29

Chapter 29: The Other Prophecy

To Draco Malfoy, Potions class was always a refuge. It was a time when he could show off his advanced potions knowledge while in the company of his best friend and godfather. But now all he could think about was how to ignore those two obsidian eyes that were surely burning a hole through his head. Hasan, he had noticed, was working with Longbottom, while he was left to work with know-it-all Granger.

"Come on, Malfoy. Add the shriveled newt." Hermione prodded him for the umpteenth time. She was used to competing with Malfoy for the best potion. Now, it was like he was a completely different person.

"I did! Salazar!" he huffed, just as he threw it in the cauldron.

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed. She was about to give Malfoy a piece of her mind when suddenly the potion in front of them exploded. Damn! He had added it too late!

Severus was immediately in action, granted he had his eye on them the entire time. In a blink of an eye, the horrible mess was banished with not even a drop on anyone or anything. Draco it seemed was smirking.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Severus intoned, "See me after class."

The room was eerily silent after that. No one had ever thought they'd see the day Malfoy get yelled at by his Slytherin loving godfather! But it seemed that there was always a first for everything.

The event was not lost on Hasan who was currently bottling his finished potion.

"Snape can be scary can't he?" Neville wondered aloud.

"Do you think so?" Hasan asked with a light smile.

"N-no!" Neville protested vehemently. Even though he was treated as a fearless hero, the real Neville wasn't completely lost. Severus scared the shit out of him and Hasan knew it. Ordinarily, Hasan would take the time to play therapist and tell Neville that it's okay to be scared and fail others' expectations. But he wasn't in the best of moods. Draco was a particular sore spot for him and he wasn't sure how long Draco was going to continue acting weird.

"It wasn't my fault the mudblood can't read directions." Draco muttered loudly.

And before Severus or Hasan or Theo could kill him first, Hermione had slapped him right across the face. Draco gave Severus a daring grin, but Snape didn't take the bait. He just looked tired and walked away.

"Time's up. Bottles are in the front, I expect ten bottles lined up before you leave this classroom. Yes, including yours Mr. Malfoy. You are not to leave here until you have brewed this potion properly as I know you can. Miss Granger you are free to go."

Needless to say, when everyone filtered out of the room but Severus and his godson, the tension could be cut with a butter knife.

"Why are you acting this way?" Severus demanded, right to the point. "The Dark Lord-"

"The Dark Lord doesn't have anything to do with this." Draco hissed. "I can brew perfectly well-"

"Draco! You know this isn't about potions! You forget I've known you from a very young age. You act out just like an infant when you're distressed. Like crying for attention."

"I do not cry!" Draco protested.

"Or whine! Or complain! Or insult! Draco, you have acted out purposely because there is something in your life that you can't handle on your own. So you let the world know how inept you are by acting puerile!"

"Shut up, Snape! You're just jealous that the Dark Lord has given me a task! I'm younger than you were and I can bloody well handle this on my own!"

Severus' blood was boiling.

"You ungrateful-!" he stopped himself. Fighting wasn't getting anywhere. Clearly the boy was distressed by the look of the bags under his eyes, and he was only thirteen...perhaps a more Narcissa-like approach then? "Draco, I am here for you. Something is clearly bothering you and I am here in case you ever want to talk about it."

"-want to steal my glory," Draco muttered.

"This isn't about GLORY." Severus thundered. Oh! How he hated being a spy! If he weren't trying to pretend to be loyal, he would be able to appeal to Draco's sense of logic, rather than his feelings. He inwardly cursed Dumbledore and Voldemort. "Fine. I'm getting nowhere. Go! Just go!"

And Draco left. He sauntered out and then after turning the corner, he ran. Severus poured himself some firewhiskey.

.oOo.

Without Draco, lunch was even more awkward than normal. Hasan was busy picking at his food while the two girls chatted quietly. Sometime during the first five minutes of lunch, Theo came over with Hermione. The bushy-haired witch wore a sour frown as she gestured pointedly to the Gryffindor table.

"Ron is such a prat..." she was muttering. Apparently, Ron and Lavender had ganged up on Hermione, demanding to know what she had done to the cauldron to make it blow up. Because, apparently, they couldn't see why a muggleborn had such a terrible case of house prejudice and took it out on Draco Malfoy. Not only was this extremely dense thinking, but they were both hypocrites! Everyone knew that they had a vendetta against the snake house! So of course, Theodore being the loving boyfriend he was, took her over to his corner of the Great Hall.

