Chapter 304: Kyle’s Most Feared Opponent
A hush fell over the Great Hall as everyone watched the stage, where Lockhart and Snape stood facing each other, wands at the ready.
"First, we must observe proper dueling etiquette. It's essential," Lockhart announced grandly.
The two bowed—or rather, Lockhart did. He embellished his movements with extravagant hand flourishes, looking more like he was performing for an audience than preparing for a duel. Kyle, who had seen Professor Flitwick demonstrate proper dueling etiquette at the Charms Club, couldn't help but roll his eyes. Lockhart's so-called "form" bore no resemblance to standard dueling at all. In fact, 99% of his hand movements seemed invented, with no practical use.
In a real duel, anyone pulling off such moves would be a laughingstock. But here, at Hogwarts, it was just more theater, and some students actually cheered for Lockhart's showy display.
And then, three seconds later...
"Expelliarmus!"
A red flash shot from Snape's wand, and Lockhart was blasted backward off the stage, slamming into the wall before collapsing to the floor, clutching his stomach. His wand went flying, landing somewhere in the crowd behind Snape, who didn't even bother to catch it or glance in its direction.
The Slytherins burst into applause and cheers, clearly delighted. Lockhart scrambled to his feet and immediately began muttering excuses.
The floor was too soft... the stage lighting had thrown him off... the atmosphere was simply too gloomy...
In short, he blamed the venue, not his own lack of skill. Given a different setting, he assured everyone, the outcome would have been different.
"I have to say, Lockhart's pretty quick on his feet," Cho giggled, covering her mouth. "He's able to come up with so many excuses in just a few seconds."