Chapter 11.5- Doom Days

“Yes, I do get that impression considering the flavor of reporting that surrounds you and your exploits, but are you certain this is the wise choice? The IOWLS cover a wide range of charms that I might not have taught because of their lack of popularity here in Britain. Even more importantly, the IOWLS are particularly grueling in the theoretical aspects of magic. The only people who tend to take them are those seeking admission as ICW Hitwizards and even then, waiting for a call-up from one’s nations turns out to be the most attractive option for most” he said, while twisting his beard.

“I will be ready, Professor. I mean, I haven’t even told you about my plans to take the IAWLS at the end of the session” I said, making the plan chortle in amusement before his face straightened up as he realised I was not joking.

“Well, I sense that you will not be convinced otherwise, and if we’re being perfectly honest with ourselves, I’d love to see you give it a go. I will be making myself available to help as much as possible.” He said.

“Thank you, Professor. But that was not even the main favour I wanted to ask” I said.

“Oh, oh?”

“You used to be a Duelling Champion, Professor.” I said, adding a leading tilt to my voice so it was clear what I was hinting at.

“A thousand and one students have asked me to take them on as students in my time here, Mr. Potter. Why should I give you an answer any different to what I gave them” He asked with a tired sounding sigh. I guessed he was probably constantly inundated with requests. The movies and books did not convey it well, but Duelling was a massive sport. The only sport that came close when it came to compensation was Quidditch, and even then the top duelists were better paid than the best quidditch players on average. The gap tended to be closed with sponsorship revenues with duelists being less attractive marketing tools as they often tended to not have the time for photoshoots or the like. They were also less popular to the average witch or wizard. It was like comparing Golf to Football in some ways. Duelling was a large sport in the pureblood circles and seats to a tournament could go for as much as five hundred galleons a pop for the biggest tournaments while Quidditch was popular with everyone and anyone with a good wizarding wireless could enjoy a game from their backyard.

“I am different, Professor. Why? Because I am asking for your help but while it will make my journey easier, it is not necessary for my success. I will win with or without you. But do you really want to pass on the chance to train the first British U17 Champion since Antonin Dolohov? Do you want to miss out on training the first British world champion?” I asked, staring him in the eyes.

“So confident, Mr. Potter?”

“Yes” I said simply, not saying any more.

“Then I will test you” he said next.