Chapter 38

Face Off

Friday, 6 February 1997

The two weeks that followed were vaguely reminiscent of the early days of the Triwizard Tournament. There was almost animosity itself had blown in with the east wind warming the grounds as well as antagonizing the students. The graduating year all seemed nervous at the least, with the Slytherins down right tetchy and looking for any excuse to boil over early, which Sgt. Tonks specifically and repeatedly ordered the cadets to be the bigger people in this match. Harry had to remind several…. and be reminded of it several times by the other Marauders. Thank merlin for the team.

Friday after training, Tonks held the Marauders behind. She stood firm and rigid as she always did when she was delivering news she was certain would not be well received. "I want you all to know you are some of the finest aurors I have ever known. You each have so gods damn much natural skill and talent it is scary. I am ridiculously proud of each and every one of you and right now I would welcome any single one of you to cover my arse on any mission I am ordered to." She paused for her own courage breath. "Tomorrow is not a mission. It is a political exercise to impress bureaucrats that I am under orders to comply with." Tonks spit words out like they were bitter pills she chose not to swallow. "My orders are for this squadron to hold a demonstration against the graduating class, NOT to kill them, even if by accident. With the exception of Miss Lovegood, and Miss Abbott, the Marauders are benched tomorrow, and even Miss Abbott will be assigned to medical with Madam Pomfrey."

Tonks paused for a moment, and was happy to see the team biting their tongues. But she could read their expressions to tell it was not a popular decision. "I don't expect any of you to like this decision. I don't like this decision. I don't like this whole damn situation. But this is the price we have for living in an orderly society. Just as I am yours, I too have a commanding officer, and so does he and so forth. But more importantly I also swore an oath as an auror: To serve and to protect. And from the five months I have taught at this damn school it looks to me that there has been a major shortcoming in the concept of actually protecting its students. And if that is the case then it falls to me; it falls to us, even if we are protecting them from us."

"Permission to speak freely, ma'am." Ginny asked with a clear tone of frustration.

"I owe you all that much." Tonks nodded.

"Do you doubt my - er- our self con-"

"No!" Tonks said quickly and came to the fiery young witch. "Ginny, I have no doubts in yours, or any of this team's, self control or intentions."

Tonks stepped back to look at all of the Marauders with a look of sincerity and respect. "Several of you have been fighting this war, the real war for years. You've had to cast so hard for so long against true monsters, what you consider low level and basic, has risen beyond what your fellow students could handle. Our love taps have become what normal people consider knockout punches."

With the mention of love taps, every Marauder went from frustrated to fighting a giggle and maintaining composure while fighting it. Tonks held out a moment longer, but finally she succumbed to the giggles. "Merlin, working with teens is going to be the death of me," she said. "Remus, how did you do it?"

Remus smiled and said, "I taught them before they started dating."

Saturday, 7 February 1997

The full squadron was instructed to dress in their field uniforms, which Harry frankly found more comfortable than the school uniform anyway. The demonstration was scheduled for the afternoon. At lunch Tonks met with Harry at the Gryffindor table. The Minister's team flamed in to Hogsmeade is on their way. Professors McGonagall, Lupin, and I will meet and escort them to the Training Ground. Get the squad together. Formal procession. We're sitting on the left. Hannah will be working with Madam Pomfrey. And I want Marauders on the links."

Hermione looked confused for a moment, "Sergeant, why didn't they just flame into the Training Room, or Professor McGonagall's office?"

Tonks gave a clearly fake look of surprise. "Good idea, I guess we just forgot to offer those options." She departed the Marauders and took Remus by her side as they met McGonagall and walked to the main gate. The sun was high in the sky and the air was blowing crisp. Early spring green was starting to creep back in from the winter slumber.

"How did Harry's team take the news?" McGonagall asked.

Tonks nodded with pride. "They took it well. It registered, none of them like not representing the squad, especially Crimson and Lighting-"

"Lightning?" McGonagall repeated with a smile. "Harry, obviously, but are all of them taking nicknames?"

"It is actually part of the culture, Professor." Remus explained.

Tonks confirmed. "I would say it's more earning their names. As a quidditch player you can understand the personality changes between in and out of the pitch. Well, there is a greater change for battle. And I won't deny it helps with communication, especially with instances of the Weasley siblings."

McGonagall nodded in satisfaction. "If that is the way of things, then far forbid me from interrupting your work, Sergeant. You long ago earned my respect." She paused again to look the auror in the eyes. "And today you are doing it again, putting the lives of students ahead of everything else. Sergeant, with that kind of heart there will always be a place for you here at Hogwarts."

