I want my money back but she doesn't seem to care. I was wondering if Cassidy could talk to her for me."

I nodded despite the fact that the whole situation seemed a little weird to me. "I'll ask her. Now tell me about Code."

"There's people watching you," Jonah stated bluntly.

I rolled my eyes. "I already knew that. Anything else?"

"I'll tell you more when you talk to Cassidy." He handed me something that looked like a paper plane. "That's how you'll contact me when you've talked to Cassidy. Just unfold the plane, write a message on it, and tap it with your wand when you're done. It'll come right to me. Must faster than owl post."

"Jonah!" called a voice from down the hall. Crystal Black came running down hall.

"Hey, babe," Jonah replied pecking her on the lips. I tried not to look totally shocked.

"What are you doing with Albus?" asked Crystal.

I looked at Jonah wondering if he would tell his… girlfriend- the word just didn't seem right- the truth.

"Nothing," he replied smoothly. "Just having a little chat."

"Mmm, okay," Crystal replied seemingly believing him. "Are you coming to the…" she trialed off suddenly looking at me.

I raised my eyebrows. "What? Are you guys going on a date to some secret Slytherin Club or something?"

"Do you take Divination?" asked Crystal, in disbelief.

"No, I hate the concept of it," I replied. "It's all a scam. If you can predict the future, then you definitely don't learn it from tea leaves and books."

"Well Jonah and I are going to the… well it's really a club for all houses, not just Slytherins. Fifth years and above usually, unless you know someone, which we do."

I frowned. It was almost creepy how right I was. Unless of course they were joking. Which seemed like the only logical conclusion, the teachers would never allow a club.

When I pointed that out, Jonah replied with an exasperated sigh. "This is why we don't invite idiots to the club."

"Stop it, Jonah, Albus isn't an idiot." She smiled and turned to me. "The teacher don't know about it obviously. Most of the students don't either. It's mainly Gryffindors, and Slytherins. A few Puffs and one or two Ravenclaws."

I decided not to ask any more questions. I really wanted to go to this club, and I didn't want Jonah to think I wasn't worthy.

"Would you like to go Al?" asked Crystal ignoring Jonah's very loud 'ahem.' "They'll have no problem letting you in. I mean you are the founders' grandson."

"The Marauders founded it?"

After I asked the question I felt pretty stupid. My grandparents had invented this place and I didn't even know about it?

"Yeah. Are you saying you've never heard of it?" Jonah surmised. "He shouldn't be allowed to go! His grandfather founded it, his brother and cousin own it and he doesn't even know about it?"

"Aw, shut up, Jonah," was Crystal's response. She smacked his arm playfully. "Shall we go?"

I nodded. Crystal and Jonah led me up three flights of stairs to an almost invisible corridor- one of Hogwarts many tricks. On the wall there was a picture of a stag, a dog, a rat and a werewolf in the distance.

"Moony Wormtail Padfoot and Prongs," whispered Jonah.

I could have sworn Padfoot glared at the two Slytherins disapprovingly as the portrait opened up to reveal a passage into a small room.

We stepped in and a voice said, "Names please."

"Jonah Greengrass, Crystal Black and Albus Potter."

"Who is the supervisor who has given Greengrass and Black permission to enter?"

I noticed that the voice, which sounded like it was coming from inside the walls themselves, didn't ask who gave me permission. I suppose since I was the founders grandson and the owners little brother I didn't need anyone's permission.

"Dennis Alter the Slytherin leader," Crystal answered.

"You are on his list. Very well you may enter."

Jonah and Crystal didn't hesitate they walked right through the solid wall.

I hesitated only for a second before stepping in. As I was inside the wall I briefly wondered why I was trusting my enemy, leading me to some secret place that my family apparently ruled, though I had never heard of it. But before I could even finish my thought Wanda Wizard's latest new single was being blasted in my ears.

Lean right in and I'll give you one last kiss

But trust me baby when I say your gonna miss

Cause I found you in bed with my ex- best friend

And it's going to take more than a kiss to mend

This broken heart, this broken heart

Whoa, Whoa!

"Sorry. I forgot tonight was Lady's pick," Jonah said to me. "Every other Saturday they let the girls pick the playlist for the night. I guess that's why it's so empty today."

But the place didn't look empty to me. There was a bar where Luke Thomas was serving drinks of all sorts to group of a dozen Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff girls. Over in the corner there was a bunch of Slytherins and Gryffindors chanting something that sounded like 'DO IT! DO IT!' the left side of the room was completely covered by gaming machines, most of which were occupied by sixth and seventh years who were swearing punching the machines. Lights were flashing and in the middle of the place was a giant dance floor.

Crystal dragged Jonah off to the dance floor, which was also crowded with people. I stood awkwardly for a minute until Luke saw me and waved for me to come over to him.

"Albus, hey, what's up?" Luke smiled at me. "What a drink?"

