The Killing Curse required malice, and Professor Flitwick had clearly decided to kill.
Attacking his own student was something Professor Flitwick could never forgive.
The next moment, the Dark Wizard who had attacked Will took two Killing Curses in succession. He died on the spot and crumpled like a heap of rags.
A Dark Wizard behind and to Professor Flitwick's side felt his heart pound. Seeing how fierce the little professor was, he decided to take him out first.
He pointed his Wand at Professor Flitwick's back and opened his mouth to cast a spell—
Suddenly, an invisible force slammed him hard into the ground.
Bang!
Before the Dark Wizard could understand what had happened, his Wand flew from his hand. Then he heard his neck snap.
Crack!
His body collapsed like a bundle of torn cloth. Will lowered the fingers hidden inside his sleeve as though nothing had happened.
They were in Hogsmeade, after all, and Professor Flitwick was right there. It would not do to show too much.
But more Dark Wizards had noticed him. Professor Flitwick had used the Killing Curse to protect a student, and several of them saw Will as an opening.
"Kill the student first, then the old dwarf!"
"There's a student over there! Grab him!"
"Forget the old dwarf," someone roared. "Just attack the student!"
Three or four Dark Wizards turned at once and cast Jinxes at Will.
Will was a little exasperated. Keeping up appearances was exhausting. Coming to Hogsmeade with Professor Flitwick tonight had not been a good choice.
Will immediately swung his Wand. "Protego!"
At the same time, he swept his other hand through the air, forming Rune Symbols. In an instant, silver-white runes surrounded Will, while another cluster appeared around Professor Flitwick.
"Professor, these are all defensive runes!"
Will