28 Fame is bad, Harry Potter is bad (1/2)
The room watched on with increasing interest. The first years were in absolute amazement while the older students watched on with a hint of fire in their eyes.
Arth causally took out his wand and twirled it in his hands causing Marietta to flinch.
”My first question, what is most effective way to cast magic in any situation?”
Marietta visibly relaxed at the easy question.
”You are belittling me. You need to hold your wand steady and clearly say your spell with clear and projecting voice.”
As if expecting praise, she held her head high and a couple of first years started to clap. However, some of the older students groaned. Arth had his trade mark smile on.
”Wrong.”
It was as if a bucket of water was poured onto Marietta.
”What?”
”You are wrong. That is not the correct answer to my question.”
”What? How! There is no way-”
”What is the most effective way to cast magic in any situation?”
”Exactly, you need to hold your wand steady and clearly state your spell-”
”What if someone casted a silencing charm on you? What will you do? Say the spell?”
The clapping stopped.
Speechless, Marietta dumbly watched as she squeezed her head for anything she could use to retort back.
”... but that's only one situation, there are many others-”
”I said, in my question, ANY situation. Including this one.”
Marietta stopped talking at once.
”You see, if you can cast spells without the need to speak, then you can cast spells even while under the silencing charm.”
Everyone watched on while holding their breaths.
”However, even this isn't the answer. Cause I can disprove it by stating: what happens when someone disarms you?”
”You... can't cast any spells?”
Arth's grin grew larger.
”Wrong again. The answer is to cast spells without a wand or any incantation.”
Several students who looked like they they were in their seventh year abruptly stood up. Their faces couldn't hide their immense surprise.
”...is that even possible? To cast spells without words or a wand?”
”It is, in fact, everyone in here has done it before.”
Everyone gave a start when they realized that they, the observers, had been drawn into the challenge.