Disclaimer: No spoilers for the book, not even one.

The Duel

The world spun as Hermione felt someone pushing her into an empty classroom. "Wha . . ." She managed to get out before a strong hand clamped itself on her mouth.

"We're not going to harm you," a female voice hissed. "We just want to talk."

"Mumph."

"Ok," another female voice said, sounding nervous. "I'll have her let you go if you promise to listen to what we say, deal?"

"Mumph."

"I think that was a yes," the first voice said uncertainly.

Hermione felt the han loosen. "It was," she confirmed. "Now who are you and what do you want?"

"It's Daphne and Tracy."

"You still haven't told me what you want."

The two Slytherins looked at each other. "Have a seat Granger."

"Well?"

"What do you know of pureblood customs?"

"Not much," Hermione admitted. "Why?"

"Draco's father has outmaneuvered our families," Daphne said with a look of disgust. "He offered a couple concessions in exchange for the power to arrange our marriages."

"With the caveat that Draco would not be either of our husbands," Tracy added firmly.

"He found a loop hole I take it?"

"He betrothed us to Malfoy's two goons," Tracy said with a sick look on her face. "Just that was a rather large slap in the face to our respective families."

"But that's not the worst part," Daphne added. "I'm told that the muggle world is more progressive. But in the magical world it all depends on the betrothal contract. Ours states that we would become our husband's chattel. We could not work or own any kind of property without the consent of our husbands. It's quite common among some pureblood families."

"What?" Hermione gasped, a look of shocked horror on her face. "You're kidding?"

"Draco has made it clear that he intends to use us and to make us the common property of his friends," Tracy said with an impassive look on her face. "We would rather this not happen."

"I'll die before I allow that to happen," Daphne said fiercely.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Being property does help us in this instance," Tracy explained. "We can be transferred to another . . . owner in this case without too much fuss. Draco intends to use that to his advantage, we intend to use it to ours."

"How?"

"To put it bluntly, we were hoping that you would help us convince Potter to challenge the goons in a duel."

"Why Harry?" Hermione demanded. "Why not someone else? It couldn't be hard to defeat those two."

"I could defeat those two," Daphne snorted. "I'm not sure I could defeat their champion."

"Which would almost certainly be Draco," Hermione said in understanding. "Still, why Harry?"

"Because Potter is probably the most powerful wizard attending classes right now," Daphne said bluntly. "And the most skilled duelist. Neither of us are willing to take chances here, it's either Potter or someone from outside."

"Potter is . . . from what we know he'd treat us well," Tracy sighed. "Someone from outside might not. And it's not like we could ask one of the Professors."

"Why not?"

"Everything happening to us is nice and legal," Daphne replied. "They couldn't even challenge the goons to a duel of their own without resigning first, old Hogwarts rule prevents it."

"I've seen it," Hermione interjected. "Without it I'm sure Snape would have challenged Harry in first year. What makes you think they'll accept Harry's terms?"

"Draco would never pass up the chance to mess Potter up," Tracy sniffed. "And we don't think you'd let Potter sell us off or offer us up in a duel of his own."

"I'll talk to Harry," Hermione promised. "But he might not do anything."

"Have him come down and talk to us," Daphne said quickly. "We'll be here for the next few hours. And if need be . . . well, I suppose we could give him a sample if we must."

"A . . . sample?" Hermione squeaked.

"Think of it as an advance," Tracy agreed. "If necessary we'll give him as much as our betrothal contracts will allow us to give to anyone that isn't one of the goons."

"But . . ."

"Hermione," Daphne said firmly. "What would you be willing to do for anyone that could prevent you from being the communal toy of Draco, the goons, and god knows who else."

"Point taken."

"I rather thought it might be."

"I'll be right back," Hermione said. "Just wait."

"Thank you Granger."

They watched as Hermione left and turned to each other. "You think he'll go for it?" Daphne asked.

"I think so," Tracy agreed. "If all else fails we can always kill ourselves."

"Too bad we can't do things the old fashioned way."

"True . . . a shame it would violate the agreements if we kill them. It really would be much simpler."

"He closed that loophole for a reason . . . the bastard."

"Yeah . . ." After that, they waited in silence for their savior to arrive.

Harry walked into the room a few minutes later and regarded the two girls with an unreadable look. "Hermione says that the two of you have something you want to ask me?"

