"Remind me why we are here again."
Grace smiled as they walked through the halls, giving the occasional nod towards other individuals, "Because part of my job is to ensure you are introduced into the world that your skills would best align with. You are a duelist Harry, even if you haven't officially competed yet. These will be your peers one day."
"Yeah, I understand that. What I am asking is why are we here if I'm not even going to participate."
The pair approached a large set of double doors, entering what was a massive room with high ceilings and several raised platforms were duels were either being conducted, or setup. "It will be a good experience for you, to see what kind of lifestyle you would have, what all is involved. So many graduates go into a field not realizing the finer points of what they would be doing. In this world observation is nearly as important as participation."
As they made their way along the side, towards where audience members were seated, a voice rang out that stopped them. "Well, well if it isn't the prodigy herself. Haven't seen you in forever Riddle."
Grace smiled as she turned, "Carolyn Ricci, it's been a long time." The two exchanged a handshake, before the newcomer, whose age appeared to be around that of Riddle's, if perhaps a bit younger, looked towards the boy.
"And who might you be?" It wasn't anger or annoyance as Harry might have suspected, there were few other men in the room and they looked more like accompanying spouses than participants, but intrigue. She extended her hand, much as he had seen in his first year, and despite his own misgivings he met her silent request and watched as she kissed his moments later.
"This is Harry Potter. I have taken on the role of his mentor while he is at school."
"Have you now?" the interest in the other woman's voice, along with a much thicker Italian accent than moments prior, becoming evident, "I've never known you to take interest in such a way before, but I can certainly see why you would make an exception."
His back straightened in annoyance. Once more it was an adult judging him based on his appearance rather than anything else. Luckily, Grace was quick to interrupt before he could say something insulting. "The decision was made based on his skills, nothing more."
Carolyn hummed, though whether it was in agreement or just acknowledgement the boy wasn't quite sure.
****
The tournament itself had been more interesting than Harry originally thought. Sure, there were the few ridiculous contestants who either made fools of themselves or dressed so extravagantly it nearly hurt his eyes, but those were few and far between.
Most of the Witches were competent and precise with both their spellwork and movements.
Far more interesting, at least in his mind, was the diversity of both duelist and magic. It wasn't just Europeans participating, but those from neighboring continents as well.
Harry had originally assumed the spells would all be of the same variety, Charms or Curses designed to hinder or injure in varying degrees, perhaps some elemental magic considering Grace's insistence that he learn the art. Instead, it was a wide range of magic that would be wielded inside of the protected area.
Following one match the teen opted to ask his guide about it. "Is this normal? All the different types of magic and spells?"
Grace nodded, "I'm not sure how much you know about the other schools, but each one has specialties and differences. Regional distinctions are important, and it forces those who take the sport seriously to do their research otherwise risk being caught off guard and underprepared."
"How far did you make it? Is there a global championship or just individual events?"
She smiled at his interest, "I've won my fair share of regional tournaments, but there isn't a global one I'm afraid. They've tried setting one up before but too many arguments would arise. Some would claim favoritism from the judges, some would say the weather or environment played too much of a factor, others that the arena and region would give natural advantages to the type of magic practiced by those originating from the area. It simply became too much of a burden and led to arguments and open hostility between contestants and even teams."
"Teams? There are teams of duelists?"
"Of course, just like there are Quidditch teams. While it has never been as popular as the sport there are a fair share of professional teams across the world. It allows for the individuals involved to train and share experiences, gives time for collaboration and strategizing, and simply fosters the sense of community that can exist. It also gives a better opportunity for making a career out of the sport. Sponsorships, shared prize money, advertising, it all comes into play."
His head spun. When the idea had first been mentioned he had almost laughed the idea off. The concept of being a 'professional duelist' seemed about as silly as being a celebrity. Surely there were more respectable, and steady, means of earning a living.
But after her explanation the idea didn't seem so far off. Was he at professional level? No, probably not. While he could likely hold his own against some from England, or maybe parts of Europe, he wouldn't have any idea how to deal with an opponent from the Middle East or Africa. Given time though maybe he could.
Deep down he still longed for that comradery from his days playing Quidditch and the idea that there might be something similar stirred an excitement deep in his heart.
___________________________
A/N- Read 50+ Advance Chapters on Patreon!
Limited Time Price Decrease and 50% Discount! Enjoy!
Ps. Someone commented the price was a bit high so I've lowered it for you all.
patr*on.com/greg01