Chapter 147
Realizing he had drifted off for a moment, Lupin tapped his wand lightly against the broken chandelier in his hand. With a few clear clinks, it repaired itself and floated back into place above the classroom.
Remembering his role, he cleared his throat and continued speaking to Hermione.
"Your understanding is excellent. A duel between wizards isn't a contest of raw magical power or the strength of a single spell. A wizard uses everything available—like the desk I used earlier, or the chandelier you brought down from the ceiling."
"That was very well done."
He clapped lightly, genuine praise in his voice. Then he stepped closer and lowered his voice.
"Your learning ability is impressive. Even I wouldn't attempt a spell after hearing it only once. But as your teacher, I must say this: that spell is extremely dangerous. Without the proper counter-curse, the bleeding won't stop. You must use it carefully in the future. Understood, Hermione?"
His tone carried both warning and guidance.
Hermione nodded immediately. She remembered clearly how Lupin had been unable to stop the bleeding when Snape had used that spell.
"Professor… your injury?" she asked hesitantly.
"It healed long ago," Lupin replied gently. "Madam Pomfrey used Essence of Dittany. Not even a scar remains."
He then looked around at the class and spoke with a trace of regret.
"Unfortunately, justice still lost today. I don't think I need to explain why."
"As your teacher, I hope you never face a real Dark wizard. Because if that day comes, it means the wizarding world is no longer peaceful. After all, not all of you will become Aurors."
He paused.
"But if that moment ever comes—when you must fight a Dark wizard—do not show mercy. Mercy toward the wicked is the cruelest thing you can do to yourself."
Lupin glanced at the remaining students, then at the old quartz clock ticking above.
"You still have time for another challenge. If you don't try today, you'll have to wait until the next class—and next time, I won't allow so many people to fight at once."
There was clear expectation in his voice. He wanted them to gain as much real combat experience as possible.
The classroom filled with whispers.
The previous battle had shaken them. This was far more engaging than the formal Duelling Club Lockhart had run the previous year.
In a real fight, who would bother with bows and ceremony?
Today's lesson had opened their eyes. Many students had once thought Transfiguration was just for convenience—and that magical theory existed only to make exams harder. Now they understood.
A real duel wasn't just about trading spells.
But that realization also brought hesitation.
No one was confident enough to challenge Lupin—even with numbers.
Some Slytherins were already thinking about learning more practical spells before trying again. The Gryffindors were equally discouraged. Even their best student—and Harry—had lost.
And forming a coordinated team on the spot wasn't easy. Without cooperation, they would only hinder each other.
Surely they weren't expected to mix Gryffindor and Slytherin teams?
"Draco, why don't you try?" Pansy asked softly, her eyes bright with expectation.
She was already prepared for refusal. Malfoy didn't like showing off. If he cared about attention, he would have played Quidditch himself instead of sponsoring the team.
Still, she hoped.
"Alright," Malfoy replied calmly.
He pushed his chair back, stood, and walked toward the front.
Pansy stared after him, stunned.
Earlier, many students had moved their desks back to avoid stray spells. The rear of the classroom was now crowded, while the front stood wide and empty. The teacher's desk had been returned to its place.
Malfoy walked to the center and faced Lupin.
Applause broke out.
Lupin started it, and the entire class followed—Gryffindors included.
Whatever else, he had stepped forward.
"Won't you need teammates, Mr. Malfoy?" Lupin asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Of course, Professor," Malfoy replied casually.
"Your courage is admirable," Lupin said. "And I believe you have the ability as well. Any other questions? If not, we'll begin immediately. We don't have much time."
He glanced once more at the clock.
Interest flickered in his eyes.
He was very curious about this student.