DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters. They are the property of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros, etc. No money was made from the creation of this story.
Chapter Five: Marcus Spencer and the Dueling Club
The Great Hall was filled with the noise of clinging plates and Hogwarts students discussing their new schedules. Harry grinned at Ron as he continued to complain about all their advanced and double classes that they had this year. Hermione sat next to Harry and couldn't help but lean against him every time Ron made an emotional outburst about something. Nancy tried to refrain from laughing, but nearly spitted out her pumpkin juice when Ron went off on how they would have Double Charms after breakfast.
"Double charms!" Ron groaned as he put his head down on the table. "Bloody hell, why did I have to do well on that O.W.L?"
"Oh calm down, Ron," Hermione smiled after taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. "It's not going to be so bad."
"Yeah," Harry said as he swallowed a piece of sausage. "Don't we learn the basics of apparation this year?"
"Yes, we do," Hermione replied as she glanced again at their schedules. "Though, it is definitely a full schedule, we don't get a lot of breaks."
"It also says that he have two days of double Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry spoke before eating the remaining eggs off his plate.
Hermione and Ron took a closer look and both realized that Harry was right when they saw that they had Defense Against the Dark Arts both on Wednesday and Friday during the afternoons.
"It won't be so bad," said Nancy as she wiped her mouth with her napkin. "I had a full schedule last year and it seems like a lot right now, but once you get use to it, you all will do fine."
"Oh yes!" a voice came from behind them.
Harry and Hermione turned around to see William with a sparkling grin on his face. A large crowd of girls from all four houses was standing by him, their eyes focused on him.
"And if you ever need help, fair Hermione, I will gladly be of service."
"How thick is this guy?" Ron whispered to Nancy, causing her to giggle softly.
"I received "O's" on all my O.W.L.s," William announced as we flashed Hermione another smile, "and all the advanced classes I took last year were a piece of cake."
"Very thick," Nancy giggled back at Ron, covering her mouth so no one could read her lips.
"Really?" Hermione responded, causing Harry to look at her with a confused expression. She sneaked him a wink and continued. "So…you mean to say that you would have time to tutor someone."
"Oh yes," he moved his hands to his waist and nodded at her. "I should be able to finish all my homework in no time and I can easily tutor another student."
"And getting thicker," Ron grinned as Nancy let out a muffled laugh.
"Really? That would be really sweet. Could I ask you a favor?" Hermione gave him a big smile. Harry continued to glance at her with a questionable look. "I mean it is a really big favor."
"Consider it done, Hermione," William got down on one knee, which in turn caused students from every table to turn and look at them. He took her hand in both of his. This caused Harry to glare at William, while several of the girls in William's fan club gave icy looks at Hermione. "Just tell me and I will do it."
"Could you tutor Neville Longbottom, if he has trouble in any of his classes?" Hermione asked as she retracted her hand and placed it on Neville's shoulder.
Neville's eyes went wide as he gazed at William with awe. "That would be fantastic," Neville said as he looked at Hermione. "I'm pretty sure I'll need help in Charms and Transfiguration. They were never my good classes."
"Uh…." William responded with utter shock across his face. Ron and Nancy laughed to themselves, and Harry was forced to turn his head away to keep his grin hidden from William. "Tutor Neville…"
"Yes," Hermione nodded as she smiled at Neville. "I tutored him for the last few years, but with all these advanced classes, schoolwork, and my prefect duties, I may not have enough time to help Neville when he needs it. I would truly appreciate it."
"Well…" William sighed as he took a deep breath and flashed her another smile. "Of course I will him out. Anything for you."
"Wicked," Neville smiled as he stood up from the long table and stuck his hand out to William. William shook it reluctantly. "Thank you very much William."
"That's quite all right," he replied as he released Neville's hand. William gave Hermione another smile as he walked out of the Great Hall, his female fan club following behind him.
"Wait up, William," Neville called as he gathered his things and followed the crowd out of girls out of the Great Hall.
"That was a very mean thing to do to Neville," Ron mumbled to Hermione as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. He stood from his table and picked up his books from under the bench.
"Yeah," Harry nodded as he too stood up from the table, picking up his bag. "You really think that he will take the time out of his busy schedule to help out Neville."
"Of course, I don't expect him to help Neville," she replied as he wiped her mouth with her napkin. Harry bent down and picked up her bag for her, finding it amazingly difficult to lift. Hermione stood from the bench and smiled at him as he handed her bag to her. "Thanks."
The four left the Great Hall and stopped by a staircase. Nancy explained that her first class that day was N.E.W.T. Potions. Ron and Harry gave her a sympathetic look. The two were completely relieved to know that they would never have to take another class with Professor Snape during their remaining two years at Hogwarts. The three waved at her as she started to walk up the stairs.
