Hogwarts: Lacus doesn't want to be a witch who destroys nations.

When we arrived at the auditorium, the long table was already laden with food.

Vera skillfully served Lux ​​roasted potatoes and fried eggs, adding an extra spoonful of butter.

She knew Lux liked to put butter in potatoes.

As soon as Lux sat down, she glanced toward the Slytherin table, where Tom was sitting with a textbook in his hand, while Malena next to him was slowly spreading jam. Her eyes casually swept over the Gryffindor table, and when she saw Lux, she raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Isn't that Rozier?" Anna whispered, following Lux's gaze. "She's sitting with Tom. Looks like the Slytherin clique has grown again."

Phoebe took a bite of her toast: "Never mind them, we have Defense Against the Dark Arts class later, and I heard the new professor is very strict."

After breakfast, the group arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom on time. The classroom was decorated differently than last year, with several oil paintings depicting wizard duels hanging on the walls, showing wizards waving their wands across the canvas.

Behind the podium stood a tall, vigorous-looking witch.

She was not young; her silver-gray hair was neatly coiled at the back of her head, and her eyes were as sharp as a hawk's. The dark blue wizard's robe she wore was well-tailored and had no superfluous decorations, yet it exuded an unquestionable sense of authority.

She is Galatea Melos, a legendary professor who taught at Hogwarts for nearly fifty years. After graduating from Hogwarts, she worked as an Auror for a period of time.

"Good morning, second-year students," Professor Mellors' voice was clear and strong, instantly silencing all the whispers in the classroom. "I am your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Galatea Mellors. I know that some of you may be unfamiliar with me. I was unable to teach last year due to some matters at the Ministry of Magic."

"Given the current tensions in Europe," she said, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room, causing every student to instinctively sit up straight.

"I believe that theoretical teaching can no longer meet your needs. From today onwards, you will learn how to protect yourselves in real combat, and the foundation of all real combat comes from an ancient and solemn art—wizard duels."

She didn't give the students a chance to ask questions and went straight to the point.

"A formal wizard duel is not a street brawl; it has strict rules and etiquette."

Professor Mellors drew his wand, walked to the center of the classroom, and with a light tap of his wand, two white lines appeared on the ground, about ten steps apart.

"First, there is the etiquette of dueling."

She bowed respectfully to the air, in a standard manner.

"Bowing is a sign of respect for your opponent, regardless of your personal relationship. It is also a declaration of a magical contract, representing that both parties agree to fight under the established rules. This is the first step in upholding the sacred and inviolable nature of duels."

"In Hogwarts' teaching duels, your goal is to subdue your opponent, not to harm or kill them. Therefore, the spells permitted are limited to various Obstruction Charms, and the use of any form of Dark Magic is strictly prohibited, especially the Unforgivable Charm. If used, you will face not only expulsion, but also direct trial at the Ministry of Magic."

She then listed the permitted spells: "Disarming Charm, Petrifying Charm, Barrier Charm, Swift Imprisonment, Armor Protection, Curse Stop... These are all valid and permitted spells. The duel tests your intelligence, reflexes, and magical control, not whose spell is more vicious."

"Now, I'll pair you up and we'll try out the basic dueling procedure." Professor Melos clapped his hands. "Let's start with bowing, then practice the combination of Disarm Charm and Protective Armor."

The classroom suddenly became lively. Lux was assigned to a group with Amos, whom she had met briefly on the train. Amos was a little nervous, and his hands were shaking: "Lux, please...please be gentle. I'm still recovering from being scared by Peeves last year."

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you," Lux said with a smile. The two stood behind the white line and bowed first.

The instant Lux bent down, the blue icon representing "friendly unit" above the boy's head turned red, and his status changed to hostile.

Lux paused for a moment, realizing that a wizard duel might make the opponent temporarily consider them an enemy unit.

Taking advantage of Lux's momentary lapse in concentration, Amos struck first, his voice trembling slightly: "Expelliarmus!"

A beam of red light shot out from the tip of his wand, and Lux ​​immediately raised her wand: "Protect Armor!" The red light struck the invisible barrier and vanished instantly.

Amos tried again, but was still blocked. He scratched his head and said, "Your armor is too powerful!"

Professor Melis also saw Amos's attack. Lux's control over spells was clearly much better than the boy's; otherwise, the disarming spell wouldn't have been completely ineffective.

Lux was checking the system notifications.

Amos (normal unit), cannot trigger.

As expected, these ordinary students who clearly lack any special skills are not considered hero-level units.

She looked around and saw Tom and Malena as a pair. Tom easily knocked Malena's wand away with a series of spells. Although Malena lost, she didn't show any expression on her face. She simply picked up her wand calmly, and the two prepared to play again.

Tom Riddle (Heroic Unit, Tier 5)][Galatia Melos (Heroic Unit, Tier 16)][Malena Rozier (Heroic Unit, Tier 5)]

Professor Mellors was obviously no match for her, and it was impossible for her to duel with a professor in class. That would be no different from provoking the teaching order. Lux just wanted to stack steel, not to be scolded.

Malena has been giving me strange looks lately, so it's best to avoid her.

So, there's only one target left to choose from...

"Professor!" Lux suddenly raised her hand. "I want to find a stronger opponent to practice against. I saw Riddle's duel earlier, and it was really impressive. Can I team up with him?"

The whole class fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lux and Tom.

Malena raised an eyebrow and stepped aside. Tom put down his wand, a faint smile playing on his lips: "I'd be happy to oblige, Lux."

Professor Mellors was a little surprised, but still nodded: "Okay, but remember the rules, no illegal attacks."

Lux and Tom stood behind the white line, exchanging a glance; the air crackled as if electricity were crackling in their eyes. Vera clenched her fists nervously beside them, while Anna whispered, "Is Lux going to fight Riddle?"

Phoebe shook her head: "There are rules to prevent this, it shouldn't be the case. The professor is watching."

"Bow," Professor Mellors called out.