For the next week, everything seemed to go back to normal…well, as much as it could for Harry. Thankfully Angelina had granted the team some time off so that left two extra nights out of the week that could be dedicated to schoolwork. The Council had taken a step back with the difficulty the D.A. had during the previous lesson and started focusing on easier aspects to offensive dueling before they started work on Patronuses. They needed to keep everyone’s spirits up in order to prevent the early frustration everyone was bound to feel.

“Oh, is Harry going to show his Patronus?” James asked eagerly jumping up and down on his butt.

Mrs. Potter eyed her son, “James, I know that someone so young having mastered the Patronus charm is quite remarkable but you don’t have to get so excited.”

“Oh, I think you’ll be surprised Mrs. P,” Remus said slyly.

The Gryffindor victory against Hufflepuff was the final straw for the majority of the Slytherins in Harry’s year who went out of their way to stalk Harry whenever possible for an opportunity to curse him. Their presence was quickly noticed and Harry soon found that he was never alone. Fred and George took their own approach and made the sneaky group of Slytherins the main target of any pranks they could come up with. There were even times when Harry noticed Sirius in the halls talking quietly with the twins. If Harry didn’t know better he would swear that Sirius had been helping the twins out.

“Harry! I’m hurt! You know better and you still doubt that I would help the twins! Of course I am!” Sirius said in a fake hurt tone.

Probably the biggest surprise of the week was that Harry was finally improving in Occlumency. He had surprised Professor Snape by pushing the man out after two memories on Sunday and had improved even further to pushing Snape out after one on Thursday. His shielding was also improving forcing Professor Snape to poke and pry for nearly fifteen minutes before being able to view a memory. To say that Snape was amazed with Harry’s sudden improvement would be an understatement. He was caught without an insult to throw at Harry for the first time in over two and a half years.

“It would have been politer if he just complimented Harry instead of being unable to insult him,” Mrs. Potter sniffed.

“Mrs. P, Mrs. P,” Sirius shook his head, “Not being able to insult for Snivellus is a compliment.”

Unfortunately Sirius, Remus and Professor Dumbledore were having no luck into the strange occurrence that pulled Harry to find Firenze although Dumbledore did admit that he had a few suspicions. It didn’t help that Firenze was being extremely tight-lipped, talking only in riddles whenever he was confronted about what had happened after Remus had left for help that night. Harry didn’t know who to be more aggravated with: Professor Dumbledore for not voicing his suspicions or Firenze for keeping quiet when he obviously knew something. Didn’t they understand that Harry hated not knowing?

If they did they didn’t seem to care. Harry understood that sometimes it was necessary to keep secrets but whey did they feel the need to hide something about him from him? It just didn’t make sense. He had a right to know why he couldn’t remember what happened that night.

Homework was becoming more demanding pushing Harry to ask Remus for help when Hermione was too busy with her own assignments and helping Ron with his. Sirius was backlogged with essays from first through third years, something that made him scarce during the evenings. It was almost funny to see Sirius behind a mountain of parchment looking…well…serious but it also made Harry realize just how dedicated Sirius was to being a decent Defense teacher.

“Professor Padfoot!” James snickered.

“See Paddy,” Remus patted Sirius’ shoulder, “It’s growing on you.” Sirius just glared at him.

Walking back to the Gryffindor Tower from another long study session, Harry could barely keep his eyes open as he walked the path from memory. He had finally finished his Transfiguration essay that he had been working on for three days and really didn’t want to think any more tonight. His head ached and at the moment taking a troll club to it seemed like an extremely good idea.

If he had been paying attention Harry would have known he wasn’t alone before it was too late.

Just as Harry was about to step on the moving staircases he was hit in the left side sending pain throughout his body.

“WHAT? WHO HIT MY BABY? I WANT NAMES!” James yelled.

Falling to his knees, Harry flicked his wrist and instantly had his wand in hand before turning towards the threat. “Lumos,” he said through his teeth to reveal three familiar faces that had been hiding in the shadows. Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle. Great. Just great.