"So if Mr. Perfect won't tutor Neville, you going to tutor him, then?" Harry asked as the three made their way to Professor Flitwick's class.
"If he needs it, of course I will," Hermione replied as they walked into the classroom.
They smiled when they saw a Hufflepuff girl wave at them. The three took their seats along the long table, Harry sitting in between them. The three looked around the room and found a series of objects on a table in the center of the room. The table was covered with feathers, large solid balls, an assortment of different colored quills, and several glass bottles. The three looked at each other and shrugged before they pulled out their books, notepads, quills, and inkbottles.
"At least, this class won't be too bad," Ron said softly as he started to skim through his Advanced Charms textbook.
Aside from spiders, Ron despised the Slytherins more than anything else in the world. Draco Malfoy and his cronies had continuously stepped out of their way to say something condescending towards Ron and his family, trying to get a rise out of him. Ron resented them incredibly, and if it weren't for Harry and Hermione to calm him down, he would have gladly hexed each and every one of them.
Harry looked down at Hermione's full bag and looked up at her. He smiled at her, "You know…you don't have to carry every single book with you to all your classes."
"You never know what material you'll need," Hermione replied as she opened her book to chapter three; she'd obviously read ahead. "This way, I'll always be prepared."
Harry grinned at her as they watched several more students enter the room with Professor Flitwick behind them. Ron groaned softly to himself as Professor Flitwick took his spot in front of the class. It meant that the first class of their sixth year at Hogwarts has officially began.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Ron and Nancy walked into the Gryffindor common room after dinner to find Harry and Hermione, sitting on the long couch in front of the fire, reading their textbooks. The two walked towards to them, having to maneuver around the random Gryffindors grumbling about their first day of classes. The two were finally able to break through the crowd and sat down on the floor next to them.
"Harry," Ron groaned as he looked him, "don't tell me Hermione has already got you to do your homework."
"There is nothing wrong with starting early," Hermione replied as she stuck her tongue out at him. "Do you really want to struggle with your work like you did last year?"
Ron sighed at the idea and finally decided to pull out his History of Magic textbook out of his bag and began flipping through the pages. Nancy smiled at him as she laid on the floor and began to review the first chapter of her Potions textbook.
The time passed quickly as they worked on their homework. Ron yawned and rubbed his strained eyes as he closed his book. He had had enough studying for one night. He then looked up at the clock, noticing that it was five minutes before eight o'clock.
"Oh cripes," Ron groaned as he shoved his book into his bag. He looked at Hermione with an aggravated look on his face. "It's almost eight o'clock. We have to do our rounds."
Hermione looked at the clock and suddenly crammed her books into her bag, and left it by Harry. She stood up and walked with Ron out of the common room. Nancy looked curiously at the two and back at Harry. He didn't even notice that the two had left. She placed her book down and tapped Harry on the shoulder, causing him to look at her.
She looked towards the front door and asked, "Where are they going?"
"Oh, they didn't tell you that they are prefects," Harry responded as he placed his book onto his lap. Nancy looked at him with a questionable expression. Harry smiled and continued. "They are like the student leaders for Gryffindor. They are right now walking around the corridors to make sure that students aren't doing anything that they shouldn't be doing."
"Oh," Nancy replied as if a light bulb was light in her head. "We never had prefects at Beauxbaton. Madame Maxime hires a bunch of men that were previously Beauxbaton students, and they guard over the entire school from rule breakers and such."
Harry nodded at her and found Ginny and Dean walking towards him. Ginny smiled at the two and stopped in front of Harry with Dean next to her. Harry looked up at them with an inquisitive expression. Before he could open his mouth, Ginny crossed her arms and sternly asked, "When are you going to talk to Professor McGonagall about joining the Quidditch team again?"
The mental note that Harry had made earlier to himself finally appeared in his mind as he looked at Ginny with a blank expression. "Uh…I'll ask her tomorrow after class."
"Make sure you do," Ginny replied as she moved her arms to her hips. "Do you realize that we don't have a single Chaser on the team and very…I hate to say this, but incredibly slow beaters."
"You play Quidditch?" Nancy smiled at Harry as she sat up. "You never told me."
"Harry? Why…he's only the greatest Seeker that ever set foot in Hogwarts," Ginny explained as Nancy's eyes grew with admiration. "He was banned last year because of a stupid technicality, but he should be able to play this year."
"Why were you banned?" Nancy asked curiously as Harry he took his glasses off and covered his eyes with his hand, rubbing his temples.
