Celo Luxuria

CHALLENGE RESPONSE: This story was written as a response to takhen's "Duel of the Senses" challenge.

Beta: Ero *hugs* Thank you! :D

A/N: This is my first challenge response. I hope you like it. ^.^ This is part one of a three part series. Please also note, although it says non-con, it's only non-con at first. :)

“Stupefy!”

A jolt of red light shot out of the end of Harry’s wand. Draco Malfoy raised his own wand, but was soon knocked over before he had the slightest chance of defending himself.

The Gryffindors roared with cheers and laughter. Snape rolled his eyes.

He walked over to the unconscious blond, kneeling next to him. With a wave of his wand, Malfoy sat upright like nothing had happened. Narrowing his black eyes, Snape stood, helping Malfoy up with him. He strolled over to Harry, “Did you not hear me, Potter? Did I not say nonverbal spells only?”

“Yes, but-“

“Silence!” Snape hissed, “We will try this again.”

He stepped out of the way. Harry sighed as Malfoy glowered at him. The boys bowed; Harry’s eye contact never strayed from the blond as it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for him to strike early.

“One.” Snape said dully.

Harry and Malfoy pointed their wands at one another.

“Two.”

A list of spells ran through Harry’s mind.

“Three.”

Harry jerked his wand. Stupefy!

. . .

Nothing happened.

A jet of red light shot from the end of Malfoy’s wand. Harry lunged to the side, stumbling into a group of Slytherins. The Gryffindors gasped. The stunning spell missed Harry, hitting Theodore Nott instead.

Only one nonverbal spell that Harry could successfully cast came to his mind. The Slytherins pushed him back in front of Malfoy, snarling lowly. Harry pointed his wand at Malfoy. Levicorpus.

Instantly, Malfoy flipped upside down, dangling from one ankle as if being suspended by invisible rope. His robes flew over his head, exposing his very neat white pants.

The Gryffindors cackled and cheered, some even shot up red sparks in the excitement. Snape waved his wand, and Malfoy fell to the floor.

He turned to Harry, his eyes wide with rage, “Detention, Potter.”

“What? Why?” Harry asked, outraged, “I used a nonverbal-“

“DETENTION!” he bellowed before running to Nott’s side and rennervating him.

The Gryffindors groaned. Murmurs waved over them, mostly with the word, “unfair”.

The Slytherins all smirked. Pansy Parkinson had immediately run to Draco Malfoy’s aid. His eyes narrowed at Harry, and his jaw twitched.

-----

“That was so unfair.” Ron grumbled after the Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. He, Hermione and Harry walked through the corridors to their common room, “You did a nonverbal spell. You won fair and square.”

“Yeah.” Harry sighed. Yet, in the back of his mind he knew exactly why Snape was angry. When he saw Harry use Levicorpus against Malfoy, it must have triggered the memory of James doing the spell to him in his youth.

“Bet you thought that was funny, eh Potter?” Came a drawling voice. Harry felt a hostile thrust against his right shoulder, then Malfoy stood directly in front of him, his face barely an inch from Harry’s. Crabbe and Goyle stood to the side, scowling with their arms crossed.

“A little.” Harry replied with a monotone. He sidestepped, but Malfoy followed in sync with him.

“Shove off, Malfoy.” Ron snarled, “Harry beat you. You’re just jealous.”

“Nobody asked you, Weasel.” Malfoy said, narrowing his eyes at Ron for a moment before returning his gaze to Harry, “You humiliated me in front of the class!”

“Aww, you shouldn’t be so embarrassed, Malfoy.” Ron chuckled, “Your pants were clean. Did your mum pick them out for you?”

Malfoy’s cheeks flushed pink, “You’re one to talk, Weasley. Your family is so poor, I bet you’ve been wearing the same pair for the last year.”

Crabbe and Goyle snickered. Ron lunged at Malfoy, but Hermione snagged his arm.

