The crisp crack of the Communication Pea being crushed had not yet fully faded when Corbett heard the drunkard let out an "Urgh!" and collapse stiffly to the ground.
He raised his head rigidly and saw that the Muggles who had packed the area were all unconscious. Only several Aurors surrounded him at the center, their wands sealing off every angle. The glow gathering at their tips cast his face ghastly white.
"Surrender, Corbett!" the leading Auror shouted sternly.
But Corbett's only response was the madness and resolve flashing through his eyes.
He swung his wand fiercely and roared, "Confringo!"
The crimson spell light lunged at the crowd like a roaring fire serpent.
Boom—!
The Aurors reacted with astonishing speed, raising their wands:
"Iron Shield Charm!"
"Impedimenta!"
"Stupefy!"
Several spell lights narrowly grazed Corbett's body, while one Petrificus Totalus struck him squarely in the abdomen.
But before the Auror who had cast it could show any joy, the spell rebounded and knocked another Auror straight down!
Corbett remembered the Anti-Curse Vest hidden beneath his robes, unable to keep himself from showing an expression of both pain and relief.
Using the smoke and dust as cover, he lunged toward the opening like a wounded beast. At the same time, he flicked his wand behind him and cast a silent Impediment Jinx, holding up the two foremost pursuers for a few seconds.
Just then, a tricky Severing Charm struck Corbett like a venomous snake snapping its fangs!
"Aah!"
He screamed as an invisible blade sliced open the outside of his thigh, cutting deep enough to expose bone.
Blood gushed out. The agonizing pain nearly brought him to his knees, but his instinct to survive forced him to stagger behind the bar.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Stunning Spells struck the walls and liquor cabinets