88 88) The man of the hour

"You both will do great." Harry reassured to the two Gryffindors next to him. James and Sirius would practically win according to him. There was no doubt about it.

They had been training for this for the past few weeks. It shall go smoothly for them. They all had put their best and worked hard for it.

"We will do great." Sirius spoke with confidence. He could best the other two opponents against him with ease. He was confident in his skills. So was James.

Harry pondered the upcoming challenge. He was a little unsure of Sirius and James' capabilities against unknown opponents. Despite the lack of information, he felt it was crucial for them to maintain optimism about the impending task. Sirius was extremely good but he got cocky while James was too flamboyant.

Moody's eyes focused intently on Potter and Black as he delivered his strict instructions. "Potter. Black. Don't be reckless," he growled, his gravelly voice strict with warning.

"The first duel will be between, Lukas Meier and Pieter van der Berg, from Durmstrang and, James Potter and Sirius Black, from Hogwarts. Please all four make it to centre." Michael Buffer announced excitedly from his seat.

James and Sirius strolled deliberately to the center of the Quidditch pitch, the anticipation palpable in the air. The podium stood ready, marking the arena for the impending duel between the opponents.

The quartet arrived at the dueling spot, where Professor Flitwick, wand in hand, assumed the role of referee. His reputation as a dueling champion lent an air of competence to the proceedings. It also made him the most acceptable by the three schools. Gradually, he began to articulate the rules, his voice resonating across the pitch and the stadium with his magically amplified voice.

"In this duel," he started to proclaim. "Adhere to the laws. No Unforgivable Curses. No harm beyond incapacitation. A fair and honorable contest. Show sportsmanship. All ready" The rules hung in the air, framing the impending magical clash between the four students.

The four of them nodded and took their places at the end of the podium.

The four of them were in a large, circular arena, surrounded by cheering spectators. The duel was part of the Triwizard Tournament, and the stakes were high. The winner would earn points for their school and advance to the next round. The arena was filled with big rocks enough to duck behind.

Flitwick blew a whistle, and the duel began.

"Expelliarmus!" Sirius shouted, aiming at Lukas.

Lukas dodged the red beam of light and retaliated with a stunning spell. "Stupefy!"

Sirius rolled to the side, barely avoiding the blast. He got up and fired another disarming spell, hoping to catch Lukas off guard.

Meanwhile, James and Pieter were exchanging hexes and curses, trying to gain the upper hand. Pieter was fast and agile, dodging James's spells with ease. He sent a jet of water at James, hoping to knock him off balance.

James blocked the water with a shield charm and countered with a fire spell. "Incendio!"

Pieter conjured a wall of ice to protect himself from the flames. He then melted the ice and turned it into a swarm of sharp icicles. "Glacius!"

James waved his wand and created a gust of wind that blew the icicles away. He then cast a binding spell at Pieter. "Incarcerous!"

Pieter slashed his wand and cut the ropes that flew towards him. He then cast a blinding spell at James. "Obscuro!"

James felt a cloth cover his eyes, blocking his vision. He quickly removed it and saw Pieter charging at him with a raised wand. He was also charging spells at his figure while doing so. He reacted instinctively and cast a powerful spell. He blasted the area infront of Pieter at a good enough distance.

"Confringo!"

Pieter was hit by the impact of the explosion and flew backwards, landing on the ground with a thud. James quickly snatch the oopu and fired a non verbal 'Stupefy'. He was immediately unconscious and out of the duel.

James smiled triumphantly and turned to see how Sirius was doing. He panicked when he saw what was happening. Sirius was in trouble. Lukas had managed to disarm him and was now holding his wand. He was pointing both wands at Sirius, who was cornered and defenseless.

"Stupefy." Lukas said as he fired his stunning spell at Sirius.

Sirius was stupified and the moment was enough for James' spell to hit Lukas square in the chest.

There were suddenly large applauds from the Hogwarts students in the stands. Lukas focusing on Sirius had given James the split second opportunity to attack successfully.

________________________________________________

Severus sat in the stands, watching the Triwizard Tournament duels with a bored expression. To his surprise both James Potter and Sirius Black, they had managed to win.

"Can you believe it?" Laena commented with a frown. "They actually won. I didn't expect that."

Severus snorted. "Neither did I. I didn't think that those two idiots would actually pass through the rounds. Perhaps fate was on their side."

"Why do you say that? They're not that bad, you know. They're clever and brave, and they have a good sense of humor. Albeit sometimes." Laena replied with a frown. She found their antics hilarious sometimes. Especially when it was not on people around her.

"Humour is a subjective thing. What you consider humour won't be the same for me." Severus replied.

"They're arrogant and reckless, and they have a cruel sense of humor. They're always pranking and hexing me and other Slytherins, and they never get punished for it. They're the bane of my existence. But they're insignificant now." He continued with a barely suppressed frown.

Laena knew wisely to not comment on it. He would get his mood sour.

He watched as the next duel between Camille Leroux and Apolline Boucher from Beauxbatons and Frank Longbottom and Amelia Bones from Hogwarts was called out. He sat back and watched as the two teams moved to the centre to battle the next duel.

____

"Ladies and gentlemen . . . It's time for the fourth duel. Our fourth duel will be between Mathieu Moreau and Lucas Laurent from Beauxbatons and Champion Severus Prince and Alice Fortescue from Hogwarts. . . Give a round of applause for the duellists. ." Michael announced loudly to the entire Quidditch stadium.

