Chapter 107: Snape's Advice
Chapter 107: Snape's Advice
Young wizards gazed mesmerized at the flying birds above the platform, creatures that did not exist in the real world. Even the current state could only last for a short time, but the sight of the birds with their fiery red feathers circling above the gilded platform was a memory many young wizards would never forget.
Professor Flitwick waved his wand, dispelling the magic.
"These spells will be taught in class, so there's no need for extra study", Flitwick said. "However, when combined, their effect is much better."
A senior Ravenclaw girl couldn't help but ask, "Professor Flitwick, I know all three of these spells. Can I master the combined spell?"
"Ms. Palma, the difficulty of a combined spell isn't in the spells themselves, but in how you combine and maintain them, keeping them stable as a whole", Flitwick explained. "So, can you master it? Yes, but it will take time and practice. It's a significant test of your spell control."
"The first example I showed you demonstrates how spells can complement each other, which requires a certain level of skill. The second method is relatively simpler."
"Common dueling spells like the Petrification Charm, Disarming Charm, Stunning Spell, and Shield Charm are indeed very useful. But we can combine them with other spells to give you an even greater advantage."
"When two duelists are evenly matched, it's often these simple, seemingly unimportant spells that become the key to breaking the stalemate."
Next, Professor Flitwick showcased his expertise as a master of spells—
"For example, the Enhanced Perception Spell significantly enhances your senses, making you more sensitive to your environment and more responsive to spells."
"Then there's the Recovery Charm. Casting it on yourself before a duel can effectively resist Stunning Spells or mind-affecting spells. The effect depends on the power of your opponent's spell, but it will always have some benefit."
"Another example is the Smooth Path Spell, which makes the ground in front of you slippery."
"Or the Water and Fire Resistance Spell, which protects against water and fire damage. While it doesn't work against dark magic fire, it is very effective against ordinary fire."
Flitwick listed over a dozen spells, and the young wizards were amazed.
Even Felix showed a thoughtful expression, considering how Flitwick's theories could influence his own techniques.
In fact, his instant kill technique was a product of the theory of combining spells: mind acceleration and apparition were the core, while the Stunning Spell, used as an attack, could be replaced by other spells depending on his objective.
Theoretically, the Stunning Spell could be replaced by the Petrification Charm or Disarming Charm without significantly affecting his strategy.
Flitwick's method of breaking a stalemate with simple spells also aligned with Felix's duel against Lockhart.
It seemed that Professors Flitwick and Mcgonagall, each starting from different perspectives, had ultimately reached the same conclusion, which was perfectly embodied in Felix.
In conclusion, Flitwick said, "Spells have a life of their own, with complex relationships. Some counter each other, while others complement each other. If you're interested in dueling, spend more time reviewing the spells you've learned and understanding how they can work together."
"I think you will have a whole new perspective on them."
Next, Professor Flitwick called up a few Ravenclaw students to demonstrate his theories to the other young wizards.
Like Professor Mcgonagall, he also placed constraints on himself.
Even when facing a three-on-one attack, he always found the most suitable method to counter with simple spells.
"Watching Professor Flitwick duel is like watching a waltz", Justin Finch-Fletchley said admiringly.
"What's that?" the young wizards beside him asked.
"Um... it's a Muggle dance, very graceful and elegant", Justin explained.
As the dueling champion, Flitwick had a solid foundation, especially in his footwork. Many spells were simply avoided rather than blocked.
The young wizards watched in awe, and when Professor Flitwick used his wand to release a burst of fireworks, easily obscuring his opponent's vision, the audience erupted in applause.
Finally, Flitwick bowed and left the stage with a smile, receiving continuous applause.
The third to step up was Snape. As soon as he stood in the center of the arena, the previously restless young wizards fell silent.
Snape's style was completely different from the previous two professors. With a cold, icy tone, he said, "I want to share with you what to do when you encounter the most dangerous Dark Wizards—those scum who hide in the dark, struggling to survive."
He looked at the young wizards and, after a long pause, continued, "How to deal with them."
The young wizards were silent, frightened by the scene Snape described. Harry, however, suddenly remembered his brief, accidental visit to Knockturn Alley.
Knockturn Alley, adjacent to Diagon Alley, was a dirty, narrow alley. The shops on either side were dark and ominous, all seemingly connected to dark magic. According to Hagrid, it was a hiding place for many Dark Wizards.
This year, due to a mistake with Floo Powder, he had ended up there. A terrifying old witch had approached him, holding a tray of what looked like dead people's fingernails. If he hadn't run into Hagrid, who knows what might have happened.
Snape continued in a slow, measured tone, "You need to identify danger and distinguish between different levels of it."
"You need to prepare different strategies: how to handle schoolyard brawls, conflicts with strangers, encounters with evil Dark Wizards, and dangerous creatures and plants."
"To be honest, I don't think your tricks will be of much use against Dark Wizards... fleeing is always the first choice; seeking help is the second choice; and when you must act... strike first with any spell you can think of."
Snape's black eyes remained fixed, like two stones embedded in his face. He said calmly, "In a duel, striking first is always the best strategy. Giving up the initiative means putting yourself at a disadvantage."
The audience was deathly silent.
"Severus..." Professor Mcgonagall said, somewhat uneasily, "I don't think young wizards need to be exposed to these things."
Snape curled his lip into a mocking smile but did not continue the topic.
"When facing danger, use your most proficient spells, not the most powerful. Speed, angle, timing, and success rate are far more important than sheer spell power."
(End of Chapter)
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