Somewhere Safe - Chapter 19

The next day came all too quickly. Harry decided to just get some sleep instead of worrying about how the duel would go. He wasn't fighting in it and Rose seemed to have a plan. She didn't share what it was, so he just had to trust her.

Breakfast was a light affair. He didn't think he could take eating anything heavy. Some jelly toast and cider were plenty.

Charms continued on the patch of Conjuration. It was mostly a lecture. Unlike Summoning and Banishing, items required specific incantations and wand movements. They weren't the hardest to figure out, but there was a lot of them. Simply Conjuration lacked precision but was easier to grasp. Targeting a specific item made the process complicated.

There was a lack of groping this time. Harry wasn't sure if that was a bad thing considering the approaching duel. The practical side of the class was completed in their seats. Lavender and a few other girls were giving him flirty looks. The Hufflepuff side of the room paid more attention to him this time.

Arithmancy was another class he wasn't looking forward to sitting through. He was enjoying the math puzzles work more than expected. Things with Hermione were strained, which made the atmosphere at the table strained. The class passed quietly with the scratch of pen on parchment and the occasional hushed conversation. Professor Vector patrolled the room, making herself available to her students. She efficiently answered any questions and did so in a way that wasn't condescending.

Lunch was tense. Rose still had to sit one seat away from him. Ciri was between them this time. Harry wanted to tell Rose to just call the duel off. It wasn't worth all this stress. She seemed to know what he was thinking and glared at him. Harry decided not to try to talk her out of it. He knew how frustrating it was for people to second-guess him. That wasn't something he was going to do to her.

Delphi had positioned herself at the Ravenclaw table to be able to stare directly at him. It was impressive considering the Hufflepuff table was in the way. Either she had prepared beforehand, or her intense study of him was strong enough for people to avoid.

Potions class was surprisingly fun. The lecture portion connected with Herbology, discussing the various alternative preparation methods for the different growing methods Professor Sprout had gone over. Professor Tonks taught them how to dice, grind, and shave Snozeberry Root as well as the different applications for each. They didn't actually make a potion in class, but Harry felt like he had learned a better understanding of the entire process.

Defense was focused once more on a variety of shielding spells and their uses. Aside from the more general ones such as Protegoor Aegis, there were also specialized approaches. They went over base forms to block elemental, physical, and arcane attacks. Similar to Protego, the spells had different levels of strength. Rather than another impromptu tournament, Professor Riddle went through the class one at a time to demonstrate. First, he would have them show they could do each shield, then he would zap a weak spell at them. They had to use the appropriate defense to block it. Those that didn't got sprayed with a jet of water, hit with silly string, or found their shoes swapped.

The entire lesson made Harry realize once again how lacking his Defense classes had been. He hated to admit it, but Professor Riddle was really good. Not only was he personable, but he had the knowledge and skill to keep the class engaging. Harry had always liked the practical side of things rather than theory, but somehow, Professor Riddle made it all interesting.

He had practically forgotten about the upcoming duel.

"The Dueling Club will be meeting in one hour." Professor Riddle announced at the end of class. "The practice schedule for House Teams will be posted at the end of the meeting. There is also a special announcement that Professor Flitwick and I are very excited to share."

"Excuse me, Professor." Delphi said before anyone could leave.

"Yes, Miss Riddle?" The Professor asked with an amused quirk of the lips.

"Rose Potter has challenged me to a duel." Delphi smirked over at the two Potters. "Would you be available to be the judge?"

Professor Riddle looked from his daughter to Rose, who nodded.

"Very well." Professor Riddle agreed. "There go my plans for an afternoon nap."

A few students chuckled.

Delphi's robes twirled as she headed out of the classroom. The majority of the class followed along as well. Lavender came up beside Rose. She whispered something that Harry couldn't quite hear. He started to run through plans. There had to be something he could do. He probably could have come up with a plan last night but Lavender flashing him had kind of halted higher brain function.

Harry carefully shuffled beside Rose once Lavender moved away.

"Hey." He whispered.

"Hey." She replied.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked.

"What was I thinking?" Rose pulled him to the side. "Riddle is a demon. I can't beat her. All I'm going to do is make a fool out of myself and trap you in a relationship with the wicked witch of Ravenclaw."

Harry scanned the area to make sure no one could see them. He pulled her into a quick hug.

"I have an idea." Harry said.

"Is it a good one?" Rose asked.

"All of my ideas are good ones." Harry scoffed.

"Says the guy who got bit by a basilisk." Rose countered.

Harry smiled. Rose chuckled.

"What did Lavender say?" Harry asked.

"She would be my second." Rose answered shaking her head. "I love her for that, but all it would just make me look like a scared little girl and give Riddle a free pass to hurt Lav." She looked him in the eyes. "I did not think this through."

"Welcome to the club, we've got jackets." Harry gave her a cheesy smile.

