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Chapter 637: Garron's Magical Prowess
Chapter 637: Garron's Magical Prowess
Nearly a hundred related books, simple yet useful magical artifacts, and specialized instruments for testing the power of spells—every corner of the room exuded professionalism.
In Kyle's opinion, this was what the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom should have looked like.
At that moment, knocking sounded, and Ginny, Neville, and several Gryffindor students entered.
After that, people continued to trickle in until eight o'clock.
Upon seeing Kyle in the room, everyone wore surprised expressions.
"Oh, you never mentioned this before..." Parvati Patil from Gryffindor whispered to Hermione, "If we'd known Kyle would be here, Padma would definitely have come too."
"I only just found out myself." Hermione had lost count of how many times she'd explained this, "He turned down our invitations before, so I assumed he wouldn't come."
Hermione had to admit that after the events of the past few years, especially the Triwizard Tournament, Kyle's fame within Hogwarts had reached an astonishing level.
This was why, when she decided to self-study Defense Against the Dark Arts, Kyle was the first person she thought of to teach the group.
It was no exaggeration to say that Kyle's name was a golden sign; if he had been part of the group from the start, they would undoubtedly have had more members.
It was a shame he had refused at the time.
At eight o'clock, Hermione checked the roster and found that everyone was present.
Cedric walked to the door and turned the key in the lock, producing a crisp clicking sound.
At this moment, anyone outside would have seen the door that had been there suddenly vanish, returning to being a wall as if it had never existed.
In the room, everyone sat on soft cushions, chatting excitedly. As it was their first time in such a magical room, the atmosphere was lively.
"Well, this will be our practice venue from now on." Cedric said, "Here, we have almost every book related to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Normally, you can also choose some that interest you to read.
"Of course, not today. We're short on time, so let's focus on practicing."
As expected of the Head Boy, Cedric quickly adapted to his role, confidently addressing the group of over fifty students without a hint of nervousness.
"Now, let's begin our first day of practice... with the Leg-Locker Curse. I know, it's a basic spell, and many of you might already know it and even use it as a prank.
"If that's the case, then you're underestimating this spell. When facing an enemy, the Leg-Locker Curse can restrict their movements in the shortest amount of time, giving you a chance to escape."
"I don't want to learn how to escape!" came a voice from the crowd, "That's too cowardly. Why can't we learn some powerful spells instead?"
"Because you won't be facing Hogwarts students or a polite duel, but unknown adult witches and wizards." Cedric explained,
"Until we have the confidence to win, escaping is the wisest choice, and no one will look down on you for it."
"What's so scary about adult wizards?" the person argued, "We might have a chance to win. Don't forget, Kyle defeated a werewolf in his second year."
The room buzzed with discussion once more.
Indeed, Kyle's first big moment at Hogwarts was when he defeated the werewolf and earned the Order of Merlin.
He was only a second-year student at the time... while the youngest person here was in their third year.
"That's because there were two professors there to help." Kyle said indifferently.
This was the first time he had spoken since everyone arrived.
"To be honest, if I could choose again, I'd rather not have that Order of Merlin medal and not face a transformed werewolf alone."
The person, whose name Kyle recalled was Anthony Goldstein, a fifth-year Ravenclaw, mumbled unintelligibly. Although Kyle couldn't make out the words, it was clear he didn't believe Kyle.
"Alright, since you think you can surpass Kyle, how about we do a little test?" Cedric suggested with a smile, "Let's see if you have the potential to defeat an adult wizard."
"What kind of test?"
"It's simple." Cedric stood up on the soft cushion.
"I'll use one spell, and if you can make my feet leave this cushion, you win."
"No problem!" Anthony stood up as well.
"And if I win?" he asked.
"Then I'll teach you a powerful offensive spell." Cedric said.
He waved his wand.
"Bombarda Maxima!
A loud bang reverberated as a large wardrobe in the room instantly disintegrated into fragments amid the flash of light. The powerful blast of air carried dust and wood chips, blowing them into everyone's faces.
