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________
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is a subject that teaches you how to use magic to protect yourselves from dark creatures and dark magic. On the foundation of protecting yourselves, you'll also need to learn some offensive spells to help you escape dangerous situations."
"I believe the part you're most interested in is probably that last part… offensive magic."
"In fact, according to the textbook, I should start by teaching you how to defend yourselves against 'Red Caps.'"
"But given the current situation in the wizarding world, I believe it would be more appropriate to first teach you some offensive spells for self-defense."
"So, everyone, we can set our textbooks aside for now."
As Dumbledore spoke, he placed the book he had been holding onto the podium.
The students below immediately beamed with joy upon hearing this.
In fact, they really didn't want to spend a lot of time learning how to deal with a dark creature they might never encounter in their entire lives.
What they wanted was to quickly learn some offensive spells!Because offensive spells could come in handy in most dangerous situations.
"The first spell I'm going to teach you today is the Disarming Charm. This spell is relatively simple, but in combat, it can often have unexpected effects!"
Next, Dumbledore explained some key points about the Disarming Charm.
Once he saw that everyone had more or less understood, Dumbledore said, "Alright, everyone, please come over here. We'll start practicing."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was spacious, with an area for desks and lectures, as well as a space for practice.
Dumbledore had the students line up and move to the other side of the classroom.
There, a wooden target holding a fake wand was already set up.
"One by one, cast the Disarming Charm at the target… Once I see how well you've grasped it, if you're doing well, I'll have you try dueling in pairs."
Hearing Dumbledore mention dueling, nearly all the students grew excited.
Students at this age were like that—if they could move around, they definitely didn't want to sit and listen to lectures all day.
The Disarming Charm was actually quite simple. Even on their first attempt, two-thirds of the students succeeded.
Under Dumbledore's professional guidance, it didn't take long for the remaining third to also manage to successfully cast the spell.
The rest was simply a matter of more practice.
"Alright, since you've all picked it up quite well, I've decided to let you try some dueling."
"No matter how well you practice, if you can't use it in real combat, it's meaningless..."
"Hmm… how about this, I'll have two students come up first to demonstrate. Then I'll teach you some very useful tips for wizard dueling. Who wants to volunteer?"
The moment Dumbledore finished speaking, all the students eagerly raised their hands.
After all, this was a rare chance to have Dumbledore personally teach them some dueling techniques!
"Miss McLaggen, let's have you first… and as for the other…"
"Professor! Can I choose my opponent?" McLaggen suddenly asked.
"Hm? Of course you can." Dumbledore, though a little curious, didn't refuse.
McLaggen immediately ran over to the Slytherin students.
Facing McLaggen's provocative gaze, the Slytherin students all glared back at her.
McLaggen swept her eyes over the Slytherins, and then her gaze landed on Wade and Tom.
In the end, she pointed at Tom and said, "Riddle, you'll do!"
Hearing this, Tom's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of red flashing in his pupils.
So she thinks I'm an easy target?
Dumbledore watched this scene with great interest.
Once the two of them were standing opposite each other, Dumbledore said, "First, bow to each other, and then… when I give the signal, you may begin. Everyone else, step back a bit."
The students immediately retreated several steps; no one wanted to get caught by a stray spell.
McLaggen kept a firm eye on Tom. She didn't have the confidence to take on Wade, but dealing with Tom—who even managed to mess up a simple boil-curing potion—she was quite confident!
The two gave each other a stiff bow.
"Three, two, one, begin!" At Dumbledore's signal, the match started.
"Expe—"
"Expelliarmus!"
Snap!
McLaggen watched in dismay as her wand flew out of her hand and landed in Tom's grasp. "Impossible… How could you be so fast?"
"Pfft~ Looks like you still need more practice," Tom said arrogantly.
After all the drills Wade had put him through, dealing with an opponent like her didn't even require serious effort.
Almost everyone stared at Tom in shock—he was simply too fast, so fast that most of them couldn't even see his movements clearly!
"An excellent Disarming Charm! Excellent spellwork! Ten points to Slytherin. Mr. Riddle deserves our applause," Dumbledore loudly praised.