"Just listen to them Harry," Hermione pleaded.

"Well?"

"Do you know anything about pureblood marriage laws?"

"Not a thing," Harry replied.

The two girls took a breath and appraised Harry of the situation.

"That's the situation," Daphne finished.

"If you win, we're yours, please Harry."

"You can do anything with us," Daphne added. "If you want to pass us around to all your Gryff buddies, then you can. I'd prefer not to be treated that way of course, but legally there would be nothing that I or anyone else could do about it."

"I . . . I wouldn't do that to you," Harry said with a blush.

"Which was one of the reasons we chose you," Daphne said gently. "We figured that you'd treat us decently, that you wouldn't turn us into prostitutes or party favors like Draco intends to anyway."

"We didn't think Granger would let you even if you were so inclined," Tracy added with a weak smile. "Or that she'd at least raise enough hell to give you pause."

"That's the situation," Daphne sighed. "You've got the power, you've got the ability, and we hope that you'll treat us well."

"What do you think Hermione?"

"You're living a lot of boys dream," Hermione said with a shrug. "The fact that you're uncertain about it does you credit, but . . . but if I were in their situation I'd be asking you, no begging you the for the same thing."

"How do I do this?" Harry said in defeat.

"Just challenge Crabbe and Goyle in a duel with us as the stakes," Daphne replied. "Mention that they're allowed to name a champion and Draco will stumble over himself to agree."

"Might be a good idea to suggest that things can be settled after the meal," Tracy added. "Traditionally the time and place is named by the challenger. It's not likely that Draco will chose anything aside from magic, but it is possible that he'll want to use something else."

"Sneer and imply that he's unsure of his magical powers if he does," Daphne suggested. "Unless you're confident you could beat him with a blade or something."

"I don't know anything about how to have a duel," Harry said.

"We'll be in your corner," Daphne assured him. "I'll whisper anything you need to know."

"Shall we go?"

"Sooner the better," Tracy agreed quickly. "Thank you Harry."

"Yes thank you," Daphne added.

They followed Harry down to the Great Hall and watched as he walked up to the Slytherin table. "Crabbe, Goyle. I challenge the two of you idiots to a duel with your betrothed as the spoils." A hush fell over the Great Hall as the students and staff stopped to watch the developing situation.

"Can they appoint a champion?" Draco asked hopefully.

"They can," Harry said firmly. "Are you volunteering?"

"It'll be a pleasure to wipe that smirk off your face scarhead," Draco said happily. "Shall we say, the third floor at . . ."

"It's traditional for the challenger to name the time and place," Harry interjected. "Or did your parents neglect to instruct you in that bit of etiquette."

"I knew Potter," Draco said quickly.

"Then you were trying to take advantage of my ignorance?" Harry said before Draco had a chance to reply. "Have you no honor?"

"Where and when Potter," Draco hissed.

"Here, after the meal."

"I'll be here Potty," Draco agreed. "Be ready to die."

Without a word, Harry turned and walked back to the group of nervous girls. "What now?"

"Now Dumbledore comes over and tries to talk you out of it," Hermione said with a smile.

"What makes you say that?"

"May I have a moment of your time Harry?"

Harry turned to find Dumbledore walking up with a grave expression on his face. "Never mind. What did you need Professor?"

"Alone . . ."

"I'm busy at the moment," Harry said thoughtfully. "Perhaps later, after the last meal."

"I'm afraid the information is time sensitive."

"Then I am afraid that you'll have to talk here or forget it," Harry replied. "I have an appointment coming up that I can't miss."

"Yes . . . that was what I wished to speak with you about," Dumbledore said sadly. "Harry . . . I fear that you might not know what you're getting into. As you have chosen to challenge Mr. Malfoy in public before witnesses and as he has chosen to accept. The only way we can resolve this is for you to offer up an apology, Severus assures me that . . ."

"No."

"But people could be injured," Dumbledore said in a grandfatherly tone. "Surely you don't want that?"

"Have Draco forfeit and no one will get hurt," Harry said stubbornly. "Now if you will excuse me, I'd like to relax before we begin."

"Very well," Dumbledore said with a disappointed look on his face. "Goodbye Harry."

"I can't say that was unexpected," Harry muttered. "Now what?"