"Ron's mad!" Daphne comforted her, "Everyone knows that you and Draco are the greatest potions students."

"Yeah, everyone knows that Ron has a big mouth-" Tracey said.

"And Lavender's is the biggest." Daphne cut in.

Hermione sniffled her thanks, and Hasan couldn't blame her. Going to the infirmary and then being attacked by a housemate in two days? That was rough.

"Maybe you should put that snake in Ron's sheets!" Tracey suggested wryly.

"Snake?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, that- oh wait, you weren't there. Well, yesterday in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Moody was practicing the three Unforgiveables on snakes he had. Two of them died, but one of them managed to find its way into our common room last night. Hasan is taking care of it." Tracey told her, thinking (falsely) that the one Hasan had saved died and the one yet untouched had escaped.

"The Unforgiveables?" Hermione repeated, "But they're illegal!"

Daphne sighed, "Yes, but I don't think Moody cares."

"He should though. He can be thrown in Azkaban for that, no matter who he is." Hermione said. "I read up on it." She glanced over to Moody and then over to Hasan. "So you have the snake in your room now?"

Hasan nodded. "Yes. Actually..." Hasan gave her a warm smile, "I was thinking of naming her Melusine because I once read something about someone named Melusine. Unfortunately I can't remember what it was or where I read it..." He tried to look forlorn. He really did.

Hermione pursed her lips. "I remember reading something about that too. Let me check in the library and I'll get back to you later. I might be sitting here a lot because Ron doesn't seem to be getting any better."

Hasan rewarded her with a broad smile. "Thanks Hermione. You're the best!"

Because even though he could read about it himself, he knew that his library history could be checked at any time. The last thing he needed was Snape or Lupin snooping about his stuff and figuring out anything that may prove important. Besides, between taking trips to the Chamber of Secrets and visiting Severus, when was he to actually study?

.oOo.

Severus Snape was tired. He was exhausted tired, although he was sleepy tired too...Sometimes he wondered why he bothered to try. It was clear that Draco was firmly in the Dark Lord's hold, or at least, was aiming to be. It was downright painful being Draco's godfather and all. Hopefully Lucius knew what he was doing...

He glanced at the nine labeled vials on his desk and turned away to his private office. He wasn't in the mood to start grading right away. As he sat down at his private desk, he glanced over at the large Mind Magick book and immediately got a headache. He shoved this away too and took out a piece of parchment. Well, he was going to have to do it sooner or later.

"Lucius,

Dumbledore has asked me to inform you that he wishes to search your vaults. All of them. He is looking for two objects belonging to Hogwarts' Founders: Hufflepuff's Cup and Slytherin's Locket. I hope you are able to accommodate him because these objects are of the utmost importance to him. Of course, there is only a slim chance that these objects reside inside any of the innumerable Black vaults.

Please notify the headmaster whenever you have opened up the window.

Regards,

S. Snape"

The window, of course, referred to the window of time in which a designated visitor so to speak could have access to the vaults. It was more secure than simply sending them the key or even a wand. Severus highly doubted that the objects were actually inside the vault, but what did he know. Dumbledore was the expert on this type of stuff. Besides, it was all a test anyway. He just hoped that Lucius would see this truth and get the order through so that the entire ordeal could be over and done with.

.oOo.

After lunch, Luna met up with the Slytherins to walk down to Divination. She was very excited for Divination, but even more excited for being with Hasan. She realized that there was a dramatic shift in the relationship between Draco and her boyfriend, and she wanted to help support him any way she could.

Draco Malfoy, everyone soon realized, was not in the class. Indeed, nobody had seen him since the incident during Potions class. Hermione wasn't there either because she had switched out to take Ancient Runes. This made a class of 19, 9 Slytherins, 9 Gryffindors, and 1 Ravenclaw.

"Today!" Sybill began. "We will be learning the art of prophesizing!"

Several people oohed at this, mostly girls, and several people snickered, mostly Gryffindors.

"Many of you might not be aware of this fact, but I am the great-great-granddaughter of Cassandra Trelawney! Though the Inner Eye has skipped three generations I assure you I am quite capable of making predictions-!"

"Professor?" Lavender asked politely, "Isn't it when you make a prediction that your mind goes into an unconscious state?"

Sybill blinked, raising her hands above her head and drawing up her large sweeping sleeves.

"Of course. Which is why when one makes a prophecy, one must trust that those around him or her are listening. There have been times in history when prophecies have been disregarded, unheard, or simply forgotten. However, heard or not, these prophecies all come true."

"But haven't you predicted the deaths of several students and none of them have died yet?" Theodore asked pointedly.