"Uh…" I was going to deny it. Say I was too young to drink but there was a little voice in my head- now that I look back on it I wonder if it was actually James invading my mind- telling me to let loose. And so I did. "Yeah, give me something."

I watched as Luke poured an amber drink into a cup.

"It's called Heaven's Liquid."

I snorted. "Who named it?"

"Someone who had way too much 'Heaven's Liquid'."

I laughed. Luke smiled. "So are you hear with Cassidy?"

"Cassidy? Yeah, right. She'd never come to a place like this."

Luke smiled just a little. "Right, of course."

I drank a little Heaven's Liquid and looked around the room. "What's behind those doors?" I asked Luke pointing to a large pair of double doors with two bulky Slytherins guarding them.

"Duelling tournaments. People enter others make bets. Lots of fun, But no one's ever been able to beat your brother."

"Really, not even seventh years?"

"There hasn't been a known better dueller than James since Teddy graduated."

I drained my glass of Heaven's Liquid. "I'm guessing he's here right now?"

"Should be. He came here for some Firewhisky but he didn't end up drinking any of it. Spilt it all over himself instead."

"Well, I got a title to win." I threw some money on the counter. "Thanks, Luke."

"No problem. And hey, just so you know I'm routing for you. I'm putting money on your brother, but I still hope you win."

"Thanks for the encouragement," I responded sarcastically before making a bee-line for the double doors.

The duelling area was loud and colorful. Along the walls people were stands where people we sitting and cheering. In the middle for the room was a large platform for the duellers. At the moment James was duelling Fred.

James was clearly kicking ass. Fred had a big red clown nose, blue elephant ears, and was limping. James had very big goofy sunglasses on and seemed to have injured his left arm.

"Albus, I'm glad you finally found your way here," I turned to see Zackary Finnegan standing next to me.

"Are you serious? You knew about this place and you didn't tell me?"

Zack shrugged. "Sorry, but I'm only a fourth year with no connections except my brother, telling about the club is grounds for suspension from the club."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course how stupid of me. So who're you putting money on?"

"James obviously. Nobody's stupid enough to bet against James. He's the best."

"Yeah, well that needs to change."

"You think you can beat him in a duel?"

"I know I can."

I went over and talked to Chris McCarran a sixth year Ravenclaw whom was only a little too eager to have someone beat James. I wasn't really shocked. James had more enemies than he did friends.

James finished off Fred within the next five minutes. Chris McCarran stepped into the ring. "James Potter is the winner!" He stopped and allowed the applause. "Next we have James Potter and Albus Potter! Brother vs. brother. As this was an unplanned duel we ask that you go place your bets immediately, within the next five-minutes.

People in the crowd above swarmed down towards the little booth labelled 'Bets.'

"Think you can beat the old master eh, little bro?" James asked me, adjusting his large, bright orange sunglasses on his nose.

"You know I might just die of laughter if you wear those the entire time," I replied smiling.

James smiled and ruffled my hair. "Tell you what little bro, if you beat me in this duel I'll give you bragging rights forever."

"And what if you win?" I asked.

James shrugged. "Same thing. Bragging rights forever."

"Well, James I look forward to my eternal bragging rights."

"Think what you must, Al."

Fred called James over and they began discussing strategies.

Josh walked up to me. "I really hope you win. I put money on you."

"Why would you do that?"

"Well, James is an idiot to put it frankly. He's going to underestimate you and lose. Plus I put ten galleons on you, if I win I get much more than I paid. That's why you always root for the underdog."

"Thanks… I guess?" I was almost suspicious of Josh. Why would he want to help me? Did he really just want money or did James put him up to this to throw me off my guard.

"Albus, James has Fred giving him advice right now. I feel it's only fair if someone does the same for you. So my best advice is to hit James in his weak spot."

"Which would be…?"

"His defense. All he's got is speed. Take that away and you'll get him easy."

"James Potter and Albus Potter report to the duelling ring!"

"Good luck. Seriously."

With that Josh waved and climbed the stairs to get to the stands. I stepped onto the platform and so did James.

"Shake hands," Chris ordered. We did so. James stared me down hard and I tried to do the same to him though I probably only succeeded in looking constipated.

"This is a standard duel. Start in the middle, take ten steps turn and fire. All spells go except those that are illegal. First one who is unable to continue loses. Understand?" James and I nodded. "Then begin."

I took a deep breath and started walking. One… two… three… nine… ten. The first thing I did was duck. Smart too, because the stunning spell, which I knew I wouldn't have been able to block, soared just over my head.

"Expelliarmus!" I shouted though I knew it was pointless. James side-stepped the spell easily.

Josh was right I needed a way to slow James down. I needed a spell that would slow him down… but even if I thought of one how would I hit him with it?

I was so lost in thought that James would have been able to finish me off right then and there. He almost did except I heard him shout the spell. So there was another weakness… he couldn't cast silent spells. As long as he was yelling spells, he wouldn't be able to catch me off guard…

I had jinxed it I suppose. Because at that very second James disappeared. My first thought was Invisibility Cloak but then I realized it was a Disillusionment charm.

