Matthew understood. Snape meant for Harry to lose in the third round.
If Harry lost too quickly and was taken out in an instant, he would not experience the pressure of facing a true expert.
After the two assumed their stances, Matthew said gently, "Come on, Harry. Use the magic you have the most confidence in."
Harry nodded and waved his wand. "Expelliarmus!"
A red light shot from the tip of Harry's wand, streaking toward Matthew's wand.
Matthew could tell that Harry's spell was far weaker than Snape's.
Matthew replicated what Snape had just done, gathering magic between his wand and, just before the spell struck him, flicking his wand forward to deflect Harry's spell back at him.
However, Harry's combat instincts were far superior to Lockhart's. He reacted immediately. "Armor Protection!"
An azure shield appeared before Harry, blocking the spell.
"Very good, Harry. Your reaction is better than Professor Lockhart's," Matthew said honestly.
"But your conviction is not firm enough!"
"Magic is the power of conviction!"
"If, before casting a spell, you have already assumed that it will be ineffective, then your spell will never be able to hit me!"
"Let me see where your limits lie, Harry!"
Harry took a deep breath, easing the tension in his heart. "I understand, Senior Matthew."
Harry cast aside all distracting thoughts and stopped thinking about how it was impossible to defeat Senior Matthew. "Expelliarmus!"
A dazzling red light shot from Harry's wand toward Matthew.
Many Wizards had spells they were skilled at, and they found those spells especially easy to wield.
And the spell most suited to Harry was undoubtedly the Disarming Charm.
Matthew could tell that the Disarming Charm Harry cast this time had already reached the level of an ordinary Adult Wizard.
Just as Harry thought he was about