“Oh, so now Malfoy has his henchmen doing his dirty work for him!” Lily growled. “Can’t even have the decency to show up personally.”

“Well, well, well,” Parkinson said with a smirk as she slowly approached. “It looks like ‘Perfect Potter’ is finally all alone. Not so tough without your fan club, are you?”

“He is so,” James cried. “You’ll be so sorry you cornered him!”

Harry smiled back as he stood up. “Attacking a student without justification, Parkinson,” he warned. “You’re a Prefect, aren’t you? I would hate for you to lose your badge because Malfoy’s too much of a coward to do his own dirty work.”

“Good one Harry,” Lily clapped. “Hit were it hurts!”

Parkinson’s smirk turned into a glare as she jabbed her wand against Harry’s chest. “Draco isn’t the only one who has a problem with you, Potter,” she hissed. “You may have every teacher in your pocket but as you can see it doesn’t help you now, does it? Where are your precious guardians now, Potter? Did they want some alone time?”

Harry bit back the urge to curse Parkinson into oblivion. Why did everyone always pick on Sirius and Remus? Because they know it bothers you. Meeting Parkinson’s eyes, Harry pushed her wand away. “Watch where you point that thing,” he said through his teeth. “You’re bound to hurt yourself. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be on my way.”

“Furnunculus!” Parkinson shouted.

Harry quickly dodged as he pointed his wand at Parkinson. “Expelliarmus!” he said, sending her wand flying out of her hand. In one fluid motion Harry cast a body bind on Goyle and stunned Crabbe before either of them had the chance to react. As they fell to the ground, Harry turned back to Parkinson and holstered his wand. “My guardians taught me how to defend myself. Next time, I won’t hold back, remember that.”

“I think someone bit more then they could chew,” Mrs. Potter snickered and then glared at the three boys who had their tongues sticking out at the book. Remus, who had the added feature of holding his hands, palms extended next, to his ears and was wriggling his fingers, quickly brought them down. “Really Remus, I expect better from you,” Mrs. Potter chided.

Parkinson frantically searched for her wand as Harry walked up the stairs at a steady but quick pace. His left side was aching alerting Harry that he would most likely have a nasty bruise tomorrow morning. Price for letting my guard down. The fact that he had disarmed and disabled the three Slytherins only made Harry angrier with himself. Parkinson never should have been able to hit him but she did because he hadn’t been aware of his surroundings.

That hadn’t the last attempt for the Slytherins but it had been the last that Harry had been caught by surprise. It was ironic that he was using those who were trying to cause him harm to improve his reflexes but at least something good could come out of it. It was also gratifying to see the frustrated looks on their faces when Harry managed to block or counter any spell they sent his way no matter how distracted Harry appeared to be. Of course the detentions the Slytherins received when a staff member caught them in the act weren’t so bad either.

February faded into March and the time came for the D.A. to begin learning Patronuses. The Council had been working on their own for a few weeks but were still having some difficulty maintaining a corporeal form which meant Harry and Remus would be running the meeting. To prevent the shocks that having Dementor-shaped Boggart in the meeting Harry and Remus had to change the strategy. Students would first practice the charm in a stress-free environment. Once they managed to create a corporeal Patronus, Remus would bring in a Boggart for one class period. Harry tried to protest that the students would need more time with a ‘Dementor’ but Remus wouldn’t give in.

“I think two hours of you reliving your worst nightmares is more than enough, Harry,” Remus had said. “Weakening you like that repeatedly especially with the state of things is only asking for trouble. You’re also assuming that everyone is going to succeed. Don’t get your hopes up. This is very difficult work. Remember it took you an entire school year to grasp it.”

“Well said Remus,” Lily huffed. “I’m sure they could use some other method than having Harry be affected by a Dementor!”

“Hum,” James winced. “If they are having a hard time producing a Patronus in a stress-free environment it really isn’t a great idea for them to have to produce a Patronus in front of a Dementor for the first time only when they are fighting for their soul.”