"Let's get this over with." Rose sighed.

They made it to the Dueling Room to find Delphi already waiting on the platform. Quite a large crowd had gathered to watch. The stands were about half full, which felt like a lot for something as simple as this. Professor Riddle stood in the center of the platform, he looked annoyed.

Delphi waved coyly as Harry entered.

"Rose Potter." Professor Riddle spoke loud and clear. "Do you wish to abdicate to your Second?"

Rose shook her head. A set of stairs emerged from the floor. She stepped up onto the platform. The steps sunk back into the floor once she was in position.

"The terms of the duel are a follows." Professor Riddle. "This is a Class Two rank duel. Victory will come by disarming, disabling, or surrender. Any questions?"

"I object." Harry shouted.

Professor Riddle looked at Harry with a scrunched, confused look on his face. "Pardon?"

The eyes of everyone in the room focused on him. Even Delphi looked caught off guard.

"I object." Harry repeated.

"Mister Potter." Professor Riddle said with an amused smile. "You are a third party, you can't object."

"This duel is to decide who is allowed to date me." Harry said clearly. "I object on the grounds that I can defend my own honor."

The humor vanished from his face. He sent an annoyed look over to his daughter. Delphi smiled without a care in the world. Switching his attention to Rose resulted in the girl blushing.

"Your grounds for object hold merit." Professor Riddle said with a sigh. "What are your terms?"

"They duel me to prove they are worthy." Harry said quickly.

"Mister Potter." The professor said. "We've seen that you are a superior duelist, those terms are not balanced."

"Both of them." Harry motioned to the girls. "At the same time. Two against one. Does that work?"

Both girls and Professor Riddle stared at him in silence. The entire room had gone quiet. Steadily, the platform began to morph. The section where Rose stood swung around to rest beside Delphi as another portion emerged to replace it. Now the platform looked more like a tennis court than a dueling lane.

"Your terms are accepted." Professor Riddle inclined his head.

Harry hurried to a marked position. The tennis court visual wasn't all that far off. There was a bright red line that cut the width of the platform instead of a net. Professor Riddle climbed up onto a raised perch. The annoyed look on his face had been replaced by amusement.

Rose and Delphi glared at each other. Instead of facing each other, they now had to work together. Neither of the witches was happy about it. Delphi because she wanted to teach Potter a lesson for getting between her and Harry. Rose was upset with the entire situation.

In truth, Harry would not have minded going on a date with Delphi before she jumped him that was. He didn't want to admit it, but she was attractive. Rose was good looking as well. He couldn't deny that he had checked her out a couple of times. Technically, she was his twin sister. Kind of. Maybe.

"Begin on the count of three." Professor Riddle conjured as comfortable chair.

A giant red square appeared in the air between the witches and Harry. It shifted to form the number three.

"Three."

"Scared, Potter?" Delphi whispered to Rose.

"You wish." Rose grumbled back.

"Two."

"One."

"Begin."

Of the three, only Rose had to call out her spells. She had no illusions that she could win, but she wasn't just going to lay down. Rose called out a stunner, followed by a disarming spell, and muscle relaxer -a variation of the jelly leg jinx that effected the entire body to a lesser degree.

Delphi didn't move. She watched.

Harry stepped out of the way of the stunner, swatted away the disarming spell, and caught the muscle relaxer with his free hand. He looked down at the swirling ball of magic. The wispy spell flowed through his fingers. He held it up for closer inspection. It flickered and faded away.

"What was that?" Harry asked directing the question to Rose.

Rose stared at him. She was frozen in the pose of the last spell. Her mind was trying to comprehend what had just happened.

"Hm?" She shook herself awake. "Oh. Muscle Relaxer. Mom came up with it. Works like a jelly leg, but it radiates through the entire body."

Harry nodded. "That's pretty cool."

He was suddenly aware that the entire room had gone silent.

"You'll have to show me that later." Harry said.

Rose nodded. "Sure."

Harry twisted his wrist with a sharp motion. Her wand zoomed over to him. He felt the familiar rush as he held it. The warmth radiated up his arms, meeting in the center of his chest as the two wands resonated.

"Rose Potter. You are eliminated." Professor Riddle broke the silence. "Please step down."

Rose hurried off the platform, leaving Delphi and Harry to face off.

Delphi was breathing hard. That hunger was blazing in her eyes as she stared at him in awe. She shivered when their gazes locked.

"Do you yield?" Harry asked.

"Never." She purred.

Harry shifted his stance, angling himself to present a smaller target. He lifted his main casting hand over his head with the alternate held low. It just felt right.

"Ladies first." Harry inclined his head.