"Well..." the professor brushed back her frizzled hair. "That is to say, not yet."

Lavender inched forward in her seat. "Do you need a crystal ball?"

"Not always, but it doesn't hurt, especially when beginning. But yes, today we will be practicing with them." She clapped her hands together and smiled. "Everybody pick a partner and then we will begin!"

Luna and Hasan ended up together sitting on opposite ends of the tiny round table. Luna was wide-eyed, staring into the orb for all it was worth. Hasan took a deep breath. This was absolutely boring. The whole class- boring! The teacher seemed no better than a muggle scammer and already she had caused one student to injure herself.

"Give her a chance, Hasan. She might surprise you." Luna informed him cheerfully. "Did you know that she was the one to predict the Potters' demise?"

That grabbed Hasan's attention. His jade green eyes snapped up to meet hers.

"Seriously?"

Luna nodded happily. "Yup! But most of the time I don't know what she means. I think you need to take her with a grain of salt, don't you?"

Hasan could only agree dumbly.

"I never knew that," Hasan admitted, taking another glance at the supposed seer. The woman was currently waving her sleeved arms mystically over her table. "She really made that prophecy?"

"And more!" Luna said. "But don't feel bad about not knowing. Dumbledore wants to keep it a secret that she's actually really gifted. That's why they never mentioned her name in the Prophet last year."

Well, that did make sense, Hasan supposed. Because right now, the lady looked like a lunatic.

"The secret-" Trelawney was saying from the front "-is to keep the energy focused on the ball."

"Isn't that a muggle saying?" someone piped up.

"Yeah, eye on the ball!" someone else shouted.

Trelawney cleared her throat to draw the attention back to her. "As I was saying, the energy needs to be focused into the core of the crystal. In return, the spirits may well bless you with a sign..."

Hasan gave Luna a pointed look to say: Are you sure it was Trelawney? But Luna was already trying it out for herself. The concentration on her face was a serene type of meditation, rather than the strain which shaped Trelawney's.

"I heard you saw unicorns today." Luna began softly.

"Yes, in Care of Magical Creatures." Hasan told her.

"Did you know I went to see them yesterday?"

"But weren't you at the Welcoming Feast?" Hasan queried.

Luna nodded, "Yes, but after. I passed Neville on my way there. He seemed rather busy and couldn't come with me."

Neville? Hasan thought back to the first day and frowned. He remembered thinking that Neville had a meeting with Dumbledore, but couldn't remember Luna leaving too.

"He just had a meeting with Dumbledore. That's all."

"Oh! Really? Because I was worried he didn't want to be friends anymore."

Hasan shrugged. "I'm not sure what he wants anymore either. I'd just stay away from him for a while until he cools down." Or his head shrinks, Hasan continued inwardly.

"And what about Draco Malfoy?" Luna questioned.

"What about him?" Hasan asked defensively.

"I think you should stay away from him too...until he cools down."

Hasan sighed. If only that were possible. It felt like Draco was watching him constantly now, looking for holes in his stories and errors in his lies, which were admittedly lies.

"So you went to see unicorns alone then?" Hasan asked, trying to change the subject.

"Oh, yes! They're very nice, but a bit vain I think."

"Did you get to...speak with them?" Hasan lowered his voice.

"Yes, but they didn't say much. Actually, the thestrals are so much more social, or so I've heard. The unicorns don't really socialize outside the herd." Luna told him. "I'm actually going again next weekend. Would you like to come?"

Hasan bit his lip. "Sorry, Luna. I have lessons with Snape."

She sighed. "Hmm, okay."

"Sorry..."

"No, it's okay. They don't really like strangers...or males. They might all run away from you." Luna grinned at him. "I'll tell you how it goes, okay?"

Hasan nodded. It amazed him that Luna could be so forgiving and optimistic and still like him. "Thank you."

Meanwhile, Trelawney was still continuing her prophesizing at the front of the room. Her eyes were as large as her head as she gazed into the crystal ball. Then, very abruptly, she stood up.

"It seems that the spirits have abandoned us today."

"Oh no!" Lavender cried out.

"Yes, my dear. I am very sorry but if the spirits will us to be blind to the future, then so be it. Everyone, crystal balls up front. We must continue this lesson some other day."

The class in general felt very much relieved. Several people were suffering from tired arms and humiliation.

"But as we have fifteen more minutes. Does anyone have any questions?" Trelawney asked as she simultaneously set each crystal ball in its holder. "Yes, Mr. (she checked her roll call) Castell?"

