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Beyond The Rules: Chapter 27
🕑 Added 2024-09-11 16:30:01 +0000 UTCEmerald eyes blinked open, the blur slowly dissipating as they refocused, gazing at the ornate chandelier hanging off the ceiling. A yawn broke out on his face, his eyes watering, as he slowly pushed himself upright in a sitting position.
Curious, he gazed around the room, finding an odd lack of female company in his bed. Last he remembered, the two girls had been draped over him on both sides as he fell asleep. The bathroom door was also slightly ajar and no sound could be heard, which meant they were not in there either.
Sighing, he shuffled over to the bathroom and emerged roughly half an hour later, dressed in casual indoor wear as he left the room, shutting it behind him. The doors in the corridor were closed as well, however, he could hear distinct voices drifting from downstairs. He leisurely descended and walked into the dining room where he saw Susan and Hannah, his two companions from the previous night, sitting together with Amelia and oddly, Nym.
As Harry entered the room, four pairs of eyes turned to greet him. The youngest pair of Hufflepuffs, Susan and Hannah, offered warm smiles, while Nym, their older former housemate, wore a knowing smirk. Harry's lips curved into a subtle grin as he took his place at the head of the table, flanked by Nym and Hannah.
“Eventful evening?” the metamorph asked teasingly, gracing the two girls in front of her with a knowing glance.
“Quite memorable, I should say,” Harry replied, nodding. “You’ve not started yet?”
“We thought it best to wait for our host,” Susan replied politely, earning a dismissive wave of hand from him.
“No need to be so formal here. It doesn’t make sense to wait for me. What if you were famished and I was sleeping like a bloody bear?”
“Good thing you aren’t a bear then,” Nym interjected with a chuckle. “Or so tired that you start acting like one.”
Harry gazed at her in amusement, aware of the grins on both Susan and Hannah’s faces. Turning to Amelia, he inquired, “When did you return?”
“Just moments ago,” Amelia replied. “With Auror Tonks here. Turns out Bones Manor was not the sole target last night.”
“Really?” Harry’s brows furrowed.
Nym nodded. “They targeted small villages far away from normal hotspots. It seemed more like a practice drill for junior Death Eaters more than anything. Still, those attacks served as sound distractions from the big one on Bones Manor.”
“Pathetic pricks,” Harry said disdainfully.
“Madam Bones called me along with most of the aurors who had been on a leave last night,” Nym continued. “The response team did a good enough job, but still, the Death Eaters managed to kill a few civilians.”
“It seems they sent most of the heavy hitters to attack us. Makes me flattered, as morbid as it sounds,” Amelia chuckled. Turning to Harry, she smiled. “I cannot thank you enough for what you did for us yesterday, Harry. I fear the worst would’ve happened if you’d not been there.”
“Don’t mention it, Amelia,” Harry replied with a small wave of his hand as their breakfast appeared on the table. “I was only fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. That’s all. Anyone would have done the same.”
“Still, I must reiterate that House Bones is in debt to House Potter for your actions yesterday. Ask anything of me and I will do my best to uphold the honor of House Bones.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Harry replied with a small smile, a few ideas already running around in his mind. “Let’s do away for those thoughts for now though. You all are here and safe, and you should make yourselves comfortable here. Think of this as your second home if you prefer.”
“It seems the tales of your little ‘saving people thing’ have not been exaggerated,” Susan remarked as she gazed at him with a fond smile. “Not many would open their home so readily in times like these.”
Amelia nodded with her lips pursed as she gazed at him.
Harry shrugged as he gazed at her. “I know you guys can be trusted. Also, I want you to know that there’s no hurry for you to fix Bones Manor so that you can move out. As you can see, this house is massive and you’re not imposing on anyone in the slightest.”
Not wanting to offend him, especially when he was being so generous in the time of their need, she settled on a courteous smile and nodded graciously. “That is very kind of you.”
“Not at all. It’s what anyone would do for friends in need,” Harry replied, smiling at Susan and Hannah who grinned brightly at him.”
Amelia smiled at her niece and her friend before an uncertain expression overtook her face. She shifted her gaze back to Harry.
“I’d like to ask you something if you don’t mind.”
Harry paused, slowly lowering his fork on his plate, and gazed at the redhead who let out a small sigh.
