Duel of Fate

by WolfgangNH

Harry Potter is an orphan, but not by the hand of Voldemort. He went after Neville on that fateful night and it changed everything. Harry and Neville are bitter enemies, while Neville is known as the Boy-Who-Lived. That does not mean that Harry is not fated for greatness himself. Dumbles, Weasley, Longbottom bashing. Mentor Flitwick. Duellist. Harry multi, no harem. Teen angst.

4. THe Longpiddle Affair

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

-oOo-

Chapter 3

20 Jan 24

-oOo-

This time on Duel of Fate: When Potter meets Longpiddle…

-oOo-

January 16, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hannah was nervous. Things had been absolutely pants the last month or so. She knew it was mostly self-made. Unfortunately, there were reasons why she was a Hufflepuff and not a Gryffindor like her mother. Her father had been a Hufflepuff though. Hannah was more like him. She liked her friends. Would do anything for them. She worked hard for her grades. If push comes to shove, she would raise her fist or wand to protect her friends. But to be brave without that push was not her. She avoided conflict.

Thus, she had avoided Harry since that day he had been joined with his new blonde friend.

It hurt to see him sitting there. He smiled for Lovegood, the joy actually meeting his eyes, but not for her anymore.

When he met her gaze from the next table, her insides felt sour at what she had done. Harry got up and left the great hall.

Susan nudged her. "You can say sorry, you know."

Hannah sighed. "I know," she said. "Are you sure he said to meet him today?"

"Yes. Come on, let's go see your boy," Susan told her.

"He's not my boy," she said morosely.

"I think he will be," Susan said.

As they approached the library, Hannah heard raised voices.

"Neville, I think we should go," the voice of Hermione Granger echoed in the halls.

"Hermione, I don't want you anywhere near this traitor. He's worse than Malfoy," the melodious tones of Neville Longbottom was clear in his anger.

She couldn't hear what was said back, but she was sure it was Harry. Susan exchanged a look with her, and they both started to run.

"Screw you, Potter! We all know what your family did!"

"My family did nothing except try to protect yours!" Harry said back angrily.

A redhead scoffed from next to Neville as they rounded the corner. "It was the Potters that betrayed the Longbottoms. We all know your parents were Death Eaters!"

Harry was faster than anyone. His wand was out and at Weasley's neck. Harry was pissed. "What did you call my parents?"

Neville pulled his wand while Hermione tried to get between the three boys. "Ron didn't mean that! Did you!" she demanded.

"Get your wand away from him, Potter," Neville growled.

"He's just proving my point," Ron snarled.

"I'm sure there are enough Weasleys they won't notice one missing," Harry snapped back. Ron backed up as Harry's wand jammed into his neck.

Susan pulled her wand and charged in. Hannah did the same. "Drop your wands. All of you," Susan barked. It sounded so much like her Aunt Amelia when she was upset that Hannah almost complied. Everyone turned to her. Ron and Neville snapped their wands down at the command in her friend's voice.

"This bastard called my parents Death Eaters," Harry said in a flat voice that sent a chill down her spine. In an act of bravery, she moved into the fray, putting a hand on Harry's arm.

"Harry, you can't get in trouble again if you want to go to the next tournament," she said softly. They may not have talked much lately, but she knew what was important to him and knew how much it had hurt for him not to go over Christmas.

Harry let out a huff and snapped his arm to his side. "The next time you call my parents Death Eaters I won't hold back," Harry threatened.

"Just like your parents. Threatening everyone," Longbottom snarked.

"I wasn't the one to start this, Longbottom. And when did you start ordering Granger around? She can study with anyone she wants," Harry retorted.

"I won't have her hanging out with the likes of you! So, when do you plan to plunge the dagger into her back, like you did with my parents!" Neville shouted back.

"I didn't do anything to your parents, Longpiddle! Neither did my parents!"

"I don't have any parents," Neville shouted in rage.

"Neville! That is enough," Hermione said loudly.

"I don't either!" Harry shouted back.

"Traitors deserve to die! I'm glad you have no one. You should join them," Neville said with such hate that Hannah didn't know what was happening before her hand had come up. She slapped Neville so hard his face turned to the side, and he stumbled back.

"Don't you dare, Neville Longbottom!" she demanded, stepping towards the larger boy.

