They were all silent for two minutes as they watched in morbid curiosity as the majority of what used to be organs leaked out and only turned their attention back to a very grave looking Harry once it had trickled down to the occasional thud of goo splashing into the already impressive pool.
"What the hell was that?", Marlene asked worriedly.
"That was an organ-liquefying curse", Harry answered darkly. "Completely missies the bones and as you can see, turns your organs into jelly, a slow and painful death I imagine", he mused.
The others nodded their agreement, still looking a little green.
"I think I'd take the killing curse over that any day", Peter muttered.
"See what I mean now?", Harry asked. Again the others nodded.
"What makes what I did so dangerous?", he questioned further.
"Because we didn't know what spell it is", Lily answered.
"And why is that?".
"Because you didn't use an incantation", Frank cut in.
"The unforgivable along with Fiendfyre, the Patronus, the Fidelius and enchanting magic has to be vocalized", Harry explained firmly. "And that is why they are easier to defend against", Alice conceded. "Because you at least know what is coming".
"Now you get it", Harry praised her.
"What about the cruciatus? My Dad told me about it and that can't be used for anything could", Frank cut in with a shudder. Harry's expression darkened as the memories of being put under the curse surfaced.
"It is the worst of the three", he stated simply. "Originally, like most spells of the nature, it was used medically as a way to cure paralysis, it targets the nerves and fires them back into life", he explained. "But they have potions for that now and the curse is more painful beyond comprehension, more painful than you could ever imagine enduring without dying", he continued severely. "It's a pain I can't even put into words", he finished knowingly.
"Have you felt it?", Lily asked disbelievingly, gathering the attention of the room, none apart from Harry noticing the heartbroken expression that James was wearing.
Harry nodded mutely and quickly decided to change the subject, not wanting to be asked any questions on the matter. "The point is that although they are very dangerous curses they are quite simple to defend against, especially compared to others, but for now I will show you how to defend against things like the organ liquefying curse", he informed them.
The group spent the next couple of hours learning to identify different types of curses and the best way to defend against them under the tutelage of Harry who was surprised and pleased at how quickly they all took to it. The surprise did not last long however when he remembered that both Frank and Alice had become successful Aurors and along with the rest of the group, minus Peter, were crucial members of the order of the phoenix.
It was when Harry decided that they had been put through their paces enough that he dismissed them and was approached by James as the others headed for the door.
"When?", the other boy questioned him sadly. "What do you mean?", Harry asked confusedly. "The cruciatus", James whispered.
Harry sighed and could not ignore the pleading look he was being given.
"When I was fourteen", he answered, checking that the others weren't listening in.
James swallowed deeply and shook his head. "I should have been there", he choked.
Harry smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "You were there when I needed you the most", he said cryptically. "You both were", he added as he nodded towards the redhead.
James frowned but was cut off before he could speak.
"I'll explain some other time but it was the first time I heard you both speak without it being the night I lost you, but trust me, you were there when I needed you and I wouldn't of gotten out of there alive without you both", he finished sincerely.
James smiled weakly and nodded.
"Come on you two, quidditch practice", Frank commanded firmly, pointing to his watch.
The two boys chuckled as they followed the qudditch fanatic from the room, James putting an arm around Harry's shoulder and pulling him closer a little tighter than he had intended to.
'It's really hard being your brother sometimes Harry', he sighed inwardly.
(BREAK)
Albus Dumbledore was pouring over the sheaf of parchment that Professor Mortlake had handed him moments ago, a sheaf of parchment that listed all of the students that had signed up for the dueling tournament. He sighed as he looked at the sixth year names and shook his head as he frowned. "Did Mr. Potter not sign up?", he asked confusedly.
Mortlake snorted.
"Would there be any point in having it if he did?", he asked rhetorically. "We both know the boy would wipe the floor with anyone here and from what Flitwick has said, that includes the staff", he grumbled.
Dumbledore popped a sherbet lemon into his mouth and hummed thoughtfully. H had been convinced this was not an opportunity that Harry would pass up, but then again the boy was rather reluctant to demonstrate his skill in such a way unless he deemed it necessary.
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door as another visitor arrived, one he wasn't expecting back so soon.
"Come in Alastor", he beckoned. The man in question walked into the office and took the offered chair, sighing in frustration as he did so.
"What brings you here this evening?", Dumbledore asked, already having an idea as to why the auror was present.
"The minister", Moody growled as he shook his head. "I may have mentioned the business with Potter and Dolohov and now she is convinced the boy can compete in the European championships".
"Oh dear", Dumbledore sighed, feeling the onset of a headache kicking in.
"Aye, she's going to invite the boy for a trial", Moody continued.
Dumbledore suddenly sat a little more straight in his chair, dozens of thoughts running through his mind. "This could be beneficial", he mused as he stroked his beard.
"The boy is only sixteen Albus", Moody growled irritably. "I don't know how he beat Antonin, but I imagine there's more to it", he stated knowingly.
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