Nearly a hundred related books, simple yet useful magic tools, and instruments specifically designed to test the power of charms—all corners exuded professionalism.
In Kael's view, this is how the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom should look.
At this moment, knocking sounds came again, and Ginny, Neville, and several Gryffindor students also arrived.
Afterwards, until eight o'clock, people kept walking in from outside.
Seeing Kael in the room, everyone showed a very surprised expression.
"Oh, you never mentioned this before..." Gryffindor's Parvati whispered to Hermione, "If I had known Kael would be here, Padma definitely would have come too."
"I just found out myself." Hermione had lost count of how many times she'd explained, "He refused our invitation before, so I thought he wouldn't come."
Hermione had to admit that after experiencing various events in previous years, especially after the Triwizard Tournament, Kael's fame at Hogwarts had reached an incredible level.
This is also why she immediately thought of letting Kael teach everyone Defence Against the Dark Arts when deciding to self-study it.
It's no exaggeration to say that Kael's name is a golden sign; if he had been at the meeting before, there would definitely have been more participants than now.
Unfortunately, Kael declined at that time.
At eight o'clock, Hermione took out the list and checked it, finding that everyone had arrived.
Cedric walked to the door, turned the key in the lock, producing a crisp clicking sound.
If anyone were outside at this point, they would find the door that was there suddenly disappeared, turning back into a wall, as if it had never appeared.
Inside the room, everyone sat on a soft mat, chatting with each other because it was their first time in such a magical room, everyone's mood was high.
"Yes, this will be our practice venue next." Cedric said, "There are almost all books on Defence Against the Dark Arts here, so you can choose some that interest you to read during usual times.
"Of course, not now, since our time is limited, let's focus mainly on practicing."
Being the Head Boy, Cedric quickly adapted to his current role, speaking fluently before over fifty people without a hint of nervousness on his face.
"Now, let's begin our first day's practice... Leg-Locker Curse. I know this spell is quite basic, many people know it, and even more people use it as a prank charm."
"If that's the case, you're all underestimating this charm. When facing enemies, the Leg-Locker Curse can restrain their movement the fastest, buying time for you to escape."
"I don't want to learn how to run away!" A voice emerged from the crowd, "That's too unambitious; why can't we learn some powerful spells?"
"Because you're about to face not just Hogwarts students, nor a duel following etiquette, but unknown adult wizards." Cedric replied,
"Before having absolute certainty, running away is the wisest choice, and no one will belittle you for it."
"What's so special about adult wizards?" That person said defiantly: "We might not lack the odds; don't forget, Kael defeated a werewolf in his second year."
The room buzzed with discussion again.
Indeed, Kael first caused a sensation at Hogwarts by defeating a werewolf and winning the Merlin Order Medal.
At that time, he was only a second-year student… and everyone here is at least third-year.
"That was because two professors were present then." Kael said flatly.
This was his first time speaking after everyone arrived.
"Honestly, if I could choose again, I would rather not have that Merlin Order Medal than face a transformed werewolf alone."
The person mumbled inaudibly, but it was clear he didn't believe Kael's words.
"Alright, since you think you can surpass Kael, how about we do a little test?" Cedric said with a smile, "Let's see if you have the potential to defeat an adult wizard."
"What test?"
"Very simple." Cedric stood up on the cushion.
"I'll only use one spell, if you can make my feet leave the cushion, then you win, how about it."
"No problem!" The person also stood up.
Kael remembered his name to be Anthony Goldstein, a fifth-year Ravenclaw student.
"What if I win?" He asked.
"Then I'll teach you all a powerful attack spell." Cedric said.
He waved his wand.
"Confringo!
With a loud bang, an armoire in the room instantly exploded into fragments amid firelight, and a powerful shockwave carried dust and debris to blow on everyone.
On the ground, a large pit appeared unknowingly, but soon disappeared again.
Such a magical scene did not attract much attention; everyone's thoughts were still on the impact of the previous The Blasting Curse.
