A Million Things {Hamilton/Harry Potter Universe}

Chapter 20

Alexander was furious. That evening, Charles Lee had made it back to the camp, safe and sound, and refused to blame himself for their defeat earlier that day.

"The fault lies with George Washington!" he claimed to a small group of cronies. "He is indecisive and would help the war better if he went back home!"

Alexander had lunged at Lee, but Washington held him back. "Don't do a thing, son. History will prove him wrong." He tried to protest but Washingotn ordered him not to do anything. "We have a war to fight. Let's focus on that." He looked at him sternly and Alexander knew not to argue.

Trudging away, he found Laurens at one of the campfires and sat next to him. Laurens had needed a Calming draught but was otherwise in perfect health.

"You hear what Lee was saying about Washington?" he asked him quietly.

"I couldn't stop even if I tried," Laurens said, tossing a twig into the flames. "Someone ought to teach him a lesson." The firelight flickered on his face, making it hard to see his expression.

Alexander crossed his arms. "I would, but Washington ordered me not to do anything. I can't disobey him."

"Then I'll do it." Alexander gaped at him. "We'll have a duel," Laurens said, standing up. He looked at Hamilton, who was still sitting in shock. "You're my best mate, Alex. Will you be my second?"

Alexander jumped up and shook his hand, ready to support his friend in anything. "Don't throw away your shot, John. Let's go find Lee."

It wasn't that hard. "Charles Lee!" Laurens called, striding over to his tent. Lee came out, looking angry.

"What do you want?"

"I challange you to a duel for your performance today," he responded. "Do you accept?"

Lee rolled his eyes at the formailty. "Sure, I accept."

"You need a second." Hamilton put in. "Pick one."

The wizard scanned the camp. "Burr!" he called. "Come over here!"

Aaron Burr came over, looking as if he wished he could be anyehere else. "What did you do now, Hamilton?"

"I am Lauren's sceond to a duel against Charles Lee," Alexander said, puffing up his chest.

"Will you be my second?" Lee asked the man, though it sounded more like a demand.

"Fine," Burr spat. "This is ridiculous though."

The four men traveled to the edge of the protective boundaries. The area was flat. Perfect for dueling. As the other men prepared, Hamilton and Burr had a quick talk.

"Can we agree that duels are dumb and immature?" Burr sighed.

"Sure," Alexander said. "But Lee needs to answer for waht he said."

"With his life?" Aaron exclaimed. "Its crazy!"

The other man held up his hand. "Well how many Aurors died because Lee was cowardly and inexperienced?"

"You're not going to change your mind, are you?"

"Nope!" Turning towards Lee and Laurens, he called, "Face eachother and bow!"

Glaring, the two men bowed, neither taking their eyes off of the other. "Turn and walk ten paces!"

They turned and Alexander counted. "...one...two..." Laurens was stone-faced, but his hands were shaking.

"...three...four...five...six..."

Burr looked nervously at both men and then back at the campsite.