Ch. 27 Preparations

**Friday, September 18, 1992**

I was filled with satisfaction as I watched the fourth-year Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students leaving my classroom. I could make out excited chattering coming from the hallway. It was moments like these that the fourth-years resembled the first-year students.

The illusions and open-ended questions drew them in, just as easily as the younger students. Of course, I stepped up the scenes a bit more for the older students. It wasn't just because they were older, but apparently, the younger Gryffindors were discussing my classes to the upper-years.

It was a good sign.

They may only be talking about the displays of magic and general topic but, hopefully, they will soon be discussing the actual content of my classes.

The lesson I was giving this week was about the years after King Arthur's death. For my fourth and fifth-year classes, we dove deeper into behavior analysis of the warring muggles.

The students seemed to have mixed reactions when learning about the former members of King Arthur's court. We debated the actions of some nobles, even the ones that quickly fell in with William the First and Armand Malfoy, despite them invading Britain.

The 11th century was the perfect era to teach about muggles and magicals living together. The students were able to find historical answers to questions they thought to be hypothetical.

As I was basking in my own glory, I noticed one of the Hufflepuff boys reentering the classroom. He was tall and slender, having dark styled hair that framed his face. With his sharp features, he could easily be described as a 'pretty boy'.

"Mr. Diggory, do you need something?" To be honest, I was a bit curious about what he wanted. He is the first student that has been brave enough to actually speak to me outside of a class.

"Yes, Professor, several of my housemates..." looking towards the door, I see several heads quickly duck out of sight.

Facing Cedric again, I raise an eyebrow in question. So much for loyalty!

He attempts to laugh off his abandonment, but it only comes out awkward. Giving up on the act, Cedric squares his shoulders and takes a deep breath. "Well, Professor, we were wondering if you intend on starting a dueling club?"

There was no mistaking the hope laced in that question. It seems several students wished to be taught how to duel.

In all honesty, I was waiting for an excuse to begin training the students on how to fight.

After giving several lessons to each year, I decided to be more proactive. I plan to eliminate any and all Death Eaters when the masked cowards appear but, it would be foolish to not teach the students how to defend themselves. I won't' always be around to protect them, nor do I want to be.

A dueling club would be perfect. But first...

Feigning sadness, "I am sorry, Mr. Diggory, but that is out of my area."

Cedric's face was pure confusion. "But... But sir, you're a dueling champion. My father took me to see you duel last year... You were incredible!"

With a cheerful smile, I immediately respond. "I am, and thank you, Mr. Diggory. Having one's efforts recognized is a reward of its own."

I silently stare at the teen doing his best impersonation of a goldfish. He had no idea how to reply to that!

The Weasley twins may have been on to something with all their pranks! It's much more fun than I thought it would be!

Finally, deciding to end his suffering, I fully explain the situation to him. "Mr. Diggory, while I am one of the dueling champions at Hogwarts, I am also the professor of History of Magic."

Seeing Cedric nod along, I continue my explanation. "You see, each Hogwarts' Professor has additional duties besides teaching their chosen field. As the History of Magic Professor, I am responsible for the accurate recording of events that take place here at Hogwarts."

This is unexpectedly true. When Dumbledore was explaining my duties, he made sure to mention the recording of any significant event. Hell, I'm even supposed to record the Quidditch scores!

Putting those thoughts aside, I notice Cedric's shoulders began to slump as he assumed the worst.

Before he could speak up, I placed my hand over my heart and sadly shook my head. "It would be extremely unprofessional if I were to infringe on another professor's responsibility."

Quickly catching the hint, Cedric's attitude swiftly changed. "Professor, who would be responsible for establishing a dueling club?" Cedric asked with renewed hope.

Giving the Hufflepuff a charming smile, "Why, that would be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Lockhart!"

A look of heart-breaking sorrow instantly overtook the young man. He must have already suffered through several D.A.D.A. lessons with the blonde fraud. The thought of learning how to duel from the man must seem like torture for Cedric!

"Don't look so down, Mr. Diggory. I'm sure that Professor Lockhart would be more than happy to full-fill his responsibility. Why, if enough students show an interest, the Headmaster would ensure Professor Lockhart sponsored a dueling club!"

In fact, I wouldn't doubt if Dumbledore is the cause for the Duel Club in canon. It would seem like a convenient way to further show Lockhart's incompetence.

Unable to meet my eyes, Cedric said, "It's not that, Professor. It's just that Professor Lockhart is... Well, he's kind of..."

"I know, I know. He is dreadfully busy." Quickly interrupting the teen before he forces me to reprimand him for disrespect. I have zero respect for the Lockhart, but he still holds the title of Hogwarts Professor. No matter how much he doesn't deserve it.

Cedric's head snaps up with a look that can only be described as 'W.T.F.'.

