The Showdown Between Lion and Serpent (I)

He walked back to the dueling platform, jumped up, and faced the expressions below him—awed, confused, excited, indifferent. Spreading his arms as though embracing the entire Great Hall, he said, "All right, the demonstration is over. Next, pair up and spend half an hour practicing the Disarming Charm. Be careful, control your strength, and don't try turning the floor into wood with a Transfiguration Charm—you don't have the talent for plant affinity."

Laughter broke out below the stage. It was not loud, but it was sincere enough.

The atmosphere that had been taut moments ago finally began to ease.

Madara leaned against a stone pillar, his scarlet eyes closing once more.

His lips moved slightly, but no sound came out. He had not interrupted while Lockhart controlled the room. He had not objected when Lockhart casually classified "Wood Release" as "special training." When Severus Snape left, he had not even opened his eyes. His breathing became deep and steady, like someone who could sleep soundly even in a noisy marketplace.

On the dueling platform, Lockhart was correcting the wand movements of two Hufflepuff girls practicing the Disarming Charm. His motions were patient and meticulous, every one of them like he was carving an exquisite work of art.

At the staff table, Professor McGonagall took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose hard.

Professor Flitwick stood on his chair, rapidly writing something in a small notebook.

Professor Sprout's tightly furrowed brow never relaxed.

Candlelight swayed softly beneath the lofty dome of the Great Hall, casting everyone's shadows upon the walls. They overlapped and tangled together like a painting still in progress, one whose ending no one knew.

The shock Uchiha Madara had brought did not fade so quickly. During the half hour of practice, Lockhart darted among the