One-on-one duel

"Quiet, please! All eyes on the stage. Now, Snape and I will demonstrate the basics of dueling!"

Once the students quieted down, Lockhart and Snape walked to opposite ends of the stage. Lockhart bowed to his opponent, and Snape gave a very "polite" nod. Then Lockhart began... twirling his hands.

Well, you lived and learned. Very few people could make that hand-twirling dance look so... painful to watch!

With his legs pressed together, Lockhart twisted back and forth like a cobra with its head raised.

But his hips were stiff and inflexible, making his swaying upper body resemble a tree caught in a storm.

His expression was earnest and smug. When he heard the girls cheering, he twirled even more vigorously.

He kept at it for ages before raising his wand to his chest like a sword. Flashing his standard eight-tooth smile, he said, "Students, remember how I hold my wand. When dueling, this stance lets you counter your opponent as quickly as possible."

"Mr. Snape, when I count to three, we'll cast our first spells at each other. Of course, neither of us is to harm the other's body... or clothing!"

Hermione clenched her fists and stared nervously at the stage. Many of the young witches in the room wore the same expression.

Lockhart tossed his hair and called out, "One... two... three!"

Both men raised their weapons over their shoulders at the same time. Snape spoke first. "Expelliarmus!"

In an instant, a dazzling red beam shot from the tip of Snape's wand. It struck Lockhart, snapping his wrist back and sending his wand flying. He staggered backward several steps, then... landed on his backside.

After struggling to his feet, he gave an awkward smile. "Perfect. An absolutely perfect demonstration. You all saw that, didn't you? That was the