As soon as the bang was fired the contestants were spurred into action. Their first spells met in mid air causing a small boom but both were unfazed.
Harry immediately went on the offensive firing a Bone-breaker, a Reducto, Conlido and a bludgeoner. His opponent gracefully deflected and dodged those spells and returned fire with a barrage of Stunners, disarmers and cutting hexes. Harry instead of dodging, conjured a swarm of butterflies, expertly intercepting each spell before transfiguring the downed figures into spikes and banishing them at the girl.
Fleur waved her wand which slowed the motion of the spikes to a crawl, side stepped a bone-breaker, before she waved her wand again, turning the spikes and sending them back at Harry.
Harry vanished the spikes and deflected a Lacero and ducked an Expelliarmus before shooting a piercing curse and dislocation hex at his opponent which she deflected before sending a Banishing charm at him.
Harry shielded against the charm and conjured a lightning whip and tried to hit Fleur. She immediately erected a full body shield, protecting herself against the whip which was trying to hit her. Harry abandoned the whip and fired a Bombarda Maxima, shattering the girl's shield.
Fleur waved her wand again, conjuring two wolves out of thin air. The girl was extremely skilled, Harry would have to give her that. Conjuring two mammals out of thin air was much beyond NEWT level skill. But Harry was no slouch either. He let out a burst of magic at the wolves, wrenching their control from Fleur and turned them against her.
Fleur's eyes widened as her control over her conjurations was wrested away and the wolves turned against her. She immediately fired a Severing curse, killing the wolves and vanishing them before barely deflecting a stunner from Harry.
Harry continued his barrage with a Confoundo, Bludgeoner, Reducto, Conlido and Praeuro( Frostbite curse). Each spell impacted on Fleur's shield with a gong like noise before the Harry shattered the shield with a Reducto Forte.
Harry swatted aside a stunner and side-stepped a Bludgeoner before he returned fire with Aguamenti firing several galleons of water at Fleur. She avoided it by erecting an elemental shield, stopping the water which flooded the ground, away from her, towards Harry, wetting the ground under him. Harry waved his wand, flinging the water at the girl, intending to encase her in a water globe. At the same time, Fleur tried to freeze the water at his feet.
The result was interesting. Huge chunks of ice, size of oranges went flying at the girl, albeit slower than needed. She expertly banished them at Harry.
Harry waved his wand, making an animated golem out of the ice chunks which ran at Fleur. She shot a Confringo at the Golem destroying its whole body. She had to shield against a barrage of impact and cutting hexes from Harry. She returned fire with a barrage of similar hexes which Harry either dodged or deflected.
The two finalist traded more spells for more than three minutes with none of them getting the upper hand before Harry fell into a Diffindo, to avoid a Blasting curse which resulted in a thin cut on his wand arm. Harry wasn't bothered by the pain but by the fact that his opponent had drawn first blood.
Harry knew that currently they were closely matched in power as Harry was three to four years younger than her. Harry may be a centennial wizard but he had just entered puberty and was still maturing while his opponent was a powerful, older witch whose puberty had almost ended. She was easily at an Hit-wizard level in magical power and skills, the same as Harry. So, Harry couldn't simply tire her out. Their duel had been going on for more than seven minutes already.
Harry waved his wand in a triangular motion, firing a Triplexi Explosus resulting in three explosion hexes being shot from his wand. The girl once again erected a shield, Harry had anticipated this as the spell was near impossible to dodge due to its speed and specialty. He immediately casted a ball of lightning which went towards his opponent in a projectile motion. It was an advanced version of the lightning he had hit Snivellus with.
Fleur dove out of the path of the spell as her shield failed to hold against the lightning ball. She immediately rolled back to her feet and fired several curses at Harry. She was getting desperate. Harry deflected and shielded against these curses before firing back at her.
'Reducto, Conlido, Piercio, Deprimo, Descoyuntar.' Harry fired non-verbally. The Reducto ricocheted against one of her curses before, she dodged the second and deflected the rest. Unfortunately for her the last spell- the dislocation hex wasn't properly deflected and it hit her left shoulder. Unfortunately for Harry, she was Right-handed. He had intended to dislocate her wand arm.
