The python in Neville's hand writhed, its scales rubbing against his palm with a cold, slick sensation.
He swung his arm with all his strength and, before the python could coil around it, barely managed to fling it at Barty Crouch Jr.
"Pretty quick..." Barty Crouch Jr. did not even raise his wand, casually dodging the incoming python.
"Confundus Charm!" Neville pointed his wand at the python that had flown behind Barty Crouch Jr. "Summoning Charm!"
Barty Crouch Jr. realized something was wrong and instinctively ducked to evade, but Neville's unexpected Summoning Charm still caused the restored longsword to slash his arm.
"Hiss!" He drew in a sharp breath. Blood seeped from the wound, carrying a persistent, burning pain.
His expression darkened as he looked at Neville with icy cold eyes. "Using a Confundus Charm like that? Very good!"
Neville had no intention of answering. He gripped the summoned longsword and strode forward, trying to close the distance between himself and Barty Crouch Jr.
They had not been far apart to begin with, and he easily reached Barty Crouch Jr.
This time, the distance between him and Barty Crouch Jr. was even shorter than it had been with Bellatrix Lestrange.
"Engorgio!"
His incantation rang out at the same time. Under the Enlarging Charm's effect, the sword blade extended several inches forward, just enough to strike Barty Crouch Jr. in the chest.
Unfortunately, he failed to lengthen the blade with the Enlarging Charm, and the longsword in his hand turned into a python once more.
Because he had just cast the Enlarging Charm, the python's body changed as well, visibly thickening by an entire size.
Godric Gryffindor had mentioned all sorts of shortcomings of swordsmanship in Introduction to Muggle Swordsmanship, and Neville was now experiencing them firsthand.
It was far too