After repeated warnings, the students finally realized that conventional thinking wouldn't work against the professor. His magic was just too unpredictable! Still, Cedric and the others let out a sigh of relief. Having received extra tutoring from the professor, they knew he still had plenty of strange and unusual spells up his sleeve. While they hadn't seen much of the type that used Tracing Magic or altered speed, they weren't impossible to block. At least they could still keep the situation under control.
But they hadn't considered the possibility that Tver might use dark magic in class! This lesson, after all, was still meant to guide them.
Although he had included a lot of practical combat exercises, the fifth-years still lacked enough battle experience. Especially when facing opponents who were also wizards, they were showing signs of being conditioned by the statues, having never experienced a duel. Therefore, he decided to incorporate dueling into future lessons. After all, in the wizarding world, the most common enemies were other wizards!
"Don't waste your magic! Do you think you have an endless supply?! Seven Shield Charms to block a single Disarming Charm?" With a casual flick of his wand, he shattered all seven Shield Charms. "See that? That's the kind of magical surge that would require seven Shield Charms to block. The one I just cast only needed six!"
"While safety is important on the battlefield, you also need to consider your magical energy consumption. Look at you—some of you are already sweating like crazy…"
"Professor, we're just tired from running…"
"Then try the exhaustion that comes from using up all your magic." Tver glanced at Fred, who had spoken. Fred immediately fell silent.
Because the professor's magic was starting to accelerate!
In battle, Tver was gradually getting more accustomed to the Ravenclaw knowledge. His summer battles with Cynthia and Marvolio had been intense, leaving no time to casually reflect. Now, however, things were different. The students gathered before him created enough pressure, but it was still manageable within his ability to multitask. So while he appeared to fight with casual ease (at least to the students), he was mentally analyzing each spell he cast. It was a perfect opportunity—guiding the students in combat while honing his own skills.
But once he picked up the speed of his casting, the students couldn't keep up. Having already endured an increase in spell intensity, they were barely hanging on. With the added speed, their defenses began to falter!
To protect their classmates, the disruptors had to take on part of the protective roles. This, however, allowed Tver's spellcasting to flow more smoothly. He could easily dodge many of the attackers' spells with agile movements. The energy saved from defense went straight into offensive power.
As a result, more of the disruptors had to shift to defensive duties. This vicious cycle continued until they realized they no longer had any opportunity to attack the professor!
Apart from occasional, feeble counterattacks from a few standout students like Cedric, everyone else was barely managing to block the increasing number and speed of spells. With nearly thirty of them, they were being overwhelmed by the professor!
A prolonged defense was bound to fail. As the first student faltered from exhaustion, their defense line began to crumble. In no time, they were all bound by the professor, lying helpless on the ground.
"Well, well, George. Oh, and Fred too," Davies said, clearly enjoying their misery.
"Bastard! We saved your ass once, and now you're the one who got us into trouble!" George shot back immediately.
Given Davies's considerable skill, they had found a way to rescue him after he'd fallen. Instead of gratitude, he had repaid them by dragging most of them into getting bound.
Davies wiped the sweat off his forehead. "I had no choice! My magic was completely drained!" he said helplessly.
Fred knew it wasn't entirely Davies's fault—his own magic was almost gone too. He had just been unlucky enough to become the main target of the professor's spells. But, of course, someone had to take the blame!
"You never practice your spells, always studying some Incarcerous Spell nonsense. Like you could ever stun a professor?"
Just as they were bickering, Cedric, the last one still standing on the field, collapsed between them.
"Hey, Cedric, you made it." George greeted him with feigned nonchalance.
"Hey, George." Cedric replied, his face a picture of resignation.
"Seems like nice weather today. Wonder if it'll rain suddenly like yesterday."
"Maybe. I suspect the Dementors..."
If you didn't see them crawling across the ground like caterpillars, you might actually think they were having a friendly chat.
In reality, everyone was venting their frustration and resentment toward the professor through this method.
All that talk about making huge progress or defeating the professor? Total nonsense!
If anyone ever told them again they were strong enough to defeat the professor, they'd beat that person to a pulp first!
Except Professor Fawley, of course...
Tver watched their wriggling caterpillar procession with amusement. Such childish behavior was rare for them—it was practically like sulking at their parents.
"Alright, didn't I say before? You can try to defeat me, but don't lose heart so quickly. Over this year, I'll teach you many dueling techniques."
"Trust me, after this, your strength will surely improve more than in the past two years!"
"Who knows, by then, you might actually be able to defeat me~"
Pfft!
They didn't buy the professor's nonsense!
But...
A year of duel training sounded pretty awesome!
The more they thought about it, the happier they got. Before, they'd only battled statues or light orbs—hardly satisfying.
But now it was different. Dueling!
They needed opponents!
The professor was out of the question. Given his lazy habits, their opponents this time would likely be... classmates.
At that thought, the glances they exchanged grew noticeably sharper.
Seeing their expressions shift, how could Tver not know what they were thinking?
"Exactly. This year, you'll practice dueling in teams, and your opponents will be your classmates!"
"There will also be dueling-related competitions. The team that wins first place in their class will compete against the top team from the neighboring class for the top spot in the year!"
Yes, Tver intended to introduce dueling competitions on a small scale at Hogwarts. Unlike the one-on-one duels at Durmstrang, however, these would be conducted in teams.
This was because Hogwarts' curriculum focused little on dueling, and teammates were needed to complement each other for a complete, tense, and thrilling duel.
"But since you're fifth-years—"
Tver produced a thick stack of exercise books.
The students were familiar with these, though this set was clearly more significant than last year's. Its thickness alone was twice as substantial!
"These are past O.W.L. exam papers. I specifically enlisted an outstanding Hogwarts graduate who achieved full marks in every subject to prepare them for you."
"You mustn't disappoint this senior's efforts."
He suddenly recalled the image of Marvolio grumbling as he worked through the practice questions Tver had compiled, leaving detailed solutions in the margins.
Tsk. With Voldemort indirectly tutoring them, these students were truly blessed!
...
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