Chapter 6: A Bully Never Learns
[Spell Training Ground, Hogwarts]
Charms was a unique class, unlike any other. It was the only class that allowed students to use offensive magic against each other. Though heavily restricted, students could experience the art of dueling in Charms.
Because of this, almost everyone loved the class.
Some enjoyed throwing spells, others relished the freedom to use their magic, while some wanted to understand the theory behind it all.
Whether bookworm or practical genius, everyone adored this class, except for the few who excelled at none.
"Dueling will be a class for later years. Today, however, we'll practice a few spells and charms related to self-defense," Professor Flitwick announced. The small but authoritative professor continued, "You'll learn to defend yourself, disarm your opponent, and cast counterspells—a total of three to four spells."
Everyone perked up at this.
"Harry," the professor called to the most magically gifted student. "Why don't you try the spells first?"
"Don't worry, it won't cause harm," he assured.
Though hesitant, Harry stepped forward, reassured by the professor.
Nearly everyone watched him intently, causing him to feel a bit embarrassed.
"Now, Harry," Flitwick said, standing a few feet away. "What do you think is the best way to start a duel—good offense or defense?"
The question puzzled Harry and many onlookers.
"I assume offense, sir," Harry replied. "If one takes the lead and strikes first, they can force the opponent into a corner, possibly overpowering them."
Flitwick smiled. "Good."
Harry nodded, pleased to have answered correctly, or so he thought.
"Does anyone else have a different opinion?"
Most agreed with Harry, keeping their hands down, but a few did not.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Hermione raised her hand.
"Defense offers better insight into the opponent's mind, Professor," she explained. "Defending first allows you to understand your opponent's strategy. If done right, it can discourage them, giving you the chance to counterattack."
Once again, the students pondered her answer, nodding thoughtfully.
"A good judgment," the professor praised. "But which is correct? Offensive or defensive?"
The murmurs divided; some sided with Harry's idea of striking first, while others agreed with Hermione, seeing wisdom in observing first.
"Well then," Professor Flitwick said, amused by the debate. "Why don't we try some spells to see which approach works best?"
The students glanced at one another, sharing competitive expressions.
"The first charm you'll try is an explosive spell, Bombarda," the professor explained. "You've all studied its incantation and effects."
The students nodded, aware of its power.
"Harry, go ahead and cast the spell," Flitwick instructed, and Harry complied.
With his wand pointed at mannequins meters away, he cast the spell. Bombarda didn't require pinpoint accuracy; aiming in the general direction was enough.
"Bombarda!" Harry shouted, and a line of flame burst forth, culminating in a dusty explosion that damaged many of the mannequins, destroying those in direct range.
"Impressive, Harry," Flitwick praised. "You're familiar with Stupefy and other basic defense spells. But spells like this are used against multiple enemies or for creating distractions."
He glanced proudly at a few students. "Some of you have bugged me enough in the past to teach you this."
Among them, Damien lowered his head, embarrassed—not for asking about it, but because he struggled to master its destructive potential.
"Now, the next spell we'll cover is Expelliarmus, a non-violent charm used to disarm an opponent." Without warning, Flitwick cast, "Expelliarmus!"
Taken by surprise, Harry's wand flew from his hand.
"Apologies, Harry," he said, "but this is a useful demonstration."
Many had seen Expelliarmus before, but its utility was undeniable.
"Today, we'll also review Stupefy and Protego," Flitwick continued. "Stupefy, you know well, and Protego, though simple to learn, is challenging to master."
Flitwick instructed Harry to cast Waddiwasi, a projectile spell they had learned the previous week.
Harry complied, sending a stone hurtling toward the professor.
"Protego!" Flitwick called, raising a translucent barrier that stopped the projectile.
"I'll skip Stupefy, as you're already familiar with it," he said.
"Now, using the spells you've learned today—perhaps adding Waddiwasi—I want you all to consider which approach is superior: offense or defense."
Harry raised his hand. "I still believe offense is superior, Professor."
"Please elaborate," Flitwick encouraged.
"Using spells like Bombarda to create explosions and blind the opponent, we could follow up with Stupefy or use Waddiwasi to keep them off guard. If they can't see or predict the attack, defensive spells become less effective."
"What if it's a spell that provides protection from all directions?" Hermione countered. "A skilled witch or wizard can use Protego to guard against multiple angles."
Harry frowned thoughtfully, considering her point.
"And in most cases, spamming offensive spells tires out the caster faster than someone holding a strong defense," she added.
Once again, she had a valid point. Many defensive spells were demanding, but some offensive spells were exhausting to cast even once.
"So, what's the ultimate answer?" Flitwick asked, as the class remained divided.
The professor laughed. "To truly answer, you should test these spells against a live opponent."
Smiling slyly, he added, "Harry, would you like to pick someone to test your theory?"
Flitwick expected Harry to choose Hermione or a willing defender.
But Harry, who believed magic, especially harmful magic, should only be used out of necessity, shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Professor, but I don't feel ready to duel anyone right now."
Harry's response surprised the class and slightly disappointed Flitwick.
"Well, I can't force you, Harry," he said. "Anyone else interested in testing their theory may step forward."
Several hands shot up, and Flitwick noted the enthusiasm. Before he could choose, a certain student stepped forward with a request.
"Professor, may I choose my opponent if I represent the offensive side?" Draco asked, wearing a polite expression.
