After Lockhart finished speaking, he clapped enthusiastically, his face beaming with excitement.
On the far side of the long dueling platform, Snape made his entrance, looking every bit the storm cloud. His jet-black hair framed a sallow, ink-dark complexion, and it was clear Erwin's godfather was in a foul mood. Even Erwin shivered involuntarily.
He had no doubt that if they weren't at Hogwarts, his godfather would reset him back to square one and teach Lockhart a harsh lesson.
The Slytherins standing behind Erwin noticed Snape's grim expression too. They knew their Head of House well enough to see he was seething. They swallowed nervously, and the more empathetic ones silently wished Lockhart wouldn't get thrashed too badly.
Oblivious to the tension, Lockhart kept smiling. "The purpose of the Duelling Club is to help you improve under my guidance and build your skills! To teach you how to handle crises—just like I have, time and again! Of course, for all the details, pick up my books. I won't waste time repeating myself here!"
With a flourish, he shrugged off his ostentatious cloak and tossed it toward the stage. Two Gryffindor girls caught it amid a chorus of excited squeals. The Slytherins rolled their eyes in disdain; they knew Lockhart's true capabilities all too well and had nothing but contempt for these starry-eyed lionesses.
Lockhart pressed on. "Once again, thanks to Professor Snape for bravely volunteering as my assistant! I know it's risky for everyone involved, but don't fret—I'll take care not to injure your beloved Potions Master!"
He actually lingered on the words "Potions Master." Erwin shot a glance at his godfather, whose face darkened further. Erwin couldn't help but offer a silent prayer for Lockhart, hoping the years had mellowed Snape's temper. Otherwise, some of Erwin's future plans might go up in smoke.
Still clueless, Lockhart drew his wand and gave Snape a theatrical bow. The two took positions at opposite ends of the platform, creating distance between them.
Lockhart fixed his gaze on Snape. "One, two, three!"
Before he could even twitch his wand, Snape fired first. "Expelliarmus!"
The next instant, Lockhart soared backward through the air. Gasps echoed from the crowd of young witches and wizards.
Erwin exhaled in relief—his godfather was holding back, treating this like an adult wizard toying with a first-year. Otherwise, why bother chanting a simple Disarming Charm? Snape wouldn't have needed a wand at all.
Lockhart hit the ground hard, his smug expression shattering. He hadn't anticipated Snape's speed; he hadn't even had time to react.
It had to be said, Lockhart had an eye for trouble. If he'd picked an assistant from the lesser professors, he might have kept some dignity. But challenging one of the Heads of House? Bold move, Erwin had to admit.
Propping himself up on his elbows, Lockhart sat dazed for a moment, eyes flicking around. Then, as expected, he latched onto a way to spin this.
He scrambled to his feet and approached Snape. "Professor Snape, I hope you won't take this the wrong way, but your intent was plain as day! I saw it coming from a mile off, and if I'd wanted, blocking you would've been child's play."
Erwin sighed, rubbing his forehead. There was always someone asking for trouble.
Snape's eyes narrowed to slits. "Perhaps we should demonstrate how to counter more vicious spells first. That might actually prove useful to the students, Professor Lockhart."
Lockhart's face twitched. Forcing a grin, he replied, "Excellent idea, Professor Snape. But why not have a student step up? Peers learn best from each other!"
Not waiting for a response, he called out, "Harry, come on up! I'll pair you with an opponent."
Snape's lip curled in contempt.
Just then, Erwin interjected. "Professor Lockhart, I don't see how this will sharpen our skills much. With the Chamber of Secrets threat looming, peer duels feel pointless. If you truly want us to advance, why not spar with us yourself? We'd progress far quicker that way."
Snape's mouth quirked in the faintest hint of a smile. He folded his arms, watching Lockhart with keen interest.
Lockhart cleared his throat awkwardly. What real dueling prowess did he have? Aside from a decent Memory Charm, his magic was lackluster. A real fight would unravel him completely.
"Erwin, that's a fine idea," he said hastily, "but as your professor, I'm concerned about injuring the students. Better to let them duel among themselves!"
He moved to summon another volunteer.
Erwin wasn't about to let him off the hook. Did Lockhart think he'd just sit back and watch the spectacle?
"I see, Professor—you've clearly thought this through," Erwin said smoothly.
Lockhart nodded eagerly, grasping at the perceived escape.
But Erwin continued seamlessly. "In that case, I'll volunteer to duel you! It's been ages since I've had a proper challenge."
As he spoke, Erwin moved to hand his pet snake to Colin, who stood nearby. The Slytherins watched Lockhart with gleaming anticipation. They doubted he could match their lord, but that only made the prospect of his humiliation sweeter. Erwin wouldn't pull punches.
Lockhart paled instantly. Erwin's reputation had swept the wizarding world; some whispered his power rivaled Dumbledore's. Exaggerated or not, no one dismissed his feats lightly.
Seeing Erwin step forward, Lockhart waved his hands frantically. "Hold on, Erwin—no need for that. Let's give the chance to another student! I know you're beyond this sort of practice."
...
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