[Bonus for Powerstones!♥💀]
(★‿★)~Huge Thanks to Noah Lewicki for the Patronage♥
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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!
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100 chapters! We did it! 🥳🎉 Though, I'm pretty sure my spirit animal is now a heavily caffeinated sloth 🥲
Thanks for the inslavement—I mean—encouragement. (You know who you are.)💀
Have mercy!
ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃRead two weeks ahead:Patreon: Captain69
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