"How about this charm?" Cedric said, "Considered a powerful attack magic?"
"Let me add another reward." Kael also said.
He took out a handful of Gold Coins and placed them on the table, "If you win, these fifty Galleons are yours."
The pile of golden Galleons brought a greater shock than the Blasting Curse just now.
"Alright!" Anthony couldn't take his eyes off them and pulled out his wand, striking a duel pose.
The others immediately made space for the two to face off.
"Wait a second..." Anthony seemed to have thought of something and quickly added, "You can't use that charm later."
"Death Eaters don't negotiate terms with you," Cedric said, "but this time, I agree."
No one said to start, the battle was on the verge of erupting.
Anthony had just begun his incantation, while Cedric had already completed his spell.
He waved his wand, and the wooden blocks on the ground immediately twisted into ferrets, screeching and charging at Anthony.
Then, the battle was over.
Anthony had only managed to deal with two ferrets before the one holding his wand took a bite.
The wand dropped to the ground, naturally declaring his defeat.
"It's a shame, it seems you have no chance of defeating an adult wizard."
Cedric waved his wand again, and the swarm of ferrets instantly transformed back into splinters.
Now, everyone fell silent. They expected Anthony might lose, but they hadn't thought he would lose so quickly.
At the same time, they had a newfound respect for Cedric.
Initially, everyone thought of him just as a high-achieving Head Boy with maybe the title of Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain.
But now, they realized this Head Boy was not only good academically.
That Transfiguration Spell was truly spectacular, transforming over ten wooden blocks at once without a single pause, and every transformed ferret was vivid and lifelike, as if they were real.
Now, everyone looked at Cedric differently and finally understood why he was the one teaching them to self-study Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Yet, they soon thought of another issue.
Weren't Hufflepuffs supposed to be mediocre? Was something wrong here?
Kael was one thing, but now there was Cedric... If this was considered mediocre, then what were they, trash?
Even Hermione was surprised.
She also could transform multiple objects at once, but definitely not as effortlessly as Cedric.
Moreover, judging by his smooth performance earlier, this was surely not his limit.
No wonder Kael would recommend Cedric...
On the other hand, Anthony looked at the pile of shiny Galleons on the table, and despite his unwillingness, he sighed, picked up his wand, and sat back down.
But the next second, more people stood up.
No wonder, the temptation of those Galleons was too great, they couldn't resist wanting to try.
What if, just what if they could defeat Cedric... After all, losing wouldn't cost them anything, but if they won, it would be fifty Galleons.
Transfiguration Spell, as long as you're prepared, it didn't seem that hard to deal with.
Among the crowd, Ron couldn't wait to initiate the challenge.
"Don't rush."
Kael waved his hand, signaling everyone to calm down.
Then he smiled and said, "I won't take back the Galleons, as long as this gathering hasn't dispersed, the reward remains valid.
"Each of you has one chance to challenge Cedric, win, and you can take those Galleons, but remember, only one chance."
As soon as Kael finished speaking, those who had just stood up instantly sat back down.
If there's only one chance, it's better to play it safe... Learn a few more spells, use what Cedric taught to defeat him, and then take the Galleons.
Excited discussions erupted around, with only Anthony's moan of pain... His chance had been used.
Things went smoothly after that.
Cedric divided everyone into pairs to practice the Leg-Locker Curse together, spurred by the temptation of the Galleons, they worked especially hard, some even more diligently than before their final exams.
Cedric was inundated, with someone calling for him every second, and he had to shuttle between the crowd, correcting their mistaken gestures.
"Hermione, is my gesture right?" Ron asked, looking at Neville with his legs straight across from him, frowning, "I feel like his legs can still move."
"Because your wand movement is incorrect," Hermione said, "Swing with smaller motions, just move your wrist, don't move your arm."
"Alright, I'll try again." Ron was unusually obedient, not arguing back at all.
This made Hermione couldn't help but slap her forehead, thinking the magic of Galleons was truly potent.