The remainder of Dueling Club had been spent going over procedures, discussing training plans, and creating future goals for the various members. Harry had, as usual, kept to himself. It wasn't just the fact he was the only male, apparently dueling was a rare activity for his gender, but he was also at least a year younger than every other participant.
There was, however, a slight shift in the attitude towards him since the start. Instead of dismissal and the occasional borderline hostility there was now curiosity with a few hints of respect in the eyes of his peers.
Whether it was because of his own success, or Riddles endorsement he wasn't quite sure. Even more important was whether this would be a permanent change or just something temporary, lasting only for as long as it took until the old prejudices came roaring back.
When their meeting ended, and the group began to disperse, Riddle called for him to wait behind and go over a few additional items. He did so, unsurprised when she closed the door with a slight gesture as the last witch left.
Praise was evident in her voice, "It seems you have already started a reputation for yourself."
His response was a shrug, "For as long as it lasts, I suppose."
"Even Delphini had a hard time coming up with excuses or critiques." Grace noted, producing a scroll, and placing a quill upright against it. "Though that might be due to her own defeat. If she started calling you inadequate it would only tarnish her own image, especially since she lost in a protracted duel."
For a moment he resisted the urge, but soon his grin peeked through the stoic expression he had been attempting to force. "It did feel good taking her down a peg."
"I know the feeling." The way she replied, the understanding in her voice, Harry felt that same odd connection that had been forming between them, that maybe deep down she did know, at least to an extent. He noticed her make a small gesture towards the objects still on the table, and the quill began to write on its own, reminding him all too much of Rita Skeeter and her own techniques.
It served to dampen his mood considerably.
"What's that for?"
"The bracelet you are wearing, analyzed you during the duel and this will record the information. It will provide us with a good base of where to begin making improvements."
He nodded, stuffing away the urge to make an overly confident reply about how he was already besting those far older than him. He could always be better, more prepared, more knowledgeable. If anything, his years at Hogwarts had taught him it was that.
She gestured towards the dueling platform, and he took the hint and ascended once more, this time, though, she was right behind him. "In the meantime, let's start with your stance."
"What's wrong with it?" There is a bit of irritation in his voice, but she was quick to ignore it.
"If you are dueling against children, nothing. However, we are preparing you to duel against adults. Your stance is simple and easy to learn, which is fine for those who only do this as a hobby."
Harry's mind whirled and made the connections. It did make sense. He had barely learned any sort of formal dueling and undoubtedly there would be more to it than Snape and 'LockFraud' had shown in his own second year.
"Keep your arm down, the reason we have students assume that position is for improved recovery. Next, relax your primary arm a bit more, you don't want it straight and rigid but more flexible and relaxed, it improves your range of motion. Now, move your feet apart so they aren't in a straight line. This part is difficult at first, but it will improve your balance and allow for more diverse movements."
A small chime sounded from nearby, and Riddle walked off the raised area and towards the scroll where the quill had finally stopped. "Move around a bit and try to get the feeling of dodging and avoidance while in that stance, I'm going to look over this and see where you stand in terms of casting efficiency."
****
In his old Hogwarts Harry Potter had come to a reasonable theory that rumors were magically enchanted. They spread so fast it had to be something other than word of mouth, especially when they concerned him. Here, it seemed, it was much the same. Before he made it back to his bedroom to clean up following his first club meeting a voice called out from nearby.
"Potter" Turning, he spied Daphne Greengrass standing from her seat, several books laid out on the table directly in front of it but no one else around. "I need to talk to you."
It reminded the boy of their 'discussion' the previous year, which immediately had him on guard. If she intended on acting in the same manner, then he wanted nothing to do with her. Still, his parents had wanted him to try and make friends in his own house, no reason not to give her a second chance.
Walking over he gave her a slight nod, "What about?"
"Lessons, in Defense. My mother wasn't happy with my grades last year and told me I needed to do better, or she would cut my allowance."
He frowned in response, "Why not get an older student? They can teach you a lot more than I can." It was a lie, probably, it wasn't that he lacked experience teaching it was just the fact that he wasn't exactly thrilled with spending his time instructing a second year just so her mom would give her more spending money.
The girl snorted, "And trade what exactly? You might not know this yet but no one in Slytherin does anything for free."
He did know it, and it was just another reason he wished he had been sorted into Gryffindor instead.
In the other House people helped each other just to be nice.
"So, you want me to help you out for free?" It wasn't as if he wouldn't do it, he was just feeling a bit miffed at the implication that while others would want something he might just be suckered into doing it.
His pseudo accusation had her biting her lip, clearly assuming he wouldn't make the tiny leap in logic required. "No, no I uh I can pay you if you want."
Harry's initial instinct was to decline, but then he thought about it for a moment. Without his vault he didn't exactly have any galleons to spend, and he still didn't feel comfortable asking his 'parents' for any amount.
Plus, the holidays were approaching, even if they were off a few months.
"Sure, why not."
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