I allow Cedric to stew in his own disbelief for a moment before speaking up. "You know, Mr. Diggory, if Professor Lockhart were to ask me to assist him with a dueling club... I wouldn't say no."

As if he was hit with a Cheering Charm, Cedric became the very picture of joy! "Yes, Professor!" Cedric quickly turned around, heading for the door, before he suddenly stops and faces me again. "Oh... Thank you, Professor!"

I can only smile as he swiftly retreats from the classroom.

Unexpectedly, he stops at the door and faces me. When I look into his eyes, he smiles back at me. "You are rather wicked, Professor."

With a bark of laughter, I flourish an invisible cloak as I take a bow. Upon straightening, I look to the Hufflepuff. "And you, Mr. Diggory, are exceptionally clever."

With a broad smile, Cedric mimics my bow before stepping out of the doorway.

I laugh long and hard at Cedric's departure and the whole situation. "I like that kid!"

Sitting down at my desk, I put all thoughts of a dueling club out of my mind.

I was able to browse through the Restricted Section of Hogwarts' library a few days ago. Sadly, I was not impressed.

While the books are more advanced than what is generally taught, there are few spells and even fewer rituals available. Most of the 'darker' tomes, only discuss theory.

The lack of books with actual spells is a bit telling. I'm sure Dumbledore has removed anything he's deemed as too dangerous.

The book in my hands is a perfect example of Dumbledore's censorship. It is one of the only books at Hogwarts that discusses souls, and even then, it's all theoretical.

The book may not contain any spells, but I'm leaving no stone left unturned in my pursuit to protect my soul from Other Me.

*******************

Terence Higgs sat bitterly in the Slytherin's Common Room, looking over his Charms homework. Even trying to plan for his O.W.L.s in the spring, couldn't hold his attention for long.

It's already been a week since Marcus Flint, the Slytherin Quidditch Captain, told Terence he would be the back-up Seeker for Draco Malfoy. But Terence was debating on quitting the team.

It would have been different if Draco Malfoy was more skilled than Terence. Terence would fully support Flint's decision if that was the case, but it wasn't the case.

During drills and practice, Draco couldn't match Terence's ability in a single event. By all rights, Terence should have been named the Seeker.

But thanks to his father's money, Draco was given the position of Seeker. Lord Malfoy purchased every member of the Slytherin Team a Nimbus 2001 in exchange for Draco being placed as the team's Seeker.

It burned, knowing he was cheated out of what was rightfully his.

To make matters worse, Terence now had to endure Draco lazing about the Common Room and complaining about Professor Dovahkiin!

The spoiled git was ranting to anyone that would listen!

"Can you believe the nerve of Dovahkiin?! Saying half-bloods are more powerful than pure-bloods! And slandering my family's name, by saying my ancestors colluded with muggles! That's ridiculous!" Draco cast a scrutinizing gaze around the Common Room.

Looking at no one in particular, Draco continued his rant. "Why, when my father finds out about this, I bet he drags Dovahkiin before the Wizengamot for restitution!"

Unable to take the spoiled brat a moment longer, Terence spoke up. "Professor Dovahkiin isn't slandering your family name, Malfoy. The acts of Armand Malfoy have been published for hundreds of years. And Professor Dovahkiin never stated half-bloods were more powerful than pure-bloods in my class."

Draco stared at Terence with a look of disbelief on his pale face. "What?"

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Terence set in for some petty revenge. "If you're referring to Professor Dovahkiin's class about William the Conqueror and Armand Malfoy, then that's not slander. Those are facts. Published for hundreds of years.

"King William 1, granted Armand Malfoy lands and noble titles due to his role in recruiting many of King Arthur's Royal Court to William's side. Your ancestor's efforts significantly contributed to uniting Britain after King Arthur's death.

"As for the half-bloods, Professor Dovahkiin stated that there are more half-bloods seen as front-runners in their field of magic, than any other blood status.

"Headmaster Dumbledore. Professor Snape. Professor McGonagall. Professor Flitwick. All are half-bloods, and all are widely accepted as highly skilled masters of their fields. They are living proof that your blood does not guarantee you success.

"I'm sure Professor Dovahkiin will explain more to you later. For now, you shouldn't be denying the great work of your ancestors. If anything, it proves how cunning the Malfoys were." Terence calmly explained.

After a moment of thought, Draco's chest began to swell with pride. Several of the students that overhead the conversation shared knowing looks as Draco failed to catch the backhanded compliment.

"You're right. The Malfoys did help unite all of Britain," Draco declared as a look of superiority took shape on his face. "In fact, that muggle invasion probably would have ended in failure if not for my ancestor!"

Terence had to suppress a snort as he was packing up his belongings. 'Prince of Slytherin House, my eye!' Terence thought to himself.