Tonks shared a smile with both of her teaching colleagues. "Thank you, ma'am. With respect, my first concern is the war. After that, I would welcome conversations."

"Very sensible, Sergeant." McGonagall agreed.

Finally Minevera turned to the gate, and raise her hand wearing her Deputy Headmaster Ring and with a glow the doors opened. Standing ready in the entrance was a middle aged man in a worn brown trench coat. He had dark grey, grizzled hair. He also had a wooden leg. His eyes, however, were his most shocking feature: one was small and dark while the other was a vivid, electric blue magical eye. Tonks quickly, but comfortably fell into a salute. "Captain Moody, sir."

Moody returned the salute, "As you were, Sergeant." He took a step forward to greet and shake everyones hand. "McGonagall, thank you for what you've let Tonks do here this year." Then he sighed, "and for tolerating the bureaucracy we have to endure today."

"Captain, the honor has been mine. The Auror program has added much. Your Sergeant has earned my respect this year."

The grizzled war veteran looked to his protege. "Good to see you kid."

"Same, you look tired, sir. Almost as bad as when I aced my Stealth and Tracking exam."

"You damn near failed that, you klutzy git!" Moody countered with a stubby finger pointed at her purple hair colored head. "How were you with Concealment and Disguise?"

Tonks smiled. "Top of my class, if I'm not mistaken," she replied with confidence, she cheekily added, "Though I may have had a slight unfair advantage."

Satisfied with each other Moody finally pulled Tonks closer and patted her shoulder. "Can't be too careful, especially after the last time I came here," he explained. He then greeted and shook Professor Lupin's hand.

Remus nodded. "Tonks explained your precautionary nature. I can't say I disagree."

McGonagall smiled. "I must say Captain, if you are the Minister's observer today, I already feel better."

"Wish I was," he said with a sigh. "You'll recognize the security team Savage, Proudfoot, Williamson, and Dawlish. I just took the advanced scout position because… well I'm me. But also wanted to give you a slight warning. It's not the Minister visiting today."

Tonks shrugged with indifference. "I can't say as I am surprised. What civilian bureaucrat do we have to entertain and justify our existence to?"

"Tonks to Marauders," she called over the link, her voice sounded annoyed already.

"Potter here," he replied. Squadron accounted for. We're getting in formation and about to head for the firing range."

"Good, there has been a change I wanted you to be aware of."

Harry looked to the other Marauders and who all shared the same expression of mixed curiosity and concerns. "We're all listening, Sarge. What's the problem?"

"To begin with, Captain Moody is here."

Harry looked around and saw them all shrug. "Okay, I think half of us expected him, but sure, we'll be on our toes. We were going to be for the Minister anyway."

"The Minister didn't come today. That's the main issue. The Ministry observer is Percy."

"Percy!" both Ginny and Ron shouted into the link at the same time.

"This is why I'm telling you now. To get your reaction out when he's not in front of you. The plan is still the same. You march the squad down. You show him what makes us different and better. You show him how you earned what you've accomplished. You give him no hint of an excuse to find fault in us. Understood?"

Silence filled the link as the quartet all shared a look of frustration, but they all accepted the cards dealt. With a collective will of them all Harry replied. "This is Potter, understood, Sergeant."

Tonks had no sooner finished her warning than they saw the four Aurors she had previously served with wearing scarlet red robes and walking in formation around Percy. He approached walking tall and looking quite full of himself. He smiled smugly as he extended his hand. McGonagal accepted it, clearly unimpressed.

"Minerva! Good to see you again."

"Hogwarts always welcomes the Ministry, Mr. Weasley." McGonagall said with a practiced expression.

Percy looked around expectantly. "Will Albus not be joining us today?"

"Professor Dumbledore is occupied with scholastic affairs. He plans to meet us for the reception after the requested demonstration. Could the same be said about the Minister?"

"I am afraid not. Affairs of state you see."

"Indeed." Then, clearly showing she had nothing further to discuss with Percy, McGonagall turned to Tonks. "Sergeant, this is your day highlighting the work of your squadron, why don't you lead the way?"

"Certainly," Tonks rigidly about faced and led them to the Training Grounds firing range.

The firing range was laid out with the longer width running east to west and in its center, the stones had been transfigured into a standard dueling run, decorated with the phases of the moon. The irony was not lost on them considering their adversaries in the last several engagements. Madam Pomfre and Hannah were already there with their bags ready. Colin was also there with his wizard camera set. Tonks led them to the judges' seats on the northern edge that would look back to the castle but were blocked by newly added diagonal seating filled with spectating students. A similar run of seating ran on their side also simply with a box shaped area cut out and roped off for them. And the seating was already full. This was better than quidditch, this was combat.

