Chapter 139: The Standard Equipment of a Formal Wizard: Spell Group and Magazines

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The troublesome Dark Arts Defense class was now a thing of the past. Lockhart's poor attempts at lying honestly made him seem somewhat dismissive of the intelligence of young witches and wizards.

Playing dead to escape from a werewolf?

Does that mean that once a werewolf transforms under the full moon, it becomes a mindless beast, incapable of thought? After this poorly executed joke spread around, Lockhart's standing in the eyes of students plummeted, but his ridiculous performance didn't stop there. To recover from the absurdity of the first lesson, he made an effort in subsequent classes to put on more of a show, such as releasing a group of lively Cornwall pixies.

Unfortunately, such performances didn't redeem him. His efforts to salvage the class only proved one thing: he was completely incapable of teaching.

"Professor Lockhart just needs more time to adjust! He's so handsome and has completed so many great adventures—he's just still getting the hang of it!"

Many of Lockhart's devoted fans defended him, but this did little to change the general sentiment, with most students just enjoying the spectacle. Even Hermione, who had always been fond of reading, soon abandoned her cherished Lockhart collection. She was a clever girl.

This year's Charms class became the most anticipated lesson for the second-year students, because they would finally begin learning about the most basic spell groups.

In the classroom, Professor Flitwick, small in stature, stood on top of a stack of books. This was a joint class for all four houses, and today, the young witches and wizards would receive their very first "composite item."

"Last year, we taught you the most commonly used basic spells. This year, we will start officially learning about spell groups."

"Now, who can introduce spell groups to the class?"

Professor Flitwick scanned the room and then smilingly pointed to the first raised hand, calling on Hermione. "Miss Granger, it's your turn."

"A spell group is a method of casting at least two spells simultaneously, combining their abilities and properties to support one another, allowing the primary spell to achieve extraordinary power. The most common examples are standard spell groups made up of two or three spells. Due to the shape of wands, wands in pistol form can only accommodate up to three spells in a group. To extend the length of the spell group, the wand must undergo further modifications."

"One notable variation is the shotgun-shaped wand, which includes models like shotguns, grenade launchers, and rocket launchers. In most cases, these wands do not support spell groups, unless the wand itself is designed for spell group compatibility, such as double-barrel shotguns, revolver grenade launchers, or multi-barrel rocket launchers."

"An interesting case is sniper rifle-shaped wands. These wands can compress multiple spells into a single shot. While this increases the difficulty of using spell groups and lengthens the time between shots, this method maximizes the power of the spell group. A spell group cast from a sniper rifle wand will see at least a 100% increase in its base power. Additionally, for every spell added to a three-spell group, the overall power increases by 25%."

"Finally, it's important to note that different wand shapes can accommodate different numbers of spells. For example, my wand—"

At this point, Hermione drew her Smith & Wesson M36 revolver.

"It can store five spells, allowing for one three-spell group and one two-spell group. After these are expended, I need to recharge the spell groups. However, due to its small capacity, the revolver wand is much faster and more convenient for reloading and swapping spell groups. This makes it more flexible and ideal for fast-paced, unpredictable combat."

"Very well said!"

After gesturing for Hermione to sit down, Professor Flitwick's smile openly expressed his pride. Having such a smart student in Ravenclaw brought him honor as the head of the house—Hermione had made him proud!

"Five points to Ravenclaw! You earned it, Miss Granger. I couldn't have explained it any better myself."

Hermione smiled shyly, but then straightened her posture.

"However, I'd like to add one more point. The marksman rifle-shaped wand combines the characteristics of both rifles and sniper rifles. It can compress spell groups into single shots and quickly synchronize standard spell groups. However, its maximum spell compression is lower than that of sniper rifle wands, meaning the power increase is halved, and the firing speed is slower than assault rifle-shaped wands. Its main advantage is its flexibility and greater accuracy, as well as a longer range than regular rifles."

"No matter what method you choose to use for your spell groups, there's one very important tool you'll need: the magazine."

"This is the most crucial accessory for a wand, and only a handful of large magical schools, including Hogwarts, can provide it. Even the Ministry of Magic cannot directly acquire magazines. Once a magazine is fused with a wand, it can no longer be used by a second wand."

"I must tell you that magazines are incredibly precious. They represent a significant advancement in wand magic, granting wizards more powerful abilities than ever before."

Professor Flitwick pinched a small black crystal, no bigger than the knuckle of his index finger. As the sunlight struck it, the crystal refracted a spectrum of dazzling colors. The 'iridescent black' that people often talk about could likely be this color.

"Every Hogwarts student is allowed to receive a magazine allocation after completing a transformation into a specific wand form. This has always been the tradition and the rule in the magical world. For those who didn't attend a formal magical school, even if they complete their studies, it's difficult for them to obtain a magazine unless they're willing to take action. However, this is something you don't need to worry about just yet."

"The number of magazines a wizard possesses reflects their flexibility in battle. Spell groups need to be loaded in advance, and though this method may seem a bit rigid, there is currently no better alternative. The more magazines you have, the greater your advantage in battle."

"However, in everyday life, you typically don't need to worry about how many magazines you have. In most situations, single spells are sufficient to handle daily needs. But if you enjoy dueling and are keen on participating, then having magazines becomes very important."

"Now, those of you who have completed the wand's transformation into pistol form, please come forward to receive your magazines. I will guide you on how to use them properly. Don't worry if you haven't completed the transformation yet—most of you should be able to do so by the end of the first semester. Keep practicing your spells and using your wands, and that will help you complete the transformation."

Most students didn't need to be reassured. After a year of adjustment, 99% of the students in the class had already completed the transformation into the pistol form. Though there were still a few who clung to the original matchlock form, those rare exceptions didn't mean much.

The young witches and wizards excitedly chattered amongst themselves, quickly forming a long line to approach Professor Flitwick and receive his guidance, fusing the magazine accessory with their wands.

When it was Harry's turn, the two wands, both etched with mysterious, intricate patterns, nearly blinded Professor Flitwick with their brilliance.

"Harry, what is this?!" Professor Flitwick looked at Harry with a mixture of shock and admiration.

"Well done!"

Professor Flitwick hopped excitedly on top of the stack of books, shaking his fist in the air.

"You'll surely shine in this year's dueling competition!"

"The association has approved your application, but they've placed you in the sixteen-and-under category. But I bet bullying those children won't bring you any joy, right?"

"How about considering the Youth Division of the World Duelists' Association? You'll get to compete against young wizards from all over the world, all under the age of twenty-five."

"You'll make the world take notice!"

Professor Flitwick's gaze became distant as he murmured to himself, "Did I complete a wand transformation when I was twelve? I think that was when I was thirteen…"

(End of Chapter)