As applause filled the room, Tom's face flushed slightly. He had never experienced this feeling of being the center of attention before.
"Ehm.." Tom felt like he was floating on air…
"Tom, that was an excellent spell," Dumbledore said, smiling. "However, I heard you've always practiced with Wade, haven't you? So… how about having a duel with Wade as well? Let everyone have a good look."
Tom, who had been floating with pride a moment ago, felt his heart plunge straight into the abyss.
"..? ...?"
"Who? Me? Fight Wade?"
"Ah… Tom, it's true, it's been quite a while since we last practiced together," Wade stepped forward, wearing that all-too-familiar gentle smile that Tom knew far too well. "Don't worry, I'll try to be gentle."
"…"
Gulp...
Tom was a little confused.
Why did Dumbledore call Wade up to duel with him?
Wasn't this supposed to be a practice session for the Disarming Charm, where they would pair off and practice with each other?
However, judging by Dumbledore's tone, it seemed like he wanted him and Wade to go all out?
"Professor, besides the Disarming Charm, Tom and I learned quite a few other spells before school started. Can we use all of them in this duel?" Wade suddenly asked.
Tom: No, no! Well.. Dumbledore wouldn't let that—
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Of course you can. That's exactly why I want you two to duel. Before school began, I sent you both quite a few books, so I'd very much like to see what you've learned from them."
Tom: T_T
Dumbledore's words caused many of the students in the classroom to let their imaginations run wild.
What did that mean? Dumbledore had sent books to Wade and Tom before school started?
That meant, even before term began, Wade and Tom were already acquainted with Dumbledore… though that part wasn't too surprising.
After all, many Muggle-born students were personally brought to Hogwarts by Dumbledore.
But for Dumbledore to say he had sent them books and wanted to see what they had learned… that was something to think about.
In other words, Dumbledore had already personally instructed them before the school year even started!
What kind of background did they have to make the busy Dumbledore take the time to give them personal guidance, and even send them books?
Moreover… Dumbledore chose this moment to say such things—was he deliberately supporting Wade and Tom?
"That's great… Tom, give it your all. Let me see how much progress you've made these days," Wade's expression turned serious.
'Fuu~ I need to focus..' Tom narrowed his eyes.
Through the conversation between Wade and Dumbledore, he finally understood their intentions.
This was meant to be an exhibition match! He wouldn't get beaten up like a rag doll.. probably...
"Then you'd better be careful…" Tom said.
Wade replied earnestly, "Don't worry. I never underestimate any opponent."
Hearing this, Tom's heart tightened. Was this guy really planning to get serious?
Recalling how effortlessly Wade had killed that fully armored troll last night, as easily as slaughtering a chicken, Tom couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
But with Dumbledore watching nearby, Wade should know to hold back! Yeah, that's right!
With that thought, Tom finally felt a little more at ease.
The two of them stood facing each other and gave a slight bow.
Everyone held their breath, quietly watching them.
Dumbledore's words had piqued their curiosity. Everyone wanted to see what exactly Wade and Tom had learned from Dumbledore!
"Three, two, one—begin!"
At the very moment the countdown ended—
Boom!
Two red spells collided in midair, releasing a loud explosion!
Seeing this, Dumbledore immediately waved his hand and said, "Everyone, step back a bit more!"
Everyone quickly moved further away, while Dumbledore, holding his wand, stepped directly in front of them.
It was clear that this duel between the two was beyond his expectations…
At that moment, the two blazing spells were locked together in the air, seemingly glued in place.
Tom felt an overwhelming weight in his hand, but he didn't dare relax, because if he did, his spell would be broken instantly...
A faint smile appeared on Wade's face. Tom really was an exceptionally gifted fellow—how long had it been, and already the power of his spells had improved so much.
Of course, Wade could have disarmed Tom's wand right from the start, but since this was an exhibition duel, it naturally couldn't end so quickly.
At the very least, he had to let Tom show his full ability!
The fight between the two needed to be exciting; otherwise, wouldn't Dumbledore's efforts be wasted?
Thinking of this, Wade gave his wand a light flick upward, and the two clashing spells suddenly snapped apart.
Tom was startled and quickly followed up with a Stunning Spell.
