HP: I'm not going to rule the wizarding world

"If Colin had participated, it would have been two against two between Slytherin and Gryffindor. It's a pity she didn't participate."

"Three people will be selected from the first grade to enter the grade finals. If she participates, Slytherin should occupy two seats."

"Luckily, I'm not in the same grade as her. Otherwise, even if I were in the top three, people would still question my ability."

"If that's what you said, then she must be the grade champion every year. Now that she's not participating, won't the winner's ability be questioned?"

The competition started on the third day after the announcement was posted. Due to time constraints, Ariana asked Snape to help coordinate and move the curfew for grades one to three to 11 o'clock. No one would go to bed at 9 o'clock anyway.

Harry used to live with his aunt and was often bullied by his cousin. Years of running away gave him the ability to move.

In addition, he also wanted to change his situation in Gryffindor, so before the competition he asked Quirrell for advice on dueling skills. He wanted to be in the top three.

For some reason, Quirrell actually taught him combat skills seriously, but he didn't teach him too many spells. Instead, he asked him to focus on a disarming spell.

At the beginning of the preliminary round, Harry defeated his opponent within a few minutes with a Disarming Charm, and his reputation as the savior immediately became famous.

The duel competition has been warming up for a month. Everyone has experienced the interview duel in Black Lake and the duel watching with peers in the duel classroom. Those who are capable are already prepared.

Not only did Harry perform brilliantly, but Draco was equally amazing, especially his healing counter-spell.

Harry's Disarming Spell is to snatch the wand from other people's hands, and Draco's Healing Counter-Spell is to knock the wand out of other people's hands and make them unable to move their hands.

At first, it caused a fuss among the professors who came to watch, but then Draco healed his opponent with a superb healing spell, and they retreated in embarrassment.

Draco was in the spotlight at the time because he didn't explain that Ariana had cast the spell on him.

Everyone thought that this was his innovation in magic spells. It was really shocking that he reached such a level in his first year.

Chapter 175 Draco's Overconfidence

In addition to Harry and Draco's amazing battle, Hermione and Ron both entered the second stage, and there were several well-known names, even Neville advanced.

Next comes the second grade, and then the cycle goes back to the first grade.

However, the opponents for the next round will be posted the day after the results are released, so that both sides can understand each other's combat effectiveness in advance.

When Draco saw that his second round opponent was Ron, he immediately laughed, with a hint of disdain in his smile.

"He couldn't even use any spells during the match, and he had to fight in close combat to knock his opponent down. There's no way he could get close to me. With his skills, there's no way he could beat me." He looked confident.

At that time, Ron's wand couldn't cast any spells, so he rushed over and pinned his opponent down. This could only happen when the opponent was also very weak, otherwise Snape and Draco would not have looked down on fencing so much.

In fact, it was not only Ron who resorted to physical attacks. This happened in several first-year matches. Few people knew spells.

After all, the most proficient spell now is the Luminescent Charm. You can't just blind your opponent's eyes, mainly because the little wizard's magic power can't do it.

Ariana previously thought that the first-year duel was not interesting and that there might not be many spectators. This worry was completely unnecessary because the audience was laughing every night anyway.

Ariana frowned at Draco's overconfidence and poured cold water on him, saying, "I used to think he wasn't that great, but I've seen the magic bracelet he wears and found that his magic power is quite strong. The reason he can't cast the spell must be related to his wand. It doesn't seem like he's using a new wand."

Judging from this incident, Ron does have the excellent genes of the Weasley family.

There is no problem with the hardware, and the software can be installed, but the equipment such as the lines are really poor, so it is normal that it cannot perform to its full potential.

Draco curled his lips and explained to Ariana, "The Weasley family is very poor. Not only are their clothes and books second-hand, but their wands are also discarded by his brother. I'm afraid their family is so poor that even mice wouldn't want to patronize them."

This family has really brought shame to the magical family, so everyone is so ashamed to associate with them.

Ariana asked in confusion, "But doesn't the Ministry of Magic subsidize young wizards when they buy their first wand? The maximum is only 10 Galleons."

The lightning wood wand in her hand was worth 10 Galleons. At that time, she did not have enough money and still owed 3 Galleons. Later, she exchanged the money with gold and sent it by owl to make up the difference.

Draco shook his head helplessly and explained to his good friend the income in the wizarding world and the Weasley family's predicament.

"My dear girlfriend, Weasley's father only earns 50 Galleons a month. I heard he often buys Muggle things to study. There are seven children in the family. Even if Hogwarts doesn't charge tuition and accommodation fees, there are still living expenses. In this case, how can they afford to buy Weasley a new wand?"

Their income has not increased, and they are not trying to do business, but their expenses are so high. If they are not poor, then whose family is poor?

Seeing Draco immersed in his complaints about Ron, Ariana smiled and said, "I'm only telling you this to remind you that it's not his strength that's lacking, it's his wand. If his family gets him a new wand during the second elimination round, it'll be hard to deal with him then."

