Chapter 304: Kyle's Most Feared Opponent
Chapter 304: Kyle's Most Feared Opponent
The Great Hall was filled with silence as everyone's attention was fixed on the stage, where Lockhart and Snape stood facing each up.
"First, let's begin with the duel etiquette, which is essential."
Both of them bowed... or at least Lockhart did, waving his hands in an elaborate flourish.
Kyle remembered Professor Flitwick demonstrating the standard duel etiquette in the Dueling Club, and Lockhart's actions had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Especially those flashy hand movements, ninety-nine percent of which were useless... or rather, they were completely made up by Lockhart himself.
Anyone who dared to pull such a stunt in a real duel would be ridiculed for life.
But in Hogwarts, it didn't matter.
Lockhart's flashy combo even earned him cheers from some of the audience.
However, three seconds later...
"Disarming Spell!"
A dazzling red light flashed, and Lockhart was sent flying backward off the stage, crashing into the wall, and then sliding down to the floor, clutching his stomach and curling up.
His wand spun towards Snape.
But Snape didn't even bother to catch it, not even glancing at it as it flew into the crowd behind him.
The Slytherin students started clapping and cheering.
Lockhart climbed to his feet, muttering and making various excuses.
The floor was too soft, making it uncomfortable to stand on...
The cheers around him were distracting...
The color of the sky was too gloomy...
In short, he was implying that it was an issue with the venue, not his abilities, and if they changed locations, he was sure he could win.
"I have to say, Lockhart's reaction is quite quick," Autumn said, covering her mouth and laughing. "He managed to come up with so many excuses in just a few seconds."
"That's a talent in itself," Cedric replied, unable to hold back a smile.
After a month of school, they had already figured out that Lockhart was all show and no substance.
Although they didn't know how he had accomplished the experiences described in his books, based solely on his performance at school, he was even worse than Quirrell from the previous year.
At least Quirrell could answer most of the students' questions.
At this moment, Lockhart finished making his excuses and concluded the demonstration under Snape's menacing gaze.
"Thank you, Miss Brown."
He took back his wand and continued, "Now, I'll pair you up in groups of two. Professor Snape, if you're willing to help me..."
Snape didn't say a word, turning and walking off the stage, indicating his agreement.
They walked through the crowd, pairing up the students.
Soon, Lockhart approached Kyle and the others.
"How about pairing up the two ladies..."
Autumn and Conna were paired together, followed by Fred and George.
Cedric had wanted to partner with Kyle, but Lockhart thought it would be unfair due to their difference in years. So, he pulled Mikkel over instead.
Kyle's eyes twitched.
"Professor, I think..."
Just as he was about to say something, a chilling voice spoke up from the side.
"I believe that for someone who has defeated a werewolf and earned the second-class medal of the Order of Merlin, it would be unfair to duel with a student of the same year."
Snape drew out his words, "As the youngest member of the Order of Merlin, a regular sixth-year student shouldn't pose much of a challenge for you."
Lockhart hesitated, "But Professor Snape, isn't it a bit inappropriate to duel across three years?"
Kyle also showed a troubled expression, but in reality, he was almost laughing hysterically inside.
If Kyle had to choose the person he least wanted to duel with in Hogwarts, it would undoubtedly be Mikkel... even ranking above Dumbledore and Snape.
Dueling with a professor meant having little chance of winning, but at least he could return alive... but with Mikkel, that wasn't guaranteed.
His control over magic was the biggest uncertainty... Kyle still remembered the stunning spell from their first year that had impressed everyone.
Although Professor Sprout had corrected this issue, Kyle didn't want to take the risk.
What if, during the duel, Mikkel got too excited and forgot everything he had learned? Kyle didn't want to face the 'Forbidden Curse' version of the Disarming Spell.
But now, the problem was solved.
Professor Snape... truly a caring teacher who looks out for his students! Kyle didn't hesitate for more than a second, fearing he might change his mind, and immediately said, "If this is your arrangement, Professor, I'll give it a try."
