In Through the Out Door
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
Chapter 22
The students of the final three schools and there professors were treated to a reception in the convention centers grand ball room. There was music, dancing and refreshments. There were disproportionately more girls than boys due to the extra girls of Baux Batons.
The four students in the finally were interviewed by Rita Skeeter for the Daily Prophet.
Sasporilla Bucket sat in back trying to stay out of everyone's way. Penny danced with Owen Holland. Zac and Karry were in the grasp of Rita Skeeter like flies in a spiders web. Sassy nibbled on refreshments alone at her table.
"Hi." A strange boy said to Sasporilla in a heavy Irish accent. "This is a nice party."
"Yes very." Sassy agreed.
"I'm Deckland Casey." The boy smiled. "I'm from Droorlily."
"Yes I saw your duel." Sassy smiled. "I'm Sasporilla Bucket. Equipment manager, mascot and pitiful hanger on of the Hogwarts team."
"There's nothing pitiful about you that I can see." Deckland Casey smiled. "Would you like to dance?"
Sasporilla thought about saying no. Then she remembered her own words to Korry. What was she holding back for? Why was she sitting at the back of the room not enjoying life. A boy was asking her to dance.
"I'd love to." Sasporilla said holding out her hand.
Deckland took the young witches hand and helped her to her feet. The walked over to the dance floor and grooved to the music of bands like the Weird Sisters and Patersons Wand Shop.
After four or five dances Sassy and Deckland sat back down at the table and they were quickly joined by Penny and Owen.
"Great party!" Penny smiled. "I prefer my music a bit heavier but still."
"Like what?" Sassy asked.
"Bristle Face, Cult of the Blood Moon Wolf, Flying Carpet Baggers." Penny said.
"Broomer music." Deckland said. "Not great to dance too though is it?"
"Ever tried?" Penny asked.
"No." Deckland said truthfully.
Penny reached into her bag and pulled out a disk from its depths. She walked over to the DJ and asked if he would play a song from her personal taste in music. She walked back to the table and said "All right you three, let's dance."
They got up on the floor as a song called "Born to Raise Hell" by Cult of the Blood Moon Wolf blared across the speakers. Penny let loose, hips swaying hands in the air and just having fun. Sassy joined in and the boys stood there for a short second, there mouths a-jar. The girls grabbed the boys by the hands and started them going. In no time everyone was up dancing wildly and having the mist fun they had all night.
Mabel the elf assistant brought a small leather case to Zac. The young wizard peeked indide and smiled.
The duelists and their accompanying schools were ushered back into the stadium. They all went to their boxes and sat awaiting the call. The stadium was full and people filled seats on the floor. There was now only one Dueling stage. It was old and very ornately carved from one piece of giant American Red Wood. The lights dimmed. Fireworks exploded above and streams of magical energy flashed from side to side on the ceiling.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer appeared center stage in a bright spot light, "Boys and Girls, Duelists, Teachers and elves. Welcome to the European School Wizarding Duel Round Robin Championship Finals!"
The crowd cheered and applauded.
"The last two days have been grueling on our finalists." The announcer continued. "A ling hard road that has lead here! Tonight we will see the best student duelists in Europe go head to head. First up from the school which is the pride of Ireland, Droorlily, Mitchell Drogan!" A spot light hit the boy who stood and was lead from the Droorlily box, by their elf assistant, to the steps of the dueling stage.
"And from Hogwarts, the duelist with the highest point standing in this competition Zacariah Zarcazzian!"
"Come, come!" Mabel said as the spotlight hit the Hogwarts box. Zac stood and waved, then leaned down to Karry and kissed her. The crowd erupted in approval. Zac walked down to steps to the dueling stage.
"The duel is a best of five. Ties do not count and will be re-dueled. Highest amount of points wins!"
Both boys ascended the steps and walked to center stage.
"Good luck mate." Zac smiled and held out his hand.
"You too." The young Irishman said. "Loser pays the bar tab tonight."
"Agreed!" Zac laughed knowing neither of them drank.
The boys stood back to back and walked to their ends of the dueling stage. They turned and saluted. Mitchell Drogan danced a bit of a jig before he took up his ready position.
Zac smiled. The bell rang.
Both boys stood ready to defend. They changed stances quickly.
"Expeliarmus!" Zac cast.
"Bentafháil!" Mitchell returned.
Zac was bent over backwards as Mitchell's wand flew into the barrier keeping it from flying into the crowd.
