Chapter 597: Too Difficult
Chapter 597: Too Difficult
Upon hearing a student suggest that Lockhart face off against Snape again, Lockhart's facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, and he dryly said, "The demonstration is over!"
How does one defend against the Disarming Charm? Lockhart, of course, knew the answer, but he wasn't confident in his ability to cast the Shield Charm successfully to block Snape's spell, nor did he believe he could interrupt Snape's casting before the Disarming Charm was completed.
"Now I will move amongst you—" Lockhart's words were interrupted once more.
"Professor must have a way to counter the Disarming Charm, right?" Another student, Truman from Hufflepuff, asked eagerly, his voice filled with anticipation.
This student also held a grudge against Lockhart.
It was understandable; last year, they had Professor Quirrell, who at least taught them some theoretical knowledge. But what about this Professor Lockhart?
He seemed to be here at Hogwarts purely for entertainment! One might even question if he was truly a professor and not just a writer posing as one.
Students who disliked Lockhart, as well as fans of his books who wanted to see him teach Snape a lesson, began to clamor for another duel, their voices rising in excitement.
"Perhaps you should indulge them."
A slight, stiff smile appeared on Snape's rigid face.
Lockhart found himself cornered, like a rabbit trapped against a wall. After much hesitation, he reluctantly nodded in agreement.
Although his Shield Charm was sloppy, perhaps... just perhaps...
Another dazzling flash of red light, and once more, a figure was sent flying backward, slamming into the wall and sliding down. It was, of course, Lockhart, and the scene was all too familiar.
Indeed, this had just happened a few minutes ago.
The only difference was that before being struck by Professor Snape's Disarming Charm, Lockhart had uttered the words "Armor Charm," though it clearly had no effect.
A moment of dead silence followed, and then, scattered applause broke out in the hall, slowly spreading.
Lockhart struggled to his feet, his previous confidence and composure gone, his forced smile appearing strained.
At a signal from Albert, George immediately pretended to be a clueless newbie, humbly asking, "Professor Lockhart, what spell did you use just now?"
"George is definitely doing this on purpose," Ron muttered.
He knew that both Fred and George could cast the Shield Charm smoothly, and if either of them went up against Lockhart, they might easily defeat their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Ron would love to see that.
"I think that's a good idea."
Below the stage, Harry Potter felt particularly pleased to see Lockhart's embarrassment. During the last semester, he had endured no small amount of harassment from Lockhart, especially in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, where he was often called upon to play various roles, which left him feeling depressed.
Hermione, beside him, watched with concern, worried about Lockhart's situation.
"The spell I attempted was the Shield Charm," Lockhart explained, straightening his wizard hat and offering the students a signature smile. "Although I failed to cast it successfully, the Shield Charm can deflect hexes and is excellent for protecting oneself against spells."
"Professor, is there a way to counter an opponent's spell before they cast it?" Albert asked.
"That..." Lockhart's smile froze.
"That is an extremely advanced technique," Snape interjected, glancing at Lockhart. "You would need to anticipate your opponent's magic. Of course, if there is a significant disparity in skill between the two duelists, it is usually achievable."
"Well, the demonstration is over!" Lockhart interrupted, not wanting Snape to steal the show any further. "I will pair you up into groups of two, and then you can try dueling each other."
Albert regretted that he couldn't cause more trouble for Lockhart.
Lockhart quickly began grouping students and calling them up to duel.
Of course, Lockhart picked Harry Potter, and Draco Malfoy was chosen by Snape.
The two professors clearly intended to showcase the boys' skills in front of the class.
"Now, raise your wands, bow to each other, and get ready!" Lockhart shouted. "By the count of three, cast your spells to disarm your opponent."
Malfoy had no intention of following the rules and took the initiative by casting a spell at Harry even before Lockhart finished counting.
In the blink of an eye, something seemed to hit Malfoy on the head, causing his body to sway and fall backward, much to everyone's surprise.
"Well done, Harry!"
The Gryffindor students below cheered excitedly.
However, Harry himself looked bewildered as he stared at the suddenly fallen Malfoy, then at his own wand. He hadn't done anything yet, so how did Malfoy end up on the floor?
Was it a plot by the other party?
It didn't seem like it, though! But should he take this opportunity to cast a spell on the fallen Malfoy? It was a rare chance, but it seemed against the rules of the duel.
"Tarantella!"
Malfoy had already raised his wand, aiming a jinx at Harry's knees.
In full view of the class, just as the jinx was about to hit Harry, something seemed to flash in front of him.
The Tarantella jinx then rebounded, grazing Malfoy's head and flying towards Snape, who was standing behind him.
Finally, Snape casually waved his wand, blocking the jinx.
"You despicable fellow, violating the rules of the duel," Harry shouted at Malfoy, no longer hesitating to jinx him, causing Malfoy to laugh uncontrollably and collapse on the floor.
"Finite Incantatem!"
Snape immediately took control, lifting the jinx from Malfoy. Then, he glared at Harry, his face darkening as he said, "Mr. Potter, you're wearing a protective amulet, aren't you? That's against the rules of the duel."
"Mr. Malfoy violated the rules of the duel by taking the first shot, and he even shamelessly tried to ambush me," Harry retorted without backing down.
"Yes, Malfoy broke the rules by casting first. How despicable!"
"He insulted the sanctity of the duel."
"Malfoy, get out of here now!"
At Lee Jordan's instigation, the Gryffindor students began to stir, joined by several students from other houses who disliked the unpopularity of Slytherin students in school.
Snape's expression turned even gloomier.
"Quiet, quiet!" Lockhart shouted.
"Mr. Malfoy violated the rules by ambushing first. And Harry, take off the amulet you're wearing. Using a protective amulet also violates the rules of the duel," Lockhart glanced at Snape and then quickly looked away, continuing loudly, "I think it's best that I teach you how to stop unfriendly magic."
"Professor, I hope you'll teach us personally."
Lee Jordan saw this as an opportunity and volunteered eagerly. With Lockhart's demonstrated skill level, it wasn't impossible to defeat him.
Of course, his suggestion was completely ignored by Lockhart.
The duel continued, still between Harry and Malfoy.
The two professors would offer them some suggestions to make the duel appear more "friendly."
Of course, that was just Lockhart's idea, as he saw this as a chance to become Harry's mentor.
If Lockhart had honestly assessed his abilities, he might not have entertained such unrealistic thoughts.
(End of Chapter)
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