“What do you want, Malfoy?” Harry asked with an irritated tone, “Revenge? Are you going to have Tweedledee and Tweedledum beat me up?”

“What?” Malfoy lifted an eyebrow, clearly ignorant to the reference from Muggle literature.

“Are you incapable of fighting your battles without Crabbe and Goyle?” Harry rolled his eyes.

Malfoy smirked and folded his arms across his chest. In the background, Harry could hear Ron ask Hermione, “What’s Tweedledee and Tweedledum?”

“No.” Malfoy replied, “In fact, I’m challenging you to a rematch, one on one, no Seconds.”

“Why? What do you want to prove?” Harry crossed his arms.

“That my magic skills are superior to yours.”

“I think I already proved you wrong, Malfoy.” Harry grumbled, “Can I go, now?”

“Please, Potter.” Malfoy’s grey eyes glowed with madness, “If we had a duel only using Sensory Charms, I would win.”

“Only using what charms?” Harry lifted an eyebrow.

Malfoy opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione answered instead, “Sensory Charms, Harry. I’ve read about them. They affect your senses. Sight, smell, touch-“

“I know what the senses are, Hermione. Thanks.” Harry interrupted with an annoyed tone, “But. . . Why only Sensory Charms? That’s stupid.”

“Stupid?” Malfoy rolled his eyes, “Any idiot can shoot jinxes at someone. It takes true talent to cast successful True Sensory Charms.”

“Piss off, Malfoy. I don’t care. I don’t have time for this.” Harry said, suddenly taking notice to the mass of students who gathered around them.

“Aww, is the Potty scared of losing?” Malfoy taunted him. The Slytherins in the mass all cackled.

“Of course not!” Harry defensively shouted. The amount of eyes on him now made him nervous.

“Then duel me!” Malfoy shouted back, looking only too pleased at Harry’s apprehension.

“Okay. Fine. Whatever.” Harry sighed, hoping he wouldn’t regret this.

“The first person who can’t take it and admits defeat, loses.” Malfoy explained.

“Fine.”

“We’ll meet on the grounds, next to the Forbidden Forest, this Sunday morning.”

“Fine.”

“You should make a wager!” Came a small voice. Harry and Malfoy’s attention directed to Colin Creevey, who looked extraordinarily excited, “Like, the one who loses has to be the winner’s slave for a day! That would be wicked!”

Smacking his palms over his glasses, Harry shook his head and groaned, “No way.”

“Oh, why not, Potter?” Malfoy sneered, “Afraid of being my slave for a day?”

“No!” Harry replied indignantly.

“Then, let’s do it.” Malfoy said, “Sensory Charms only. Whoever admits defeat has to be the winner’s slave for a day, and they have to do whatever the other one says, no matter what it is.”

“Fine.” Harry growled in frustration, “But, how do I know you’re going to stick to this? If I win, I’m sure you will just run away and not follow through.”

“I could say the same of you.” Malfoy scoffed, “Okay, we can do an Unbreakable Vow.”

The majority of the crowd gasped. Many younger students, who were probably Muggle-borns, anxiously whispered amongst themselves, asking what an Unbreakable Vow was.

“No! Absolutely not!” Hermione shouted, walking over to the boys, “Harry, please be sensible! That could kill you!”

“It’ll only kill you if you break the vow, Hermione.” Harry said. Yet, he didn’t feel nearly as confident as he portrayed himself.

“So, it’s settled then.” Malfoy grinned, “Crabbe come over here! You’re going to be our Bonder.”

“No!” Ron yelled, marching over and standing right next to Harry, “I’m not trusting that oaf to be your Bonder. Hermione, you do it.”

“I absolutely refuse!” She huffed, crossing her arms.

“I don’t want that Mudblood being our Bonder, anyway!” Malfoy snarled. Harry and Ron immediately sneered at him. The Slytherins sniggered, but the remainder of the crowd scoffed.

