Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The Sky of Magic
On one side stood Cedric, tense and calculating, staring down Augustus's pale blue, roaring Wall of Wind spell. Though unfamiliar with the exact nature of the spell, Cedric quickly deduced its defensive capabilities. He reasoned that no matter how advanced a defensive spell, it must have limits to the damage it could absorb.
With determination, Cedric launched two Bone-Breaking Curses and three Shattering Hexes in succession, finally breaking through the Wall of Wind.
Taking advantage of Augustus's strangely absent-minded demeanor, Cedric decisively cast one of the most lethal spells in dueling: Stupefy. A vivid red light shot from Cedric's wand, heading straight for Augustus.
"Augustus!" Lilian shouted anxiously from the audience. Something seemed off about Augustus—his detached state suggested he wasn't fully focused on the duel. As the red light closed in, tension rippled through the crowd; many held their breath, worried for him.
Lilian's voice seemed to snap Augustus out of his daze. With an indifferent look, he watched the incoming spell. A flick of his wand summoned flames at his feet, quickly erupting upward. With a deafening boom, Augustus's body vanished, reappearing ten meters away, leaving the Stupefy spell to harmlessly strike the ground where he once stood.
The gathered students erupted in chatter. Apparition was strictly forbidden on Hogwarts grounds—how had Augustus managed this? Some of the faculty seemed less surprised. Professor Snape, recalling Augustus's use of a similar spell during the Head Boy Duel, remained calm but visibly intrigued.
The spell was Blazing Flash, a fifth-level fire magic technique. By harnessing explosive flames, it forcibly opened space for teleportation—a legal substitute for Apparition within the school. Lilian had long envied this spell, considering it the ideal workaround for students too young to Apparate. In her eyes, it was the perfect tool for duels, travels, and, perhaps, even showing off.
Cedric, however, felt a wave of despair. How could one combat an opponent who could freely blink across the dueling arena? Magic couldn't touch him, and any attack might be met with a sudden, decisive counterstrike. It wasn't even a fair race—Augustus had started halfway down the track while Cedric was still at the starting line. Cedric could only hope the exertion of such high-level magic would soon drain Augustus's magical reserves.
With an unreadable expression, Augustus raised his wand. The duel had lost its intrigue for him; it was time to end it. Through their brief exchanges, Augustus saw Cedric's potential. His combat awareness, pacing, and ability to challenge powerful magic with creative problem-solving were exceptional. In another world, Cedric might have risen to the rank of Archmage.
Pointing his silver wand skyward, Augustus conjured a dense cloud overhead. Thunder rumbled ominously, its low growls making the Great Hall feel stiflingly small. Students below stared at the sky in trepidation, imagining the onslaught Cedric was about to face.
Lightning forked downward from the stormy mass, its brightness mirrored in Cedric's eyes as he steeled himself. Layering Protego Totalum and Impedimentum around him, he prepared for the worst. But Augustus wasn't done. With another flick of his wand, a barrage of icicles spiraled upward from the left, while massive fireballs launched from the right. The ceiling became a battlefield of red, blue, and white, painting a dazzling yet terrifying tapestry.
The crowd gasped, overwhelmed by the aerial display. Cedric found himself caught in the midst of a symphony of destruction—lightning striking, fire roaring, and icicles slicing through the air. For a moment, he forgot he was in the school's Great Hall. The magic above was akin to the skies of a mythical battleground.
"Beautiful," Loki murmured, entranced. "So this is what magic can achieve—effortless grandeur. The stage is too small for such a performance, and Cedric... he isn't worthy of this symphony."
The students stood frozen in awe, the spectacle leaving even the most level-headed enchanted. Snape's ever-stoic expression had faltered; his mind raced. If he were in Cedric's place, could he survive? He didn't want to answer.
"I concede!" Cedric declared without hesitation. He turned to Augustus, his voice steady. This was no longer about pride or winning—continuing would risk his life. It was only a duel, after all, and he had no intention of becoming a casualty.
Augustus gave a small nod. With a sweeping motion of his wand, the fiery and stormy tableau vanished, leaving no trace. It was as though the breathtaking scene had been nothing but an illusion.
Professor Lockhart stood frozen, his expression blank, clearly overwhelmed by what he had just witnessed. After a long pause, he stammered, "I-I-I declare Augustus the victor!" His gaze flicked to Snape, frustration evident at having been outshone yet again.
Snape, impassive, ignored Lockhart's glare. "Augustus has treated us to a magical masterpiece," he announced. "Now, let's pair everyone up for practice duels. I hope you can all showcase your unique styles."
The students remained dazed, still lost in the spectacle they had just witnessed. Slowly, Snape and Lockhart began pairing students. Neville was partnered with Justin Finch-Fletchley, while Snape approached Harry and Ron.
"Time to break up the dream team," Snape sneered. "Weasley, you'll partner with Finnigan. Potter"
Harry instinctively moved closer to Hermione.
"Don't be so predictable," Snape said, his cold smile curling. "Malfoy, step forward. Let's see what happens when you face the famous Potter. As for you, Granger—pair up with Miss Bulstrode."
Malfoy's face lit up with a crooked grin. Though still mesmerized by the earlier duel, the thought of besting Harry in a fight filled him with glee. "Potter," he muttered, his smile darkening, "I hope you last longer than I expect."
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