"Now we rub your shoulders for a few minutes to get you limber," Daphne said firmly. "Hermione, could you get his wand hand and wrist?"

"I . . . alright," she agreed. "You owe me for this Harry."

"We're keeping score then?"

"Never mind," she laughed. "Or rather, if we are then we can start by counting all the essays that I helped you research and edited."

"Touche."

"Here comes Draco," Tracy said nervously. "The first thing you need to do is open your shirt to show you're not wearing any armor. After that, bow and begin. Good luck Harry."

"Remember Harry," Daphne whispered. "You can legally kill him in this duel and Draco will most certainly try to kill you. Don't show any mercy and don't let up. Remember Harry, if you loose you're killing Tracy and myself. Please, please don't loose."

"I won't," Harry assured the frightened girls.

With a deep breath, Harry took his position and opened his shirt to show a bare chest. "How about you Malfoy? You wearing any armor?"

"Damn you Potter, how dare you imply I'd do something like that." Draco was white faced with rage.

"Wearing armor would violate the code," Flitwick said sternly.

"I'm not wearing any armor," Draco growled.

"Prove it," Harry challenged.

"I refuse to debase myself by doing such a vulgar act," Draco protested. "And I am greatly offended by the fact that you're challenging my, a Malfoy's honor."

"The challenge would be to find any honor in the Malfoy family," Harry retorted. "We're all waiting Draco."

"Is this all really necessary?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," Harry said firmly. "It is. Unless . . ."

"Unless?"

"Unless we change the terms so that armor doesn't matter," Harry mused. "In that case, I suppose I'd use spells that couldn't be blocked."

"You'd really . . ." Dumbledore gasped.

"Your choice Draco," Harry growled.

"No . . . no I won't have that spell cast in these halls," Dumbledore interrupted. "Open your shirt Mr. Malfoy."

Draco's hands were shaking when he unbuttoned his shirt to reveal black dragon hide.

"Looks like I win then," Harry said with a satisfied smile. "Malfoy violated the code duello, he looses."

"We still have one more duel Potter," Draco sneered.

"Why don't we have it now then?" Harry suggested. "Providing of course you remove your little vest."

"Damn you Potter," Draco hissed.

"Was that a yes?" Harry asked. "Be back in fifteen minutes or forfeit you bloody coward."

Harry returned to his corner and the girls immediately set him down to massage the tension out of his muscles. "You have to relax," Daphne advised. "Please, you're better then him. It's not worth getting worked up about."

"He's rubbish at anything but potions," Tracy agreed. "And he only does well there because Snape cooks his grades. You've got nothing to worry about, just close your eyes and relax."

"Want something to drink mate?"

Harry opened his eyes to focus on his oldest friend. "Thanks Ron."

"No problem mate, shame Malfoy is such a coward."

"I still have one more duel to fight," Harry assured him. "I'll bust him up real good for you then."

"Thanks mate."

"Somethings happening," Hermione whispered. "Snape is talking to Dumbledore."

IIIIIIIIII

"You're sure you can finish this without harming him?" Dumbledore demanded.

"I believe so," Snape assured the man. While he had no intention of leaving Potter able to walk under his own power, it was important to tell the old fool otherwise.

"We were lucky on the first duel," Dumbledore sighed. "We may not be on the second. Remember Severus, as educators it is our duty to insure that none of the students are harmed."

"Of course Headmaster."

"Change of plans Potter," Snape said loudly. "I'll be facing you in the next duel."

"According to 'Hogwarts a History,' it is strictly forbidden for students to duel Professors," Hermione replied before Harry had a chance to.

"Unless the Headmaster gives his permission," Dumbledore said with a smile. "It's really for the best."

While Hermione was arguing with the Headmaster, Daphne was whispering something into Harry's ear.

"To the death then," Harry said loudly.

"What?" Dumbledore asked sickly. "You can't mean that Harry."

"I couldn't set that term on my duel with Draco," Harry corrected. "As a full grown wizard, I can make that term to Snape. One of us won't be leaving this place outside of a box Snivvy."

"I've been waiting . . ."

"I forbid it," Dumbledore shouted.

"Then Draco has . . . three minutes to get here," Harry said with Daphne's prompting. "And let me add how disappointed I am with you Headmaster. It's rather disconcerting to see you go against me on this, bends the code duello rather badly too."

