Hello everyone! By now the majority of you have obtained and finished the
OOTP, and has learned the . . .
Sirius: Bloody horrible!
I was going to say distressing—but that works as well—news. I learned it in a rather unfortunate way, in less than three hours of having and reading six chapters into the book, my friend and I were trying to escape her sister so we could read in peace and my book fell open to a very bad page. Like a magnet my eyes were drawn to the character's name and the words "was a . . ." Needless to say I was a little . . . cut-up about the death, especially when I learned the cause and heard Dumbledore's explanation.
Sirius: *grins* Hem-hem!
All right, I brawled like a baby, and hugged my muse, making him promise never to leave me. ;) Heheh, I was flustered, I didn't expect her to do that, but I understand why. She had to do it so that Harry would understand what it is to lose someone who you care about so deeply. Keep in mind that he does not remember his parents. I'd like to point out the passage in which JK says that every time Harry called for this person, he or she did not hesitate to answer him, to come to him, this person cared for him the most. Knowing that he was loved to that degree will strengthen Harry, his ability to love and to feel emotion is what makes him stronger than Voldemort. Bellatrix said that one must put feeling into the Unforgivables to cast them, and right now Harry has enough feeling to cast all three at once. And in all honestly I enjoyed the book; JK was at her personal best. She has honed her skills and taken us to many different places, all while portraying Harry accurately. He is a teenager and teenagers are, frankly, moody brats. I'm a teen and I know I can be that way at times; I can go off on my friends, especially if I think that I am being left out of something big. I want to be invovled and I dislike it when adults keep things from me based on my age, as all those who teens do. That was Harry in this book, he wanted to help out, he wanted to included, but he was still the curious boy who has to know things despite what he is told. He was also impulsive, but aren't we all? When we think something terrible has happened, we try the most direct way we know of checking and if that fails, we lose our head and run right off to try and save whomever maybe in danger. Hence the whole fiasco that led to a fandom depression of sorts. But! Moving on: yes JK did leave plot holes but she did it with a purpose. Book Five was, in essence, one big cliff hanger that is still waiting to be latched onto by Books Six and Seven. But until then, I'm continuing this in my own little universe as I have been all along. Trust me, guys; you are in for a wild ride.
Sirius: So, strap yourselves in and hang on!
Sequel to Harry Potter and the Emerald Eye. (I suggest you read that first, but you don't have to, it's just a good idea.) Harry's in for quite a year when he starts seeing things that no one else can, is it a dream? Or is he really going crazy? Questions start arising like what did Voldemort do to his victim after he killed them? This has it all; mystery, insanity, a lot of Sirius and Remus, and everyone calls Harry a lunatic at least once! ;)
Disclaimer - This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. I own the plot and a few original things. Elven itself all belongs to the master himself J. R. R. Tolkien.
Chapter 14: Rivalries
"W-What?!" stammered Harry
"You heard me, Snape and Black are going to duel each other. Dumbledore said so. It's going to be a blood bath!"
Harry felt his insides congeal. In their youth, Sirius and Snape had been dire enemies. They loathed each other so much that because of something Snape had said, it had provoked his godfather enough to tell the 'greasy git' how the find out where Lupin went every month. All he had to do was prod the knot of the Wholloping Willow. Snape had done as Sirius instructed, and found himself nose-to-nose with a bloodthirsty werewolf. If it had not been for Harry's father, James, pulling Snape back in the nick of time, Harry shuddered to think of the consequences. Even though the previous year the two professors had agreed to be civil to each other, he highly doubted that civility extended to a dueling platform.
"Harry," Hermione said in a swift whisper. "You have to talk him out of it. You're the only one he listens to."
"Me?" snapped Harry. "Sirius doesn't listen to me . . ."
Hermione snorted.
"All the time," he added. "Besides, he wouldn't really do anything to hurt Snape, especially in front of the majority of Hogwarts . . . would he?"
Ron laughed mirthlessly as they sat down to breakfast. "Snape would mangle Sirius no matter the consequences. And Sirius . . . er, he'd probably do the same, mate."
"Of course he would, Ronnikinns," sniggered Fred, coming up behind them. "Why didn't you tell us, Harry?"
"Tell you what?"
"That Professor Black was an Auror," said his twin.
"H-H-He was?" stuttered Harry, dumbfounded.
"One of the best," grinned George, stealing Harry's toast. "'E's s'pposed to 'ave some kinda record, 'ccording to McGonagall," he said in- between bites.
"You didn't know?" gasped Hermione.
"No, he never told me," Harry said, moving his plate out of George's reach.
"Honestly, Harry! Don't you remember when Snape said that Sirius was capable of murder at sixteen?"