"He punched Draco Malfoy after one of the matches," Dean answered as he placed his hands in his pockets. "Can't say that he didn't deserve it though. He insulted Ron and Ginny's family and Harry was standing up for them."
"Draco Malfoy…that Slytherin boy with the blond hair…always has these two large fellows following him," Nancy described. Ginny nodded to her and Nancy's expression turned to one of anger. "I never liked that boy. I've never even met him but the stories I hear about him are completely horrible."
"He's not a person you can like very much," Ginny added as she turned her attention back to Harry. She placed her hand on his shoulder, "Be sure to ask McGonagall tomorrow."
"Don't worry I will," Harry replied as he placed his glasses back on. He looked up at Ginny and gave her his lopsided grin. "Thanks for reminding me."
"You're welcome," Ginny smiled back and whispered, "Be good to her."
Be good to her…what? Harry opened his mouth, but Dean and Ginny had already walked around his chair and back towards a table where Seamus Finnigan and Neville Longbottom were sitting. Harry looked down at Nancy, who was now reading her Potions book again. She doesn't believe that I am with Nancy…does she?
"Is something wrong?" Nancy asked when she noticed that he was staring at her.
Harry shook his head and picked up his book and continued reading it; however, he found it very difficult to concentrate. Harry finally decided to place his book in his bag and stood up from his chair. Nancy looked up at him, "Going somewhere?"
"Yeah," Harry responded as he stretched his back. "Ron and Hermione should be back in about twenty minutes or so. I should be back in about an hour. I just need to check up on a few things with a few professors."
She smiled at him as she watched him get up and walk out of the common room.
Harry slowly and quietly descended the staircase and headed out of the castle in the direction of Hagrid's cabin. Harry saw light coming from inside and smoke leaving the chimney. He smiled and quickly made his way across the grounds. He occasionally felt that something was following him, causing him to stop and look behind him. When he noticed that no one was there, we continued to make his way to the cabin.
When Harry reached the front door, he reached out and knocked on it. He heard large footsteps coming towards the door and it opened to expose the friendly half-giant with a napkin around his neck.
"Hey there, Hagrid," Harry smiled as he looked up at him.
"'Lo Harry," Hagrid said in his usual growling voice. He smiled back at him and backed away from the door. "Come in, come in."
Harry walked in and smelled something strong coming from the fireplace and realized that he had caught Hagrid in the middle of his dinner. Harry walked over and took a seat in a chair. Fang, Hagrid's large black dog, walked up to him and rested his head in his lap. Hagrid walked over to his table and sat down, looking at Harry.
"My yeh've grown. Look jus' like your dad."
Harry smiled back at Hagrid but didn't know what to say. He looked down at Fang and started to scratch behind his ears, his mind trying to find something to say. Hagrid noticed Harry's troubled silenced and got up from his seat.
"Yeh okay, Harry?"
"Yeah," Harry said softly at Hagrid. "It's just…a lot of things have been happening."
"Thinkin' `bout the attack by tha' Flamora woman, huh?" Hagrid suggested as he pulled a chair over and sat next to Harry. Harry nodded to him and looked back down at Fang. "But, tha's not wha's botherin' yeh."
"It's not like it's bothering me," Harry confessed, his voice steady. "It's just something that I can't get off my chest."
"Oh…" Hagrid replied as he pulled his napkin away from his neck. He tossed the napkin on to the kitchen table and folded his arms across his chest. "Girls, eh?"
"What makes you say that?" Harry quickly answered, unable to keep his face from turning red.
Hagrid smiled at him, knowing that he had hit the nail directly on the head. "Who yeh havin' trouble with?" Hagrid ran his fingers through his beard and thought to himself. Harry didn't answer him, but continued to look down at Fang, who was now lying at his feet.
"Can it be?"
"What?" Harry quickly asked as he shot his head up.
"I reckon it was goin' ter happen some day," Hagrid smiled as he walked patted Harry's shoulder roughly, nearly causing him to fall out of his chair. Harry looked up into Hagrid's eyes, curious to see if he knew what he was thinking. Hagrid let out a soft laugh as he placed his hands on his knees. "Ter think…Harry and Hermione."
"What?" Harry gasped as he tried to hide his look of utter amazement. "Hermione and me…you must be joking?"
"I am?" Hagrid smiled at him as he stood up and walked back over to his table. He sat down in front of his dinner and took a drink out of his large mug. He looked back at Harry with a grin on his face and Harry knew that there was no way he could convince Hagrid otherwise.
"Yeah, it's Hermione and me," Harry said softly as he averted his eyes away from Hagrid.
"Wha' Harry?" Hagrid asked with a peculiar look on his face. "Yeh not ashamed, are yeh?"
