Chapter 96: Three Broomsticks
Chapter 96: Three Broomsticks
The spell's glow was like a red sunset, illuminating the faces of every young wizard.
The tangible spell emitted a crackling sound, and from the castle walls, dozens of thin, deep red arcs of twisted Slytherins reflected out.
These 'Slytherins' extended to the nearby suits of armor, causing their lances and blades to fly out of their hands.
"Swish, swish, swish!"
The lances and blades traced arcs in the air, landing on the ground in front of Felix, gouging deep pits into the makeshift gilded stage.
The wizard stared in confusion, as if in a dream.
Who am I? Where am I? What did I just do?
Why do I have to see this?
Felix put away his wand and, addressing the silent students below, said with a light tone, "The same spell, when cast by different wizards, can have entirely different effects—this is something I planned to tell you once you had a better understanding of dueling, at an appropriate time."
"But, it doesn't seem too early now", he added.
The young wizards felt as if they had swallowed a dozen Ice Mice candies, their hearts turning cold.
Professor, are you really not trying to discourage us? Look at that wizard's face; he looks completely stunned...
"Professor, how did you do that?" Albert Bark asked, his confidence shaken. Raised in a family that encouraged him to become an Auror, he had put in a lot of effort and mastered several dueling spells.
Even his Auror uncle had praised him for his talent, but now he was deeply self-doubting.
Was his decision too hasty? The outside world might be more dangerous than he imagined. At least, he and Professor Hup were only a few years apart, but he didn't believe he could master the Disarming Charm to that level in just a few years.
It seemed impossible!
What gave him the confidence to become an Auror and fight Dark Wizards? Would he be utterly crushed by them?
His mind raced with these thoughts, but Professor Hup comforted him, saying, "Mr. Bark, you need to change your perspective—"
"For ordinary spells, like everyday magic, simply knowing how to use them is enough. But for spells that can protect you, you need to invest a lot of time and effort; you can never be too cautious."
"From what I know, new Aurors undergo rigorous training. For example, the Shield Charm might require thousands of repetitions." Felix looked at him. "But that's something you'll deal with after becoming an Auror. At your age, your spells are already quite good."
Bark fell into deep thought, recalling how he and his uncle practiced together, always just a little bit short of defeating him. It seemed like a bit more effort could do it.
But over the past two years, he was always just a little bit short. He suddenly realized becoming an Auror wasn't as easy as he thought.
"Thank you, Professor Hup", Balk said to Felix.
On the other side, Cedric Diggory raised his hand and asked, "Professor, can we also achieve what you did through repeated practice?"
Many young wizards' eyes sparkled with hope. Professor, as long as you say it's possible, we will definitely work to increase its power.
Snape snorted at the question but was equally curious about Felix's response.
"Hmm... that's not an easy question to answer. The power of a spell involves many factors. Once you read the study materials in your hands, you'll have a better understanding of what I'm saying."
"I've noticed that most people don't set particularly high standards for themselves; they just want it to work well enough."
"But above 'barely usable,' there are techniques like proficient use, wandless magic, and adjustments tailored to personal habits..." Felix shook his head. "There are so many skills to master."
Felix clapped his hands. "Alright, I'll cover this in more detail in the next class. That's all for today."
The young wizards left the Great Hall as if in a daze. Professor Hup's magic tonight had left a profound impact on them. They never imagined that the same spell, when cast by different people, could produce such vastly different results.
Professor Snape approached, his tone slightly surprised and reserved. "Felix, I didn't expect you to be so selfless."
Felix didn't respond.
Was he truly selfless? No, the content on the parchment only ensured they met the minimum requirements to learn the spell, which had no impact on him.
Even if he were to select a few elites later and teach them more advanced knowledge, how many would actually master it?
He wasn't afraid of the emergence of geniuses; on the contrary, Felix looked forward to more young wizards shining brightly.
His strength never lay in a single spell.
So Felix teased, "Professor, perhaps I'm just trying to win their favor and cultivate my own influence!"
Snape's expression suddenly froze, and he carefully observed Felix, trying to gauge the truth of his words.
"Cough, don't worry, I was just joking."
...
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking back, with Ron holding the notes on the Disarming Charm. "Is this thing really useful?"
"Of course, I used the same method to learn light transfiguration", Hermione said, wearing her knitted hat.
Harry asked her, "Do we need to fill out all those forms like you did?"
Hermione had to explain, "That was to help us understand our weaknesses more accurately and practice more effectively. Harry, I think you're almost there."
"It's just some sparks", Harry said, a bit dejected.
"Oh, Harry, that's a sign that you're about to succeed. It's mentioned in the notes. Maybe you'll get it right next time", Hermione told him.
Hermione's words lifted Harry's spirits. Maybe he should try a bit harder when he got back?
On Friday morning, the impact of the second dueling class was still brewing.
But already, many young wizards were spreading the story that "Professor Hup used the Disarming Charm to blow out a section of the Great Hall's wall." This made Felix realize during lunch that some students who hadn't attended the class were looking at him strangely.
Fortunately, the weekend arrived quickly.
Felix accepted invitations from Professor Flitwick and Professor Mcgonagall to meet at the Three Broomsticks.
When he entered the bar, he was surprised to see Snape there as well.
"Felix, come over here", Flitwick called out from his chair, enthusiastically. "We were just discussing Damocles Belby."
Felix sat down, curious. "Has the news been released? I mean, about the Wolfsbane Potion?"
"You know about it?" After receiving a nod, Professor Flitwick sighed. "Belby was outstanding even in his school days. I actually suggested he focus on spells, but he eventually chose the potion field—Slughorn professor was very fond of him back then."
(End of Chapter)
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