The referee called a tie but there was a call for an official ruling by Droorlily. This gave Zac a chance to straighten himself. The argument was that Zac took a direct hit first but the rules were clear that the disarm was of equal victory. The tie stood.
The boys took up their dueling positions again. The bell rang.
"Flipendo." Zac cast before Mitchell could even open his mouth throwing him into the air end over end.
"Point! Hogwarts!" The official called.
Mitchell stood up and caught his breath.
"You ok mate?" Zac called as the young Irishman gave him the thumbs up.
The score board showed the first point was Zacs. Karry crossed her fingers. Sasporilla kept her eye on the first glows of the wands.
The boys took up their positions and the bell rang.
"Ionsaí!" Mitchell attacked.
"Defendo!" Zac cast.
"Caeruleum!" Mitchell attacked again.
"Gynyba!" Zac defended.
Blue and red light flashed between the boys until a fast cast by Mitchell caused Zac to stumble.
"Feiptine!" Mitchell cast. A flame whip shot from the irish boys wand and wrapped around Zacs wrist. Mitchell pulled and twisted the whip which burned Zacs wrist forcing him to drop his wand.
"Point! Droorlily!" The referee called.
Zac fell to the stage holding his wrist. Mitchell walked over and cast a burn healing spell on Zacs wrist.
"How's that feel now friend?" Mitchell asked.
"Better mate." Zac smiled. "Cheers."
Mitchell helped Zac to his feet as the crowd cheered.
"They are good sports." Sassy said. Karry was pale seeing her boyfriend hurt. "He'll be ok Karry. They're not trying to kill each other!"
The score board showed the points at 1-1. The boys gathered themselves and took up positions as the bell rang.
"Vertens!" Zac cast spinning Mitchell like a top. A flurry of blue and red spells flew from the spinning blur that was the young Irish Wizard as Zac halted him and cast "Dura Pulsamus."
Mitchell Drogan fell to the stage unconscious.
"Point - Hogwarts!" The referee called as officials came in to wake the boy. It took a few passes of the smelling salt charm to bring Mitchell around. He stood and rubbed his head.
"Jesus ya gobshite what'dya hit me with?" Mitchell laughed.
"A Hard knock." Zac said.
"Sure was!" Mitchell laughed. "Ok prepare to be dazzled!"
The boys took up positions and once again the bell rang!
Attack-defence back and forth again and again until Mitchell appeared to lose balance. Zac took advantage and cast "Pana!" but the young Irish wizard was prepared and shoulder rolled to one side of the stage, using the barrier to break his roll and regain his footing.
"Stoirm Oighir!" Mitchell cast. A flash of blue brought with it a rushing ice storm which froze Zac solid.
"Point! Droorlily!" The referee called. The score was now even 2-2. The officials thawed out Zac who stood there shivering.
"Ice move." Zac laughed.
"Thanks chilly Willy!" Mitchell chuckled.
Within a moments spells had returned Zac to normal temperature and dried his robes.
The boys took up their positions again on the ends of the dueling stage. Music started to blare through the stadium. Some opera thing that was obviously meant to raise the tension and excitement. The Markebinden bracelet started to vibrate on her wrist. Sasporilla grabbed it and tugged but it still wouldn't budge. The music stopped the boys took up their positions and the bell rang.
"Mittent!" Zac Cast and side stepped.
"Caith!" Mitchell cast side stepping Zacs spell.
"Portego!" Zac attacked.
"Chosaint!" Mitchell defended.
"Captum!" Zac attacked again.
"Crith Talún." Mitchell seized and fell back convulsing as the stage under Zacs feet began to shake and heave throwing Zac back. When both spell ceased the boys stood. Mitchell began to attack again and again but Zac dodged, evaded and defended every cast. Mitchell took a deep breath and Zac was prepaired. "EXPELIARMUS!" Knocked the wand from Mitchells hand.
"Point! - Hogwarts. Winner Zacariah Zarcazzian!" The referee called.
Zac jumped excitedly as Karry ran off into the crowd and up to the stage to hug her boy friend and give him a big kiss. Karry mouthed "I love you" and jumped off the stage, returning to the her seat. Zac blew her a kiss then turned to walk over to Mitchell Drogan. Mitchell met him half way on the stage. Both boys shook hands and the young Irish wizard raised Zacs hand indicating him the winner!
"Nice match mate." Zac said.