"Oh no!" Harry said as he stood to his feet, startling Fang. Harry started to pace around Hagrid's cabin as he tried to find the right words in his mind. "Hermione is perfect…I am really happy with her…but it's just…"
"Wha'?" Hagrid asked as he turned away from his table to look at him.
"It's Ron," Harry finally let out as he stopped pacing and looked at Hagrid. He took a deep breath before continuing, with a voice of utter defeat. "Hermione and I have to keep our relationship a secret until we tell him. We think that he likes Hermione too…"
"Oh…" Hagrid replied as he ran his fingers through his beard again. "I see wha'cha mean. Bes' not ter hurt him. Though yeh got ter tell him, before things ge' too hard."
"That's what I've been telling myself," Harry responded as he looked towards the floor. "It's just…I don't know how. I don't want to lose a best friend over something like this."
"Well…I can't be sayin' nothin' `bout tha'," Hagrid said as he took another drink of his mug and swallowed. "Though, I'm sure yeh'll think of somethin'."
"Yeah, hopefully," Harry said, his expression lightening. He looked up at Hagrid and knew that he didn't want to talk this anymore. He thought for a few seconds, before asking, "Hagrid, whatever happened to Grawp?"
"Grawp," Hagrid sighed. "I reckon he's in the fores'."
"You reckon?" Harry's mouth dropped. "What do you mean?"
"Grawp ran away over the summer," Hagrid said with a truly depressed voice. "I tried ter find `im…but… I couldn'. Hope the tike's okay."
"I'm sure he's doing all right," Harry said as he gave Hagrid a comforting smile. Despite Hagrid's sadness, Harry was somewhat relieved to hear that the Hagrid's violent half-brother was no longer near the castle. He didn't want Hagrid to be upset, so he knew that he needed to change the subject.
"What are you going to be teaching us in Care of Magical Creatures class?"
"Tha' be a surprise," Hagrid replied, his eyes starting to twinkle. "I can tell yeh this though…remember the firs' time I taught tha' class and had a bunch of creatures tha' some say were ter be too dangerous…"
Harry nodded at him, a confused and anticipated look on his face. Hagrid smiled at him before continuing, "Well…jus' say some of them will be comin' back."
Harry smiled at Hagrid, remembering their first day of Care of Magical Creatures class during his third year at Hogwarts. Hagrid was announced to be the new professor during the opening feast, and for their first lesson, they studied hippogriffs. Harry recalled staring into the eyes of Buckbeak, when volunteered himself to be first student to approach the massive creature.
He was then startled to find that the clock in Hagrid's cabin read quarter-to-nine. Hagrid noticed the time and stood from his chair.
"Yeh better be going before it ge's late. Don't wan' yeh to ge' inter trouble. Thanks for comin' by and visitin' me."
"Think nothing of it Hagrid," Harry smiled as Hagrid opened the door for Harry. Harry walked out and turned to look at Hagrid before he closed the door. "Thanks for everything. You're the first person I was able to tell about Ron."
"Don't yeh worry yehself `bout it," Hagrid replied as he grinned at Harry. Harry was about to open his mouth again, but Hagrid spoke first before he had a chance to respond. "Bu' don't tell anyone. I won't, yeh have my word."
"Thanks Hagrid," Harry replied. Hagrid gave him a comforting nod before closing his door.
Harry wrapped his robes around him tightly when he felt a cold gust of wind blow by him. He quickly dashed across the grounds and started to ascend the stairs, two at a time. He made sure to avoid the attention of Filch and the prefects, especially Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson, knowing they would take any reason to give Harry detention for however long they could possibly stretch his sentence to.
Harry quickly peaked around the corner, and saw that there was no one in sight. He took a deep breath and quickly made his way down to the corridor when he heard a woman clear throat behind him. He stopped dead in his tracks and let out a sigh, before he turned.
"What are you doing out so late at night?" Professor McGonagall asked, with her arms crossed. "You should be in the Gryffindor common room."
"Well…" Harry began trying to think of a good reason to be out so late. He quickly ran several possibilities through his head, like he needed something in the library. Though he soon realized that was in the wrong wing to be returning to the common room from Library. Harry looked up into McGonagall's stern eyes and decided to bend the truth.
"I went to see Hagrid. I wasn't able to say hi to him because I was late yesterday."
"I see," McGonagall replied as she looked out the window towards Hagrid's cabin. "You should know better than to be running across the grounds when there is a mad woman on the loose. Be sure that I never catch you again."
Harry nodded to her, realizing that she was implying that if he had to leave the castle that he should at least use is Invisibility Cloak. McGonagall nodded to him before she turned and began to walk away. Harry's mind suddenly landed on Quidditch.
