[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes":3,"chapter-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-217":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","HP: I AM SHERLOCK HOLMES",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1879757,2495,"Chapter 217: 0217 Dueling Club","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-217",217,"\u003Cp>At eight o'clock in the evening, almost all the students in the school had gathered in the Great Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long dining tables had vanished, and along one wall appeared a gilded stage illuminated by hundreds of floating candles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ceiling had once again become velvet-black, and despite the spaciousness of the Great Hall, it seemed rather crowded due to the large number of people who had come to join the club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present held their wands, faces bright with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hermione was no exception. She gripped Sherlock's hand tightly as she followed him, Harry, and Ron into the chattering crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm really curious—who do you think will be teaching us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cho told me that Professor Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young. Maybe it'll be him teaching us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Harry, Professor Flitwick was indeed a dueling champion, but someone else will be teaching us this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't care who it is, as long as it's not—oh bloody hell!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron stared in shock as Gilderoy Lockhart strode confidently onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today he wore a red-colored robe that, combined with his face, made him appear particularly radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gather round, gather round! Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me speak? Excellent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart stood in the center of the stage and casted a Sonorus Charm on himself before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The fact is, Professor Dumbledore, before leaving the school, granted me permission to start this little Dueling Club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purpose is to train you all thoroughly, in case you ever need to defend yourselves, using the methods I have employed countless times to protect myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For full details of these methods, see my published works.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew it!\" Ron couldn't help but cover his face with his hand, showing a pained expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quiet!\" Seeing Ron's expression, Hermione shot him an annoyed glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, allow me to introduce my assistant for this occasion—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like Professor Lockhart's assistant should be Professor Flitwick,\" Harry couldn't help saying to his companions nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they heard Lockhart announce: \"Professor Snape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Who?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present looked in surprise as the black-robed Professor Snape slowly walked onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he stood alongside Professor Lockhart, the contrast made the latter appear even more handsome and radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why him?\" Harry expressed his confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't the only one confused—almost everyone was surprised that Snape would do such a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, given his personality, he should have no interest in this sort of activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sherlock, you must be able to see why Professor Snape would do this, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Obviously,\" Sherlock looked at Snape, who was pursing his lips. \"He wants an opportunity to legitimately teach Lockhart a lesson.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good heavens!\" After hearing this, Hermione couldn't help but nervously cover her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron, on the other hand, looked pleased, whispering in Harry's ear. \"If they both end up badly hurt, wouldn't that be perfect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry didn't harbor as deep a dislike for Lockhart as Ron did, and could only shrug helplessly in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, I must extend my highest thanks to Professor Snape!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart's gaze swept around, and upon noticing that everyone was looking at him, he immediately broke into a satisfied smile, his eight teeth gleaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because he told me that he himself knows a thing or two about dueling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only that, but he has generously agreed to assist me with a small demonstration before we begin our lesson proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shall we give him a round of applause?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid enthusiastic applause, Lockhart became even more radiant. \"Now then, let me explain the rules of wizard dueling—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Lockhart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape suddenly spoke, interrupting Lockhart's words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May. We. Please. Begin. Now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape asked this question almost word by word through gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he deeply detested Lockhart's overly long introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Sherlock had deduced, his reason for agreeing to be Lockhart's assistant was to legitimately teach this pretentious fellow a lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha ha, don't be so eager, my dear Professor Snape. I wouldn't want these little ones to worry about you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he even winked at Snape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape: (°Ⅲ°)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for his concern about maintaining his dignity, Snape would have liked nothing more than to cast a curse directly at Lockhart in that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Lockhart remained completely oblivious and continued his teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be afraid, everyone. After Professor Snape and I finish our demonstration, I'll definitely return your Potions teacher to you completely unharmed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students present began screaming, especially the young witches, showing just how popular Professor Lockhart was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Snape's expression even more grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the next moment, Lockhart finally turned toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, the two faced each other directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart bowed to Snape with elaborate flourishes of his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape merely gave an impatient shake of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Goodness, Professor Lockhart is such a gentleman, unlike Professor Snape—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly! Professor Snape can hardly call that a bow—it barely counts as a nod!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really no manners at all!