Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 530 Time is running out for the Hogwarts team

In the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor's office, Sherlock was speaking eloquently to Professor Lupin:

"Harry's Firebolt is the fastest, so we should build our core tactics around it and try to break through quickly using its speed."

Cedric's magical skills were the most solid among the three of us. As the only senior student, he could take on the task of attracting the dragon's main attention from the front, and try to interfere with or even temporarily change the environment to confuse the dragon.

Of course, this is a difficult task, but our goal is only to attract attention and buy time, not to actually control the fire dragon, so it is not impossible for him to accomplish.

And I... can play the role of filling in and providing support.

The broom gave me enough mobility to make up for any loopholes that might appear, depending on the rapidly changing situation on the ground.

To assist Cedric in interfering, or to create opportunities for Harry to break through.

Ultimately, since this competition has changed to a team-based mode, we should leverage each person's strengths and work together, rather than fighting individually.

Lupin listened quietly, his hands clasped on the table. His initially serious and worried expression began to slowly change as Sherlock explained things clearly.

When he heard that the key to the plan was to use one's own strengths and gain an advantage through summoning spells, rather than trying to forcefully confront the fire dragon's brute force or defend against its indestructible hide, a hint of undisguised approval flashed in his eyes.

Lupin leaned back in his chair, gazing intently at the four students, especially Sherlock, who was leading them.

Finally, a genuine smile, tinged with a hint of satisfaction and appreciation, appeared on his face—the first one he'd shown since entering the office.

"Teamwork, leveraging strengths and mitigating weaknesses, expanding capabilities using methods permitted by rules, and clearly defining roles and responsibilities..."

Professor Lu Ping commented slowly and clearly:
"Sherlock, I must say, for a fourth-year student to be able to devise such a tactical framework that focuses on one's own strengths and has a clear objective is truly remarkable."

This demonstrates an extremely calm and rational way of thinking.

As you and I just said, I cannot and will not give any instructions or advice on the specific steps to get through the dragon; that would be crossing the line.

However, as your professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, I can tell you frankly:

The tactical approach you described is absolutely feasible from the perspective of magical principles.

Gain aerial maneuverability by summoning brooms and establish a cooperative mechanism based on this.

I see no inherent, theoretical obstacles in magic that would prevent you from carrying out such a plan.

He paused for a moment, then added, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness and encouragement:

"Of course, feasible does not mean easy."

The range and speed of summoning spells, the precision of broom control and the release of spells during high-speed maneuvers, psychological stability when facing a huge threat, and the real-time tacit cooperation among team members...

These are the key points that you will need to work hard to integrate and practice in the extremely limited time ahead.

You must hurry, because you don't have much time left.

Professor Lupin's words instantly dispelled some of the gloom that had been weighing on Harry and the others.

“Thank you, Professor!” Hermione’s voice was full of gratitude.

Harry's eyes lit up with determination: "Once I'm sure I'm on the right track, I'll know where to focus my efforts!"

After the four people left, Ron couldn't help but say:

“Sherlock, it’s all thanks to you—if you hadn’t convinced Professor Lupin, he certainly wouldn’t have helped us.”

"No, he's just making excuses."

Sherlock shook his head. "Even if I don't say anything, he will still help us."

"What did you say?"

Harry and Ron both looked quite surprised, while Hermione had a thoughtful expression.

"Think about what he just said?"

Sherlock smiled slightly. "As a responsible teacher, it is reasonable to exclude some wrong answers from students and it is normal to give some well-intentioned, general advice."

Harry and Ron suddenly realized what was going on.

“I think he must have already come up with a solution for us after learning about the first project, but he gave up on it after listening to my idea.”

"Why is this again?"

"Because my method is better."

Sherlock said confidently.

"..."

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore."

Harry, go find Cedric.

We must complete the preparations for the first project by tomorrow afternoon.

Lupin's reminder is very accurate.

Sherlock's eyes sharpened:
"We don't have much time left."

The match is on Tuesday afternoon.

Therefore, before this point in time, Sherlock and Harry must master the summoning charm.

As for Cedric, summoning spells were not difficult for him, given that he was already in sixth grade.