That was twice in two days his name was mentioned! Everyone's eyes snapped to him. "Professor Trelawney," he began respectfully. "Is it true that you were the one who predicted that the Potters would die?"

The teacher smiled and took a step forward proudly. "Indeed it is, Mr. Castell. As I have said, I possess the Inner Eye and I predicted the fall of the Dark Lord!"

"But isn't Neville the Boy-Who-Lived?" Ron called out obnoxiously.

Neville began to pale.

"Well, Mr. Weasley (she identified him easily by his red hair and freckles), I only make the predictions, I do not translate them. After all," she said, addressing the entire room, "It is not up to us mere mortals to decipher the language of our spirit ancestors."

"If I may, Professor." Hasan cut in, "I believe that the title of the Boy-Who-Lived is a misnomer. It was Harry Potter who lived, but it will be Neville who will live after the final confrontation with the Dark Lord."

The class seemed appeased by this, even the part where Hasan said that the final confrontation had yet to happen. The present mentality of the general public was that Voldemort was most probably on the loose, but as long as he didn't start attacking in the flesh there was nothing to worry about. In the case of Amelia Bones and Alastor Moody, most people were of the opinion that it was the Death Eaters' fault, but that Voldemort wasn't exactly back. It was odd, Hasan thought, but at least Neville's story fit right in, and that was all that mattered.

"Er, thank you, Mr. Castell for your very enlightening feedback. Now are there any other questions-Yes, Miss Lovegood?"

The young second year shot her a bright smile. "How many prophecies have you made?"

"Two, my dear. And for those who still doubt the Inner Eye's possession of me, let it be known that my prophecy of the Dark Lord's demise was corroborated by none other than Dumbledore himself!"

"Wow!" Lavender breathed. "That is so amazing! Can we hear the other one?"

The professor shook her head with the most exaggerated look of disappointment. "Alas, Miss Brown. It has been seized by the Ministry some twenty years ago and is currently locked away in the Department of Mysteries. I don't often tell people this but I do suffer in the brain." Several people snickered at that. "You see, I was in a portkey accident and was hospitalized for several months. So I cannot even use a pensieve unless I want to suffer permanent brain damage."

"That won't make a difference." Ron snickered.

"Ronald!" Lavender shrieked.

"No, no! Miss Brown, let us be patient for those who do not understand the Inner Eye, much less possess it." Trelawney said scathingly.

While the three bantered, Hasan turned his attention back to Luna. "It's in the Department of Mysteries?" he whispered. "Isn't that where Moody got attacked?"

Luna only smiled. "That's a good observation, I think."

.oOo.

:What are you doing?:

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Hasan and Melusine were crouched (Melusine was more of lying) on the floor in his dorm, peering at the map in the light cast by his wand. His invisibility cloak was slung over his shoulders for good measure.

:I need to make sure the coast is clear.: Hasan explained to the small green snake. :I'm not supposed to know how to open the Chamber let alone where it is. Sure I was found with Neville and all but no one has ever asked me about it." He tried not to pout like a petulant child. He knew it wasn't really Neville's fault that everyone was giving him special treatment, but honestly, he would have thought the great Dumbledore would have interrogated Hasan and Draco both once it was ascertained that Neville had absolutely no recollection of anything.

:I sssee.: Melusine hissed. :Then by all meansss check away.:

Hasan ignored her and continued in his search. There was Draco in his private dorm, pacing it seemed, Hermione in the library, Severus in the headmaster's office- that was interesting, Lupin with Sirius in their joint chambers. Fortunately, it seemed that there wasn't much of anyone in the corridors: there was just this guy named Barty Crouch, the care-taker Filch, Mrs. Norris, Flitwick, and McGonagall. None of them seemed likely to run into him, so he wiped the map clean and stood up.

:Wrap around my arm: he told her, :It'll be easier to carry you.:

After everything was away, the map in his pocket, his wand in hand, Melusine around his arm, and the invisibility cloak over his body, Hasan set off for the girls' bathroom. Even if he didn't know his way (which he did) Myrtle's dolorous wails would have led the way. The two were almost upon the bathroom entrance when unexpectedly Moody whipped around the corner with Flitwick right behind him. Funny how he couldn't remember Moody being in the corridors...

"Next week we'll discuss environmental strategies." Moody was saying gruffly. "Too many kids today are distracted by what is going on around them and not on the battle."

"But that's just as well," Flitwick squeaked, keeping up with the more experienced wizard, "Surroundings can save or condemn you. We can focus on how best to use it to their advantage."