Ron's situation is similar to Harry's. Both of them are very strong, but they cannot display their strength for various reasons. Their problems can be solved by spending money and time.

Draco's problem was more difficult to solve. He wanted to change the properties of magic. Even the Dark Lord's subordinates looked at him with pity. It was very likely that the Dark Lord had not studied this direction.

Draco's eyes widened when he heard this, and he said in disbelief, "No way?"

He could still find excuses to save face if he lost to the savior, but if he lost to Ron, Draco would never be able to accept the blow.

That was the truth. Ariana shrugged and said, "It's only 10 Galleons. Even if they don't have any leftover from their salary, can't they just borrow it? I just have to pay it back next month."

She felt that Ron's problem was easy to solve. The dueling competition had caused such a sensation that the parents would definitely compete secretly. It was very likely that Ron would get a new wand.

Draco frowned and asked, "Who are they going to borrow it from?"

Ariana said as a matter of course: "Don't Gringotts have a loan business?"

It's just 10 Galleons, and the monthly salary is 50. No one can question that they can't pay it back, right?

It turns out that some people are really worried about this.

Draco helplessly replied to Ariana's lack of common sense, "Yes, but Gringotts' lending procedures are very strict. To borrow money, they need a vault with a certain amount of Galleons in it, and they also need to verify the borrower's income."

The Weasley family definitely has a vault, but there is definitely no money in it, and Arthur Weasley's income does not meet Gringotts' loan standards.

Ariana was speechless when she heard this and complained: "If you have money, who would borrow money?"

People only go to the bank to borrow money when they have no money to make ends meet. If this is the case, how deserted would the loan business window in the magical world be?

Seeing this, Draco could only patiently explain again, "Don't you understand what I mean? Goblins only lend money to rich people so they can make money. They won't lend money to poor people to improve their lives because they believe the poor can't pay it back."

I'm talking about poor people like Weasley, who have no money but still do research and have so many children.

Ariana didn't know how to complain, but there were so many things to complain about in the wizarding world that she was numb now.

She said speechlessly: "Well, it seems that these goblins are just like Grandet in the Muggle world. They are too inflexible."

She said that goblins should lend money to the poor, let them have more children, and let the children pay back the money if they can't pay it back. Gradually, all wizards will become slaves of Gringotts.

Maybe the goblins could get back the right to use their wands, and wizards could experience a population explosion, killing two birds with one stone.

Draco shook his head and said, "They have been deprived of the right to use their wands, and the space in the magical world is getting smaller and smaller. They can't go to the Muggle world like wizards can. Goblins are even more conservative than magical families."

Because of their appearance, goblins are actually more worried about being exposed to the magical world than wizards. This is also the reason why they are closer to magical families. After all, everyone has the same goal, which is to ensure that resources do not leak out.

They had just been discussing Ron's wand problem, and after that digression they were back to the point.

Chapter 176 How Unfair to Him

Ariana said seriously, "Even if the Weasleys can't borrow from Gringotts, can't they borrow from colleagues, relatives, and friends? After all, this concerns the child's future. I think you should try to improve your combat power as much as possible during this period."

The dueling competition is no longer just a competition for young wizards to see their own fighting ability, but also a platform for them to prove themselves to the outside world. Once the magical families invest in this competition, the Ministry of Magic will also include this competition as one of the criteria for recruitment assessment.

Especially the Auror Office, which is the department that needs strong combat power the most.

Draco could hear his good friend's distrust of him, and he said unconvincedly, "You think I can't beat Weasley?"

Are they still best friends?

There was no one else around at the moment, so Ariana certainly didn't care about Draco's face. She said bluntly, "Your magic power is indeed not as strong as his."

Although he was not serious in class, he did not fail to listen. If he could get a suitable wand, he might gain confidence and make rapid progress. After all, there was Harry's example.

Looking at Ariana's tough attitude, Draco immediately took a step back. He said helplessly, "Okay, I'll be more serious. Otherwise, can you get up with me in the morning and help me train my body skills?"

Since the magic attribute cannot be solved, he can only strengthen it in other aspects. From this point of view, it is not without benefit for Ariana to ask him to practice fencing. Although that sport is primitive, it does have unique features in terms of body movements and positioning.

Ariana was a little reluctant to agree, and said strugglingly: "Get up at 6 o'clock? That's too early."

Squeezing study time is one thing, but it is unnecessary to squeeze out rest time. For people who die early, all factors that affect health should be eliminated.

Draco took Ariana's hand and said coquettishly: "Yes, I can do it, I think you can too. We are boyfriend and girlfriend, so just accompany me."

I didn't ask Ariana to accompany me at this time before because Ariana didn't like Quidditch. Now this time is used to enhance my fighting power. Ariana can't be disgusted anymore, right?

Ariana smiled helplessly and joked with him: "I feel like this sentence is like a magic spell. Every time you say it, I can't refuse you."

