THE DOGGISH SCARE
Chapter Nine: The Midnight Duel
"Please don't tell me that my son is going to participate in a duel!",Lily exclaimed.
"The news gets even worse as it is going to happen at midnight!".Severus said.
"I really hope that ,they don't get into any trouble.",Lily said.
"I wonder, with whom the duel is going to be. What makes this more bad is that ,Harry does not know about many spells, or the rules of dueling.",Severus said.
"I know, Sev. That really worries me.",Lily said.
(Harry had never - up with Malfoy much.)
"That is hardly surprising, Malfoy is much worse than Dudley.",Severus said.
"That boy is just pure evil, and the biggest bully.",Lily said.
"Yeah, I know. Lucius spoiled him very much. Seeing how i behaved with him, in my class, even I may have a role in that.",Severus said sadly.
"Please don't blame yourself, Sev. The boy's father was a big bully too.",Lily said.
(Or at least, they didn't - be learning together.)
"That is just too great. Now Harry will look bad.",Lily said sadly.
"Unless, he is a good flyer like his father. But if he is like you, the class is going to be a really bad one.",Severus said laughing.
Lily slapped his shoulders and said,"I don't know, what to pray for. I don't want my son to be like his father, but I don't want him to get humiliated either."
"Really confusing situation.",Severus said nodding.
("Typical," said Harry - than anything else.)
"OK,He has got Potter's enthusiasm. Thankfully that means he will not get humiliated.",Severus said.
"I had refused to even try and ride the broom, I am really afraid of heights.",Lily said.
"I remember that you rode the broom once reluctantly, but then you told you felt really dizzy and came down.",Severus said.
"That was really the worst experience for me, and a really scary one too.",Lily said.
"I like riding a broom,but i think the game of Quidditch is ridiculous.",Severus said.
(You don't know -Muggles in helicopters)
"What a ridiculous story! I really don't know who is going to believe that idiot.",Lily said.
"Well, at least he knows what a helicopter is. That again makes me wonder. How does he know so much about muggles, though he is a Malfoy?",Severus said.
"That is really a mystery. I think that, he might be watching muggle movies secretly.",Lily said.
"If Lucius finds out, he is going to disinherit the boy.",Severus said laughing.
(He wasn't the only - dormitory, about soccer.)
"Oh yes! The age old debate of Qudditch vs Soccer.",Severus said
"So, that is still going on at that time also.",Lily said.
"I am sure this will go on forever.",Severus said. "As muggleborns will come every time and wizards will, never try to understand muggles."
"The latter is never going to happen, as long as purebloods are there.",Lily said.
" I hope they will see the error in their ways.",Severus said.
(Ron couldn't see - the players move.)
"He is seriously an idiot, when it comes to muggle things.",Lily said.
"He seriously can't believe that, muggle pictures cannot move. At least not the photos. I am sure he has no clue about movies.",Severus said.
(Neville had never - that she hadn't tried.)
"That is seriously stupid of her!",Severus said laughing.
"Well...",Lily said hesitantly.
"What is it , Lily? Please don't tell me that you did the same thing!",Severus laughed.
"Actually, I did. I was so scared for the lesson, Sev.",Lily said.
"But, you never told me that you did so!",Severus said.
"We never had a chance of meeting each other the day before, remember. We were busy with some things. On that day I was so embarrassed to admit it.",Lily said.
(At breakfast on Thursday - at the Slytherin table.)
"He definitely was raised like Dudley. Really spoiled idiot!",Lily said.
"I thought Narcissa will have some sense, while raising a child. Now I see that it isn't.",Severus said.
"Showing off in front of other people, who may be too poor or people whose family is bad, That boy is really bad.",Lily said.
"I thought Potter Sr was the worst show off, but i changed my mind now.",Severus said.
"At least he does not mock others.",Lily said.
(A barn owl brought - you've forgotten something)
"This is certainly will not turn out to be anything good.",Severus said sadly.
"I know, Sev. Even I think something really bad is going to happen.",Lily said.
"Or something really stupid.",Severus said. "Considering the boy's behavior.",Severus said.
"Hey! Now I remember! Even Pettigrew got something like this, in his second year. After he had a small memory problem, after he fell on the stairs and hitting his head.",Lily said.
"There are many parallels between, these two.",Severus said.
(Neville was trying to - was there in a flash.)
"Oh thank god! I nearly thought there was going to be a fight here.",Lily said relieved.