Hasan assumed the two were discussing the up and coming Dueling Club meeting set to take place in a week. He pressed himself against the wall and held his breath, but despite his efforts, Moody's magical eye suddenly swung around to land on him.

"Alastor?" Flitwick asked with concern.

Moody didn't move, instead his eye flickered down to where Hasan was sure he saw Melusine. Oh shit. This wasn't good at all. He should have known that Moody could see through invisibility cloaks! But then...he never did recall seeing Moody on the map!

"Nothing." Moody said finally, "Come, there's much more to discuss."

After they passed, Hasan was left taking deep calming breathes. That was close, way too close. And he never wanted it to happen again. Hasan stumbled into the loo, not exactly in the mood to see the bathroom's namesake. As luck would have it, Myrtle was there waiting for him, wailing from the top of the window sill.

"Oh! Oh! It's you! That boy who never came back to v-visit me!"

:Why doess she wail ssso?: Melusine asked.

:She got murdered here. That's enough to moan about.: Hasan replied dryly as he walked around the sinks.

"Myrtle, I'm really sorry about that. But I've been busy."

"Busy with what?" the ghost asked languidly.

"Well I just found this snake..." Hasan told her kindly, "And I was hoping you would help me guard her?"

"A-a snake?" Myrtle wondered, eyes going round behind her glasses. "But you're not like that other boy, right?"

The other boy...Hasan knew she was talking of Tom Riddle and an involuntary shiver went down his spine. To think that Voldemort was once a student here and killed her...

"Myrtle, the basilisk is dead. This is another snake that was going to die. You'll let me keep her in here, won't you?"

Myrtle relented. If his snake was here, then Hasan would have to visit her!

"And you won't tell this to anybody?" Hasan asked as he located the sink.

"No, I swear on my grave." Myrtle said. "Ooh, this is so exciting!"

Hasan offered her a charming smile and leaned over the faucet. :Open: he hissed and was rewarded with a low moan from the center of the room. Within seconds, the entrance was by his feet once more.

:You'll like it here. I promise.: Hasan said, and jumped.

.oOo.

"...Sirius?" Remus asked. "You wouldn't happen to know where those mirrors are that James and you used to use?"

Sirius' head shot up from his Daily Prophet. "The mirrors?" he asked dubiously. Yes, he knew exactly what his soulmate was talking about. "What brought this up?"

Remus smiled nervously. "Well, I've got into a sort of scrape."

"Remus..." Sirius whined. Merlin help him!

"I need the mirrors for a short time and was wondering if you could fix them up a bit?" Remus asked in a rush.

Sirius sighed, "I don't suppose you can tell me what for?"

"I can't, Sirius, I can't." At Sirius' look, Remus elaborated, "I trust you, Sirius, I do-"

"Just not enough apparently," Sirius huffed, crossing his arms.

"That's not it," Remus sighed. "This is beyond either of us. It's for the war efforts and this is absolutely necessary. I'm sorry if you don't believe me but you know I love you. I wouldn't ask this of you if there was another way, but we both know you are the only one who knows the spells."

"Fine!" Sirius groaned. "I'll help you. I just wish I knew why."

Remus stared into the fire. "Thank you."

Sirius still wasn't sure what was happening, why he was doing this, or what part he was playing in doing this. All he knew was that he trusted his mate. He knew exactly where the mirrors were because he did harbor some hopes of finding Harry and giving some of his family heirlooms to him. But obviously James' son was lost to them forever.

There was no need to wait any longer.

Sirius retrieved the mirrors from his room and handed them to Remus.

"What do you need done?"

"I need to break one."

"WHAT?"

"I mean," Remus tried again, "That we need to make three mirrors and have one of them going one way so that you can view the others but not be seen."

Sirius gave him an odd look. Remus wanted to create a spy mirror? Clearly somebody had thought this out very thoroughly. Who exactly was threatening his man? Or working with him? Was it Dumbledore? Surely he would have talked to Sirius himself?

"Of course." Sirius said tonelessly, and set to work.

.oOo.

As much as he distasted it, Severus supposed that he would have to inform Dumbledore of the complications regarding Barty Crouch Jr. It wouldn't do to for Barty to attack students and for Dumbledore to be indecisive from the predictable confusion. While Severus was a secretive man, there were some things which he knew that Dumbledore should know. He ladled the memory potion he had been working on into a glass vial before going up to see Dumbledore.