Delphi rushed forward, her wand moving in a blur. The last time they had dueled her style was an elegant dance. Now, it was brute force packed with pure power. She sacrificed accuracy for speed. Her spells exploded in a near constant rumble that sent chunks of the dueling platform flying. She shifted her approach, cutting to the side as she neared the mid-line. Her casting slowed, forcing more power into each one causing the air the snap as the spells sped to her target. After her first barrage was completed, she backed off. Once more shifting to her elegant swirling style.

The entirety of the other side of the platform was shrouded in dust and debris. A swish of her wand cleared the air. In the spot where he had stood was a human shaped pillar of stone. It crumbled, revealing Harry, untouched.

He brushed a bit of dust off his shoulder. Delphi froze, mid-dance.

"Accio Wand." He said casually.

Her arm jerked as it was ripped from her grip. Delphi stared as he caught it in the same hand that held the other captured wand.

"The duel goes to Harry Potter." Professor Riddle said after a moment.

"My honor is intact, and my own." Harry walked over to Professor Riddle.

He handed over the captured wands before stepping off the platform.

"Well." Professor Riddle cleared his throat. "There are now ninety minutes before the first meeting of the Dueling Club. Anyone interested in joining should return by then. Professor Flitwick and I need to prepare the space."

Harry made it out to the hallway before Rose and Iris ambushed him. They pulled him into a nearby classroom. He slumped into an open seat.

"How did you do catch my spell?" Rose asked. "That was so awesome."

"For once I agree with Rose." Iris nodded like crazy. "And then you just shrugged off Riddle blowing up everything."

"I am really tired." Harry mumbled. "Give me a minute."

The girls calmed down enough to see that his eyes were drooping. They rushed over to him. Rose slipped behind him, propping him up so he didn't fall out of the chair. Iris pressed the back of her hand against his forehead and fussed over his face, fanning him.

"Magical exhaustion." Rose stated. "You'll be fine with some rest."

"Something to drink would be a good idea too." Iris added. "Can we get some apple cider please?"

A small pop and a glass of cider appeared on the desk.

"Thank you." Iris said.

She took the glass and helped him take a sip. Her fingers stole a gentle stroke of his lips. Rose glared at her little sister.

"What?" Iris asked, feigning innocence. "I didn't want it to drip on his shirt."

"Thanks." Harry straightened himself up. "I'm doing better now."

Rose shared a startled look at her sister.

"Are you sure?" Iris asked. "Don't push yourself."

Harry took the glass of cider from her as politely as he could. The cinnamon mingled with the tart apple perfectly.

"Really." His voice sounded stronger already. "I'm ok."

"How did you do that out there?" Rose asked once he was upright under his own power. "You caught my spell with your hand."

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "I could feel your magic. When I touched your wand, it was like holding my own. Maybe that had something to do with it." He took another sip. "This is the part where Hermione would run to the library for a research expedition." He mused.

The brief smile faded just as quickly.

"And shrugging off her attack?" Iris asked as she felt his forehead once more.

"We studied shields in defense." Harry shrugged. "I kept layering them. Having two wands made it really easy to pack the shields tight. I replaced them as they fell. She would have won if the duel went on any longer. I put a lot of power into summoning her wand. Otherwise, she would have just kept going."

Harry stood up and shook out his muscles. He flexed his fingers, trying to work out the lingering tension.

"Did you get what you want from the professor?" Harry asked.

Rose nodded. "I swear he was drooling."

"Ick." Iris blanched. "Flitwick and Riddle are going to come after you hard."

"Ravenclaw has been dominating the House Tournaments." Rose grumbled.

"Delphi is a demon." Iris grumbled. "Not even the seventh years hold up to her."

"The Wicked Witch of Ravenclaw." Rose chuckled. "She's on the international circuit. You probably just caught the attention of every gym in Britain."

Harry bobbed his head. "Should I do it?"

"You're asking us?" Iris looked at him with a surprised expression.

"You know more about it than I do." Harry shrugged. "We're family. I trust you."

He paused. The words rang true. They were his family. He had to be honest with himself. If he had the chance, he wouldn't go back. He wanted this to be home. A world without Voldemort. A home where Lily and James Potter were alive. The family he always wanted.

This was home.

~ § ~ § ~
The Other Side of the Mirror
~ § ~ § ~

Hermione was worried when Harry didn't come down for breakfast a couple of days ago. She understood, but she was still worried. Ron didn't help matters. He was as bad as Malfoy. No, he was worse. Ron was supposed to be Harry's best friend. Did he see the danger Harry was in? Of course not. Then he had the audacity to get mad at her for worrying about Harry.

When he didn't show up for class, she tried to tell herself that Harry just needed some space. Hermione gathered his homework and moved on to her next class. Surely, he'd be at lunch.

He wasn't.

Hermione could see she wasn't the only one that noticed his absence. Headmaster Dumbledore was paying more attention to the Gryffindor table. The portraits had started to follow her. Ron as well, to a lesser extent.