As Tonks led with her entourage, Snape came with his Seventh year Defence class. All of them looked smug. Half of them joking, laughing, and playing as they found their way to the seats. As they passed their seats, the first two rows on the right with more filled spectator seating behind them. Snape turned in annoyance. "Sit!" He barked at them like he would a dog. Then he met the guests and teachers at the judges seat.

"No cadets today, Tonks?" Snape jeered with an eyebrow raised.

Tonks looked at her watch. "Demonstration starts at 1400. It is 1352. I've taught my cadets how to read a watch."

"Shouldn't you," then with an eye to Remus, "Or your little dog, go fetch them?"

"Professor Snape!-" McGonagall snapped quickly with eyes ablaze.

"Professor McGongall," Tonks interrupted, calmly, clearly, rationally, and with a raised hand. "Begging your pardon, ma'am, but Professor Lupin and I are both acquainted with the… range of engagement Professor Snape often chooses." Remus rolled his eyes in annoyance at the childish games. "We have no intention of letting him get in the way of the squad's duties today." Then she turned to take her seat on the left side of McGonagall. "As for the squadron, Cadet Potter has led them into battle. He can handle the walk from the castle. I'm surprised the graduating class needs your guidance, Professor Snape."

McGonagall's ire turned to the barest hint of a smile as she took the seat next to Tonks, to her right was the guest of honor, Percy, then Professor Snape took his seat with a sneer still on his face. Remus took the seat on the opposite side of Tonks. The aurors, including Captain Moody sat behind Percy with Moody between Tonks and McGonagall.

Tonks looked at her watch. "Three - two - one." She counted.

As she did around the last bend, Harry marched three columns of cadets. They were stern faced and orderly, focused, precise and in control. Harry led them to their seats… then beyond them. Without batting an eye Harry marched them directly in front of the judges box.

"Company halt! Right face. Present arms."

With unity and conviction the entity of the squadron stood and saluted the judges. McGonagall, Tonks, Remus, and the aurors all smiled. Percy was confused and looked around. Snap rolled his eyes in annoyance. Moody chuckled, "Well, well, this is a bit of a treat." Moody rose and returned the salute, releasing the squadron from theirs.

"Sir," Harry announced. "Auror squadron ready for inspection, sir."

Moody continued to chuckle and pat Tonks shoulder as they walked out. His cane tapped against the stonework as he gave a full review of the squadron. A hint of a smile touched his lips as he walked the back side of them and saw all the ladies in ponytails. "Well… I still prefer the days where everyone had their hair shaved at intake." He chuckled at the memory, but the squad remained silent and unmoved. He nodded in acceptance and appreciation. "But I am aware of current regs." Moody looked back and raised his gravelly voice to Percy. "Does the Ministry Observer wish to review his battle squadron, sir?"

Percy seemed to squirm and attempt to sink into the chair as the squad's eyes all fell on him in judgment. "I-I will trust your assessment Captain."

"Battlegroup Hogwarts rates excellent, sir."

"Er-um, very good Captain, thank you."

"Credit goes to Sergeant Tonks, sir." Finally Moody turned to Harry with a wry grin. "Cadet Potter, sit your team down.

"Yes sir." Harry nodded. "Squadron, right face. Forward march."

Bored and annoyed, Snape muttered in contempt. "They can march and stand still. Towering achievement."

"Yet more than your students did." McGonagall observed. Then she settled in and looked at the veteran. "Captain Moody, I believe the floor is yours."

Moody boosted his voice and addressed both teams. "Combatants will meet. Present arms. At my command you will take seven steps… and then we'll see what you got! Professor Snape, Sergeant Tonks, Give me some Combatants."

Snape nodded to his class. Alexander Burke, a weedy looking teenager with a darkness about his eyes rose and entered the range.

Tonks took to the link. "Granger, you strike me as someone who's taken advanced course work."

"You'd be right, Sergeant."

"What do you know about him?"

Hermione smiled as looked at the competitor. "Burke, is… broody. After Malfoy, first in line for the Eaters. Quick mouth, quick hand, empty head though."

"Quick, eh? Give me Bell."

Hermione relayed the order and Katie immediately rose and nodded to the Sergeant as she met her challenger

"Bell? You're starting with Bell?" Snape baulked.

"You manage your class Professor, I will command my squad."

Katie came to the firing range the same way she came to the quidditch pitch, she looked at Burke with annoyance more than anything else. They raised wands, bowed, and turned around.

Moody raised to raise and slammed it down on the stone work. A red wave of energy flowed out and crawled up to form the forcewalls between the corner towers. "Begin!" Moody ordered.