"I thought that was about the thing with Lupin," interjected Ron whose plate was being ravaged by Fred.
"Did you learn anything from Moody last year," Hermione said, shooting Ron as sharp look. "Aurors have to be extremely clever and have more magic than the average. Sirius, obviously, fits those qualifications or he wouldn't be an Animagus."
"Then how come he didn't tell me?" Harry snapped, crossly. Why did everyone else know everything but him?
"He probably had his reasons," said Ron, glancing up at the High Table.
Harry followed his gaze. Sirius wasn't there. He narrowed his eyes.
"Where _is_ he?" he demanded, still glaring at the empty seat.
"Probably getting ready to turn Snape into—"
"Thanks, Fred," said Hermione sharply, "but I doubt Sirius would go that far, especially if _Harry_ . . ."
"All right! All right! I'll talk to him during class today," Harry agreed, feeling as if a lead weight had settled itself right in the pit of his stomach.
~*~ "All right," Harry said under his breath, his eyes scanning the pasture for another steaming batch of Ashwinder eggs. The large brilliantly red-colored eggs gave off an intense heat that the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw fifth-years highly appreciated during their double Care of Magical Creatures class that afternoon; their final class for the day.
Even though the snow had been scarce of late, the wind had remained razor sharp. It slipped through the cracks between their clothing piles, snapping at their skin until it was effectively flushed. The rush of heat that came from the eggs was enough to make the teenagers shrug off their heavy cloaks before placing a freezing charm on the eggs. The ground around them was even steaming, making Harry feel as if he was in a sauna.
He examined one egg, its glittering oblong surface was smooth and supple. His glasses fogged up from the steam. Sighing, he cast a freezing charm and tossed it in the large barrel. Of course, he thought ruefully as he cleaned his lenses, their constant companions did not seem affected by either the heat or the cold. The Pookas were gamboling about, barking and chasing after each other. Only Hermione's stayed sitting at her mistress's feet.
Shaking his head, he heard Sirius call for attention again.
"Thanks for your help today," he said, "I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be most appreciative of the eggs. And, by the way, for homework write an essay on the many uses of Ashwinder eggs for next class. Dismissed."
Harry grinned, grabbing his cloak and bag. If he was ever going to confront Sirius, it was going to be now. Everyone would be rushing back to the castle for dinner so he wouldn't have to worry about someone overhearing them.
"Professor," he said, looking up. His heart plummeted down to his heels. Sirius was surrounded by the rest of the class, all clamoring to know more about the Dueling Demonstration.
"We'll never get to speak with him," muttered Hermione, coming up alongside him.
"Might as well try," said Ron, pushing his way into the eager group.
Harry and Hermione followed.
"Tonight, tonight, you'll see it tonight," Sirius said loudly over the chattering. "Now get up to the Great Hall before you miss dinner. Go!"
Reluctantly, the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors shuffled towards the castle. Harry hung back, nodding to Ron and Hermione.
"That goes for you three as well," Remus added, eying them sternly.
"I'll take care of it, don't worry. Save me something to eat," Harry said as they caught up with the rest of the class.
"All right," Hermione agreed, reluctant as if she knew that Harry's resolve to speak with his godfather was already weakening. "But make sure that you get through to him, Harry."
"I swear it, see you in a bit," Harry promised, doubling back before she could say anything else. He slowed down as he approached Sirius, his legs growing heavy.
You can do this, he told himself. Since when have you been afraid of him? This is Sirius. Good, old, laugh-a-minute Sirius.
Who can duel your arm off, added the ever-present voice in the back of his head.
He probably didn't want to scare me, Harry thought, remembering how his godfather looked in the Shrieking Shack nearly two years ago. His face twisted in menacing fury, wand raised, teeth gritted in determination. That night he had been prepared to kill, and it had been only Harry whose words that had prevented him.
So Hermione was right, Sirius _did_ listen to him. Reminding himself that he could talk to Sirius about anything, Harry shouted, "Professor! Could I have word?"
"Maybe," Sirius replied, picking up the covers for the barrels. "Should I give him a word, Moony?"
"I think it would be suitable considering he does seem to have something on his mind," said Lupin, playing along.
"Yeah, I do," Harry said. "About tonight, the demonstration. I was wondering . . ."
"Hmm?"
"Er, I was just thinking . . ." For some odd reason Harry's felt as though he had forgotten how to transfer all intelligent thoughts from his brain to the general public via his mouth. "I . . . er . . . what I mean to say," he continued to fumble until he went for saying the first thing that came to mind. "How come you never told me you were an Auror?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow, trading an inscrutable look with Lupin.
"Well?" Harry prompted, his ability to verbalize returning.
"You never asked," said Sirius simply, bending down to grab another cover. "And that is why you stayed back?"
