As soon as Kai Adler sensed the sheer intensity of the magic surging from Lockhart's wand, he realized it wasn't just a simple Stupefy. His focus sharpened instantly.
With practiced precision, he murmured a counter-spell at remarkable speed, channeling his magic as he swept his wand in a fluid arc before him. A faint shimmer filled the air.
"Protego!"
A transparent magical barrier burst forth just in time.
The dazzling jet of blue light from Lockhart's wand slammed into the shield with a thunderous crack, sending brilliant sparks across the dueling stage. For a brief moment, it looked like lightning had struck between the two.
A chorus of gasps rose from the students. The young witches and wizards craned their necks, wide-eyed. The force of the spell sent a shimmering wave of pressure rippling across the floor.
Hermione's hands clenched at the hem of her robes, knuckles white. In their eyes, Kai appeared to be straining—desperately resisting the force of a seasoned professor's spell.
The space before him lit up like a forge, flickering violently. But Kai simply narrowed his eyes, calm and composed amid the chaos.
He could feel it now—hidden beneath the surface of Lockhart's Stupefy was a subtle, insidious trace of mental magic.
Memory magic.
His gaze sharpened further.
So, this was the signature of the so-called "Memory Charm Master" that even Dumbledore had once praised?
Impressive technique. Hidden, but not enough to fool him.
Magic welled up inside him again, flaring through his arm as he focused. The force behind his shield surged—and with a sudden flash, Lockhart's spell rebounded.
It screamed through the air, now hurtling back toward its caster at blistering speed.
The moment Lockhart saw it, his eyes widened in horror.
He recognized the spell—not the surface-level stun, but the modified structure woven into it. That hidden charm… if it hit him, it wouldn't just knock him over. He'd lose memories. Possibly even critical ones.
That spell could unravel everything.
His fame, his carefully manufactured persona, all built on the backs of others—it would all collapse with one strike.
Without a shred of dignity, he dove to the floor.
The rebounded spell whizzed past, shearing through the air with a screech before slamming into the far wall. Stone exploded. Dust and debris flew.
A smoking crater, nearly a meter wide, gaped in the side of the Great Hall.
Professor Snape, who had been watching silently from the shadows, arched an eyebrow. His cold gaze lingered on Kai's back—less surprised than intrigued.
The rest of the hall, however, was silent for a beat—then erupted into stunned murmurs.
And then laughter.
Not the polite sort, but full-throated hilarity.
Because Lockhart was still on the ground—his extravagant shoulder cape had flipped forward during his dive, covering his face entirely.
From the audience's perspective, all they saw was his lavishly robed backside raised high in the air.
Like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.
Harry and Ron's laughter rose above the rest. Even Hermione had to stifle a snort behind her hands.
But Kai didn't laugh.
He stared quietly at the crater in the wall. His brow furrowed slightly.
Only a week ago, this man had been unable to properly disarm a pixie.
Now he was casting a compound spell of this level?
No… something was off.
Had Dumbledore intervened and given him extra tutoring? Or… had he been hiding his true strength all along?
There were no immediate answers. Only suspicion.
Lockhart, hearing the laughter, scrambled to his feet with awkward haste. He dusted off his robes, forcibly restoring his usual composure.
"Splendid spellwork, Mr. Adler!" he declared loudly, flashing an overly bright smile. "Of course, I was holding back—only one percent of my power, naturally—but the fact that you could reflect it is certainly something to be proud of!"
"Five points to Gryffindor!"
Boos rang out immediately. Ron's voice cut through with a loud, "You've got to be joking!"
The crater on the far wall said everything. If that was one percent, then Lockhart was Merlin reincarnated.
Kai simply inclined his head with a faint, unfazed smile.
"Thank you, Professor, for holding back."
Lockhart flinched at the words, hearing the bite in them despite the civility.
Still, he chuckled stiffly, waving a hand. "As a teacher, I mustn't go all out against a student. Wouldn't be proper."
"Then…" Kai took a step forward, wand still in hand. "Since you've demonstrated your spell, might I ask for your critique of mine?"
His tone was perfectly courteous. But to Lockhart, it rang with ominous intent.
Earlier at lunch, Kai had overheard Harry and Ron lamenting how much they wished someone would shut Lockhart up for once. He'd considered it then—accidentally knocking the man out mid-duel. If questioned, he could always chalk it up to an "uncontrollable burst of magic." It had worked before.
Besides, he was fairly certain Dumbledore would cover for him.
The reflected spell had missed by a hair's breadth. But if Kai cast it directly…
Lockhart wouldn't be able to dodge.
He readied his wand again, preparing to cast—
"Wait!"
Lockhart raised his hands and quickly withdrew his wand.
"I believe I've seen enough," he said hastily. "If we were to continue, there's a risk I might injure you, of course—unintentionally, of course. Perhaps it's better if my colleague, Professor Snape, takes over instruction from here."
He turned toward Snape, almost pleading.
Kai's smile was thin and cool.
Was this the magical equivalent of offering yourself up as a martyr, then hiding behind the altar?
Still, he lowered his wand. Lockhart was still a professor. If Kai pushed further, it wouldn't be a school duel anymore—it would be an attack on faculty.
That could mean more than just detentions or point deductions.
It could mean expulsion.
He couldn't risk that.
So, Lockhart had weaseled out with reputation intact—barely. And now he was trying to throw Kai at Snape instead.
But knowing Snape's strict, prideful nature, Kai suspected the man wouldn't bother accepting. It would be beneath him.
"Very well—"
"I'll do it."
The cold voice came from behind.
Kai turned, eyebrows raised, meeting Snape's cool, impassive gaze.
Ah. So the man had taken the bait.
Had Lockhart's shamelessness raised the bar for all Hogwarts professors?
The students buzzed again. Excitement crackled in the air.
Most had written off Lockhart. He was all show and no substance.
But Professor Snape?
Snape was real.
The students leaned forward with anticipation.
What spell would he use?
Could Kai withstand it?
Most of the Gryffindors braced themselves, hoping Kai wouldn't be completely overwhelmed.
The Slytherins, meanwhile, watched with eager, glittering eyes.
They'd never liked Kai Adler.
Too aristocratic for Gryffindor. Too close to Muggleborns. Too comfortable defying tradition.
Now, he'd challenged the Head of Slytherin.
It was time, they thought, for the golden boy to be humbled.