With a casual wave of his wand, Wade easily knocked the Stunning Spell aside. It shot straight into the ceiling, blasting a small hole.
This alone showed that Tom really was using his full strength.
Seeing how easily his Stunning Spell was deflected, Tom realized that if he didn't try something a bit more creative today, he wouldn't last long at all.
Seizing the moment while Wade had just deflected his spell and hadn't yet counterattacked, Tom swung his wand forcefully downward.
Whoosh!
"Tempesta!"
As the deep incantation sounded, a fierce wind rose and swept toward Wade!
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is a subject that teaches you how to use magic to protect yourselves from dark creatures and dark magic. On the foundation of protecting yourselves, you'll also need to learn some offensive spells to help you escape dangerous situations."
"I believe the part you're most interested in is probably that last part… offensive magic."
"In fact, according to the textbook, I should start by teaching you how to defend yourselves against 'Red Caps.'"
"But given the current situation in the wizarding world, I believe it would be more appropriate to first teach you some offensive spells for self-defense."
"So, everyone, we can set our textbooks aside for now."
As Dumbledore spoke, he placed the book he had been holding onto the podium.
The students below immediately beamed with joy upon hearing this.
In fact, they really didn't want to spend a lot of time learning how to deal with a dark creature they might never encounter in their entire lives.
What they wanted was to quickly learn some offensive spells!Because offensive spells could come in handy in most dangerous situations.
"The first spell I'm going to teach you today is the Disarming Charm. This spell is relatively simple, but in combat, it can often have unexpected effects!"
Next, Dumbledore explained some key points about the Disarming Charm.
Once he saw that everyone had more or less understood, Dumbledore said, "Alright, everyone, please come over here. We'll start practicing."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was spacious, with an area for desks and lectures, as well as a space for practice.
Dumbledore had the students line up and move to the other side of the classroom.
There, a wooden target holding a fake wand was already set up.
"One by one, cast the Disarming Charm at the target… Once I see how well you've grasped it, if you're doing well, I'll have you try dueling in pairs."
Hearing Dumbledore mention dueling, nearly all the students grew excited.
Students at this age were like that—if they could move around, they definitely didn't want to sit and listen to lectures all day.
The Disarming Charm was actually quite simple. Even on their first attempt, two-thirds of the students succeeded.
Under Dumbledore's professional guidance, it didn't take long for the remaining third to also manage to successfully cast the spell.
The rest was simply a matter of more practice.
"Alright, since you've all picked it up quite well, I've decided to let you try some dueling."
"No matter how well you practice, if you can't use it in real combat, it's meaningless..."
"Hmm… how about this, I'll have two students come up first to demonstrate. Then I'll teach you some very useful tips for wizard dueling. Who wants to volunteer?"
The moment Dumbledore finished speaking, all the students eagerly raised their hands.
After all, this was a rare chance to have Dumbledore personally teach them some dueling techniques!
"Miss McLaggen, let's have you first… and as for the other…"
"Professor! Can I choose my opponent?" McLaggen suddenly asked.
"Hm? Of course you can." Dumbledore, though a little curious, didn't refuse.
McLaggen immediately ran over to the Slytherin students.
Facing McLaggen's provocative gaze, the Slytherin students all glared back at her.
McLaggen swept her eyes over the Slytherins, and then her gaze landed on Wade and Tom.
In the end, she pointed at Tom and said, "Riddle, you'll do!"
Hearing this, Tom's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of red flashing in his pupils.
So she thinks I'm an easy target?
Dumbledore watched this scene with great interest.
Once the two of them were standing opposite each other, Dumbledore said, "First, bow to each other, and then… when I give the signal, you may begin. Everyone else, step back a bit."
The students immediately retreated several steps; no one wanted to get caught by a stray spell.
McLaggen kept a firm eye on Tom. She didn't have the confidence to take on Wade, but dealing with Tom—who even managed to mess up a simple boil-curing potion—she was quite confident!
The two gave each other a stiff bow.
"Three, two, one, begin!" At Dumbledore's signal, the match started.
"Expe—"
"Expelliarmus!"
Snap!