Both of them took their steps and as soon as he took seventh, Burke spun around and got the first shot of 'stupefy'. Katie quickly used her quidditch trained reflexes and muscle to list to the left and watched the shot pass by. She let herself smile. In panic, Burke fired again. Katie blocked with her own wand then took the opening. "Tonitru fluctus" a thunderous wave of wind crashed forward. Try as he might, Burke was blown backwards sliding on his feet. In his desperation, he threw two more stunners. Katie deflected the first and spun backwards out of the way, then dropped an explosive shatter spell to the stone beside him, throwing Burke five feet in the air and crashing back onto the stone. As he laid dazed on the stone Katie quickly ran and stood on his wand hand. Reflexively, she shouted, "D.M.L.E., Drop the wand!"

"Point Aurors!" Moody shouted. The crowd applauded, content with the first round.

Percy looked perplexed. "I didn't know we were keeping points, Captain."

Moody laughed and stretched his arms out to both teams. "You think they're not?!"

"You taught Bell to dance, Tonks?" Snape asked.

Tonk allowed herself a smile. "I taught her to dodge… and win."

"Yes Professor, if memory serves I taught Miss Bell to dance... two years ago."

Frustrated, Snape waved for the next competitor. Katie and Burke returned to their teams as Moody returned to center. The firing range magically repaired itself.

From Snape's team a tall but slender man, black hair and dark skin came to the center.

"Granger?"

"Venkat Rao, Family came over with the spice trade, a while back. He's a good potioneer. Good head, slow, methodical."

"Slow and methodical? Lovegood, take 'em."

Luna hopped up with smiles, she even waved to the judges as came to center.

Percy looked incredulously at the blonde spectacle. He turned to Tonks in dismay. "Luna Lovegood is part of your battle group?" The crowd seemed to echo his sentiment with many 'What? Why?' And 'Her?'

"Apparition specialist, I can credit a minimum of 28 lives saved by her actions at Harpies Stadium. Or would the Ministry prefer a more scorched earth approach? Your sister gives us that option literally."

Realizing Tonks was more politically savvy than he originally assumed, Percy sat back. "Your commitment to the safety of the citizens is commedible. Thank you for your service, Sergeant."

Luna's smile never waned. She and Rao, presented wands, bowed and turned.

"Begin!" Moody ordered.

They took their steps and Luna was quickest, 'protego'! Soon Rao threw several stuns at the field only to see that they were very easily blocked and Luna seemed to be quite at rest. In fact she seemed to be almost confused that Rao was shooting at her. When two other spells showed they were ineffective, they turned to Snape with their arms to their side dejected.

Snape shook his head in frustration. "Wait and shoot when the shield drops! She can't keep it up forever."

Percy looked at his watch. "In general, now long can Luna keep a shield up?"

Tonks looked over to her partner. "Remus?"

"Miss Lovegood averages a little over three minutes."

"Minutes?" Percy repeated in surprise. "That spell normally dissipates in seconds."

"Impressive." McGonagall reported.

"Discovery and approach from the Marauders. Spell stamina. Especially ever since Diagon Alley. It's amazing how clever you can be when survival is your motivation."

"How long can Harry hold a shield?" McGonagall asked.

"Head of the class, eight minutes plus. He's working to ten."

"Very impressive." McGonagall nodded in respect.

Behind her shield Luna watched Rao try several spells. All stopped by her shield. When waiting seemed to be the best option, she looked with great curiosity at Roa. It was as if she was confused why they had stopped fighting. She looked over to Moody. "Is it my turn now? Do I get to go?"

"It's been your turn for a good minute now lass, aye. Give'em what for." Moody laughed.

"Oh! Oh goodie. 'Expecto patronus!" She cast, collapsing her shield and from the fog of radiant white light, Lunas hare leapt forward.

"What the hell?" Rao cried out. "I'm not a dementor!"

Luna smiled and shrugged. The crowd roared in laughter as the bunny bounced.

"What the hell does a patronus do to a person?"

Luna simply smiled and held her wand steady. "Let's find out."

"What?!" Rau soon was throwing stuns at the hare as it bounded down the stone but the rabbit was too quick; he missed with every shot. Finally Rau screamed for his life as the hare leapt forward aimed directly for his face.

Watching carefully and grinning like her big brother, Luna waited for the perfect time. "Stella ignis." she cast at the last possible moment. Her stary blast of white energy shot forward and through her patronus decoy as it faded, landong Rau directly in the face. Rau was blasted backward and crashed onto the stone, his head hitting the ground hard.

Rau groaned on the wall as he rubbed his eyes. "Gods, I'm blind!"

"Point Aurors!" Moody shouted. The audience still laughed loud but also filled the air with applause and approval of the surprise tactic and victory.