"Potter deserves to be an orphan for what his parents did," Ron added gas to the fire. Ron's wand came up. Harry was already moving.

She turned to Ron, her wand coming up as she caught the movement to her right. She didn't have time to register the fist that was heading towards her head. "Fecking bastards!" Harry cried out just as she was hit.

"Expelliarmus!" Susan cried out.

She felt her wand get ripped from her hand as she fell back.

She looked up in surprise to see Harry punching Ron. Hermione had her hands over her mouth. "I didn't mean..." she said, eyes wide to look at Hannah.

Longbottom jumped into the scrum with Harry and Weasley. Hannah scrambled up, jumping onto Longbottoms back as he tried to punch Harry in the back. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Don't hit him!"

"Get off him!" Hermione cried from behind them. Hannah screamed as her hair was pulled. Longbottom gave a strangled curse as she tightened her arms around his neck.

"Leave my friend alone!" Susan yelled.

When a cannon blast went off, they all stopped. Hannah was on the floor after Hermione had pulled her hair hard enough to have her let go of Longbottom. Susan was shaking her hand while Hermione was out cold on the floor. Harry pushed Weasley away, kicking at Longbottom from where they were wrestling on the floor. Hannah sat up, her hand to her head and tears in her eyes when all three boys were flung apart from each other, all three skidding a few feet away.

"What is going on!" an irate Professor Flitwick demanded as he stalked down the hallway. There was a power coming off him that Hannah had very rarely seen in the diminutive man.

Harry rushed to get to his feet as Ron rolled on the floor, a hand on his side and bloody lip visible. Longbottom also had a bloody lip and was rubbing his neck.

"Potter attacked us!" Ron accused.

"Only after you insulted him," she shot back.

"Abbot slapped me first," Longbottom said, giving her an evil eye.

"You threatened to kill Harry," Susan stated, still shaking her hand, but moving to her to give Hannah a hand to get up.

Harry stood ram rod straight, saying nothing. "What do you have to say, Potter?" Professor Flitwick demanded.

Harry didn't say a word.

"Potter tried to get us," Ron spoke up.

"That is enough, Weasley," Flitwick ordered.

"But professor," the redhead started.

"I said enough. What is wrong with Miss Granger?" the man asked, seeing Hermione crumpled on the floor.

Susan cradled her hand when Hannah was on her feet. "She attacked my friend, so I knocked her out," Susan said, standing tall.

Flitwick moved over to Hermione.

"If she's hurt, you'll pay, Potter," Neville hissed.

"Enough!" Flitwick demanded. Longbottom took a step back at the vehemence in the professor's voice. After running his wand over Hermione, Flitwick sighed. "We will all go to the infirmary and get you taken care of, then we will all be having a talk about your detentions."

She saw Harry's shoulders slump a little. Looking at him, she tried to silently say she was sorry. She knew Harry couldn't get into any more trouble, but she wasn't going to let Longbottom and Weasley get away with what they were doing.

"Ah, Filius, I see you found the disturbance that Peeves was so happily crying out about through the castle," the calm voice of the headmaster said from behind her. She cringed, never having caught the attention of Headmaster Dumbledore before. Susan closed her eyes for a moment before turning towards the man.

"I have this handled, headmaster. It was just a row between students. I heard there were some significant insults going around," Professor Flitwick said, giving a significant look to Longbottom.

"Ah. Words shouldn't really be that important to come to... fists is it?" the headmaster put to them. She wasn't sure if she heard a hint of amusement. "Perhaps the instigators should come to my office so we can work this out?"

"They really should go to the infirmary first," Flitwick said.

"Who started this?" Dumbledore insisted.

Weasley and Longbottom at once pointed to Harry. Susan and her pointed to Longbottom.

The headmaster sighed. "I really don't understand this feud between you too. Very well, Filius, why don't you take the others to the infirmary while I talk with Mister Longbottom and Mister Potter," the headmaster told them.

Harry hadn't said a word yet. She rubbed her head again. It really hurt in the back of her head. When she felt something wet, she pulled her hand to her face and saw a few spots of blood.

