A sudden burst of blue-green light enveloped Harry.
Instantly, he felt as though he were trapped in a colossal jelly, struggling to move even a muscle. Despite his efforts, he could only manage a slight shift.
"So, this is what it feels like to be hit with an Slowing Spell..." Harry mused, casting a glance at Hermione, who had returned to her seat with an air of triumph. The other students observed him with varied expressions—surprise and concern in Ron and Neville's eyes, mockery and indifference in Malfoy's gaze.
Desperate to return to his seat, Harry attempted to move, only to be met with raucous laughter from his classmates. Hindered by the spell, his movements were sluggish, and he couldn't help but feel ridiculous.
Though it felt like an eternity, in reality, only a few seconds passed before Nagini dispelled the spell, releasing Harry from his gelatinous confinement. As he regained control of his limbs, he thanked Professor Nagini, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Thank you, Professor Nagini."
"It's alright, Harry. You handled it admirably. Ms Granger simply has a knack for the Slowing Charm..." Nagini reassured him, acknowledging Hermione's proficiency with a nod.
"Ms Granger, your mastery of the Obstacle Charm is quite impressive. I assume you've been practicing regularly?" Nagini praised, turning her attention to Hermione.
"Yes, Professor Nagini. Artel taught me this spell," Hermione replied.
"Artel taught you?" Nagini inquired, intrigued by Hermione's revelation.
Nagini's gaze lingered on Artel, her surprise mirrored by the hushed murmurs rippling through the classroom.
Having heard of Artel's remarkable magical aptitude from Professor McGonagall, Nagini found herself duly impressed. Clearly, McGonagall's praise had not been overstated.
Though the Slowing Charm wasn't considered advanced magic, teaching it to others, especially first-year wizards, posed its challenges.
"I didn't teach it directly. Hermione and I practiced together, following the method outlined in Miranda's 'Standard Spells,'" Artel ex significant other plained, aware of Hermione's desire for him to shine. While it wasn't his preference, he understood Hermione's intentions well—who wouldn't want their friend to be admired and celebrated?
"Regardless, you've done exceptionally well, Artel. Let's see how far you've mastered the Ms Granger Charm! If it poses any challenge for me, I'll award you extra points!" Nagini declared, her offer piquing Artel's interest.
Eager for the opportunity to earn extra points, Artel rose from his seat and approached Nagini.
Aware of Artel's limited magical prowess as a first-year, Nagini didn't anticipate much of a challenge. Nevertheless, she prepared herself as Artel readied his wand.
"Whenever you're ready," Nagini prompted, bracing herself for the spell.
With a flick of his wand, a vibrant blue-green spark shot forth.
"Spellcasting without an incantation?!" Nagini exclaimed inwardly, feeling the effects of the spell almost instantly. Unlike Harry's encounter with the giant jelly, Nagini felt ensnared in a sticky quagmire, struggling against an invisible force.
After a few tense moments, the pressure dissipated, leaving Nagini astonished. She couldn't help but applaud Artel's ingenuity.
"I've never witnessed such innate talent before. Casting spells without an incantation... Truly remarkable," Nagini praised, refraining from probing further into Artel's abilities.
Recognizing Artel's exceptional magical prowess, Nagini awarded Slytherin ten extra points, prompting applause from Artel's peers.
"Bravo, Artel!" Hermione and Pansy led the applause as Artel returned to his seat, a satisfied grin on his face.
"Alright, class. As Artel mentioned, many spells can be found in 'Standard Spells.' Those interested can explore them, but remember to prioritize safety and seek guidance from elders when necessary," Nagini addressed the class.
She proceeded to discuss various methods of countering the Slowing Charm, emphasizing the importance of strong magical proficiency and strategic thinking.
Nagini continued to lead the class, occasionally demonstrating spells and engaging with students, stirring up their emotions.
Throughout the lesson, apart from Artel earning 10 points, Pansy and Hermione each received 5 points for assisting Nagini in demonstrations, while Harry earned 1 point for participating. Everyone left the class feeling pleased.
During dinner in the Great Hall, the students continued discussing the day's lessons.
.....
As the week of classes ended, the weekend began.
Artel grew increasingly concerned. Despite the passage of time, there had been no report in the Daily Prophet about Gandalf. It was evident that Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix were conducting their investigation into Gandalf in secrecy, which was detrimental to Gandalf's public image.
Late on Friday night, Artel rose from his bed, slipped on the Ring of Power, and left the dormitory amidst the snores of Goyle and Crabbe.
Using the secret passage on the third floor, Artel Apparated just outside the Ministry of Magic in London.
Since the attacks on Christmas Eve, the Ministry had bolstered its nighttime security, stationing an Auror on each floor in addition to the regular guards.
Upon entering the Ministry's lobby, Artel was stopped by the guard on duty.
"Old friend," Artel greeted, feeling a twinge of awkwardness upon recognizing the guard.
Eric Munch, caught off guard by the unexpected encounter, was on duty for the first time since Christmas Eve.
"You...you..." Munch stammered, fear rendering him speechless as he raised his wand.
"Don't be afraid," Artel's voice was soothing, laced with a compelling magic that calmed Munch's nerves, though he still trembled.
Under the Ministry's propaganda, Saruman had been painted as a dark wizard, instilling fear in many.
"I recall the last time I visited, it was Christmas, and I gifted you a Christmas tree for the Ministry. Yet, you misconstrued my intentions and slandered me in the newspapers," Artel reminisced.
"So, this time... I've come with a purpose. Summon Fudge to meet with me," Artel demanded.
"I'll give him three minutes. A second late, and I'll wreak havoc upon this place...perhaps even raze London to the ground," he threatened, his tone firm.
.....
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