Third Year Pt.1

Click. Click. click. The sound of my oxfords driving against the vacant stone hallway echoed on my way to the headmaster's office. It had not been a complete hour at Hogwarts before I was summoned to speak to dumbledore.

When I arrived, the passage had opened and I followed the winding staircase all the way up to the office of the old white fox and prepared for his cunny ways to be she sure that I wasn't eaten due to a minor mistake on my part.

Tap Tap Tap. I made my arrival known by knocking on the old wooden door

"Enter," Dumbledore spoke and the door opened slowly with a constant creek.

I walk in and look around the room with scholarly interest. The office of the Hogwarts Headmaster is a treasure trove. And someday when I'm good enough, I'm going to strip this place clean.

"Please, have a seat, Lord Emrys."Dumbledore invited me to an empty chair. It wasn't as grand as his own, but it was pretty nice.

I take my seat and my interest in the office continues undiluted for a while longer. Just long enough for Dumbledore to catch on to my desires.

"Have I ever told you that you have an amazing office, Headmaster. Truly a historical monument."

Dumbledore puts on a warm smile and gives me a gentle nod before saying, "I know you must be tired after your long trip so I'll get right to it. Is it true that Romilda Vane slew her family with your magic sword?"

"Yes, the sword is mine," I replied nonchalantly.

"The goblins did not forge it. It is not Wort Silver. Who is it's the maker?" Dumbledore questioned me. I can see a yearning gleam just beneath the surface of his eyes.

"I'll tell you the maker. If you give me something in return."

"Go on."

" When Romilda is released, I want you to welcome her back to Hogwarts."

Dumbledore stared at me for a moment. I had no idea what he was thinking. But judging by the frown marks on his forehead, he wanted to know the maker of the sword really bad and my request was an easy one, especially since no one believed that Romilda would be set free.

__________________________________________________________

It was the first day of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Lupin surprised everyone.

"I am professor Remus Lupin. Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Notice how I did not define this class with a year. That is because the dark arts are the dark arts and you should know how to defend yourself against it in its entirety. The first lesson of the year, long term assignment. The Patronus charm. Dementors are all over this year and they seem to be particularly unruly. With that being said let us get to it"

Lupin began to teach about Dementor and how they affect wizards, he then taught the theory and history of the Patronus Charm, he then put the two points together and everyone understood why the Patronus charm repelled the dementors, though it wasn't its only purpose.

From that day forward everyone was to practice the Patronus charm for homework so that class could progress regularly. Every lesson ran into curses, hexes, jinxes, dark objects, dark creature and spells to use against them, which lead to anatomy and teaching the weak spots of creatures and humans, it leads into the health of wizards and charms used to aid in medical purposes and cures for hexes, curses, and other alignments that could be received from the dark creatures. Lupin's class would easily become the best class on campus if he could survive long enough to make it through his curriculum.

During the first week of charms, Tiberius convinced Flitwick to for a dueling team. While he set up dueling practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. He also worked on getting paperwork fast-tracked for this school year's dueling circuit.

Around the same was in Romilda was released from Azkaban. With the testimony of her cousin Emma Vane, Romilda walked and no one could question her innocence.

According to the British wizarding world. Romilda was forced to defend herself when her mother and aunt sought to replace her as heiress through fatal means.

Many didn't believe until Tiberius came forth and made his desire to form a marriage contract with the house of Vane known. Abigal then insinuated that House of Vane felt that Emma was a more fitting consort of Lord Emrys than Romilda, who they felt, laked worth.

As agreed, Dumbledore welcome Romilda Vane back with open arms. Though, when Tiberius informed Dumbledore on the identity of the sword maker, Dumbledore claimed the boy was trying to bamboozle him. It wasn't until the Sorting hat sat on his head and narrated Tiberius' memories that Dumbledore was satisfied.

It was September 30th, 1993 when Tiberius got word that the paperwork had been approved and the years dueling schedule was put out, Romilda took care of the uniforms, Hermione did the research on the schools, and Flitwick and Tiberius came up with a diverse training schedule to prepare for the first tournament in November.

Around this time, Harry meets Cho Chang and starts to court her. It was difficult for him in the beginning. Harry wasn't usually an outgoing person and was always a bit selfconscious and doubted himself until Ginny told him that Cho just might be like Hermione. Headstrong and brilliant but just might be waiting for the right guy to bend her over their knee and take charge.

This worked in the beginning, but Harry just wasn't ready to put in the extra work. And Cho was like a sentient wildfire that had to be dosed constantly or risk it growing beyond your ability to contain.

After a few private dates, Cho was always around Harry and Ginny. The soon became a trio of their own. And they meshed brilliantly, in time. They all had a knack for the same thing, Quidditch. Though Harry had to teach her not to bully Luna Lovegood. It drew attention and made him look bad. Cho represented him as long as they remained in a relationship. As such, all of her actions were attributed to Harry. He made it clear that he would cut her off if she didn't. They soon began to but heads for a few days and then she attempted to test him.

So in turn, Harry challenged Cho to a duel and gave her a public lashing and Lecture. The next day she went to apologize and found herself replaced by Luna Lovegood. She didn't know how to react. Harry simply shooed her away.