"He's right," Professor Flitwick said reluctantly. "Perhaps it would be best if you were to stay out of this Albus."

"I . . ."

"I'm here Potter," Draco shouted as he came into the Great Hall.

"With ten seconds to spare," Harry said with a glance at the clock. "Are you ready Draco?"

"Ready Pothead."

"Then let's see you open your shirt."

"You can't really think . . ."

"You've shown that you are a coward and bereft of even a shread of honor," Harry repeated what Tracy was whispering into his ear. "Under normal circumstances I'd have skipped the duel and thrashed you. But these aren't normal circumstances, now let us see if you are wearing any armor Draco."

"Damn you Potter." Draco's hands were trembling with rage as he exposed his chest.

"Let's get started then."

"You're supposed to return my bow Potter," Draco sneered.

"I don't respect you," Harry replied. "Why should I even pretend."

"Because it is required by the code," Professor Flitwick said sharply.

"Very well," he said dramatically as he gave the barest hint of a nod towards his opponent's direction.

"Adursum." A jet of flame shot out of Draco's wand towards Harry.

Contego Asper." A shield of ice appeared before Harry. "Contrecto Poena." Caused Draco to drop his wand and scream in pain. "Concussu." Caused Draco's eyes to roll into the back of the head and ended the fight. "I suggest you get him to the hospital wing," Harry said. "And it appears that I win again."

"Oh thank you Harry," Daphne and Tracy sobbed as they embraced the wizard.

"No problem," Harry whispered to them. "What do I have to do to set you guys free?"

"Die," Daphne said bluntly. "Or kill us."

"What?"

"You can't break the contract," Tracy explained. "You're stuck with us."

AN: Been reading too many similar stories.

OMAKE: Fifteen points . . . or What if Sirius Thought Things Through.

Harry saw red when Vernon's sister bad mouthed his mother and just as he was about to loose control, a half starved man rushed into the yard.

"NEVER, NEVER, SAY ANYTHING ABOUT LILY POTTER AROUND ME." The obviously insane man screamed. "May I borrow your wand for a second Harry?" His manner shifted form demented to polite in a split second.

"Who are you?"

"Your godfather," the man replied. "I've been in prison for the past few years for murder, but I've escaped now and I'll make everything better. Starting with them."

Harry had to think things over, who did he trust more? An escaped and probably insane convict, or the Dursleys? "I'll be right back," Harry said after a second of thought. "What was your name again?"

"Sirius Black," he replied. "They say I betrayed your parents and murdered several people."

"Did you?"

"I'd never betray your parents," Sirius said firmly. "But I will kill the rat that did . . . slowly."

"Good enough," Harry agreed. He didn't trust the drooling mad man, but since he wasn't a Dursley, Harry was willing to give him the benefit of doubt.

Harry returned a few minutes later and handed his wand to the drooling mad man. "Thank you Harry."

"What are you going to do to them?"

"Figured I'd turn your aunt into a giraffe, your uncle into a pig, and your cousin into another so we'd have a matching set."

"And Marge?"

"Pile of dung for the pigs," Sirius giggled.

"Sounds good," Harry agreed. "So when can we get out of here?"

"You wanna go now?" Sirius shifted gears. "I know a great beach . . . we used to go there with your mum and the rest of our friends . . . portus." Sirius turned a bit of string into a portkey. "Let's go Harry."

IIIIIIIIII

"What?" Dumbledore asked dully.

"Taken by Sirius Black?" McGonagall squeaked. "Oh no."

"How are we going to tell the children," Molly waled.

"He might still be alive," Remus said stubbornly. "We've got to go look for him." The Order had been reassembled and they would not rest until Harry Potter was found and Sirius Black brought to justice.

IIIIIIIIII

Sirius squinted at the note in his hands, why didn't he remember anything? Shrugging off the feeling, he decided that, he might as well follow the instructions laid out for him. Not like he had anything better to do . . . did he?

It took less then an hour to reach the home of his old partner and he was pleased . . . pleased, and a little disappointed if he was going to be honest with himself that she hadn't removed his access from the wards. Ghosting through the house, he found her old bedroom, drew his wand, and cleared his throat.

"Who's there?"

"Hello Amy."

