Neville originally intended to use a magic spell, but unexpectedly, as he turned around, the Mud Monster had already regained its balance and opened its mouth to strike at him.
Luckily, Neville had learned from Harry for a while, and he jumped to the side, dodging the Mud Monster's punch attack.
"Neville, go for it!" The classmates, seeing Neville dodge the Mud Monster's attacks twice in a row, couldn't help but feel a sliver of confidence rising.
They all hoped Neville would succeed—
Neville was encouraged by the cheers of his classmates. He concentrated intensely, staring at the Mud Monster, trying to predict how it would attack next.
The Mud Monster crouched slightly, then jumped high, pouncing at Neville once again.
Neville forcefully dodged to the side, avoiding the Mud Monster's pounce.
He quickly stabilized himself, pointing at the Mud Monster who had yet to regain its footing.
"Depulso (Expel)!"
The Mud Monster, struck by the magic spell, flipped over, lying helplessly on the ground, moving its feet feebly.
"Neville!" "Neville!" "Neville!"
The three academies erupted into a lively cheer, celebrating Neville's victory over the Mud Monster.
"A very good magic spell!" Professor Lockhart exclaimed loudly, "Neville, very nice, Gryffindor will gain five points because of your victory over the Mud Monster!"
Upon hearing this result, Gryffindor's cheers became even more enthusiastic.
The other two academies realized Gryffindor was gaining five more points and immediately deflated.
However, they started cheering again, because currently, Slytherin had the most points, and Gryffindor adding points... Charge!
As long as Slytherin is defeated, everything will turn out well!
Neville's eyes brimmed with tears as he stood still, basking in the cheers of his classmates.
This feeling was wonderful, he thought.
Thinking this, he looked at Harry, giving him a grateful smile.
Harry clapped, nodding to affirm him.
Later, Ron and Hermione also stepped forward, demonstrating standard magic spell techniques one by one.
Hermione used the Floating Spell to flip the Mud Monster when it opened its mouth.
Ron was even more straightforward; as the Mud Monster pounced in midair, it was knocked over by his Three Feet Away from the Enemy spell.
After Gryffindor added another ten points, Professor Lockhart called on Harry's name.
"Harry, give it a try," Professor Lockhart smiled and said, "You are the famous Boy Who Lived, you should demonstrate the learning results to everyone."
Harry stood up, thinking that it was just a Mud Monster, after all, he had seen plenty before...
However...
He felt the Ancient Magic in his chest boiling.
Hmm...
Actually, he didn't know what the next Ancient Magic Spell would be, so he raised his head and asked, "Professor, as long as I can defeat the Mud Monster, does it matter how?"
"Of course, Harry," Professor Lockhart responded with a toothy, healthy smile.
Harry stood up and walked to a spot not far from the Mud Monster.
The classmates present all held their breath, especially Draco, who not only held his breath but also used the Transformation Spell to produce a rather misshapen umbrella, preparing to shield himself at any moment, lest he become covered in blood.
"Get ready," Professor Lockhart said again, "Three, two, one..."
Harry didn't recite a magic spell; instead, as soon as Professor Lockhart finished speaking, he activated the Ancient Magic Power within him, which burst from the tip of his magic wand.
The Mud Monster was instantly lifted into the air by the magic spell, then it seemed to be grabbed by an unseen giant hand, smashing onto the ground with a thud, making the entire classroom tremble.
Bam! Bam! Crack!
Harry withdrew the magic spell.
The Mud Monster fell to the ground, visibly unable to survive, its entire body softened from the violent pounding.
Professor Lockhart's pupils contracted.
Ancient Magic!
Of course, he was aware of Ancient Magic, because the gentleman's sister was one of the inheritors of Ancient Magic...
He thought he should write another letter upon returning, to further evaluate Mr. Potter.
It seemed this boy wasn't just Dumbledore's golden boy, nor merely someone the gentleman wanted to recruit—he was the heir to Ancient Magic.
"A very powerful spell," Professor Lockhart pretended not to notice the Ancient Magic, "but a bit too violent, Harry. I sincerely advise you not to use this spell on classmates, agreed?"
"Of course, Professor," Harry nodded in response.
Sorting through his emotions, Lockhart put the now-dead Mud Monster back in the cabinet.
He feigned regret as he said, "I'm sorry I couldn't entertain everyone—but it doesn't matter, considering the recent petrification incidents, I've decided to hold a Dueling Club in Hogwarts. If you feel unsatisfied, you can come and participate; you won't regret it."
"Professor, when will the Dueling Club be available?" Justin Finchley from Hufflepuff asked.
"Good question," Professor Lockhart pointed at him, "I'm happy to inform you, the Dueling Club will be held after dinner on Saturdays and Sundays in the hall—of course, it's not mandatory. If you're not interested, I won't force you to do anything you dislike."
"Cool!" Terry Boot chimed in, "We'll definitely come, Professor."
The classmates all expressed their intent to participate, and Lockhart seemed very pleased with this.
At the end of class, Lockhart even urged Harry to make sure he participated in the Dueling Club.