alisanne

Title: The Duellists
Author:

alisanne
Pairing: Severus Snape/Harry Potter
Rating: PG
Challenge: Written for

snape100/

snape100's prompt #496: Snape the Duelist
Word Count: 100 x 9
Warnings: None
Beta:

sevfan and

emynn.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.

~

The Duellists

~

“It would be a favour to me, Severus.” Minerva sighed. “The duelling club was an institution at Hogwarts.”

“Indeed.” Severus pursed his lips. “Until the students started hexing each other outside the club.”

“Now that the war is over I think people will be more circumspect.” Minerva’s expression went hard. “I’ll make sure of it. Anyway, all I want you to do is help Filius with a demonstration so the students can see how a proper duel is done.”

Severus crossed his arms. “And shall I be duelling Filius?”

“Oh no.” She smirked and Severus went cold. “You’re duelling Harry.”

~

Severus narrowed his eyes. “A duel with Potter? That may not be wise given our history.”

Minerva raised an eyebrow. “Surely you’ve resolved your issues? You’re colleagues now, after all.”

“Still--”

“I think it would be the perfect demonstration of two master duellists with differing styles.” Minerva hummed, clearly pleased. “And it will show that the Board of Governors’ new inter-House cooperation project is working.”

“It’s inadvisable for two Heads of House to duel.”

“As long as no one is hurt, I’m sure it will be fine.”

Severus sighed. Clearly she wouldn’t be dissuaded. “Fine. I’ll agree if Potter does.”

~

A day later, Severus faced Potter. The observers, all fifth year students and above, were whispering excitedly. Potter’s face was unreadable.

Filius, their moderator, clapped his hands. Everyone went silent. “Standard duelling rules, gentlemen. Since this is a demonstration, please cast your spells verbally.” He smiled. “I know you’re both masters of non-verbal, wandless magic, but that wouldn’t be instructive, would it? Ready?”

Severus and Potter bowed simultaneously.

“Begin.”

“Expelliarmus!” Severus hissed.

“Protego!”

As they duelled, Severus quickly realised Potter had improved. Exhilarated, he smiled involuntarily, surprised to see Potter’s immediate answering grin. Salazar! We’re both enjoying this. How...interesting.

~

Finally, Filius halted the duel. “Thank you, professors. Excellent technique!” Turning to the students, he began discussing the details of the match.

Potter, who wasn’t even breathing heavily, murmured, “That was fun, Snape. We should do it again sometime.”

Severus smirked. “Can you handle a duel without restrictions, Potter?”

Potter grinned, an anticipatory gleam in his eyes. “Definitely.”

“Name the time and place,” Severus murmured, suppressing his flare of arousal at the idea of a private, no-holds-barred duel with Potter. “I’ve much to teach.”

Potter pursed his lips. “Tomorrow evening. I’ll collect you at eight.”

“I look forward to it.”

~

Severus wore his favourite duelling robes. Black, with sleeves that flared with the smallest wand movement (Severus wasn’t above a bit of drama), their mesmerising pattern tended to confuse opponents.

When the knock came, Severus was ready. “Potter.”

Potter, dressed in dark blue, looked calm. The twinkle in his eyes reminded Severus of Albus, however. “Ready?”

“Indeed.” Severus stepped outside. “Where shall we do this?”

“I’ve just the place. Can you still Apparate from Hogwarts?”

Severus smirked. That power, typically the headmaster’s, he’d somehow managed to retain. “Yes.”

Handing him a parchment with coordinates, Potter clasped his arm. “Lead on.”

~

“A restaurant?”

Potter smiled. “I thought we could eat first.”

Slowly, Severus nodded. While duelling on a full stomach wasn’t often done, they’d be on equal footing. “Very well.”

Potter had reservations and within moments they were seated at a corner table. “Wine?” Potter asked.

Severus smirked. “You think getting me inebriated will help you?”

Potter laughed. “No, I just like wine.”

Severus inclined his head. “Very well.”

Dinner was pleasant, Potter proved engaging, and, by pudding, Severus considered rescheduling their duel. He was relaxed, not the best mindset for duelling. “Potter--”

Potter’s smile was bright. “Ready?”

Severus sighed. “Indeed.”

~

Potter Apparated them to Diagon Alley. Looking around, Severus saw they’d landed in front of a cheery cafe. “You wish to duel here?”

“Actually--” For the first time that evening, Potter seemed nervous. “I thought coffee would be good after that wine.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you wish to do this, Potter? This seems very much like a...date.”

Potter moved closer. “I knew you’d catch on eventually. It is a date, though I suspect we’ll duel later in one form or another. So...coffee?”

Severus pursed his lips. Was Potter propositioning him? He smirked. “Lead on.”

~

Coffee consumed, Severus Apparated them directly onto the Astronomy Tower. Severus caught Potter mid stumble.

“Time to duel?” Severus murmured.

Potter smiled, reaching up to pull his head down. “Sure,” he whispered before covering Severus’ mouth with his.

I suppose this is a form of duelling, Severus thought hazily as they kissed. Growling into Potter’s mouth, he dragged him closer, shivering when Potter’s hands slipped down his back to cup his bottom.

Surprised at Potter’s boldness, Severus drew back panting.

Potter smiled. “Not a move you’re familiar with?”

Severus smirked. “Oh, I’m familiar, I just have others to teach you.”

~

“Congratulations, Severus.”

Severus eyed Minerva warily. “For?”

“The duel with Harry was quite successful. Filius says there’s now a waiting list of students hoping to join the club.”

Severus snorted, serving himself breakfast. “That’s hardly due to my participation. Potter’s the hero.”

Minerva sighed. “Don’t sell yourself short, Severus. We all appreciate your war sacrifices.”

“Yes we do.” Potter, looking gorgeous, slipped into the seat beside Severus’. “Morning,” he purred.

Severus shivered.

“Harry.” Minerva smiled. “Anyway, Filius is hoping you’ll agree to another demonstration to showcase your...techniques.”

Severus smirked as Potter blushed. “Of course.” Some of them, at least.

~