When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 59: First Name Dueling

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 59: First Name Dueling

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

January, 1997

He moved his wand between his fingers, back and forth. Waiting. He was waiting for her to come and start their new task. Doubts flourished in his mind as to whether or not his method would help her, but he had no choice but to try. She knew how he was, how curt and cruel he could be. How tough.

Perhaps she realized he was one of her last chances. That weight was heavy, but all he could do was try his best. He needed her to get her magic back. He wanted her to get it back for her own sake even more than for the goals he'd set. He wanted to know that she'd have some chance of surviving when everything fell down around them.

She'd soon learn what he knew of Dumbledore's plans. Know the twisted secret Dumbledore had regarding Potter. She was too good not to go fight with them even after the way they treated her, so he wanted her at the best she could be.

His wards trembled and his office door opened. The slow way it inched open was an indication that it was Granger even if he hadn't been expecting her.

She entered, her lips barely formed into a smile. When she closed the door behind her and turned back around, that smile was gone.

He rose from his seat, and he saw the familiar fear he saw in some of this other students. She didn't try to hide her emotions from him.

She was better in Occlumency, almost ready to maintain secrets up to a certain point of torture and Legilimency. She'd never get to the point of holding out for too long. A brief mistake, a tired mind, could betray anyone, and they had no time to strengthen her much more in that.

"I will ask this once, Miss Granger. Are you ready to fight your fears?"

She trembled under his words, but remained standing there. He was a dark wizard and challenging her. She was aware of his power and skill. She knew the dark things he'd done both in the name of Voldemort and out of necessity to keep his spying a secret.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Yes," she said. No stammering. She didn't know how brave she was. She was conscious of the darkness that crawled and stretched around human hearts. Had learned the Dark Lord wasn't the only cruel monster around.

He pointed his wand at her. He saw her shiver. He didn't falter.

"Fight me."

Her hands closed into fists. She bowed her head, and her body trembled.

"Miss Granger, fight me."

She looked up at him. Tears in her eyes. "I don't want to hurt anyone, and especially not you."

He almost lowered his wand at that, but remained firm. Fear was rooted deep in her soul and mind.

"You're a kitten compared to me," he said, making his voice cold. "I am aware of this battle. You are a witch, Granger. Be brave and duel me or I will make you regret it." His eyes narrowed. "I can hurt you."

It would be difficult for him to do it, but if necessary, he would. He'd exhausted other means of helping her, now cruelty was the only way. He'd have to make her realize there was nothing wrong in defending herself, and with him throwing spells at her, she'd become a better duelist.

She did nothing.

Move damn you. Move. Wake up.

"Hermione, I believe in you." This was his last gentle option.

She lifted her lowered head and gasped.

He waited, his wand still pointing at her. He fully intended to carry out his threat.

Then her wand was in her hand, and her posture straightened. A part of the proud, strong, Hermione Granger had surfaced.

She took dueling stance.

He cast a sting spell nonverbally.

She saw it.

"Prot—" It slammed into her arm and she yelped, her hand flying to the area he hit.

He took a breath but kept his cold expression despite his excitement. She'd tried to protect herself. Her mind was slowly accepting her ability to fight again.

"Stop pitying yourself," he said. "Try again."

He cast another spell.

It hit her, and she hissed. She bit her lip, drawing blood.

"Magic is part of you. You can control it!"

"I can't!" You saw what happened!"

He cast another spell, bringing her to her knees. He took a single step toward her. "Stand up."

She looked up at him. "You've seen the things I've done, yet I still use magic. We are humans who make mistakes, Granger. Stand up and defend yourself! Show them how strong you are! Stop being unintelligent and stop letting those fools take who you really are away from you!"

Her eyes narrowed at him, and she got to her feet.

Good. He hoped she'd forgive him for his words later. He wanted to think their friendship was strong enough.

He sent another spell before she raised her wand. It shot toward her the light flashing in the dim room.

Her arm darted up. "Protego!" The spell rebounded on the shield. When it shot toward him, he dispelled it.

He grinned and put his wand away. She did it! It was small, but it was meaningful.

Her breath was ragged, her chest heaving with every inhale and exhale. Her hands still gripped her wand as if it was her most prized possession. Which it was.

When she closed her eyes, he took some soft steps towards her. This was the first step on her path to healing.

He placed his hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes. No anger. She'd realized his reasons for saying what he did.

"You can do it . . . Hermione."

AN: Drastic measures... and more familiarity with this new month. Hope you liked it and let me know what you think. See you on Saturday.