"Only for like ten minutes." Luna said as she squatted. "Here let me help you up. Get you back to your seat. Your vision will be back before the match is over." With a smile on the entire time Luna helped Rau up and took arm back to his teammates.

"Why are you helping?"

"Our round's over. Why wouldn't I?" She then looked back over to the judges box and waved again. Task done this time, she did look over to Colin with an extra grin and a wink. Colin smiled as he caught her in a photo.

Next for Snape's team was a short, slender, handsome, energetic man with sandy brown hair down to his shoulder.

Hermione slipped in without asking this time. "Osman Shafiq, we all just call him Ozzie. He's friendly. Average student, if he could learn to focus, likely would be better. He always seems like his mind always seems to be in five places at once."

"Give me Brown."

"Lavender Brown?" Percy questioned again. "Sergeant, your reports have been filled with details of Potter. Do you intend to have him grace us with his presence today?"

"Mr. Weasley, my orders from the Ministry were to present this battle group to the Minister. There were no requests for any specific cadets."

"I want to see Potter in action." Percy said firmly.

Tonks smiled. "But you are only the Assistant to the Minister. You are not him. So you get no salutes, and you can't give me orders. And my team is winning. I will be interested to see how you plan to phrase any complaint."

Lavender's jitters were clear as she constantly seemed to need to shake out the nervous energy. More than a few wolf whistles sounded as she graced the floor. After respects were paid and she turned around she gave a glance over to Seamus who now was sitting forward and gave a comforting nod. Several of the Marauders took notice. Ginny smiled.

"Begin!" Moody ordered.

They took their steps and Lavender wasn't quite sure what happened. She heard Shafiq cast. She didn't think, but trained reflexes charged her wand and deflected the spell. She seemed as surprised as Shafiq. "Sweet, I can do this!" Lavender started firing and for a few enchanted it seemed the pair was evenly matched.

Finally Seamus cupped his arms over his mouth and cheered, "Mulit shot, babe!"

"Oh! Oh yeah!" Lavender realized. Finally she stopped what had almost been the training rhythm of shoot and block and fired three stuns. Shafiq blocked the first and dodge the second but the third landed square in his chest. Seeing and opening Lavender took it, 'Petrificus totalus'! Shariqs arms snapped to his side and his legs snapped together as he laid rigid on the ground.

"Point Aurors!" Moody shouted. The crowd loved it and cheered.

Snape's discontent was becoming palatable. He raised his hand to halt, then pointed to the other end of row. Draco rose to take the field.

Tonks raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Malfoy's not in Seventh year."

"No, and neither is Miss Lovegood. But he is still my selection."

Tonks linked in, "Granger, check with Finnigan. Does he feel up to this?" The Sergeant looked over to watch Hermione check with Seamus. She could see Hermione laugh after that. She could also see Harry, who had been taking the prior matches like watching a quidditch game, once Malfoy stepped forward, he became much more focused and attentive. Harry was sitting forward on his seat and his knee started bouncing.

"Seamus's exact response was, 'Let me at the wanker.'"

Tonks couldn't stop her smile. "Send him in."

The crowd was more divided with Slytherin golden boy vs a Gryffindor.

Draco smiled as they raised wands. "Too bad for you."

"Shut up and dance nancy pants." Seamus replied as they turned away.

"Begin!" Moody ordered.

Seamus snapped first with 'Incendio' throwing molt of fire straight at the platinum blonde's head. At the last second, Draco blocked it then shot back with a pair of stunners. Semus blocked both and shot another fire bolt to Draco.

"Stunners vs Fire bolts?" Percy asked.

"And you wonder why I'm playing the reserve team."

Draco blocked most of the last firebot, but enough he could feel the heat and could tell Seamus would not be so easy to go down. He looked over to Snape, who gave a slow but steady nod. Draco turned back to look at Seamus with a chilling grin. The Irishman launched another firebolt and the slytherin and Draco rolled out of the way and cried, 'Sectumsempra!'

Time seemed to slow down. Seamus screamed in pain as the entirety of his chest was gashed open. Blood sprayed out like a geyser from his body and rained out to the stone beneath. He fell to his knees with a sickening thud, then a second thud sounded when he fell forward and his head hit the ground.

"Seamus!" Lavender wailed. The crowd cried with her clearly disapproving of the spell.

"I believe that should be 'Point, Malfoy.' Draco smugly said in victory to Moody. The audience continued to boo and jeer their disapproval of Draco's actions.

The Captain turned and looked at Draco coldy. "Son, I don't think you realized what the hell you just started." Then he took a knee to Seamus and started casting.