“You’ve surprised me, Harry. A lot, I must say. What you did yesterday… the way you fought… no one your age should be able to do something like that.”
Harry chuckled. “I didn’t do it by myself. Don’t forget Susan and Hannah here. I don’t think there are many out there who could’ve done what they did yesterday. And then you were there yourself. Don’t think I missed how you handled everything.”
“You’re not the first person to think that way about Harry, Auntie,” Susan added, making everyone turn to her. The redhead blushed but she still beamed at Harry. “It’s been a recurring theme at Hogwarts. There’s no shortage of rumors about Harry and what he gets up to.”
“Oh, I don’t think what he gets up to are mere rumors,” Nym interjected with a teasing smirk.
“Is that so?” Amelia mused, glancing around. “I think I would like it if you indulged me in some of these stories, Harry.”
Chuckling, Harry nodded. “I’m sure I can make the time for you, Amelia.”
As they started eating, Harry could feel the distinct gaze of Nym and he glanced at her, only to find an amused look on her face. She gestured toward Susan and Hannah with her eyes, silently asking about them, and seeing no reason to hide anything, Harry smirked and gave her a teasing wink. The amusement on her face grew, and she asked about Amelia this time. A small laugh escaped Harry’s lips which he quickly smothered. All four women glanced at him, and all he did was shake his head as he ate. Catching Nym’s eyes, he gave her a simple shrug and resumed eating.
The metamorph’s eyes widened slightly before a lewd grin overtook her features and she bit her lower lip hotly, watching in satisfaction how Harry’s eyes remained fixated on the little move. He was out to conquer, and he had not only her dear aunt in sight but quite possibly her boss as well. She had not pondered much on the thought previously, but now that she did, she had to admit that the idea of doing it with Amelia Bones – the woman who had been her boss for years now, excited her very much indeed. The woman was buxom and had curves that most women would envy her for, but she kept everything modest. Nym could not deny that she was eager to unravel what lay underneath, and she knew she would love every freaking second of the alluring experience.
As she continued eating, she could not help but think about the future, getting excited about the prospects with every passing thought. She could hardly wait.
XXXXX
As breakfast ended, their three guests excused themselves to get settled properly and Harry was left on his own with Nym who wasted little time in crossing around the table and planting herself sideways on his lap. A teasing smirk was etched prominently on her beautiful face as she leaned closer, rushing her lips against his.
Harry was not letting her get away with so little though and his hands wrapped tightly around her midsection. He pulled her flush against himself and smashed their lips together in a searing kiss, jolting Nym who let out a filthy moan into his demanding mouth. Her fingers scratched his scalp and she grabbed his hair in a firm grip, kissing him back with equal enthusiasm.
Breathless, they pulled back and Nym gazed down at him with heat smoldering in her intense emerald eyes that resembled his so much.
“You are one filthy bastard, Harry Potter,” she hissed, gripping his hair harshly. “Didn’t waste even a moment in seducing those poor little girls, did you?”
“Technically, it was planned by one of those poor little girls, as you called them,” Harry corrected, amusement shining in his demeanor. His lips were quirked in a smirk and his eyes shined suggestively. “Hannah. She’s a feisty one. And to be honest, Susan can easily give her a run for her money when she gets in the mood.”
“Oh? And you’ve already judged what kinds of moods they have?”
Harry chuckled and explained how the previous evening had unfolded, starting from his meeting with the two girls in Diagon Alley to how he accompanied them to the Bones Manor. He told her about the attack, emphasizing how impressed he was with the teamwork the two girls put forward during the Death Eater attack. The decision to invite them over was laden with both courtesy and desire – something that had worked out splendidly if he said so himself.
Nym listened on with increasing arousal as Harry explained the time the three had by the pool and the role Hannah had in ensuring things went as far as they did. It came as no surprise to her when Harry told her about the minx coming to his room at night and seducing him.
“Sounds like she indeed knows how to get what she wants.”
“And the best part? Both these girls as into each other. Like, by a fuck ton.”
Nym’s eyes gleamed mischievously and Harry only needed to take one look at her to chuckle.
“I can see that brain of yours cooking something up,” he remarked, his hands pushing through her auror robes and leisurely stroking the bare skin right under her tits. He slowly climbed up, palming one alluring orb over her shirt and giving it a soft squeeze.