Dissatisfied with the answer, Harry was surprised to find himself grinning sheepishly. "Curiosity killed the Seeker, you know."
"So I've heard." Sirius glanced up at Harry, his gaze steely. "So, I'll see you tonight then."
"Yeah, wouldn't miss it," Harry muttered, turning to leave.
"Oh, and Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Don't worry about it," said Sirius knowingly. ~*~
The four house tables had been pushed back after dinner that night, and a platform had been erected much like it had been in Harry's second year with two smaller raised platforms had been set at opposite ends. A shiver ran down his spine. Last time he had not been sure what to expect, but now, he wished he was a clueless twelve-year-old again.
"Did you speak with him?" Hermione asked for the umpteenth time since Harry had arrived at dinner looking vaguely relieved.
"Yes," Harry hissed. "He said not to worry."
"And you _believed_ him?"
"I did, but thanks to you now I don't!" he snapped.
Hermione mumbled something under her breath that sounded vaguely like "Stupid boys."
"While you two were bickering look who showed up," Ron said, nudging Harry in the ribs.
Sitting at the Head Table, along with several other professors and Dumbledore was, with his electric blue eye swirling in its socket, Mad-Eye Moody.
"Wonder why he's here," Harry whispered.
"Shush, it's starting!"
Indeed it was. Torches around the room blew out, save the ones closest to the platform and the glittering stars from the ceiling above. A hush fell upon the room.
With a crack! Snape appeared on the left raised platform, clad in his traditional high-collared robes. He drew his wand, poised for Sirius's appearance.
Sirius appeared soundlessly, arms at his sides, his wand clutched in his right hand. He was also clothed in the neutral shade of black.
Both opponents inclined their heads, acknowledging one another.
Not a sound could be heard in the Great Hall. Tension has seeped under the doors, filling the air. No one even dared to breathe.
Slowly, eyes lock upon one another, Snape and Sirius raised their wands.
Harry's throat went dry, his heart pounding in his ears. His godfather's name was repeating over and over in his head until . . .
BANG!
A fury of sound and color erupted. Spells shot through the air, multi- colored daggers, blinding the spectators. Blue. Red. Green. Purple. Yellow. Harry's eyes darted frantically, trying to the shift through the sparks to find Sirius. Two identical black shapes dodged, jumped, blocked, their wands only blurs. Madly, they fought. Lost in the darkness one moment, highlighted by spells the next.
No one could tell what was happening; half were shouting "Snape," the other "Black." Fractured yells came from all sides.
"Snape's got him!"
"No, dodge it!"
"Did you just see that!"
"Holy SHIT!"
The room was engulfed in a pure blinding light.
When Harry opened his eyes, the light had cleared.
Three-fourths of the Great Hall filled with cheers, realizing who had won.
On top of the platform, Severus Snape lay motionless from the neck down, pinned under the foot of a smirking Sirius Black.
"All right, all right," Sirius shouted after a minute, tucking his wand behind his ear. "Settle down!"
He was rewarded with immediate silence.
"Obviously, you liked that," he continued, his voice reverberating throughout the Hall. He took his foot off of Snape's chest. He revived the Potions Master's body, offering to help him up.
Snape stood on his own. There was a faint trickle of blood from his temple.
Harry could have sworn Sirius mouthed 'suit yourself' before turning back to the crowd.
"He looks happy," Ron mutter, gesturing to Snape.
"That," Sirius said, "is exactly what an actual Wizard's Duel is like. It is not slow and deliberate like those practiced on the local commercial circuit. It is a fast-paced, intense, mind-blowing experience that challenges a witch or wizard's reflexes, presence of mind, and their ability to not only cast but to deflect spells simultaneously. In short, it is a hell-ride."
Sirius tugged his wand out from behind his ear, saying, "So, why don't Professor Snape and I show you some of the basics, and then some of you can come up here and give it a go?"
Affirmative responses came from all directions.
Grinning, Sirius faced Snape.
"Shall we show them how to deflect and cast?"
"It's your choice," Snape replied, the corner of his mouth curling nastily.
Harry watched as Sirius put more distance between himself and Snape. When his back was turned, Snape raised his wand, shooting a red jet of light at Sirius.
Before a shout could leave Harry's lips, Sirius whirled around, obliterating the spell.
"Brilliant idea to show them that, Snape!" Sirius said, unfazed. "Rule number one of Dueling is Never Turn Your Back on Your Enemy. For a moment there, I thought Professor Snape was going to be gentlemanly, and let me get away with it." He laughed. "Thank goodness, you came to your senses, Severus."
"Serves you right!" Hermione snickered at the astonished expression on Snape's face. "Even if he was your rival in school, you still shouldn't cast a spell when someone's back is turned."
