Drue Rosier stood up, stretched like a cat, and said, "I'm Drue Rosier, 7th year prefect. Malc over there is the other 7th year prefect."
"Malcolm, if you value your tongues," Malcolm gave a smooth grin, "And the last name's Lanning."
"You won't hear us talk to you, unless you're in trouble." Drue said, "So do your best to be good little snakelings and stay out of trouble."
Malcolm, who seemed more taciturn, said, "Fifth year prefects, this is your lot. Second years, you'll be reporting to the Sixth year prefects. We'll take the third years, and the rest of you - fend for yourselves."
Drue snickered, "Or ask any of the prefects, really. We will succeed, and we will do so together."
The repartee was almost endearing, Harry Potter thought.
"Ellisith Henry," the fifth year prefect said, shaking her long ravenblack hair - though it was her vivid black eyes that sparkled. "You each get a dormroom, and they're small. They're all small, so don't fight and don't complain. Boys to the left, girls to the right."
Harry turned to pick out a room. Not that it mattered much, they were in the dungeons.
"Not you, Potter," Drue said, barring her way with her arm.
Everyone else stopped and looked at Drue. "Mister Harry Potter, I formally challenge you to a duel."
Harry looked up at her, and said, "Prefect Rosier, will you explain what rights and decisions I have in this match? May I choose the terms? The weapons? The time and place?"
Drue shrugged, "It's a magical duel, Potter. Your weapon is your wand, use of other weapons will not be tolerated. The time's now, of course."
Harry asked, "Any other rules?"
Stretching a sadistic smile across her face, Drue said, "Not really."
Harry asked, "May I propose one?"
Drue nodded, quietly curious.
Harry responded, "No unforgivables."
Around them, the Slytherins - who hadn't left the entertainment, which was all of them - stirred.
Drue laughed, "Potter, that was already part of the rules."
Harry Potter nodded, and continued, "For our continued well-being, is there a Healer in the room? I trust that injuries acquired during duels do not go to the infirmary."
Malcolm laughed, "He's right about that."
A tall Slytherin (who looked like she was in 7th year) stood up, "Drue, give it a rest, at least for today. I won't have you ruining my beauty sleep before the first day of class. Let the poor boy at least learn one spell before you wipe the floor with him."
"Addison," Drue said.
"No, next week. Same time, same place." Addison said firmly. She looked over at Harry, and asked, "I'd wish you luck, but luck won't save you against her. So, safe travels."
Harry Potter walked into the farthest room, the other first years giving him space. He liked it there, it was defensible. Didn't have to look both ways. This whole formal dueling was both a gift and a curse. It would let him show off his non-existent skills, but it also meant that there was a formalized method for settling disputes. He could expect to use it himself, if he was clever enough.
He lay out a piece of parchment, on a board on his bed, ready to start laying out plans.
There was a knock at his door.
Draco Malfoy stood there, grinning, "Your first duel! Are you excited?"
Harry Potter shook his head, "Terrified, really." It was a lie, but a believable one.
Draco Malfoy chuckled, "I wouldn't be. Snape won't let them murder you, and - at the end of the day, pain's just pain."
"It's a good philosophy," Harry said, leaping up and punching Malfoy in the gut.
"Ooof!" Draco said, "Why'd you do that?"
"You should learn to practice what you preach." Harry said, trying in vain to slick his hair back. And... miracle of all miracles, Malfoy had practiced what he preached. That was worth some extensive thought.
