After the two bowed to each other, the Duelling Competition began.
Barty Crouch Jr. flicked his wrist sharply, and a red spell shot straight at Snape with a piercing shriek.
There was not a trace of panic in Snape's black eyes. His wand whirled through the air, and in the blink of an eye, three ordinary candles melted and twisted out of shape. Their flames tangled together as if alive, becoming a shield flickering with silver fire.
The spell slammed viciously into the shield, scattering sparks everywhere and illuminating both their faces.
Seizing the opportunity, Snape began his counterattack. With a sweep of his wand, the black light of a Shield Charm shot toward Barty Crouch Jr. with a sharp whoosh. The air along its path hissed as though it had been sliced apart.
"Protego!" Barty Crouch Jr.'s expression changed, and he hurriedly raised his wand. A transparent protective barrier immediately enveloped him.
The Shield Charm struck the barrier with an ear-piercing screech, sending ripples across its surface.
Two powerful magical forces clashed fiercely within the cramped space. Fine beads of sweat appeared on both their foreheads, and for a moment, neither could gain the upper hand.
Snape's wand moved faster and faster, snapping like a whip as spell after spell shot continuously toward Barty Crouch Jr.
In the end, relying on his deeper reserves of magic, Snape caught the tiny opening Barty Crouch Jr. exposed as he drew breath. A Stunning Spell struck him squarely in the chest.
Barty Crouch Jr. flew backward like a kite with its string cut, crashed into the magical barrier at the edge of the stage, and hit the ground hard. His wand fell from his hand as well.
"Stop attacking!" Professor Flitwick shouted almost at the same time. He leaped down from his