the_debt_of_time

robe over to him, grinning sardonically. "Beaten out only by one other person, and he was
a dirty rotten cheat."
"Did not," Remus whispered.
Mia turned to face Umbridge as the woman descended the stairs to meet her in the
centre of the floor. "Then again, you do have a number of years on me. Much more
knowledge and experience, I gather. It's not as though I personally defeated the Dark Lord.
I was only taught how to defend myself by Harry Potter." She smirked and a wave of quiet
chuckles echoed through the chamber. "And then again by the wizard who taught Harry
Potter how to defend himself. I'm sorry, I ramble when I'm nervous."
Umbridge narrowed her beady eyes. "Who stands as my second?"
"I'll stand," Peneus Parkinson said.
"And your second, Miss Potter?" Kingsley asked.
Mia grinned when no less than twelve wizards stood at the question in a silent
offering. Augusta Longbottom also stood, looking like she was in the mood for a good
execution before afternoon tea.
"Remus Lupin will be my second."
"A werewolf?!"
"Yes. I imagine that, should you be so lucky as to kill me, he'd be quite entertained
with the idea of duelling you." Mia's amused smile faded. "If you should get injured,
however, I wouldn't expect him to carry you to St Mungo's. He's not allowed inside, you
see."
Her words were calm but ever so threatening as her personal issues with Dolores
Umbridge were laid out bare for the entire Wizengamot.
"If you have a problem with duelling a werewolf, I can always refuse to have a
second. But you must do so first."
Umbridge avoided glancing in Remus's direction as she announced, "I refuse a
second!"
Peneus Parkinson sat down, looking annoyed.
"I'd watch that temper of yours, Dolores. Very Gryffindor of you to behave so
recklessly." Mia turned around to empty her pockets and decide which of her vinewood
wands she wanted to use. Harry was the only one in the stands who looked nervous.
"Provoking her with me?" Remus asked, raising a brow.