This Luna—bit different from her past life impression.
Why does it feel... suddenly a bit strange?
Hermione shook her head. Dismissed this odd feeling.
"Alright, these are the three Unforgivable Curses."
Her voice became clear again. Drew back everyone's attention.
"Due to their extreme danger and near-impossibility to defend against, I personally suggest—once encountering a Dark wizard..."
Hermione paused. Eyes swept across everyone. Tone calm, yet carrying a heart-stopping chill.
"Strike first."
Hey, hey, hey—what are you saying!
Snape finally couldn't hold back. Black robes swept. About to step forward and stop Hermione from continuing.
Are you teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts or Dark Arts itself?
Keep this up—Hogwarts students will probably lead with "Avada Kedavra" when meeting anyone!
You trying to turn Hogwarts into Durmstrang?!
Snape's face terrifyingly dark. Aura suddenly ice-cold.
"Therefore, the Disarming Charm becomes your required defensive spell."
Just as Snape about to explode, Hermione suddenly changed topic. Looked at Lockhart beside her.
"Next, Professor Lockhart will demonstrate the Disarming Charm's usage."
Snape abruptly stopped. Originally furious expression showed a crack.
At least this girl isn't arrogant enough to actually publicly teach Unforgivable Curses.
Snape secretly sighed in relief.
However...
She actually mastered these three forbidden Dark spells... Moreover, that Killing Curse just now—completely formed enough to kill.
Hard to imagine what kind of killing intent this young girl possesses.
Snape's gaze toward Hermione became complex.
Sparse applause below.
Most students still immersed in the shock from the three Unforgivable Curses. Couldn't recover momentarily.
Seeing finally his turn to show off, Lockhart stretched out both hands. Pressed down the nonexistent enthusiastic atmosphere.
"To help students learn more successfully, I've decided to have your dear Potions professor cooperate with me in a dueling demonstration. Let you deeply experience the Disarming Charm's power!"
Then, under Snape's death-stare, Lockhart walked to the front stage with a full smile.
Originally Lockhart's plan was to spar with Hermione... But after witnessing the "Imperio-Crucio-Avada" triple combo, decisively abandoned this idea. Instead targeted the easy-to-bully Potions Professor Snape.
So many years at Hogwarts only teaching Potions—this Snape's combat ability must be terrible!
Even I should easily handle him.
With full confidence, Lockhart stood opposite Snape.
Seeing Harry's worried expression, Lockhart even turned his head. "Don't worry, Harry. I'll be measured. Will definitely return your dear Professor Snape to you intact."
Snape's expressionless face twitched slightly. Didn't want to speak. Just silently drew his wand from his robes.
The two bowed to each other. Then turned simultaneously. Each walked to the dueling platform's edge.
After turning around, Lockhart deliberately struck what he considered an elegant pose. Cleared his throat. Said methodically, "Three..."
"Two..."
"One!"
Words just fell. Before Lockhart finished posing—a clear, slow voice sounded.
"Ex. Pel. Li. Armus!"
Red light flashed instantly.
Under everyone's unsurprised gazes, Lockhart predictably flew backward. Wand flew from his hand. Fell far to the side.
All wizards: "..."
Why don't we feel surprised at all?
Lockhart lay awkwardly on the ground. Handsome face flashed with confusion and bewilderment.
Who am I? Where am I?
What just happened?
When he realized, face finally changed slightly.
But just an instant—immediately climbed up. Patted dust off. Pretended relaxed. "Letting them witness the Disarming Charm's effect was indeed good... But frankly, Professor Snape, your offensive intent too obvious. Easily seen through. Stopping you was a piece of cake."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and others—watching Lockhart forcibly save face—couldn't help showing amused smiles.
Even the usually spaced-out Luna couldn't help but giggle.
They all saw—Snape's incantation already as slow as possible... Yet Lockhart still had no defense. Directly hit.
Snape still deadpan. Didn't want to acknowledge him.
Lockhart, rebuffed, could only awkwardly change topic. "Now, let's find a pair of volunteers to come up. Use the spell just now for combat."
He'd fully recognized he wasn't anyone's match. Wouldn't personally go on stage no matter what.
"Uh..."
Lockhart looked left and right. Saw not one person willing to volunteer. Scene somewhat cold.
Helplessly, Lockhart could only look at Snape again. "Professor Snape, please recommend a Slytherin student. I'll find a volunteer from Gryffindor."
Even he knew—Gryffindor versus Slytherin was the draw. Would attract students' interest.
Snape nodded. Surveyed the circle. Gaze fell on Malfoy in the crowd. Tone flat. "Malfoy, you go."
Lockhart noticed Hermione sharing Chocolate Frogs with Luna. Quickly said, "Miss Granger, why don't you... I believe everyone looks forward to seeing your excellent performance again."
However, before words fully fell—Malfoy walking to the stage suddenly stumbled. Legs weakened. Body uncontrollably collapsed to the ground.
"No, I don't want to! Change people, change people!"
Malfoy screamed in terror.
"Don't let her come! Don't let her come!"
He screamed while scrambling backward with hands and feet. Until his back pressed against Snape's legs—then like finding a lifeline, desperately hugged Snape's thigh. Refused to let go no matter what.
Completely disregarding his Slytherin "pureblood nobility" pride and image.
Not expecting Malfoy's reaction this extreme, Snape also somewhat surprised. He frowned slightly. Looked at Hermione. Eyes carrying inquiry.
Seemed to silently question:
What exactly did you do to him again?
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