"Thank god , it is not midnight at the time.",Severus said laughing.
"I am not joking, Sev. A fight at the table will turn out to be really bad!",Lily said punching his chest.
"Oh yes, a food fight will surely be dangerous as hell.",Severus laughed again.
"Sev, do you remember the food fight, that was nearly started in our third year?",Lily asked.
"Of course! Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw! Thankfully Professor McGonagall was there to stop it.",Severus said laughing.
(What's going on - Goyle behind him.)
"No one can argue with Professor McGonagall. That is one of the most impossible things.",Severus said.
"Malfoy just nearly got his ass kicked. But even he knows not to mess with her.",Lily said.
"She definitely has that authority over the students. All the houses fear her wrath.",Severus said.
(At three-thirty that afternoon - flew slightly to the left)
"Definitely the marauders of the future. Even James was saying about the same thing.",Lily said.
"Looks like Harry is definitely interested in flying,I think he is asking the twins for advice.",Severus said.
"I hope that he will not ask for anything else. Especially pranking,",Lily said.
"OH god! James Potter's son pairing up with these two, will be the end of the world!",Severus said.
"Sev! He is my son too!",Lily said.
(Their teacher, Madam - of the few that did.)
"Yep. He is definitely James Potter's son. Potter Sr was also one of the few who got it in first try.",Severus said.
"I tried so many times and failed that, I had to pick it up from the ground.",Lily said sadly.
"I got it in the 4th or 5th try, I think. I was frustrated so much after third, that I was literally shouting.",Severus said.
"Do you remember, Stevenson Brown. After shouting so much, the broom came up and hit his face.",Lily said laughing.
"Thank god that, it did not happen to me.",Severus said.
(Hermione Granger's had - it wrong for years.)
"Take that Malfoy!",Lily said. "That must have been really embarrassing for that git."
"Definitely a major embarrassment. Hopefully that will shut his mouth for some time.",Severus said.
"The Granger girl is definitely having the same problem as me. It had just rolled on the ground even for me.".Lily said.
"I really pity that Longbottom guy. No wonder many thought that he was a squib.",Severus said.
"I wonder what happened to Frank and Alice.",Lily said sadly. "Frank is the chaser of the team."
"The boy unfortunately get his father's talents.",Severus said.
(Now, when I blow - right, up you get.)
"Oh the poor guy! It is really dangerous if you get nervous, during a flying class.",Severus said.
"I know, I nearly fell out of the broom, the first time.",Lily said.
"I hope that Longbottom is OK. But I am sure that, the slytherins are going to take full advantage of this.",Severus said.
"Especially that Malfoy! He is really going to be horrible!",Lily said.
(She turned to - Longbottom's Gran sent him.)
"Oh no! This certainly is not going to end well.",Lily said.
"This is also not going to turn out to be a duel, as clearly it is not midnight.",Severus said laughing.
"Sev, I am serious. What if Harry gets into trouble? Hooch told that they will get expelled.",Lily said.
"Teachers have told Potter that, he is going to be expelled many times. He has never got even a suspension, has he?",Severus asked.
"That is true Sev. But a mother always worry about her son.",Lily said.
(The Remembrall glittered - grabbed his broom.)
"OK,Lily. I think the shit just broke loose.",Severus said.
"I know, Sev! What if Harry falls down from his broom? What if he gets injured?",Lily said.
"I am sure that, he will be alright, Lily. If He is anything like James, he will be good.",Severus said.
"You just called James by his first name, Sev!".Lily said grinning. "I thought that will never happen."
"Well, there will be confusion, if I call him Potter. Also calling him Potter Sr is too long.",Severus said.
("No!" shouted Hermione - this was easy, this was wonderful.)
"OH thank god! I am feeling much more better now.",Lily said relieved.
"Yeah, at least he is defending his friends against, bullying. He really is the mix of you both, Lily.",Severus said happily.
"I am so proud of him. At least he is using his skills for a good cause.",Lily said smiling.
"I seriously never thought such a combination will be good, before today.",Severus said.
"Have you ever even thought of me and James being together?",Lily asked curiously.
"No of course not!".Severus said. But that situation was his nightmare everyday.
(He pulled his broomstick up - but looking worried.)
"I definitely want to see that face.",Severus said laughing.
"He is definitely a coward. I think his two goons are not with him, so he is worried.",Lily said.
"He did not expect Harry to fly like him. He is really stunned because of that.",Severus said.