She was starting to panic when she found the map in his trunk. He wouldn't go anywhere without it. At least his cloak was gone, that had to be a good sign. Still, she searched the map. Harry was nowhere to be found.

Hermione took the map to Dumbledore that night. She hoped Harry would understand. They needed to find him. He would lose his magic if he didn't compete. She couldn't let that happen.

Dumbledore was impressed by the map. They didn't find Harry. It did lead to the discovery of a supposedly dead Death Eater masquerading as Professor Moody.

That about drove her mad. They had pumped him full of truth serum. He admitted responsibility in entering Harry in the tournament. It also led to Voldemort's plans being exposed. He didn't know where Harry was. The Death Eaters needed him to complete a ritual. Killing him wasn't in their plans.

Rita Skeeter leaked the story that Harry was missing. For once, Hermione was glad for the reporter. The entire country started to search for The Boy Who Lived. Sirius couldn't be stopped trying to find Harry. Capturing Peter Pettigrew straightened that mess out. The homunculus holding Voldemort was tossed in Azkaban sealed in a box with stronger wards than Hogwarts and guarded around the clock by a team of hit wizards. Dumbledore had let them know they had to destroy some sort of soul anchors before dealing with him, otherwise he'd come back as a shade.

Six days had changed the entire world.

Harry would have been so happy if he were here. Dumbledore was able to modify some sort of blood wards around Privet Drive for the search. Supposedly, it would find his exact location, living or dead.

It didn't. It pointed them to Hogwarts. They searched again. Not even Dobby could find him. The poor house elf was distraught. Oddly enough, the strange elf and Sirius formed a kinship.

Then they tried the Goblet of Fire. His magic was tied to it via a binding contract powered by Old Magic. Somehow, it wasn't connected to him anymore. It was like Harry no longer existed.

Every single student, professor, and house elf felt his absence.

Except one.

It took a while for Hermione to notice, but once she did, she couldn't stop. A wispy third year Ravenclaw girl with silver eyes. Luna Lovegood. She skipped through the hallways, seemingly unaffected by all of this. Hermione started to hate that girl.

Hermione followed her. There were times when Luna appeared to be talking to someone that wasn't there. That made her feel a bit better. She wasn't upset because she was mad. Even the magical world had mental illness it appeared. She forgot about the little Ravenclaw.

Which made finding her sitting at the edge of her bed all the more shocking.

"Hello." Luna said with an easy smile.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione pulled the blankets up to cover herself. She was dressed in thick flannel pajamas, but still.

"I'm talking to you." Luna replied. "And sitting on your bed."

"I can see that." Hermione glared at the girl. "Why are you here?"

"To talk to you." Luna replied.

Those silver eyes seemed to stare through her. They would shift every so often, tracking something that wasn't there.

"You're looking for Harry Potter." She stated.

"Everyone is looking for Harry." Hermione huffed.

She got out of bed and gathered up her shower things. Hermione stormed by the strange girl. It wasn't until she was starting to undress that she realized Luna had followed her.

"What are you doing?" Hermione yelled. "This is the shower."

"Oh, right." Luna dropped her robes on the floor, exposing her nude form underneath.

Hermione squeaked, she quickly turned around to avoid looking at the girl. She heard the water turn on. Hermione kept her back to the girl as she undressed. She made sure the water was hot enough for steam to block things.

"Why are you following me?" Hermione said through gritted teeth.

"You don't want to find Harry Potter." Luna repeated. "You're angry at him."

"I am not!" Hermione yelled. "He's my friend and I'm worried about him."

Luna cocked her head to the side. She studied Hermione.

"You want to find him, but she doesn't." Luna pointing to Hermione.

"That doesn't make sense!" Hermione was getting tired of this.

"Hm." Luna scrunched up her face in thought. "No troll. There should be a troll. Ginny didn't need to be rescued." She looked down at her hands, wiggling her fingers. "I'm not pruning." She held her hands up to Hermione. "See."

Her fingers, in fact, were wrinkled. Luna blinked. She scanned the area, her gaze settling on Hermione as though seeing her for the first time.

"The troll was missing. So are the prunes." Luna sighed. "No wonder he doesn't want to come back."

"What?" Hermione stopped. "Why wouldn't he want to come back?" She took a deep breath. "You don't know where he is. Why am I talking to you?"

"You asked me that already." Luna sighed again. "You asked Luna that."

"What does that even mean?" Hermione snapped. "No. I'm not doing this."

She stomped out of the shower, then stomped back to grab her towel. Luna followed, still wet but wearing her robe once again.

"Leave me alone. Talking to crazy people isn't going to find Harry." Hermione screamed at the girl.

"That wouldn't help." Luna agreed as she sat on the edge of her bed.

Hermione ignored her as she got dressed. When she turned around the room. She appeared to be counting the beds.

"What are you doing now?" Hermione groaned.

