He looked at the young wizards, who still seemed somewhat unconvinced.
Su Er smiled. This was his favorite part.
"It seems an explanation isn't very convincing. Then let's try another practical demonstration."
The young wizards' expressions changed. The few who had just fought Su Er could not help taking a step back. Losing a fight was actually all right. After all, this was an "adult." There was no shame in students who had yet to graduate losing to an "adult" who had spent years struggling through the dangerous world outside.
What made them shrink back was that being hit by a spell really did not feel very good.
"No one wants to try?" Su Er raised an eyebrow. "Then I'll choose someone."
The young wizards immediately lowered their heads, like students afraid of being called on in class. Even the usually bold Weasley twins did the same. They were brave, not stupid.
"Mr. Smith, you're up." Su Er pointed, seemingly at random.
Zacharias Smith, who had only just recovered, stiffened. He had already hidden at the back, so how had he still failed to escape...?
The other young wizards immediately cast sympathetic looks at him.
"Please step forward, Mr. Smith."
Facing Su Er's smiling expression, Smith was filled with regret. He had realized it now: the man before him was clearly singling him out to get back at him for repeatedly speaking up and contradicting him.
He desperately wanted to turn around and leave right now, but he could not. If he did that, he would never be able to hold his head up at Hogwarts again. No one would respect a cowardly wizard.
There was no other choice. At worst, he would only embarrass himself again. With that thought, Smith gritted his teeth and stepped out from the crowd