"Professor Snape says he knows a thing or two about dueling, and has generously agreed to give you all a small demonstration before class." Lockhart looked around at the students below the dueling platform, flashing his trademark smile that revealed two rows of sixteen pearly white teeth. "Perhaps some of you might worry about me harming your Potions professor, but please don't be concerned. I promise to show restraint during the dueling demonstration and absolutely will not harm your Potions professor."
Sean looked at Lockhart. Not only did the man have no self-awareness, but he also had no understanding of Snape. Although Sean really wanted to see how Snape would brutally demolish Lockhart, such a good opportunity to duel with Lockhart himself was something Sean felt he should compete for with his Slytherin Head of House.
Walking quickly to Snape, Sean looked at his professor's expression. Though it was as impassive as always, there was an added hint of coldness. Seeing this, Sean immediately knew his professor was clearly displeased.
Just as Snape was about to step onto the dueling platform, he suddenly found his arm grabbed by Sean.
When Snape turned to look at him, Sean immediately whispered, "Professor, I think if I were to defeat Professor Lockhart, the effect would be quite good, wouldn't it?"
Snape's emotionless eyes stared at Sean. After several breaths, he slowly nodded and stepped back.
Seeing this, Sean immediately smiled and thanked him, then stepped onto the dueling platform in two strides, looking at Lockhart, who looked like he'd seen a ghost.
"Professor Lockhart, I also have some experience with dueling. It shouldn't be a problem for me to replace Professor Snape in assisting you with the dueling demonstration, should it?"
Everyone still remembered clearly what had happened in Sean's Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Now seeing Sean replace Snape on the dueling platform, led by Blaise, the young wizards immediately became noisy, and even those from other years who weren't familiar with these events joined in the commotion.
Seeing the noisy young wizards below, Lockhart found himself in a difficult position.
With no other choice, Lockhart forced an unnatural smile and said to Sean, "Of course, Sean, your abilities are beyond question. But you know, with my level of skill, I might accidentally hurt you if I'm not careful. So during the dueling demonstration, let's not be too serious, so I won't have to hurt you."
"Don't worry, Professor Lockhart, I'll be fine, so please give it your all!"
The smile froze on Lockhart's face.
With things having developed to this point, Lockhart had no choice but to bow with Sean, then they each retreated to opposite sides of the dueling platform and took their stances.
"Sean, today we're going to learn the Disarming Charm. I'll cast the spell, is that alright?"
Hearing Lockhart's words, Sean raised his eyebrows slightly. This guy had gotten smarter, but was he really sure he could successfully cast the Disarming Charm?
Although Sean thought Lockhart probably couldn't successfully cast the Disarming Charm, Lockhart was capable of turning a bone-healing spell into a bone-removing curse, so anything was possible. Therefore, Sean still prepared himself, ready to use Protego to defend against Lockhart's magic at any moment.
"Everyone watch carefully, this is the Disarming Charm I'm going to teach you today!"
Lockhart held his wand above his shoulder, then swung his arm forward, pointing the wand at Sean.
"Expelliarmus!"
The wand waved, and a red light bloomed at the tip of Lockhart's wand, then quickly dissipated like a deflating balloon. For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
At that moment, Sean stepped forward, pointing his wand at Lockhart.
"Expelliarmus!"
A red light shot out, hitting Lockhart squarely in the chest, sending him flying. His wand flew away, his body spun half a circle in the air, and he crashed hard onto the dueling platform, sprawled out completely.
"Ah, yes, yes, everyone should have seen that. This is the effect of the Disarming Charm. When your enemy hasn't cast a spell, or when their magic fails, you must immediately seize the opportunity. This is what I wanted you to know." Somewhat disheveled, Lockhart got up from the ground, picked up his wand that had fallen in front of him, and spoke again, "Everyone, that was the Disarming Charm just now, so now we'll..."
"Professor Lockhart..." Sean stepped forward and said to Lockhart, "That was a defensive counterattack just now. Next, let's demonstrate how to face a direct attack. So I'll begin now!"
"Wait, Sean, I..."
"Professor Lockhart, here I come!"
"No, Sean, wait..."
"Expelliarmus!"
A red light flashed past. Lockhart, who had just raised his wand to defend but failed, was once again sent flying by Sean's Disarming Charm, sprawling on the ground just like before. This time, Lockhart didn't want to get up anymore.
Ignoring Lockhart lying on the ground, Sean immediately opened his panel to check, only to find he'd been given two writing skills in a row, making him want to cough up blood.
So he really couldn't get the Memory Charm, could he!
Did this guy Lockhart even know the Memory Charm at all?!
Looking up, somewhat frustrated, Sean wanted to continue dueling with Lockhart, but when he looked in Lockhart's direction, he found that Harry had somehow been pulled up from below by Lockhart, while Lockhart himself wore a brilliant smile and said, "Alright, I've just demonstrated the use of the Disarming Charm for everyone. Now let Sean and Harry demonstrate for everyone, and let me see the results of your learning!"
Looking at Harry across from him, Sean had no intention of paying attention to Lockhart and was about to turn and leave the dueling platform when Snape suddenly blocked his path, saying, "Sean, Professor Lockhart isn't wrong. You and Potter should demonstrate once more for everyone."
Hearing this, Sean knew his Head of House was being mischievous again.
Sighing helplessly, Sean looked at Harry, who unexpectedly seemed eager to try, saying, "Sean, please give it your all. I'd also like to see your strength and know exactly how big the gap between us is."
"In that case, alright, let's do this!"
The two bowed, then returned to opposite ends of the dueling platform. With Lockhart's signal to begin, both attacked simultaneously.
"Expelliarmus!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Two red lights flew out at the same time, colliding on the dueling platform and exploding like fireworks.
Harry waved his wand, wanting to use the Disarming Charm again, but at that moment, Sean, with the dual talents of Nimble Casting and Swift Casting, had already sent his second Disarming Charm to Harry's position, hitting him perfectly and making him step back, while his wand flew backward in an arc and landed in Sean's hand.
It was also at this moment that the system notifications flooded Sean's vision.
[Duel Won!]
[Conditions Met: Victory Against Magical Opponent.]
[System Commencing Random Ability Extraction from Defeated Target: Harry Potter.]
[Extracting...]
Sean felt a strange, serpentine whisper echo through his mind—ancient, primal, and oddly familiar, as if awakening something that had always been dormant within him.
[Extraction Complete!]
[New Ability Acquired: Parseltongue LV3]
(TL NOTE: Unfortunately, my LOTR: Playing Minecraft in Middle-earth book was mistakenly flagged as spam on Webnovel and removed. I'll re-upload it under a different title by tomorrow at the latest. Thank you for your patience!)