-oOo-

A brief time later…

Headmaster's Office

Dumbledore sat in his seat regarding Longbottom and him. Harry just sat there, furious at himself and Longbottom. He shouldn't have reacted to the taunts. He shouldn't have hit Weasley first. Well, he hadn't until Hannah had slapped Longbottom and Weasley looked like he was going to hit her. He moved to protect Hannah, never expecting Hermione to punch Hannah. After that, he wasn't sure what happened as Longbottom attacked him when Weasley pulled him down to the ground in a desperate grappling and punching match.

His side hurt. He felt like he would have a swollen lip, a black eye and possibly a broken finger. The knuckle looked swollen, and he couldn't move it.

The consolation was that Neville looked to have taken a few good hits and was still rubbing his neck.

"Can I ask why you were fighting just outside the library?" the headmaster calmly enquired.

"Potter was trying to attack Hermoine before Ron and I stopped him," Longbottom accused.

"Is this true, Mr Potter?"

Harry didn't say anything. He wouldn't until Professor Flitwick got here.

When he didn't say anything, Dumbledore turned back to Longbottom. "That is a rather dire charge, Neville. Do you have any proof?"

"He keeps asking her to join him alone in the library. Potter is brainwashing her, or maybe using compulsions or the imperious. She says he's not bad and that his parents didn't betray mine. Everyone knows what the Potters did," Neville said with some ire.

Harry wanted to hit the boy again. He was struggling to keep his self-control. This was giving him a challenging time to control his magic. Something he was sure Dumbledore noticed as his eye quirked when he turned his gaze back to Harry. "Do you have a counter to this?"

Harry still didn't say anything.

After a moment, Dumbledore turned back to Neville with a grandfatherly face. "Neville, we have talked about this before. The Potters didn't betray your parents. A slip with the secret was stolen from them..."

"Gran says it was them and that Potter is just like his parents," Longbottom said, pointing an accusatory finger at Harry.

Harry closed his eyes, starting to count down from twenty.

He was saved anymore questions as a knock came at the door. Harry continued his countdown as the door opened. "Albus, I was summoned up here. Mr Longbottom, what are you doing here again?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"It would appear that Mister Longbottom and Mister Potter had a scuffle. I have yet to hear Mr Potter's side," Dumbledore stated.

Harry opened his eyes to look straight ahead. He knew he would be missing the Easter Tournament now and his magic wanted to burst out at Longbottom.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. "Is this like the incident over Christmas?"

"He's trying to control Hermione and poisoning her against me," Longbottom accused.

Harry couldn't take it anymore. "Bloody hell, Longpiddle! I'm not trying to steal your girlfriend," Harry snapped. "And my parents didn't betray yours!"

"STOP CALLING ME LONGPIDDLE!" Longbottom roared at him.

"Well calling you that tends to smell better than what comes out of your name otherwise," Harry retorted.

"Enough," Dumbledore said.

McGonagall looked livid. "Three nights of detention, Mister Potter."

"And what about Longpiddle? He's the one accusing me and my dead parents and said he wanted me dead too," Harry shot back, not willing to back down now that he had let loose. He knew his master would be upset later, but he was so beyond angry now.

"Your parents were Death Eaters! I'm sure they loved to tell Voldemort where I was," Longbottom yelled back.

"That is enough!" Dumbledore said again. There was more power in his voice now. "Neville, I can vouch that Mister Potter's parents were no more Death Eaters than yours were. What happened with both your families were tragedies. If you don't stop this feud between the two of you, I will have no other option than to take away all your Hogsmeade privileges until you come to an accord."

Harry snorted. He really didn't care, but to see Longbottom get upset was so worth it. "You can't, professor! I'm taking Hermione into Hogsmeade for Valentine's Day and I need to go to the bookstore for the tournament and I have a special order I have to pick up the next weekend..."

"That is enough, Longbottom," Professor McGonagall said.

Neville closed his mouth, still looking mutinous.

Harry used the time to bring his breathing back into control, as well as his temper.

"Minerva, why don't you take Mister Longbottom to the infirmary while I talk with Mister Potter for a few," the headmaster said.

Harry felt a small tinge of fear to be left alone. Professor Flitwick said he never should.

"Very well. Come along, Longbottom. Potter, I'll see you tomorrow evening at eight," she said.

"Longbottom still didn't get detention," Harry pointed out.

"I agree," the voice of Professor Flitwick came from the open door. "I have been told what Misters Longbottom and Weasley were saying. They have both earned two weeks of detention. Every night and they will join Potter on Saturday and Sunday mornings during that time."

