It was dinner time. Harry had just finished telling Ron what hadhappened when he'd left the grounds with Professor McGonagall. Ron hada piece of steak-and-kidney pie halfway to his mouth, but he'd forgotten allabout it.
"Seeker?", he said. "But first-years never-, you must be the youngesthouse player in about-".
"– a century", said Harry, shoveling pie into his mouth. He feltparticularly hungry after the excitement of the afternoon. "Wood told me".
Ron was so amazed, so impressed, he just sat and gaped at Harry.
"I start training next week", said Harry. "Only don't tell anyone, Woodwants to keep it a secret".
Fred and George Weasley now came into the hall, spotted Harry andhurried over. "Well done", said George in a low voice. "Wood told us. We're on theteam too – Beaters".
"I tell you, we're going to win that Quidditch Cup for sure this year", saidFred. "We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to bebrilliant. You must be good, Harry, Wood was almost skipping when he toldus".
"Anyway, we've got to go, Lee Jordan reckons he's found a new secretpassageway out of the school".
"Bet it's that one behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy that we foundin our first week. See you". Fred and George had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcometurned up: Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.
"Having a last meal, Potter? When are you getting the train back to theMuggles?", asked Draco mockingly.
"You're a lot braver now you're back on the ground and you've got yourlittle friends with you", said Harry coolly. There was of course nothing at alllittle about Crabbe and Goyle, but as the High Table was full of teachers,neither of them could do more than crack their knuckles and scowl.
"I'd take you on any time on my own", said Malfoy. "Tonight, if youwant. Wizard's duel. Wands only – no contact. What's the matter? Neverheard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?".
"Of course he has", said Ron, wheeling around. "I'm his second, who'syours?".
Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up. "Crabbe", he said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room,that's always unlocked".
When Malfoy had gone, Ron and Harry looked at each other. "What is a wizard's duel?", said Harry. "And what do you mean, you'remy second?".
"Well, a second's there to take over if you die", said Ron casually, gettingstarted at last on his cold pie. Catching the look on Harry's face, he addedquickly, "But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards.The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other.Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet heexpected you to refuse, anyway".
"And what if I wave my wand and nothing happens?".
"Throw it away and punch him on the nose", Ron suggested.
Nassaria cleared her throat, approaching the two boys. She had followed Draco, knowing he would get himself into trouble.
"Excuse me", she said. They bothed looked up.
"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?", Ron asked.
Nassaria ignored him and spoke to Harry.
"I couldn't help overhearing what you and Draco were saying-", Nassaria continued.
"Bet you could", Ron muttered.
"- and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be".
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Love Will Always Conquer // Harry Potter
Fanfiction"Sanctimonia Vincet Semper" Purity Will Always Conquer. But Nyra knew better than that. The only thing that could conquer anything... was love. Or at least she held onto that belief until the very end. Through sacrifice, lies and betrayal, she bel...