McLaggen watched in dismay as her wand flew out of her hand and landed in Tom's grasp. "Impossible… How could you be so fast?"
"Pfft~ Looks like you still need more practice," Tom said arrogantly.
After all the drills Wade had put him through, dealing with an opponent like her didn't even require serious effort.
Almost everyone stared at Tom in shock—he was simply too fast, so fast that most of them couldn't even see his movements clearly!
"An excellent Disarming Charm! Excellent spellwork! Ten points to Slytherin. Mr. Riddle deserves our applause," Dumbledore loudly praised.
As applause filled the room, Tom's face flushed slightly. He had never experienced this feeling of being the center of attention before.
"Ehm.." Tom felt like he was floating on air…
"Tom, that was an excellent spell," Dumbledore said, smiling. "However, I heard you've always practiced with Wade, haven't you? So… how about having a duel with Wade as well? Let everyone have a good look."
Tom, who had been floating with pride a moment ago, felt his heart plunge straight into the abyss.
"..? ...?"
"Who? Me? Fight Wade?"
"Ah… Tom, it's true, it's been quite a while since we last practiced together," Wade stepped forward, wearing that all-too-familiar gentle smile that Tom knew far too well. "Don't worry, I'll try to be gentle."
"…"
Gulp...
Tom was a little confused.
Why did Dumbledore call Wade up to duel with him?
Wasn't this supposed to be a practice session for the Disarming Charm, where they would pair off and practice with each other?
However, judging by Dumbledore's tone, it seemed like he wanted him and Wade to go all out?
"Professor, besides the Disarming Charm, Tom and I learned quite a few other spells before school started. Can we use all of them in this duel?" Wade suddenly asked.
Tom: No, no! Well.. Dumbledore wouldn't let that—
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Of course you can. That's exactly why I want you two to duel. Before school began, I sent you both quite a few books, so I'd very much like to see what you've learned from them."
Tom: T_T
Dumbledore's words caused many of the students in the classroom to let their imaginations run wild.
What did that mean? Dumbledore had sent books to Wade and Tom before school started?
That meant, even before term began, Wade and Tom were already acquainted with Dumbledore… though that part wasn't too surprising.
After all, many Muggle-born students were personally brought to Hogwarts by Dumbledore.
But for Dumbledore to say he had sent them books and wanted to see what they had learned… that was something to think about.
In other words, Dumbledore had already personally instructed them before the school year even started!
What kind of background did they have to make the busy Dumbledore take the time to give them personal guidance, and even send them books?
Moreover… Dumbledore chose this moment to say such things—was he deliberately supporting Wade and Tom?
"That's great… Tom, give it your all. Let me see how much progress you've made these days," Wade's expression turned serious.
'Fuu~ I need to focus..' Tom narrowed his eyes.
Through the conversation between Wade and Dumbledore, he finally understood their intentions.
This was meant to be an exhibition match! He wouldn't get beaten up like a rag doll.. probably...
"Then you'd better be careful…" Tom said.
Wade replied earnestly, "Don't worry. I never underestimate any opponent."
Hearing this, Tom's heart tightened. Was this guy really planning to get serious?
Recalling how effortlessly Wade had killed that fully armored troll last night, as easily as slaughtering a chicken, Tom couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
But with Dumbledore watching nearby, Wade should know to hold back! Yeah, that's right!
With that thought, Tom finally felt a little more at ease.
The two of them stood facing each other and gave a slight bow.
Everyone held their breath, quietly watching them.
Dumbledore's words had piqued their curiosity. Everyone wanted to see what exactly Wade and Tom had learned from Dumbledore!
"Three, two, one—begin!"
At the very moment the countdown ended—
Boom!
Two red spells collided in midair, releasing a loud explosion!
Seeing this, Dumbledore immediately waved his hand and said, "Everyone, step back a bit more!"
Everyone quickly moved further away, while Dumbledore, holding his wand, stepped directly in front of them.
It was clear that this duel between the two was beyond his expectations…
At that moment, the two blazing spells were locked together in the air, seemingly glued in place.
Tom felt an overwhelming weight in his hand, but he didn't dare relax, because if he did, his spell would be broken instantly...