"WHAT! I have to prepare for the tournament!" Neville said, this time a slight panic coming to his voice.

"Filius, I think that a little extreme. I will agree to the three nights that Mr Potter has earned," Dumbledore said.

Neville slumped in his chair a little. Harry felt a little for the boy. He would not have wanted to be in the Triwizard Tournament.

"Very well. Potter, go with Professor McGonagall to the infirmary," Professor Flitwick ordered.

Harry didn't question his master and professor. He stood, ready to go. Neville still hadn't stood up.

"Mister Potter should stay a few. I have a few more things to say to him," Dumbledore told them.

"Then I will stay," Flitwick said plainly.

Harry sat back down as Longbottom gave him an angry glare as he got up.

When they were gone, Dumbledore turned to Harry. "Mister Potter, this is twice in less than a month that I find you in my office."

"Yes, sir," he replied.

"Albus, is this really necessary? Minerva and I can take care of this," Flitwick spoke up.

Dumbledore raised a hand. "I simply want to ask a few questions. I find it odd when a student that hasn't caused much trouble has been in two fights in a span of a few weeks. Is everything going well?"

"Everything is fine, headmaster."

The man frowned. "Obviously something is different. Have you come into your next magical maturity stage early? I have noticed a marked increase in your power."

"I think that a little private, Albus," Flitwick said defensively.

The headmaster held his hand up in sublimation. "I was just curious. Mister Potter must be close to fifteen and that is an age when the third stage usually happens. It can cause some issues for a bit in some children. It can be harder to control their emotions."

"Whether he has or not, that is between him, Madam Pomfrey and myself, as his master," Flitwick defended him.

"No offense meant, Filius. And what about his home life? He was placed at the Dursley's, correct?" Dumbledore asked.

"The who?" Harry questioned, feeling a sinking feeling.

"The Dursleys. Your mother's sister," Dumbledore said as though Harry should know that.

Harry looked to Flitwick. That hole in him for being forgotten, having his hope raised and then trashed rose back up in him. "My mum had a sister? The WCS said there was no one that wanted me when you gave my case to them last year."

His master slightly dipped his head. "Your mother has a sister. She also has two cousins. They are all muggles and are not allowed to be contacted. Misses Diggory and I didn't want to get your hopes up or upset you."

Harry felt his anger from earlier come back up. "I see," Harry said. He felt betrayed by his master at the moment.

"I don't understand. As Harry's closest relatives, he would have gone there," Dumbledore said.

Harry stood up. "Is there anything else?"

"Harry, please take a seat," Professor Flitwick said.

"My side is really bothering me. I should go to the infirmary."

His master let out a breath. "Go."

Harry stormed out. He had thought that his master was trying to help him, but he had kept him from people that might have taken him out of that hellhole orphanage!

-oOo-

Headmaster's Office...

The door slammed hard. Harry's magic enhancing the motion and causing a flare in the wards. Filius closed his eyes for a moment as Albus cocked an eyebrow.

"I don't understand, Filius. Where is Harry living? He had several relatives that would have been able to take him in," Albus asked.

Filius sighed. "Did you go to the Potter's funeral?"

Albus frowned. "I can't remember. There were a few and everything was in turmoil after Neville defeated Voldemort."

Filius shook his head. "I went to every funeral I could at the time. The Potter's funeral was quite an affair. Augusta Longbottom showed and tried to burn their bodies in the caskets yelling that they betrayed Frank and Alice. Did you know they were found by muggle police? No one knew where Harry had gone, but with the way the Longbottoms were on a tear about the Potters, no one followed up to find out where Harry was. I was the one to get the task of introducing him to our world."

Albus looked concerned. "Surely you are not serious? I knew the Longbottoms were upset, but I explained to Augusta what was found. Why wouldn't Wizard Child Services not look for Harry?"

"Do you know who was in charge of that department at that time?" Filius asked.

Albus shook his head. "Alas, I do not."

"Francis Leblanc nee Longbottom," Filius informed him. "They tried to claim that he was dead and that the Potter wealth belonged to the Longbottoms."

Albus face paled some. "Then where did Harry go? I don't remember any petition to the Wizengamot for reparation like that."