Tiberius watched her leave and whispered to Hermione and Romilda and the girls left. Neville flashed a discreet smirk and then acted as if he didn't know a thing. Harry was a sentimental person. He couldn't help it. So having Cho for the sake of having her never crossed his mind. Not even the fact that Madam Chang's position in the foreign relations office was one of worth.

"Where are they going?" asked Harry

"To talk to Flitwick. 3 weeks before our first match. Durmstrang, I'll be here." he lied partially.

3 weeks passed in the blink of an eye. It was November 12th when Durmstrang arrived. They came by a ship that appeared out of the great lake. They were welcomed by Dumbledore and ate breakfast with Hogwarts in the morning. The duel wasn't going to start until the next day. This gave Dumstrang a chance to rest and gather their bearings.

On the next day, The teams gathered and drew from a magic raffle to determine the game of the duel. A round-robin was chosen which only allowed four participants from each school.

Many of the people who signed up felt that it was an easy win. But they had no idea how wrong they were. Tiberius and Cedric Diggory were the captain and co-captain. Diggory felt he should be in charge and many of the upperclassmen felt the same.

"Listen, the order in which I call these names is the order in which you will duel. Cedric Diggory, Zubeida Khan, Hermione Granger, and then Myself. Romilda Vane will act as an emergency alternate. We have two weeks until the next duel. Hopefully, some of you will take that chance to prove yourself and earn a spot next competition." Tiberius addressed a thirteen man strong dueling team.

Tiberius could hear them moan and groan with discontent. "What's the problem. You don't believe it? I tried to have you train a certain and you all stick to Hogwarts basics. Because anything else is so hard. I try to save the team the embarrassment and you all bitch and complain. How about I go last and Miss Granger is the Emergency alternate and Mr. Diggory can feel the third slot with one of his buddies. Everyone else can go to the stands." Tiberius then walked away to go change into the uniforms that Romilda's been hiding.

Tiberius and Hermione waited for Cedric and his people. Once they came in, Tiberius examined the new spinner, another name for the third spot in a Round-robin. A spinner could make or break the round-robin.

"Jean Silver?" Tiberius looked at Cedric

"She's extremely talented in charms and their applications" he replied.

"Okay, Co- Captain"

Cedric scuffed. "How about a wager? I get to be the captain if Durmstrang doesn't make it passed the spinner"

"Deal" Tiberius and Cedric then swore on it.

When the boys were finished with their dick measuring, Romilda revealed the uniforms or battle gear by the way they looked.

They were burgundy and gold version of Skyrim Nightingale armor. Tiberius smiled and praised her with a few kissed

"Aren't these a little much" Asked Jean.

"They're fine. Get dressed. We have to warm up" he ordered.

Sometime later, the five battle-ready students stood in the dueling classroom. Two of the Hogwarts student wore sheathed blades on their backs.

"So did you all ready the profiles that Mss Granger put together?" asked Tiberius

"We did our own research. What could a third-year possibly find that we can't? A muggle-born at that" Zubeida answered.

"And you did this research where? The Hogwarts Library, and maybe a few letters to your family. And when's the last time they dealt with a Durmstrang student. And Grindelwald doesn't count, he abused the wand like a brit and was one of the reasons he was put down."

Zubeida didn't reply. Tiberius looked at the rest of them and could tell they did the same. " Although we have a wager, I don't want to lose. So the best thing you lot can do is use your speed. Don't fear the wand, fear the staff. That's what kills you. If they manage to put up shields use bludgeoning and exploding spells to apply pressure and keep the distance. Transfiguration and conjuration are your friends when dealing with physicals. Restraints and flying weapons. If they get in your personal space. Call the match because you've already lost."

Tiberius then walked away and started to spare with Hermione.

A few minutes before the duel, the Hogwarts team made their way to the Quidditch pitch. As they walked on to the stadium the crowd cheered, on the big screen was the dueling order. The field was surrounded by protective wards to protect against stray spells. Durmstrang stood on the other side of the field with their staffs in hand. The people whispered about Hogwarts duel uniform. Durmstrang expected worse but like Hogwarts, they wore thick leather armor and armored pants. Fur was around their collars and they wore thick arm bracers.

Flitwick addressed the crowd and spoke his opening piece explaining the rules. It was a battle until submission. No killing spells or any spell intentionally used to permanently cripple.

Cedric was up first. He held his wand in hand and both contenders saluted and walked away. Once they turned around to face each other. Spells were fired. The Durmstrang student dodged first and fired a knockback jinx. Cedric put a shield and the Durmstrang student sprinted at him while applying more pressure with heavy spells. Cedric found himself in a bind. Instead of a shield, he adapted and began to redirect spells. Stunners and stingers they exchanged mindlessly.

The Durmstrang boy used his wand for a momentary shield and then stabbed his staff into the ground making a more stable shield. Taking a step back. The Durmstrang man started to cast his physical magic. And he took one step started to press, twirling his staff and batting spells away. And just as he got closer he shocked all of Hogwarts with a skill never seen before. He took a stinging hex and throw it back at the original caster. Cedric jumped to the ground and the boy pressed. His body was now coated in red flames and he attacked with staff strikes. One hit connected and Cedric's body shook. That split second locked him into a devastating combo leaving him incapacitated.