"Glad you don't drink!" Mitchell laughed.
Zac returned to the Hogwarts box and sat next to Karry who set her head on his shoulder.
"Good match Zac!" Sasporilla smiled leaning in.
"Thanks Sassy." Zac smiled shaking her hand.
"Next is our final match of the tournament!" The announcer said back in the center of the dueling stage. First up from the school which is the pride of France, Baux Batons, Madiline LaFluer!" A spot light hit the girl who was already standing. The elf assistant lead the young witch from the Baux Batons box to the steps of the dueling stage.
"And from Hogwarts, the duelist with the second highest point standing in this competition Karoline Curtiss!"
"Come, come!" Mabel said as the spotlight hit the Hogwarts box. Karry stood, smiled and waved, then leaned down to Zac and kissed him. The crowd errupted in approval. Karry walked down to steps to the dueling stage.
Both girls stepped up onto the dueling stage and walked to the center. Madiline LaFluer held out her hand with a smile. Karry smiled and went to shake the girls hand. Madiline LaFluer quickly smacked Karrys palm with her wand.
"Ow!" Karry yelled.
"Warning - Baux Batons!" The official called. A red X appeared on the score board.
"Bit..." Sassy began.
"Language Miss Bucket." The Headmistress said.
"Sorry mam." Sassy apologized.
The girls stood back to back. Karry still cursed her stinging palm when Madiline LaFluer reached back and pinched Karry hard on the back of the arm.
"Ow!" Karry yelled and objected.
"Warning - Baux Batons!" The official said as a second red X appeared on the score board. "One more inappropriate act and you will forefit the match. Do you understand girl."
"Yes!" The girl laughed.
The girls walked to their ends of the dueling stage. They took up their starting positions. Madiline LaFluer began to move a split second before the bell rang.
"Mittent!" Madiline LaFluer cast and flipped Karry to the back of the stage where she landed hard.
"Point - Baux Batons!" The referee called.
"That's unfair!" Sassy said. "She was casting before the bell rang!"
The officials took all into account but upheld the ruling. Karry straightened up and took up her position again. Madiline LaFluer took up position again as well. She sneered as she prepared to attack. The bell rang.
Karry had barely gotten the "Exp..." of Expeliarmus out her mouth when the young French witch countered the spell and cast "Briser le bras!" Karrys casting arm broke and fell unnaturally down. Karry Curtiss screamed in pain and fell to the stage holding her arm.
"Karry!" Sasporilla and Zac stood and yelled.
The officials consulted the rules on such a savage spell. Apparently though the officials found it distasteful, it was not illegal.
"Point - Baux Batons!" The official called.
"She moves like an elf blood." Sasporilla objected.
Lyra and the Headmistress looked at each other an professor Slughorn. "Point of objection!" They called.
The officials came to the Hogwarts box and heard the Professors concerns that the young French witch was indeed of elven liniage. An official time out was called as officials tested Madiline LaFluer. The three crystal crown made its diagnosis quickly. The girl was indeed of elf heritage. The officials called for a Conflux bracelete.
The Conflux bracelet brought forward was nothing like the Markebinden bracelet that had been sent to Hogwarts.
"You might want to put a picture of a real Conflux bracelet in the rule book!" Headmistress McGonagall said to an official. "One of my students is suffering through the agony of the Markebinden bracelet the commission sent us."
"We are sorry about that!" The official said. "We suspect death eater infiltration was the cause."
Madiline LaFluer raised concerns with Madame Maxime. The young French witch didn't want to be forced to wear the Conflux bracelet. Madame Maxime gave her no choice, holding the girls arm out for the official to lock the bracelet on.
Doctors attended to the break in Karrys arm, mending the broken bones with spells.
They wrapped and braced the arm with magical bindings and support.
"There young lady." The physician smiled. That will let you duel, but after I recommend letting us have another look and you rest that arm for a few days."
Karry knew this witch didn't just want to win. Madiline LaFluer wanted to hurt her. Maybe not just her but anyone and everyone who stood against her. Karry got out of the mind set that they were at a dueling competition and she went back to facing off with death eaters.
The girls met center stage. Karry slapped the French girl hard across the face with her good hand.
"Warning - Hogwarts!" The referee said.
"It was totally worth it!" Karry snarled.
Madiline LaFluer held her cheek afraid. She didn't see that coming at all.
The girls turned back to back and stepped to their ends of the stage. The girls took up their positions again. The bell rang.