Fleur let out a pained shriek. Harry decided to capitalize on it. He wasn't sure if another opportunity like this would present itself again.
"Sonus Buttius" Harry used the same sonic wave as he had used against Professor Flitwick during his test. Fleur was forced on her knees due to the force before she dropped her wand and protected her ears from the Sonic assault. Harry ended it and fired a stunner at her.
Apparently she was more aware than he thought as she dodged it, YES! She fucking dodged the spell despite being wandless and lunged for her wand. Harry started shooting stunners at her at full speed. She was successful in erecting a hasty Protego but it shattered within seconds under Harry's spells, impacting the girl.
Harry stared at the downed form of the girl before falling to his knees himself in tiredness, breathing heavily.
"HARRY POTTER WINS! AFTER A 11 MINUTES 24 SECONDS LONG DUEL. THE WINNER OF THE U-18 ICW WORLD DUELING LEAGUE IS... HARRY POTTER!"
Harry found himself admiring the Eiffel Tower. It was a wonderful structure that the muggles had made. It was the day after he had won the tournament. Now, Sirius and he were exploring France, specifically the city of Paris. Professor Flitwick was attending the doubles currently and would attend the group dueling league the following day.
After winning, Harry was awarded a Trophy and a gold medal along with a monetary price of 25,000G. Fleur Delacour had received a silver medal with a Monetary award of 15,000G while Yash Kapoor had got a bronze medal with 10,000G Monetary price.
Professor Flitwick also received a monetary price of 15,000G which was reserved for the winning Country/ Institute/ Master.
Also, Harry's name had gone down in history as the youngest person to win the competition. Also professor Flitwick informed Harry that his was the second longest U-18 duel fought. First price belonged to a pair who fought the semi finals for 14 Minutes 38 seconds in 1746 since the competition started in 1054 AD. The world record was 49 minutes 58 seconds long in the adult version. Both the competitors had spent two weeks in the Hospital after the duel and had to be carried out on a stretcher.
After visiting the Eiffel tower and Lourve Museum, they had lunch before they travelled towards the Notre-Dame, the place where the ICW office of France was located. Why were they there? To register Harry's Animagus form and get an International Animagus certificate. They had decided to register through the ICW office in Paris instead of the British ministry or the ICW office(of Britain) in Birmingham. It was done so that Harry's Animagus could be legal while being kept as a secret from the people of Britain. It would cost a few extra Galleons but it was worth it.
They got a certificate and took a secrecy oath from the official after an hour of procedures.
"So Harry, where do you want to go now?"
"I am hungry. We had lunch five hours ago. I wanna to eat something."
"Ok. Food first. After that?"
"Notre-Dame. We didn't see it up close. Seeing it from a cab window doesn't do it justice."
"Fair enough."
Harry arrived back at the British Ministry of Magic on Thursday morning, the 28th of July. Harry, Sirius and Professor Flitwick landed on the ground gracefully after the International portkey travel. Harry's trophy was already in his hands. He was willing to bet his trust vault at Gringotts that the press was waiting for them outside. Good photos were necessary for public image. He was also wearing Formal robes instead of Muggle clothing, which was his usual preference. Harry always felt more comfortable wearing muggle clothing than robes, something which was a result of his muggle upbringing.
"Portkey from France. Please deposit your Portkey in the box before proceeding to the security checks. The British Ministry wishes you a pleasant day." A automated voice sounded.
Professor Flitwick deposited the hair-band in the box before proceeding with them towards the customs desk. To Harry's little shock, Ludo Bagman, Barty Crouch, and Minister Fudge were standing there along with Percy Weasley of all people, who had a bouquet in his hands. Harry also noticed a photographer standing at a side.
