Chapter 50

Joe had to laugh as he walked toward the Great Hall. In the years since he had first met Tannim and Shar he had seen and done a lot, but this was only the second time he had seen someone involved in a duel, and wouldn't you know it would be the son of the pair that were involved, on opposite sides, in the last one.

Turning as he entered he scanned the Slytherin table for the boy that had challenged Harry. He was easy enough to spot, bleach blond head sitting wedged between two mountain sized, for fourteen year olds anyway, bodyguards. With deliberate strides he began to cross the room.

Joe had done some checking around, the boy was a real piece of work. His father was a rich and powerful man, known to be quite the mover and shaker behind the scenes in their government, and that was in spite of his history. At the end of the war that had cost Harry his parents he had been accused of being a 'Death Eater' one of the people that had followed the man known as Voldemort… the man that had actually killed Harry's parents. But, in the end he had somehow 'convinced' the courts that he had been controlled by a spell, forced to do the mad man's bidding, and was released. Whispers were he bought his way clear… Joe thought Malfoy Senior and his own father were a lot alike, well if he was more psychopathic…

Unfortunately, unlike Joe, Junior was taking to the indoctrination like a duck to water. He seemed to spout that 'blood purity' crap at a moment's notice; evidently if you weren't a Pure Blood magical then you weren't worth the time of day, and if you were non magical you were fit only to be a slave.

He was a bully through and through. Using threats of his father and godfather, Severus Snape (A Hogwarts professor and the head of Slytherin house), as well as his goons, he ran roughshod over almost everyone his age and younger. It worked on a number of older ones as well as they gave him a wide berth to keep their family out of his father's way, not to mention keeping themselves clear of Snape.

As he approached he called out, "Malfoy!" The blond turned and glared at him. "My name is Joe Brown. I will be serving as Harry's second. Who will be serving as yours?"

The boy looked him over. Joe was dressed in a white button down shirt, blue jeans, trainers, and a leather jacket. With a sneer on his lips he tossed his head toward the bookend on his right. "Goyle."

Joe nodded. "Fine. Mr. Goyle if you will come with me we will go over the particulars of the contest, then you can talk with Malfoy about them." Without waiting for his reply, Joe turned and strode toward the side door and the meeting room.

Goyle looked at Malfoy, only for him to bark, "Well? What are you waiting for? Go!"

When Goyle entered the room Joe was already seated on the opposite side of a table, back to the wall. "Mr. Goyle, please sit." As he made himself comfortable, Joe continued. "Now, this will be a contest of speed and control. The duelists will compete with identically prepared equipment, Malfoy will have first selection of the pair as per etiquette, then there will be a short time for each duelist to prepare before the start."

Goyle just nodded, as Joe continued. "As second it is up to you to ensure Malfoy arrives in the Great Hall no later than 10:00am Saturday February fourth, arrival any later will be considered a forfeit."

Again the boy nodded. "The next order of business is the decision of an arbitrator…" the boy looked confused. Joe sighed. "… a referee, in case of a dispute. This person needs to be agreeable to both parties, the suggestion was given to me that an appropriate choice would be Madam Hooch, as she is impartial in such matters and is comfortable judging sporting events. Do you find her acceptable?"

For that question Joe received a shrug and a grunt. "…Okay, then all that remains is a discussion about penalties… Specifically the use of magic and any cheating; no magic is to be used, and any cheating will be met with a penalty of detentions (as decided by Madam Hooch). Any outside interference (that is not associated directly with the duel), again will be left to her discretion. If these terms are acceptable please sign below." He passed several pages to Goyle, who looked at them blankly for a moment then signed his name at the bottom of each.

Joe separated the pages. "These are copies for both yourself and Malfoy, these are mine and Harry's. The last three are for the schools records, Madam Hooch and your government… I'll take care of those. Thank you for your time Mr. Goyle."

Minerva sat stirring her tea as she waited, occasionally waving or speaking with a student from the past. She had arrived early on purpose at the Leaky Cauldron, wanting to watch the crowd pass through to the alley, quietly noting the number of muggleborns that passed, so far she could coun them on one hand… with fingers to spare. Glancing toward the entrance she saw Amelia Bones, Head of the DMLE, winding her way between the tables to join her.