"Turnàpetra!" Karry cast turning the girl painfully to stone.
The officials checked the rules. Once again the spell was painful and savage but legal.
"Point - Hogwarts." The official called.
The spell to reverse the turn to stone curse was twice as painful as the original spell. Madiline LaFluer screamed as she turned from stone to flesh.
Karry paced back and forth at her end of the dueling stage still out raged at the girl.
"Not fun when someone hurts you on purpose isn't it?" Karry yelled at the girl.
"Warning - Hogwarts!" The official called.
"Still totally worth it." Karry snarled quietly.
Madiline LaFluer was deemed fit and the girls took up positions. The bell rang. The French witch attacked and Karry defended. Karry attacked and Madiline defended. The volleys went back and forth until the girl paused. Karry held her breath. As Madiline took a breath to cast, Karry blurted "Flipendo!"
Madiline LaFluer spun head over heals back off the stage and fell hard onto the steps.
"Point! - Hogwarts." The referee called.
The score board was even 2xx - 2xx. Karry still paced. Sassy hadn't seen her so intense since the Battle of Hogwarts. Madiline LaFluer tried to quit the match but Madame Maxime would not hear of it. The Headmistress of Baux Batons picked the girl up by the torso and stood her on the stage.
"Come on biggens!" Lyra shouted, "That's heartless! Even for you!"
Karry started to feel sorry for the girl. It was obvious the Baux Batons club had been depending on keeping the girls elf skills hidden. Madiline LaFluer had probably never had a fair duel in her life. The girls took up the dueling stance and the bell rang. Madiline LaFluer held her wand in salute and closed her eyes.
"Expeliarmus." Karry said knocking the wand from the girls hand. As angry as she had been she now just pitied the girl.
"Point! - Hogwarts! Karry Curtiss Winner!" The entire Hogwarts box emptied and ran to Karrys side cheering. Karry turned to see Zac standing beside her smiling. Zac took the girls hand and dropped down on one knee.
"Karoline Curtiss." Zac began.
"What are you doing." Karry said wide eyed.
"I love you more than life itself." Zac smiled.
"I love you too darling." Karry smiled.
"I know that right now we're to young. You'll be sixteen in May and I'll be sixteen in November, and though you need to be eighteen in England and the UK you can do it without permission at sixteen in Scotland. Hogwarts and Hogsmead are in Scotland and I'm starting to ramble."
"Oh god." Karry said as Zac pulled a small box out of his pocket.
"Karry Curtiss what I'm trying to ask you is, when you're ready, when ever your ready even if it's not until were eighty five, Will you marry me?"
Karry stood there stunned and stiller than a person in the grasp of a petrifaction spell.
"Get up boy!" Headmistress McGonagall said. "You're embarrassing yourself and her."
"Yes." Karry said.
"What?" Zac smiled.
"Yes when I'm ready," Karry smiled, "When we're ready, I will marry you Zacariah Zarcazzian."
The crowd cheered. Sasporilla hugged her friends. She was so happy for them though she was concerned they were far to young for such a life commitment. Karrys parents stood stage side having watched the duel. They were understandably stunned. Cabbie Patel gave her young charge the thumbs up while shaking her head in disbelief.
The announcer pushed his way up onto the dueling stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls here before you stand the boys and girls European School Wizarding Duel Round Robin Champions Zacariah Zarcazzian and Karoline Curtiss."
Each were presented with a meddle placed around their necks and trophies taller than both of them. They were carried triumphantly off the stage by their friends and class mates, back to the Hogwarts Express which was preparing to leave. Sasporilla gathered the equipment and headed back with the trolley through the convention center. She ran into Mabel who had been looking for her.
"Princess Sasporilla!" The young elf waved running up to her. "I hoped to catch you before you left."
"Please Mabel, it's just Sasporilla or Sassy." Sassy smiled. "I'm no princess and my friends all call me Sassy."
"So we are friends?" Mabel asked.
"I'd like us to be." Sasporilla said as the young elf hugged her.
"I need to tell you something." Mabel said. "It's a riddle."
"I like riddles." Sassy said. "Go ahead."
"A lady told me to tell it to you." Mabel said. "When is a key not a key if its both in key and not in key?"
"That's a hard one." Sassy said thinking on it for a few moments until she gave in. "I'm not sure. What's the answer?"
"She did not give me the answer." Mabel said. "She said you would figure it out."