"Looking for Rose." Luna replied.

"There's no one in this room named Rose." Hermione wanted to leave, but she didn't trust this girl alone.

"That's the problem." Luna turned those silver eyes on Hermione. "Harry is with Rose. Rose isn't here. Harry isn't here. You're here, but no trolls. I'm here and my mum is alive."

"What does that mean?" Hermione stalked over to Luna.

She gripped her shoulders tightly.

"I don't know." Luna said easily. "I'm confused. I don't like being confused."

Hermione gritted her teeth. "Leave."

"Okay." Luna slipped out of her grasp and left.

~ § ~ § ~

Harry watched as the petite blonde girl skipped over to him. She plopped down on the bench across from him. He was currently having a snack before the dueling club.

"The girl with the trolls and prunes is very rude." Luna stated.

Harry blinked, letting that sink in.

"I'd be upset if there were trolls and prunes too." Harry said.

Rose and Iris stared across the table at the blonde girl. The Ravenclaw witch had invited herself over and started a conversation.

"Who are you?" Rose asked slowly.

"Luna Lovegood." She replied just as slowly. "My mother is alive too."

"That's good." Iris shot a glance at her sister, then to Harry.

"Oh, yes." Luna nodded. "She died where there were trolls."

"But you said she's alive." Iris squinted at the new girl.

"Yes." Luna gave her a smile.

"Our mother is alive too." Rose tried to sound casual.

"She was dead where there were trolls too." Luna stated.

The girls bristled at that. Harry stared at her.

"Luna." Harry said slowly. "Who was the girl with the trolls and the prunes?"

"Trolls and prunes?" Luna asked, cocking her head to the side. "Hermione Granger. We took a shower together."

The girl in question jolted at the sound of her name.

"We most definitely did not." Hermione yelled.

"Clearly." Luna rolled her eyes.

"Hermione." Harry held up a hand to stop the girl nearby from speaking. "The one with the trolls and the prunes. Why did you tell me about her?"

"She's your friend." Luna sighed, she looked at Iris. "Is he paying attention?"

"The troll." Harry muttered. "The troll in the bathroom?"

"Yes." Luna clapped her hands. "Hermione was in the bathroom with a troll, it made her scream a lot. She's the one I showered with."

There weren't many people in the Great Hall as it was between meals. However, those that were, now were quite interested in the conversation.

"I was never in the bathroom with a troll, and we have never EVER taken a shower together!" Hermione screamed. "Stop talking about me."

"We're not." Luna waved a hand at her. "Please stop interrupting, this is important."

"You talked to my friend, Hermione?" Harry felt his pulse starting to thunder in his chest.

"Yes." Luna nodded.

"How?" Harry said before she could say anything more.

"I talk to myself sometimes." Luna replied.

Rose and Iris groaned. Harry was the only one who didn't seem to be annoyed.

"You talk to yourself." Harry mumbled. "You talk to the Luna where there was the troll in the bathroom."

"Exactly." Luna smiled. "At least someone is paying attention."

"Harry." Rose whispered. "What is she talking about?"

"In my first year, someone let a troll loose in the castle. It found its way to the girls' bathroom, where Hermione was. That was how we became friends." He explained. "The Hermione with the trolls. That one is my Hermione."

Luna nodded. At some point she had acquired a chocolate bar.

"Can you talk to her?" Harry asked.

"I tried, but she is very rude." Luna replied.

"Is she safe?" Harry asked.

"Oh yes, very safe." Luna said. "They went looking for you, but caught a potato man, a rat, and man with a fake false eye. Stubby Bagman isn't in trouble anymore."

"A fake false eye?" Harry arced an eyebrow at her.

"Strange, isn't it." Luna shrugged.

"What is she talking about?" Iris asked.

"Give me a moment." Harry replied. "The rat. Do you mean Pettigrew?"

Luna nodded.

"Pettigrew was with Voldemort." He muttered, lower than a whisper. "My dream at the start of the year, Voldemort was stuck in a misshapen body. They caught him."

Harry rocked back as the realization hit home. Rose caught him before he fell out of it. He smiled a thanks at her. His throat felt dry.

"Luna." He choked out. "Who is Stubby Bagman?"

"Sirius Black, of course." Luna scoffed. "You should know, he's your godfather."

"Sirius is free?" Harry stared off. "They caught Voldemort and Sirius is free."

He started to laugh. Softly at first, then grew into a loud, echoing sound. Luna smiled and ate her chocolate bar happily. Rose and Iris, on the other hand, were clearly worried. Finally, Harry took a deep gasp of air to settle himself down. It felt as though a long aching muscle finally relaxed.

"Did he go mad?" Hermione asked as she slowly backed away.

"He's just as sane as I am." Luna answered.

"Luna." Harry calmed himself down. "Thank you. Can you talk to yourself to give Hermione a message?"