"Minerva," the woman said in greeting as she slid into the booth across from her. "It was a pleasant surprise to see your note, we so rarely get a chance to speak."

"Aye." The elder woman smiled. "Though with the changes at Hogwarts I am finding myself away more often… Not as much as Albus was, but more often than I was before."

Amelia chuckled. "I often wondered about the amount of time that man was away from the school." She gestured at the bartender, who nodded back. "Now, as pleasant as this is I imagine you want to speak with me about something?"

Minerva looked down at her cup. "Did you ever meet a witch named Maria Malden?" The woman shook her head. "She was muggle born, graduated in," she thought for a moment, "'eighty-four I believe… Anyway, she… she is a teacher…" She sighed. "She is working for the Sandfield School, at the request of the muggle government."

Amelia's eyes grew wide, as the headmaster continued. "I sat in on a day of her classes recently." A small smile blossomed on her face. "She is quite good, enough so that I had been giving some thought to attempting to hire her… though I doubt she would accept." She shook her head. "Anyway, after an eye opening day of muggle subjects, she asked me to tea. Maria had asked me to think about one question, one I am ashamed to say I never put much thought into before. 'How many muggleborn do you normally see?'"

Amelia looked at her with a puzzled expression. Minerva's grip tightened on her cup as she continued. "When I started thinking about it I was appalled… There is not a single muggleborn on staff at Hogwarts, and as far as I know there has not been one for many years… Outside of the school, I… I was at a loss… For years I have gone to muggleborn homes, and told them how many amazing opportunities there are in the magical world…" Tears began to fall down her cheeks. "If what I learned in the last few days is true… I've been lying to them… as well as myself…"

Amelia sat for a moment and let Minerva gather her composure. "Minerva… I won't lie to you… unfortunately the muggleborn do find things difficult after they graduate. Jobs in our world rely on connections, especially within the Ministry, and unfortunately that includes blood status whether they will admit it or not." She sighed sadly. "I try to monitor my department for that type of thing, but it is difficult as most of what I discover is after the fact and when I do find something I discipline them to the best of my ability, and if I dismiss someone because of something, they just turn up in some other department."

Minerva looked disturbed by the news. "And outside the Ministry?"

Her friend sighed. "It's better," she shrugged, "but still difficult. Most of the businesses are… pressured… by certain individuals." She sat back as a smile crept across her face. "Though things in the alley do seem to be changing, a couple of new businesses are getting ready to open and both of those will be muggleborn owned. Lucius Malfoy was trying to pass some legislation recently because of them. He failed however; it seems they are working with the new bank and had all of the paperwork not only filed correctly, but also had legal counsel in place to handle any issues that could arise. And while I don't know what those businesses are as of yet, the rumor is they will be dealing with something entirely new, I expect them to shake things up quite a bit."

Minerva looked stunned. "Really? I think Fortescue's ice-cream was the last business to do something like that… and that was only because of the Longbottoms; Augusta's husband, Howard, did enjoy his ice-cream." She chuckled. "I think he spent more time there than at the manor."

Amelia nodded. "Indeed. His son, Frank was almost as bad. He was so bad that when we were deployed to the alley he wasn't permitted to patrol that area! Alice went so far as to 'drop by' on those days to do her shopping to make sure he didn't stop by at lunch or after work."

The friends continued to talk as they ate.

Harry was surprised when he stepped into the Great Hall. He had expected a few people to show up for this little tiff, but looking at the room it looked like every student from all the schools had turned up. Along with all of the teachers, his family, as well as a few others, and apparently the ponce's parents, who stood nearby, as both the father and son glared at him.

Over the last couple of weeks he had avoided the little ass, as much as possible, although that had been more difficult at the evening meals. The idiot never seemed to learn. He was a constant source of amusement to the Fairgrove group as his antics, which were meant to be scathing and insulting, really ended up being more embarrassing for him and his ever present backup. Still, hopefully this would put an end to at least some of the crap as it was becoming tedious.

Harry made his way to the front of the room where several objects stood under tarpaulins, "Ok, we're all here. Let's get this show on the road," he said as he took his place next to Madam Hooch.