The students of the final three schools and there professors were treated to a reception in the convention centers grand ball room. There was music, dancing and refreshments. There were disproportionately more girls than boys due to the extra girls of Baux Batons.
The four students in the finally were interviewed by Rita Skeeter for the Daily Prophet.
Sasporilla Bucket sat in back trying to stay out of everyone's way. Penny danced with Owen Holland. Zac and Karry were in the grasp of Rita Skeeter like flies in a spiders web. Sassy nibbled on refreshments alone at her table.
"Hi." A strange boy said to Sasporilla in a heavy Irish accent. "This is a nice party."
"Yes very." Sassy agreed.
"I'm Deckland Casey." The boy smiled. "I'm from Droorlily."
"Yes I saw your duel." Sassy smiled. "I'm Sasporilla Bucket. Equipment manager, mascot and pitiful hanger on of the Hogwarts team."
"There's nothing pitiful about you that I can see." Deckland Casey smiled. "Would you like to dance?"
Sasporilla thought about saying no. Then she remembered her own words to Korry. What was she holding back for? Why was she sitting at the back of the room not enjoying life. A boy was asking her to dance.
"I'd love to." Sasporilla said holding out her hand.
Deckland took the young witches hand and helped her to her feet. The walked over to the dance floor and grooved to the music of bands like the Weird Sisters and Patersons Wand Shop.
After four or five dances Sassy and Deckland sat back down at the table and they were quickly joined by Penny and Owen.
"Great party!" Penny smiled. "I prefer my music a bit heavier but still."
"Like what?" Sassy asked.
"Bristle Face, Cult of the Blood Moon Wolf, Flying Carpet Baggers." Penny said.
"Broomer music." Deckland said. "Not great to dance too though is it?"
"Ever tried?" Penny asked.
"No." Deckland said truthfully.
Penny reached into her bag and pulled out a disk from its depths. She walked over to the DJ and asked if he would play a song from her personal taste in music. She walked back to the table and said "All right you three, let's dance."
They got up on the floor as a song called "Born to Raise Hell" by Cult of the Blood Moon Wolf blared across the speakers. Penny let loose, hips swaying hands in the air and just having fun. Sassy joined in and the boys stood there for a short second, there mouths a-jar. The girls grabbed the boys by the hands and started them going. In no time everyone was up dancing wildly and having the mist fun they had all night.
Mabel the elf assistant brought a small leather case to Zac. The young wizard peeked indide and smiled.
The duelists and their accompanying schools were ushered back into the stadium. They all went to their boxes and sat awaiting the call. The stadium was full and people filled seats on the floor. There was now only one Dueling stage. It was old and very ornately carved from one piece of giant American Red Wood. The lights dimmed. Fireworks exploded above and streams of magical energy flashed from side to side on the ceiling.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer appeared center stage in a bright spot light, "Boys and Girls, Duelists, Teachers and elves. Welcome to the European School Wizarding Duel Round Robin Championship Finals!"
The crowd cheered and applauded.
"The last two days have been grueling on our finalists." The announcer continued. "A ling hard road that has lead here! Tonight we will see the best student duelists in Europe go head to head. First up from the school which is the pride of Ireland, Droorlily, Mitchell Drogan!" A spot light hit the boy who stood and was lead from the Droorlily box, by their elf assistant, to the steps of the dueling stage.
"And from Hogwarts, the duelist with the highest point standing in this competition Zacariah Zarcazzian!"
"Come, come!" Mabel said as the spotlight hit the Hogwarts box. Zac stood and waved, then leaned down to Karry and kissed her. The crowd erupted in approval. Zac walked down to steps to the dueling stage.
"The duel is a best of five. Ties do not count and will be re-dueled. Highest amount of points wins!"
Both boys ascended the steps and walked to center stage.
"Good luck mate." Zac smiled and held out his hand.
"You too." The young Irishman said. "Loser pays the bar tab tonight."
"Agreed!" Zac laughed knowing neither of them drank.
The boys stood back to back and walked to their ends of the dueling stage. They turned and saluted. Mitchell Drogan danced a bit of a jig before he took up his ready position.
Zac smiled. The bell rang.
Both boys stood ready to defend. They changed stances quickly.
"Expeliarmus!" Zac cast.
"Bentafháil!" Mitchell returned.
Zac was bent over backwards as Mitchell's wand flew into the barrier keeping it from flying into the crowd.