A large pit had somehow appeared in the floor, but it soon vanished.
"I'll add another reward," Kyle said. He took out a golden galleon and placed it on the table. "If you win, these fifty galleons are yours."
The pile of gleaming galleons was even more striking than the blasting curse from earlier.
"Deal!" Anthony couldn't take his eyes off the gold. He brandished his wand, ready to duel.
The others quickly made space for the two boys, giving them ample room.
"Wait..." Anthony suddenly thought of something. "You can't use that spell just now for this duel."
"Death Eaters won't give you any conditions." Cedric explained, "But this time, I agree."
Without anyone signaling the start, the battle was about to commence.
As soon as Anthony began to utter the curse, Cedric had already completed his spell.
He waved his wand, and the wooden blocks on the ground instantly twisted and turned into white weasels, screeching as they charged at Anthony.
And just like that, the battle was over.
Anthony only managed to take care of two white weasels before his wand hand was bitten.
With his wand dropped, he had clearly lost.
"Unfortunately, it seems you don't have the potential to defeat an adult wizard," Cedric said.
With another wave of his wand, the swarm of white weasels turned back into wooden fragments.
Everyone fell silent, having expected Anthony to lose but not so swiftly.
At the same time, they saw Cedric in a new light.
They had only known him as an academically excellent Head Boy and a Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain.
But now, they realized that this Head Boy seemed to possess more than just good grades.
The transfiguration spell he had just performed was truly impressive—transforming over a dozen wooden blocks simultaneously without a moment's pause, and each weasel looked incredibly lifelike.
The way everyone looked at Cedric changed, and they finally understood why he was chosen to teach them Dark Arts defense.
However, this realization also brought about another question.
Weren't Hufflepuffs supposed to be mediocre? Something didn't add up.
Well, Kyle was exceptional, but now there was also Cedric... If these two were considered mediocre, what did that make the rest of them? Useless?
Even Hermione was astonished.
While she could also transform a dozen objects simultaneously, she knew she couldn't do it as effortlessly as Cedric.
And from the relaxed manner in which he had performed the spell, it was clear that this wasn't even his limit.
No wonder Kyle had recommended Cedric...
On the other side, Anthony gazed longingly at the pile of gleaming galleons on the table. Though disappointed, he sighed and picked up his wand, returning to his seat.
But the next moment, more students stood up, tempted by the galleons.
There was no resisting the allure of those galleons. They, too, wanted to try their luck.
What if they could defeat Cedric? After all, losing came at no cost, but winning would mean fifty galleons!
It was just a transfiguration spell; with preparation, it didn't seem so daunting.
In the crowd, Ron was eager to take on the challenge.
"Hold on," Kyle gestured for everyone to calm down.
With a smile, he continued, "I won't take back the galleons. As long as this group doesn't disband, the reward will remain.
"Each of you will have one chance to challenge Cedric. Win, and the galleons are yours, but remember, you only get one attempt."
As Kyle finished speaking, those who had stood up quickly sat back down.
If they only had one chance, it was better to play it safe... They could learn a few more spells, use what Cedric had taught them to defeat him, and then claim the galleons.
Excited murmurs filled the room, except for a pained groan from Anthony, who had already used up his chance.
After that, things proceeded smoothly.
Cedric divided everyone into pairs to practice the Leg-Locker Curse, and with the incentive of the galleons, everyone applied themselves diligently, some even more so than before their final exams.
Cedric was kept busy, as he had to constantly move among the students, correcting their wand movements.
"Hermione, is my wand movement correct?" Ron asked, frowning as he looked at Neville, who was sitting across from him with his legs tensed. "I feel like his legs are still moving."
"Your wand movement is wrong," Hermione said. "Make the waving motion smaller, just move your wrist, not your arm."
"Okay, I'll try again." For once, Ron didn't argue with her.
Hermione couldn't help but shake her head, thinking to herself that the power of galleons was indeed great.
(End of Chapter)
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