https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-636-The-Real-Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts-Classroom/13011942/
Chapter 637: The Galleon's Magic
Chapter 637: The Galleon's Magic
Nearly a hundred relevant books, simple yet useful magical tools, and specialized instruments for testing the power of spells—every corner exuded professionalism.
To Kyle, this was how the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom should look.
Just then, a knock sounded again, and Ginny, Neville, and several Gryffindor students arrived.
More people kept entering from outside until eight o'clock.
Upon seeing Kyle in the room, everyone expressed surprise.
"Oh, you never mentioned this before..." Padma, a Gryffindor, whispered to Hermione, "If I had known Kyle was here, Padma would definitely have come too."
"I only found out recently," Hermione explained, not sure how many times she had said this already, "He had declined our invitation before, and I thought he wouldn't come."
Hermione had to admit that after the events of the past few years, especially the Triwizard Tournament, Kyle's fame at Hogwarts had reached an astonishing level.
This was why, when deciding to study Defense Against the Dark Arts on their own, she had immediately thought of asking Kyle to teach them.
It was no exaggeration to say that Kyle's name was a golden signboard; if he had been present at the previous gatherings, more people would have joined.
Unfortunately, Kyle had declined at the time.
At eight o'clock, Hermione checked the list and confirmed that everyone had arrived.
Cedric walked to the door, turned the key in the lock, and a crisp click sounded.
If anyone had been outside at that moment, they would have seen the door suddenly disappear, transforming back into a wall as if it had never existed.
Inside the room, everyone sat on soft cushions, chatting with each other. The atmosphere was lively, as this was their first time in such a magical room.
"Well, this is our practice venue from now on," Cedric said, "Here, you'll find almost every book related to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Feel free to browse and read the ones that interest you in your spare time.
"Of course, we don't have much time now, so let's focus on practice."
As expected of the Head Boy, Cedric quickly adapted to his new role, confidently addressing the group without a trace of nervousness.
"Let's begin our first practice session with the Leg-Lock Charm. I know it's a basic spell that many of you already know, and most people use it as a prank charm."
"If that's the case, then you're underestimating this spell. When facing an enemy, the Leg-Lock Charm can restrict their movement in the shortest time, giving you a chance to escape."
"I don't want to learn how to run away!" a voice called out from the crowd, "That's too cowardly. Why can't we learn more powerful spells?"
"Because the opponents you'll face won't be Hogwarts students or participants in a civilized duel; they'll be unknown adult wizards," Cedric explained,
"Until you have a guaranteed victory, escaping is the wisest choice, and no one will look down on you for it."
"So what if they're adult wizards?" the person argued, "We might have a chance to win. Don't forget that Kyle defeated a werewolf in his second year."
A murmur spread through the room.
Indeed, Kyle's first major feat at Hogwarts was defeating a werewolf, earning him the Merlin Order Medal.
He was just a second-year student back then, while everyone here was at least in their third year.
"That's because there were two professors present at the time," Kyle said calmly.
This was his first time speaking since everyone had arrived.
"To be honest, if I could choose again, I'd rather not have that Merlin Order Medal and not face a transformed werewolf alone."
The person mumbled indistinctly, and although Kyle couldn't make out the words, he could tell the person didn't believe him.
"Alright, since you think you can surpass Kyle, let's do a little test," Cedric said 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 on the soft cushion and said,
"I'll use just one spell, and if you can make my feet leave this cushion, you win. How about that?"
"No problem!" the person stood up as well.
Kyle remembered his name was Anthony Goldstein, a Ravenclaw fifth-year student.
"What if I win?" he asked.
"Then I'll teach you a powerful offensive spell," Cedric replied.
He waved his wand.
"Boomblast!
A loud boom echoed, and a wardrobe in the room instantly exploded into a pile of fiery fragments. A powerful gust of wind, carrying dust and wood chips, blew into everyone's faces.
A pit appeared on the floor at some point, but it vanished just as quickly.
This incredible display, however, failed to capture the attention of many, as their minds were still reeling from the impact of the previous blasting curse.