"Licorice wands," Severus bit out as he began the ascent. He swore that Albus purposely chose passwords to humble his guests. Even Voldemort couldn't feel high and mighty while saying "Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans" to a stone gargoyle.

"Come in," came Dumbledore's voice from inside.

Severus pushed the door open and held up the vial in explanation. "Albus, I passed along your message to the Malfoys."

The bearded man seemed to take a minute to process this. "Ah, yes. The letter, and oh good! You brought the potion!"

Severus nodded. In an odd sort of way, Severus felt bad for the wizard who was suffering under Altair's spell work.

"How are you faring?" Severus enquired.

"Oh, I'm alright." Albus said wearily. "I just realized I forgot to send out Hogsmeade permission slips and I'm presently organizing Susan Bone's papers. She's going to be homeschooled, I'm afraid."

Severus could understand that. The school was, as the muggles would say, a ticking time bomb. One year Voldemort as a teacher, the next a werewolf and a Basilisk to top it off! If he had kids, he wouldn't want them attending either.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Severus? You seem troubled."

Damn the man! Snape thought. He was too perceptive for his own good.

"Nothing personally, although I did wish to tell you that the Dark Lord has placed a spy in our midst."

Dumbledore eyed him shrewdly without his normal twinkle.

"Not ME!" Severus cried, "Merlin, Albus! I am talking of Moody, Alastor Moody."

"What about Moody?" Albus asked sharply, defensively.

"That is the problem, Albus. The Dark Lord has captured him the night of the attack and has planted Barty Crouch Jr. in his place."

Dumbledore swallowed. He remembered reading that Barty Crouch's son was among those who had escaped from Azkaban the year previous. This was a very bad thing indeed.

"Does he have orders from his master?" Albus asked casually.

"He is to stay and wait for orders." Severus informed him, "Although I have no doubt he will be called back once the resurrection begins."

"And how is that coming along?" Albus asked conversationally.

"Well. Far too well. I expect we'll have a fully corporal enemy within the school year." Severus scowled.

The headmaster nodded slowly. "So we will...But you know what I think, Severus? I think we'll all be ready for him. Boy-Who-Lived or not, I think we might be able to kill him."

Severus was impassive. "Boy-Who-Lived or not."

.oOo.

The Dueling Club had finally arrived with much excitement and anticipation from all those involved. Dumbledore, though informed of Moody's er, personal problems, was confident that he wouldn't try anything too dangerous the first time. Even so, he set Sirius to watch the processions as a dog, as if the mutt could save them Severus had scoffed.

Hasan in particular was excited for the club to begin. After the events of last year he felt, more than ever, that education in self-defense should be on the top of all their lists. He found Luna in the crowd, standing beside Hermione, Theo, and Draco. The rest of their usual party was near but busy talking with their own friends.

"Oh, Hasan!" Hermione exclaimed as the jade-eyed boy came to join them. "I looked up Melusine just like you asked, but couldn't find anything on it! It's absolutely terrible! You would have thought that Hogwarts' library had everything!"

"What's this about Melusine?" Luna questioned innocently.

"It's the name he's giving that snake." Hermione supplied, then remembering that Luna was a grade below them proceed to explain that Hasan rescued a snake from Professor Moody's infernal demonstrations.

"So you're naming it already?" Theodore asked.

"Yes." Hasan said, "What would you have me do? Refer to it as Snake?"

Theodore shrugged, "I didn't think you'd actually keep it. It's a nice gesture and all, but we don't know the first thing about it. Aren't you worried that it'll kill you in your sleep?"

Hasan flicked his eyes up to meet Theo's. "There is a thing called magic, Theo. Besides a stunning spell, a shielding spell, a binding spell, or accioing all its teeth out, one could buy a cage."

Theo was about to say something biting back, but Hermione quickly jumped in with a comment about muggle technologies being utilized by wizards. Hasan shrugged it off. He didn't mean to sound cruel, but he really didn't appreciate all these questions. He was paranoid as hell that Myrtle would tell someone about his little escapade last week, or that someone else would spill the beans about his pet snake.

"You can relax here, Hasan." Luna offered sweetly. "I won't tell about your pet snake. I also think Melusine is a great name. Starbucks, you know?"

And before Hasan could possibly wonder what Luna was babbling about now, the Club began.

.oOo.

Filius Flitwick was admittedly a Dueling Champion. In his youth he participated in such clubs that earned him respect among several wealthy families despite his goblin inheritance. As an adult and adept professor of charms, one could only guess that the youth had improved with time. But as it was, he looked pitifully frail and ancient next to war worn Alastor Moody. But at second glance, both looked incredibly old and surprisingly dangerous in that they both looked like formidable opponents.

