A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 107: Snape's Advice

Young wizards stared entranced at the flock of birds soaring above the arena, creatures that existed only in the wizarding world's imagination. Even this sight, a momentary marvel, would be etched into the memories of many, for these birds bore fiery crimson feathers and circled the gilded platform, creating a scene of mesmerizing beauty.

Professor Flitwick waved his wand, dispelling the magic.

"These spells are taught in class and don't require additional learning," Flitwick stated. "However, when combined, their effects can be quite remarkable."

A senior Ravenclaw witch couldn't resist asking, "Professor Flitwick, I'm familiar with all three of these spells. Can I master this combined magic?"

"Miss Parma, the difficulty of combined magic lies not in the spells themselves, but in how you weave them together and maintain their cohesion to create a stable whole," Flitwick explained. "So, you ask if you can master it? The answer is yes. But it will take time and practice, and it will test your mastery of incantations."

"The examples I've given involve a certain level of proficiency on your part. The second one, however, is relatively simpler."

"Our commonly used dueling spells—Petrificus Totalus, Expelliarmus, Stupefy, Protego, and the like—are indeed useful. But by combining them with other spells, you can gain more advantages."

"When dueling forces are evenly matched, it's often these seemingly inconspicuous simple spells that become the key to tipping the balance."

Next, Professor Flitwick showcased his expertise in spells—

"For instance, the Sensory Enhancement Charm, which significantly heightens your awareness, making you more attuned to your surroundings and incantations;"

"Or the Revival Hex, cast on yourself before a duel, which can effectively counteract Stunning Spells or mind-confounding charms—the effectiveness depends on the potency of your opponent's curses, but it will have some effect nonetheless;"

"Then there's the 'Slipstream Leviosa' incantation, which can smoothen the path before you;"

"Or the Water-Fire Repelling Charm, which shields against water and fire damage—though it won't work on dark magic flames, it's highly effective against regular flames;"

Flitwick listed a dozen or so spells, leaving the young wizards utterly astonished.

Even Felix Harp wore a pensive expression, pondering the impact of Flitwick's theories on his own abilities.

In reality, his swift-killing technique was a product of this 'interplay of spells' theory: accelerated thinking and shadow-shifting were its core, while the Stunning Spell, as an offensive measure, could be replaced by other incantations—depending on his desired outcome.

In theory, the Stunning Spell could be fully substituted by Petrificus Totalus or Expelliarmus without significantly affecting this strategy.

Flitwick's approach of 'breaking a stalemate with simple spells' aligned with Felix's clash against Lohart.

One could only say that Flitwick and Professors McGonagall approached from different angles, yet both found their way to perfection through Felix's example.

In conclusion, Flitwick remarked, "Spells possess a life of their own, with intricate relationships—some opposing, some complementing each other. If dueling intrigues you, invest more time in revisiting the spells you've learned."

"I believe you'll have an entirely new understanding of them."

Following this, Professor Flitwick summoned a few Ravenclaw students to demonstrate his theory to other young wizards.

Like Professor McGonagall, he too set constraints on himself.

Even when confronted by a three-way assault, he consistently found the most fitting methods, employing simple spells to thwart the attacks.

"Watching Professor Flitwick duel is like witnessing a waltz," Justin Finch-Fletchley said in admiration.

"What's that?" inquired a neighboring young wizard.

"Um... it's a Muggle dance, incredibly graceful and charming," Justin explained.

As a dueling champion, Flitwick's foundation was exceptionally solid. His footwork transitions were particularly adept, often allowing him to either block spells or elegantly evade them.

The young wizards watched in awe, their eyes glued to Professor Flitwick. When he effortlessly conjured a multitude of fireworks with his wand, obscuring his opponent's vision, he earned a resounding applause.

Finally, Flitwick bowed with a smile and exited the stage.

A never-ending wave of applause followed him.

The third to take the stage was Snape. Once he stood at the center of the arena, the previously restless young wizards fell silent in an instant.

Severus Snape's style was starkly different from the previous two professors. In his icy tone, he said, "What I wish to share is how you should handle the most dangerous Dark wizards, those wretches lurking in the shadows of the gutters—"

He gazed down at the young wizards, and after a prolonged pause, he continued, "—and how to confront them."

The young wizards were hushed; Snape's description of the scenario startled them. However, Harry suddenly recalled his brief encounter in Knockturn Alley.

Adjacent to Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley was a grimy, narrow lane with dim, eerie shops that all seemed connected to dark magic. According to Hagrid, it harbored its fair share of Dark wizards.

This year, due to a mishap with Floo Powder, he found himself in Knockturn Alley. Back then, a seemingly terrifying old witch initiated a conversation with him. She held something that resembled dead fingernails on a plate. If it hadn't been for Hagrid's timely intervention, he didn't know what might have happened.

Snape continued in his deliberate manner, "You need to recognize danger, differentiate between forms of danger."

"You need to prepare different strategies for different situations: how to handle playful antics within the school? How to handle conflicts with strangers? What about when facing malevolent Dark wizards? And how to deal with dangerous creatures and plants..."

"To be frank, I don't believe your tricks would be of much use when confronted with Dark wizards... Running away should always be your first choice; seeking help, the second. When you're left with no other option but to fight... strike first, with any spell you can think of."

Snape's black eyes remained unblinking, like two stones set in his head. He continued at his measured pace, "In a duel, striking first is always the best strategy. Surrendering initiative means putting yourself at a disadvantage."

A deathly silence blanketed the audience.

"Severus..." Professor McGonagall sounded uneasy, "...I think the young wizards needn't be exposed to these matters."

Snape's lips curved into a sardonic smile, yet he didn't pursue the subject further.

"When facing danger, use what you're most skilled at, not necessarily the most powerful spells. Speed, angle, timing, success rate—these matter far more than the sheer power of a spell."

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