"What about this spell?" Cedric asked, "Can it be considered a powerful offensive spell?"
"I'll add another reward," Kyle added.
He placed a pile of gold coins on the table, "If you win, these fifty Galleons are yours."
The pile of shimmering Galleons stacked together created an impact even greater than that of the blasting curse.
"I'm in!" Anthony's eyes lit up, and he drew his wand, assuming a dueling stance.
The others immediately made space for the two.
"Wait..." Anthony seemed to have a sudden realization, quickly adding, "You can't use that spell later."
"Death Eaters don't negotiate," Cedric said, "But this time, I'll allow it."
Without a signal, the battle was about to commence.
As Anthony began reciting his spell, Cedric had already completed his.
With a wave of his wand, the wooden blocks on the ground twisted and transformed into weasels, screeching as they rushed towards Anthony.
And just like that, the battle was over.
Anthony managed to take down two weasels before his wand-wielding hand was bitten.
The wand fell to the ground, signaling his defeat.
"It's a shame, it seems you don't have the ability to defeat an adult wizard," Cedric said, waving his wand again to transform the weasels back into wooden blocks.
Everyone fell silent, contemplating Anthony's defeat, but none had expected it to be so swift.
At the same time, they gained a new understanding of Cedric.
They had known him as an exceptional student and Head Boy, and perhaps also as a Hufflepuff Quidditch captain.
But now, they realized that this Head Boy seemed to possess more than just academic prowess.
The transfiguration spell he had just performed was truly remarkable—transforming over a dozen blocks simultaneously without a moment's pause, and each weasel seemed so lifelike, as if they were real.
Everyone's perception of Cedric shifted, and they finally understood why he was teaching them self-defense against the Dark Arts.
However, this realization also brought about another question.
Weren't Hufflepuffs supposed to be mediocre? Had they gotten it wrong?
First Kyle, and now Cedric... If these were considered mediocre, what did that make the rest of them? Useless? Even Hermione was astonished.
While she could also transfigure multiple objects simultaneously, it would never be as effortless as Cedric made it look.
Moreover, judging by his previous display, this was clearly not the extent of his abilities.
No wonder Kyle had recommended Cedric...
On the other side, Anthony gazed at the pile of gleaming Galleons on the table, sighing with reluctance but ultimately picking up his wand and returning to his seat.
However, more people stood up, unable to resist the temptation of the Galleons.
The allure of the pile was too great, and they wanted to try their luck.
What if they could defeat Cedric? After all, there was nothing to lose, and winning meant a reward of fifty Galleons.
It was just a transfiguration spell, and with preparation, it didn't seem so daunting.
In the crowd, Ron couldn't wait to give it a try.
"Hold on," Kyle gestured for everyone to quiet down.
With a smile, he assured them, "I won't take back the Galleons. As long as we're here, the reward remains valid."
"Each of you gets one chance to challenge Cedric. Win, and the Galleons are yours, but remember, you only get one shot."
As Kyle finished speaking, those who had stood up quickly sat back down.
With only one chance, it was better to play it safe... Learn a few more spells, use what Cedric had taught them, defeat him, and then claim the Galleons.
Excited murmurs filled the room, except for Anthony, who let out a pained groan... His chance was already gone.
From then on, things went smoothly.
Cedric paired everyone up, and with the Galleons as an incentive, they practiced the Leg-Lock Charm with extra diligence, some even more focused than before their final exams.
Cedric was swamped, with someone calling for him almost every second, forcing him to weave through the crowd to correct their wand movements.
"Hermione, is my wand movement correct?" Ron asked, frowning at Neville across from him with his legs stretched straight, "I feel like his legs are still moving."
"Your wand movement is off," Hermione said, "Make the waving motion smaller, just move your wrist, not your arm."
"Okay, I'll try again," Ron listened to her for the first time, without arguing.
Hermione couldn't help but pat her forehead, thinking the Galleons' allure was truly powerful.
(End of Chapter)
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