"Coward!" I shouted, somewhat childishly. But James started it. He knew damn well l that I couldn't cast a Disillusionment charm and he just wanted to make this duel as unfair as possible.

James appeared right behind me. He tapped me on the back. I knew why too. He felt as though giving me that second's notice somehow made it fair.

James was about to finish me off, I didn't have time to react, except at that very second Chris McCarran blew a whistle. "No physical contact between competitors is allowed in a duel. Penalty to Albus."

James stormed up to Chris and started arguing. I hadn't even known that was a rule but I was glad for it.

"Albus will be awarded one free hit at James which he is not allowed to block with magic, though he can dodge. As soon as Albus' spell makes contact with either the target, a wall, the magical barrier, or he fires another spell, James is allowed to cast a spell. Understood?"

James and I nodded again. I racked my brain trying to think of a spell that slowed the victim down. "Impedimenta!" I shouted. It was the only spell I could think of. It wasn't perfect as it wore off quickly but hopefully it would still serve its purpose.

Well, it would have but James was quicker than I expected. He dodged the spell and turned waiting for it to hit a wall. And that's when I saw my chance. "Impedimenta!" I shouted again. James ducked but I had anticipated that and aimed low. The spell hit him straight in the stomach and he was knocked over. He tried to get up but it was in slow motion.

For a second I considered humiliating him. Now that he could barely move I would have time to cast any spell without worry but I wasn't my brother. In other words I wasn't a dick and so I did a quick "Expelliarmus" and James wand flew out of his hand. I caught it.

The crowd erupted some in cheers and some in groans. I myself was grinning. Chris lifted the spell off James whom got up and stormed away. Then Alice who must've entered sometime during the duel slapped him and pointed to me.

James came back grumbling and said "Good, duel Albus."

"I'm sorry James, what did you say? I couldn't quite hear you," I said grinning from ear to ear.

"I said good bloody duel."

"Ah, and this duel… who won?"

"You did! Okay? You won once. But I hope you know the next time I won't be going easy on you, you little prat. I'll beat you so bad you'll be crying for mum!"

"Okay, Jamie, if you say so."

James looked like he wanted to punch me but instead walked off again muttering "Bloody, cocky prick, he is."

I laughed and two girls appeared behind me.

"Albus, you did so great!" one of them, a Hufflepuff said.

"Er… thanks?" I mumbled, a little confused. Despite that fact that I now had a girlfriend I still felt awkward around girls. I wasn't a natural born-lady's man like James.

"Why don't you come with us, we'll buy you a little celebratory drink," the other one, A Gryffindor who's name a believed was Cindy Beckett.

"T-thanks but-" I stuttered but Cindy interrupted me.

"Nonsense c'mon."

And so I let them drag me out of the duelling room towards the bar. "A cup of Victory, please," Cindy said to Luke.

"No problem. He poured it and handed it to her. She winked at Luke and dragged me towards a booth. "It's really good," she said practically forcing the liquid down my throat.

And she was right. It was heaven. This drink should have been called Heaven's Liquid.

And suddenly the glass was empty.

"Well there's plenty more where that came from," Cindy said handing me another glass.

I grinned and began chugging the next cup.

A/N: Hey guys! Look at me on time again! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

1: I just want to say that Kappa are very real creatures. I don't think they were in Harry Potter but they are Japanese water demons. And everything I said about them (including the whole ripping off it's arm thing) is true. Really weird right?

2: Was that a plot twist? James losing? I was hoping I'd catch you off guard having James lose the first task. Hmm, James actually lost quite a bit in this chapter...

3: You might have noticed Al has changed. Personality wise. Like the old Al wouldn't have duelled James. And the old Al wouldn't have gone to the club or accepted a drink. I just want you to know that this change isn't just random, certain events changed him and this will be addressed soon.

4: QOTC: Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking mostly about past books. I've noticed quite a few mistakes, like certain subplots that were never wrapped up or explained. So my question is have you noticed any of these? There's a few things that have been a mystery for a long time that I assure you will be answered (like the Potters ability to communicate telepathically) but I'm still pretty new at this whole writing thing, and I'll be honest it's hard and a lot of the times I forget things. So if you noticed I forgotten certain things please remind me about them and I'll do my best to address it soon.

5: I have a feeling that some of you might comment that James was almost too easy to beat. Well, this is because he underestimated Al. Simple as that. He didn't keep his guard up because he didn't think he needed to and he got distracted.

How will James catch up to his competition in the tournament? What type of competition will the next task be? Who's the girl who sent teh note to Fred? What type of illegal act is Scone having James do? What did Cassidy find out about Scone? Will James ever get over the fact that Al beat him? Who is Cindy Beckett and what role will she play?

"Teach me how to fight, I'll show you how to win," Warrior, Beth Crowley. (Song)

-Monkeywoman14