"Sure." Luna smiled.

"This is important, I need it to be clear, and have you pass it along." Harry tried to sound as serious as he could.

"I know. she has a hard time believing things." Luna leaned forward. "I am ready."

"Please tell yourself to tell her." Harry tried to think of something. "I am not dead, or worse expelled. Please take care of Hedwig. Don't worry about me. I'm safe."

"I will tell myself that tonight." Luna stated. "I will tell you what Hermione and I talked about in a couple of days."

"Thank you, Luna." Harry smiled broadly at her. "I really appreciate this."

"You are welcome, Harry." Luna produced another chocolate bar and happily began to eat it.

Everyone around them were still watching. Though they didn't know quite sure what had just happened. Even Rose and Iris were stumped. The confused silence was shattered as Delphi Riddle took a seat next to Luna.

"Am I there too?" Riddle asked Harry.

He shook his head. Even her invasion didn't darken his mood.

"Why not?" Delphi scoffed.

"Your mom is in prison and you father exploded before they could have sex." Luna said it like she was talking about the weather.

Harry tensed, waiting for Delphi to snap. Instead, she bobbed her head from side to side.

"That makes sense." She sighed. "So, lover." Her sharp eyes locked onto Harry. "Are you going to join the Dueling Club?"

"He's not your lover." Iris snapped.

"Calm yourself, little Potter." Delphi glared daggers at her. "Or I will give you a lesson in manners."

"No." Harry said firmly. "You won't threaten, or harm any of my family."

"And if I do?" She pouted. "Are you going to punish me?"

"You will live every day of your life without me." Harry stated.

Delphi froze. The blaze behind her eyes seemed to faulter for a moment. It returned in full force.

"Then I would make you see me." Delphi gave a feral smile.

Harry cocked his head to the side.

"Delphi." He said softly, as though she was a friend.

That really messed up her flow.

"Would I be the person you want if that worked?" Harry spoke gently. "In the hallway, if I tossed you down on the floor and took you like an animal. Would I be the wizard you want?"

Iris blushed. Delphi shuddered. Rose was suddenly very interested in the wood pattern on the table. Luna ate her chocolate bar.

"Would that be the one you have been looking for?" Harry let the words hang in the air.

Delphi stared at him for a moment. She studied him, taking his words to heart.

"The duel." Harry prompted. "Both of them. What do they tell you about me?"

"You are powerful." Delphi swooned.

"And?" He asked.

Her brow scrunched up in thought. After a moment, the tension in her muscles eased. No longer was she coiled to strike.

"You will be mine, Harry. I will find a way." Delphi stood up, glaring at him.

She stormed away with murder in her eyes as she went.

"What was that about?" Iris whispered. "What did you mean the duels? You beat her and Rose. They say that you beat her twice a couple of days ago too. How would that change anything?"

"Honestly." Hermione huffed. "In both encounters Harry showed an overwhelming amount of power and skill. If he had wanted to, he could have humiliated her earlier today. That type of person would have 'taken her like an animal' in the hallway. Clearly, that's not Harry."

"Thank you." Harry said, inclining his head.

"Why are you still here?" Rose asked.

"I was trying to have a nice bowl of fruit until someone started telling people I was having an orgy with trolls in the shower!" Hermione yelled.

She paused. Realizing what she had just declared. Loudly. In the Great Hall. With other students around. People started to chuckle and whisper. A couple of Hufflepuff boys catcalled. Her face turned an impressive shade of red. She turned to face the other students in the room. Her glare made even a few seventh years flinch.

"Shut. It." She commanded.

When Delphi left, she was angry, but focused. Hermione, on the other hand, looked like she would literally murder the next person who laughed at her. Even the paintings moved out of the way as she stormed out of the room.

"I do not envy her dueling partner today." Rose whispered.

"She's a duelist?" Harry asked.

"Yeah." Iris answered. "She's pretty good, but you can tell she's only doing it to put on a reference letter. She's stiff, with no passion, or creativity. All of her spells are by the book."

"Her spell chains are directly from the dueling manual too." Lavender spoke up.

Harry jumped at the sound of her voice.

"When did you get here?" Harry asked.

"Around Luna's third chocolate bar." Lavender answered. "Are you going to the Dueling Club?"

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "I thought I'd try it out. Are you?"

"I might." She shrugged. "It depends on my trainer."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked as he turned to face her.

"I'm a Rank B duelist." Lavender replied.

"I don't know what that means." Harry shrugged.

"Right." Lavender sighed. "Duelist are put in separate leagues by Rank. The top three are B, A, and S. The lower three being C, D, F. To go up a rank you have to have at least ten wins with a three-to-one ratio. Then you have to issue a challenge to move up. Rank B is the lowest for a Professional Duelist. F through C Rank are for amateur leagues, or people just starting out."

"You're a professional duelist?" Harry asked, looking at Lavender in a new light.

