When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 85

A Move So Brazen

"It doesn't make any difference to me who I have to fight," Charlus snorted after Harry had informed him of his prospective opponent. "It could be Gaulitier or even Grindelwald, it doesn't matter."

The man was focused, his expression quite grim as he spoke.

Harry knew he still held onto much of the anger that had built at the death of his father, a feeling he could understand.

He hadn't known his parents the same way Charlus had his and merely the thought of what happened to them infuriated Harry.

"I know," Harry comforted, "and I have no doubt that you could beat him, but Gaulitier isn't coming to fight you for Selwyn, and he certainly isn't doing it for one hundred galleons. The bastard is planning something, and we should be prepared for that, and try to find a way that it could be used to our advantage."

"We cannot breach the agreement of a sanctioned duel," Arcturus broke in. "If we do, we lose."

"We won't," Harry assured the man. "I'm still mulling over a few ideas, I just wanted to make you aware of what had happened."

"So, I just fight him?"

"You won't let me take your place, will you?"

Charlus shook his head firmly.

"This is something I have to do," he sighed. "If I do not fight, I will have the reputation of a coward and my family name will suffer. I will be fine," he added reassuringly.

Harry nodded his understanding.

He'd had no doubt that his offer to stand-in would be rebuffed, but he had to try anyway.

"Then I will prepare for the potential fallout," he explained, "and any other tricks Gaulitier might try and pull."

Both Charlus and Arcturus nodded.

"So, that is settled," the latter declared, clapping his hands together. "Now, do you have any photos to show us?"

Harry chuckled at the eagerness of the man.

"You'd better get the others," he huffed amusedly.

Reaching the door to Charlus's room, Arcturus opened it and poked his head out.

"Come on then, you lot," he called.

Evidently, they had decided to wait nearby for the three men to conclude their discussion, a sizable group of a couple of dozen or so entering the room quickly with countless more who could not squeeze in waiting outside, each looking towards Harry with an expression of expectation.

With a shake of his head, Harry removed the photos he had brought and began handing them out.

Seeing the hardened gazes of battle-hardened men soften was something to behold as they began passing the pictures around, whispering amongst themselves and smiling.

"I'll never understand it," Reg murmured.

"What?" Charlus questioned.