"Welcome!" Flitwick squeaked, "To the first Dueling Club meeting of the year! Today we will be learning how environmental factors can help or hinder you. However, we would like to demonstrate what a real wizards' duel looks like so that you have something to look forward to the in the future.."

"Yes," Moody agreed gruffly, very excited to try his stuff on the world renowned dueling champion. "And to make it fair, we will only be using the stunning, disarming, and shielding spells."

The crowd watched closely as the two wizards arrange themselves on stage. Flitwick erected an orb-like shield to cover the expanse of their dueling platform, while Moody took the time to stare at the kids with his magical eye. Hasan felt it glance over him and automatically looked away. Luna gave him a concerned smile and gave his hand a squeeze.

"As some of you may remember from last year, the two participating wizards will bow to each other before the actual duel. It is for tradition's sake as well as courtesy." Flitwick said.

"And respect," Moody added, "Never underestimate your opponent."

The two wizards then met at the center, bowed, and returned to their respective locations. Hasan, who had never seen Flitwick in this setting, was rather startled to see the determination shining in his eyes.

"Stupefy!" Moody shouted, making the first strike.

Flitwick tumbled to the side (with a youthfulness no one had ever expected from him) and shot his own stunning spell back at him. "Stupefy!"

"Protego!" Moody said as he ducked from the spell. "Expelliarmus!"

Flitwick created his own shield and sent a stunner from the side. Moody grit his teeth. He was not to be outdone by the likes of him! Such a filthy half-creature! How he wished to send him sprawling across the floor under the cruciatus or other questionably illegal curses!

"Stupefy! Stupefy!" Moody yelled, shooting one after another in an attempt to break the shield. Flitwick almost smirked, with a quick jerking motion, a disarming spell flew from under his shield and straight towards its target! Lacking his host body's actual skill, Barty Crouch Jr. was left wandless and sent flying into the wards from the power behind the spell.

Hasan watched in fascination. He had done something similar in class last week, but to see it from this viewpoint was simply spectacular. Moody's face as he was suddenly struck by the spell was one of pure shock- a highly unusual emotion to express given the auror's line of work and normally blank demeanor. If Hasan hadn't known better, he would have said that Moody was no better than a fourth year student at Hogwarts- and that was being generous. However, he remembered vividly the cruelty which this man was capable of and second guessed his gut reaction. Maybe he just wasn't used to the constraints of using three mild but useful spells. Surely an auror was more adroit at wielding other more potent spells? Hasan shrugged, it wasn't like he knew a lot about Magical Law Enforcement. In fact, Altair had made sure they kept away from it as much as possible, his weapon being horrible disguises than actual research and evasion.

"Well done, Filius." Moody all but growled. "But let us keep in mind that in the battle field all spells that you are even the least bit familiar with are available to you. There will be no limits in the real world."

"Which is why," Flitwick segued smoothly, "Our next meeting will be outside so that you can experience a more realistic battle setting. Not all fights are conducted on Ministry approved measurements and encased in protective wards."

There was a murmur of excitement throughout the crowd at this new bit of news. Go outside? Learn to use your surroundings? This was a new type of learning which excited even the dimmest of students.

"Alright then!" Flitwick said, "For the rest of the remaining time we will try a little experiment. There will be no teams, although you are welcome to make your own during the course of the game. The three spells we have used will be the only spells in your arsenal: Stupefy, Protego, and Expelliarmus. The object of the game is to be the last one who is not stunned. All wands which have been taken from the original owner will be charmed to fly to us instead of the castor only for organization's sake. Don't worry, the wand knows its owner and will fly back to you at the end of the game. If you are disarmed, but not yet stunned, feel free to continue playing. I will give everyone ten seconds to line up against any wall in the room. Any questions? Excellent! One...Two...Three...Four..."

Hasan and Luna hurried to the far wall, while Hermione, Theo and the rest of the Slytherins lined up on the adjacent wall.

"Five...Six...Seven...Eight..."

"This is kind of like muggle dodge ball!" Luna was saying excitedly.

"Nine...Ten! You may begin!"

All at once, everyone tore from their original walls and started shouted spells at the top of their lungs. The teachers, one should note, were happily sitting on chairs under heavy protective wards.

"STUPEFY!"

"Come at me you bastard!"

"STUPEFY!"

"EXPELLIARMUS!"

"COWARD!"

"STUPEFY!"

Hasan, to his credit, had formed an alliance with Luna and were rotating back to back, erecting shield after shield.