Moreover, he has been an excellent student since the first grade.

It's no exaggeration to say that when Harry led him to Sherlock, his admiration for Sherlock was like a surging river, endless and boundless.

Upon seeing Sherlock, he showered him with praise:

“That’s brilliant, Sherlock. You actually managed to think of a simple summoning spell to solve the problem.”

I bet if Krum saw how we performed, he'd be kicking himself!

He's a world-class Quidditch player!
But I don't think he would have thought of that, since we're all thinking about how to use this little stick to deal with the fire dragon..."

After praising Sherlock, Cedric earnestly added:
“Honestly, Sherlock, I think you should really be the captain! This was originally my job.”

He was genuinely speaking from the heart.

It was already a huge surprise that Sherlock and Harry were able to find out the details of the first event before the competition officially began.

Cedric imagined himself facing a fire dragon without any preparation.

He felt that it was already quite good that he was able to remain standing in that situation.

Knowing that the first project was a fire dragon gave them two whole days to come up with a solution.

But Sherlock brought an even bigger surprise.

He had even come up with a battle plan; he couldn't think of any word to describe it other than "perfect."

"Besides diligently carrying out the plan you've set, there's nothing else I need to do."

"No, there are some."

Sherlock smiled and said, "I'm afraid you'll have to teach us how to use the summoning spells first."

"No problem, I'll cover it!"

So they began to practice diligently.

Sherlock led them directly to the Room of Requirement.

This is undoubtedly the best place to practice; you can even have lunch here without having to go to the auditorium.

Harry was a bit better off.

Even though he felt that the Room of Requirement was indeed a magical place, he had become accustomed to the various miracles that Sherlock performed.

Cedric is different.

When he learned the principle behind the Room of Requirement, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"My God, there's a place like this on campus!"
But...Sherlock, are you really sure it's okay for me to just tell you this like this?

“What’s the problem?” Sherlock said matter-of-factly. “Would you go around telling everyone?”

"of course not!"

Cedric quickly said, "You told me about this, which means you trust me. How could I possibly go around telling everyone?"

"Isn't that okay?"

Sherlock laughed and said, "Alright, let's not dwell on these trivial matters. We don't have much time left."

"Ok."

Cedric gave Sherlock a deep look, then began to instruct the two on the summoning spell.

It must be said that Cedric was not only an excellent student, but also a very good teacher.

To put it simply, he is the kind of genius who works hard, rather than someone with innate talent.

The latter is stronger in learning ability than the former, but is far less capable of passing on their experience to others.

"Harry, you still aren't focused enough."

It was noticed that the books, quill pens, ink, and other stationery prepared in the Requirement Room always deflated halfway through their flight, falling to the floor like stones.

Cedric frowned and said to Harry, "You need to clear your mind of all these distractions."

"I'm already very focused!"

Harry said angrily.

The result of several practice sessions was the same, which made him somewhat angry.

Be angry at yourself.

Seeing Harry's expression, Cedric remained patient, and gently waved his wand:
"Textbooks are flying in!"

The textbook that had just fallen to the ground immediately flew into his hands.

"You don't have any problems with the spells. I think your problem lies in your mindset—you're a bit too impatient."

My experience is that when you first use a summoning charm, it's best to clear your mind completely.

At the moment of casting the spell, you must ensure that your mind is completely filled with it, that it fills your brain to the brim.

Once you've mastered it, you'll be able to form a habit like I have, and it will happen naturally when you use spells.

"If you can't succeed now, it's because you're thinking about other things."

Harry paused for a moment, then said:

"You're right. For some reason, a huge fire dragon keeps popping into my head..."

"Don't worry about that dragon, Harry. Try not to think about anything."

"Okay, I'll try again..."

"No problem, believe in yourself, you can definitely do it!"

Compared to Harry, Sherlock had it much easier.

After all, he had already cast this spell when he was in first grade.

Of course, he was successful at that time, but not completely successful.

The key that opened the door broke free of the spell halfway through its flight and simply ran away.

But now, three years later, with Cedric's experience, it's a natural progression.

(End of this chapter)