“James! Whose side are you on?” Lily cried angrily.

“Harry’s!” James said quickly, “But-“

“No buts,” she said firmly and Mrs. Potter patted her proudly when James’ mouth snapped close.

“Well done dear. You have to train them early. See if Harold tries disagreeing with me.”

James gaped at his mother astonished.

Quidditch practices had also begun again for Gryffindor’s final match of the season against Ravenclaw. Since the Seeker from each team was on the Council, Harry and Cho had quickly made an agreement to prevent any troubles after the game. Whatever happened on the field stayed on the field. Both Harry and Cho knew they were extremely competitive people and were determined to do whatever was necessary to win. There would be no ill feelings. It was just a game after all.

When the day to begin Patronuses finally arrived, everyone could barely hold back their excitement. This was the one thing everyone in the Defense Association had wanted to learn ever since the attack on the Hogwarts Express. Several had already begun research on the topic in hopes of an advantage since Remus had made it clear how difficult Patronuses may be for some people. Harry knew the speech well. He had heard it two years ago when he had been tutored by Remus.

Unlike other meetings, the Room of Requirement was now bare other than cushions on the floor and chairs against the wall. Since nothing would be needed today, nothing was provided. Students started to arrive while Harry and Remus ran over final meetings plans (and Remus attempted to keep Harry calm). It was Harry’s first meeting without the Council in a long time and although Remus was there, Harry was basically on his own. Remus seemed to believe that this was some sort of final learning stage for Harry for some reason.

Once everyone had taken a seat, Remus gave Harry’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before taking a few steps back and motioning for Harry to begin. “Well, I suppose I don’t have to tell everyone what we’re learning tonight,” Harry said trying to calm his nerves. “The Patronus Charm is considered difficult for most because of the numerous aspects that need to happen at the same time. First off, you need to have the concentration on the spell itself. Second, you need to be completely focused on a happy memory in order to create the energy needed for a corporeal Patronus to form. The bigger the threat the happier the memory has to be for you. Thirdly, you need to be able to ignore the negative emotions and thoughts that Dementors make everyone feel. Since we are currently learning this in a Dementor-free environment we really don’t have to worry about that but it is something to keep in mind.”

With a flick of his wrist, Harry had his wand in hand and pointed it off to the side where no one was sitting. “Expecto Patronum,” he said lazily. Everyone watched as a rush of silver mist poured out of Harry’s wand but no shape was taken. “If you harbor any doubts or don’t put the energy behind the spell, all you will see is mist. A Patronus is an embodiment of positive emotion but it can’t come out of thin air. You have to provide the fuel.”

Taking in a breath, Harry focused on Christmas morning with Sirius, Remus and Tonks before shouting: “Expecto Patronum!” Students gasped as a large silver stag seemed to jump out of Harry’s wand followed by a silver wolf and lastly a large silver shaggy dog.

Lily stopped reading to give Mrs. Potter time to recompose herself from her gaping.

“He has-“ she stuttered.

“Yes,” James nodded proudly.

“Three?” Mrs. Potter squeaked.

“Yep,” Sirius puffed his chest. “Me, Prongs and Moony!”

Prongs seemed to glance around before moving over towards Remus, Moony sat down next to Harry and Midnight started running around the room like an excited puppy causing several students to laugh. Harry rubbed his eyes underneath his glasses and shook his head slowly. For some reason he expected Midnight to act like this. Because that’s what Sirius would do.

“Oh Harry,” Sirius waved his hand at the book in fake embarrassment. “You know me so well.”

“Midnight, you will behave or I’ll send you down to visit with Professor Snape,” Harry warned

Sirius gaped horrified at the book.

 and was rewarded by the dog-like Patronus stopping in his tracks and grudgingly moved to Harry’s side before sitting down with his shoulders hunched over. Yep, exactly like Sirius.

“You named your Patronuses?” Ernie Macmillian asked.