"Winner: Hunter Dawson!"

Durmstrang cheered and Hogwarts was speechless. The spectating members of Hogwarts' duel team were now thankful they weren't picked and even contemplated leaving the dueling team.

Zubeida failed in the same manner as Cedric. It wasn't until Jean walked on to the stadium that the tide changed. When the match began, she conjured metal pikes and sent them to attack Hunter. While he was blocking, Jean cast a spell to call her alternate.

"Winning isn't the only way a spinner can save the match... Hermione, show them no mercy," said Tiberius.

Durmstrang laughed at his words. Before Flitwick let Hermione walk on the field, he cast a dulling charm on the edges of her blade. She twirled her sword and the Durmstrang headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, squinted.

"Dumbledore, you never told me you were preparing your students in the ways of physical magic."

Dumbledore looked sufficiently interested in Hermione and her sword. So interested he ignored Karkaroff all together and Karkaroff just laughed.

"Physical magic hasn't been taught at Hogwarts since the founder taught at the school," said Karkaroff. "It looks like Hogwarts will once again offer a war curriculum. Look at her form and the way she handles the blade. A sword equally made for a handed style or a single. Do you know who her swordsmith is, Dumbledore?"

"I haven't the faintest idea." He replied.

Hermione ran at Hunter casting a series of spells that she managed to perfect to the point that she didn't need words. Stunner, stunner, bludgeoning.

"Bombarda Maximum!" She shouted.

Boom!

Hunter's shield, conjured by his wand, was shattered and Hermione was on him with a fast attack. He dodged and then stopped her blade mid-attack with his staff. Hermione then offered the spectators a surprise of her own when she released her wand and sword to perform a low side step and landed a combo laced with raw magic to the boy's body. When he doubled over, Hermione sent a knee to the center of his chest and followed up with a left haymaker to Hunter's jaw, knocking him out.

"Winner: Hermione Granger!"

That spectators were gobsmacked and partially terrified of the beautiful petite brawler.

The next round. Hermione pulled a trick similar to Hunter and sent a spell back to the caster using her sword. She then weaved a string of attacks breaking her opponent's knee, three ribs, and his jaw with fast well-placed sword strikes.

The third round. The guy attempted to bait her in disarming herself again. Hermione gladly gave in. Instead of going in for the attack, Hermione leaped back and performed a wandless spell and restained the guy in a vine prison. Threatening to suffocate him until he submitted.

The fourth round was against Viktor Krum. It was a well drawn-out battle. Hermione began to get desperate and tried something she shouldn't have. Forcing Viktor to defend with a barrage of long-range spells, Hermione apparated to his backside and attempted to land a sneak attack.

Unfortunately, her strike was blocked by a floating staff with an erected shield. Krum then snapped his fingers and lightning shocked her body causing temporary paralyzes. He then apparated and sent a flame coated kick to her back.

"Winner: Viktor Krum!"

Durmstrang cheered, But Hogwarts roared for Hermione as well. As she was taken away, Tiberius walked into the arena blade drawn. Like Hermione's, he had his edges dulled.

"So how do you want to do this?" He asked

"What do you mean?" Viktor asked.

"We can put the wands away and battle this out or do want to put on a show?"

"Hmm, let's finish this." Said Krum.

They both put away their wands and took a fighting stance. Viktor took a deep breath and then exhaled. A Phoenix flame cloak erupted form him and ethereal flame wings appeared.

"Deilen ddawnsio, Cam cysgodol" Tiberius mutters and the winds swirled around him, Cyan runes burned bright into his armor.

Krum's wings flapped and he shot off like a meteor. Tiberius moved like the wind and went just far enough to dodge and pursue him. Krum Stopped his evasion and Tiberius engaged him with a vengeance. The two duelers went blow for blow.

Tiberius was fluid with his movements, not one was wasted. Tiberius came with a downward slash and the strike connected with Krum's staff causing Krum's knees to slight buckle. Tiberius immediately switched to a reverse grip then spun into an elbow strike.

The moment Tiberius' strike connected with Krum, he muttered, "Aard" blowing Krum away. In a single step, Tiberius was on Krum once more and performed a five strike combo mixed with grip changes and feints. A true Witchers performance.

"Ahhh!" Krum shouted and his flames exploded outward.

Tiberius was blown back, as he was airborne, he waved his hand and the ground under Krum Transfigured into a pool of wet cement. As Krum sank his flames cooked the cement, trapping himself.

Tiberius soon got his feet under him and performed a full-powered wind step directly at Krum. A field generated around his blade and pushed apart the roaring flames surrounding Krum. The moment the dull blade point was flush against Krum's chest. Tiberius said, "burst"

All of the kinetic energy built up during the fight was released and blew Krum into the stadium wall, knocking him unconscious with fractures all over his body.

"Winner: Tiberius Emrys! Hogwarts wins the Duel!"

The stand erupted as they celebrated Hogwarts' first win of the year.