"Oh, yes, and Death Eater are so courteous as to observe to nicer rules of conduct," Ron said in an undertone.
" –So," Sirius said, regaining their attention, "since it is virtually impossible to block and re-direct every spell cast at you without exhausting yourself, one has to sidestep a few deathtraps so to speak."
Snape raised his wand again, letting loose another wind-tunnel of curses at Sirius.
This time, however, Sirius did not draw his wand once. Instead, he went into a series of well-timed somersaults, avoiding each stream of power easily.
He landed straight up on his feet, wand back behind his ear.
Snape's demeanor seemed to be growing darker with each failed attempt at maiming Sirius.
"Sadly, not all of us have your flare for the dramatic, Black," he sneered. "Those that lack this particular talent should intensify their pursuits in such areas as stealth and wide range deflection spells."
Sirius backed away from Snape, anticipating a hex.
Snape raised his wand, wielding it like a whip above his head. It issued a long ribbon of blue flame. It twisted free, speeding towards Sirius.
The taller man did not move; he let the flame wrap around him. He stared at it for a moment, as if amused, before the flame drew into itself and dissolved. He raised his own wand, shooting a green jet of light at Snape.
Snape dropped to the platform floor, barely missing the spell. It came so close to him that his hair blew up. It slammed into the far wall with a resounding gong! before evaporating. He slowly rose to his feet, his eyes locked on Black's wand. He was twirling it in his fingers, explaining about how the simplest curse could be the most effective.
A chill ran down Harry's spine.
"Expelliarmis!"
Sirius's wand went spinning out of his grasp, cuffing the back of his left shoulder. He crumbled to the floor like a rag-doll, grasping the shoulder. He watched his wand sailing through mid-air toward Snape's out-stretched hand.
Then, it halted. The dark dogwood wand was suspended, rim-rod straight in the air, half-way between the two wizards.
Snape jerked his wand up, trying to summon Sirius's to him. Nothing happened.
Then something rather bizarre did.
Snape's wand was jerked forcefully out of his hand and sped away in a blur. It came to rest with Sirius's own wand at Black's feet.
A collective gasp rose from the spectators. Harry winced as Hermione's nails dug into his arm.
"Oh my god," she breathed.
Now, Sirius and Snape were both glaring at each other, looking murderous. Snape's teeth were bared. Sirius had rolled Snape's wand back to him with the toe of his boot, his own clutched in his hand. His eyes were narrowed into slits. He flicked his wand once. Twice. Thri—
"My, my," Dumbledore's voice broke the spine-chilling silence, "look at the time. All of you should have been in bed long ago. Let us all thank our two esteemed Professors for their _interesting_ demonstration tonight."
Only scattered applause came from the crowd.
"Now it's off to bed, off to bed." Dumbledore waved them off as the torches re-lit and the doors opened.
Students filed out, being very care not to turn their backs on either of the professors. Snape turned swiftly, storming out of the room. Sirius, on the other hand, went up to speak to Moody. He was still rubbing his should.
Shrugging, Harry made to follow Dean and Seamus, but both Ron and Hermione pushed him forward.
"What's coming on?" he demanded.
"Didn't you just see what happened? Sirius performed wandless magic!" Ron said, breathlessly.
"So?"
"Harry, don't you realize what that means?" Hermione asked.
"Obviously not, how about explaining it to me?"
"Only a few wizards can do wandless magic of that degree!"
"What degree?"
"Cursing and hexing, mate," said Ron. "Simple summoning and levitating charms are one thing, but what Sirius did is a whole 'nother Quaffle. Plus, he did it in front of a crowd of people. It's harder to concentrate your power when it's being watched."
Harry swallowed hard as they approached the High Table. Sirius had his back to them. Where the wand had struck his shoulder Sirius's robes were wet. Was he bleeding?
"Seems like you have a fan club, Black," Moody growled.
Sirius glanced over his shoulder. "Hey," he said, flashing a quick smile, "have fun tonight?"
They nodded slowly.
"Are you alright, Sir—Professor Black?" Hermione said, indicating his shoulder.
Moody gave a guttural chuckle. "Black's Achilles' heel, missy," he said. "If you want to get him really pissed you go straight for it."
"Thanks, Hermione," Sirius said softly, his face reddening. "I'll be fine, but I think it's time you three headed up. You have class tomorrow as it is."
"Wait," Harry said suddenly, "what about that wandless magic?"
The minute he said it Harry wished he could take it back. His godfather's face darkened, his eyes flashed. The subject was closed. Nodding, he turned to follow Ron and Hermione.
The last thing Harry heard before he exited the Great Hall was Moody's hoarse voice saying:
"Maybe you should distance yourself a bit from him, Black, with what's been happening lately. . . "
Sirius: Bloody horrible!
