Chapter 60 - 59: Practicing the Shield Charm

"How in the world did you find a secret passage just two months into the school year?" Daphne asked, squinting suspiciously. Everyone in Slytherin knew Edward's schedule was packed from dawn to dusk. Morning jogs, workouts, breakfast, library study sessions, classes, more library time, lunch, training during breaks, more classes, back to the library, dinner, either more studying or detention with Snape, then bed. By all accounts, he shouldn't have had a spare second to go hunting for hidden passages. So how did this guy know about it? "The Weasley twins told me," Edward explained. "They found this passage within their first week. Apparently, it leads outside the school." He wasn't lying. When the twins had caught him dealing with the Slytherin Quidditch team, they'd chatted the whole way to the Hospital Wing. Edward had asked about the secret passage near the Transfiguration classroom, but they said it had collapsed long ago and pointed him to this one instead. This passage didn't just lead outside—it was spacious, with plenty of branching paths and wide dead-ends, perfect for practicing spells in secret. The only downside? No windows or clocks, so you had to keep track of time. "Lumos Maxima," Edward said, raising his wand as he stepped into the passage. Malfoy hurried to keep up, not wanting to be left at the back. For all his swagger, Edward had long figured out that Malfoy wasn't exactly the bravest. Daphne, with a roll of her eyes, trailed behind. She didn't know the way, so she couldn't exactly lead. The sound of spiders scuttling across the dark corridor and rats scurrying into cracks echoed around them. Guided by his heightened senses, Edward led them to a more open area. It wasn't on the main path to the outside but tucked away down an unassuming side branch—perfectly hidden. The only issue? It was pitch black. No problem for wizards, though. Three Lumos spells lit the place up like daylight. "What do you think of this spot?" Edward asked, using his wand to clear away cobwebs, dust, and some unidentified creature's brittle bones. "It'll do," Daphne said with a shrug. "Not like we have better options, do we?" "Honestly, Bedivere, my house-elf's basement is cleaner than this," Malfoy grumbled, his tone dripping with disdain. "Save the pureblood prince act, Draco. Do you want to learn or not?" Edward shot back, pulling two cushions from his pocket. Malfoy shut up immediately. Of course he wanted to learn something useful. Soon, a makeshift practice room was set up. Edward turned to face the two eager Slytherins, clearing his throat. "Ahem. So, let's begin our first lesson." "As you know, the school's full of dangers these days. Knowing how to protect yourself is crucial." "Strictly speaking, I'm just sharing some insights on charms, especially Defense Against the Dark Arts, not really teaching—" But before he could finish his opening speech, Daphne cut him off with an exasperated sigh. "Oh, for Merlin's beard, Edward, can you just get to the point? Save the grand speech for when you've got a crowd of twenty people, yeah?" "If you keep droning on, we'll end up breaking curfew for wandering the halls." "Fine, since you're both so eager, let's start with the first lesson: basic defense, the Shield Charm," Edward said, nodding and motioning for them to raise their wands. "The Shield Charm? Isn't that a fifth-year spell?" Daphne asked, frowning. "You're still getting hung up on little details like that, Daphne?" Malfoy said, his voice brimming with excitement. "Come on, Edward, show us what it's about!" "The Shield Charm is a fifth-year spell, but honestly, it's not that hard, and it's super practical," Edward said, showing off just a bit before explaining. "It creates an invisible barrier around you that can block or even deflect spells." "But it's not foolproof. It won't work against really powerful curses." Daphne nodded—she already knew the basics. Malfoy, though, had a question. "Then why didn't you use it that night we dueled you and Potter?" He vividly remembered Edward fending off four attackers' spells with a massive sword, leaving him stunned. "Just a personal preference. But if you want to learn that move, I'd be happy to teach you," Edward said with a grin. Malfoy shook his head like a rattle. What proper wizard trains like a knight? "Anyway, to help you understand how the Shield Charm works, I'll use it to defend while you two attack me however you want," Edward said, stepping back and raising his wand, striking a stance. "However we want?" Malfoy's voice jumped an octave in excitement. "You mean we can hit you with anything, and you'll only use the Shield Charm?" This is too good to pass up! He's literally asking me to hex him! "Yep, Draco. Show me what you've got. You too, Daphne—both of you, bring it on." Edward's slightly cocky tone made Daphne, who'd planned to just watch, raise an eyebrow. Oh, you asked for it. The two Slytherins, looking less than friendly, raised their wands, aiming at the calm and collected Edward. Their faces flickered in the glow of the Lumos spells. "Petrificus Totalus!" "Rictusempra!" Daphne and Malfoy shouted their spells at the same time. Two beams of white light shot toward Edward. He didn't dodge. With a flick of his wand, he traced a smooth arc in the air. "Protego!" The spell enveloped him, an invisible barrier forming in front of him. In an instant, the two beams hit the shield, unable to penetrate even an inch, and were sharply deflected. "Hey! Wait!" Malfoy barely had time to react before the two rebounded spells came flying straight back at him.