A faint smile appeared on Wade's face. Tom really was an exceptionally gifted fellow—how long had it been, and already the power of his spells had improved so much.
Of course, Wade could have disarmed Tom's wand right from the start, but since this was an exhibition duel, it naturally couldn't end so quickly.
At the very least, he had to let Tom show his full ability!
The fight between the two needed to be exciting; otherwise, wouldn't Dumbledore's efforts be wasted?
Thinking of this, Wade gave his wand a light flick upward, and the two clashing spells suddenly snapped apart.
Tom was startled and quickly followed up with a Stunning Spell.
With a casual wave of his wand, Wade easily knocked the Stunning Spell aside. It shot straight into the ceiling, blasting a small hole.
This alone showed that Tom really was using his full strength.
Seeing how easily his Stunning Spell was deflected, Tom realized that if he didn't try something a bit more creative today, he wouldn't last long at all.
Seizing the moment while Wade had just deflected his spell and hadn't yet counterattacked, Tom swung his wand forcefully downward.
Whoosh!
"Tempesta!"
As the deep incantation sounded, a fierce wind rose and swept toward Wade!
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is a subject that teaches you how to use magic to protect yourselves from dark creatures and dark magic. On the foundation of protecting yourselves, you'll also need to learn some offensive spells to help you escape dangerous situations."
"I believe the part you're most interested in is probably that last part… offensive magic."
"In fact, according to the textbook, I should start by teaching you how to defend yourselves against 'Red Caps.'"
"But given the current situation in the wizarding world, I believe it would be more appropriate to first teach you some offensive spells for self-defense."
"So, everyone, we can set our textbooks aside for now."
As Dumbledore spoke, he placed the book he had been holding onto the podium.
The students below immediately beamed with joy upon hearing this.
In fact, they really didn't want to spend a lot of time learning how to deal with a dark creature they might never encounter in their entire lives.
What they wanted was to quickly learn some offensive spells!Because offensive spells could come in handy in most dangerous situations.
"The first spell I'm going to teach you today is the Disarming Charm. This spell is relatively simple, but in combat, it can often have unexpected effects!"
Next, Dumbledore explained some key points about the Disarming Charm.
Once he saw that everyone had more or less understood, Dumbledore said, "Alright, everyone, please come over here. We'll start practicing."
The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was spacious, with an area for desks and lectures, as well as a space for practice.
Dumbledore had the students line up and move to the other side of the classroom.
There, a wooden target holding a fake wand was already set up.
"One by one, cast the Disarming Charm at the target… Once I see how well you've grasped it, if you're doing well, I'll have you try dueling in pairs."
Hearing Dumbledore mention dueling, nearly all the students grew excited.
Students at this age were like that—if they could move around, they definitely didn't want to sit and listen to lectures all day.
The Disarming Charm was actually quite simple. Even on their first attempt, two-thirds of the students succeeded.
Under Dumbledore's professional guidance, it didn't take long for the remaining third to also manage to successfully cast the spell.
The rest was simply a matter of more practice.
"Alright, since you've all picked it up quite well, I've decided to let you try some dueling."
"No matter how well you practice, if you can't use it in real combat, it's meaningless..."
"Hmm… how about this, I'll have two students come up first to demonstrate. Then I'll teach you some very useful tips for wizard dueling. Who wants to volunteer?"
The moment Dumbledore finished speaking, all the students eagerly raised their hands.
After all, this was a rare chance to have Dumbledore personally teach them some dueling techniques!
"Miss McLaggen, let's have you first… and as for the other…"
"Professor! Can I choose my opponent?" McLaggen suddenly asked.
"Hm? Of course you can." Dumbledore, though a little curious, didn't refuse.
McLaggen immediately ran over to the Slytherin students.
Facing McLaggen's provocative gaze, the Slytherin students all glared back at her.
McLaggen swept her eyes over the Slytherins, and then her gaze landed on Wade and Tom.
In the end, she pointed at Tom and said, "Riddle, you'll do!"
Hearing this, Tom's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of red flashing in his pupils.
So she thinks I'm an easy target?
Dumbledore watched this scene with great interest.