“Hush. Let me cook properly,” she told him with a soft moan, enjoying the way he was stimulating her. His face nuzzled the side of her neck and she shivered when he gave her skin a long lick before blowing cold air on the sensitive spot, making her gasp audibly.
Harry chuckled, peppering her skin with featherlight kisses as he kept kneading her breast like dough. He deftly popped her buttons free and pushed his hand in, pulling the cup of her bra down and freeing the orb up, teasing her hard nipple with his thumb.
“Oh fuck… you’re insatiable, you know that?”
“Can you really blame me when you look like such a teasing snack?”
“A snack, am I?” Nym gasped when he leaned down and captured her nipple in his mouth, sucking harshly as he squeezed both her tits.
“A very delicious one, yes,” Harry admitted with a wink and resumed sucking her nipples. Nym could only chuckle as she held him close, allowing him to feast on her tits. His touch felt too good to pull away from.
“Here’s what I’m thinking…” She managed after a few minutes of intense pleasure, throughout which Harry kept playing with her to his heart’s content. She made sure to keep it down to avoid any scrutiny, particularly from her dear boss.
As she began explaining, Harry’s eyes widened and he found himself pulling away from her tits and staring disbelievingly at her. His mind ran with the possibilities and the implications of such a stunt, not knowing what they might be but damn it if the thought didn’t feel hot. One look at Nym and he knew she wanted to try this out, and the imagery of it was just too hot to ignore.
“When?” His voice was a soft growl and Nym’s lips quirked in a smirk as she felt him grab her rear and position her right over his erection that was straining against his trousers. She gyrated herself against him, enjoying the look on his face.
“Right after I return,” Nym said with as eager a grin. “I’ve got to go back with bosslady up there. It’s a bummer but what can I do, eh?”
Harry chuckled as she kept grinding hard against him and he helped her, maneuvering her with a firm hold on her supple arse cheeks, his fingers sinking into the pillowy flesh as he moved her back and forth. He was little more than to just vanish their clothes and plunge his massive cock into her once again, but they both knew they could not do it right now. As such, this was the best they could get away with.
It didn’t mean they could not chase their pleasure though, and as Nym gazed into Harry’s emerald eyes, she knew he was on the same page. Her ministrations intensified and she pushed her fingers through her trousers, slipping past her knickers and rubbing her clit.
“Ah fuck yes…” Nym moaned.
“Oh you cheat,” Harry complained.
Nym only chuckled and Harry bent his head forward, taking her nipple in his mouth once again. Nym bit her lower lip sultrily, soft mewls escaping her as she relished the sensations coursing through her. The thought that her boss might come down and find them like this… further added to her arousal.
Minutes passed with them pleasuring each other, trying hard to bring each other to their climaxes without any direct contact. Nym could feel herself getting closer and as she thrust two fingers firmly against her clit, Harry gave a furious push against her groin.
“Ah Harry!” Nym cried out in a breathless whisper, her climax tearing through her, and Harry quickly grabbed her firmly, feeling her shiver. He grabbed her hand, now slick with her juices, and eagerly took her fingers in his mouth, sucking firmly. Nym, breathing heavily with the aftereffects of her orgasm coursing through her, stared at him with a breathless grin. She could feel how painfully hard he was against her and although a part of her wanted to just get down on her knees and suck him off, she relented.
“It’s just a little bit of wait. A couple of hours, I think? Surely you can do as much and won’t start anything without dear ol’ me?” She asked with a pout, gazing deep into his emerald pools.
“You fucking minx,” he growled. “You expect me to stay pent up like this for what? Two hours? Three?”
“I love you too, baby,” she smirked teasingly, patting his chest as she stepped off his lap, fixing her clothes. “And I promise, when I get back, we can get down to it right away.”
“We better,” he growled, the same image from before running around in his mind. As much as he would’ve preferred the original, he would be an idiot to pass up on this.
As they heard the approaching footsteps, Nym sneaked a fiery kiss and stepped away from him, leaning against the wall. Harry quickly fixed himself up and they turned around to see Amelia walking in front, her attire the same as it previously had been, with Susan and Hannah following behind her.
“I’ll be taking your leave now, Harry. It would probably get late so please do not wait up on me.”