"Professor McGonagall, can I play Quidditch again?
"I don't see why you can't," McGonagall responded as she turned to look at him. She then raised an eyebrow before continuing, "We need all the players we can get."
"Yeah," Harry said as he nodded. "I've heard that we need Chasers."
"Definitely…maybe you should try and talk to that William Weinstein." Harry's expression fell to one that showed complete disgust. McGonagall didn't bother to comment on Harry's expression but continued, "I know he's obnoxious, Potter, but if he claims he's an excellent chaser, we need to at least take a look."
"Yes Professor," Harry replied, sounding like child who was just forced to do something they hated to do.
"All right, Potter. Get back to the common room." Harry nodded and made his way quickly to the Fat Lady's portrait. He noticed that no one else was around; he whispered the password and walked into the room.
He was greeted by a few of his Gryffindor friends that he hadn't greeted since his return to Hogwarts and saw Ron, Hermione, and Nancy still in front of the fire with their books. He quietly sneaked towards the armchair that Hermione was sitting in. Ron noticed him, but didn't say anything when Harry put his finger over his mouth. Ron smiled at him and continued to look over his book, his eyes turning over to Harry every few seconds.
Harry stood directly behind Hermione's chair, and quietly looked over it to see her reading over chapter four of her Charms textbook. He quickly moved his hands over her eyes, which in turn, made her jump in her seat. Ron and Nancy couldn't help but laugh at Hermione's reaction. Hermione, completely flushed, turned in her armchair to see Harry's grinning face.
"Oh you'll pay for that," She smiled as she grabbed the pillow that she was resting her head upon and swung it at him, catching him in the side of the head. Harry fell over with a look of utter surprise, causing Nancy and Ron to laugh even more.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
The afternoon that Harry, Hermione, and Ron were waiting patiently for had finally arrived. After lunch, Nancy and three went their separate ways to their respective classes. The three entered a room that was all too familiar to them, but always had a new face leading them through their studies. The three took their seats in their Defense against the Dark Arts class and waited patiently for their new professor to arrive.
"Oh great, it's Potty, the Mudblood, and the Weasel King," they heard behind them.
They turned to find Draco Malfoy several rows behind them, with his usual smirk on his face. Crabbe and Goyle sat next to him and gave them their most menacing glares, as Pansy Parkinson laughed at Draco's comment.
"How's your father doing?" Harry asked with a grin.
His comment had silenced all the Slytherins and even caused Hermione and Ron to turn towards him with their eyes wide. Draco's face went white as he stared into Harry's eyes. Harry knew he had struck a nerve and silencing Malfoy was something that he was looking forward to do since their unfortunate meeting in Flourish & Blotts bookstore.
Harry turned to face the front of the room as Hermione and Ron did the same. The two looked at Harry oddly, never expecting him to say such a thing to Malfoy. Harry kept a blank expression on his face, but he was both smiling and frowning on the inside. Smiling because he had finally said something to get a rise out of Malfoy, but sad in the fact that, no matter how horrible a person may be, no son should be without a father.
Malfoy rose from his seat and retracted his wand ready to hurl at spell towards Harry's back.
"I would not do that, Mr. Malfoy!" a voice roared from behind them.
Everyone in class turned to find Malfoy standing with his wand in his hand. Harry gave him a searing glare before turning is attention to the man who yelled at Malfoy.
The man had long brown hair that was tied together by a black sash, thick dark eyebrows, and was dressed in brick red robes. Malfoy took his seat with a look of complete disgust on his face as the man walked to the front of the classroom. He carried a stack of parchments under his arm and tossed them onto the table, causing them to land in a very disorganized pile. He turned and faced the class, a blank expression on his face.
"My name is Professor Spencer," he said in a dry voice. "I will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
He paced back and forth along the front of the room, examining the young teenagers in their seats, the students unaware of what to expect from him. He stopped again before proceeding, "The documents you saw me discard on the table were end of the year evaluations made by your previous professors as well as various essays that you've written for this class throughout the course of your stay at Hogwarts.
"I can safely determine that you are all keen on various aspects of Defense. I've read that Professor Lupin have taught you how to defend yourself against several dark creatures and Professor Moody…or whoever he was, has taught you the basics of the three Unforgivable curses. Though I can't say much in terms of Professor Lockhart and Professor Umbridge…looks like it was a waste of two years of your lives."
Again, Spencer began to pace in front of the class, moving over towards the table and glancing over at a piece of parchment before continuing. "Though I am glad to see that at least two of you managed to achieve an "O" in your Defense against the Dark Arts O.W.L. and ironically enough both were a part of organization that wasn't approved of by your previous headmistress."