I was going to say distressing—but that works as well—news. I learned it in a rather unfortunate way, in less than three hours of having and reading six chapters into the book, my friend and I were trying to escape her sister so we could read in peace and my book fell open to a very bad page. Like a magnet my eyes were drawn to the character's name and the words "was a . . ." Needless to say I was a little . . . cut-up about the death, especially when I learned the cause and heard Dumbledore's explanation.
Sirius: *grins* Hem-hem!
All right, I brawled like a baby, and hugged my muse, making him promise never to leave me. ;) Heheh, I was flustered, I didn't expect her to do that, but I understand why. She had to do it so that Harry would understand what it is to lose someone who you care about so deeply. Keep in mind that he does not remember his parents. I'd like to point out the passage in which JK says that every time Harry called for this person, he or she did not hesitate to answer him, to come to him, this person cared for him the most. Knowing that he was loved to that degree will strengthen Harry, his ability to love and to feel emotion is what makes him stronger than Voldemort. Bellatrix said that one must put feeling into the Unforgivables to cast them, and right now Harry has enough feeling to cast all three at once. And in all honestly I enjoyed the book; JK was at her personal best. She has honed her skills and taken us to many different places, all while portraying Harry accurately. He is a teenager and teenagers are, frankly, moody brats. I'm a teen and I know I can be that way at times; I can go off on my friends, especially if I think that I am being left out of something big. I want to be invovled and I dislike it when adults keep things from me based on my age, as all those who teens do. That was Harry in this book, he wanted to help out, he wanted to included, but he was still the curious boy who has to know things despite what he is told. He was also impulsive, but aren't we all? When we think something terrible has happened, we try the most direct way we know of checking and if that fails, we lose our head and run right off to try and save whomever maybe in danger. Hence the whole fiasco that led to a fandom depression of sorts. But! Moving on: yes JK did leave plot holes but she did it with a purpose. Book Five was, in essence, one big cliff hanger that is still waiting to be latched onto by Books Six and Seven. But until then, I'm continuing this in my own little universe as I have been all along. Trust me, guys; you are in for a wild ride.
Sirius: So, strap yourselves in and hang on!
Sequel to Harry Potter and the Emerald Eye. (I suggest you read that first, but you don't have to, it's just a good idea.) Harry's in for quite a year when he starts seeing things that no one else can, is it a dream? Or is he really going crazy? Questions start arising like what did Voldemort do to his victim after he killed them? This has it all; mystery, insanity, a lot of Sirius and Remus, and everyone calls Harry a lunatic at least once! ;)
Disclaimer - This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. I own the plot and a few original things. Elven itself all belongs to the master himself J. R. R. Tolkien.
Chapter 14: Rivalries
"W-What?!" stammered Harry
"You heard me, Snape and Black are going to duel each other. Dumbledore said so. It's going to be a blood bath!"
Harry felt his insides congeal. In their youth, Sirius and Snape had been dire enemies. They loathed each other so much that because of something Snape had said, it had provoked his godfather enough to tell the 'greasy git' how the find out where Lupin went every month. All he had to do was prod the knot of the Wholloping Willow. Snape had done as Sirius instructed, and found himself nose-to-nose with a bloodthirsty werewolf. If it had not been for Harry's father, James, pulling Snape back in the nick of time, Harry shuddered to think of the consequences. Even though the previous year the two professors had agreed to be civil to each other, he highly doubted that civility extended to a dueling platform.
"Harry," Hermione said in a swift whisper. "You have to talk him out of it. You're the only one he listens to."
"Me?" snapped Harry. "Sirius doesn't listen to me . . ."
Hermione snorted.
"All the time," he added. "Besides, he wouldn't really do anything to hurt Snape, especially in front of the majority of Hogwarts . . . would he?"
Ron laughed mirthlessly as they sat down to breakfast. "Snape would mangle Sirius no matter the consequences. And Sirius . . . er, he'd probably do the same, mate."
"Of course he would, Ronnikinns," sniggered Fred, coming up behind them. "Why didn't you tell us, Harry?"
"Tell you what?"
"That Professor Black was an Auror," said his twin.
"H-H-He was?" stuttered Harry, dumbfounded.
"One of the best," grinned George, stealing Harry's toast. "'E's s'pposed to 'ave some kinda record, 'ccording to McGonagall," he said in- between bites.
"You didn't know?" gasped Hermione.
"No, he never told me," Harry said, moving his plate out of George's reach.
"Honestly, Harry! Don't you remember when Snape said that Sirius was capable of murder at sixteen?"
"I thought that was about the thing with Lupin," interjected Ron whose plate was being ravaged by Fred.
