https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-212-The-Duelling-Club-and-New-Clues/13441189/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-214-Lockhart-s-Grand-Performance-/13441192/
Chapter 213: The Door Is Locked, No One Is Leaving Today!
Chapter 213: The Door Is Locked, No One Is Leaving Today!
"I wonder who will be teaching us today", Hermione squeezed her way to the front and speculated curiously. "I heard that Professor Flitwick was a dueling champion in his youth. Maybe he will teach us how to duel."
Harry, on the other hand, thought it might be Professor Mcgonagall.
"I thought you could guess who it would be just by looking at this gilded stage", Ivan mercilessly shattered their illusions. "Surely you don't mean—"
Looking at the gilded stage, Harry's mind conjured up a figure. He swallowed hard and asked hopefully, "You can't mean—"
"No way", Ron was also feeling despair, thinking he shouldn't have come.
"Yes, it's Lockhart!" Ivan nodded and pointed to the entrance of the large hall.
The three of them turned their gaze and indeed saw Gilderoy Lockhart's figure.
Today, Lockhart seemed a bit different from usual. Besides his purple-red robes, he wore a large golden-red cloak and had a rectangular bandage on the side of his face.
"Hello everyone!" Lockhart walked up to the stage, waving at the surrounding young wizards.
As he raised his hand, the golden ring with a sapphire on his finger was revealed to the audience, but due to Lockhart's usual flashy nature, it didn't raise any suspicion.
As Lockhart took the stage, a chorus of boos rose from the crowd.
Lockhart paid no attention, pretending not to hear, and cleared his throat, speaking loudly.
"Come closer, everyone! Gather around! Listen to me!"
"Here's the deal, your headmaster Dumbledore has specially allowed me—your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—to host this Duelling Club! The purpose is to fully train you so that you can defend yourselves if the need ever arises, and use the knowledge I teach you."
Just as Lockhart was speaking confidently, Marcus from Slytherin interrupted impatiently.
"Professor, can we leave now? I'd rather stay in the dorm and play Wizard's Chess."
Many of the young wizards shared Marcus's thoughts. After learning that the Duelling Club was hosted by Lockhart, they had little hope for it.
"No, you cannot! I must tell you that in the wizarding world, avoiding a duel is a matter of great shame!" Lockhart shook his head.
He then pointed to the door and announced loudly.
"So, to prevent anyone from leaving with a stain on their honor, I have locked the doors of the hall. No one will be leaving until the class is over!"
The young wizards turned to look at the closed doors of the hall, speechless.
"How can he do this?" Ron said indignantly.
Ivan understood that Lockhart was taking a desperate gamble, hoping to use this opportunity to restore his reputation at Hogwarts.
To ensure a larger audience for this grand performance, Lockhart would not let anyone leave.
Whoosh!
Just as everyone was arguing, a bright red light shot from the tip of Lockhart's wand and soared into the sky.
The spell's light hit the ceiling and exploded, sending off dazzling sparks, immediately capturing everyone's attention.
Seeing this, Lockhart nodded in satisfaction.
Although the Spell he intended to cast was not this one, it still achieved the same effect, didn't it?
"Cough, cough. Now, I will teach you dueling techniques. I will pick someone to assist me and demonstrate for everyone."
Lockhart’s gaze swept over the students below, considering who to choose for his debut.
The target couldn't be too weak, so it couldn’t be a first-year student, but it also couldn’t be too strong, or he wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Lockhart’s eyes briefly lingered on Ivan, recalling the near-death experience he had yesterday, which made him shiver. He then turned his gaze to a Slytherin student and confirmed his target.
"You! Yes, no need to look at others, it’s you, Marcus!" Lockhart pointed at Marcus, who had spoken up to challenge him earlier.
"Me?" Marcus was confused, but remembering that Lockhart was just a bumbling professor, he confidently walked up to the stage.
Ivan was surprised that Lockhart didn’t ask Snape to demonstrate. Could it be that this guy had learned his lesson?
"Quick, look, Lockhart’s cloak is actually torn!" Ron chuckled.
After Lockhart turned around, Ivan noticed the tear as well. The golden-red cloak had a large rip.
Thinking about it, Ivan realized it must have been a Protective Cloak that had taken a hit from his enhanced Sectumsempra, causing some damage.
This wouldn’t hinder the Protective Cloak’s normal use, but its protective effect might be slightly weaker.
"Great! Let’s begin!" Lockhart on stage raised his wand and announced loudly.
"Now, bow!" Lockhart made an elaborate bow and gestured for Marcus to do the same.
Marcus’s bow was perfunctory; he only slightly lowered his head before tightly gripping his wand, ready to attack.
Marcus felt that he would soon be able to knock down a professor in front of everyone, a feat he could boast about for years.
Meanwhile, Lockhart was still explaining how to hold the wand during duels and reassuring everyone that this wasn’t a real duel and he wouldn’t take Marcus’s life!
Even though he could easily do so!
"Professor, can we start?" Hearing Lockhart belittling him in front of everyone, Marcus’s face darkened.
"Of course", Lockhart looked at the eager Marcus, raised an eyebrow, and took a dueling stance, counting down.
"One, two, three—"
"Tarantallegra!" Marcus cast the Spell the moment Lockhart said the last word!
The Spell shot like a red lightning bolt through the air.
It seemed Lockhart hadn’t had time to react, and a smile curled on Marcus’s lips, his face showing disdain.
Marcus could already see Lockhart dancing comically on stage, which was why he chose this Spell.
The next moment, the Spell hit Lockhart, whose face remained calm. He pretended to point his wand at himself, and the Spell was immediately deflected back.
The red light returned even faster, striking Marcus, who began to dance absurdly, unable to control his body.
Apart from Marcus’s terrified shouts, the entire stage fell silent.
(End of Chapter)
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