Chapter 37: Duel Preparation

Professor Flitwick couldn't sit still. He had exchanged learning experiences at Durmstrang himself and knew that the students there had their own way in battles. For Tver to reach such a level at Durmstrang, one could imagine his prowess in combat.

"Tver, how about we demonstrate dueling for the young wizards? Using only simple spells."

It was called a demonstration, but in truth, itched their skills.

After years of teaching, Professor Flitwick felt the dormant desire for dueling stirring within him!

Tver's eyes lit up even more. He had been itching for Professor Flitwick to have a go, but challenging a professor upon arrival at Hogwarts seemed more like a provocation.

Since Professor Flitwick brought it up himself, there was no problem.

"Just simple spells?"

This rare opportunity wasn't going to satisfy Tver with just a mere "play."

Professor Flitwick, sharing the sentiment, glanced at Professor McGonagall, beaming as he said, "'Simple' Transfigurations will do as well."

Satisfied, Tver nodded. "In that case, I have no objections."

Professor McGonagall, who had been observing them the whole time, took charge of the preparations and set the rules.

"No time like the present. Let's make it tonight at eight in the Great Hall. We'll clear out enough space."

She pointed to the middle of the Great Hall, where the Headmaster's table usually stood. They were wizards, after all; arranging it would be a breeze.

"But you both must exercise restraint. Stick to simpler spells along with Transfigurations. The focus should be on demonstrating the intricacies of combat to the students!"

Professor McGonagall wasn't one to adhere strictly to conventions. In fact, she graduated top of her class in Charms from Hogwarts and was promoted within two years at the Ministry of Magic. As a capable witch, she was keenly aware of the significance of this duel for the students.

Word of the preparations couldn't escape the notice of the keen-eyed students of Hogwarts, nor did the professors intend to keep it secret.

So, as soon as the students found out from the parties involved and received the Deputy Headmistress's approval, Penelope wasted no time in spreading the news among her classmates.

Following Hogwarts' fine tradition, the news spread instantly from the Great Hall, echoing throughout the castle.

Some students who weren't dining in the Great Hall were sought out by their classmates and friends and dragged inside.

As a result, before seven o'clock, the Great Hall was filled with eager students—no one wanted to miss such an opportunity.

However, five minutes later, they were all chased out of the Great Hall—"We need to set up the Great Hall, don't get in the way!" Professor McGonagall shut the doors to the Great Hall.

The young wizards were dissatisfied but dared not say anything. Professor McGonagall was always strict, not just with Gryffindor, but the other three houses also didn't dare to provoke the Deputy Headmistress.

In the eyes of the students, she was even more authoritative than Headmaster Dumbledore. But they didn't leave; instead, they crowded around the entrance of the Great Hall, eagerly discussing.

Time passed amidst their anticipation, and as eight o'clock struck, the doors of the Great Hall opened punctually. The students surged forward eagerly, but as they approached the entrance, they halted.

Professor McGonagall was standing there.

"Prefects, maintain order. First years in the front, seventh years at the back, regardless of house!"

Harry and Ron grinned immediately, following behind Percy, surveying the rearranged Great Hall.

The tables and chairs had disappeared, replaced by a rectangular platform in the middle of the Great Hall. Professors Fawley and Flitwick stood atop it, holding wands, smiling down at them.

"Gather around the platform. First years in the front row, seventh years, you'll have to make do at the back."

After Professor Flitwick's instructions, the students became orderly, positioning themselves as directed.

However, most students preferred to stand on either side, conveniently placing themselves to support their favored professor, as if it would lend them strength.

First to third-year students stood behind Professor Fawley without hesitation, along with a few higher-year students. They had more or less witnessed the professor's spellcasting prowess and had unwavering confidence in his abilities.

"Professor Fawley can cast a spell in a second, sheer quantity alone could overwhelm Professor Flitwick!"

The other students gathered on the opposite side, with confidence in Professor Flitwick, expressing their dissatisfaction.

Yes, dissatisfaction. Especially among the higher-year students who were very unhappy with their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor being the timid Quirrell, who had refused their requests for classes multiple times!

"Professor Flitwick is practically drowning in dueling championships, how could he lose in such a small-scale battle?!"

Under the prefects' supervision, the students' lively discussions in the Great Hall transitioned from clamor to murmurs, emitting a fervent buzzing sound.

"Look, Professor Dumbledore is here too!"

The sudden voice sounded particularly abrupt in the Great Hall. Harry turned to look, and indeed, Dumbledore and the other professors stood behind the staff table, including his least favorite Professor Snape.

Dumbledore waved to them.

"Don't mind us. The stars of tonight are the two professors on stage. Your job is to observe attentively. This demonstration will be enlightening for all of us."

His voice, though not loud, reached every young wizard's ears clearly.

"Did you hear that? Even Headmaster Dumbledore will gain something from this battle!" Ron exclaimed excitedly.

Hermione, who supported Professor Fawley, couldn't stand it. "The Headmaster emphasized us. This is just a demonstration for our benefit."

Ron's excitement waned a bit. "Can't you just let me have this moment?" he retorted.

Their discussion didn't last long, however. Professor Flitwick smiled and picked up where Dumbledore left off.

"Tonight's battle is only a demonstration, so we will only use simple spells and Transfigurations. But simple spells can have exquisite effects," he paused, retracting the students' disappointment, "Our demonstration aims to show you, young wizards who underestimate simple magic, that it still holds tremendous power!"

Without further explanation, Professor Flitwick turned to face Tver and made a gesture indicating readiness for the duel.

"Let's begin, Professor Fawley."

Tver swiftly raised his wand, and they both bowed to each other before holding their wands like arrows to their chests.

Professor McGonagall took on the role of host, explaining their actions to the audience.

"This is the standard dueling stance. After I count to three, they will officially begin the duel."

The students below held their breath. Hermione clasped her hands tightly, her nails digging into her skin, oblivious to the pain.

"Three... Two..."

All the students eagerly stretched their necks, afraid of missing any details. The previously lively discussions instantly ceased, completely opposite to the bustling atmosphere outside the door.

"One!"