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snape's gaze swept coldly over them, and those young wizards who had been mocking him immediately fell silent as cicadas in winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, he and Lockhart raised their wands like swords to their chests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you can see, we hold our wands in the accepted combative position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at this point, Lockhart hadn't forgotten his commentary duties, speaking to the quiet crowd while assuming his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On the count of three, we will cast our first spells—of course, neither of us will be aiming to kill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Snape was already baring his teeth in a white grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this scene, Sherlock's lips curved slightly upward. This was precisely why he had come to join the Dueling Club.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was very interested in the true abilities of both Snape and Lockhart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Lockhart's count, he and Snape simultaneously raised their wands high above their shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost the instant Lockhart shouted \"Three,\" Snape bellowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Expelliarmus!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dazzling red light shot from the tip of his wand, reaching Lockhart's position in the blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, Professor Snape understood the principle of striking first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just as the spell was about to hit Lockhart, it seemed to strike something and deflected to one side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the young wizards could clearly see that in that instant, a red shield flashed briefly in front of Lockhart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shield Charm!\" Neville couldn't help but exclaim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene was all too familiar to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, it was only with Hannah's help that he hadn't been hit by Lockhart's Stunning Spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, when Lockhart cast the Blasting Curse, he had successfully performed this charm under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, since then, he had never managed it again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, seeing Lockhart perform it effortlessly, Neville couldn't help but look at him with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly worthy of being the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—once he acted, he was indeed extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Snape's turn, Lockhart wasn't to be outdone, also casting a Disarming Charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by an \"Expelliarmus,\" Snape relied on agile movement to dodge the spell completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he counterattacked with his own Disarming Charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two continued their back-and-forth battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone's disappointment, the only spell either used was the Disarming Charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart occasionally used defensive spells like the Shield Charm and Protego, while Snape stuck to Expelliarmus from start to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of casting posture alone, Lockhart's was more elegant, as if he were performing rather than dueling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, the two ultimately fought to a draw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, everyone saw that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After blocking another of Snape's Disarming Charms, Lockhart didn't immediately counterattack but stopped to address the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the Disarming Charm—the most basic and practical spell!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, if I wanted to defeat Professor Snape, it would be effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know, there are few people in this world who can fight me to a draw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to broaden your experience, I let you witness such a spectacular wizard duel—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Lockhart!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the battle was turn-based, after Lockhart stopped, Snape also lowered his wand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But hearing him start to ramble again, Snape could no longer contain himself and directly interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think we shouldn't waste any more time now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing that Professor Snape was already murderous, Lockhart felt somewhat embarrassed and coughed twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The demonstration ends here! Now I'll move among you and put you into pairs—Professor Snape, please help me—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron said irritably. \"If he weren't so pretentious, I definitely would have cheered for him just now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you hear what he said? He only fought Professor Snape to a draw on purpose, to give us more experience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You believe him? You might as well believe I'm Merlin's descendant!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Being able to fight Snape to a draw is already quite impressive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sherlock gave an objective assessment. \"Although they only used Disarming Charms, the dueling level Professor Snape displayed was no less than that of a true dueling master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\" Hermione nodded repeatedly. Sherlock was still the most perceptive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron was just good at wizard chess—what did he know about wizard dueling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What followed was unremarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart and Snape moved through the crowd, pairing up the young wizards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, both immediately headed toward Harry's direction without prior arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Snape, what are you planning?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Professor Lockhart, I should be the one asking you that question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Harry standing close to Sherlock, Snape sneered coldly. \"I think the dream team of the Lion King and the Boy Who Lived should be broken up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that necessary?\" Lockhart frowned. \"I think they work well together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Harry's favorable impression of Lockhart reached its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ron's gaze toward Lockhart became gentler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who dared oppose Snape was a good fellow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the next moment, after Snape said in a long drawing voice. \"I think it is,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lockhart immediately gave up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron: (－_－)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I knew this guy was a coward!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can read more than 40 chapters on:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patreon.com\u002FMikeyMuse\u003C\u002Fp>",1638,"2026-06-10T06:27:24.273Z",1,"novelbin.me","a23ee2f8f6f748a2c1f651f47c99d9d432df85e00c1b6198a6fa21a69e4b4636","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-218","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-216",637,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-cover.jpg"]