"Must have been a really big shock!",Lily said. "That Granger girl is too adamant on following the rules, isn't it?"
"Yeah, but i really think, she is going to turn out to be Harry's friend.",Severus said.
(Harry knew, somehow - Remembrall clutched safely in his fist.)
Severus and Lily cheered loudly. "That's my boy!",Lily said happily.
"I seriously think he should try for Quidditch team. I think he can be a really good seeker.",Severus said.
"That will certainly make, his father proud.",Lily said. "He always boasts that, his whole family was in Quidditch team, when they were in Hogwarts."
"Did you notice something, Lily? Harry said same thing as you about, the goons of Malfoy.",Severus said.
"He is even my son after all.",Lily said smiling.
(HARRY POTTER! - Potter, follow me, now.)
"Oh no! He is really going to be in so much trouble right now!",Severus said sadly.
"I really hope Professor will not give any harsh punishment, to him.",Lily said.
"I really don't think he will get anything more than a detention.",Severus said.
"But Madam Hooch said-",Lily said.
"Teachers tell many things, Lily. If they did what they said, then Potter and his gang would have been expelled long ago.",Severus said.
Lily could not do anything but agree with Severus.
(Harry caught sight of Malfoy - grounds carrying Hagrid's bag.)
"Well, that surely beats going back to my sister.",Lily said.
"At least I am sure Hagrid will look after him properly.",Severus said. "He was really good towards Harry."
"Why can't you take him, if it comes to that, Sev?",Lily asked.
"Considering my future self's behavior towards him, I really don't think it is a really a good idea.",Severus said sadly.
"I am still wondering what happens to you, that you are like that, Sev. You are just so cruel.",Lily said.
"Believe me,Lily. I am having the same thoughts.",Severus said.
(Professor McGonagall stopped - going to use on him?)
"Why in the world is your son getting all these thoughts, Lily. He is really pessimistic.",Severus said.
"Remember how I was when I was of his age,Sev. Even I was like that.",Lily said.
"I remember that you thought that you were going to Azkaban for Performing magic.",Severus said laughing.
"That is a quality i really hate my son to have.",Lily said.
(But Wood turned out - found you a Seeker.)
Severus and Lily cheered again. "Wow, Sev! Professor McGonagal it seems got the same idea as you.",Lily said smiling.
"Wow! This surely is something that, no one will ever forget this. I think he will be the youngest seeker of Hogwarts ever. Or even a Quidditch player.",Severus said.
"Even James will be jealous of this achievement.",Lily said smiling.
"I am so happy, that McGonagal was soft on him. It really was not Harry's fault.",Severus said.
"I am getting a bit worried now, that he is a seeker. Isn't it supposed to be the most dangerous position? I have heard from, Mary that most of the injuries are for seekers.",Lily said.
"I am sure that Harry will be okay, Lily. He is a strong guy.",Severus said.
(Wood's expression changed - in the face for weeks.)
"Is my face so ugly, that she cannot look at my face.",Severus said jokingly.
"You both seem to be having a rivalry here, Sev.",Lily said smiling.
"That is really not surprising, is it? I have heard that Professors often, keep bets. Maybe even I am doing the same thing.",Severus said.
"A friendly rivalry, between teachers huh? Sometimes I think they fight more than the students about their houses.",Lily said.
(Professor McGonagall peered - Quidditch player himself.)
"Professor McGonagal, just praised James? I thought that will never happen. He does praise him, for anything except his transfiguration.",Lily said.
"Everybody hates to say bad about dead people, Lily.",Severus said.
"Do you think you will praise James, Sev?",Lily asked.
Severus knew that it was a tricky one to answer, but decided to tell the truth.
"I don't know, Lily. But the answer mostly will be no.",Severus said.
(You're joking. - forgotten all about it.)
"This guy, really has horrible eating habits! I would really hate to sit next to him while eating.",Severus said disgusted.
"He is like Black. Even he has horrible eating habits. I only sit next to him, if I don't have any other choice.",Lily said.
"Harry trusts the guy like, James trusts Black. The Potters have a really bad habit of, being friends with people with bad table manners.",Severus said laughing.
Lily just slapped Severus's shoulders playfully. The one thing she liked in Severus was his, occasional bursts of humor. He rarely showed it, but while reading the book, he really was showing his funny side. Lily just smiled inwardly and was glad that, she was reading the book with him.
(Seeker?" he said - on the team too – Beaters.)