The Marauders were off like a shot and met Pomfrey and Hannah already working next to Captain Moody.

"Alive, but barely." Hannah scryed.

"Focus on the bleeding now. We'll handle the internal damage once he's closed." the matron looked up to review her staff as she was casing healing. "Miss Abbott, Miss Weasley, I need Episkey's from both of you. Lovegood," She nodded to her medical bag. "Blood replenishers, and keep them coming till I say so. Potter, too many people, we need to room!"

Harry nodded and turned back to the team. "Make a hole. Back to your seats. We have medics on him, let them work!"

McGonnagal turned to Snape with contempt. "Decades I've taught in this school and I've never seen the like. What kind of spell is that!?"

Unmoved, Snape crossed his legs and sighed. "Apparently, a rare one."

Tonks and Remus stood and watched helplessly, knowing they would only get in the way. Tonks looked over enraged at the arrogant defense professor. "Snape," she growled and her teeth morphed into fangs, "I swear to the gods, if he dies, I will find something to change you with. And something tells me I won't have to look too hard!"

Ron and Hermione assisted and soon the Marauders were off the field. Lavender was in tears and trembling. Harry didn't have the heart to send her back to the seats but did keep her out of the way comforting her. "It's okay. He took a hit, but he's D.A. We take care of own and he's got like five people working on him. He's going to be okay."

"P-p-p-promise?" she whispered through tear soaked cheeks trembling in Harry's arms.

Harry knew it was stupid, but he had been known for being stupid. "Yes. We'll get him through." When Lavender heard that her eyes softened but still focused on the patient on the ground. Harry recognized the look.

"You got some feelings there, don't you?" he asked.

Lavender closed her eyes and nodded.

"Does he know?"

Lavender shook 'no'.

"Little advice…when Seamus is back up and rested, and he will be, you two should talk." Lavender looked up at him perplexed. "Hey, if anyone knows about this, it's Ginny and me."

That finally got a giggle out of Lavender. She was too choked to speak but she did nod and hug Harry back. A few moments later Madam Pomfrey announced. "We've got him. He's stable. Miss Abbott and I will monitor but I think we've got him now." The pair of witches levitated Seamus and began escorting him back to the castle. Harry gestured to Lavender and she understood and took hold of Seamus's hand and walked alongside him.

Once the scene was clear, Ginny immediately wrapped around Harry. He could feel her anger rising now that there wasn't a patient bleeding out. They both looked to the blood of their friend on the ground then looked up to the smug bastard that spilt it.

Ginny looked up with rage. "He crossed a line this time, Harry."

"I know babe." Harry's expression matched hers.

"Who's next? If he's willing to do this, who do we want to risk next?"

"No one." Harry replied firmly.

"If you don't, I will."

"It's me Gin, It's time."

"Good." She nodded with respect. "You kick his arse. Make him regret it."

"I'm going to make him regret a lot of things." he growled.

"That's my Lightning." Ginny hugged him a final time then walked with Luna back to the team.

"Well, well, well." Percy said as he sat upright in his chair. Having lowered her head in commiseration for Seamus she looked up to see Harry walk to the center of the range. He stood, thumbs resting on the buckle of his tactical belt, as he looked determined and expectantly to Tonks.

The crowds took notice and voiced their vote. "Pot-ter, Pot-ter, Pot-ter."

"Oh-oh gods." Tonks gasped. "Potter, stand down." she linked. "You know why I can't run you for this. Especially you and especially against him."

Harry stopped and looked at Tonks. Without saying a word, he reached up, took his link off his ear and threw it to the ground.

"Shit!" Tonks groused as she looked at Remus. "Harry's going rogue." She shifted focus. "Granger, Get Potter back on the link…now!

Remus came with a reassuring hand to her shoulder. "Tonks dear… who is it in that fight are you worried about?"

"Draco!"

"What separates him from the other Eaters you've sent the team out again this last year?"

"Because he's a kid. He's dumb kid… who's made dumb choices. And I am supposed to protect children!"

"He's the same age as Harry."

"But Harry's ten times more mature."

"Tonks, dear, Harry made his choice. Draco made his." Remus gazed pierced her soul.

"Agreed." McGonagall said from behind them. "I have watched those two bicker, and beck, and square off at each other for six years. I can't imagine an administrative punishment that would come close to justice for Seamus. If they," she nodded to Percy and Snape, "want this so damn much… Well… some people will only learn the hard way."

Hermione quickly ran over and summoned Harry's link.

"No Hermione, I'm doing this." Harry objected. "What's he going to do next? Who's he doing it to? Me, you, Gin!?"