Spencer looked up from the parchment and his eyes settled on Hermione and Harry as students started to whisper. The two looked at each other from the corners of their eyes before returning their attention to Professor Spencer. "As some of you have noticed, you all will have another double session of Defense Against the Dark Arts on Friday."
"Yes," Malfoy interrupted as he gave Professor Spencer a condescending look. "What's the meaning of that? Some goof up?"
"No Mr. Malfoy," Spencer replied with a harsh voice, not appreciating the attitude and disrespect that Malfoy had just shown him. "Please refrain from asking incredibly stupid questions."
The class filled with a muffled giggle, which made Malfoy slump into his chair with an aggravated look. Professor Spencer gave the class another blank expression, which made everyone quiet down. "Now…if there are no more stupid questions…the reason you have another double session of Defense Against the Dark Arts is because Dumbledore and I feel that you all need extra lessons to prepare you for the world that is out there.
"I am not insinuating that all of you will want to become Aurors or that you would even want to confront dark wizards or witches, but these are the basics that you must learn if you wish to survive if you ever encounter such a person. With the rise of the Dark Lord, many people within the Ministry feel that dark times will be coming soon, and it be best that you are all prepared to face it."
Professor Spencer stopped to allow this information to be absorbed by the students who had turned pale. Harry noticed Ron shaking in his chair and he couldn't help but shudder as well, waves of electricity running up and down his spine when he thought about Lord Voldemort. He noticed Hermione looking at him with a worried expression as she took his hand underneath the table. Harry gave her a soft squeeze as the two turned their attention back to Professor Spencer.
"Now the purposes for your second Defense Against the Dark Arts class is to give you actual practicing time to master the spells that I will be teaching you on today. We will start off with simple spells, which may seem incredibly boring for a lot of you that do know what you're are doing, but they must be mastered before we may proceed. After we finish our review, I will spend the majority of our time left together teaching you every spell that I possibly can. You must first learn the basics before you're truly prepared to duel any wizard. Though until we begin again after the Christmas Holidays, you will only need to stay for the first hour of your practical Defense class. Those who wish to stay after for further lessons or tutoring are welcome to stay."
Professor Spencer moved over to the table and pushed several parchments away, clearing a spot near the edge. He sat on the desk and crossed his arms and legs. "The one good thing that Gilderoy Lockhart did do during his short stay in Hogwarts was the creation of a Dueling Club. I, though, was saddened to hear that no other professor after him decided to continue it. Therefore after talking with Professor Dumbledore, he has allowed me to reestablish it."
This statement caused everybody to lean forward in their seats; some had faces full of dread, some full of joy, and others just plain surprised. "The Dueling Club will commence after the Christmas Holiday. In order to pass my class each of you will have to participate in the duels that I assign you. The Dueling Club will also be opened to seventh year students, but don't worry, only the best of you will have to face them…though just because a person is a year older, doesn't mean that they will be anymore talented than you all are. Don't forget, they had the same professors as you during the previous years, so your loss was also theirs.
"The Dueling Club will be held during the second session of Thursday's Defense class. Now…each of you will participate in seven duels, and you will be given a rating depending on how you do and the complexity of the spells that you use. Of course, there will be limitations of what spells can be used…we don't want any accidents. I will explain the rules further once we recommence after our Christmas Holiday. Just know this, that if you wish you to pass my class, you must participate in all ten duels…whether you win or lose, you must participate in all seven."
Spencer hopped off his desk and walked over to the blackboard. He picked up a piece of chalk and scribbled "The Invisible Wall" onto it. Everyone opened their notebooks and started to copy the name down. Spencer turned to face the class again and examined the students.
"I need a volunteer."
No one raised their hands. Spencer looked around and found that the majority of the students were frightened and completely intimidated by his request. His eyes settled on Harry's. He smiled at him when he noticed that Harry's eyes weren't filled with fear. He then looked over at Hermione, who was somewhat startled by his smirk.
"All right then, I'll just pick someone. Ms. Granger…"
"Me, sir?" Hermione squeaked as she placed her hand on her chest. Harry and Ron's eyes went wide and they could hear a few of the Slytherins behind them snickering.
"Yes," Professor Spencer said with a nod. "Could you please take notes for Mr. Potter? Mr. Potter you will be my volunteer for now."
"Uh…sure," Hermione answered as she looked over at Harry.
Harry took a deep breath as he got out of his seat and walked towards the front of the room, feeling everybody's eyes on him. He walked to Professor Spencer and stood as straight as he could, Spencer towering over him by at least a foot.