"I can't be hot and a duelist?" Lavender teased. "This summer will be my first international tour."

"Isn't Delphi a duelist as well?" Harry asked. "She's part of the club."

"Delphi's trainer is her mother." Lavender hissed. "She loves having her daughter show off. From what I heard, Professor Riddle was the only one to beat her in a duel and that's why they got married. He's like twenty years older than her."

"That makes sense." Harry took off his glasses and pinched his nose. "Beating her three times makes me Prince Charming."

Lavender laughed.

"How do you know Luna?" Harry asked.

The blonde perked up at the mention of her name. Her chocolate bar had been replaced with stretch of pink taffy.

"She is a Rank A." Lavender smiled at the girl.

"Are you in the club?" Harry asked.

Luna nodded as she worked through a bite of taffy.

"Where are you getting all that candy?" Iris was in awe.

"I've got pockets." Luna lifted the side of her robe to show a row of hand-stitched pockets. "Ever witch should have a robe with pockets."

Harry smiled at that. Further conversation stopped as Professor Flitwick entered the room.

"This way for any students interested in the Dueling Club." Flitwick called.

The group all began to follow the small professor. Luna had slipped in as part of their group. Harry shot a look at Lavender, who shrugged. Then he turned his attention to Iris.

"They told me you can't play Quidditch and Duel at the same time." Harry whispered to her.

"I'm here for moral support." Iris winked at him.

"Thanks." Harry blushed.

Flitwick led them back to the Dueling Room. The seats had been lowered back to their original position and the platform had been reset. Professor Riddle was in a hushed conversation with Delphi. Hermione stood off to the side, still seething.

"Professor Riddle." Flitwick called as he approached.

"Ah." Riddle nodded to the other professor.

A set of stairs emerged from the floor and the two professors stepped up.

"Witches and Wizards." Flitwick called. "Welcome to the Dueling Club."

"It's good to see so many familiar faces." Professor Riddle charmed.

"And new ones as well." Flitwick added.

The two were working smoothly together.

"We have been teasing a special announcement." Professor Riddle continued. "Professor, if you would."

"Hogwarts will be hosting the inaugural International Academic Tournament." Professor Flitwick explained excitedly. "Inspired by the TriWizard Tournament of old, schools from across the world will gather every four years to compete in Dueling, Quidditch, and Racing."

"To that, there are some changes to how the Dueling Club will work this year." Professor Riddle took over. " These are exhibition matches, as such, they are not ranked. The top twenty duelists from each school will compete in a single elimination bracket. This Saturday and Sunday we will begin the selection process with a tournament of our own."

"The competition events will be held on Saturday and Sunday, baring Hogsmeade weekends, for the remainder of the year." Professor Flitwick added. "Saturday will be for Quidditch, Sunday for Dueling as well as Racing this spring. With that in mind, the Dueling Club meeting time will remain the same. Wednesday evening. However, those twenty chosen to represent the school will have a separate practice scheduled Saturday and Sunday evening."

"This evening we will focus on assigning a Rank to any new members." Riddle nodded toward him. "And addressing gathering names for the tournament this weekend. Anyone already ranked, and not interested in the tournament may leave. We will have a normal club meeting next week. Any questions?"

"How many schools are competing this time?" Hermione asked.

"As it's the first year, three." Flitwick answered. "Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and ourselves."

"What about Duos?" Someone Harry didn't recognize asked.

"Not this time." Riddle shook his head. "The Planning Committee wanted to make sure there is enough time for the three events before adding more."

"How is Quidditch going to work?" Iris spoke up.

"Cubs, Mid, and Top will all have a team gathered from the best of each house." Flitwick found Iris and smiled. "Best of three games, wins the league."

Iris nodded; her expression turned hard.

"Excuse me, Harry." She whispered. "I need to go talk to my team."

"No goodbye of me?" Rose asked in mock hurt.

Iris rolled her eyes before running out of the room.

"Someone's got a crush." Lavender whispered in a sing-song tone.

Rose giggled.

"Rose too." Luna said, matching the tone.

That silenced Rose. Luna didn't mind the awkward silence. She slipped through the crowd to sign up for the tournament this weekend.

"I…" Lavender scanned the room for something. "Have to talk to my trainer!"

She hurried away, leaving Rose and Harry alone.

"Rose." Harry said.

Rose held up a hand to stop him. Her face was bright red. She raised it when he tried to speak again. Harry shrugged. She watched him closely as she lowered her hand.

"I think you're awesome too." Harry said quickly.

He moved through the crowd, escaping the conversation. Professor Riddle waved him over.

"Mister Potter." Professor Riddle gave him a polite grin. "I'm glad you decided to come. Are you interested in the tournament as well?"

"Yeah." Harry nodded. "I think I will."

