Power, Freedom and a French Flower

Opponents and Flowers

AN: Whats up guys, I hope you are all excited for some duelling!

I was thinking about having one longer chapter but instead I had to break it up into two parts.

You will be able to read the second one tomorrow.

I really hope you enjoy it.

Let me know what you think!

Chapter 18

Harry woke up feeling fully rested. Today was finally the day. He took a shower and dressed in some ordinary muggle clothes before making his way down for breakfast. The wizarding part of the Four Seasons Hotel had its own separate breakfast buffet.

Flitwick was already sitting at a table reading a French newspaper.

"Good morning Harry, I hope you are feeling well today?"

"I do, Professor. I am ready."

"That's excellent to hear, but please, call me Filius when we are not at school."

Harry thanked his dueling mentor and helped himself to some breakfast. He had at least four duels ahead of him and would need all the energy he could get.

The breakfast reminded him of his time with Nick and Penny. Unfortunately, the couple would not be able to watch him duel. They were currently at an international congregation of wizards and witches in Australia.

Nevertheless, he would make them proud.

"Your first duel is due to take place at 11:00. We should leave in about 30 minutes to get you properly registered and checked up."

Harry nodded his agreement and finished his breakfast in silence. Afterward, he went back to his room and packed everything he needed in his backpack. He went back down to the lobby to meet with Flitwick, who would apparate them to the stadium.

They arrived at the apparition point and Harry took a look around. There were people everywhere, happily chatting about the upcoming duels. It was the very same stadium as last time. This year, however, he spotted a lot of younger faces and families in the crowd.

Makes sense, Harry thought, after all the Under-14 and Under-16 championships started today. He watched as people from all over Europe exchanged greetings with friends and families alike. He could hear different languages everywhere, a couple of boys his age spoke German, while a few girls were chatting in quick French. It was truly an international event.

Flitwick led Harry over to the contestants' entrance. They were stopped by a man at the entrance.

"Names and country, please." The man asked in French.

"Filius Flitwick and Harry Potter from magic Britain. Mr. Potter is a contestant for the Under-14 Championship." Flitwick replied in French.

"Very well, Monsieur Potter. Please step inside and hand your wand to the officials for registration." The man said in a thick French accent.

Harry nodded, thanked the man, and stepped through the contestants' entrance. He found himself in a large hall. Along the walls were reserved spots for each participant in the dueling championship. Most of the kids seem to be his age.

It was a roughly equal mix between boys and girls.

They stepped to the front desk, where some officials were skimming through parchments. Harry reluctantly handed over his wand. Let's see if they could spot the most recent modifications to it.

"Eleven inches, made of elder and redwood. The core is Thestral hair. Bought two years ago from Ollivanders in Britain?" The official asked Harry with a raised eyebrow at the materials.