Chapter 357: Duel

In the evening, the Library.

John, do you know about Draco and Harry's duel arrangement?

Hermione and John sat together, and she asked him.

I already knew; it spread across the school early this morning.

This morning, Draco went to challenge Harry face-to-face, and in the process mocked Dumbledore.

This action left everyone stunned.

A few months ago, Draco openly defected from Voldemort's side and switched to Dumbledore's camp.

These past few months, he barely managed to infiltrate the core circle of Dumbledore's camp.

As a result, he now openly provokes Harry in front of the whole school and openly questions Dumbledore's authority.

No one can figure out Draco's position anymore.

I know you're still taking it easy.

Seeing John leisurely reading his book, Hermione said irritably.

Eh, it's no big deal.

They've had a deep grudge for a while; this is a good chance for them to vent.

There's a saying: no fight, no friendship.

After fighting, they might even grow closer.

Seeing Hermione frown, John reluctantly tried to soothe her.

Is that the point? The point is Draco was fine before; how did he suddenly become like this?

Moreover, his target isn't just Harry; he's also mocked everyone who supports Dumbledore.

Before, he never dared to provoke so many people.

Hermione stared at John, having long noticed he showed no surprise, as if he already knew something.

Seeing Hermione keep staring at him, John also resignedly closed his book.

He indeed knows something.

Yesterday he just formulated a big plan with Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Snape.

But he isn't entirely clear on the specific reason for Draco's action.

Because he hasn't even figured out why Dumbledore went to such trouble to organize this plan.

He can only guess that Draco's abnormal behavior is meant to pave the way for Grindelwald's appearance.

He also doesn't know what there is to pave the way for.

A has-been Dark Lord.

Anyway, Dumbledore only said everything is for the last one, namely the seventh Horcrux that hasn't been uncovered yet.

He trusts Dumbledore, so he has no choice but to go along reluctantly.

Now Hermione is again probing for details, so he can only share what he can to comfort her.

Actually, I don't know much either.

All I know is that during the month Draco went missing, he met an extraordinary teacher.

Draco's action seems to be preparing to vindicate that teacher by challenging the representative of Dumbledore's students.

Furthermore, Draco's return from abroad was also at that teacher's behest.

Before this, he never mentioned Grindelwald to Hermione, and naturally he doesn't this time either.

But Grindelwald is about to appear, so he uses the identity of 'teacher' as a placeholder.

Hearing John's words, Hermione immediately furrowed her brows.

This at least can explain Draco's change after his return.

But there are still some unreasonable aspects.

To vindicate his teacher? Is it necessary to provoke so many people?

Wouldn't a normal challenge suffice?

Seeing Hermione still looking doubtful.

John simply pulled Hermione into his embrace and coaxed her like a child.

All right, don't worry, Hermione, everything is under control.

It won't stir up any big waves.

Seeing John not reveal more plans, yet subtly hinting the situation is under control, probably Dumbledore also has his own layout.

Hermione could only suppress her doubts and obediently lean into John's embrace.

John would like to tell Hermione everything he knows, and he certainly trusts she won't blab.

But the subsequent plans are too dangerous, fearing Hermione would worry.

Moreover, he himself hasn't figured out Dumbledore's intent, so he temporarily won't tell her.

Only Dumbledore and Grindelwald truly know the full plan and its purpose.

They each layout and cooperate, solely to achieve a certain goal.

Draco probably knows little as well, merely carrying out Grindelwald's task.

So for now, it's best to wait and see, awaiting the next step.

Hogwarts does not allow private fights between students, nor sparring.

As for duels, they must be witnessed by faculty, held at a designated location, and registered according to school regulations.

But the school hasn't held dueling club activities for a long time, so there's no reason to let two students suddenly hold a formal duel.

So since Draco and Harry agreed to duel, three days have passed without an actual duel occurring.

But even so, it could not stop everyone's fervent anticipation for the duel.

Until today.

Suddenly, news came of their formal duel.

In the practical class conducted by a certain combat-oriented professor for teaching purposes......

Dark Arts Defense Class classroom.

A straight platform stretched across the center of the classroom.

Today was a joint lesson for sixth-year Gryffindor and Slytherin.

However, Professor Snape did not have everyone open their textbooks as usual; instead, he waved his wand and cleared a space in the center of the classroom.

Then he conjured a platform dedicated to dueling.

On either side of the platform, Slytherin and Gryffindor students stood holding their breath.

Professor Snape stood in the middle, his hands clasped in front of him.

Draco and Harry stood on either side of him.

Professor Snape seemed to do this intentionally.

Suddenly, a practical wizard dueling session was conducted, in which, aside from the Three Unforgivable Curses, all other offensive spells could be freely cast.

The aim was to let the students experience real combat firsthand.

However, anyone could see that this was giving Draco and Harry a chance for a public showdown.

As for why, no one knew.

"Wands, ready."

Professor Snape glanced at the two and spoke calmly.

Draco and Harry simultaneously raised their wands, holding them before their faces.

"Don't you remember dueling like this in second year, Bo Te?"

Standing opposite each other, Draco's lips curled slightly as he said with a light laugh,

Harry curled his lip: "Of course I remember; back then you attacked me sneakily, with No Martial Virtue."

Having said that, Harry switched to a serious expression.

"Draco, I don't know what you're up to, but since you won't say anything, I'll have to get answers with my wand."

"Ready."

Professor Snape's voice rang out again.

Both simultaneously angled their wands to their sides, the wands emitting a pleasant whooshing sound.

Then they bowed slowly.

As they bowed, Draco whispered again.

"Putting those complicated matters aside, I've actually wanted to truly compete with you for a long time."

Hearing this, Harry blinked slightly.

Because from these words one could tell that, besides simply wanting to truly compete with him, Draco seemed to have some kind of mission.

Harry frowned, recalling from when Draco had suddenly provoked him three days earlier.

During those three days they had no interaction; Draco seemed to be deliberately avoiding them, giving no explanation.

He merely used words to attack everyone who supported Dumbledore.

He had always wanted to ask Draco what had happened.

But when the bow was finished and they raised their heads, their eyes met.

It didn't matter anymore.

Harry: "I won't go easy on you."

Draco: "Perfect."

"Take your positions." Professor Snape's voice continued.

Both turned simultaneously, backs to each other.

Like a cowboy duel, each walked forward to the ends of the platform, then turned back in unison.

"Begin!"

Professor Snape's words had just fallen.

"Expelliarmus!"

"Retreat Enemy Three Feet!"

Two scarlet magic spells collided with a boom.