Once the two of them were standing opposite each other, Dumbledore said, "First, bow to each other, and then… when I give the signal, you may begin. Everyone else, step back a bit."
The students immediately retreated several steps; no one wanted to get caught by a stray spell.
McLaggen kept a firm eye on Tom. She didn't have the confidence to take on Wade, but dealing with Tom—who even managed to mess up a simple boil-curing potion—she was quite confident!
The two gave each other a stiff bow.
"Three, two, one, begin!" At Dumbledore's signal, the match started.
"Expe—"
"Expelliarmus!"
Snap!
McLaggen watched in dismay as her wand flew out of her hand and landed in Tom's grasp. "Impossible… How could you be so fast?"
"Pfft~ Looks like you still need more practice," Tom said arrogantly.
After all the drills Wade had put him through, dealing with an opponent like her didn't even require serious effort.
Almost everyone stared at Tom in shock—he was simply too fast, so fast that most of them couldn't even see his movements clearly!
"An excellent Disarming Charm! Excellent spellwork! Ten points to Slytherin. Mr. Riddle deserves our applause," Dumbledore loudly praised.
As applause filled the room, Tom's face flushed slightly. He had never experienced this feeling of being the center of attention before.
"Ehm.." Tom felt like he was floating on air…
"Tom, that was an excellent spell," Dumbledore said, smiling. "However, I heard you've always practiced with Wade, haven't you? So… how about having a duel with Wade as well? Let everyone have a good look."
Tom, who had been floating with pride a moment ago, felt his heart plunge straight into the abyss.
"..? ...?"
"Who? Me? Fight Wade?"
"Ah… Tom, it's true, it's been quite a while since we last practiced together," Wade stepped forward, wearing that all-too-familiar gentle smile that Tom knew far too well. "Don't worry, I'll try to be gentle."
"…"
Gulp...
Tom was a little confused.
Why did Dumbledore call Wade up to duel with him?
Wasn't this supposed to be a practice session for the Disarming Charm, where they would pair off and practice with each other?
However, judging by Dumbledore's tone, it seemed like he wanted him and Wade to go all out?
"Professor, besides the Disarming Charm, Tom and I learned quite a few other spells before school started. Can we use all of them in this duel?" Wade suddenly asked.
Tom: No, no! Well.. Dumbledore wouldn't let that—
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Of course you can. That's exactly why I want you two to duel. Before school began, I sent you both quite a few books, so I'd very much like to see what you've learned from them."
Tom: T_T
Dumbledore's words caused many of the students in the classroom to let their imaginations run wild.
What did that mean? Dumbledore had sent books to Wade and Tom before school started?
That meant, even before term began, Wade and Tom were already acquainted with Dumbledore… though that part wasn't too surprising.
After all, many Muggle-born students were personally brought to Hogwarts by Dumbledore.
But for Dumbledore to say he had sent them books and wanted to see what they had learned… that was something to think about.
In other words, Dumbledore had already personally instructed them before the school year even started!
What kind of background did they have to make the busy Dumbledore take the time to give them personal guidance, and even send them books?
Moreover… Dumbledore chose this moment to say such things—was he deliberately supporting Wade and Tom?
"That's great… Tom, give it your all. Let me see how much progress you've made these days," Wade's expression turned serious.
'Fuu~ I need to focus..' Tom narrowed his eyes.
Through the conversation between Wade and Dumbledore, he finally understood their intentions.
This was meant to be an exhibition match! He wouldn't get beaten up like a rag doll.. probably...
"Then you'd better be careful…" Tom said.
Wade replied earnestly, "Don't worry. I never underestimate any opponent."
Hearing this, Tom's heart tightened. Was this guy really planning to get serious?
Recalling how effortlessly Wade had killed that fully armored troll last night, as easily as slaughtering a chicken, Tom couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
But with Dumbledore watching nearby, Wade should know to hold back! Yeah, that's right!
With that thought, Tom finally felt a little more at ease.
The two of them stood facing each other and gave a slight bow.
Everyone held their breath, quietly watching them.
Dumbledore's words had piqued their curiosity. Everyone wanted to see what exactly Wade and Tom had learned from Dumbledore!