The referee called a tie but there was a call for an official ruling by Droorlily. This gave Zac a chance to straighten himself. The argument was that Zac took a direct hit first but the rules were clear that the disarm was of equal victory. The tie stood.
The boys took up their dueling positions again. The bell rang.
"Flipendo." Zac cast before Mitchell could even open his mouth throwing him into the air end over end.
"Point! Hogwarts!" The official called.
Mitchell stood up and caught his breath.
"You ok mate?" Zac called as the young Irishman gave him the thumbs up.
The score board showed the first point was Zacs. Karry crossed her fingers. Sasporilla kept her eye on the first glows of the wands.
The boys took up their positions and the bell rang.
"Ionsaí!" Mitchell attacked.
"Defendo!" Zac cast.
"Caeruleum!" Mitchell attacked again.
"Gynyba!" Zac defended.
Blue and red light flashed between the boys until a fast cast by Mitchell caused Zac to stumble.
"Feiptine!" Mitchell cast. A flame whip shot from the irish boys wand and wrapped around Zacs wrist. Mitchell pulled and twisted the whip which burned Zacs wrist forcing him to drop his wand.
"Point! Droorlily!" The referee called.
Zac fell to the stage holding his wrist. Mitchell walked over and cast a burn healing spell on Zacs wrist.
"How's that feel now friend?" Mitchell asked.
"Better mate." Zac smiled. "Cheers."
Mitchell helped Zac to his feet as the crowd cheered.
"They are good sports." Sassy said. Karry was pale seeing her boyfriend hurt. "He'll be ok Karry. They're not trying to kill each other!"
The score board showed the points at 1-1. The boys gathered themselves and took up positions as the bell rang.
"Vertens!" Zac cast spinning Mitchell like a top. A flurry of blue and red spells flew from the spinning blur that was the young Irish Wizard as Zac halted him and cast "Dura Pulsamus."
Mitchell Drogan fell to the stage unconscious.
"Point - Hogwarts!" The referee called as officials came in to wake the boy. It took a few passes of the smelling salt charm to bring Mitchell around. He stood and rubbed his head.
"Jesus ya gobshite what'dya hit me with?" Mitchell laughed.
"A Hard knock." Zac said.
"Sure was!" Mitchell laughed. "Ok prepare to be dazzled!"
The boys took up positions and once again the bell rang!
Attack-defence back and forth again and again until Mitchell appeared to lose balance. Zac took advantage and cast "Pana!" but the young Irish wizard was prepared and shoulder rolled to one side of the stage, using the barrier to break his roll and regain his footing.
"Stoirm Oighir!" Mitchell cast. A flash of blue brought with it a rushing ice storm which froze Zac solid.
"Point! Droorlily!" The referee called. The score was now even 2-2. The officials thawed out Zac who stood there shivering.
"Ice move." Zac laughed.
"Thanks chilly Willy!" Mitchell chuckled.
Within a moments spells had returned Zac to normal temperature and dried his robes.
The boys took up their positions again on the ends of the dueling stage. Music started to blare through the stadium. Some opera thing that was obviously meant to raise the tension and excitement. The Markebinden bracelet started to vibrate on her wrist. Sasporilla grabbed it and tugged but it still wouldn't budge. The music stopped the boys took up their positions and the bell rang.
"Mittent!" Zac Cast and side stepped.
"Caith!" Mitchell cast side stepping Zacs spell.
"Portego!" Zac attacked.
"Chosaint!" Mitchell defended.
"Captum!" Zac attacked again.
"Crith Talún." Mitchell seized and fell back convulsing as the stage under Zacs feet began to shake and heave throwing Zac back. When both spell ceased the boys stood. Mitchell began to attack again and again but Zac dodged, evaded and defended every cast. Mitchell took a deep breath and Zac was prepaired. "EXPELIARMUS!" Knocked the wand from Mitchells hand.
"Point! - Hogwarts. Winner Zacariah Zarcazzian!" The referee called.
Zac jumped excitedly as Karry ran off into the crowd and up to the stage to hug her boy friend and give him a big kiss. Karry mouthed "I love you" and jumped off the stage, returning to the her seat. Zac blew her a kiss then turned to walk over to Mitchell Drogan. Mitchell met him half way on the stage. Both boys shook hands and the young Irish wizard raised Zacs hand indicating him the winner!
"Nice match mate." Zac said.
