Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for Auction Prompt - Hamilton
Word Count - 459
(Note. Thanks to Ned giving me the idea for this - I've chosen to use a scene where Phillip challenges George Eacker to a duel for talking shit about his dad.)
His Dad, His Hero
"Did you see in the paper? Harry Potter messed up a bust a few days ago, two of the aurors got really badly wounded. He might've beaten that Dark Lord people still moan about, but he's a bit useless now isn't he?"
James tensed, glancing around to see Gregory Finch Fletchley and Simon Boot leaning against the wall in the courtyard.
"You know what people are like though, riding on their few minutes of glory for as long as possible."
Swirling around, James glared at the two boys, who had the good grace to at least be surprised he was there.
"That's my dad you're talking about," James growled. "And the raid you're talking about wasn't a bust because of him; it was because of the ineptitude of one of the rookies. Michael Boot… Your Uncle, right Simon? And what right do you two have to say anything about my dad anyway? You wouldn't even exist without him, because Voldemort would have wiped the world out by now!"
"Look, Potter, -"
"No," James snapped. "In future, keep your nasty opinions to yourself, because if a Dark Lord happened to be around now, neither of you would be able to do shit! You'd crawl away on your knees, browning your pants and snivelling for your parents."
James stormed away, leaving the two gaping after him.
He was usually so easy going, he imagined it was a shock for them, to see him lose his temper, but they'd hit on the one thing that always set him off.
His dad was a hero, and James wouldn't put up with anyone saying anything else. Not ever.
He'd almost reached the edge of the courtyard when a spell shot passed him, missing him by inches. Turning, he saw Simon Boot with his wand out, his eyes narrowed on James.
James shrugged, stepping back towards them. "Okay. If that's how you want to play it. "I, James Sirius Potter, challenge you to a duel for my honour and that of my father."
Simon blinked.
An alarm sounded and within moments, three teachers arrived in the courtyard. Professor Flitwick, the tiny Charms professor was the one to speak.
"Who initiated the honour duel?" he asked, looking between James and Simon.
"I did," James replied quietly. "Boot was being disrespectful about my father, Sir, and we had words. When I walked away, he attacked me from behind like a coward."
Professor Flitwick nodded thoughtfully.
"Very well, boys. This will be settled in a duel by the book at six pm this evening, in the Great Hall."
James nodded to the professor, before he turned his gaze onto Boot. "You should know, my 'incompetent' father taught me a few of his favourite moves. Better study up, eh?"