"Well," Flitwick considered. "I don't see why not. Go ahead, Draco."
Draco smirked and turned to face a classmate.
"Then, I'd like Damien Butler to come forward, as he raised his hand for neither offense nor defense. I'm interested to see what he chooses."
The class murmured, realizing Draco intended to make Damien look weak.
"That…" Flitwick hesitated, knowing Damien's promise in theory but his challenges in practical spells.
"It's fine, Professor," Damien said, surprising everyone by stepping forward. "I'd like to understand the answer myself."
Despite his nerves, Damien was determined to explore the unpredictable side of magic—a power unlike physical strength.
But the curiosity to test his skills and stats drove him forward.
For Damien, the worst possible outcome wasn't so terrible.
'At most, I'll get hurt or make a fool of myself. Maybe both,' he thought, shaking his head. 'Nothing I haven't experienced before.'
"Are you sure about this, Damien?" the professor asked again, hesitant to let one of his prized students risk injury.
Professor Flitwick knew that, despite Damien's limited magical ability, his vast theoretical knowledge alone could carry him to positions of influence as he grew.
"Yes, Professor," Damien assured. While Flitwick wasn't keen on allowing him to fight, he also knew he couldn't stop him.
After all, to a teacher, every student was equal.
"Then I won't stop you, Damien," Flitwick sighed. "But remember, both of you, that you are not to draw blood or cause lasting harm. We have the best healer, Madame Pomfrey, but even she would not take kindly to fixing a missing limb."
A few students chuckled as Flitwick cleared his throat. "Also, don't use Bombarda directly on each other. It's a distraction spell, meant for ranged use."
Both students nodded, stepping onto the marked ground.
"Then, both of you, take your positions."
As Damien moved forward, Harry leaned close and whispered, "Be careful. He's probably planning something."
Damien gave the hero of Hogwarts a small smile but didn't respond.
Damien already knew Draco intended to use this as an opportunity for revenge. He walked and leaned toward Draco and whispered just loud enough for him to hear, "I thought you promised not to be a bully."
"I promised not to bully you like before. This is different," Draco smirked. "Just two people with different perspectives trying to convince each other."
But they both knew better. This was Draco's way of getting back at Damien.
"Three!"
Damien sighed and raised his wand, meeting Draco's gaze.
"Two!"
Draco kept smirking, his grip tightening around his wand.
"One!"
Both raised their wands in unison.
"Begin duel!"
"Bombarda!"
Wasting no time, Draco fired the Bombarda spell directly toward Damien, narrowly missing his face.
A few students gasped, and even Flitwick frowned. But one indirect spell wasn't going to stop this newly empowered boy.
"Protego!"
To everyone's surprise, Damien cast Protego. Unlike the small shield he'd created in class with Flitwick, this was a full, arched, translucent barrier—enough to shield him from dust and debris.
"Huh?" murmured some onlookers, while Flitwick's eyes widened.
'That shouldn't be possible with his level of magical power,' Flitwick thought, scrutinizing Damien. 'Something about him has changed.'
The professor, having taught Damien for over a year noticed every little change in the boy's powers.
Draco, however, was anything but impressed. In anger, he cast another spell.
"Bombarda!" he chanted, following it up with "Waddiwasi!"
Fragments from the initial explosion, multiple projectiles, launched toward Damien from all directions.
The audience watched in awe as Draco controlled and directed multiple projectiles at Damien. But Flitwick remained focused on Damien, who continued to hold his Protego shield against the onslaught.
'How did he get so strong?' the professor wondered. 'He hasn't used any enhancers or potions.'
Forced to accept the evidence in front of him, Flitwick began to believe that Damien had increased his magical reserves through sheer determination and practice.
On the other hand, Draco was visibly frustrated.
"How dare you defend against my spells, you filthy mudblood," he spat, panting heavily. "Bombarda!"
Yet another explosion spell, and once again, no harm to Damien.
By now, everyone noticed Draco's strength was waning under the strain of his repeated Bombarda and Waddiwasi spells.
"Bom-Bombarda!" Draco yelled, nearly collapsing from exhaustion—all while Damien defended effortlessly.
Finally, Damien decided it was time to go on the offensive.
The professor glanced at him with interest, and Draco grit his teeth in frustration.
"So, is defense superior to offense, Damien?" Flitwick inquired.
Damien lowered his Protego shield, preparing to attack, much to Draco and his cronies' dismay.
"Not necessarily, Professor," Damien replied, confusing some students—though Flitwick's knowing smile remained.
The professor had a sense of what Damien might say.
"Then what's the answer, Damien?"
"You little—" Draco began, but he was cut off as Damien's spell shot toward him.
"Stupefy!"
The spell hit Draco, who was defenseless and drained, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"The answer depends on the opponent, Professor," Damien explained with a smile. "If they're paranoid or unprepared, an offensive start takes them by surprise. If they're overconfident like Draco, you tire them out defensively, then strike with an attack, which secures victory—like here."
Professor Flitwick laughed, although still a little worried of Damien's sudden growth in magical strength."Perfect answer! And all it took for everyone to understand was a single duel!"
His laughter echoed, then he turned to look at Draco.
"Could someone check on Mr. Malfoy? Perhaps take him to Madame Pomfrey's office."
Crabbe and Goyle rushed to Draco's side, while the rest of the students murmured about the duel they had just witnessed.