Filius gave a dark chuckle. "It never made it that far. There was evidence that Harry lived, so the Longbottoms buried the Potter wealth and Harry. I don't think he was meant to even get an invitation to attend Hogwarts. He did, luckily. I went to give him his introduction and took him to Diagon Alley the first time."

Albus looked really concerned. "The Potters were some of the best we had in the Order. I know Sirius is still in St Mungo's, but where did Harry go?"

Filius snorted. "He went into the Muggle system. Harry bounced between a few foster houses and group homes, but he never lasted long as his accidental magic would scare anyone that took him in. When he was six, he finally landed in an orphanage, and that was where I found him."

Albus' face paled more. "That can't be right?"

Filius stood up. "Believe it or not, Albus, but Harry Potter grew up in the Muggle world, forgotten by all of us."

"What orphanage?"

"Some place on the outskirts of London. Wool's Orphanage," he said. "If you excuse me, I need to go check on my apprentice and the others in the hospital. Good night, Albus."

Filius missed the pale face and slightly horrified look on the aged man's face as he turned towards the door.

-oOo-

The Hospital Wing...

Harry opened the door to whispered yelling coming from the screen next to the door.

"I really don't understand why you antagonize him. Harry really is a nice person," Hermione said quietly.

"You don't understand, Hermione. It was his parents that betrayed mine," Neville hissed.

"You know that isn't true," Hermione chastised Neville.

"Don't tell me that, Hermione! How could you know? Gran has told me how the Potters were made their secret keeper, and my parents theirs," Neville shot back.

"And in two of the Death Eater trials it was said Peter Pettigrew was a spy for You-Know-Who and he was friends with the Potters. I don't think they betrayed you. I think they were betrayed, just like you," Hermione countered.

Neville grumbled something as Harry moved further into the infirmary.

Harry's anger was simmering below his skin, ready to burst. He didn't want to get more detention or risk not going to the tournament over Easter, though. When he walked into the middle of the ward to find Madam Pomfrey, the two Gryffindors stopped talking. Neville was glaring at Harry. Hermione had a frown. She looked more worried than upset as she lay in bed. Neville was in the chair next to her.

Madam Pomfrey was making sure Hannah was laying down. She looked ready to fall asleep even though it was still an hour or two before dinner.

Susan's right hand was in bandages. She gave him a small wave. Harry returned the wave. Neville got up, walked over to the screen and moved it to be before the bed so Harry couldn't see them. Weasley was on his side, moaning as he held his side.

When Madam Pomfrey saw him, she didn't look pleased. "Take a bed. I'll take a look at you in a moment," she told him, moving off towards Weasley. He moved down the ward to sit on the side of the bed next to Hannah. He hissed at the pain in his side as he sat. When he looked up, it was to Hannah's blue eyes regarding him.

"Are you alright?" he asked her.

She gave a big yawn. "Just tired," she said, her eyes already drifting shut. When her eyes closed, he looked up to Susan. As upset as he was, he wasn't upset with Hannah or Susan, two people that had always been nice to him since first year. "You okay, Susan?"

"Broken hand. I had to take a spoonful of Skele-gro. That stuff is awful," she said, making a face.

Harry gave her a watery smile. "What about Hannah?"

"She hit the floor pretty hard when Granger pulled her off of Neville. Madam Pomfrey says she has a slight concussion, and the potions will make her sleep while she heals," Susan told him.

Weasley stopped groaning. There was still a heated conversation going on between Longpiddle and Granger, but they were speaking low enough he couldn't hear it. He wasn't sure how he felt about her at the moment since she had attacked Hannah, but to be fair Hannah struck first. Harry just couldn't take it when Weasley looked like he was going to launch himself at Hannah.

"How are you, Harry?"

He looked down at his left hand. The knuckle was swollen, and his side hurt. "I've had worse," he told her.

Susan snorted. "Why do all boys have to act like they aren't hurt?"

Harry gave her a cheeky smile. "I really have had worse. That was some punch to knock out Granger."

Susan frowned. "I like her, but she was attacking Hannah."

Harry looked to the screen. "I don't think she would have hit her if Hannah hadn't slapped Neville. Hermione is a little protective of him."

Susan snorted. "You mean in love with him. Why don't you report what he says to Professor Flitwick?"

Harry shrugged. "He's an arse, but I don't like being a snitch."