"Oh great! Now Harry should associate himself with those jerks.",Severus said sadly.
"I think them being beaters is perfect, as beaters are two in number.",Lily said.
"Since when did you, become an expert in Quidditch tactics?",Severus asked Lily with an amused look.
"If you are in Gryffindor common room, and have to listen to James's rant everyday, you will get something.",Lily said.
"Well, that is true.",Severus said.
(I tell you, we're going to - first week. See you.)
"They are soo much like the Marauders. I think they even beat them by discovering something so fast.",Lily said.
"If they were in our time, there surely would have been a war between these two teams.",Severus said.
" I doubt it, Sev. They are all in Gryffindor.",Lily said.
"Then maybe a friendly rivalry. But imagine if they work together.",Severus said.
"That is really going to be the worst nightmare!",Lily said.
(Fred and George had - wizard's duel before, I suppose?)
"No! Please don't accept that, Harry!",Lily said.
"I think that, this is definitely going to be a trap. The Malfoy guy is too much, of a coward for this.",Severus said.
"I know, Sev! But the title says that, there is going to be a duel!",Lily said.
"Sometimes the titles can be deceiving, and I also think that Draco will not stand a chance.",Severus said.
"Don't you think the Malfoy has more experience with magic, Sev?",Lily asked worried.
"Harry is your son, Lily. I am sure that he is brilliant enough to beat him.",Severus said.
(Of course he has - at last on his cold pie.)
"Ron is seriously an idiot! How can he say this ,as if death is something normal in a duel!",Severus said.
"And how dare he accept Harry's duel, without asking Harry!",Lily said angrily.
"This boy seriously is suspicious isn't he?",Severus said. "There are many things he did, that makes me think."
"I also think there is something here, Sev!",Lily said.
(Catching the look on - Ron suggested.)
"Well, that is a really good option!",Severus said laughing.
"Harry should have done that, when they suggested to duel. Anyway I think that is what is going to happen, as they are only first years and they have not been thought much in class.",Lily said.
"That is true in Harry's case. But I am sure that Lucius would have thought his son something.",Severus said.
"I hope Harry will decline this thing, and will not go.",Lily said.
"I think that was what , Malfoy expected. Just to make him look like a coward.",Severus said.
(Excuse me. - Good-bye," said Ron.)
"I wish that, Harry would have listened to Hermione! I have a really bad feeling about this.",Lily said.
"That was really rude of these two, to have spoken to the girl like that.",Severus said.
"The funny thing is that, even James would not have spoken to a girl like that. I wonder from where did Harry get this attitude from.",Lily said.
"I don't know, Lily. But i have a feeling that Ron is having a bad influence on Harry.",Severus said.
(All the same, it wasn't - He couldn't miss it.)
"There goes the James inside him. James will never miss a chance to make me look bad.",Severus said.
"But Sev, the Malfoy guy definitely deserves this!",Lily said angrily.
"He does deserve this, Lily. I am happy that Harry is using his father's attitude for a good cause. I am sure that it will help him in the future.",Severus said.
"How can it help him, Sev?",Lily asked.
"I don't know, Lily. But I just have a feeling.",Severus said.
(Half-past eleven - bathrobe and a frown.)
"Oh thank god! I really hope that the girl will stop these two.",Lily said.
"I don't think so, Lily. They look very determined to do this.",Severus said.
"I don't expect that Malfoy guy to come. I think he will chicken out of this.",Lily said.
"Maybe he is looking forward to get these two in trouble.",Severus said.
"By the looks of it, they will be in a big trouble.",Lily said.
("You!" said Ron - them like an angry goose.)
"She is really determined to stop these two. As i said, I am sure that, these three will end up being friends.",Severus said. "Maybe, one of these two will end up dating her.",He added grinning.
Lily just gave a playful slap and said,"You are going too far into the future,Sev! This is only their first year. They will not be thinking of dating, now only!".
"I think that Ron will benefit from dating her.",Severus said continuing to grin, "She will definitely teach him some manners."
"Maybe I should start dating you, Sev. I can teach you some manners too.",Lily said playfully.
Severus was stunned by her words. "Did she mean the words?",Severus thought. But Severus did not ask anything further, and continued reading.
(Don't you care about - with you," she said.)
"That may be a really good idea. I am sure that she will be a better second than Ron, if it comes to that.",Lily said.
"She knows magic better than the other redhead.",Severus said agreeing.