"Glad you don't drink!" Mitchell laughed.
Zac returned to the Hogwarts box and sat next to Karry who set her head on his shoulder.
"Good match Zac!" Sasporilla smiled leaning in.
"Thanks Sassy." Zac smiled shaking her hand.
"Next is our final match of the tournament!" The announcer said back in the center of the dueling stage. First up from the school which is the pride of France, Baux Batons, Madiline LaFluer!" A spot light hit the girl who was already standing. The elf assistant lead the young witch from the Baux Batons box to the steps of the dueling stage.
"And from Hogwarts, the duelist with the second highest point standing in this competition Karoline Curtiss!"
"Come, come!" Mabel said as the spotlight hit the Hogwarts box. Karry stood, smiled and waved, then leaned down to Zac and kissed him. The crowd errupted in approval. Karry walked down to steps to the dueling stage.
Both girls stepped up onto the dueling stage and walked to the center. Madiline LaFluer held out her hand with a smile. Karry smiled and went to shake the girls hand. Madiline LaFluer quickly smacked Karrys palm with her wand.
"Ow!" Karry yelled.
"Warning - Baux Batons!" The official called. A red X appeared on the score board.
"Bit..." Sassy began.
"Language Miss Bucket." The Headmistress said.
"Sorry mam." Sassy apologized.
The girls stood back to back. Karry still cursed her stinging palm when Madiline LaFluer reached back and pinched Karry hard on the back of the arm.
"Ow!" Karry yelled and objected.
"Warning - Baux Batons!" The official said as a second red X appeared on the score board. "One more inappropriate act and you will forefit the match. Do you understand girl."
"Yes!" The girl laughed.
The girls walked to their ends of the dueling stage. They took up their starting positions. Madiline LaFluer began to move a split second before the bell rang.
"Mittent!" Madiline LaFluer cast and flipped Karry to the back of the stage where she landed hard.
"Point - Baux Batons!" The referee called.
"That's unfair!" Sassy said. "She was casting before the bell rang!"
The officials took all into account but upheld the ruling. Karry straightened up and took up her position again. Madiline LaFluer took up position again as well. She sneered as she prepared to attack. The bell rang.
Karry had barely gotten the "Exp..." of Expeliarmus out her mouth when the young French witch countered the spell and cast "Briser le bras!" Karrys casting arm broke and fell unnaturally down. Karry Curtiss screamed in pain and fell to the stage holding her arm.
"Karry!" Sasporilla and Zac stood and yelled.
The officials consulted the rules on such a savage spell. Apparently though the officials found it distasteful, it was not illegal.
"Point - Baux Batons!" The official called.
"She moves like an elf blood." Sasporilla objected.
Lyra and the Headmistress looked at each other an professor Slughorn. "Point of objection!" They called.
The officials came to the Hogwarts box and heard the Professors concerns that the young French witch was indeed of elven liniage. An official time out was called as officials tested Madiline LaFluer. The three crystal crown made its diagnosis quickly. The girl was indeed of elf heritage. The officials called for a Conflux bracelete.
The Conflux bracelet brought forward was nothing like the Markebinden bracelet that had been sent to Hogwarts.
"You might want to put a picture of a real Conflux bracelet in the rule book!" Headmistress McGonagall said to an official. "One of my students is suffering through the agony of the Markebinden bracelet the commission sent us."
"We are sorry about that!" The official said. "We suspect death eater infiltration was the cause."
Madiline LaFluer raised concerns with Madame Maxime. The young French witch didn't want to be forced to wear the Conflux bracelet. Madame Maxime gave her no choice, holding the girls arm out for the official to lock the bracelet on.
Doctors attended to the break in Karrys arm, mending the broken bones with spells.
They wrapped and braced the arm with magical bindings and support.
"There young lady." The physician smiled. That will let you duel, but after I recommend letting us have another look and you rest that arm for a few days."
Karry knew this witch didn't just want to win. Madiline LaFluer wanted to hurt her. Maybe not just her but anyone and everyone who stood against her. Karry got out of the mind set that they were at a dueling competition and she went back to facing off with death eaters.
The girls met center stage. Karry slapped the French girl hard across the face with her good hand.
"Warning - Hogwarts!" The referee said.
"It was totally worth it!" Karry snarled.
Madiline LaFluer held her cheek afraid. She didn't see that coming at all.
The girls turned back to back and stepped to their ends of the stage. The girls took up their positions again. The bell rang.