Harry wouldn't be what he was accused of being. His parents kept the Longbottom's secret. He had to believe that. The thing about Peter Pettigrew was new though. He would have to look into the old court records or Daily Prophets.

Susan's brown eyes looked at him for a long few moments. "Hannah and I don't believe the Longbottoms, you know."

Harry nodded. "Thanks," he said, more of his anger bleeding away.

"Now, Mister Potter, what damage did you do to yourself?"

"I didn't do anything. It was Weasel and Longpiddle," Harry snarked at her.

"No name calling here. Well, you did some damage to them. Lay down and let me check you over," she said, her tone brooking no defiance and looking at him disapprovingly.

He winced as he lay down. After a moment, she tutted. "A separated rib. Broken finger on your left hand and various bruises. I've already told everyone else, I am not giving you bruise cream. You have to learn some way not to fight."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied.

-oOo-

January 17, 1995

Hogwarts, Scotland

Luna sat next to him at lunch. She looked at his face. "Did you have a disagreement with the suit of armour on the fourth floor that insists on laughing at everyone that trips on the loose flagstone?"

Harry chuckled. "That would be a good fight. I may have to trip by there later." Luna giggled before turning to her satchel. "I just had a disagreement with Longpiddle," Harry told her.

"Yes, the rimrinkrumours were talking about it. I just thought you were being clumsy on the fourth floor," she told him.

Harry chuckled again. Luna always seemed to know how to give him a cheerful thought. "I will have to avoid the rimrinkrumours. Wouldn't want to catch them."

"Oh, you can't catch them, but they are infectious. Giggles, odd looks and fantasies of men and girls oiled up and ready to wrestle in their all can be common after hearing them," she said so matter of fact, Harry couldn't keep his laugh in. A ghost of a smile pulled at the side of her mouth as she put a drawing pad on the table and a bag of pencils and other art supplies.

He shook his head to return back to his lunch. He was about to pick up his sandwich when he caught a group of Hufflepuffs entering. Hannah and Susan were in a gaggle of eight people from various years. His eyes fell on the golden blonde. One eye was still mostly swollen. The bruise made her look like a panda. Susan had an arm over her best mate's shoulder as they all talked. Cedric was following them with two of the upper year boys with him.

Luna smiled and gave a small wave to her cousin. Cedric waved to her, nodding to Harry.

Harry nodded back, then looked back to the pretty blonde.

Hannah was looking at him. After yesterday, it was time for Harry to go to her. She had been coming to him and tried to protect him against Longpiddle.

"Go tell her you want to be friends again," Luna told him.

"Is it me or is she even prettier with that eye?" Harry asked her.

Luna clucked her tongue. "If you like pandas, but I hear people get turned on by many strange things."

Harry just about choked on the water he had started to drink.

Luna was definitely smirking now.

Sue decided to join them then. "Do I need to worry about a shower? I prefer soap and hot water," she said, sitting across from them.

Luna giggled. "Harry was just confessing how he liked pandas."

"LUNA!" he hissed out.

Sue smirked. "So, you do have a kinky side."

"I do not!" Harry countered intelligently.

"Though, I think golden bears are more his style," Luna observed as he followed Hannah with his eyes to her seat.

Sue turned around. "Are you still on about Abbott? I don't like it when people play around with you."

"Are you saying you actually care?" Harry asked, raising his brow.

"Only because you are the only person that is any decent at duelling," she told him.

"Right. I forgot, you're pretty but heartless."

"And don't you forget that," she demanded.

"I still think you are both nice," Luna said in a small tone, turning her attention to her picture.

Harry gave her an indulgent smile that only a few people saw. "We like you too, Luna."

One of those people that could get the same smile was the Hufflepuff that was sitting on the far side of her table. Harry met her eyes. After a moment he knew what he needed to do. Taking a towel out of a basket with some rolls for the stew on the table, he put a few sandwiches in it, then motioned to Hannah to head towards the door. After a moment, she got up, saying something to Susan and Megan, who both looked to him. Grabbing his bag, he stood up.

"Tell miss Goldilocks she did a good job on Longpiddle yesterday," Sue said, taking some of the stew.

Harry chuckled. "I will."

He moved to the door. Other students were coming and going as Hannah walked up to him. "Can we talk? I have lunch," Harry said, holding up the towel.

Hannah smiled. "It's been a while."

