Chapter 447: Exchange
The Great Hall was abuzz with chatter.
Young wizards stood on tiptoes, eagerly awaiting today's Dueling class professor.
"Please, not Professor Moody. He's too scary," a Ravenclaw girl remarked. "Especially when he charges at you to correct your stance, it feels like he's about to cast a curse..."
"That's why he's teamed up with Professor Flitwick," her friend remarked.
Just then, Felix emerged from the entrance hall, stepping into the Great Hall. As he stood on the gilded platform, he noticed students from other schools.
"We have some new guests today. Welcome," Felix said softly, drawing his wand and conjuring a few sparks from its tip. "Usually, we only get to see each other during meals or in the library. This is a rare chance for you all to learn about the magical practices of different schools."
"Professor, are we going to have a challenge?"
"It's possible," Felix said lightly. "But I'd rather you focus on communication. Any brave soul willing to try? Or perhaps introduce your school?"
After a brief silence, a tall figure emerged from the crowd - Nona Leberth. She ran her fingers through her hair, revealing a graceful chocolate-colored neck, her gaze wild and untamed.
"Nona Leberth," she gestured toward herself, "from Uagadou. Proficient in astronomy, transfiguration, and after coming here, I've found a knack for spellcasting through gestures."
Nona waved her hand, and something more resembling a club than a wand flew to her, which she caught effortlessly. With a flick, she produced a startling "whoosh" sound. Students nearby instinctively retreated, wary of getting accidentally struck.
"Wands are not indispensable to us. They aid in smoother spellcasting," Nona explained. "Apart from wands, we emphasize independent gesture casting: quick, convenient, and secretive."
She raised her eyebrows. "If you want to dislocate someone's jaw, just a flick of the wrist... provided you're skilled enough."
"Excellent, Miss Leberth. Would you like to perform or—"
"No, I heard we could seek guidance from the professors, is that true?" she asked keenly. "I'm particularly interested in dueling, especially against those stronger than me... I challenged every senior student on Moon Mountain, including the younger professors."
"Of course," Felix nodded, patting Valen the Niffler's head, directing it to find a safe spot.
"Over here—"
"Look, Valen—"
Laughter echoed through the hall.
Poliakoff's face turned even redder, looking flustered. When the laughter died down, he continued, "I, um... I'd like to introduce Dark Magic..."
The hall fell silent.
"I, uh... over these months, I've heard rumors about Durmstrang teaching students Dark Arts without any restraint... I feel it's necessary to clarify, cough cough! The rumors aren't entirely true..." Poliakoff said, "...it's necessary to introduce my school; otherwise, misunderstandings will only grow."
"Durmstrang has, since its second headmaster, emphasized dueling and war magic greatly. Six hundred years later, we've taken this tradition to its peak. Yes, Durmstrang indeed teaches Dark Arts, but each one is carefully selected, ensuring no issues... or else Durmstrang wouldn't be on par with Hogwarts or Beauxbatons," he explained.
Whispers spread among the young wizards.
"What do you think, Harry?" Ron asked.
"Seems somewhat reasonable," Harry pondered. "But I don't trust Karkaroff." He'd heard that Karkaroff had given Durmstrang's squad a ten in the second event, while others hovered
around seven or eight points.
That was after Karkaroff received a warning; otherwise, his ratings for others would have been lower.
"No one likes Karkaroff," Ron muttered, glancing up at Poliakoff on the platform, who was explaining some of Durmstrang's rules to showcase the school's strict attitude towards Dark Arts.
A smattering of applause filled the hall.
"Our rules also forbid nighttime wandering, trespassing in forbidden forests, and trading dungbombs!" Ron whispered.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle.
"Next, I'll demonstrate a few Dark Arts," Poliakoff, encouraged by the applause, said excitedly. "It's not as malevolent as one might think; it's just about channeling negative emotions in the right place, in a reasonable manner..."
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