"Did you learn anything from Moody last year," Hermione said, shooting Ron as sharp look. "Aurors have to be extremely clever and have more magic than the average. Sirius, obviously, fits those qualifications or he wouldn't be an Animagus."
"Then how come he didn't tell me?" Harry snapped, crossly. Why did everyone else know everything but him?
"He probably had his reasons," said Ron, glancing up at the High Table.
Harry followed his gaze. Sirius wasn't there. He narrowed his eyes.
"Where _is_ he?" he demanded, still glaring at the empty seat.
"Probably getting ready to turn Snape into—"
"Thanks, Fred," said Hermione sharply, "but I doubt Sirius would go that far, especially if _Harry_ . . ."
"All right! All right! I'll talk to him during class today," Harry agreed, feeling as if a lead weight had settled itself right in the pit of his stomach.
~*~ "All right," Harry said under his breath, his eyes scanning the pasture for another steaming batch of Ashwinder eggs. The large brilliantly red-colored eggs gave off an intense heat that the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw fifth-years highly appreciated during their double Care of Magical Creatures class that afternoon; their final class for the day.
Even though the snow had been scarce of late, the wind had remained razor sharp. It slipped through the cracks between their clothing piles, snapping at their skin until it was effectively flushed. The rush of heat that came from the eggs was enough to make the teenagers shrug off their heavy cloaks before placing a freezing charm on the eggs. The ground around them was even steaming, making Harry feel as if he was in a sauna.
He examined one egg, its glittering oblong surface was smooth and supple. His glasses fogged up from the steam. Sighing, he cast a freezing charm and tossed it in the large barrel. Of course, he thought ruefully as he cleaned his lenses, their constant companions did not seem affected by either the heat or the cold. The Pookas were gamboling about, barking and chasing after each other. Only Hermione's stayed sitting at her mistress's feet.
Shaking his head, he heard Sirius call for attention again.
"Thanks for your help today," he said, "I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be most appreciative of the eggs. And, by the way, for homework write an essay on the many uses of Ashwinder eggs for next class. Dismissed."
Harry grinned, grabbing his cloak and bag. If he was ever going to confront Sirius, it was going to be now. Everyone would be rushing back to the castle for dinner so he wouldn't have to worry about someone overhearing them.
"Professor," he said, looking up. His heart plummeted down to his heels. Sirius was surrounded by the rest of the class, all clamoring to know more about the Dueling Demonstration.
"We'll never get to speak with him," muttered Hermione, coming up alongside him.
"Might as well try," said Ron, pushing his way into the eager group.
Harry and Hermione followed.
"Tonight, tonight, you'll see it tonight," Sirius said loudly over the chattering. "Now get up to the Great Hall before you miss dinner. Go!"
Reluctantly, the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors shuffled towards the castle. Harry hung back, nodding to Ron and Hermione.
"That goes for you three as well," Remus added, eying them sternly.
"I'll take care of it, don't worry. Save me something to eat," Harry said as they caught up with the rest of the class.
"All right," Hermione agreed, reluctant as if she knew that Harry's resolve to speak with his godfather was already weakening. "But make sure that you get through to him, Harry."
"I swear it, see you in a bit," Harry promised, doubling back before she could say anything else. He slowed down as he approached Sirius, his legs growing heavy.
You can do this, he told himself. Since when have you been afraid of him? This is Sirius. Good, old, laugh-a-minute Sirius.
Who can duel your arm off, added the ever-present voice in the back of his head.
He probably didn't want to scare me, Harry thought, remembering how his godfather looked in the Shrieking Shack nearly two years ago. His face twisted in menacing fury, wand raised, teeth gritted in determination. That night he had been prepared to kill, and it had been only Harry whose words that had prevented him.
So Hermione was right, Sirius _did_ listen to him. Reminding himself that he could talk to Sirius about anything, Harry shouted, "Professor! Could I have word?"
"Maybe," Sirius replied, picking up the covers for the barrels. "Should I give him a word, Moony?"
"I think it would be suitable considering he does seem to have something on his mind," said Lupin, playing along.
"Yeah, I do," Harry said. "About tonight, the demonstration. I was wondering . . ."
"Hmm?"
"Er, I was just thinking . . ." For some odd reason Harry's felt as though he had forgotten how to transfer all intelligent thoughts from his brain to the general public via his mouth. "I . . . er . . . what I mean to say," he continued to fumble until he went for saying the first thing that came to mind. "How come you never told me you were an Auror?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow, trading an inscrutable look with Lupin.
"Well?" Harry prompted, his ability to verbalize returning.
"You never asked," said Sirius simply, bending down to grab another cover. "And that is why you stayed back?"
