57 No (2/2)

”No, Snape is one of the best teachers in Hogwarts, just because you don't like him doesn't mean I don't.” Said Arth with a sigh.

Hearing this, Ron and Harry wore disgusted faces.

Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed; at least, Lockhart did, with much twirling of his hands, whereas Snape jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands like swords in front of them.

”As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative position,” Lockhart told the silent crowd. ”On the count of three, we will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course.”

”I wouldn't bet on that,” Harry murmured, watching Snape baring his teeth. ”One — two — three —”

Both of them swung their wands above their heads and pointed them at their opponent.

Snape cried ”Expelliarmus!”

There was a dazzling flash of scarlet light and Lockhart was blasted off his feet. He flew backward off the stage, smashed into the wall, and slid down it to sprawl on the floor.

Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins cheered.

Lockhart was getting unsteadily to his feet. His hat had fallen off and his wavy hair was standing on end.

”Well, there you have it!” he said, tottering back onto the platform. ”That was a Disarming Charm — as you see, I've lost my wand — ah, thank you, Miss Brown — yes, an excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you it would have been only too easy — however, I felt it would be instructive to let them see...”

Snape was looking murderous. Possibly Lockhart had noticed, because he said, ”Enough demonstrating! I'm going to come amongst you now and put you all into pairs. Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me —”

They moved through the crowd, matching up partners. Lockhart teamed Neville with Justin Finch-Fletchley, but Snape reached Harry and Ron first.

”Time to split up the dream team, I think,” he sneered. ”Weasley, you can partner Finnigan. Potter —”

Harry moved automatically toward Hermione.

”I don't think so,” said Snape, smiling coldly. ”Mr. Malfoy, come over here. Let's see what you make of the famous Potter. And you, Miss Granger — you can partner Miss Bulstrode.”

Snape honed his eyes onto Arth with an undecipherable gaze.

”As for you, Mr. Kingscrown, you can partner up with Mr. Nott.”

The four of them separated and mat up with their dueling partners. Harry gave Malfoy a nice bow, confusing Malfoy a great deal.

Arthur also gave a silent salute before facing his opponent.

He was tall, thin, and looked weak. He could also be considered to be ”rabbity” in appearance. His face was calm and his eyes half a smidgen of intelligence.

”Hello, I'm Theodore Nott.”