Madam Hooch's hawk like eyes passed over him in an appraising fashion. "Very well. Mr. Potter, Mr. Malfoy, please join me." She stepped up onto the small riser, followed by the two boys. "These will be what is used for this contest," She placed a hand on the covered objects, and Harry glanced at Malfoy who looked decidedly disturbed by that news. "I have overseen their procurement, transportation, and placement. I can attest that these items are as identical as possible and no modifications of any kind have been performed. You will both be given one hour to familiarize yourself with them, starting when Mr. Malfoy, followed by Mr. Potter, has made his selection."

She eyed both boys, making sure they both understood so far. "The penalties for either cheating, or interference have been agreed upon; Professors Dumbledore, Vector, and Sinestra will be guarding against outside interference while I will oversee those directly involved." She turned to the first boy. "Mr. Malfoy, once I have removed the covers you will have ten minutes to select your equipment, followed immediately by Mr. Potter. Are you ready Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco's attention turned from the objects toward Harry. "I thought this was going to be a broom race Potter!"

Harry grinned. "I said, a race Malfoy, I never said what we would be using."

Draco grimaced, "You…"

Harry cut him off, "You were the one who challenged me remember? So it is my choice of weapons! Just be glad I didn't pick something worse!"

Angry, Draco turned back, as Madam Hooch flipped her wand uncovering eight large objects. They were decorated in bright colors (Red and Blue), cabinets sporting a window like object, showing some other place. In front of the cabinet was a small sitting area containing a wheel and some form of knob, while a large sign across the top stated Daytona USA!

"Mr. Malfoy! Make your selection!" she said pointing to the eight identical machines.

Draco stood there, stunned, as the games sprang to life blasting music across the Great Hall, his eyes flickering from one machine to the next. After standing still for a long time he moved slowly forward, touching the first one carefully almost as if he expected it to bite him.

Harry's voice came from beside him. "Cool! I haven't seen these!" Draco looked at Harry, as he inspected the one next to him. "I wanted a racing game, but I didn't ask Keighvin for anything specific. He went all out!"

Draco glanced back at the machine next to him, lost in a whirl of confusion. Were these some form of elven things? If they came from Potter's pet elf then they must be.

Madam Hooch's voice came from behind them. "I have chosen the course, and it will be set after you have chosen your machine, after that you will have an hour to familiarize yourself with how they work. They are numbered 1-8 and the vehicle you will control in the game will be the same number as the cabinet. You will be in direct competition with each other at that point and the winner will be the first to complete the race."

Draco looked down the row, debating what to do, all the while keeping an eye on Potter. He knew his time was running out quickly, he needed to come up with a plan. He studied his opponent as he looked over the machine marked with the number six, was there something different about that one? Better? Had Potter or the elf done something to it? That had to be it! That was how they were going to cheat! They had that one rigged to win!

He almost moved to claim it but then had another thought; maybe that was just what they would want! He's paying more attention to it because he wants me to choose it! He had to figure this out, and quickly! His father was angry enough as it was! And that said nothing about the way his mother had acted when he had seen her. If his father was angry she had been incensed!

Evidently she and Mrs. Parkinson had spoken recently, and when she learned why he had actually left the ball, as well as the aftermath, she had come directly to the school and made him very aware of how displeased she was with his conduct. Then she had found out about the reason for the duel… He shivered involuntarily.

Harry spun the wheel, and watched as it cycled through the three tracks available, they all looked fun, though he liked the song for Sea Side more than the rest. He had to hand it to Keighvin, this was a great idea! Not only did it keep someone from being injured on the track, but it showed off what the non-magicals were capable of! Then everyone else would get the chance to try it, if they wished, once they were finished! He may even get in a couple of other good games!

Like most teenagers in the US he had spent his fair share of time in arcades. Between that and having a system to use in the RV or at home, as the case may be, he had a fair idea of how to play most games. However this one was new, and it looked cool. All eight machines could be networked together for multi-player or played separately if desired, and the graphics were some of the best he had ever seen. For a brief moment he wondered if Keighvin had bought or rented them, they would be great to have at Fairgrove!

But, that was for another day. He watched as the screen showed the instructions for play, steering, gas, brake… and shifting. Interesting, you could choose automatic or manual, he idly wondered if the game gave advantages to one or the other. When it cycled through and began showing the driving section, he tried to pay attention for any grooves or lanes favored by the designers, though he figured most of that would come during the practice phase, still it didn't hurt to pay attention.