“I understand,” Harry nodded as he stood up. He was still hard but fortunately, the chair kept him away from their line of sight.
Amelia smiled before she schooled her expression into a more neutral one. Nodding at Nym, she walked over to the fireplace and vanished in a swirl of emerald flames.
“Alrighty, you three. Don’t do anything I won’t,” she said, eyeing Susan and Hannah who blushed slightly. Smirking, she winked at Harry who gave her a stinky eye and followed suit, leaving behind a threesome that was indeed that, standing in the middle of the dining area.
“And then there were three,” Hannah’s suggestive tone made Harry turn around with a smirk and all he had time for was to brace for impact as the buxom blonde launched herself at him, wrapping her legs around his midsection and her arms around his neck, pressing herself flush against him.
“Oh damn…” Harry whispered.
“You didn’t really think we had enough of this, right?” She asked, rolling her crotch right over his groin. Her smirk widened as she felt his hardness against her and all it did was motivate her to intensify her gyrations.
“Fuck, you’re so hard already? You must be wanting more,” she moaned as she ground herself against him and Harry shut his eyes firmly, feeling himself shooting ever so closer to his orgasm.
Suddenly, a loud smack rang out followed by Hannah’s startled cry and both she and Harry looked over to see Susan standing behind the blonde, her right palm hovering right over Hannah’s plump arse.
“Get down already, you horny idiot. I’m eager too, but you don’t see me jumping the poor guy like this, do you?”
“That’s because you’re more of a prude than I am, Sue,” Hannah laughed.
“Now, I would disagree with that,” Harry corrected quickly as he glanced over at Susan who blushed at the look on his face. “If I recall correctly, she was the polar opposite of prude last night.”
A sense of bravado overtook Susan as she stepped closer and stood to Harry’s right, gazing at her best friend who was still wrapped over Harry.
“And you would do well to remember that, Han,” she said smugly, delivering another resounding smack to her arse and making her squeak.
“Oh now you’ve done it,” Hannah growled playfully and made to reach out, only for Harry to chuckle and wrap his arms around her tightly, holding her firmly against himself.
“Oh no you don’t. There are much better ways to channel this aggression than a little catfight… It does seem like an attractive idea to let you two continue though…” He muttered as he trailed off, imagining the scene of the naked pair grappling while he sat on the sidelines, taking care of himself. However, he had something else in mind that he believed was more important for them right now, and perhaps it could be a way for him to take care of all the sexual energy coursing through him as well. Shaking his head, he continued, “Nah. The much better idea will have to do.”
“What are you on about?” Hannah asked, still flailing in his arms as she tried to reach out to Susan who stood calmly with a challenging smirk on her face. Her chin was upturned and she stared her best friend down smugly, finding a lot of amusement in her little predicament.
“We’re going to practice magic. Duel. Fight. Anything short of the Unforgivables if you want it that way. We’d sweat a lot,” Harry told them, and slowly, his voice dropped a few octaves as he continued, “And that would need a nice, long soak in the pool we all are oh so familiar with. What do you two say?”
A matching gleam entered both their eyes as they turned to him and Harry gently deposited Hannah on her feet.
“Follow me whenever you’re ready, girls. You’ll find clothes down there, that is if you’re not going to fight in whatever you’re wearing.”
With his bit said, Harry briskly walked out of the dining room, leaving a pair of comparatively docile witches standing side by side near the table.
“Sue?”
“Yeah, Han?”
“You saw how hard he was, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Let’s make him sweat a lot then.”
“More time with him in the pool then. That’s what I was thinking as well.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
XXXXX
When Susan and Hannah arrived in the basement though, they felt as if the very air had transformed. Harry had been flirty and playful not even five minutes ago, but now that they looked at him, he was all business. His gaze was firm, ice-like even, and they felt shivers shoot down their spines at the intense look in those expressive emeralds that had captivated them.
He led them further down the stairs, and they were surprised when he began speaking.
He talked about the battle that had taken place the previous evening – an event that was so recent that it should still trouble them. However, their time with Harry had been so great that it didn’t even cross their minds.