“Bonder? What are you guys talking about?” Harry asked.

“Malfoy, you know as well as I do that trusting Crabbe with such a powerful spell is a stupid idea.” Ron said, ignoring Harry completely, “You also know how talented Hermione is. Even if you don’t like her, you know she won’t mess it up.”

“Okay, fine.” Malfoy grumbled.

“I already told you! I’m not doing it!” Hermione snarled, “How can you support this, Ron?”

“Hermione.” Ron turned to her, “You know they’re going to do it either way. Either you can be their Bonder, and it will be safe, or Crabbe can do it and risk blowing their hands off.”

Lifting a palm to her forehead, Hermione shook her head. With a sigh, she drew her wand from her robes’ pocket.

“Okay, now you guys kneel and grab the other’s right hand.” Ron explained.

“I know, Weasley!” Malfoy glared at him.

“Harry doesn’t know, Prat!” Ron snarled.

“You don’t know how to do an Unbreakable Vow?” Malfoy chuckled, “How thick are you, Potter?”

“Why, exactly, would I know that?” Harry lifted his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders in disbelief, “It’s not like I do them every day!”

“Whatever, just kneel.” Malfoy replied, lowering himself in front of Harry.

Harry knelt and extended his right hand. Malfoy firmly grasped it. Their eyes narrowed. Squeezing their hands as hard as they could, they appeared to be having a showdown to see who would wince in pain first. Hermione held her wand over their clasped hands.

“Will you, Potter, show up on the Hogwarts Grounds, next to the Forbidden Forest, this Sunday morning?” Malfoy asked, not breaking his eye contact for a moment.

“No.” Harry replied.

Ron huffed, “It’s not going to work unless you say ‘I will’, Harry.”

“He has to ask the questions so they apply to both of us, not just me.” Harry said.

Malfoy rolled his eyes, “Okay, Potter, will we meet on the Hogwarts Grounds, next to the Forbidden Forest, this Sunday morning?”

“I will.” They said simultaneously. A thin line of flame shot from Hermione’s wand and wound itself around their hands.

“And, do we agree to only use Sensory Charms, particularly True Sensory Charms, in our duel?”

“I will.” They both said. Another thin line of flame issued from Hermione’s wand, intertwining with the first.

“And, when either of us loses, do we agree that we will be the winner’s slave for the rest of the day, and night,” he quickly threw in, “doing everything they say, no matter what it is?”

Malfoy and Harry opened their mouths, but Hermione shouted, "Wait," before either of them could say anything.

"What Hermione?" Harry grumbled.

"You have to add something." Hermione's eyebrows raised with concern. She bit her bottom lip for a moment before adding, "Whichever of you wins, can't make the slave hurt or kill themselves."

With a scoff, Malfoy incredulously rolled his eyes, "This isn't your concern, Granger. We don't have to add anything-"

"Shut up, Malfoy!" Harry snarled, directing his attention back to the blond, "I agree. We do need to add that. I don't trust you."

Malfoy scowled, "Fine. Since you're scared, Potter. When either of us loses, do we agree that we will be the winner’s slave for the rest of the day and night, doing everything they say, no matter what it is except hurt or kill themselves?"

“I will.” They both said; the final flame escaped Hermione’s wand. It linked with the first two, creating a brilliant red-glowing chainlink bracelet. Their eyes narrowed at the same time, reflecting red from their flame bond.

-----

The sun shone magnificently through the windows of the empty corridors. It was such a nice day, Harry hated that he had to spend it indoors with Snape. Yet, a part of him was happy about it.

He dreaded the duel with Malfoy, regretting his pride during the original confrontation. Friday passed far too quickly for him, and he was having difficulty finding any information on True Sensory Charms. He thought, perhaps, boring hours of detention would seem long, thus making it seem longer to when he’d have to duel Malfoy.

Harry sat at a desk, directly across from Snape. He had him write, I will never use that spell, EVER again. repetitively.