"I can't imagine her feelings, if they get caught.",Lily said. "She certainly would be devastated."
"I know. I will also be devastated if that happens.",Severus said.
(You are not - been past twice already.)
"OH my god! Neville is the last person for me to come with in a duel!",Severus said.
"That is so mean, Sev! Why do you think he will join them anyways?",Lily asked.
"He does not have any other choice, does he?", Severus asked.
"He can always wait near the portrait.",Lily said.
" I don't think he will do that, as he told, he is really scared,",Severus said.
(Ron looked at his - chickened out," Ron whispered)
"That was expected of that idiot. He only wanted them to get in trouble!",Lily said.
"What an idiot. Challenging someone for a duel, and chickening out of it, the most shameful act for a wizard!",Severus said.
"Well, he is a really shameless arrogant git, just like his father!",Lily said.
"I wonder what they will do now.",Severus said thoughtfully.
(Then a noise in the next - miles from the trophy room.)
"Thank god they escaped. Getting caught by Filch will be the last thing I would want.",Severus said.
"I think Malfoy informed Filch that, this might happen. What an idiot!",Lily said.
"But we have to admit, he is kind of clever.",Severus said.
"This certainly cannot be termed as cleverness, Sev. This is cowardliness!",Lily said angrily.
(I think we've lost - a squeal of delight.)
"Great! That was just the person I will want to meet at that time!",Lily said.
"This situation is getting better and better.",Severus said.
"What will they do now?",Lily asked.
"Absolutely no idea.",Severus said .
(Shut up, Peeves – please - ears against it, listening.)
"Thank god, Hermione had the brains to use magic. All others became Dunderheads for a moment.",Severus said shaking his head.
"But, Peeves knows about them. What of he tells filch?",Lily asked Severus.
"Peeves hates the caretaker. It is highly unlikely that, it will happen.",Severus said.
"Ron made a big mistake by ordering Peeves to move. It must have angered the Poltergeist, so I am worried.",Lily said.
(Which way did they go - Filch cursing in rage.)
Lily and Severus burst out laughing. "I thought Filch had the sense to know that, Peeves was tricking him.",Lily said laughing.
"Well, He has no sense at all. His only sense and intelligence comes in finding and punishing the students.",Severus said with a grin.
"I think I should thank Peeves, he saved the students after all.",Lily said.
"I don't think he gets a thanks from anyone, let alone a student",Severus said.
(He thinks this door is - It had three heads.)
Severus and Lily paled at this. "Run! Run for your lives!",Severus shouted into the book.
Lily was close to crying, as she heard that her son was in danger. "What the hell is a cerebrus doing here?",Lily asked.
"Its a dog, so it must be guarding something.",Severus remarked. "The question is, what in the world is it guarding?"
"Isn't it obvious Sev? The Philosopher's stone! I am still wondering what does it do.",Lily said.
"I am sure that I have heard of this thing. But I don't remember what it is.",Severus said.
(Three pairs of rolling - collapsed, trembling, into armchairs)
"Thank god they are Ok. I almost thought that they were going to get injured!",Lily said.
Severus was still thinking about the stone , and why was it so important. Then it struck him.
"Lily,I got it! I got it!",Severus shouted happily.
"What did you get, Sev? Is it about the stone?",Lily asked.
"It is the stone that turns metal into stone, and gives you eternal life! I read about it in a book about Alchemy! It was invented by Nicolas Flamel!",Severus said.
"Oh my god! Dumbledore is keeping the stone in the school!? Is he mad?",Lily asked. "Most of the students will certainly risk their life to get it!"
"I know, Lily. But the stone is under his watch isn't it? So I am sure it is safe.",Severus said.
(It was a while before - obviously guarding something.)
"I seriously don't know, how she noticed it in the middle of the chaos.",Severus said.
"She has a really good eye,and she knows to properly scan her surroundings.",Lily suggested.
"She can really become an excellent auror.",Severus said.
(She stood up, glaring at - seven hundred and thirteen was.)
"He is really brilliant! He knows to connect the dots!",Lily said happily.
"I am worried that he may go and try to get that!",Severus said.
"He is not like James, Sev! James I am sure would have done that, along with his cronies.",Lily said.
"I thought Potters were very rich.",Severus asked.
"They are, Sev. But I think they will do it for the fun of it.",Lily said.
"Well, that is the end of the chapter.",Severus said. "Can I read the next one too?"
"You can read, Sev. Go on."Lily said.