However, it seemed Harry was in the mood to not let them forget anything. As he talked about the battle, he emphasized how dire the situation could’ve been if things had been different. His words did jolt them, taking away all the playful and teasing barbs they had at their disposal.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Harry tapped his wand against an innocuous-looking section of wall. The bricks shimmered and melted away, revealing a spacious chamber beyond. The girls' eyes widened as they took in the sight.
The dueling chamber was a stark contrast to the rest of the house. Bright, enchanted orbs of light hovered near the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. The walls were lined with an assortment of magical shields and protective artifacts, their surfaces gleaming with powerful enchantments. In the center of the room lay a large, slightly worn dueling mat, its surface marked with faded runes of protection and power.
“This is incredible,” Susan whispered in awe as she gazed around.
“Say whatever you want about the Blacks, they took their dueling seriously,” Harry said softly as he turned to face the girls, his expression growing more serious. “Which is why we’re here. After what happened yesterday…”
He trailed off, but his unspoken words hung in the air. Susan's face tightened, her hand unconsciously gripping her wand tighter.
"You both fought brilliantly," Harry continued, his green eyes intense. "But we can't afford to rest on our laurels. Voldemort's forces are growing stronger every day, and we need to be prepared."
Susan squared her shoulders, her voice firm. "We're ready, Harry."
Hannah nodded vigorously. "The DA was just the beginning. We want to be able to truly stand alongside you when the time comes. For more than one reason."
For a second, a ghost of a smile graced Harry’s features, his eyes softening. "That's the spirit. Now, let's see what you can truly do."
He flicked his wand, and three shadowy figures materialized at the far end of the chamber. The dummies were vaguely humanoid, their forms shifting and undulating like smoke given substance.
"These are enchanted dueling dummies. A bit like the ones we had in the Room of Requirement," Harry explained. "They'll adapt to your skill level, so don't hold back. Treat this as if it were a real fight."
Susan and Hannah moved to the center of the mat, their wands at the ready. Harry stepped back, taking up a position where he could observe.
"Begin!" Harry called out.
The dummies sprang into action, one lunging directly at Susan while the other two split off to flank Hannah. Susan reacted instantly, her wand a blur as she shouted, "Protego Maxima!" A shimmering shield erupted around her, deflecting a barrage of silent stunners from her attacker.
Hannah, meanwhile, demonstrated her quick reflexes. "Fumos Duo!" she cried, and a thick, greyish smoke billowed out from her wand, obscuring her from the approaching dummies. Through the haze, Harry could see flashes of light as Hannah went on the offensive.
"Excellent use of cover, Hannah!" Harry called out. "Susan, try to take control of the pace. Don't let them dictate the fight!"
Taking Harry's advice to heart, Susan dropped her shield and immediately went on the attack. "Bombarda!" she shouted, aiming not at the dummy itself but at the floor beneath it. The explosion sent chunks of stone flying, forcing the dummy to dodge and disrupting its rhythm.
As the smoke from Hannah's spell began to clear, Harry saw that she had managed to incapacitate one of her opponents. The remaining dummy was pressing her hard, forcing her on the defensive. "Protego!" Hannah yelled, barely deflecting a powerful cutting curse. She followed up with a quick, "Depulso!" The banishing charm caught the dummy square in the chest, sending it flying across the room.
Susan, having gained the upper hand against her opponent, pressed her advantage. "Incarcerous!" Thick ropes shot from her wand, wrapping tightly around the dummy. But the enchanted figure wasn't done yet. It wordlessly cast a severing charm, slicing through its bindings.
"Watch your backs!" Harry warned, noticing the dummy Hannah had banished was recovering quickly.
The girls instinctively moved closer together, covering each other's blind spots. It was purely on reflex and stood testament to how close they truly were. Harry nodded approvingly, impressed by their teamwork.
Hannah reacted first to the recovering dummy. "Glacius Tria!" A blast of intensely cold air shot from her wand, freezing the dummy in a block of ice. However, the strenuous effort left her momentarily vulnerable to her other opponent.
Fortunately, Susan noticed the danger immediately. "Protego Horribilis!" she shouted, casting a more powerful shield charm that encompassed both of them. The dummy's attack – a nasty-looking purple curse – splashed harmlessly against the barrier.
Taking advantage of the protection, Hannah followed up with a creative combination. "Aguamenti!" A jet of water surged from her wand, drenching the unfrozen dummy. Without missing a beat, she followed with, "Fulgari!" Arcs of lightning leaped from her wand, conducting through the water and causing the dummy to convulse violently before collapsing.