They sat in silence. Harry felt too uncomfortable to bring up the Pensieve incident. He assumed Snape felt the same way. It was unfair, but he knew arguing it would be futile.

The idea of purposely getting detention so he could avoid the duel, crossed his mind. But, Harry feared that doing such a thing might be breaking the Unbreakable Vow.

“Time is up, Potter. You may leave.” Snape said well after the sun had gone down.

Harry sighed, and stood up. The detention took many hours, but still felt like it passed too fast. He grabbed his many sheets of parchment. Handing them to Snape, he decided to ask, “Um, can I ask you a question. . . sir?”

“What?” He slowly replied, grabbing the parchment and not making eye contact with Harry.

“Where can I find information on True Sensory Charms?” He said, “. . .Professor?”

Snape’s black eyes met with Harry’s. He arched an eyebrow, “I find it rather curious you ask about True Sensory Charms, considering Professor Flitwick only teaches the subject to seventh years and books are highly restricted.”

“Well. . .” Harry swallowed hard, “I need to know.”

“You are a sixth year, not a seventh year.” Snape explained with a bored tone of voice, “I believe you even realize that.”

“I know that. But-“

“Do you want detention tomorrow as well?” Snape asked.

“No!” Harry’s heart raced, “I’m sorry. I’ll just. . . go now, sir.”

Snape stood from his desk, saying nothing. Sighing with relief, Harry walked back to the corridors.

Harry jumped with surprise to see that Ron sat right next to the door, asleep. He leaned against the wall, and his jaw hung loosely.

“Er- Ron?” Harry asked, nudging his leg lightly with his foot.

Ron snorted, then shot right awake, “Oh. Hi, Harry.” He said with a yawn.

“Why are you sleeping outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts room?” Harry asked.

Ron slowly pushed himself to his feet. He stretched his arms over his head and explained with another yawn, “Hermione found a seventh year with a book full of True Sensory Charms. She managed to convince them to let her borrow it.”

“What? Really?!” His eyes sprung open wide with delight.

“Yeah, and some of them look really cool.” Ron continued, “Anyway, I wanted to tell you as soon as I saw it. But, I didn’t know how long Snape would hold ya. So, I waited out here until you were done, and I guess I fell to sleep.”

“Well, let’s get back to the common room.” Harry grabbed Ron’s arm, “Snape might come out and give us detention.”

Ron nodded and followed behind him, being practically dragged by Harry.

-----

In the Gryffindor common room, Hermione sat at a table by herself. Her eyes opened wide, stricken with worry.

Harry and Ron sat down next to each other, opposite Hermione. She bit her bottom lip, nervously pushing her bushy hair behind her ears, “Harry, you can’t do this duel.”

“What do you mean I can’t?” Harry lowered his eyebrows, “I have to. I did an Unbreakable Vow.”

“Yeah, Hermione, he’ll die.” Ron said.

“You never specifically said you had to do the duel.” She explained, “You only agreed to meet, but you never said you had to duel.”

“We said we would use True Sensory Charms if we do the duel-“ Harry tried to say.

“If you do it. You agreed to meet. You agreed to use Sensory Charms if you dueled, and you agreed to be the winner’s slave for the rest of the day.” Hermione continued, “You never technically agreed to actually have the duel.”

“But, what if by agreeing to do the Sensory Charms during a duel, that automatically means we have to duel?” Harry asked, “I’m not risking death over a possible loophole that may not be correct.”

“Well, let me read you an excerpt from this book.” Hermione said with a sigh, leaning over and snatching her bag. Opening it, she pulled out a large tattered book, which appeared greatly aged, and set it on the table, “I’ve already read the entire thing.”

“You’ve already read that entire thing?!” Ron asked, his eyebrows raised in disbelief and eyes suspiciously locked to the large book.

“Yes.” Hermione replied, arching an eyebrow curiously.

“But, how? That would take a normal person ages to read.” Ron said.