"Mr. Potter. Welcome back. Let me congratulate you on your victory in the U-18 World Dueling League." Cornelius Fudge said shaking his hand before handing the flower Bouquet to Harry. Harry took it and both looked at the camera for a photo. He then shook hands with Ludo Bagman before proceeding to ignore Barty Crouch. The man had unfortunately kept his position as the Head of International affairs even after the fallout due of his Sirius's unlawful imprisonment likely due to his need for organizing the upcoming Quidditch World cup. He had to pay an hefty fine to Sirius and the British Ministry as a punishment though. In Harry's opinion, he got off with nothing more than a slap on his wrist. Barty Crouch had only lost respect and some money. If Harry had a say about it, Crouch would have also lost his seat on the Wizengamot along with his job at the ministry.
They soon went out after a quick security and document check. As predicted, there was a crowd of reporters waiting for him in the atrium.
As soon as the reporters saw him, they rushed towards Harry and started shouting questions at once. After a couple of moments of Chaos, Harry flicked his wand and let out a bang. They instantly quietened. "Please everyone. One question at a time. I can't answer a dozen questions at once. Raise your hand and I will call you. Also, kindly introduce yourself. Now, take a couple of steps back and now, ask. You." Harry said pointing at a reporter.
"Amanda Allen, from British weekly. How do you feel on winning this prestigious competition?"
"I obviously feel elated. It was a prestigious event and winning it is a big achievement. You."
"Audery Balecastle from the MSEM (Magical Sports Events Magazine). How much time did you spent to prepare for this event?"
"Well... I am studying under Professor Flitwick since January this year. I started training specifically for this competition since May. You sir."
"Robert Acton, Europe International. Which according to you was the toughest opponent."
"Ahh... I say it will be a tie between Yash Kapoor and Fleur Delacour. Both were excellent duelists. Both the duels were a narrow win for me. You."
"Alexandra Hathaway, Teen witch weekly. Mr. Potter, what do you think your late Parents would think about you?"
"I am sure that my parents would be proud of my achievement. Every parent loves to see their child achieve things. You." Harry said pointing to a Blonde reporter, who was gaudily dressed.
"Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet. And what of the magic you used Mr. Potter?"
Harry paused. It was a question which could be turned in several directions due to its wide nature and Rita Skeeter was known for twisting facts and exaggerating things.
"My parents would be happy with my progress in my magical education and the fact that I can stand toe to toe with other contestants with much more education than me. My mother was widely regarded as the brightest witch of her age while my dad was a transfiguration prodigy. I am sure they will love to see me following their footsteps. Of course, a big credit for my magical prowess during the tournament goes to Professor Flitwick for teaching me so many..."
"I am quiet curious to know what kind of spells you must have used to win against witches and wizards with twice as much as education as you." The reporter cut Harry off. Harry knew exactly where this conversation was heading.
"Curiosity is one of the greatest secrets of happiness, Miss Skeeter. One should always be curious, but caution must be exercised while indulging in it. You." Harry said purposefully side stepping the statement and moving on from Skeeter. He didn't answer to statements. If she wanted an answer, she better ask a direct question.
"John Daily from..."
"Mr. Potter, I was asking you what kind of spells you used to win against witches and wizards with twice as much as education as you?"
"It is quite rude you know? You have already had your chance. And to answer your question, I used spells that can be used in dueling obviously. You cannot win duels with household charms Miss Skeeter. Anyone can tell you that. I used transfiguration, charms and combat spells if you are enquiring about the branches of magic I used." Harry said in a tone that screamed that it was an idiotic question.
He knew Skeeter was trying to accuse him of using dark magic but Harry won't give anything away till she asked a direct question regarding it. Or else, she would turn his words against him and make him a dark wizard.
"And what about usage of Dark magic? I am skeptical that a someone so young could learn so much in so less time." She finally asked the direct question.
"Miss Skeeter, define dark magic please."
"Dark magic is any magic used to harm or kill another witch or wizard. The use of such magic has been forbidden by the Ministry of Magic. So..."
"Excellent Miss Skeeter. Now you do realize that the duels were monitored by individuals from the International Confederation of Wizards, a body on which magical Britain has a permanent seat. So, I am pretty sure that the qualified individuals could discern the usage of forbidden magic during the competition. Am I wrong?"
"No, Mr. Potter. I..."
