Chapter 393: Counterspells and Coordination |
On the following weekend, the six champions gathered once again.
Led by Felix Harp, they strolled along the edge of the Black Lake. The lake's waters shimmered under the warm sunlight, and a few merpeople with forks in hand peeked out, observing them from the gaps between water plants.
"Did you all make any progress?"
Felix's words acted like a switch, prompting Hermione to start muttering immediately.
"I did some research. Hagrid's dragon-raising books are utterly useless. The 'Indulging Dragons' book does mention how to trim dragon nails with magic, but they recommend purchasing their own extra-large nail clippers instead of using magic... And there's a section about treating festering skin... The book does suggest bribing them with two large barrels of wine, but I believe that would only make their flames fiercer..."
"Harry's Disarming Charm isn't very effective. The scales of those fire dragons are too sturdy. The best we managed was flipping off a couple of scales, and then the enraged dragon breathed out blue flames—"
Harry tugged on her sleeve from the side, and she blinked in realization. "Um, to sum it up, we think a few spells might be useful—like the Eye-Blur Curse, the Impersonation Charm, the Golden Fire, and the Lumos spell... but we're not sure if we can use the Impersonation Charm in the final arena."
"And then there's dealing with dragons descending from the sky. I found out that even excluding the fire, their swooping down is terrifying..."
She sighed. "Defeating a dragon is just incredibly difficult."
Felix spoke cryptically, "Miss Granger, what has led you to entertain the notion of conquering a dragon?"
Hermione instinctively looked at Harry.
Harry scratched his head. "Isn't it obvious? Mr. Bagman said it would be quite challenging. We—mostly Hermione—read that during one competition, a Blast-Ended Skrewt went out of control, and all three heads of the school took injuries... So, based on that, we can assume our challenge will be even harder."
Roger Davies exclaimed in surprise, "Could that actually be true?"
Felix shook his head gently. "The likelihood is quite low. To give you a hint, the Ministry of Magic selects egg-laying female dragons for the dragon reserve. It's possible they want you to retrieve dragon eggs without endangering the fire dragons."
The six of them lowered their heads, pondering how to deal with this situation.
"...Of course, it will depend on the specific format of the competition. It's never a bad idea to be well-prepared." Felix added.
Finally, they arrived beneath a massive willow tree, and he gestured for them to sit down. "Now then, let's set aside the troubles of the dragons for the moment and discuss the restraint and coordination of spells."
"Back in your first year's Dueling Club, Professor Flitwick demonstrated the coordination between spells. Perhaps you've even tried it yourselves. Allow me to discuss the relationships of spell restraint—"
"In general, when we want to counter the effects of a certain spell, especially curses, it's most convenient to use recognized counter-curses or defensive spells. For instance, the Concealment Charm and the Disillusionment Charm, the Stunning Spell and the Reviving Charm, the Locking Charm and the Unlocking Charm, the Banishing Charm and the Summoning Charm—"
"Similarly, we can use 'Rictusempra' against a Boggart, 'Protego Patronum' against a Dementor, 'Silencio' against a Banshee or a Banshree, 'Expelliarmus' against a Grindylow..."
"But most of the time, when facing spells with no fixed counters, we need to think creatively and respond flexibly. If we want to remove some liquids, the 'Scourgify' and 'Whirlwind Sweep' spells can be used. Or if we wish to repel insects or small creatures, the Banishing Charm is more suitable, and the 'Evanesco' spell is a bit of a stretch, unless you're facing a group of small spiders or Fanged Geraniums. Additionally, although unverified, I speculate that the Cheering Charm might work well for treating the aftereffects of Dementor encounters."
"Think more broadly! In a duel, if you want to break through the defense of the Ironclad Charm, the most effective strategy is actually to use the Jelly-Legs Jinx... Of course, that's when you're facing inexperienced opponents. But no matter when, you can consider using Transfiguration to disrupt your opponent or create an area emitting a foul stench. Yes, I'm talking about the Dungbomb."
Harry and Ron grinned at each other.
Felix, in a detailed manner, explained the characteristics of each spell, captivating them with his words. They rarely had the chance to receive such a comparison of different spells. In their classes, they learned spells one by one.
Felix continued his explanation:
"Of course, spells can also be coordinated. Professor Flitwick's method is more advanced, requiring a certain level of magical control, but there's a somewhat simpler way to achieve similar effects through rapid spellcasting."
"For instance, the Snowflake Spell and the Slippery Ground Charm, if combined, can create an exceptionally smooth area, or three people casting the Sinking Hex simultaneously can create a trap in an instant... Don't forget, there are three of you."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged glances. They had experienced some unintentional coordination in this area before.
In their third year, they simultaneously used the Stunning Spell to ambush Peter the dwarf, promptly knocking him unconscious. It took his companion quite a while to wake him up, and even then, his mental state wasn't the best—he was slow to react by more than a beat. Eventually, his partner escaped, but he got caught.
"Why does the Ministry of Magic believe that a trio should increase the difficulty? Just because there are two more people?" Felix looked at them, his expression serious. "Do you recall the three keywords Mr. Crouch mentioned?"
"Courage, cooperation, and fire."
"Each word holds significance. 'Fire' points to the source of your danger—the dragons. 'Courage' is the most essential quality to overcome inner fear. I'm pleased to see that your spirits are high..." He glanced at Ron; Ron's resilience was rather weak, but he seemed alright for now, at least not trembling suddenly.
"'Cooperation' highlights the strategy you'll employ through the task."
Each of the six champions seemed lost in thought. In Felix's view, Cedric's team had progressed further on the path of cooperation; they had at least established clear roles. Cedric with his weather-related magic, Roger Davies with his Dark Thorn spell, Collins was still uncertain, but he believed he would undoubtedly have a crucial role.
As for Harry's team, Felix wasn't so sure. However, they would find out in a little while.
"Carefully consider what each of you can do. In the afternoon, we'll head to Classroom Seven to face real dragons. Though they're not real, the experience will be quite instructive. I believe you'll be surprised."
Felix playfully said, leaving Cedric's team excited but Harry's team somewhat feeble, especially Ron, whose face suddenly turned pale.
Felix shook his head inwardly; Ron's mental resilience was still lacking. Hopefully, they wouldn't be too frightened when the time came.
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