Chapter 20: Flames of Glory - Day One of the Under-17 European Dueling Tournament
The rolling hills of Salzburg, Austria, glowed with the golden hues of early summer. High in the mountains, nestled within a crescent of stone and ancient enchantments, stood the Dome of Ardent Flame—a dueling coliseum built from magic-infused obsidian, crowned by banners from every magical nation in Europe. The annual European Under-17 Dueling Tournament was about to begin, and among its many contenders stood one boy who commanded more whispers and expectations than any other: Harrison Strange Potter.
His name echoed in foreign tongues across the enchanted amphitheater, carried by fans, scouts, and historians alike. Yet to Harrison, it was just another test.
The Arrival
Harrison stepped through the international Portkey gateway, his long Gryffindor dueling robe flapping gently in the alpine breeze. At his sides were Clarissa, Penelope, Luna, Astoria, and Daphne—all wearing proud expressions and subtle glamours to avoid drawing excessive attention. Sirius, sporting a dashing black cloak and an impish grin, slung an arm around Harrison's shoulder. Professor Flitwick, eyes gleaming, flanked them with an air of silent pride.
"A legend in the making," Flitwick murmured. "No better place to write your mark."
Harrison chuckled. "I only came for the challenge. Glory's just... a side effect."
The arena pulsed with excitement as the roster of sixty-four duelists filled the coliseum floor. Most were the top-ranked students from magical academies across Europe: Beauxbatons, Durmstrang, Castelobruxo, Mahoutokoro, and more. But only the top four would survive the brutal, one-on-one elimination rounds that would rage from dawn to dusk.
The Qualifiers Begin
The magical scoreboard flared to life above the arena, displaying names and flags, while enchanted quills drew lots. Harrison's name lit up first—paired against a seventh-year from Durmstrang named Varek Kros.
Varek was a brute of a boy, nearly a head taller than Harrison, his wand a carved piece of ash bound in dragon sinew. When he stomped onto the platform, a few gasps rang out from the crowd.
But Harrison simply walked up the dueling steps with calm grace, the combat-ready staff of cedar and ancient gold strapped across his back. A secondary wand of Thestral hair and yew nestled at his belt.
A bell rang.
"Begin!"
Varek charged forward with a blast of frostfire, twin streams of icy flame conjured from both wand and runes carved into his vambraces.
Harrison slid beneath the wave like a shadow. A single word—"Solinare!"—sent a column of solar fire cascading up into Varek's path, blinding and breaking the frost.
The duel lasted less than two minutes. Harrison ended it with an Egyptian sigil circle, his staff glowing with sacred glyphs. A wave of violet flame erupted, harmless to the audience but knocking Varek out cold.
"Victory to Harrison Strange Potter!"
Thunderous applause followed. His group—especially Clarissa and Penelope—erupted in cheers, Daphne whistling proudly.
Duel After Duel
Harrison's second opponent, a Beauxbatons prodigy named Celine Moreau, relied on charm-based illusions and air elementals. Her tactics were clever, but Harrison shattered them with eldritch clarity magic—dismissing her illusions like morning mist before the sun.
The third duel was more serious. His foe, Anton Greig, a war-mage apprentice from northern Russia, wielded elemental earth magic. Their clash cracked the dueling platform and drew multiple ward resets. Anton fought with fury, but Harrison's precision and strategic mind dismantled his tempo, ending the bout with a cosmic binding rune that suspended Anton midair until he surrendered.
By the fourth duel, whispers in the stands grew reverent.
"He doesn't just duel," one announcer murmured. "He orchestrates."
Reactions From the Stands
Clarissa leaned into Penelope's shoulder. "I've watched him fight nightmares. This? This is a dance."
Flitwick clapped enthusiastically. "Remarkable form. He wields Egyptian theory as naturally as breathing."
Luna tilted her head. "He sees magic differently. As if it's... alive."
Sirius, arms crossed, allowed a grin. "Just like his mum. But tenfold more dangerous."
The Fifth Duel: A Glimpse of Strain
His fifth opponent was Leona Vogel, a dark-skinned, wandless duelist from Uganda trained in ancestral magic and combat rhythm. Their duel became a spectacle of energy manipulation—Leona's ancestral chants clashing with Harrison's multi-language spellwork.
For the first time, he sweat.
Her attacks were primal and unpredictable, forcing him to retreat and adapt. But Harrison called upon his combat avatar—briefly—surrounding himself with shimmering cosmic armor shaped like Horus. The brief appearance overwhelmed Leona's rhythm, allowing him to claim victory.
Both bowed respectfully.
"You are worthy of the crown," she said.
"So are you," he replied, offering her a potion to recover.
The Final Duel of the Day
The final qualifier pitted Harrison against an illusionist from Spain who tried to trap him in a false reality—a vivid dreamscape meant to delay his reactions.
But Harrison, the Guardian of Time, smiled.
"Chronomorphis."
Time bent and the illusion shattered. He appeared behind the duelist before the boy even realized the duel had begun. With a gentle disarm, the duel ended.
Six duels. Six flawless victories.
The scoreboard flashed: Day One Complete – Top Four Finalists Chosen.
Among the four names glowed: Harrison Strange Potter – Great Britain.
Post-Duel Celebration
The group returned to their lodgings—a suite provided by the tournament committee—bubbling with excitement.
Clarissa kissed his cheek. "You made it look easy."
"It wasn't," Harrison said, flexing his wrist. "But it was worth it."
Daphne tackled him in a hug. "You're going to win this. I know it."
Flitwick handed him a scroll. "Your next opponents. Study them. Day Two won't be this easy."
Sirius handed him a butterbeer. "To the Champion of Chaos. And soon, of Europe."
They raised their glasses.
As stars glimmered above the mountains, Harrison looked out the window. He wasn't just dueling to win.
He was showing the magical world what a true heir of magic could become.