6kv Chapter 184 Duel Club
Chapter 184 Duel Club
Chapter 184 Duel Club
"I am Gilderoy Lockhart, a third-class Sergeant of the Order of Merlin, an honorary member of the Anti-Dark Magic League, and a five-time winner of the Wizarding Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award!" He rattled off this long list of titles as smoothly as if singing an opera, while winking at several younger girls who were clearly showing admiration.
A few suppressed chuckles and sporadic, hesitant applause rang out in the auditorium.
He immediately raised one hand, palm outward, making a humble, slightly reproachful expression, "But I never take these honors to heart! They're just empty titles!"
He abruptly changed the subject, placing his right hand on the gleaming gold clasp on his chest, his brow furrowing slightly as he feigned concern: "What truly keeps me awake at night is your safety! It's the peace of this ancient castle that's under threat!"
He paused for a moment, his gaze slowly sweeping across the room, making sure everyone felt his "concern".
"After repeatedly and with utmost patience explaining the stakes to Headmaster Dumbledore," he continued, "our wise headmaster finally realized that passive defense is insufficient! We must actively wield the sword to protect ourselves! Therefore, he approved my proposal to establish a 'Duel Club'! I will personally instruct everyone, imparting without reservation the invaluable self-defense techniques I've recorded in my books and honed through my own adventures!"
The news caused the students to start whispering. Harry and Ron exchanged a glance, then looked at Hermione and smiled.
Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Other students, especially Lockhart's fans, were so excited they nearly spilled their milk, while students like Fred and George wore expressions of anticipation.
The suspicious gazes mainly came from the Slytherin table and some of the older Ravenclaw students, who stood by with their arms crossed, watching coldly.
"And!" Lockhart raised his voice, successfully silencing the murmurs. He turned to the long table of teachers, extending his arms in a welcoming gesture. "I must say, I am deeply honored! Our learned and—well—uniquely insightful Professor Severus Snape," his lips twitching slightly as he said "uniquely insightful," has agreed to serve as my assistant in club activities, contributing his—expertise!
The snakes lowered their arms that were folded across their chests. Maybe this club isn't so bad after all.
Snape sat at the edge of the long table, his face expressionless, his dark eyes fixed on Lockhart. It was puzzling why he had agreed to Lockhart's request.
"Our first event is tonight!" Lockhart's voice was rousing as he waved his arms. "One hour after dinner, at seven o'clock sharp, we'll meet in the Great Hall! I promise you, this will be an unforgettable experience, full of wisdom and courage! Learning to protect yourself is the greatest contribution you can make to Hogwarts! See you tonight!"
He bowed gracefully, so deeply that his golden curls fell to his forehead.
On the faculty seating area, the professors displayed a variety of expressions.
Professor McGonagall pressed her lips tightly together, her brows furrowed deeply. Professor Sprout looked at Lockhart with concern. Professor Flitwick, on the other hand, seemed somewhat interested, after all, he had been a dueling club champion in his youth.
Lynch sat in his seat, calmly poking at the food on his plate with his fork.
He glanced at the expectant and excited faces of the students, especially the younger ones, whose emotions had been stirred, and then at Lockhart beside him, who was smug and had a deep look in his eyes, without making any comment.
He knew that, given Lockhart's personality and abilities, this "Duel Club" would most likely be a farce. But in the current situation, it might alleviate the students' anxiety to some extent, and since the Transformation Corridor was ultimately an inanimate object, giving the students some experience in human combat was a good thing.
At 7 p.m. that evening, the auditorium was completely renovated.
The long table disappeared, and a stage covered with a deep red carpet was erected in the center, where the candlelight from the ceiling focused, making it as bright as day.
The hall was packed with students, and the noise was deafening.
Lockhart stood center stage, wearing a brand-new, almost blindingly bright turquoise robe with intricate gold embroidery at the hem. He waved to the audience, flashing a standard eight-tooth smile, and occasionally adjusted his collar.
"Quiet! Everyone, please be quiet!" he shouted. "Welcome to Gilderoy Lockhart's Duel Club! Here, you will learn—"
He then launched into another long self-aggrandizing tale, embellishing the plot of the book.
Snape stood like a black stone statue in the shadows at the very edge of the stage, his arms tightly crossed over his chest, his chin buried in his high collar, only his dark eyes occasionally turning to sweep over the crowd below, revealing undisguised annoyance.
"—So, the essence of a duel lies in elegance and precision, just like when I dealt with werewolves—" Lockhart continued rambling on.
"Shall we get down to business, Professor Lockhart?" Snape's icy voice lashed out at Lockhart like a whip. His voice wasn't loud, but it sent a chill down the spines of the students in the front rows. "Or is your club's motto to drown your opponents in words?"
Several clear snickers came from the direction of Slytherin.
Lockhart's smile froze, his lips twitching slightly, but he quickly recovered and chuckled dryly, "Ha, ha, Professor Snape, you're still as impatient as ever. Alright, alright! Now, Professor Snape and I will demonstrate a standard duel. Please pay attention to my every move!"
The two walked to the center of the stage and faced each other.
Lockhart waved his wand in a flamboyant manner and gave an exaggerated bow that almost touched his knees.
Snape nodded very slightly, almost imperceptibly.
"We'll count to three." Lockhart assumed a textbook defensive stance, his eyes darting around.
"
two-"
Before he could even utter the word "three," Snape's wand was already raised with lightning speed: "Expelliarmus!"
A blinding red beam shot out, striking Lockhart precisely in the chest.
Lockhart let out a loud scream, his feet left the ground, and he flew backward, his robe billowing like a comical flag before crashing to the floor a few meters away with a thud.
His wand slipped from his hand and rolled to the edge of the stage.
A huge gasp erupted from the audience.
Surprisingly, Lockhart quickly stood up.
His face flushed red, his breathing became rapid, and he fumbled for his wand, staggering as he got to his feet and quickly brushed the dust off his robes.
But apart from looking disheveled, Si Ping did not seem to have suffered any real harm.
"Oh, Merlin!" he gasped, his voice trembling, forcing a twisted smile. "A precise—precise Disarming Charm, Professor Snape! A perfect demonstration of its effectiveness! Did everyone—did everyone see it clearly?"
"He's alright?" Ron Weasley's eyes widened. He tugged at Harry's sleeve. "He was sent flying that far! How can he be completely unharmed?"
Hermione frowned. The intelligent girl, after spending the last few months with Lockhart, had seen through his charlatanism and boasting, and no longer idolized him. Now, she felt like she'd encountered a difficult problem, and all she wanted to know was why Lockhart was unharmed.
On stage, Lockhart felt a dull ache emanating from his chest and back, and couldn't help but feel fortunate for his quick thinking.
Fortunately, the dragon skin vest he wore underneath absorbed most of the impact; otherwise, he would have been in real trouble.
Lockhart suddenly saw Snape take a step forward, seemingly wanting to continue his attack.
"Now!" his voice suddenly rose, "Let's bring two students up here! To practice the dueling etiquette we just demonstrated! Mr. Potter! And you, Mr. Malfoy! Yes, please come up to the stage!"