"Just as I thought" Flitwick mused aloud. "Tell me Mr. Potter, what other shields do you know?" he asked, clearly curious to see how far into shielding charms the boy had gone.
"I can produce and maintain a Mage Shield for quite a while but I prefer the Atlas Shield sir" Harry answered with a thoughtful frown. Flitwick smirked. It did not surprise him in the slightest that the boy was capable of both but was surprised that he had the knowledge of the latter.
"Why the Atlas Shield?" he questioned.
"It's almost as powerful as the Mage Shield but less draining and you can maintain it wandlessly" he added in a near whisper.
Flitwick's eyebrows rose significantly at that. He himself shared the same views as the teen on shielding and had not looked into them as much. He too much proffered dodging as opposed to shielding in his approach to dueling.
"And that gives you the chance to perform a much more intricate and powerful spell from within the shield, you just have to drop it before you release the other" Flitwick realised.
"It does sir". "Excellent work Mr. Potter, I am very much looking forward to seeing you compete" the Professor announced, walking away before Harry could answer.
The rest of the class passed with the students continuing to work on their shields and Flitwick testing the ones that looked the most durable with stunning spells.
It was after charms that Harry, Sirius and Peter attended Care of Magical Creatures before joining Remus and James for lunch in the Great Hall.
"What's up with Prongs?" Sirius asked as he took his seat noticing the other boy was looking very nervous.
"He's working up the nerve to ask Lily to the ball" Remus replied with a grin.
James frowned at the werewolf and shot a pleading look towards Harry who sighed and shook his head. "Just don't be an arse and do anything embarrassing" he advised. "Take her somewhere quiet and ask her properly without any jokes, she wants someone mature".
James nodded and smiled as he felt a sense of relief wash over him.
"How can you know so much about girls and not be dating one?" Sirius questioned.
Harry simply shrugged and began helping himself to some food, not wanting to discuss the subject with the others.
Sirius let out a frustrated groan before he too began to eat before it was time for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
There was no time for chatter as they entered the classroom as Professor Mortlake was waiting for them, arms folded leaning on his desk wearing a very severe expression. He waited for the class to take their seats before beginning. "It seems that our esteemed Headmaster has had another one of his genius brainwaves", he began sarcastically. "As such I have found myself in a situation where I have to supervise you all as you duel, therefore, stringent rules have been put in place to ensure your safety", he informed them.
The class waited for him to explain further.
"Firstly, there will be no lethal spells or curses", he began again firmly. "Any curses that I deem too dangerous will result in severe punishment and that could mean anything up to expulsion and the DMLE being called".
There was an audible groan from some of the Slytherin students at that.
"Secondly, the duels will be conducted under amateur rules which means that there will be a 15 minute time limit and only one point per victory which is earned by disarming or incapacitation only". "And finally, what I say goes, if you argue with me I will disqualify you, is that understood?".
"Yes sir", was the unanimous response he received, though many sounded reluctant to agree to such terms.
"Good", the Professor acknowledged. "Now today we will work on a few offensive spells so pair up and we shall get started" he instructed.
The marauders paired up amongst themselves with Sirius working with Marlene as Lily and Alice did.
The class passed rather uneventfully considering the issues between the two houses but the peace was not to last as Harry found out after the lesson had been dismissed.
"You're lucky Potter that they have decided to keep you safe with their rules" Rudolphus growled as they exited the class. "I'll just have to embarrass you instead", the boy declared smugly. Harry rose an eyebrow at the other boy and sighed.
"Are you really so forgetful or do you not just learn?", he questioned seriously. "I have embarrassed you every time you have tried to cause harm to myself or my friends but you just come back for more", he added in faux disappointment. "I'm sure you just must be so brain dead that you forget everything, I bet you'd forget your nuts if they didn't come pre-wrapped and attached to you, because even the most idiotic people would have learnt after the last time" he finished darkly.
Rudolphus flushed and growled in anger as he took a step forward only to find himself immediately looking down the shaft of Harry's wand as it was aimed between his eyes.
"I told you last time that I would start breaking bones if you attempted anything again", Harry reminded him casually. "Do not test my word", he warned. Rudolphus seemed to ponder his predicament for a moment before stepping back, the look of fury still etched on his face.
"It seems that you are capable of learning something Rudy", Harry mocked. "The Professors will be pleased that there's hope for you yet".
Rudolphus simply snarled before barging his way through the students, followed by his usual lackeys.
Harry caught sight of a smirking Bellatrix before she too left but not before mouthing the word 'Wednesday' to him.
He nodded stiffly and sighed internally, still feeling unsure about working with the girl once again.
"Come on, let's get our homework done out the way, we have training to do tomorrow", Remus suggested. The others agreed and they made their way to the library to get a head start as they had gotten in to the habit of doing.
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