Professor Fawley immediately became restless.
He had also studied at Durmstrang in his day and knew that the students there had a knack for combat.
If Tewell could reach such a level at Durmstrang, one could only imagine his prowess in battle.
"Tewell, how about we demonstrate a duel for the young wizards? Just simple magic."
Though it was called a demonstration, it was actually more out of a desire to scratch an itch.
Professor Fawley felt his long years of teaching stirring up a dormant desire for dueling!
Tewell's eyes lit up even more.
He had been eager to have a go at Professor Fawley since he had arrived at Hogwarts, but challenging the professor to a duel upon his arrival would have seemed more like a provocation.
Since it was Professor Fawley who had brought it up, there was no problem.
"Just simple magic?"
Such a rare opportunity, and Tewell was not satisfied with just "playing around."
Professor Fawley, feeling a kinship, glanced at Professor McGonagall and said with a beaming smile, "'Simple' Transfiguration spells are also fine."
Tewell then happily agreed, "If that's the case, I have no problem."
Professor McGonagall, who had been paying close attention to both, approvingly took over the preparations and even set the rules.
"Let's not delay, how about tonight at eight? Just tidy up the hall, and we'll have plenty of space."
She pointed to the middle of the hall where the headmaster's table was placed, but since they were wizards, arranging it would be easy.
"However, make sure to keep it moderate, just simple spells and Transfiguration, the focus is to let the students observe the finesse of combat!"
Professor McGonagall was not one to stick rigidly to rules; in fact, she had graduated from Hogwarts with top grades in Spellwork and had been promoted within the Ministry of Magic within two years.
As a capable witch, she was acutely aware of the importance of this duel for the students. The faculty affairs could not be concealed from the keen-nosed Hogwarts students, and indeed, the professors did not intend to hide them. Consequently, students started asking questions right away. After obtaining confirmation from the people involved and approval from the Deputy Headmistress, Penelope quickly relayed the news to her classmates. Following Hogwarts' excellent tradition, the news spread instantly from the hall throughout the entire castle. Some students who weren't in the hall for dinner were fetched by classmates and friends and brought there. By just before seven o'clock, the hall was packed with eager students—no one wanted to miss such an opportunity.
However, five minutes later, they were driven out of the hall—"The hall still needs to be set up; don't get in the way!" Professor McGonagall closed all the doors to the hall. The young wizards, though dissatisfied, dared not complain. Professor McGonagall was always strict, feared not just in Gryffindor, but also in the other three houses. In the eyes of the students, she was even more imposing than Headmaster Dumbledore.
Yet, they did not leave, but instead, squeezed shoulder to shoulder at the entrance of the hall, vigorously discussing among themselves. As time passed in their anticipation, the doors of the hall swung open promptly at eight. The students surged forward eagerly, but stopped near the entrance. Professor McGonagall was standing there.
"Where are the prefects? Hurry and maintain order. First years at the front, seventh years at the back, come in without regard to your house!" Harry and Ron beamed with joy, following behind Percy, looking around the newly arranged hall. The tables and chairs had vanished, and a rectangular stage had appeared in the middle of the hall. Professors Fawley and Sprout, wands in hand, stood on the stage, smiling at them.
"Surround the stage, first years in the front row, seventh years, you'll have to stand at the back." After Professor Fawley's directions, the students organized themselves as instructed, standing neatly. However, the students mostly preferred to line up on both sides, right by the hands of the two professors, as if this could somehow strengthen the professors they supported. Students from first to third years stood unwaveringly behind Professor Sprout, along with a few from the higher grades.
They had seen the professor's magical abilities to some extent and had full confidence in his power.
"Professor Sprout can cast a spell in just a second, she could overwhelm Professor Fawley with sheer volume alone!"
Other students gathered on the other side, some confident in Professor Fawley, while many were venting their dissatisfaction.
Yes, dissatisfaction.
Especially the upperclassmen, who were very displeased that their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was the timid Quirrell, frustrated that Professor Sprout repeatedly refused their requests to teach the class!
"Professor Fawley is a dueling champion with countless victories, how could he lose in such a small battle?!"
Under the prefects' supervision, the students' discussions in the hall went from uproar to whispering, creating a buzzing of excited murmurs.
"Look, Professor Dumbledore is here too!"
The sudden voice sounded particularly abrupt in the hall; Harry turned to see that Dumbledore and other professors, including his least favorite, Professor Snape, were standing behind the staff table.
Dumbledore waved at them.
"Don't mind us, tonight's stars are the two professors on stage. What you need to do is observe carefully—this demonstration will be beneficial for everyone."
His voice wasn't loud but reached every young wizard's ears clearly.
"Did you hear that? Even Headmaster Dumbledore will gain from this duel!" Ron shouted excitedly.
Even Hermione, who supported Professor Sprout, couldn't bear to listen, "The Headmaster emphasized us; this is just a demonstration for us."
Ron's enthusiasm faded a bit.
"Can't you stop raining on my parade?"
However, their discussion didn't last long, as Professor Fawley, smiling, picked up where Dumbledore had left off.
"Tonight's duel is merely a demonstration, so we will only use simple spells and Transfiguration."
"But simple spells can also produce sophisticated effects," he paused, allowing the students to recover from their disappointment, "Our demonstration is meant to show you overconfident young wizards that the simple spells you underestimate can still be tremendously powerful!"
Without further explanation, Professor Fawley turned around and made a preparatory dueling gesture towards Professor Sprout.
"Begin, Professor Sprout."
Professor Sprout briskly raised her wand, and they bowed to each other, then held their wands in front of them like arrows.
Professor McGonagall temporarily took on the role of the announcer, explaining their actions to everyone.
"This is the standard dueling stance. After I count to three, they will officially begin the duel."
The students below held their breath, Hermione clenched her hands so tightly that she didn't even notice her fingernails digging into her skin.
"Three... two..."
All the students stretched their necks in anticipation, afraid to miss any detail. The discussions that had lingered on were instantly silenced, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere outside the door.
"One!"