Even Tver was stunned by Percy and the others' tactic.
"An incredibly clever coordination! It requires both casters to have a millisecond-perfect understanding of each other's timing and an inch-perfect (2.5 cm) synchronicity!"
"Only then can they achieve the precise effect of two spells colliding in perfect alignment."
"Of course, even if they don't collide, these are still two highly threatening Impediment Jinxes."
"So, it's a win-win decision. Everyone should make a note of this and practice it after class."
But the opponents on the field were far from relaxed. Facing the three Disarming Charms that followed, Bulstrode's teammates hastily cast two incomplete Shield Charms. But Bulstrode knew full well that even if he cast a full Shield Charm, it wouldn't hold!
He acted decisively, pushing both hands outward and, at the same time, shoving his wand into a teammate's hands.
"Ahem, that was a bit of a rule exploit," Tver commented with a hint of resignation. "As long as you're unarmed, the Disarming Charm only causes knockback."
"So, Bulstrode merely staggered backward, but his teammates were able to use that moment to avoid the Disarming Charm."
"But remember, in real combat, your opponents could use all sorts of strange spells. Never assume this is just a Disarming Charm, or that its recoil won't be strong enough to send you flying."
"The danger in the latter is just as serious as being disarmed."
Percy and the others were momentarily stunned by this move, forgetting to continue their attack. This gave Bulstrode's team a chance to regroup. After this exchange, both sides had roughly figured out each other's habits.
"Their spells are incredibly powerful, and using Shield Charms to block them is draining our magic!"
"They have a deep understanding of magic—it's better to block them outright!"
The strategists on both sides quickly assessed their opponents' strengths. Then, the battle took an unusual turn. Seeing that their opponents were relying on Shield Charms to block, Percy's team switched to relentless Disarming Charms to drain their opponent's magic. Meanwhile, Bulstrode's side began experimenting with their opponents' technique, trying out magic collisions. To their surprise, they managed to pull off a successful three-way magic collision.
The situation froze in an eerie stalemate. Of course, this was partly because they were limited to just three spells each, unlike Tver, who could work wonders with Shield Charms. But it was also a great opportunity for a demonstration.
Both sides were skilled combatants, quick to absorb Tver's real-time advice and apply it in the heat of battle.
"Percy, when dodging, keep an eye on your teammates' positions—even a pig wouldn't bump into its own team!"
"Bulstrode, when distracted by spell residue, pay attention to your opponent's movements! You're staggering, not blind!"
…
"See? On a chaotic battlefield, you must stay focused at all times—watching not only your opponents but your allies as well."
"The battlefield is chaotic, not your minds!"
Before class ended, Tver delivered his final summary.
"Your academic workload this semester will be heavy, so my dueling lessons won't take up too much time."
"Therefore, you must think independently and practice diligently. This arena will remain open to you. After dinner, before nightfall, you may come here anytime for brief combat drills."
"Of course, the use of Curses—or even a Hex—is strictly forbidden!"
He shot a subtle glance in Percy's direction.
"There will be no homework assigned for dueling class. Reserve your free time for exam preparation."
The students finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Seventh-year subjects were fewer, but their difficulty had skyrocketed, leaving them struggling to keep up.
Now, finally, one—well, half a class—had no homework.
After class, Tver walked back to the castle with them, overhearing their discussions and complaints.
"Wonder when Professor Lupin will find another Boggart. Otherwise, we'll never get this class," said Crystal, sounding annoyed.
Only Harry and his friends had ever seen a Boggart, and even that had been destroyed by Professor Snape.
"Even without a Boggart, there are other fun dark creatures out there. But look at my schedule—"
Charles pulled out a parchment and pointed to the afternoon classes.
"We still have Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon. I already regret choosing this class..."
He rarely complained, but the usually amiable Charles could only barely refrain from mentioning a certain professor's name.
"What, are you still caring for Flobberworms?" Crystal stifled a laugh and teased.
"Yeah, ever since that Malfoy got hurt, Professor Hagrid... has been endlessly making us feed those weird worms. I've even cataloged the effects of seventeen different foods."
"But the problem is, this isn't even on our N.E.W.T.s syllabus!"
Charles looked up at Tver with pleading eyes.
"What, you want me to teach this class?" Tver asked, amused.
To her surprise, Charles nodded earnestly, and the other students who'd chosen this class looked at her expectantly.
"Professor, your lectures on the Acromantula were fantastic! You'd be perfect for this too!"
"And the trolls! I think your explanations about magical creatures are fantastic—except for the lack of protection!"
Tver was startled by the students' sudden enthusiasm, even more so by how poorly Hagrid was now regarded.
Consider that Lupin had won over most students in just two weeks with his captivating lessons and deep knowledge.
Some were already chanting slogans like "Lupin is the second-best Defence Against the Dark Arts professor in Hogwarts history!"
Of course, this was in comparison to the top two professors.
But for Hagrid, another new professor, the reaction was entirely opposite.
Students were even starting to miss Professor Kettleburn, who was equally notorious for causing trouble.
That professor's lessons were equally perilous—perhaps even more so.
But at least he didn't lose heart so easily.
If they hadn't known this professor now had only one arm and half a leg, rendering him physically incapable of teaching, they would have carried him back themselves.
"Don't underestimate Professor Hagrid. His knowledge in this subject is more than sufficient to teach you."
"He's just... lacking a bit of confidence right now."
Tver offered a few words on Hagrid's behalf.
Hagrid was simply flustered by the classroom accident.
Truth be told, he was genuinely naive.
He didn't seem to realize that with Dumbledore backing him, even the Ministry couldn't easily remove him from his post.
His explanation somewhat dispelled the students' discontent, barely boosting their confidence in the course.
At least the grumbling had quieted down a bit.
"And you can always ask Professor Hagrid for some exam materials—he'd be more than happy to provide them."
When it came to being helpful, Hagrid was second to none.
And given his current state, this was the only way he could truly assist the students.
...
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