The Snake's Secret * under revision*

The Duel

Harry was back at school, heading to dulling club, which he had been unwillingly signed up to by Draco. He wasn't mad per say, just not looking forward to having to fight inexperienced young wizards. He wasn't even able to have fun with it, he had to hide how good he was, he wasn't able to torture or kill anyone. He wasn't even able to wound them. He still had to hide from the light wizards an act like he still thought that every life was sacred and precious.

They walked up to the great hall for the club, he, Draco, Hermione, Ron, Crabbe and Goyle. They had all walked there with the rest of the Slytherins attending, the trip up from the dungeons was okay for the most part but when they reached the landing, and therefore the atrium they met with the Gryffindors who were less than pleased to see them.

Harry had sped up to avoid the inevitable argument, which worked in his favour, heated voices followed them in as they walled up to the stage that had been set up and stood to the side waiting for it to begin. They had been standing there idly chatting for a few minutes, wondering who it was that was going to be, "As long as it's not- "Harry began but cut himself off with a groan as Lockhart walked into the room and up onto the stage. He was wearing robes of a deep plum colour and had a hat precariously placed on his wavy hair.

Lockhart waved his arm in the air for silence, "Gather round! Gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?" Excellent! Now Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dulling club, to train you all up to defend yourselves if you ever need. As I have done on countless occasions, for full details see my published works. Now, let me introduce my assistant Professor Snape." Everyone in the room quieted down as they watched a sullen Professor Snape walk up onto the stage. "He tells me that he has a wee bit experience with duelling and has agreed to help me teach you all the art."

Harry shifted his gaze to Snape to see his expression, he looked like he was sucking on seven sherbet lemons.

"Have no fear though, I will give you back your potions teacher in one piece." Lockhart's said, Snape's lip was beginning to curl. "So without any further ado let's begin. They turned and walked to the proper distance apart before raising their wands. "You see children, this is the correct stance and we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position. On the count of three we will cast our first spells, neither aiming to kill the other."

"I wouldn't bet on that." Harry murmured to the others, smirking as he watched Snape bare his teeth.

"One, Two, Three...." counted Lockhart. They both swung their wands, Snape shouted "Expelliarmus" there was a dazzling flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet: he flew back off the stage, hit the wall and slid down to sprawl across the floor. The Slytherins cheered for Snape.

After a moment Lockhart got unsteadily back onto his feet, his hat had fallen off and his waves were messed up, standing on end.

"Well there you have it." He said, tottering back on to the stage. "The disarming charm. As you see I've lost my wand- ah, thank you, miss Brown. Yes an excellent idea to show them that Professor Snape. But, if you don't mind me saying so it was quite obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy. However, I felt it would be instructive to let them see..."

Snape was looking murderous. Possibly Lockhart noticed, because he quickly switched tactics and said, "Enough demonstrating! I am going to come amongst you now and put you into pairs, Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me, I think a little inter house competition ought to liven everything up. So could we have a Slytherin and Gryffindore?"

Snape looked around and said, "Harry, please come up here.

Harry looked at the others and smirked a bit before making his way up, he could see not only his house but the house representatives cheering him on from the crowd.