"Expelliarmus!" Theodore shouted at Luna.

"Stupefy!" she yelled. Theodore dodged out of the way before he was hit, but Luna's wand went soaring over to the professors.

"Oh no!" Luna sighed, not at all sad. To her surprise, her stunning spell had hit Hermione (who was tailing Theo) causing Theo to knock into her in his haste to get away. Not having any of it, Hasan sent him a stunner, which of course hit its mark as Theo was suffering from a head injury.

"Come on, let's get some shelter." Hasan said, indicating where several Hufflepuffs were frozen in one corner. Luna nodded her approval.

Meanwhile, Tracey was fighting off Pansy Parkinson who was also fighting off Millicent Bulstrode.

"Here's for that time you called me ugly!" Millie cried, slashing her wand at the pug-faced girl.

Pansy gnashed her teeth together and she threw up a shield. "It's not my fault you take everything to heart! Stupefy!"

Tracey wary of Millicent, but terrified of Pansy, shot a disarming charm at Millie. Her wand out of reach, Pansy seized the chance to stun her, but this proved to be her downfall as Tracey stunned her in turn.

"Nice work," Daphne grinned, nodding at the statues. "Hey, they should call this game Medusa. Fighting, isn't it?"

Tracey gave her a tight nod before she had to leap out of the way from Lavender barreling through. Right behind her was Ronald Weasley and tagging beside him was the Golden Boy, Neville Longbottom.

"Truce?" Neville offered sneeringly.

"Not a chance!" Daphne smirked, and sent him a stunner. Ron, his temper always on edge, decided it was time to unleash his magical disarming powers. Anticipating his spell by his wand movement, Tracey threw up a shield, which was quickly banished by Lavender shooting a particularly nasty Stupefy. As Tracey's meagre shield collapsed, Daphne made her own, whispering for Tracey to try and disarm Lavender as she was a loose cannon. Fortunately it wasn't long until Lavender's wand joined the pile. Unfortunately, she was still a menace disarmed.

Animalistic-ly, she tackled Tracey to the ground. Too shocked to do much else, Ron was swiftly hit by a stunner, the same stupid expression locked on his face.

"AHHHHH! You hit my WON WON!" Lavender shrieked.

Daphne did everyone a service by stunning the banshee of a woman, but Neville had already stunned Tracey who was trapped beneath the other. Now it was only Neville and Daphne.

"Truce?" Neville offered again, though weakly.

Daphne smiled. "Truce."

It was but ten minutes into the game and already most of the room was frozen in place. While Flitwick contemplated the possibilities of adding another element, such as the ability to revive a 'statue' as analogous to potions or healing spells, Moody's mind was somewhere else entirely. He was sent by the Dark Lord to guide young Mr. Malfoy, but he had another task here as well: to identify those the Dark Lord would find worthy as his future followers. It was no secret that the Dark Lord desired fresh blood so to speak. Many of his original followers, not able to benefit from his deranged idea of immortality, were growing rather old and some deceased. As Moody watched the students form little ragtag bands, he contemplated the use the Dark Lord would have of them.

Mr. Longbottom, he noted, was quick to gain allies. After his first team had been taken down, he quickly aligned himself with the enemy- a very interesting response for one so young. If not for the fact he flaunted his Gryffindor-like stupidity around, Moody would have judged him a Slytherin based on that one move.

He kept a close eye on Hasan, of course, simply because he had caught his attention the first day of class, but when it became apparent that all he did was throw up shields and occasionally sent out stunners, Moody quickly became bored. He sent a quick glance at Flitwick out of sheer paranoid- as if the man could possibly detect his thoughts, and relaxed back into his chair to enjoy the show.

Within twenty minutes of the game, the only survivors were Hasan, Luna, Neville, Daphne, Cedric Diggory, a small Ravenclaw, Terry Boot, and Padma Patil. Luna was the last one without a wand but she was quick and slender and so was able to hide behind the millions of frozen people at her disposal.

"Stupefy!" a man yelled, causing someone to run for cover.

"Stupefy!"

"Stupefy!"

"Expelliarmus!"

"Stupefy!"

Cedric-down.

Terry Boot- down.

Unknown ravenclaw- down.

Padma Patil- disarmed.

Daphne- down.

Now there was only Hasan, Luna, Padma, and Neville left...Moody inched forward in his seat- so did Flitwick. The tension in the room was startling. Two without a wand two with a wand.

Hasan lazily flicked his wand at Padma and stunned her on the spot. Now the real fight would begin.