"Alright, class. Today we'll be practicing spell dueling and casting while in motion," Lockhart announced confidently from the podium. "When you face a dark wizard, victory isn't determined solely by who draws their wand faster. There are tactics—evasion, prediction, positioning, and more."
"Now, I need a volunteer to demonstrate with me."
Hermione's hand shot up immediately.
"Very well, Miss Granger. Come up."
The two stood facing each other.
"Now, use any spell you've learned—first-year or from my lessons—to attack me. Don't worry—you won't be able to hurt me."
Hermione truly had learned well. With a sharp cry, she began casting in rapid succession:
"Petrificus Totalus! Stupefy! Aguamenti! Expelliarmus!"
Lockhart handled each spell with ease. Then, with a graceful flick of his wand, Hermione's wand flew out of her hand.
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Your spellcasting was excellent, and your rhythm was superb. It almost felt less like a duel and more like dancing with you. Ten points to Gryffindor!"
A wave of good-natured laughter rippled through the classroom.
"Alright, Miss Granger, retrieve your wand and take your seat."
Lockhart then asked calmly, "Did anyone understand what I was trying to demonstrate?"
Murmurs spread through the class, but no one stood up.
"Maybe…" Harry said hesitantly.
"Mr. Potter, stand and speak," Lockhart encouraged.
Harry gathered his courage and stood. "Hermione cast four spells at you just now."
Draco Malfoy scoffed loudly, "Even an idiot could see there were four."
Lockhart frowned slightly. Watching from the outside was one thing—but now, being part of it, he realized Malfoy wasn't just attention-seeking—he was genuinely ill-mannered.
"Silence, Mr. Malfoy. If you understand, then stand and explain. I'll gladly award points to Slytherin."
He gestured for Harry to continue.
"Hermione cast four spells. First, the Body-Bind Curse—you deflected it with a Shield Charm. Second, the Stunning Spell—you dodged it. Third, the Water-Making Spell—you canceled it with Finite. Fourth, the Disarming Charm—you cast the same spell to counter it. You deliberately used different methods to respond, to show that there are many ways to deal with an enemy."
"Excellent!" Lockhart said. "Very observant. Let's give Mr. Potter a round of applause."
The class clapped, finally realizing the details they had missed while being dazzled by the performance.
"However, I can only award Mr. Potter five points—because he missed something. Whoever can point it out earns five points."
The students erupted in discussion.
There's more?
Hermione had only cast four spells!
"Don't let Mr. Potter's answer limit your thinking," Lockhart added.
He scanned the room, expecting Hermione to figure it out—but instead, a pale, delicate-looking Slytherin girl raised her hand.
"Professor," she said, "while dodging, you used a Disarming Charm to knock away Miss Granger's wand. You were showing us that offense is the best defense."
"Perfect!" Lockhart exclaimed. "Offense is the best defense. A defeated enemy is the best kind of enemy! That's an excellent summary—you could be a writer!"
"For that brilliant insight, ten points to Slytherin! And your name is…?"
"Pandora Fudge, Professor. You can call me Pandora," the girl said, blushing.
Cheers erupted from the Slytherin side.
Hermione, meanwhile, looked dejected. "I'm so stupid… how did I not think of that?"
"Alright—reflection, blocking, dodging, canceling, or outright defeating your opponent! Now, pair up and practice. Especially focus on casting while moving—even many seventh-years struggle with that. I hope one of you turns out to be a true dueling prodigy!"
The students eagerly began practicing below.
Lockhart, standing on the podium, quietly let out a breath of relief.
Another class successfully handled.