“What do you mean, a normal person?” Hermione scowled.

“Ron’s a git, Hermione, you know that.” Harry growled in frustration. Ron glared at him, “Could you please continue, considering my life is on the line?”

Hermione sighed, opening the book and flipping to a page toward the beginning, “Okay, this is what is says. Sensusfascino, otherwise known as Sensory Charms or Charms of the Senses, are charms that affect only ones’ methods of perception. Although, the five classic senses are the Charms’ most likely candidates to affect, other forms of sensory can also be included, but these are rare. Such senses include time, proprioception, vascular-”

“Hermione, no offense, but can you get to the point?” Harry fumbled with the hem of his jackets’ sleeve impatiently.

Hermione scoffed, flipping a page, “Fine. There are few amounts of common Sensory Charms, such as a Cheering Charm. But, these are typically disregarded-”

“Please, get to the point.”

“I am, Harry. Stop interrupting me!” Hermione snarled, then continued reading, “But, these are typically disregarded as they are not as dangerous as what most consider a True Sensory Charm. Sensory Charms do not attack the body, but the mind. Any physical effects resulting from a Sensory Charm are due to ones’ own reaction to the spell and not because of the spell itself.

“Although, True Sensory Charms are generally brief, lasting not more than a minute or two, even the greatest wizards are known to have reacted adversely. In 1652, True Sensory Charms were banned due to a high rate of death caused merely from fright. Recipients believed what they saw was true, many being victims of the Flamma Impendio Charm, where many saw, felt and believed that they and their surroundings were engulfed with fire.

“Later, in 1689, the laws were changed, stating that only the Flamma Impendio Charm, along with similar charms, were banned. This was due to a high amount of prisoners casting only Sensory Charms that did not cause ill side-affects. The prisons overflowed and- Well, the point I’m getting to is that True Sensory Charms can be highly dangerous, Harry. Wizards have been permanently disturbed by seeing or feeling false representations for a very brief amount of time. Some have even died of fright or committed suicide.”

“Oh, my God.” Harry sighed, dropping his face into his hands, “Why didn’t you tell me this when Malfoy proposed the duel?”

“I didn’t know, Harry!”

“You said you’ve read about them!”

“They are briefly mentioned in A History of Magic. You and Ron should have read it, too!” Hermione snapped, “It doesn’t elaborate on the charms, it just talks about historic events including them!”

“This just gets better and better!” Harry raised his arms, then smacked a fist against the table top.

“Furthermore,” Hermione continued reading, “True Sensory Charms are such old magic, that the success rate is minimal for the inexperienced user.”

Harry groaned, folding his arms across one another in front of him on the desk. His head dropped, resting his face against his forearms.

“Typically, wizards use potions when they want to ensnare the senses. The success rate is one-hundred percent, assuming the user brews the potion correctly. The disadvantage of potions lies in the fact that it is much more difficult to trick someone into drinking the potion than it is to charm someone, if they wish to be inconspicuous.”

“So, I have until tomorrow morning to learn and master Sensory Charms? And the chances are minimal that I will be able to cast any successfully?” Harry asked, slowly lifting his head, “Oh, and I could possibly die of fright or go all looney. . .”

Hermione grimaced, “This is why I’m saying you can’t do the duel. Look, just show up tomorrow, and say you’re not dueling. It’s not breaking the vow.”

“But, what if it is, Hermione? Is it really worth risking Harry’s life?” Ron asked, “Besides, I doubt Harry will die or go all nutty. Those wizards were probably unaware they had a True Sensory Charm cast on them. Harry’s going into this fully aware that Malfoy’s going to be casting Sensory Charms, so he’ll be mentally prepared.”

“That’s an excellent point, Ron!” Hermione beamed, “I hadn’t thought of that. I’m amazed that you did.”