Severus felt a surge of adrenaline as he walked towards the centre of the Quidditch pitch. Laena patted him and ruffled his hair as he walked past her.

He walked to the centre. They were going to face Mathieu Moreau and Lucas Laurent. He knew nothing of them. He didn't need to even know them. Their past or lives didn't matter. He was going to win. There was nothing more to it.

As he passed by the stand, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Professor Moody giving a pat to him with a smile of enthusiasm and encouragement.

"Good luck, lad," Moody said, giving him a brief smile. "You've got this. Just remember what I taught you. Constant vigilance."

Alice joined in too at the moment. She too received the same good luck from Moody.

"You take defense. I will attack." Severus whispered as they both walked to the centre of the Quidditch stadium.

Alice nodded. She understood it was the best way. His attacks were far powerful than her. He would suit better at attacking.

They reached the centre. Mathieu was a tall and handsome boy, with blond hair and blue eyes. He wore a blue and silver uniform, and he had a brown wand in his hand. Lucas was a short and thin boy, with brown hair and green eyes. He wore a blue and gold uniform, and he had a black wand in his hand. They both had a French accent, and they were speaking in whispers. Severus knew enough French that he immediately understood that they were purposely talking gibberish. They were using a psychological method to freak them out.

Professor Flitwick looked at both the teams.

"The rules are simple. Each team will have two members, and they will use their wands to cast spells at each other. The objective is to knock out or incapacitate the other team, or make them surrender. The duel will last for ten minutes, or until one team is eliminated. The use of lethal or dark spells is strictly forbidden, and will result in immediate disqualification. The use of non-verbal spells is allowed. The judges will award points based on the performance and the creativity of the teams. The team with the most points at the end of the duel will win the round, and advance to the next round. The team that loses the round will be eliminated from the tournament. Do you understand the rules?"

The four of the members nodded. Severus knew enough that the duel wouldn't exceed two minutes.

"Very well. Then, on my count, the duel will begin. Ready? Take your places. . . ." He proclaimed.

All four of them took their alloted places behind rocks for cover. Severus saw Alice hiding behind the big rock two metre away from him.

Flitwick blew a whistle signifying the start of duel.

Severus wasted no time. He flicked his wand and sent a jet of red light towards Mathieu Moreau, the taller of the two Beauxbatons boys. The spell hit the boulder crumbling it completely. Mathieu barely dodged the next spell as he ran for cover, but Severus followed up with another spell, then another, forcing Mathieu to retreat and block. His spells were aimed at the rocks in his trajectory, completely crumbling or reducing them to dust so that they wouldn't be able to hide. Severus was relentless, his eyes cold and focused as he unleashed the barrage.

Alice watched him with admiration and pride. She knew he was the best duelist in their year, and she was glad to have him on her side in this match. She also knew her role was to support him and keep him safe. She raised her wand and cast a shield charm around Severus, deflecting any spells that came his way from Lucas Laurent, the other Beauxbatons boy. She needed to protect him from stray spells. His spells were destroying the cover of both Beauxbatons boys and their spells were easily being deflected by Severus.

Lucas was frustrated. He wanted to help Mathieu, but he couldn't get past Alice's shield. He tried to cast different spells, hoping to find a weak spot, but Alice was quick to counter them. He glanced at Mathieu and saw him struggling to keep up with Severus's barrage. He wondered how long they could last. Moreover that bastard wasn't even moving. He was simply standing still and deflecting their spells with minimal effort.

Severus was enjoying himself. He loved dueling, and more than that he loved showing off his skills to worthy people. He had studied every spell and technique he could find, and he had practiced them until they were second nature. He knew he was better than Mathieu. It was better to make it fast and eliminate the. He cast a series of complex and powerful spells, each one more difficult to block than the last. He saw Mathieu's face contort with pain and fear as he barely avoided a cutting curse, a stunning spell, and a blast of fire. All three one after one within no time.

Severus decided to end it. He pointed his wand at Mathieu and instantly casted non verbally 'Expelliarmus!'. A blast of force hit Mathieu's chest breaking the shield around him and sent flying backwards and dropping his wand. Severus immediately pulled it with a summoning charm. He caught it. He looked at Lucas who was watching with slight feat. The boy's disarming spell had broken Mathieu's shield with no effort.

Lucas felt a surge of anger and fear. He knew he was no match for Severus, but he refused to give up. A bolt of red light hit him squarely in chest as the minimal disturbance and fear gave enough time for Alice's spell to connect.

Lucas's entire body was petrified and he couldn't move.

"The winners are Severus Prince and Alice Fortescue from Hogwarts!" Professor Flitwick's voice announced loudly as he declared the winner.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, especially the Hogwarts students.

Severus and Alice walked back to their stand. They had reached just halfway when Michael Buffer approached Severus with a microphone in his hand.

Severus sighed. This was going to be it then. An interview.

"A dominating performance from the Hogwarts champion. What would you like to say about your performance Mr Prince?" The Gryffindor senior to him approached excitedly. His voice a mix of joviality and excitement as he looked at Severus and Alice.

Severus took the mike. He knew what he had to say. If he was going to do it, better do it the fun way.

"I am the man of the hour Michael, too sweet to be sour, what you see is what you get and what you don't is better yet. I'm the women's pick, I'm the men's regret, and if you went against Severus Prince, you made a really bad bet."