Susan, meanwhile, had turned her attention back to her own opponent. The dummy was proving to be remarkably resilient, dodging or shielding against most of her attacks. Thinking quickly, Susan changed tactics.
"Avis!" A flock of birds erupted from her wand. The dummy, clearly expecting an attack, raised a shield. However, Susan wasn't done. "Engorgio!" The birds swelled to the size of eagles, their enlarged talons and beaks now posing a genuine threat. "Oppugno!" The enlarged flock dive-bombed the dummy, overwhelming its defenses easily and leaving it in tatters.
As the last dummy fell, silence descended upon the chamber. Susan and Hannah stood back to back, panting slightly, their wands still raised as they scanned for any remaining threats. Slowly, they lowered their guard, turning to face a stoic Harry with expectant looks.
"That," he said softly, "was absolutely brilliant. Your spellwork, your teamwork, your adaptability – all of it was top-notch. The way you covered for each other was perfect."
Harry slowly started walking towards them. "Susan, your shield charms are getting incredibly strong. And Hannah, that combination with the water and lightning was brilliant."
Hannah blushed slightly at the compliment. "I heard how Dumbledore used a similar tactic against You-Know... against Voldemort at the Ministry. I've been practicing it ever since."
Harry nodded approvingly. "It's that kind of creative thinking that can turn the tide in a real fight. And Susan, your transfiguration work with those birds was excellent. Using Engorgio in combat like that – I don't think even Hermione has thought of that one."
Susan grinned, twirling her wand between her fingers. "Well, when you've got Mad-Eye Moody for a family friend, you pick up a few tricks."
Harry nodded as he gazed at them, twirling his wand. "Alright, you two have shown excellent skills against the dummies. Now, let's see how you fare against a more... unpredictable opponent."
Susan and Hannah exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and nervousness on their faces.
"You mean..." Hannah began.
Harry nodded, stepping onto the dueling mat. "Both of you, against me."
The girls' eyes widened, but there was no hesitation as they took up positions opposite Harry.
"Don't hold back," Harry advised, his stance relaxed but alert. "Use everything you've learned. Ready?"
Susan and Hannah nodded, wands at the ready.
"Begin!" Harry called out.
Instantly, the air crackled with magical energy. Susan, always quick on the draw, opened with a rapid-fire sequence.
"Stupefy! Impedimenta! Expelliarmus!" she cried, her wand a blur of motion.
Hannah, meanwhile, moved to flank Harry, her own wand slashing through the air. "Diffindo! Bombarda!"
Without uttering a word, he conjured a shimmering shield that absorbed Susan's spells, while simultaneously sidestepping Hannah's curses with uncanny grace.
"Good opening!" Harry called out, even as he retaliated. With a complex wand movement, he transfigured the floor beneath the girls into a roiling mass of quicksand.
"Whoa!" Hannah yelped, quickly losing her footing. "Ascendio!" she shouted, propelling herself into the air to escape the trap.
Susan, caught off guard, sank to her knees before managing a hurried, "Glacius!" The quicksand froze solid, allowing her to clamber back to her feet.
Harry pressed his advantage, sending a barrage of silent spells their way. Multicolored jets of light filled the air, forcing the girls on the defensive.
"Protego Duo!" Susan yelled, erecting a powerful shield that covered both her and Hannah.
Hannah, seizing the moment of protection, countered with a creative combination. "Avis! Oppugno! Engorgio!" A flock of birds erupted from her wand, immediately growing to the size of eagles and diving at Harry.
Harry's eyes glinted with amusement. With a wave of his wand, he transfigured the birds into harmless bubbles. The distraction allowed Susan to go on the offensive.
"Confringo!" Susan shouted, aiming not at Harry, but at the enchanted ceiling above him. The blast sent debris raining down, forcing Harry to dive and roll.
As he came up, Harry flicked his wand, and suddenly three identical Harrys stood before them, all moving in perfect synchronization.
"Blimey!" Hannah exclaimed. "Which one's real?"
"All of them!" Susan replied. "Ventus Tria!"
A powerful whirlwind erupted from Susan's wand, buffeting all three Harrys and disrupting the illusion. The two false images flickered and vanished, leaving the real Harry looking both windswept and impressed.