"Excellent." Professor Riddle smiled. "Step this way, Professor Flitwick will assess your Rank."

~ § ~ § ~
The Other Side of the Mirror
~ § ~ § ~

"Hello, Hermione." Luna sat down across from Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

"How do you know Luna?" Ron asked.

"We took a shower together." Luna replied.

Ron stared at Luna. He slowly turned to look at Hermione, then back at the petite blonde.

"I need to go." Ron hopped up from his spot and rushed away.

"What do you want Luna?" Hermione glared at the girl.

"I was talking to myself, and I wanted to tell you something." Luna replied.

"Fine." Hermione bit out. "If it will get you to leave. What is it?"

Luna raised her arm, there was a message written along her forearm in large letters,

"Harry isn't dead, or worse, expelled. Please take care of Hedwig. He is safe." Luna read. "Don't mention that a troll made Hermione scream in the bathroom. That makes her upset." She looked up at the glaring Gryffindor. "The last part is very confusing."

"Who told you that?" Hermione lunged across the table. She gripped Luna's outstretched arm. "Do you know where Harry is?"

"I did." Luna replied, once again sliding easily out of her grip. "Harry is where there weren't any trolls, and my mother is alive."

"Your mother is alive?" Hermione asked. "What does that have to do with anything."

"No." Luna shook her head. "My mother is dead. She's alive where there wasn't a troll."

Hermione stared blankly at the girl. She took a deep calming breath.

"Harry gave you that message?" Hermione asked.

"Harry told me to tell me to tell you." Luna explained. "I told myself that he was worried about you, but then I told him that you were safe and Stubby Bagman was free."

"WHO THE HELL IS STUBBY BAGMAN!" Hermione screamed.

"Harry's godfather." Luna didn't react to the yelling.

"Harry's godfather is Sirius Black." Hermione growled.

"Yes." Luna nodded.

"Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall tried to keep her tone soothing as she approached. "Please, come with me. A calming drought will do you some good."

"I don't need a calming drought!" Hermione yelled. She winced when she realized who she had just raised her voice to. "Sorry, professor. I would be fine if she would just leave me alone."

Professor McGonagall turned a stern eye to Luna.

"Miss Lovegood." McGonagall said. "Please explain yourself."

"It started six days ago when Harry walked in late to the Opening Feast." Luna said.

"The opening feast was more than six days ago." Professor McGonagall scowled.

"Not where Harry is." Luna continued. "Mister Filch took him to see you. Headmaster Dumbledore took him somewhere. He came back on Sunday with his parents."

"His parents are dead." Hermione snapped.

"Yes." Luna nodded. "Rose took him to his room and they slept together."

"Who is Rose?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Rose is Lily and James Potters oldest daughter." Luna answered. "Then he dueled Voldemort's daughter and she fell in love with him. I talked to Harry after Hermione, and I took a shower together. He wanted me to ask me to deliver a message to her."

"And what was the message?" McGonagall asked.

Luna held up her arm. The writing was smudged now. McGonagall arced an eyebrow.

"Har snit as orwo spel." Luna read. "Plea seta Khewgid. Hari ssaf. Don't mention that a troll made Hermione scream in the bathroom. That makes her upset."

"Of course, you can read that part." Hermione grumbled. "The message was: Harry isn't dead, or worse, expelled. Please take care of Hedwig. Harry is safe. Then the thing about the troll."

"That is an interesting message." McGonagall said.

"I told myself the troll part, not Harry." Luna clarified.

"Thank you, Miss Lovegood." McGonagall tried not to sound as confused as she truly was. "Miss Granger, does that make any sense to you?"

"When we were in first year, when Harry and I accidentally found Fluffy. I told him that we could have died, or worse, expelled." Hermione explained. "He likes to remind me about that."

"So, there is a chance that the message is from Harry." Professor McGonagall stated.

"How can you say that?" Hermione stomped her foot. "This girl sneaks into my shower, ranting about trolls and prunes. Then she comes down here, ruining my dinner saying that she was talking to herself. Now, she's saying something about Harry's parents being alive. That makes no sense."

"Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall was not impressed. "We live in a world full of magic. I can turn into a cat at will. How is Miss Lovegood having a message from Harry that hard to believe?"

"It doesn't make sense." Hermione yelled. "His parents are dead, but they're alive there. There wasn't a troll there, but there was one here…"

Hermione's gaze snapped back to Luna. For her part, the blonde now had a large banana split half-eaten in front of her.

"There wasn't a troll in the bathroom." Hermione whispered. "Luna."

"Yes." She said.

"Tell me. Do you mean in my first year, there wasn't a troll in the bathroom." Hermione asked.

"That's what I said." Luna nodded.

"And the Potters are alive, where there wasn't a troll." Hermione continued.

Luna nodded again; a big scoop of ice cream prevented her from speaking.

"He's in another world." Hermione dropped back onto the bench.