"Three, two, one—begin!"
At the very moment the countdown ended—
Boom!
Two red spells collided in midair, releasing a loud explosion!
Seeing this, Dumbledore immediately waved his hand and said, "Everyone, step back a bit more!"
Everyone quickly moved further away, while Dumbledore, holding his wand, stepped directly in front of them.
It was clear that this duel between the two was beyond his expectations…
At that moment, the two blazing spells were locked together in the air, seemingly glued in place.
Tom felt an overwhelming weight in his hand, but he didn't dare relax, because if he did, his spell would be broken instantly...
A faint smile appeared on Wade's face. Tom really was an exceptionally gifted fellow—how long had it been, and already the power of his spells had improved so much.
Of course, Wade could have disarmed Tom's wand right from the start, but since this was an exhibition duel, it naturally couldn't end so quickly.
At the very least, he had to let Tom show his full ability!
The fight between the two needed to be exciting; otherwise, wouldn't Dumbledore's efforts be wasted?
Thinking of this, Wade gave his wand a light flick upward, and the two clashing spells suddenly snapped apart.
Tom was startled and quickly followed up with a Stunning Spell.
With a casual wave of his wand, Wade easily knocked the Stunning Spell aside. It shot straight into the ceiling, blasting a small hole.
This alone showed that Tom really was using his full strength.
Seeing how easily his Stunning Spell was deflected, Tom realized that if he didn't try something a bit more creative today, he wouldn't last long at all.
Seizing the moment while Wade had just deflected his spell and hadn't yet counterattacked, Tom swung his wand forcefully downward.
Whoosh!
"Tempesta!"
As the deep incantation sounded, a fierce wind rose and swept toward Wade!
Upon his return to Hogwarts, Sagres went directly to the Headmaster's Office on the 7th floor of the castle.
Without much small talk, he immediately told Dumbledore about Lord Voldemort's Horcrux.
The Headmaster listened quietly, neither pressing for details nor showing obvious shock. His gaze merely grew complex and heavy. At last, he nodded slowly, almost imperceptibly.
Sagres could almost see a pie chart in Dumbledore's eyes—scrutiny, worry, a faint trace of gratitude, and a deeper, more profound wariness of the unknown.
"By the way, about the Duelling Club…"
"You can be in charge of it," the Headmaster said calmly. "If you're willing."
Sagres nodded without surprise—this was exactly the reaction he had expected. Or rather, it was an anticipated, unspoken acquiescence.
Finally, he gave the Headmaster a nod, not wasting a single word, and turned to leave the office, casting aside the meaningful gaze and heavy thoughts behind him.
…
The British wizarding world then entered a strange period of calm.
The Daily Prophet lightly glossed over the Chamber of Secrets attacks at Hogwarts, choosing instead to focus its attention on Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge's arm—lost in the line of duty—and the series of "heroic deeds" and "recovery reports" that followed.
Dumbledore also no longer insisted on waiting for Professor Sprout's Mandrakes to mature, but instead directly purchased a batch of restorative potions from Diagon Alley, restoring the petrified young wizards to their original state.
The school's official announcement to all students was equally concise and vague: the culprit had been a Basilisk lurking in the school's ancient pipe system.
And the crisis had been resolved—Professor Greengrass had completely incinerated it with powerful flame magic, leaving behind only a charred husk.
As for Gilderoy Lockhart?
Oh, he was "unfortunately gravely injured" in the attack and is currently receiving "long-term and meticulous treatment" at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Those horrifying blood-red words on the wall?
The school dismissed them lightly as "a foolish prank by some bored student," nothing more.
The young wizards were naturally full of doubts about this explanation, and whispers never ceased in the corridors.
However, the attention of the young is ultimately fleeting.
A deliberately maintained calm was enough to make fear fade; and if reinforced with a grueling exam, then even the strangest mystery would be temporarily set aside, squeezed out of mind by the heavy workload.
So, a few days before Christmas, at the suggestion of a certain professor, several Heads of House at Hogwarts organized a midterm exam, ostensibly to "assess students' learning progress."