"Excellent intuition, Susan!" Harry praised, even as he retaliated with a silent Incarcerous. Ropes shot towards both girls, but Hannah was ready.
"Diffindo Maxima!" Hannah's severing charm sliced through the ropes and continued towards Harry, who swatted it aside with ease.
The duel continued, with Susan and Hannah displaying impressive teamwork. They alternated between offense and defense seamlessly, covering each other's blind spots and combining their spells for greater effect.
At one point, Susan transfigured a section of the floor into a mirror, reflecting Hannah's Lumos Maxima to momentarily blind Harry. In that split second, both girls launched stunners, but Harry managed to conjure a physical barrier just in time.
"Brilliant strategy!" Harry called out, genuine excitement in his voice. He responded with a complex piece of magic, animating several of the hanging shields on the walls to fly at the girls like giant, metallic bats.
"Immobulus!" Susan cried, freezing two of the shields mid-air.
Hannah, meanwhile, demonstrated her improving transfiguration skills. "Draconifors!" One of the shields transformed into a small dragon, which Hannah immediately directed back at Harry with a shout of, "Oppugno!"
Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise as he was forced to deal with the conjured dragon. "Impressive transfiguration, Hannah!" he said, vanishing the creature with a wave of his wand.
The duel reached its climax as both girls, panting but determined, coordinated for one final assault.
"Now!" Susan yelled.
"Aguamenti Maxima!" Hannah shouted, sending a massive jet of water surging towards Harry.
Simultaneously, Susan cried, "Glacius Tria!", freezing the water mid-air and creating a jagged wall of ice racing towards their mentor slash lover.
Harry's brows raised at the incoming frozen tidal wave. For a moment, the girls felt as if they might have overcome him. However, with a complicated wand movement and still without uttering a word, Harry vanished the entire ice structure. In the same fluid motion, he disarmed both girls, catching their wands deftly in his free hand.
For a moment, the chamber was silent save for the heavy breathing of the two girls as they gazed at him, wide-eyed.
"That," he said emphatically, "was absolutely fantastic."
Susan and Hannah beamed at each other, exhausted but exhilarated.
"The way you two worked together was incredible," Harry continued, walking over to return their wands. "Your spell combinations, your strategy – it was all top-notch. You've both improved tremendously."
"Thanks, Harry," Susan said, accepting her wand back. "But we barely touched you."
Harry shook his head. "Don't sell yourselves short. That last move with the water and ice? If I hadn't been fully on my guard, you'd have had me. In a real fight, that kind of unexpected combination can be a game-changer."
Hannah nodded, her face flushed with exertion and pride. "We've been practicing that one. Never thought we'd get to use it against you, though!"
"Well, it was brilliant," Harry affirmed. "Both of you should be very proud. The skills you showed today – that's the kind of magic that saves lives in a real battle. You thought things through so quickly that you took me by surprise a few times. I really didn’t expect you to see through those illusions so easily, Susan."
"There's just one more thing I want you both to start working on," Harry continued, his tone serious. "Silent casting. You saw how it gave me an edge in our duel. In a real fight, it can mean the difference between landing a spell and having it blocked."
Susan and Hannah nodded, their faces set with renewed determination.
"It's not easy," Harry warned. "It takes a lot of practice and concentration. But I've seen what you can do, and I know you're both ready for this next step."
"We won't let you down, Harry," Susan said firmly.
Hannah nodded in agreement. "Whatever it takes. We want to be ready... for whatever comes next."
“Good,” Harry smiled and allowed himself to relax. The girls were surprised when the arena fixed itself up right away, the ceiling repairing itself, and as they turned to Harry, they saw the familiar smirk on his face. “Now then… I guess it’s time for that nice, long soak in the pool.”
Grinning brightly, the two girls bolted straight out of the dueling chamber and towards the staircase as Harry lingered behind for a few seconds. The two were strong witches – much stronger and more capable than he’d thought – exactly the kind of women he wanted to have by his side.
Smiling to himself, he walked out of the dueling chamber at a leisurely pace, being in no hurry. He knew he would already find them in the pool, preferably naked and having already started without him, and if he was being honest with himself, he would not want to be greeted in any other way.
To be continued…