"Very well.
"Professor Snape's icy voice cut through the air, 'Flint, come up here and let's see how this renowned member of the Order of Merlin stands out.'"
A stir rippled through the Slytherin crowd, and their Quidditch team captain, Marcus Flint, strode forward with an air of arrogance and a smug smile.
During last year's Quidditch match, he had taken a disliking to Kyle and had wanted to teach him a lesson, but never found the opportunity.
Little did he know that his wish would come true here.
"I'll take good care of you," he said with a cruel smile.
The Slytherin players behind him burst into laughter.
Kyle smiled gently, appearing harmless.
"Tsk, tsk..." Fred whispered to Ginny beside him, "Stay away later, or you'll get splattered with blood."
"Looks like Flint really likes the Hospital Wing," George shook his head, "He just got discharged and already wants to go back."
"You're wrong, Ginny," Ginny said worriedly. "Kyle may be good at academics, but Flint is a sixth-year student!"
George patted her shoulder, "Trust me, you won't think so in a while."
Read the correct version at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+1, the first release of this novel.
After everyone found their partners, Professor Lockhart returned to the stage.
"Face your partners!" he shouted, "Bow!"
"On the count of three, release your spells, remember, only disarming spells..."
Everyone followed his instructions, but the subsequent dueling segment completely exceeded Professor Lockhart's expectations.
It seemed like everyone had forgotten his previous words.
In the Great Hall, various spells flew back and forth, and the colorful lights resembled a fireworks display.
Some of the younger students symbolically cast a couple of spells and then threw away their wands, engaging in a fistfight.
Marcus Flint was no exception; he ruthlessly cast a dark spell at Kyle.
"Hot Fire!"
"Shield Armor!"
A red light was deflected back just two inches away from Kyle.
"Bone Expansion..."
As Marcus Flint prepared to cast another dark spell, he was hit in the stomach by the red light before he could dodge it.
"I said only disarming spells!" Professor Lockhart shouted at the dueling crowd in alarm.
Marcus Flint knelt on the ground, struck by his own spell, and large areas of his body began to show signs of being burned. He writhed in pain on the ground.
On the stage, Professor Snape watched coldly.
Last year on the train, Kyle had skillfully used the Shield Armor Charm in front of everyone, and that idiot Marcus had no defense at all.
Was his brain just pulled out of a cauldron in the Potions classroom?
As Kyle raised his wand, Professor Snape immediately took over Professor Lockhart's authority.
"Stop!" he shouted.
"Spell Arrest!"
A green mist spread throughout the Great Hall... Wherever the mist passed, the effects of all spells disappeared.
Marcus Flint got up from the ground, and as he thought about what had just happened, he was filled with shame and anger. He raised his wand, preparing to attack Kyle again.
But someone beside him grabbed his arm.
"Calm down, Professor Snape is watching you."
Noticing Professor Snape's icy gaze from the stage, Marcus instantly snapped out of it. He lowered his wand and left with a cold snort.
"That's it?" Fred pouted disappointedly, clearly unsatisfied with the outcome.
On the other side, Professor Lockhart jumped around in the crowd, examining the aftermath of their duels...
"Stand up, Michael... Damn, his leg is broken... Miss Fawcett, squeeze hard, the bleeding will stop soon... Butters..."
"I think you don't understand the meaning of dueling," Professor Lockhart said anxiously in the center of the Great Hall.
This was completely different from what he had imagined; the students were so disobedient!
"Perhaps I should demonstrate again..." Professor Lockhart glanced at Professor Snape and quickly averted his gaze, "Who wants to come up and demonstrate..."
Professor Snape's fingers moved on his chest.
"We'll do it!" Marcus immediately ran up, turned around, and looked at Kyle.
Without hesitation, Kyle followed and walked onto the stage.
(End of Chapter)
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