"Don't worry Mr. Potter, no harm will come to you. Please stay up here until I ask you to return to your seat," Spencer smiled as he turned his attention back to the class. "Your first lesson will be on the Invisible Wall. Who can tell me what that is?"
Hermione raised her hand with her usual expression on anticipation on her face. Harry couldn't help but grin when he looked at her. Professor Spencer looked at her and gave her a smile. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"
"It's a basic defensive spell that forms an invisible barrier when summoned. It can block most elementary spells and can also weaken a spell if one manages to break through the barrier," Hermione stated in a clear voice almost if she were reciting it out of her textbook.
"Excellent textbook definition, ten points to Gryffindor," Spencer replied as he turned towards the chalkboard and scribbled out a simplified version of Hermione's answer. "Now, this spell should of been the first spell that you should of learned during your second year, but from what I read about Professor Lockhart and his…limited knowledge of the subject…I find it somewhat tragic that none of you have been taught how to summon it, especially it now being your sixth year."
Spencer walked over to the opposite side of the room, and pulled out his wand, signaling Harry to do the same. He looked at Harry as he assumed a dueling stance, his wand out and his other hand behind his back. Harry lowered himself into his stance, with his wand out and his other arm above his head, as if he were a fencer. Spencer smiled as he turned to face the class.
"Now, the Invisible Wall is known for absorbing attacks, but if the attack is too strong, it will in turn break through it. I will demonstrate. Mr. Potter, please fire any spell you would like at me."
Harry stood there dumbstruck at the idea. He had never once been ordered to attack a teacher before, but Professor Spencer smiled and gave him a reassured nod. Harry took a deep breath as he raised his wand and yelled, "Expelliamus!"
Sparks left Harry's wand flying directly at Spencer. Spencer waited a split second before he moved his wand up down as if pulling a blanket over his head, and to everyone's amazement, Harry's spell hit an invisible barrier and vanished. Spencer turned and looked back at the class, allowing Harry to release his breath and stand straight again.
"Now, the Invisible Wall isn't a very hard spell to perform," Spencer announced as he started to walk towards the front tables, his voice loud and clear. "Actually, it can be sometimes thought of as a secondary reflex when you're attacked. No incantation is needed to summon the wall and there isn't any form of specific wand motions. Just thrust your wand out as if you are cutting through something and imagine a shield protecting you. If your mind is clear and you're visualizing that wall, nine out of ten times it should work.
"Now summoning it is simple, but the barrier only stays for a split second and is strongest right when it's summoned. If you summon it too soon, the wall may not hold the attacking spell, and if you wait too long…well don't wait too long."
Spencer paced back to the chalkboard, scribbling down the explanation he had just announced. Harry looked over at Hermione and Ron and saw that they were scribbling away with their heads looking up every now and then. Hermione noticed Harry's stare and she gave him a quick smile before she continued writing. Spencer then added another name onto the board "Reflective Wall."
"Now this spell," Spencer announced as he walked back towards the front tables, "is the older and tougher brother of the Invisible Wall. While the Invisible Wall absorbs the attack, the Reflective Wall launches the attack back upon the user. Though with enough training and practice, you will be able to redirect the attack in any direction that you please."
Spencer returned back into his dueling stance as Harry did the same. Spencer turned his head to face the class. "The Reflective Wall is summoned the same way as the Invisible wall for the exception that must say the incantation Protego. Now, just as the Invisible Wall, you must concentrate on the formation of the wall, but with this spell you must also envision where you wish the attacking spell to be reflected."
Spencer went back to his stance and nodded at Harry. Harry took another deep breath before and raised his wand. "Expelliarmus!"
The sparks flew towards Spencer and again he waited split second before he raised he scratched the air again yelling, "Protego!"
The sparks hit the wall and instantly left the shield heading directly in Harry's direction. Hermione and Ron's eyes went wide as they saw the sparks fly towards him. Harry immediately jumped back a step as he too swung his wand, as if he were trying to swat at the spell. However to everyone's surprise, the sparks hit another invisible barrier and disappeared. Spencer couldn't help but grin at Harry, who recovered to his dueling stance, breathing deeply.
"Good job, Mr. Potter," Spencer said as he gave him a small bow. "You are a fast learner. I wanted to see how your reflexes were and I am quite impressed. Ten points to Gryffindor and Mr. Potter, you may take you seat."
Harry sighed in relief as he started to make his way towards his chair; several students sitting near the edge of the rows gave him big smiles and patted his shoulder. Harry took his seat and gave Ron and Hermione a big smile. Ron returned his grin with an even bigger one as he gave him a thumbs up. Hermione, too, gave him a bright smile and affectionately squeezed his hand underneath the table.