Draco groused to himself, 'Damn him! Potter had set this up! He was going to be made a fool of! He just knew he was cheating! He just had to figure out how! Then that advantage would be his!' He watched him carefully as he stood there seemingly calm. Then why wouldn't he be? He knew which one to choose!

"Mr. Malfoy, your time is up! Choose your game," Madam Hooch said from somewhere behind him, He waved her off as he continued to watch Potter.

"Fine, Mr. Malfoy forfeits first choice. Mr. Potter? Please choose. We need to get underway," she said.

Harry looked away from the screen. "Hmmm? Oh! My choice?" He looked around. "Ah, this one is-"

Malfoy cut in, "I choose number six!"

Harry looked up at the number on the cabinet he was standing next to, number six. Almost immediately he was shoved aside as Malfoy sat. Shaking his head he moved down the line, and sat behind the wheel of number three.

He concentrated as the machine ran through the instructions again, slowly mimicking the shift pattern several times to see how it felt. There was no clutch pedal so that changed the rhythm of the shift, there was little resistance and the gates were indistinct at best. He watched the demo again, it would be too loud to hear a shift point, so he'd need to watch the graphic on the screen if he chose to shift manually.

Settling on auto for his first practice round he began, settling into a quick rhythm and keeping pace right behind the first place car. He was pleased for the most part, the game was a little cheap, as sometimes opponents just seemed to appear next to you and disrupted your line, but it was still fun. Next he did the same using shifts; that had mixed results as he felt he could get back to speed faster, but it wasn't as forgiving when you were tapped by another driver.

The third round he did flat out, getting out front and staying there relatively quickly. Then he started searching for his own groove, and seeing how far he could push things before wrecking (which he did several times).

Soon enough the hour had passed and they were preparing to start, the start lights on the screen counted down; Red, Red, Yellow, then Green. Harry mashed the pedal down; when the RPM marker reached the red zone, he let his foot off the gas as he began his shift then slammed both the pedal and shift knob down.

Draco watched as the black muggle thing marked as number three leapt ahead, he wanted to scream! This… Game… was ridiculous! It was unfair! He tried to move the knob again, the stupid thing didn't seem to do anything! The green one bashed into his side as it tried to get around him! Damn that Potter!

Harry came across the finish line in first place, standing he stretched for a moment. Then walked toward number six, where Draco was staring at the screen and eighth place. Harry smiled slightly, "Good try, Malfoy!"

Draco turned to face him. "You CHEATED!" he screamed, clawing for his wand. Only to have his mother's hand close around his keeping it from being drawn.

"Do not compound your mistakes, Draco! I watched every moment of this contest, as did your father! You have made enough mistakes recently! We will not tolerate any more such foolishness! My apologies, Mr. Potter." Her cold eyes met Harry's. "Congratulations on your victory."

He smiled at her, with genuine warmth. "Thank you ma'am, Draco," he said as he hopped off the riser. The other students congratulated him and began queuing up to try the games as he headed toward the table where the girls were sitting.

He smiled at them. "Well, I think that went well."

Hermione and Luna both nodded. "While you were practicing, Keighvin explained what they were. I think several people still don't believe these are muggle games for children," said the bushy headed girl.

"Hey!" responded Harry, "I'll have you know plenty of adults play video games. Just because you suck at Mario, don't go getting all 'I'm too old to play those'!" he said feigning hurt.

She harrumphed. "It's a stupid game! I have better things to do with my time than to learn where all that hidden junk is! If it is meant to be used it should be shown on the screen!"

Fleur had a question however. "Harry? Mr. Silverhair said that while it somewhat simulated driving, that it should not be confused with the actual way an automobile is driven. Are they that different?"

Harry fought to find an example that she could grasp. "The concepts are there… but… well you can cook right?" Fleur nodded. "Ok would you ask someone who could make ok… let's say eggs, that's all they have learned to cook well, eggs. Would you ask them to make something like tiramisu? Or an entire meal?"

She shook her head. That would be silly, it was entirely different. He continued, "It's the same thing here. Worse, driving a real car can be dangerous. Other cars don't just bounce off of you like the game… Anyway you should try it, it's fun…" A smile bloomed on his face. "Maybe we can get the champions together, and challenge our headmasters to a game!"