It had been too long in his opinion. They headed towards the cold courtyard. Harry took his wand out and cast warming charms on them. Hannah pulled her cloak out of a pocket on the side of her bookbag. Pulling the cloak around herself, he opened the doors. Finding a stone bench in the yard, Harry cleared the ice off it and cast another warming spell on the bench before they sat.

"How's your eye?" Hannah asked.

Harry shrugged. "It will heal in a few days. I'm just happy I don't look like a panda."

"I don't look like a panda!" she scoffed at his cheeky grin.

"I didn't say that was a bad thing," he chuckled as she hit his arm.

"You are a prat," she scolded.

"It's cute. I swear," he said, laughing more.

"It is not!" Hannah complained.

"It is. Thank you," he said.

She glared at him for another moment before her face softened. "Longbottom was way out of line."

"When isn't he?" Harry asked. "I didn't even know about my parents before Professor Flitwick brought me my Hogwarts letter. From what I can find and what Flitwick says, it sounds like they were betrayed too. I found some old transcripts from the Death Eater trials saying Peter Pettigrew was one of those bastards. The Lestranges confessed Pettigrew was the one that led them to the area of my parents."

Hannah reached out a hand. "I know, Harry. If you remember it was Susie and I that helped you find some of those articles and transcripts last year," she reminded him.

"I know. Though, we do need to teach you and Susan how to really hit. I enjoy that handprint on Longpiddle's face, but a bloody lip or a panda look would have been better," he quipped.

"Oi! Will you stop it with the panda thing!"

"But they are so cute," Harry commented.

Hannah made a disgruntled sound. Harry reached up a hand to brush his thumb under her eye. "Diminuere dolor," he quietly enchanted with his wand in his other hand. She hissed before relaxing.

"What did you do?" she asked.

"Healed as much of your bruise as I could. It still looks a little yellow, but not as bad," Harry told her.

"How?" She reached up to touch her face.

"Sue and I had to find a way to get rid of the bruises we get at times. Flitwick says they are teaching moments. I think it's just the goblin in him enjoying seeing us in pain," Harry joked.

She gave a little laugh, reaching for her bag and taking out a small hand mirror. She touched her face before returning a smile. "Thank you. Why didn't' you heal your own bruises?"

"They are a teaching moment to not let me get disarmed like that again and to try to walk away," Harry told her.

Her soft smile and shake of her head was rather endearing. "Teach me how to do that and I'll heal you."

"Later. You need to eat. We have Defence and double Potions this afternoon."

She didn't look impressed but gave into him after a few moments. It was getting close to end of lunch when Hannah commented, "I missed doing this."

"I have too," he told her.

Hannah bit her lip for a moment. "Harry?"

Seeing the look in her eye Harry felt a little apprehensive. "What half-cocked plan are you thinking of now?"

She looked incredibly nervous. It took her a moment to say, "The type where I ask you to Hogsmeade Valentine's Day weekend? I hear your jailor may let you out that weekend."

Harry chuckled before feeling something strange in him, like there were buzzy thingies in his stomach... I'm hanging out with Luna too much, the stray thought came to him.

"As a friend?" he asked her.

She bit her lip again, looking extremely nervous. Harry had to admit he found it attractive. When she spoke, it was barely more than a whisper. "Not as friends."

Harry felt the buzzy thingies grow. It took him a moment to answer. "Like a date?"

She nodded.

The bell rang in the tower above them. They had ten minutes to make it to class.

Harry nodded back to her. A bright smile slowly crept onto her face. "Brilliant," she said before quickly darting forward, her lips planting on his cheek and then pulling back, a nice colour coming to her face.

Harry sat stunned for a moment. That was until the door opened. Students were coming out to either go towards Hagrid's hut for Creatures or somewhere else on the snowy grounds. With that, Harry stood up, shaking the crumbs off the tea towel, then extending a hand to her.

Hannah let herself get pulled up. When he went to release her hand, she didn't let go. He looked at her hand for a moment. She gently tugged him. "We don't want to be late for Moody."

"No, we don't," Harry said, falling in step with her, her hand still in his and the colour still in her face. He had never thought she looked as beautiful before as she did now.

-oOo-

The next time on Duel of Fate: Longpiddle is still a dink called out by Snape. Things go well between Harry and Hanna as they go on their first date. Neville enters the second task…