Harry nodded. “As you can see, a Patronus represents something positive in your life,” he said then pointed over his shoulder to the stag. “Prongs, represents my dad.” He then motioned to the wolf at his left side. “Moony represents Remus and Midnight represents Siri—er—Professor Black.” He received a lot of confused looks. “Long story,” he added. “Your own Patronus will most likely not be one of the creatures you see here. Everyone has their own influences in life shaping them into who they are and what they view as positive.”

“How come you have three forms?” asked Zacharias Smith. “I thought you’re only supposed to have one.”

“It isn’t common to have more than one form but it’s not unheard of,” Harry answered evasively. I’m not odd. I’m not a freak.

“Well, it is very rare,” Mrs. Potter nodded with a pensive look. “But it shows Harry is very powerful,” she smiled proudly.

“Everyone, pull out your wand.” He waited until everyone did so. “Close your eyes and concentrate on a happy memory, a strong happy memory. It could be anything. Christmas morning…a birthday…Umbridge getting sacked” Quiet laughter could be heard. “Fall into the memory. Let the emotions fill you and say the incantation: Expecto Patronum.”

“Expecto Patronum,” everyone said. Brief puffs of silver mist shot out of several wands. It wasn’t much but it was a start.

For the next two hours Harry pushed his patience to the limit. Quite a few were able to create silver smoke but it wasn’t anywhere near having a form, something Remus had warned him about. Remus had jumped in to calm those who became frustrated. Both Harry and Remus tried to assure everyone their progress or lack thereof was normal. Harry even confided that he had similar problems when had started learning the Charm which helped many relax and continue.

When the meeting was over, Harry had to watch the disappointed looks on everyone’s faces as they left. He hated those looks. This had been the first lesson no one had grasped the material, including the Council. Harry encouraged everyone to practice for next week and told them where to turn if they had any questions. It wasn’t much but for now it was all he and Remus could do. Intensive practice was the only thing that could help everyone now.

For the rest of March, the D.A. worked on Patronuses and held a few mock duels when students were becoming too frustrated. The most memorable one had been Fred against George since each twin seemed to have a sixth sense on what the other would do. After twenty minutes of appearance altering spells, Remus had to step in and call it a draw. It took Remus another fifteen minutes after that to counter all the spells. After that duel several people were able to create Patronuses of greater substance but nothing exactly corporeal yet.

Both Harry and Remus were caught by surprise during the final D.A. meeting before the Easter holiday when a corporeal Patronus appeared flying around the Room of Requirement in the shape of a silver swan. Everyone turned to see an ecstatic Cho Chang. Seeing that the task wasn’t impossible seemed to be all it took and soon enough more had created their own corporeal Patronuses. Hermione’s Patronus took the shape of a silver otter, Neville’s was a silver lion, Hannah’s was a large cat, Angelina’s was a unicorn, and no one was surprised that Fred and George’s Patronuses were a pair of hyenas. The twins even took the liberty of naming them ‘Gred and Forge’.

Those who were able to create Patronuses now helped Harry and Remus in coaching everyone else. There were quite a few who were close and there were some that just seemed to be making no progress at all. The Creevey brothers were probably the two who were having the most difficulty which wasn’t a surprise since they were two of the youngest in the group. Ginny and Luna seemed to be having similar problems with their own Patronuses making Harry wonder if it was a problem of age. The thought made Harry wonder if he would have managed his own Patronus if his magic hadn’t begun to mature like it had.

“Probably not,” Remus said. “As we grow our magic grows and we are capable of doing stronger magic. That is why the Hogwarts curric- humphmumph,” he was stopped by Sirius’ hand on his mouth. He stuck out his tongue and licked the hand.

“Urgh, Moony! That’s disgusting!” Sirius cried wiping his hand on his robes.

“SIRIUS BLACK DON’T DO THAT!” Mrs. Potter scolded handing Sirius a handkerchief she conjured.

