Chapter 33: "Expelliarmus!"

Chapter 33: "Expelliarmus!"

Leon led his clients into the Room of Requirement and closed the door behind them.

Before them lay a surprisingly vast, open space. Cool white light emanated from the ceiling, illuminating every corner without being harsh. The air was crisp and clean, like an early autumn day, free from the usual dampness of the castle.

The floor wasn't the dark stone of the corridors but a deep grey, non-slip rubber material that had a slight spring to it. Three steps ahead, clear silver lines marked distances across the floor: 10m, 25m, 50m. Small, glowing signs stood beside each line, indicating the range.

At the far end was the target area, with five sturdy metal target stands bolted firmly to the floor. Each held a fresh paper target, and beside each target was a small, silver counter to accurately record scores.

The side walls were also specially designed. They appeared to be plain, light grey stone, but upon closer inspection, a faint, intricate magical pattern shimmered across the surface. Any bullet fired at them would simply vanish, absorbed as if hitting cotton wool.

In the furthest corner was a small rest area, furnished with several deep brown leather sofas.

The young wizards who had followed Leon inside stared, dumbfounded.

"Don't just stand there gawking. You only have two hours. Pay up and collect your firearm," Leon snapped his fingers, getting their attention.

After distributing the weapons, Leon's expression turned serious as he began the instruction. "What you hold in your hands is a Muggle weapon. Frankly, its power doesn't compare to some magic."

"Many magical items are far more potent."

"However, I must remind you: this is still capable of taking a life. If you wish to avoid a stay in Azkaban, you will refrain from aiming it at anyone's vital areas."

"Therefore, I strongly advise you to use it with extreme caution. Only resort to it when a wand cannot solve the problem."

"And even then," he continued, his voice hardening, "the thigh, the upper arm, the buttocks... even the hand or foot... are preferable targets."

He paused, deliberately looking over at Armand, his first customer. The boy was listening intently, even taking notes.

"That being said, a firearm possesses unique advantages."

"No incantation is required. No specific tone or inflection. It doesn't even require magical power."

"It is instantaneous. There is no wind-up. And the damage is significant."

"In some ways, it is far more practical than a wand."

"Now, let the formal instruction begin."

"First, the basic components. This is the barrel..."

Leon's voice echoed in the makeshift firing range. The young wizards listened with rapt attention. Two hours later, the training session concluded.

Leon announced the end promptly and strode out of the Room of Requirement without wasting a second. He had two more classes to attend.

By the time Flying class ended, it was nearly five o'clock. Leon quickly stowed his broom and headed back towards the castle. He had one more important task for the day: detention with Professor Flitwick. He hoped he might learn something useful.

Professor Flitwick's office was on the seventh floor, near the West Tower, adjacent to the Ravenclaw common room. Leon arrived quickly and noted, with a raised eyebrow, that the door handle was set much lower than usual, presumably for the professor's convenience.

He had barely knocked when the door swung open automatically. Professor Flitwick's cheerful voice called out, "Come in, Mr. Shelby!"

Leon entered. The office was dominated by a huge wooden desk piled high with student assignments and parchment scrolls. Behind the desk, a display cabinet showcased Professor Flitwick's numerous accolades, the most prominent being the trophy for the Seventh Annual Wizards' Dueling Championship.

Tall bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with books on Charms. Portraits of previous Ravenclaw Heads of House hung alongside abstract magical paintings. In one corner, a potted plant swayed gently on its own.

Leon spotted Professor Flitwick sitting behind the desk and gave a polite nod, removing his cap.

"Mr. Shelby, that's quite an interesting suit you have. I rather like the cap. Very sharp," Professor Flitwick said, looking up from his work. He wasn't grading manually; a quill hovered in the air above a stack of parchment, scribbling furiously on its own.

"Wingardium Leviosa, the Quick-Quotes Quill charm... and... an Analysis Charm?" Leon murmured, impressed by the sophisticated combination of spells.

Professor Flitwick beamed and gestured for Leon to take an armchair near the fireplace. He tapped a teapot on the coffee table with his wand, and it immediately began pouring tea into a cup.

"A very astute observation, Mr. Shelby," Professor Flitwick said kindly. "Just tell the teapot how you like your tea; it will adjust the temperature and sweetness automatically." He opened a drawer in the table and produced a large tin of cupcakes.

"It has been many years since I've encountered a student with your natural talent," the professor said, his admiration open and undisguised.

Leon, never one to beat around the bush, got straight to the point. He asked if, during his detention, Professor Flitwick might be willing to teach him some dueling techniques.

"Dueling... yes, I am rather proficient," Professor Flitwick said, glancing almost unconsciously towards his championship trophy. He looked back at Leon thoughtfully. "It's certainly possible. However, your repertoire of spells may be too limited at present. We would need to start with the basics..."

"I was fortunate enough to have a tutor before starting at Hogwarts," Leon explained. "He taught me a number of spells."

This seemed to surprise Professor Flitwick. "Is that so? Well then," he said after a moment's thought, "perhaps we should start with a simple practice duel."

He gave his wand a flick, and the large desk slid silently into a corner, clearing a respectable space in the centre of the room.

"Come now," Professor Flitwick said, moving to one side of the cleared area and gesturing for Leon to take the opposite position. "Let's see what your previous tutor taught you."

Leon raised his hand. "Shouldn't we move somewhere else, Professor? I wouldn't want to damage anything in your office."

"Nonsense! Give it your best shot," the diminutive professor declared, puffing out his chest with an air of confidence that belied his size.

Leon nodded and obediently drew his wand.

"Expelliarmus!"