Dissatisfied with the answer, Harry was surprised to find himself grinning sheepishly. "Curiosity killed the Seeker, you know."
"So I've heard." Sirius glanced up at Harry, his gaze steely. "So, I'll see you tonight then."
"Yeah, wouldn't miss it," Harry muttered, turning to leave.
"Oh, and Harry?"
"Yes?"
"Don't worry about it," said Sirius knowingly. ~*~
The four house tables had been pushed back after dinner that night, and a platform had been erected much like it had been in Harry's second year with two smaller raised platforms had been set at opposite ends. A shiver ran down his spine. Last time he had not been sure what to expect, but now, he wished he was a clueless twelve-year-old again.
"Did you speak with him?" Hermione asked for the umpteenth time since Harry had arrived at dinner looking vaguely relieved.
"Yes," Harry hissed. "He said not to worry."
"And you _believed_ him?"
"I did, but thanks to you now I don't!" he snapped.
Hermione mumbled something under her breath that sounded vaguely like "Stupid boys."
"While you two were bickering look who showed up," Ron said, nudging Harry in the ribs.
Sitting at the Head Table, along with several other professors and Dumbledore was, with his electric blue eye swirling in its socket, Mad-Eye Moody.
"Wonder why he's here," Harry whispered.
"Shush, it's starting!"
Indeed it was. Torches around the room blew out, save the ones closest to the platform and the glittering stars from the ceiling above. A hush fell upon the room.
With a crack! Snape appeared on the left raised platform, clad in his traditional high-collared robes. He drew his wand, poised for Sirius's appearance.
Sirius appeared soundlessly, arms at his sides, his wand clutched in his right hand. He was also clothed in the neutral shade of black.
Both opponents inclined their heads, acknowledging one another.
Not a sound could be heard in the Great Hall. Tension has seeped under the doors, filling the air. No one even dared to breathe.
Slowly, eyes lock upon one another, Snape and Sirius raised their wands.
Harry's throat went dry, his heart pounding in his ears. His godfather's name was repeating over and over in his head until . . .
BANG!
A fury of sound and color erupted. Spells shot through the air, multi- colored daggers, blinding the spectators. Blue. Red. Green. Purple. Yellow. Harry's eyes darted frantically, trying to the shift through the sparks to find Sirius. Two identical black shapes dodged, jumped, blocked, their wands only blurs. Madly, they fought. Lost in the darkness one moment, highlighted by spells the next.
No one could tell what was happening; half were shouting "Snape," the other "Black." Fractured yells came from all sides.
"Snape's got him!"
"No, dodge it!"
"Did you just see that!"
"Holy SHIT!"
The room was engulfed in a pure blinding light.
When Harry opened his eyes, the light had cleared.
Three-fourths of the Great Hall filled with cheers, realizing who had won.
On top of the platform, Severus Snape lay motionless from the neck down, pinned under the foot of a smirking Sirius Black.
"All right, all right," Sirius shouted after a minute, tucking his wand behind his ear. "Settle down!"
He was rewarded with immediate silence.
"Obviously, you liked that," he continued, his voice reverberating throughout the Hall. He took his foot off of Snape's chest. He revived the Potions Master's body, offering to help him up.
Snape stood on his own. There was a faint trickle of blood from his temple.
Harry could have sworn Sirius mouthed 'suit yourself' before turning back to the crowd.
"He looks happy," Ron mutter, gesturing to Snape.
"That," Sirius said, "is exactly what an actual Wizard's Duel is like. It is not slow and deliberate like those practiced on the local commercial circuit. It is a fast-paced, intense, mind-blowing experience that challenges a witch or wizard's reflexes, presence of mind, and their ability to not only cast but to deflect spells simultaneously. In short, it is a hell-ride."
Sirius tugged his wand out from behind his ear, saying, "So, why don't Professor Snape and I show you some of the basics, and then some of you can come up here and give it a go?"
Affirmative responses came from all directions.
Grinning, Sirius faced Snape.
"Shall we show them how to deflect and cast?"
"It's your choice," Snape replied, the corner of his mouth curling nastily.
Harry watched as Sirius put more distance between himself and Snape. When his back was turned, Snape raised his wand, shooting a red jet of light at Sirius.
Before a shout could leave Harry's lips, Sirius whirled around, obliterating the spell.
"Brilliant idea to show them that, Snape!" Sirius said, unfazed. "Rule number one of Dueling is Never Turn Your Back on Your Enemy. For a moment there, I thought Professor Snape was going to be gentlemanly, and let me get away with it." He laughed. "Thank goodness, you came to your senses, Severus."
"Serves you right!" Hermione snickered at the astonished expression on Snape's face. "Even if he was your rival in school, you still shouldn't cast a spell when someone's back is turned."