"Harry, I agree with you!" Hermione said. "The whole squad does. But more to the point, Sarge gave me an order." He offered his link back. "Please, link back in. Do this the right way. Keep being our example. You know the way you walk is the way we follow."

"And if all I want to do is hex the living hell out of Malfoy?!"

"I'd say that's one of the reasons we follow you. Because we know you'd always defend us." She paused and looked over at the Slytherin. "Or avenge us." Hermione looked back to her friend. "Tonks and Remus have been the most supportive teachers you've ever had. I know you're used to the bottom coming out from underneath you and people letting you down. Give them a shot. Try to do this the right way. Be better than Malfory."

Harry looked back to the team with all eyes on him, but the only ones he cared about were Ginny's and they were filled with confidence and belief. He turned back to Hermione, still standing in loyalty. "I need friends with less backbone." he muttered.

"Liar. Talk to Tonks already." Hermione said, still holding his link.

He picked it back up like foul tasting medicine he needed to take. "Potter," he reported in.

"You scared the hell out of me there, Potter."

"I'm going in, Sarge." Harry could hear the sigh in her mind. "Sarge?"

"YES! Yes gods damn it! One rule: leave him breathing."

Harry looked over to Tonks and they exchanged looks; not as friends, not as soldier and commander, but as fellow warriors. "Understood."

Hermione nodded to Harry. "Kick his arse."

Harry looked back to the team. "Private link to Gin… This may get violent."

"Good." Ginny replied.

"Maybe even vicious," he warned.

"Harry, I know what you're capable of. It's time he did. Sometimes the Man Becoming has to beat the barbarians. You can not do anything that will frighten me. Take - him - out"

Ginny could see the lightning in his eyes. "Yes ma'am."

"Pot-ter! Pot-ter! Pot-ter!"

They met in the center. Draco smiled smugly and raised his wand. "I've been looking forward to this, Potter."

Harry kept his thumbs resting on his belt buckle. With the electricity in his eyes he turned to Captain Moody. "No points. Submission rules." Harry growled.

"Aye," Moody nodded. "I wondered if you would go that way."

"Submission?" Draco repeated in surprise and clear worry.

"It means you keep going until one of you yields… or can't do anything at all."

"What? NO!" Draco squeaked as the blood drained from his face, surprising Harry by making Draco even more pale.

He tried to back away only to have a harsh grip lock around his wrist. Draco followed the arm back up to the grizzled face Mad Eye Moody focused on him. "After what you did to that first boy, do you dare think I'm letting you off on technicalities. You want to play with the dangerous spells? I recon Potter here will be a better dance partner."

"Scared Malfoy?" Harry asked.

Draco swallowed hard and summoned up false bravado. "You wish."

Harry grinned as they turned around. "You will be."

"Begin!" Moody ordered.

Harry knew what Draco was about to do before Moody even ordered the start. The only question was when. Harry listened intently to Dracos footsteps against the pavement. A step early on the sixth Harry heard the change as Draco turned for the attack.

'Sectumsempra!'

Harry reacted even before Draco spoke. As he turned he flashed the McGonagall shield up and took a knee to take cover. The armor took the blast with no difficulty.

"Professor McGonagall," Tonks began, "Let the record show Malfoy's first act was to attempt to eviscerate my cadet. Harry's was to draw a shield."

"Noted," the Gryffindor head of house said in a tone of understanding the significance of the difference.

Percy sat forward and looked cross as Harry spawned his shield. "I recognize that crest."

"Good," McGonagall replied. "That is its purpose."

A flash of pure panic filled Draco's eyes as he realized the bear he had poked for years was finally going to bite. Harry looked up and grinned, and growled. "My turn. Maga fulmen', Harry cried, throwing an arc straight at Draco. Draco's survival instincts threw him to the side and the rolled out of the way of a second bolt. Harry rose slowly followed. "C'mon you snake. Where's that resourcefulness, determination, and cleverness you're always on about!"

'Sectumsempra!' Draco cast again.

Harry blocked it again with his armshield. "One trick pony eh? I'm not! Fulgur flagellum." Harry's lightning whip flashed as he reached out to crack Draco's face. Draco raised his left up and looked in his eyes at the color that stood out against normally ghastly white skin.

Captain Moody chuckled, "Looks like Potter drew first blood."

Draco was distracted by the blood, his blood, from his body, that he had left himself open. Harry took the opening. A bolt of electricity shot to his lower abdomen threw him to his back. Draco looked down to see the blacked scorch mark as he still felt the residual pain from the blast. He looked up to see… dear gods… something akin to legends of old gods arcing in electricity carrying a shield and a wand like a sword. Harry's eyes and even his barred teeth seethed with sparks and rage… all of it directed to him.