Rolling his eyes, Ron pressed his heels firmly against the floor, making his chair tip back slightly. He raised his arms and rest his hands against the back of his head while muttering, “Why is it when I say something smart, everyone is so surprised?” Nobody answered him.

Harry lightly bit onto his bottom lip, rhythmically tapping his fingers against the table, “What do you think the chances are of Malfoy knowing how to successfully cast a True Sensory Charm?”

“It’s difficult to say.” Hermione sighed, “The seventh year who let me borrow this said that Flitwick doesn’t actually teach True Sensory Charms, but about them. Also, they mix the curriculum with Defense Against the Dart Arts. They learn how to spot them and block them. So, I’m not sure where Malfoy could have learned them. But, I doubt he’d propose the duel and agree to the Unbreakable Vow if he were completely oblivious.”

“Jeez,” Harry said, “I feel sorry for the seventh years that had to learn how to block them from Lockhart.”

“Wait a minute.” Ron let the chair fall back to all four posts, “If Professor Flitwick doesn’t teach students how to use Sensory Charms, how come that book has the spells?”

“First of all, Professor Flitwick does teach the basic Sensory Charms. You know some. It’s the True Sensory Charms he doesn’t teach.” Hermione replied, “Secondly, this book is restricted, Ron. It’s hard to obtain. Only seventh years can borrow it from the Library. Also, they have to have both the Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers’ signatures to get it. It was very difficult to convince him to let me borrow it.”

“What did you do? Confund him?” Ron leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows against his knees and clasping his hands together.

“No.” Hermione looked away. She appeared to be trying to hide her burning red cheeks, but Harry and Ron noticed.

“What did you do?” Ron narrowed his gaze suspiciously.

“I um-“ Hermione set her elbow against the table. Resting her chin against her palm, she spoke so low, with her fingers over her mouth, Ron and Harry couldn’t understand what she said.

“What?” Ron’s jaw twitched.

“I-“ Hermione hesitated. Lowering her arm, she sighed. She closed her eyes for a moment then opened them, speaking with a very quiet tone, “I agreed to go on a date with him. . .”

“WHAT?!” Ron stood so abruptly, the chair from under him fell on it’s back, “How could you do that?!”

“Why do you care? Aren’t you and Lavender still technically dating?” Hermione scowled, “Besides, I think Harry’s life is more important than me going on one date with someone. I don’t fancy the bloke; it was the only way he’d let me borrow it.”

“That’s like prostitution!” Ron screamed, digging his nails into the table.

“How dare you!” Hermione stood up, viciously narrowing her eyes at Ron, “I’m going on a date. We’ll probably get tea somewhere and talk for like an hour. I’m not shagging him. I don’t have to explain myself to you. Do I, Harry?”

“Will you guys quit bickering?” Harry snarled, “I don’t mean to sound selfish, but I think my duel with Malfoy is a little more important.”

Hermione sighed, “I’m sorry, Harry.” She sat back down.

“Sorry, mate.” Ron muttered. He tried to sit back down, but was unaware that his chair tipped over. He ended up stumbling and falling flat on his back. Harry and Hermione had to bite their tongue to keep from laughing.

“I’m okay!” Ron quickly announced, standing up and brushing himself up. He picked the chair up and sat back down.

Harry’s attention reverted to Hermione, “So, assuming Malfoy does know how to accurately perform True Sensory Charms, is there anything that I can do to block them?”

“Yes. . .” The edge of Hermione’s lip twitched as if she were wincing in pain for a moment, “But, no. . .”

“What do you mean yes, but no?” Harry huffed, “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“The thing is, Harry,” Hermione’s eyebrows raised with pity. She appeared to be struggling to not frown, “simple blocking spells like Protego will block Sensory Charms. But, you agreed to do only Sensory Charms, so if you do any defensive spells, you will be breaking the vow.”

“That’s just great!” Harry bellowed, throwing his arms in the air. He purposely smashed his forehead into the edge of the table with a loud smack, “Why the bloody hell did you let me do the Unbreakable Vow, Hermione?”