As soon as the news spread, the young wizards, who had been absorbed in various rumors, immediately quieted down, becoming well-behaved and burying themselves in books to review, determined to cope with this sudden exam.
Only three subjects at Hogwarts escaped the "clutches" of the midterm exam: Sagres's Advanced Charm Theory and Practice, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Binns' History of Magic.
Sagres felt the young wizards already had enough on their plates. After all, he had once been a student himself and should consider things from their perspective.
The students were naturally grateful for his "kindness," giving him a mental thumbs-up—of course, this was only because they didn't know it was this very "benevolent" professor who had given their Heads of House the "brilliant" idea of a midterm exam!
Heh~
…
During this time, the Department of Mysteries sent two elderly wizards in uniform, who, after a series of obscure and peculiar healing methods, successfully restored Myrtle—who had been petrified—back to her original state.
Sagres observed the entire process, noting that these old men clearly had tricks up their sleeves. Even in such an obscure field, they had a set of effective solutions.
This made him all the more interested in the research within the Department of Mysteries, and he contemplated when he might secretly conduct an on-site inspection.
…
Hogwarts soon returned to its peaceful rhythm.
With the Christmas holiday approaching, Sagres had a lighter course schedule, and in his free time, he restored all the mirrored corners, glass chandeliers, and other devices he had previously set up throughout the castle back to their original state.
The magic mirror at the entrance of the Great Hall was also put away by him.
Most of these arrangements had likely been futile, with only the mirrored corners playing a slight role in the Basilisk's attack.
Just as he was restoring the Mirror of Erised, he happened to encounter Harry, Ron, and Hermione coming out of the library, their arms full of books and assignments.
"Good morning, Professor Greengrass!"
"Good morning, all three of you…"
"Professor, isn't that the Mirror of Erised?"
Harry, noticing him restoring the mirrored corridor back into the familiar mirror, couldn't help but ask.
"That's right. I borrowed it from Dumbledore, but in the end, it wasn't needed."
"But it's not…" Ron interjected.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley," Sagres nodded, "but I made a small modification to it, so it won't reflect people's desires for now."
Hearing this, the trio immediately gathered around the mirror out of curiosity.
"It looks just like a normal mirror," Harry said, examining his reflection.
"Yes. If you're a normal person, it really is no different from any ordinary mirror."
"Uh… so what if you're not normal?" Hermione asked curiously.
"That depends on what kind of abnormality it is," Sagres smiled. "If it's like Quirrell, with Lord Voldemort's soul hidden in the back of his head, then when he passes by this mirror, it will let out a shriek."
At that moment, the smile on Sagres's face suddenly froze.
He abruptly realized that if Lord Voldemort had created Horcruxes by splitting his soul, then his own soul was no longer complete.
But could Soul Tracing detect soul fragments?
Thinking of this, Sagres grew serious and once again cast several detection spells on the mirror.
This time, as he gazed at the four figures reflected in its surface, he suddenly heard an extremely faint shriek, as if from the void, and the mirror rippled almost imperceptibly.
Sagres's eyes narrowed sharply, and he slowly turned to look at the three young wizards, a strange scrutiny in his gaze.
"What's wrong, Professor?" Harry, Ron, and Hermione immediately noticed Sagres's sudden silence and unsettling expression.
"Nothing…" Sagres's voice was calm, without the slightest ripple. "Miss Granger, could you help me return this book to the library?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, took the thick book Sagres handed her, and quickly walked toward the library.
Sagres watched the young witch's retreating back, the faint shriek still ringing in his ears. He then shifted his gaze to Ron.
"Mr. Weasley, would you mind helping me retrieve those four crystal balls from the Great Hall?"
"Of course, Professor!" Ron agreed without hesitation, immediately turning and running toward the Great Hall entrance.
Sagres listened to the shriek that still lingered in his ears, his face calm and unreadable.
"Mr. Potter," he turned to Harry, his tone natural, "go help Mr. Weasley. It might be a bit difficult for him to carry four crystal balls on his own."
"Okay, Professor."
Harry didn't suspect anything and immediately followed after Ron into the Great Hall.
The moment Harry's figure disappeared through the door—the shriek in Sagres's ears abruptly ceased.
Dead silence fell.