Harry had a hard time holding back the pride he felt towards those who had successfully cast the Charm and Remus was having a hard time holding back the pride he felt for Harry.

“I know,” Remus said proudly with a goofy smile. The others shook their head but they had proud smiles too.

 By Monday morning Professors Flitwick, Sprout, McGonagall and Dumbledore had all approached Harry and congratulated him on his success. Sirius had something else in mind. When the fifth years arrived to Defense class, they were surprised to see a dueling platform in the middle of the room. Evidently Sirius wasn’t going to be covering theory today.

As soon as everyone entered Sirius jumped up on the dueling platform with his wand already in hand. “Good afternoon!” he said cheerfully.

“Always liked to be the center of attention,” James shook his head fondly.

“You’re just jealous you never thought of conjuring a platform so people could see you better,” Lily smirked.

“I so did,” James said in a mock offended tone, “But he wouldn’t let me!” he finished pointing an accusing finger towards Remus.

“Today we’re going to be doing something different. We will be taking everything we covered and observe it being used in an actual duel. Now, I need the guys to my left and the ladies to my right.” Everyone moved to opposite ends of the platform. “Oh…Harry, could you please join me up here.”

“That’s not very fair separating them in groups like that,” Remus frowned.

“And why would that be Remus?” Lily glared at him and was joined by Mrs. Potter.

“Uh- er- well,” Remus stuttered, “Because the boys won’t stand a chance,” he said hopefully.

Mrs. Potter and Lily’s glare diminished just slightly.

“Good save mate,” Sirius patted Remus back.

Harry suppressed a grown as he removed his cloak before jumping up on the platform. Whatever Sirius had in mind Harry was pretty sure he wasn’t going to like it. Sirius had made an effort not to singal Harry out before today since Harry had made it clear he didn’t want the attention. Ever since the members of the D.A. had caught Harry training he had been extremely careful of not training in anywhere public. He didn’t need people to stare at him again because he had been trained to defend himself.

“Yeah Sirius! He doesn’t want that!” James growled.

“I’m sure I have a good reason,” Sirius said faintly.

“This duel will be a group collaboration,” Sirius continued. “The guys will be on my team and the ladies will be on Harry’s. Each team will decide on a course of action their representative will take. Once your representative takes the platform, you are allowed to shout out helpful hints but remember that any distraction could cost your representative the duel. You have fifteen minutes to determine your strategy. Go.”

“Oh, so this is a duel between Harry and Sirius. That makes sense. Sirius asked Harry because since Harry knows more they can show more things,” Mrs. Potter nodded and Sirius nodded with her eagerly.

“What are the restrictions?” Harry asked softly.

Sirius thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. “Anything goes,” he said with a smile. “Except Unforgivables of course.” Sirius thought for a moment then nodded. “Actually, nothing is allowed that can result in imprisonment of Azkaban or the hospital wing.”

Harry nodded then joined his group at the end of the platform. He sat down facing his group, not really sure of what Sirius was trying to do with this. How could anyone accurately predict what someone else was going to do? Looking at his group, Harry could see that they were looking at him, slightly confused. He could only assume it was because of his question. “Anything goes means physical as well as magical,” he clarified. “Professor Black doesn’t like to lose. He will do whatever he can, including using his fists if he has to.”

“Doesn’t like to lose is putting it mildly. Remember that first time I beat him on a chess game?” Remus asked.

“Yes,” James moaned. “He sulked and glared at Moony for weeks.”

“So not true,” Sirius huffed.

“Uh, Sirius. The whole House witnessed that reaction. Too many witnesses to deny it,” Lily said cautiously and was glared at.

“But Professor Black is so nice,” Parvati protested. “And—and he’s your guardian, Harry. He would never do something like that to you.”

“Denial,” James shook his head.

“I think Harry’s trying to tell us that Professor Black isn’t above fighting dirty,” Hermione said matter-of-factly. “This means we need to come up with a strategy that will counter the possibility. Does Professor Black have any weaknesses, Harry?”

