Charlotte picked up the notebook from the floor.
The spell Voldemort had placed upon it had already been broken, and its true contents were finally revealed.
After flipping through just a few pages, a smile of excitement spread across Charlotte’s face.
Although Quirrell had certainly harboured ill intentions…
There was one thing he hadn’t lied about.
This really was a notebook documenting years of research into Defence Against the Dark Arts.
From basic spells such as the Disarming Charm and the Impediment Jinx…
To advanced magic like the Patronus Charm, Shield Charm, and the Blasting Curse…
The notebook contained detailed explanations, casting techniques, and practical training methods for a wide variety of defensive spells.
With this notebook…
Charlotte could begin learning magic normally reserved for upper-year students.
His strength would increase dramatically in a very short time.
“The only real problem now…” “…is Voldemort.” “Although I successfully broke his spell, I’ve also exposed myself to him.” “I’ve alerted the snake.” “After this, he’ll definitely become much more cautious.” “Finding him again won’t be easy.” Charlotte pondered the problem for quite some time.
In the end…
He still couldn’t think of a perfect solution.
Forget it.
He hasn’t regained his strength yet.
He won’t dare cause trouble openly inside Hogwarts.
His real target is still the Philosopher’s Stone.
All I have to do is wait for him.
Then…
One Avada Kedavra should settle everything.
The following day…
Quidditch pitch.
Charlotte let out a tired yawn.
He had spent almost the entire night studying Quirrell’s notebook.
The spells described inside were simply too fascinating.
Before he realised it…
Dawn had nearly arrived.
He even suspected Quirrell himself wasn’t capable of writing something this brilliant.
Perhaps…
The notebook had originally belonged to Voldemort.
“What are you all waiting for?” “Hurry up!” Madam Hooch’s sharp shout startled Charlotte back to attention.
He immediately stood up straight.
“Stand beside your broom.” “Hold your right hand over it.” “And say…” “‘Up!'” “Up!” “Up!” Voices rang out across the field.
Charlotte joined in.
“Up.” Whoosh!
His broom instantly leapt into his hand.
Charlotte blinked in surprise before glancing around.
Only three other students had managed the same feat.
Draco Malfoy.
Harry Potter.
And another Slytherin boy.
Hermione’s broom merely rolled over on the grass.
Ron’s gave a small twitch before falling still again.
Charlotte hadn’t expected himself to possess such remarkable flying talent.
Then again…
It made perfect sense.
After all…
He possessed the bloodline of a Thunderbird.
The sovereign of the skies.
Once everyone had finally succeeded in summoning their broomsticks, Madam Hooch demonstrated the proper way to mount them.
She carefully explained how to avoid falling off and personally corrected everyone’s grip.
Even Malfoy…
Who had spent days boasting about his flying ability.
“All right.” “When I blow my whistle…” “Push off firmly with both feet.” “Rise only a few feet into the air.” “Lean slightly forward…” “And then return gently to the ground.” “Three…” “Two…” “One…” “Go!” The instant the whistle sounded— A stocky figure shot into the sky like a rocket.
“Oh dear!” “Oh my goodness!” Madam Hooch cried out in alarm.
Neville Longbottom was soaring higher…
And higher…
Before long, he had climbed over twenty feet into the air.
Then…
He drifted above the castle rooftops.
Everyone below watched in horror.
His first flight ended exactly as disastrously as Charlotte remembered.
One broken broomstick.
One broken arm.
Madam Hooch hurriedly escorted Neville to the Hospital Wing.
The moment she disappeared…
Malfoy slowly rose into the air on his broom.
Looking down at Charlotte, he sneered.
“You filthy Mudblood.” “Remember what I told you yesterday?” “I said I’d make you pay.” “I, Draco Malfoy, formally challenge you to a wizard’s duel.” “If you’re really a man…” “Meet me tonight.” “Eleven o’clock.” “The Trophy Room.” Charlotte had been daydreaming.
He looked up in mild surprise.
Wait…
Shouldn’t you be provoking Harry instead?
Otherwise how’s Harry supposed to show off his incredible flying talent and get recruited onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team?
Seeing Charlotte remain silent, Malfoy assumed he was frightened.
He laughed mockingly.
“A Mudblood is still a Mudblood.” “Too scared even to accept a duel.” “You might as well leave Hogwarts.” Before Charlotte could answer…
Ron jumped forward.
“Who says Charlotte won’t duel you?” “I’ll be his second!” Hermione immediately grabbed Ron’s arm.
“Have you lost your mind?” “Charlotte never agreed to duel him!” “And what exactly is a second?” Malfoy smiled smugly.
“A second takes over after the first duellist falls.” “The duel continues until one side wins.” He pointed towards Gregory Goyle.
“He’s my second.” “So…” “Eleven o’clock.” “The Trophy Room.” “Don’t be late.” “Hold on.” Charlotte finally spoke.
Malfoy looked at him smugly.
“What?” “Changed your mind?” “If you’re afraid, just admit defeat right now.” “I, Draco Malfoy, won’t make things difficult for you.” Charlotte gave him a look of utter disdain.
“You?” “Worthy of duelling me?” “I don’t think you ever intended to duel in the first place.” “When I arrive at the Trophy Room tonight…” “I won’t find you.” “I’ll find Mr Filch and his cat.” “You only want Ravenclaw to lose House points.” “And for me to end up in detention.” “Isn’t that right?” Malfoy froze.
His entire plan had been improvised on the spot.
He hadn’t told anyone.
How could Charlotte possibly know?
“That’s nonsense!” Malfoy’s face flushed bright red.
He shouted angrily, “You’re just a coward!” “You made that story up because you’re afraid to duel!” “I, Draco Malfoy, swear upon the great Merlin himself…” “I’ll be waiting in the Trophy Room tonight to duel Charlotte Elvis!” Charlotte smiled faintly.
“Why wait until tonight?” “If you’re so eager to duel…” “We can settle it right now.” “W-What did you say—” Before Malfoy could finish speaking…
Everyone saw a blur flash past.
The next instant— Smack!
A loud slap echoed across the Quidditch pitch.
Malfoy cried out.
He was knocked clean off his broom and crashed onto the grass below.
Ding!
Congratulations!
The host has defeated Draco Malfoy.
Reward: Skill Points ×1.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow as the system notification sounded.
Defeating Malfoy earns Skill Points?
Only one…
But…
If I beat him a hundred times…
Wouldn’t that be a hundred Skill Points?
At that thought…
Charlotte looked down at Malfoy.
His eyes suddenly gleamed with enthusiasm.