Hufflepuff's Valentin moved!
Sirius's voice suddenly rose at the commentary desk.
"A Bay Leaf! Did you see that?"
"He's actually trying to put out the Fire Serpent spell with his mouth!"
"Yes, I've seen similar magic. This must be one of Professor Holmes's little tricks..."
In the arena, Valentin stuffed the Bay Leaf into his mouth with his left hand.
He calmly chewed twice.
Scorching breath was already rushing toward his face.
The Fire Serpent's fangs were almost touching the tip of his nose.
He spat.
A glob of saliva, mingled with the fresh scent of vegetation, struck the Fire Serpent precisely.
"Hiss-"
The flames let out a resentful wail and instantly fell apart, leaving only a wisp of smoke that curled and faded.
Almost at that same instant.
A silent spell had already shot from the tip of the wand in Valentin's right hand.
It was merely a simple Levitation Charm.
Yet it made the battle-hardened Auror Garrick stumble, throwing his balance fatally off-center.
After a brief silence, applause erupted in the stands.
The students' chatter swelled into a buzzing tide, all marveling at this incredible combination.
On the Speaker's Platform, the Ministry of Magic officials exchanged looks.
The Hogwarts professors, however, remained unperturbed.
When developing this move, Douglas had discussed the magical conductivity of Bay Leaves with Professor Sprout.
He had also talked with Professor Flitwick about the timing of Nonverbal Spells.
Of course, there had also been a little advice from Professor Snape on "the catalytic properties of saliva in certain potion reactions."
"Ravenclaw's Meg Erin!"
"She's a Chaser. Look how quickly she's adapting to the Air-Treading Insoles!"
Sirius's voice rang out again, full of excitement.
"She stepped straight into thin air and dodged the other Fire Serpent!"
"She's claimed the air superiority she knows best!"
"Oh,