Harry shrugged. “Probably his mouth,” he said truthfully.

Remus and Lily grinned evilly and James and Mrs. Potter snickered. Sirius huffed.

 “He’s usually really controlled with me but when he’s dueled Remus he has a tendency to focus more on what he’s saying than what he’s doing. Since he has an audience he may resort to that tactic to keep everyone into the duel. Other than that, he is a very offensive dueler. If he sees an opportunity he takes it because he does not like to be on the defensive.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Hermione said thoughtfully. “What we need to do is surprise him so you can take the offensive, Harry.” She tapped her finger on her chin as she tried to think of something. “What about the Patronus Charm? It certainly wouldn’t be something anyone would expect to be used in a normal duel.”

“And your Patronuses obey you, Harry,” Lavender added. “You could tell them to distract Professor Black for you. Maybe that’s the solution! Use Charms and Spells that you wouldn’t normally use in a duel like Lumos and Wingardium Leviosa.”

“Oh, that would be so funny. Midnight getting on Padfoot’s way! Beaten by yourself!” James clapped his hands.

“That does sound like poetic justice,” Lily chuckled.

“I sense people are routing for me to lose,” Sirius said through narrowed eyes.

“Off course we are!” Remus exclaimed. “The alternative is Harry losing!”

“I’ll cheer you both on,” Mrs. Potter said kindly and Sirius looked at her weirdly.

“But one has to win!” he cried.

“Professor Black most likely knows your weaknesses too, Harry,” Hermione added. “Do you know what your weaknesses are?”

Harry thought for a moment. Of course he knew what his weaknesses were. The question was if what he thought of as weaknesses were the same as Sirius’. “I guess the obvious fault is that I don’t plan,” he said. “I react instead of act.” Harry couldn’t help it. In the past he had only his instincts to rely on. It was extremely difficult to take the offensive when you were facing Voldemort in a duel.

Hermione rested a hand on Harry’s arm and smiled. “I know it’s easy for us to tell you what to do, Harry, but you will have to be the one facing Professor Black,” she said gently. “Whatever you have to do, trust in yourself and do it.”

“Time’s up!” Sirius announced.

Harry stood up and with a flick of the wrist had his wand in hand. Turning to face Sirius, he couldn’t believe the smile that was plastered on the man’s face. Sirius was enjoying this too much. Their eyes met and at the sight of Harry’s annoyed stare Sirius’ smile faltered a little. They approached the middle of the platform and stood face to face. No words were passed but it was clear that Sirius realized Harry’s displeasure of being singled out.

“I’m sure I’ll apologize,” Sirius said calmly.

“Off course you will, after all that is the  matu-“

“MUM DON’T!” James cried clapping a hand over his mother’s mouth and extracting it quickly as he remembered what happened to Sirius earlier.

 They turned so they were back to back before taking the normal ten paces in their own direction. They turned back to face each other, bowed and took their stances.

“On the count of three,” Sirius said. “One…two…three… Expelliarmus!”

“Protego!” Harry countered, deflecting the spell. “Locomotor Mortis!”

Sirius dodged the spell as he twisted his upper body and pointed his wand at Harry. “Impedimenta!” he said quickly. “Petrificus Totalus!”

Harry flipped backwards as the first spell flew over him and landed low allowing him to roll on his back so the second spell didn’t hit him then flip to his feet. “Immobulus!” he shouted. “Stupefy!” He knew he needed to take the offensive soon. As Sirius blocked and dodged the two sides, Harry quietly conjured a mirror behind Sirius. “Lumos Solem!”

Sirius quickly turned away as intense light filled the room and came face to face with the mirror forcing him to close his eyes. Blindly, Sirius pointed his wand at where he thought Harry was and shouted. “Nox!” he shouted and the lighting returned to normal. “Rictusempra!”