"Sirius?" She asked in shock. "You're under arrest."

"I know," Sirius said calmly. "I came here to turn myself in."

"If you came here to turn yourself in, then why are you holding a wand on me?" She asked dryly.

"Just wanted to make one request before I turn it over," Sirius replied. "Peter, James, and I all became animaguses so we could spend time with Remus during . . . uh . . ."

"That time of the month?"

"Yeah," Sirius agreed with a weak smile. "Peter turned into a rat, he's the pet of the Weasley boy."

"And you want me to do what?"

"Use truth potions or spells on him," Sirius replied. "And make sure he pays for betraying Lily and James."

"You're saying you're innocent?"

"I'm saying it doesn't matter if I'm innocent," Sirius sighed. "Not anymore, not after all the time I spent in Azkaban. All that matters is that he's guilty."

"I'll see to it Sirius," she agreed softly.

"Here." Sirius handed over his wand. "One more thing."

"What is it?"

"Why the hell was I still keyed to the wards?" Sirius demanded. "I know I taught you better then that. You can't make mistakes like that, as head of the DMLE you've got a big target on your head."

"But I didn't make any mistakes," she replied smugly.

"You didn't?"

"Now Auror Tonks," Amelia said with a smile.

"Wha . . ." Sirius crumpled to the ground as the stunner impacted.

"I love it when a plan comes together," Amelia said in contentment. "You can stop looking like my niece whenever you like."

"Thanks boss," Tonks said as her features shifted back to normal. "Think he was telling the truth?"

"I hope so," Amelia admitted. "No one was more surprised then I was to hear of his betrayal."

"He was your partner wasn't he?"

"Partner and trainer," Amelia agreed. "He graduated in the class ahead of me and that qualified him to be the senior Auror partnered with a rookie in those dark days."

"It was that bad?"

"It was worse."

AN: Sirius doesn't know where Harry is, doesn't even remember rescuing him. Just woke up with a note in his own hand writing telling him what to do.

OMAKE: The Oath

A storm was raging over Harry's summer residence. Things had gotten so bad that Vernon had packed up the family and left to find a hotel, Petunia just hadn't felt that it was safe enough for widdle Dudders and after Harry had made a few sly comments on the fact that the storm might not be natural. The Dursley family had packed up and left him to some well deserved alone time.

Harry was just settling down to dinner, when what sounded like a body crashed into the front door.

"What the?" Harry exclaimed in surprise when he saw the wet and obviously female form on his doorstep.

"Harry," the girl said. Clutching him as if he were a life preserver. "I'm yours, I swear it upon my magic, loyal unto death . . . unto death." She repeated as she passed out.

"Well . . . I suspect that there's a story behind this," he muttered to himself as he dragged the soaked girl in front of the fireplace.

AN: Not sure who the girl is, and I'm not sure why this scene popped into my head. Could be Hermione, escaped from Dumbledore's control and replacing him with Harry while she can. Could be one of the sisters Black, though I've seen that done far too many times. Could even be a perfect stranger with reasons of her own.

OMAKE: It was all a Prank

"Ready to die Tom?" Harry hissed. It had taken years of fighting and constant sacrifice, but he was finally on the verge of defeating his arch nemisis.

"One thing before you end it Potter," Voldemort replied. "Do you know what day it is? It's april fools day."

"What's that have to do with anything?"

"April fools," James called out as he came out of his hiding place. "Surprise son."

"Wha?"

"You should see the look on your face," Lily laughed.

"Mum?"

"Who else could it be Harry?" Sirius asked.

"I . . ."

"Why don't you all explain what's happening?" Dumbledore suggested.

"Well," James began. "We were all sitting around one day and I said, you know what guys . . . why don't we prank the hell out of Harry before he's had a chance to do anything to us. Something so good that he'll never top it."

"It took some doing, but we managed to convince the entire wizarding world to go along with it." Sirius added. "Do you know how much work it is to fake all those history books?"

"It would have all unraveled if we hadn't kept you locked up all summer," Dumbledore added proudly. "That was my doing."

"But . . . I . . ."

"Admit it Harry," James said. "We got you."

AN: If you haven't read the last book yet, sorry about the spoiler in this one. It's pretty much exactly what happens. And as this was posted before the last book started being sold, it just goes to show that my skilz is 2-1337.