THE DUELING CLUB
evening they hurried back to the Great Hall . The long dining tables had vanished and a golden stage had appeared along one wall , lit by thousands of candles floating overhead . The ceiling was velvety black once more and most of the school seemed to be packed beneath it , all carrying their wands and looking excited .
“ I wonder who ’ ll be teaching us ?” said Hermione as they edged into the chattering crowd . “ Someone told me Flitwick was a dueling champion when he was young — maybe it ’ ll be him .”
“ As long as it ’ s not —” Harry began , but he ended on a groan : Gilderoy Lockhart was walking onto the stage , resplendent in robes of deep plum and accompanied by none other than Snape , wearing his usual black .
Lockhart waved an arm for silence and called , “ Gather round , gather round ! Can everyone see me ? Can you all hear me ? Excellent !
“ Now , Professor Dumbledore has granted me permission to start this little dueling club , to train you all in case you ever need to defend yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions — for full details , see my published works .
“ Let me introduce my assistant , Professor Snape ,” said Lockhart , flashing a wide smile . “ He tells me he knows a tiny little bit about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short demonstration before we begin . Now , I don ’ t want any of you youngsters to worry — you ’ ll still have your Potions master when I ’ m through with him , never fear !”
“ Wouldn ’ t it be good if they finished each other off ?” Ron muttered in Harry ’ s ear .
Snape ’ s upper lip was curling . Harry wondered why Lockhart
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