“Expelliarmus!” Harry said quickly as he twisted his upper body to avoid the oncoming spell and saw Sirius block the spell. He quickly cast the Jelly-Legs Jinx as Sirius cast the Confundus Charm. The duel continued, both Harry and Sirius countering each other’s moves while trying to play their own strategy. When Harry was caught off guard his physical defense prevented any spells from touching him. It appeared that Harry and Sirius were equally matched but it was more of the fact that they knew each other’s styles too well. The restrictions Sirius put on the duel made it extremely hard for each of them to use powerful spells like they normally would. The lengths both of them would go to avoid a visit to the hospital wing was almost funny.

“Harry avoiding the Dragon is never funny. It’s survival!” James said and the others rolled their eyes.

“Does Poppy know the pet-names you have for her?” Mrs. Potter asked.

James just stared at her shocked.

Sirius cast another Leg Locker Curse which Harry easily deflected. Taking the chance, Harry cast the Patronus Charm, filling the classroom with blinding silver light as Prongs, Moony and Midnight ran towards Sirius. Harry quickly cast a stunning spell as Sirius cast a disarming spell. Both spells met in the middle of the platform causing a magical shockwave which sent both Harry and Sirius flying backwards before landing on the platform with a thud.

Harry let out a groan as he sat back up, rubbing the back of his aching head.

“SIRIUS YOU HURT MY BABY!” Lily cried angry.

“Sorry, though he did hurt me too.”

 That was too similar to what happened in the graveyard for Harry’s liking. Even though Harry had worked trough that night it still had a tendency to haunt him at times. The memory of the pain and power those outbursts had given him still made Harry shudder. He never wanted to feel anything like that ever again.

Looking across the platform, Harry saw that Sirius was in the same state. “Well, I think we can consider that a draw,” Sirius said as he stood up. “Now, what did you all observe?”

“See, that was my cheer,” Mrs. Potter said. “Both won.”

The kids just shook their heads.

“That we never want to be against either of you in a duel?” offered Dean causing several people to laugh.

Sirius grinned. “Not what I had in mind,” he said as he winked at Harry then turned stern. “The hardest duel you will have is with someone who knows your strengths and your faults better than you do. I know Harry is a defensive dueler and I took advantage of it. Harry knows I’m an offensive dueler so he tried to do whatever he could to distract me. Sometimes you have to lose against your friends in order to win against your enemy. If a friend gives you advice, take it and use it. It could very well save your life.”

Silence rang through the room as Harry stood up and jumped off the platform. So that was the point Sirius was trying to get across today. It was a good piece of advice.

“Off course it was. I’m a genius!”

“And so modest,” Remus said sarcastically.

 The question was whether people would take the advice to heart or not. There were quite a few people who had a problem accepting constructive criticism.

“Next duel,” Sirius said as he jumped off the platform. “Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.”

Nearly everyone in the room groaned. That was a trip to the hospital wing waiting to happen.

Truthfully, it could have gone worse although how much worse Harry wasn’t sure. Facing off Hermione’s knowledge against Ron’s temper had been simply asking for disaster. Ron didn’t have much confidence going into the duel and it didn’t help that his best friend was on Hermione’s side to give her advice. Yes, Sirius had assigned it that way but Ron still was a little irritated by it. Ron had attacked hard from the start, something that Hermione had expected. Hermione had been patient, blocking and evading the spells Ron shot at her until Ron started to tire. The moment that happened she attacked and managed to trap him in a full body bind.

Ron didn’t speak to Hermione or Harry for the rest of the day while he brooded in silence. The other duels had ended up pretty much the same way. Dean defeated Parvati, Seamus easily defeated Lavender, and Harry defeated Neville. Harry had held back significantly to give Neville a sporting chance but the Council member had accepted defeat even before the duel began. “I have no chance here but hopefully I can learn something from it,” Neville had said which had shocked everyone. It was an admirable attitude to have, something Sirius mentioned to the class. It was the attitude that everyone should have but few rarely took.

Remus and James pointed not even a little covertly to Sirius who just ignored them.

After all, who worried about learning when competitiveness overruled all thought?

“No one,” Mrs. Potter huffed.