Draco rolled back to his feet and began running to the edge, only to bounce off the newly created arcane barrier. In desperation, Draco looked back to the Captain, as the crowd laughed.

"What part of the 'Submission Rules' did you not understand, Mister Malfoy? You have two ways out of this. Victory or Yield."

Snape looked over to Tonks. "Submission Rules? You as an Auror under the D.M.L.E. taught your squadron Submission rules!?"

Tonks turned to face Snape. "You were warned, repeatedly. I've taught my squadron to fight, to survive, and to win this gods damned war!"

Percy smiled as he watched the two challenges. "Considering the fight we've heard of at the fronts. I rather support the Sergeant's approach."

"Professor Snape never went over those!"

"Maybe you should crack a book open rather than learn how to eviscerate someone!" Harry yelled before his whip came around Draco's left ankle. "Now get over here!" Harry roared as pulled the slytherin down to the ground and in front of him on his backside. Enraged, Harry's left arm came crashing towards Draco's head using the bottom of a shield like a battle axe. The blonde scooted down a moment before the edge of the shield crashed into the stone.

Draco rolled to the side, in desperation he went to basics. "Stupefy, stupefy, stupefy. " he fired. Harry deflected each spell expertly.

Harry glaired as he continued hunting his prey. "I've been teaching that spell for over a year now. Don't insult me. But if you want to go back to basics. Bombarda. " Harry aimed at the stone beneath Draco, throwing him backward again and landing hard again. There he remained, dazed. The crowd erupted in cheer.

"Seamus has been our classmate for six bloody years. And you gutted him like fish!" Harry said as he threw another witchbolt to Draco's side. The Slytherin cried out in pain but stubbornly he refused to say the only word that would end the match. "Did you enjoy it, you son of a bitch!"

In a rarity, Harry took his wand in his left hand, then uttered 'Atrox apprehendere" coating his right hand in a web of electricity. With his bare hand he knelt down to grab Draco by the throat, the blonde screamed out… until he stopped. Harry looked and saw the prey's chest rise and fall. Then Harry's eyes fell to Draco's left arm. Still covered in his sleeve. You know what, let's get that on the record too."

Harry grabbed his knife and reached for Draco's sleeve.

Draco's scream reached out to the judges ears. They weren't unaffected but no one could say it wasn't deserved. The least moved was Draco's own headmaster who sat with his fingers laced watching judgement in the form of Cadet First Class Harry Potter finally reach Draco Malfoy. Snape's eyebrow raised with the silence came. Then he saw the knife drawn, and watched Potter reach for the Draco's arm

"YIELD!" Snape rose and spell boosted his voice to Moody.

"Draco yields!" They heard Snape yell from the judges seats.

Moody moved his cane to stop Harry. "As Draco's lead, Snape does have the right. Match is over Potter, you clearly won."

Harry linked in, "He's breathing."

Knife still in hand, Harry stared at Draco's still covered arm. "You know it's there." He looked up to Moody. "That's why Snape is surrendering."

The Captain nodded in respect and understanding. "Aye son, but we're back to normal law now. We need a warrant to inspect his body."

Harry stowed his knife and finally rose up from over his foe. Moody lowered the forcewalls. Then Moody sprayed water from his cane onto Draco's face. The defeated Slytherin startled awake to see Harry stand over him. Harry's wand was holstered but his hand was ready to draw on reflex. Harry squatted down and growled, "Get the fuck out of here." Mostly out of fear Draco pulled himself off the floor in front of a pair of warriors that couldn't care less. He held one of the lighting burns as he limped his way slowing over to his own team, all of whom were now very quiet and solemn.

The fight now over Harry dismissed his lightning arcs, and even his arm shield. Looked over to the judges box to see McGonagall coming as close to a smile as she dared and even nodded in approval. Tonks and Remus smiling widely, Tonks even gave a wink. Harry looked over to the squadron. Ginny had never sat down. She still stood eyes full of admiration, smile just this side of sultry. He heard her in his link. "Nicely done Lightning."

Ron actually gave the cocky smile this time. As he stood next to his sister. "Cadets Attention!" he ordered. The squadron all rose and saluted Harry. Harry could hear it but he could see and already knew the conversion Hermione and Ron were having.

"Technically, we're not supposed to salute non-officers, Ron."

"No one cares right now, Hermione."

Harry looked over to Captain Moody, "Sorry, sir."

"Meh, you earned it."

Harry returned and released the salute to applause, and started walking back to them.

Then Percy spoke with his voice spell boosted… "Actually, Mr. Potter, I'm afraid the ministry isn't done with you. Gentlemen." Percy snapped his fingers and the security detail that had escorted him all left the judges seats and began approaching the firing range.