“Me?!” Hermione’s eyes opened wide, her jaw hung open in shock for a moment before she continued, “I was the one who was protesting! Ron’s the one that egged you on. Blame him!”

“Yeah, Ron, why did you assist?” Harry snapped.

“I assisted because I knew you were going to do it either way!” Ron’s lips curled, and he folded his arms across his chest, “I just wanted to make sure you did it right and didn’t end up making it go disastrously wrong! Hermione was the Bonder!”

“You volunteered me!” She screeched, “I did it because I was afraid if Crabbe was the Bonder, he’d do it wrong and end up hurting Harry and Malfoy!”

“STOP FIGHTING!” Harry screamed. He lifted his head; a red gash streaked across his forehead. Sharply inhaling, he let out a long soft sigh, “I’m sorry I blamed either of you. This is neither of your faults. It’s mine.”

The trio sat in silence for a few moments. Eventually, Ron leaned forward and grabbed the book, “Let’s just see what spells there are. I’ll even let you practice on me.”

He flipped through a few pages, “Ooh, look. There’s the Screech Beetle Charm. It’s an Audition Sensory Charm.”

“That means it affects their hearing.” Hermione added.

“Upon shouting the incantation Eternus Quiritatios, the recipient’s hearing is fully replaced with a high screech equivalent to a thousand screech beetles sounding simultaneously.” Ron read aloud, “Bet, Malfoy would love that. Not only will they be the only one able to hear it, but covering their ears will not muffle the sound.”

“Okay, maybe we should write this down.” Harry said.

“I’ll do it.” Hermione replied. Leaning over, she pulled a sheet of parchment and quill from her bag. Then, she started furiously scribbling.

“Oh, check this out!” Ron exclaimed after flipping the page, “Inferius Restituos, a Vision Charm. It makes them see everyone around them as Inferi instead of living people.”

“Um, pass. That could go horribly wrong.” Harry said.

“Why? I’d bet that would scare the bollocks right off Malfoy!” Ron smirked, “It’s not like he’s going to consider your feelings when he casts Sensory Charms on you.”

“Still,” Harry replied, “He could end up killing someone in a panic. Or he could cast something that’s not a Sensory Charm and kill himself.”

“Who cares if he kills himself?” Ron chuckled.

“Ron!” Hermione gasped.

“Look. It’s all fun and games to say that.” Harry explained, “But, if he killed himself on my account, I would have a guilty conscience.”

“Aw, alright.” Ron groaned, flipping through a few more pages, “Silva Hortus makes the receiver think they are in a forest. That’s rubbish. Constristio. This would make him feel depressed. Eh, maybe. . . Faecobruo.” Ron dropped the book and huddled over laughing.

“What?” Harry asked, leaning forward with interest.

“It’s an Olfaction Charm.” Ron managed to explain in between breaths, “It makes their nose only smell dung!”

Harry burst out with laughter. Hermione scoffed and rolled her eyes as if she were above thinking such a spell was amusing.

“I think Malfoy’s mum had that cast on her permanently!” Harry chuckled.

Ron fell off the chair; he was laughing so hard.

“Write that one down, Hermione.” Harry said, regaining his composure.

“I will not!” Hermione huffed and crossed her arms indignantly, “You need to pick spells that will overwhelm Malfoy enough for him to give in, but not enough to for him to hurt himself or others. That spell will just be a minor inconvenience.”

“Yeah. . .” Harry sighed, the smile across his face completely dissolving, “This is a load of tripe. Malfoy’s going to win; I just know it.”

Ron pulled himself do his feet. Loosely flopping back onto the chair, Ron grimaced, raising his eyebrows empathetically, “Well, if you do lose, you only have to be Malfoy’s slave for a day. It can’t go that horribly. . .”

With a loud groan, Harry let his head limply fall into his hands. Being Malfoy’s slave for a day could go very horribly.