The class recommenced, Spencer discussing a few of the basic spells that they were all familiar with. He had asked for several other volunteers, and a few people were reluctantly picked. Aside from a few whining expressions from the volunteers, the class went by very smoothly with no one getting injured.
When the class had ended, everyone began to place their books in their bags and proceeded to leave the class. When Harry and Ron had finished packing their bags, Hermione told them to wait and not leave.
"What is it, Hermione?" Ron asked as he placed his book bag onto his desk.
"Professor Spencer may know something about the Flamora weapons," she replied as she looked up at him and then towards Harry. "We should ask him. He may have some answers."
"Right," Harry nodded as he also placed his bag on his desk.
The three walked towards the front, where they found Spencer organizing the papers that he had thrown onto the desk in the beginning of class. He noticed them standing behind him and he turned and gave them an inquisitive look.
"What can I do for you three?" he asked as he placed the stack of papers in the center of the desk.
"We were wondering if we could ask you something about a certain weapon?" Hermione said softly as she looked up at him.
"What weapon?" Spencer replied as he crossed his arms.
"The Flamora weapons…" Harry stated quickly.
"Ah…" Spencer replied as leaned against his desk. "Trying to find out more about the weapon that mad woman is trying to attack you with?"
"Yeah," Harry answered timidly.
"Could you tell us anything about them?" Hermione asked, her hands together in front of her.
"The Flamora weapons are a form of dark magic. They were created during the ancient times when power was what ruled the world. Not many wizards and witches were able to master the art. Legend has it that the flames of the Flamora weapons are incredibly intense and if cut by such a weapon, the burn would never heal. When two wizards engaged in combat using them, the victory doesn't necessary belong to the victor of the fight, but to the warrior that survives from the wounds…though not many of them survived."
Spencer placed his arms on the desk and looked towards the ceiling before continuing. "They are truly barbaric weapons…which makes them the ideal weapon for times such as these. Aside from disarming the wielder or combating a Flamora with another one, there aren't many ways for a person could survive such a fight."
"You don't suppose You-Know-Who knows how to use them?" Ron asked, his voice shaky.
"I doubt it," Harry replied as he looked at Ron. "If he knew how to use them, I'm sure he would of used them on me by now."
"What are you two talking about?" Spencer asked as he looked from Harry to Ron.
"We believe that the woman is in league with the Dark Lord," Hermione responded.
"That is a very real possibility," Spencer muttered as he rubbed his chin. "Though a solid connection between the woman and the Dark Lord has not yet been proven, so that possibility may only remain as an assumption."
"I don't even want to imagine You-Know-You with a Flamora sword," Ron said weakly. "It's bad enough that he sends Death Eaters after us, but Flamora weapon…blimey."
"How would that woman learn how to use such a weapon?" Hermione asked, ignoring Ron's rambling.
"I can't answer that question. I'm afraid that no one knows that answer aside from those who already know how to use them," Spencer sighed. "Maybe she found some sort of document that taught her how to summon it. It's either that or it was something that she was born with."
"Born with?" Harry muttered.
"Yes, I once read in an old book that stated that there were children that were born with the ability. It had something to do with their parents being cut by a Flamora weapon before…" Spencer said as he started to pace in front of his desk, scratching his head. "Oh…I remember. The book stated that when a parent was cut by a Flamora weapon, the burn he or she suffers from would somehow transfer into their children giving them the ability to wield it themselves, whether or not the parents themselves knew how to use the weapons."
"So you're saying," Hermione started as she watched the pacing Spencer, "that the ability to use the Flamora weapon could of been something that was passed down through her family?"
"It's a possibility. But I can't say for certain. Those weapons haven't been used for many centuries now," Spencer responded before looking at the clock. "Well, sorry, I need to go to my office. If you have anymore questions, feel from to ask me on Friday after our lesson."
The three walked back to their desks and picked up their bags, leaving Spencer behind to resort his papers. The three walked out of the room and stopped by a set of stairs. Harry felt a bit uneasy about the information that Spencer had given them.
"So you think what he said about the ability being passed through blood is true?" Ron asked as he looked at Harry, unsure of what he was thinking.
"No it can't," Harry replied as he looked up at Ron. "If that were true…and if Keung is Cho's brother…then wouldn't it seem that Cho should have the same ability?"
"Maybe the Keung who saved you isn't the same Keung that's related to Cho," Hermione suggested, knowing full well that suggestion couldn't be right. The pieces of the story they received from Harry and Cornelius Fudge fits together too well.
"Yeah, could be a complete coincidence," Ron said with a nod. "Could just be one big mistake."
"I doubt that it's a coincidence," Harry replied as he looked at the three. "We're missing something…and we need to find it before it's too late."
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