"Turnàpetra!" Karry cast turning the girl painfully to stone.
The officials checked the rules. Once again the spell was painful and savage but legal.
"Point - Hogwarts." The official called.
The spell to reverse the turn to stone curse was twice as painful as the original spell. Madiline LaFluer screamed as she turned from stone to flesh.
Karry paced back and forth at her end of the dueling stage still out raged at the girl.
"Not fun when someone hurts you on purpose isn't it?" Karry yelled at the girl.
"Warning - Hogwarts!" The official called.
"Still totally worth it." Karry snarled quietly.
Madiline LaFluer was deemed fit and the girls took up positions. The bell rang. The French witch attacked and Karry defended. Karry attacked and Madiline defended. The volleys went back and forth until the girl paused. Karry held her breath. As Madiline took a breath to cast, Karry blurted "Flipendo!"
Madiline LaFluer spun head over heals back off the stage and fell hard onto the steps.
"Point! - Hogwarts." The referee called.
The score board was even 2xx - 2xx. Karry still paced. Sassy hadn't seen her so intense since the Battle of Hogwarts. Madiline LaFluer tried to quit the match but Madame Maxime would not hear of it. The Headmistress of Baux Batons picked the girl up by the torso and stood her on the stage.
"Come on biggens!" Lyra shouted, "That's heartless! Even for you!"
Karry started to feel sorry for the girl. It was obvious the Baux Batons club had been depending on keeping the girls elf skills hidden. Madiline LaFluer had probably never had a fair duel in her life. The girls took up the dueling stance and the bell rang. Madiline LaFluer held her wand in salute and closed her eyes.
"Expeliarmus." Karry said knocking the wand from the girls hand. As angry as she had been she now just pitied the girl.
"Point! - Hogwarts! Karry Curtiss Winner!" The entire Hogwarts box emptied and ran to Karrys side cheering. Karry turned to see Zac standing beside her smiling. Zac took the girls hand and dropped down on one knee.
"Karoline Curtiss." Zac began.
"What are you doing." Karry said wide eyed.
"I love you more than life itself." Zac smiled.
"I love you too darling." Karry smiled.
"I know that right now we're to young. You'll be sixteen in May and I'll be sixteen in November, and though you need to be eighteen in England and the UK you can do it without permission at sixteen in Scotland. Hogwarts and Hogsmead are in Scotland and I'm starting to ramble."
"Oh god." Karry said as Zac pulled a small box out of his pocket.
"Karry Curtiss what I'm trying to ask you is, when you're ready, when ever your ready even if it's not until were eighty five, Will you marry me?"
Karry stood there stunned and stiller than a person in the grasp of a petrifaction spell.
"Get up boy!" Headmistress McGonagall said. "You're embarrassing yourself and her."
"Yes." Karry said.
"What?" Zac smiled.
"Yes when I'm ready," Karry smiled, "When we're ready, I will marry you Zacariah Zarcazzian."
The crowd cheered. Sasporilla hugged her friends. She was so happy for them though she was concerned they were far to young for such a life commitment. Karrys parents stood stage side having watched the duel. They were understandably stunned. Cabbie Patel gave her young charge the thumbs up while shaking her head in disbelief.
The announcer pushed his way up onto the dueling stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls here before you stand the boys and girls European School Wizarding Duel Round Robin Champions Zacariah Zarcazzian and Karoline Curtiss."
Each were presented with a meddle placed around their necks and trophies taller than both of them. They were carried triumphantly off the stage by their friends and class mates, back to the Hogwarts Express which was preparing to leave. Sasporilla gathered the equipment and headed back with the trolley through the convention center. She ran into Mabel who had been looking for her.
"Princess Sasporilla!" The young elf waved running up to her. "I hoped to catch you before you left."
"Please Mabel, it's just Sasporilla or Sassy." Sassy smiled. "I'm no princess and my friends all call me Sassy."
"So we are friends?" Mabel asked.
"I'd like us to be." Sasporilla said as the young elf hugged her.
"I need to tell you something." Mabel said. "It's a riddle."
"I like riddles." Sassy said. "Go ahead."
"A lady told me to tell it to you." Mabel said. "When is a key not a key if its both in key and not in key?"
"That's a hard one." Sassy said thinking on it for a few moments until she gave in. "I'm not sure. What's the answer?"
"She did not give me the answer." Mabel said. "She said you would figure it out."
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.