The Princess Bride of Hogwarts

Chapter 4

After Hermione was brought back on board Crabbe had tied her wrists together. It was rather boring sitting there with nothing to ut sut still unnerving not knowing what was going to happen when they reached the cliffs that Crabbe kept speaking of. She kept thinking that when they got there one of the men would put her on the edge of the cliff and then push her off.

As the sun rose over the water Hermione saw the offending cliffs in the distance. Just as Hermione noticed said cliffs, the bonehead of a man Crabbe had just declared the obvious. How that man got this far in life was beyond a mystery to Hermionee noe noticed that the other two men seemed to be rather intelligent, well they hadn’t shown any indication of being otherwise…yet.

Hermione was about to go back into her mental wanderings when she noticed that aside from the fact that they had stopped, that the man who was following them was getting closer. When she had finally snapped to Hermione saw that Harry was fitting her into a harness that was strapped to Hagrid. It was then that she also noticed that Crabbe was in said harness and Harry was just getting himself into it as well. Hermione had a really bad feeling about this arrangement when fear overtook her as she saw the rope hanging on the cliff face.

‘Oh we are so not going to be climbing up this cliff.’ That was the exact thought that went through her mind as she realised that they were in fact going to be climbing up the cliff. Or rather Hagrid would be climbing the rest of them would just be along for the ride. Hermione was trying hard to concentrate on not thinking what would happen if she fell when someone had announced that the man who had been following them was now climbing the same rope they were and was gaining on them.

Crabbe disbelief evident in his voice said his trademark word, “Inconceivable”. He then proceeded to nag at Hagrid. “Go faster.”

Puzzled Hagrid said, “I thought I was going faster.”

“You were suppose to be the scoliosis. You were this great legendary thing, and yet he gains.”

“Well I’m carrying three people and he got only himself.”

“I do not except excuses! I’m just going to have to find myself a new giant that’s all.”

“Don’t say that Crabbe, Please.”

A few minutes later Crabbe said, “Did I make it clear that your job is at stake?”

After what seemed like forever, they were finally to the top of the cliff. Harry got out of the harness first and reached for Hermione. ‘And this is where someone becomes a butterfingers and drops me.’ thought Hermione grimly. Luckily she wasn’t dropped but set aside while Harry helped up Crabbe then Hagrid.

When all were safely away from dangling off the edge Crabbe had started cutting the rope. In a matter of seconds the rope was sliding off the side. Harry and Hagrid peered over the edge then Hagrid commented that “He’s got very good arms.” At this statement Crabbe walked to where they stood.

Agitation clear in Crabbe’s voice “He didn’t fall? Inconceivable!”

At this Harry turned to Crabbe, “You keep using that word. I do not thin mea meahat hat you think it means.” He turned his attention back to the man hanging onto the cliff. “My God he’s climbing.”

Crabbe started giving out orders now. “Whoever he is he’s obviously seen us with the princess and must therefore die. You,” pointing to Hagrid, “carry her.” He turned back to Harry. “We’ll head straight for the Guilder frontier. If he falls fine if not the sword.”

“I’m going to duel him left-handed.” stated Harry.

“You know what hurry we’re in.” replied Crabbe.

“There is only one way I can be satisfied. If I use my right hand it’s over too quickly.”

“Fine have it your way.” Crabbe said before walking away.

Hagrid was now looking at Harry, “You be careful people in masks cannot be trusted.”

Harry nodded his agreement. Crabblledlled over at them, “I’m waiting!”

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Harry’s patience level was dropping slowly as he waited for the man in black to either fall off the cliff or make it up. Walking to the side Harry looked down at the man who was carefully climbing upward. Taking a chance Harry spoke to him, “Hello there. Slow going?”

At this the man in black stopped and looked up. “Look I don’t mean to be rude but this is not as easy as it looks. I’d be quite grateful if you wouldn’t distract me.”

“Ok.” Harry replied.

“Thank-you.” came the mans response.

Harry stepped back took his sword out of it’s scabbard then did some practice thrusts for a few minutes before returning back to the man. “I don’t suppose you could speed things up?” Harry asked impatiently.

Irritated the man shot back at him, “If your in such a hurry why don’t you lower a rope or a tree branch or find something useful to do?”.

“I could do that. I got some more rope up here, but I’m not sure you would except my help since I’m only waiting around to kill you.”

“That does put a damper on our relationship.”

“I promise I will not kill you until you reach the top!”

“That’s very comforting but I’m afraid you’ll just have to wait.”

“I hate waiting.” Harry said this more to himself then the man in black. He was about to turn away when he spoke again.

“Could I give you my word as a Spaniard?”

“What?…No, your not a Spaniard. Not even close.”

“I thought it was worth a try.”

“True. But no I’ve known to many Spaniard impersonators.”

Harry thought a minute as the man in black continued to slowly climb.

“I swear on the soul of my father James Potter, you will reach the top alive.”

The man in black considered this then replied, “Through me the rope.”

Harry got the left-over rope and threw it over the edge. When the man in black had a good hold Harry helped him up. Once up the man in black said “Thank-you” and was about to pull his sword out of it’s scabbard when Harry spoke.

“Wait, wait until your ready.”

“Again thank-you”, replied the man in black. He then sat on a nearby rock, proceeded to take off his boot and several small chunks of rock fell out. Harry sat watching the man in black when he asked him a question.

“I don’t mean to pry but you don’t by any chance happen to have six fingers on your right hand?”

“Do you always begin conversations this way?”

“My father was slaughtered by a six fingered man.”

The man in black lifted his hand and showed that he had the normal five fis. Hs. Harry gave a nod and a dismissive wave.

“Was a great sword-maker my father. When the six fingered man appeared and requested a special sword my father took the job.” Harry took out a magnificent sword, expertly crafted. The hilt was gold and silver with small crystal gems shining in it.

The man in black said, “I’ve never seen its’ equal.” He handed the sword back to Harry.

“It was a year before it would be finished. The six fingered man returned and demanded it, but at one tenth his promised price. My father refused. Without a word the six fingered man slashed him through the heart.”, he paused, “I love my father. So naturally I challenged his murderer to a duel. I failed. Six fingered man left me alive, but he gave me this.” Harry traced along a lightning shaped scar on his cheek.

“How old were you?”

“I was eleven years old. When I was strong enough I dedicated my life to the study of fencing. So the next time we meet I will not fail. I will go upthe the six fingered man and say…‘Hello. My name is Harry Potter. You killed my father. Prepare to die.’”

“You’ve done nothing but study swordplay?”

“More pursuit than study lately. You see I can’t find him. I am starting to lose confidence. I just work for Crabbe to pay the bills.re’sre’s not a lot of money in revenge.”

“Well I certainly hope you find him someday.”

“You are ready then?”

“Whether I am or not you’ve been more then fair.”

“You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you.”

“You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die.”