"Oh, yes, and Death Eater are so courteous as to observe to nicer rules of conduct," Ron said in an undertone.
" –So," Sirius said, regaining their attention, "since it is virtually impossible to block and re-direct every spell cast at you without exhausting yourself, one has to sidestep a few deathtraps so to speak."
Snape raised his wand again, letting loose another wind-tunnel of curses at Sirius.
This time, however, Sirius did not draw his wand once. Instead, he went into a series of well-timed somersaults, avoiding each stream of power easily.
He landed straight up on his feet, wand back behind his ear.
Snape's demeanor seemed to be growing darker with each failed attempt at maiming Sirius.
"Sadly, not all of us have your flare for the dramatic, Black," he sneered. "Those that lack this particular talent should intensify their pursuits in such areas as stealth and wide range deflection spells."
Sirius backed away from Snape, anticipating a hex.
Snape raised his wand, wielding it like a whip above his head. It issued a long ribbon of blue flame. It twisted free, speeding towards Sirius.
The taller man did not move; he let the flame wrap around him. He stared at it for a moment, as if amused, before the flame drew into itself and dissolved. He raised his own wand, shooting a green jet of light at Snape.
Snape dropped to the platform floor, barely missing the spell. It came so close to him that his hair blew up. It slammed into the far wall with a resounding gong! before evaporating. He slowly rose to his feet, his eyes locked on Black's wand. He was twirling it in his fingers, explaining about how the simplest curse could be the most effective.
A chill ran down Harry's spine.
"Expelliarmis!"
Sirius's wand went spinning out of his grasp, cuffing the back of his left shoulder. He crumbled to the floor like a rag-doll, grasping the shoulder. He watched his wand sailing through mid-air toward Snape's out-stretched hand.
Then, it halted. The dark dogwood wand was suspended, rim-rod straight in the air, half-way between the two wizards.
Snape jerked his wand up, trying to summon Sirius's to him. Nothing happened.
Then something rather bizarre did.
Snape's wand was jerked forcefully out of his hand and sped away in a blur. It came to rest with Sirius's own wand at Black's feet.
A collective gasp rose from the spectators. Harry winced as Hermione's nails dug into his arm.
"Oh my god," she breathed.
Now, Sirius and Snape were both glaring at each other, looking murderous. Snape's teeth were bared. Sirius had rolled Snape's wand back to him with the toe of his boot, his own clutched in his hand. His eyes were narrowed into slits. He flicked his wand once. Twice. Thri—
"My, my," Dumbledore's voice broke the spine-chilling silence, "look at the time. All of you should have been in bed long ago. Let us all thank our two esteemed Professors for their _interesting_ demonstration tonight."
Only scattered applause came from the crowd.
"Now it's off to bed, off to bed." Dumbledore waved them off as the torches re-lit and the doors opened.
Students filed out, being very care not to turn their backs on either of the professors. Snape turned swiftly, storming out of the room. Sirius, on the other hand, went up to speak to Moody. He was still rubbing his should.
Shrugging, Harry made to follow Dean and Seamus, but both Ron and Hermione pushed him forward.
"What's coming on?" he demanded.
"Didn't you just see what happened? Sirius performed wandless magic!" Ron said, breathlessly.
"So?"
"Harry, don't you realize what that means?" Hermione asked.
"Obviously not, how about explaining it to me?"
"Only a few wizards can do wandless magic of that degree!"
"What degree?"
"Cursing and hexing, mate," said Ron. "Simple summoning and levitating charms are one thing, but what Sirius did is a whole 'nother Quaffle. Plus, he did it in front of a crowd of people. It's harder to concentrate your power when it's being watched."
Harry swallowed hard as they approached the High Table. Sirius had his back to them. Where the wand had struck his shoulder Sirius's robes were wet. Was he bleeding?
"Seems like you have a fan club, Black," Moody growled.
Sirius glanced over his shoulder. "Hey," he said, flashing a quick smile, "have fun tonight?"
They nodded slowly.
"Are you alright, Sir—Professor Black?" Hermione said, indicating his shoulder.
Moody gave a guttural chuckle. "Black's Achilles' heel, missy," he said. "If you want to get him really pissed you go straight for it."
"Thanks, Hermione," Sirius said softly, his face reddening. "I'll be fine, but I think it's time you three headed up. You have class tomorrow as it is."
"Wait," Harry said suddenly, "what about that wandless magic?"
The minute he said it Harry wished he could take it back. His godfather's face darkened, his eyes flashed. The subject was closed. Nodding, he turned to follow Ron and Hermione.
The last thing Harry heard before he exited the Great Hall was Moody's hoarse voice saying:
"Maybe you should distance yourself a bit from him, Black, with what's been happening lately. . . "