Revelations revealed at dinner

It was dinnertime.You Harry and Ron were having dinner, You and Harry had just finished telling Ron what had happened when you both left the grounds with Professor McGonagall. Ron had a piece of steak and kidney pie halfway to his mouth, but he'd forgotten all about it.

"You're joking." His mouth still full of food

"Seeker ?" he said. "You and Gaunt have got to picked to play for the Gryffindor Quidditch team in the first year -- you two must be the youngest house players in about--"

"-- a century," said Harry, shoveling pie into his mouth. He must have been particularly hungry as he wolfed it down in excitement. "Wood told us."

Ron was so amazed, so impressed, he just sat and gaped at Harry the exact same way he did with you back in the common room.

"We start training next week," said Harry. "Only don't tell anyone, Wood wants to keep me being a seeker a secret."

"Why don't you try Ron," you jested "It seems every position is up for grabs."

"No, I'm not good enough." sighed Ron.

"Nonsense. You just need to practice, You may even be better than me and Harry" You said reassuring him, Fred and George Weasley now came into the hall, spotted You and Harry, and hurried over.

"Well done Harry," said George in a low voice. "Wood told us. We're on the team too -- Beaters."

"I tell you, we're going to win that Quidditch cup for sure this year," said Fred. "We haven't won since Charlie left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant. Marvolo and Harry two new additions, You must be good, Harry we already know Gaunt is good."

"Anyway, we've got to go, Lee Jordan reckons he's found a new secret passageway out of the school." Fred hinted. Fred and George had hardly disappeared when someone far less welcome turned up: Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.

"Having a last meal, Potter? When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"

"You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," said Harry coolly. You laughed at Malfoy and he noticed, There was of course nothing at all little about Crabbe and Goyle, but as the High Table was full of teachers, neither of them could do more than crack their knuckles and scowl.

"I'd take you on anytime on my own," said Malfoy.

"You taking him on a date Malfoy" You laughed, Getting a wolf whistle or two from down the table.

Malfoy scowled at you "Watch it Gaunt, Or you'll be next." he threatened.

You stood up, standing tall over him "I'll be next? What will you do Malfoy," You saw his face change into a worried state. "Thats right, You'll do nothing." Your tone was dark and scary. Getting a few worried looks from people along your own table.

"Harry is the one I'll be dueling not you Gaunt." He said mustering his confidence back, You just sat back down before he turned his attention back to Harry "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only. no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?" He was trying to win his confidence back after your confrontation.

"Of course he has," said Ron, wheeling around. "I'm his second, who's yours?"

Malfoy looked at Crabbe and Goyle, sizing them up.

"Crabbe," he said. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."

Malfoy walked away with a swagger in each step once he had gone, You, Ron and Harry looked at each other.

"Your scary you know that," Ron said "But I have to admit that was wicked."

"What is a wizard's duel?"Harry interjected. "And what do you mean, you're my second?" Pushing Ron for an answer

"Well, a second's there to take over if you die," said Ron casually, getting started at last on his cold pie. Catching the look on Harry's face, he added quickly, "But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse, anyway."

"And what if I wave my wand and nothing happens?" stuttered Harry

"Throw it away and punch him on the nose," Ron calmly suggested.

"Or kick him straight in the balls." You chuckled getting a smile from Harry.

"Excuse me." A sharp voice said, You, Harry and Ron looked up. It was Hermione Granger.

"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?" said Ron.

Hermione ignored him and spoke to Harry. "I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying--"

"Bet you could," Ron muttered.

"-- and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night, think of the points you'll lose Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you." Hermione implored.

"And it's really none of your business," said Harry. Harry and Ron got up and walked out of the hall.

"Goodbye," said Ron looking over the rest of the table, as He and Harry stood up they got up and walked out of the hall.

"And where have you been." Questioning Hermione.

"In the libary studying" she simply replied.

"Of course you have." Muttering below your breath, something which she noticed. "Between you and me Hermione I know you're trying to do the best thing, But Harry didn't get in trouble for the flying lesson, Let's just say he was rewarded so he's doing quite alright in staying out of trouble." Hoping this would calm her down from worrying like she clearly was.