When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 137: Dueling Club

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 137: Dueling Club

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.

February, 1999

Unlike the year he did this with Lockhart, the students were much more serious. The male students were excited instead of annoyed, and the female students acting less like fangirls. But it did make him uneasy somewhat that, when he came in, he'd heard some female students say he was "hot". He certainly didn't feel hot in the castle. No one could in the drafty place unless they were in front of a fire, and he didn't like heat anyway.

When he saw some younger girls glance at him and then giggle, he almost rolled his eyes. They were acting somewhat like they did when Lockha—Merlin, that was impossible.

He looked around the room and his eyes settled on Hermione. She was sitting next to Potter and his girlfriend, Miss Weasley.

She was glaring at the girls.

For the first time in a while, he was annoyed with her, and for the thousandth time, he was annoyed at Potter. Those two were the ones that saved the world. Potter had defeated the Dark Lord. They shouldn't be sitting on their arses.

Lupin stopped at his side. "Do they really think we'd allow them to just sit and watch?" Lupin said, and motioned to Hermione and Potter. Severus almost chuckled at that. "They didn't sign the duel club papers you know."

No, he didn't know. He thought for sure Hermione would join just to learn something new. He hadn't had time to go into as much depth as he would in this club.

"Then, we can use them as examples," Severus said. Though he said it like it was some sort of punishment, he knew Hermione would adore it.

Lupin clapped his hands together and the chattering stopped.

"All right. We officially declare the dueling club started. We will do demonstrations showing new spells and moves each week, but we will do structured duels."

"Since this is a duel club and not a brawl, it will be one verses one," Severus said.

An exciting murmur rose amongst the students.

"There is a box on the table near the door. Queue in front of it and then take a paper with a number from the box." Lupin said. "Go over to the chart on the wall and write your name beside the corresponding number. Whoever you get will be your month's dueling partner."

"I hadn't expected this much participation," he said.

"I did," Lupin replied and looked at him. "They respect you. Some have a case of hero-worship for good reason."

Severus huffed. "Annoying."

"Some of the girls have crushes on you," he said.

Severus looked at him with disgust. "Nonsense."

Lupin chuckled. "If you say so. But I've heard some creative nicknames for you."

"Stop acting like a teenage girl with gossip and make sure no one cheats on their pairings."