"So I cannot, for the life of me, understand the reason why you are accusing me of using these forbidden spells during the competition, which I repeat, was monitored by qualified masters from the ICW itself, a fact that everyone is aware of. So... are you questioning my honor as well as the competency of ICW's Dueling masters?"
"No, no Mr. Potter. I am not. I was just curious. I was merely wondering how someone could learn so much, nothing else." She back pedaled.
"Practice Miss Skeeter. I used to get up at 5:30 every morning to practice dueling with Professor Flitwick. And I would also add that not every person is magically incompetent like you. So don't think that what you can do is the epitome of what a person could achieve. Also, you clearly asked me about using dark magic. You weren't curious. You were clearly accusing me of using dark magic. I would appreciate if you keep your baseless accusations in your own fantasies. Now, let us move on. You, Mr. John Daily."
Oh, yes. Harry knew he had made an enemy, he could tell that much from the reporters rapidly reddening face. But he could easily handle her. She was a mere reporter who worked for a paper that Harry essentially owned as Heir Potter-Black. He could crush her in no time if he was needed. Also, he would gather dirt on her soon enough. But it ensured that she won't print anything negative about him in this article.
It took Harry an hour more to get home after the impromptu press conference. After that he had visited the chamber and informed Salazar and Helga of everything. They had congratulated him on his success. Harry had also sent two house elves to spy on Skeeter to find dirt on her.
The next day the article in the Prophet was singing his praises for winning the dueling tournament. The reason for it was that the article wasn't written by Skeeter but by someone else. According to his sources, the Head editor had refused to give Rita Skeeter a chance to write that article because of her behavior towards Harry in the atrium. Harry even made sure that he would be reading all articles before they were printed. He had sent elves to the Daily Prophet office to told them to check the articles and bring it to him if they had something on Harry, his family or those whom he considered friends. Anything that was false or degrading would be changed or scrapped before it was published through a judicious use of House elves, Confoundus charm and cunning. He could also fire the reporters if he wanted through his influence and ownership but he would be seen as a bully.
Media was an important part of the society and it should be unbiased. But the magical society, unfortunately, wasn't an utopia. So manipulation became necessary.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!"
Harry immediately shot up and went for his wand before he saw Sirius and Remus standing there along with the Weasleys( bar Charlie, who was in Romania) and Hermione, all adorning huge smiles and wearing party caps. His room was somehow decorated with ribbons and Balloons, something that wasn't there before he went to sleep early yesterday after dinner. From the corner of his eye he saw that it was pitch Black outside the window, indicating that it was still midnight- specifically the midnight when July 31st began, his birthday.
Harry's face broke into a huge smile. "When did you plan all this?" He asked looking Sirius and Remus.
"A few days ago. Today, we hit you with a mild sleeping charm at dinner which sent you to sleep early. Then we floo called this lot to come after we confirmed you were asleep. They came through and here we are!" Remus said.
"Enough of all that. Dobby!"
The excitable elf popped in with a HUGE cake. The cake was three layered and two feet in height. Each layer had different designs. One had snitches flying around it, another had symbol of the dueling tournament and the topmost layer had small dragons, representing his Patronus. On the cake, it was written: ' HARRY POTTER: THE YOUNGEST DUELING CHAMPION'
They all sang the Happy Birthday song for Harry and ate some cake before Harry opened the gifts. He had received a Chudley Cannon History book from Ron (something which Harry wasn't even going to read), a box full of goodies from the parent Weasleys, prank items from the twins, a handmade card and scarf from Ginny, and Bill, Percy and Charlie had combine-gifted him a Probity Probe( type of dark detector). To no one's surprise Hermione had got him a book but Harry was delighted to see it was a Hercule Poirot Book instead of something related to magic. Sirius and Remus had gifted Harry a magical hoverboard, which was a latest invention to the wizarding market.
After the party Harry went to bed at around 2 AM. He was extremely thankful of the fact that Salazar and Helga had put him on a 10-day complete break. He was strictly instructed to rest and enjoy himself during these ten days. No studies. Minimum magic use.
Harry fell asleep with a soft smile on his face. He had the whole next day planned out with activities that he had no clue about after all!