It seemed like whenever Draco needed her to do something and she wasn't very willing to do it, she would bring it up, as if he was using it as his trump card.

Draco thought about it and realized it was true. He smiled and said, "That's true for me too. We are best friends after all."

Then he remembered that they were outside and added, "And they are also the closest lovers."

Originally, they were only separated when they slept, and now even that time was shortened again and again. It was no wonder that Snape mocked them for being conjoined twins.

Ariana's guess was correct. On the weekend, Arthur Weasley came to school to take Ron away, and when he came back, he had a new wand.

Draco had previously comforted himself that the Weasleys definitely couldn't afford to buy Ron a new wand, but now it had become an established fact and he no longer had any room for luck.

He asked Ariana with a worried look on his face, "Do you think I really can't beat him? Will I be eliminated in the second round?"

At this time, Draco's true nature was undoubtedly exposed. He was very timid and would scare himself at the slightest unfavorable factor. However, his strength on paper was obviously much stronger than Ron's.

If Ron won, many people would say it was an underdog victory, that Draco made a mistake, etc.

Looking at the anxious Draco, Ariana suddenly realized that not only his father could scare him, but now she could too.

It seems that I have to be more careful when speaking in the future.

Ariana patted Draco's shoulder and comforted him, "The key to victory doesn't depend on the strength of your magic. He doesn't know the Shield Charm anyway. As long as you can dodge his attacks and hit his hand with a Healing Counter-Spell, it will be easy to win."

Draco still looked worried and said, "But he is very reckless, and I heard that his brothers are teaching him spells. What if he can learn the Shield Charm?"

Although Draco didn't want to admit it, among the Weasley children, only Ron had average talent. Now that he was being trained by his three excellent brothers, his combat power would be greatly improved.

After a moment's thought, Ariana's eyes lit up and she suggested, "How about I teach you the flying spell? Then you can bring your sword and dart over to put it on his neck. You'll win the game."

This move existed in fencing, and she had taught Draco.

Draco frowned and asked, "Is there anything wrong with my magical flying spell?"

Ariana's learning experience was completely useless. Apart from her, Draco had never seen anyone else learn the flying spell.

Ariana was also unsure and said, "Let's try it. If it doesn't work, I'll think of other ways."

After trying, it turned out not to work, because Draco's magic power was not only not strong enough, but also not enough in total, and he couldn't control it precisely.

Draco looked depressed at this blow.

Ariana thought for a moment and suggested, "How about I help you modify your flying spell? You don't need to pursue such speed, and you don't need to fly. Just increase your pace. Combined with the fencing posture I taught you, and your healing counter-spell, you should be invincible in the duel tournament."

At least he won't be eliminated in the elimination stage. She won't say anything to attack Draco now. It's better to let the facts tell him and comfort him later when she feels sad.

Draco said embarrassedly: "But you have too many things to do and no time at all. Otherwise, why didn't you help me change it before?"

Doesn't he understand Ariana yet? If there is a way, she will not hide it from him. There must be something difficult.

It was really difficult before because I really couldn't squeeze in the time. Ariana smiled and said, "It's okay now. I use the class time to read. I can squeeze out the time I used to read to change the spell for you. Don't worry, I'm here and I will definitely not let you lose."

She had no confidence to begin with, and if she lost to Ron again, she felt that all her previous efforts would be in vain.

Draco looked at Ariana with emotion and said, "Luckily, you are here. Otherwise, if I lose, not only will I lose face, but it will also affect the reputation of the Malfoy family."

Especially since the Malfoys and the Weasleys had been at loggerheads for many years. If he lost to the youngest son of the Weasleys, he would be too embarrassed to go home even if his father didn't say anything.

Ariana smiled and said, "He has so many brothers, and you only have me. If you count it this way, it's actually quite unfair to you."

The problem with the magical attributes was not caused by Draco himself, but he had to bear the consequences. It was so unfair to him, especially since he wanted to be strong so much.

Draco quickly said, "No, you alone are more powerful than anyone else. That's why I always say that meeting you is my greatest luck."

Ariana pretended to be innocent and teased him, "You always say that? I don't remember you just saying you were lucky to have me."

This has indeed been said many times.

Now it was no longer the time when Draco couldn't react even when being teased. He knew that Ariana was just trying to make a joke.

He also laughed and said, "Aren't they all the same content? The meaning is pretty much the same."

Seeing Draco's happy face, Ariana's mood also brightened. She smiled and said, "I'm glad you're happy. You've been gloomy these past few days and haven't been eating well. You'll soon no longer be the pretty young master."

Not only was Draco's duel problem solved, making him feel happy, but the next day Snape also solved Ariana's duel problem.

Chapter 177 I Just Made a Deal with Him

Now whenever Ariana has time, she will go to Snape's office to do experiments. As her good friend, Draco's schedule overlaps with hers, so naturally he follows her.

The side room of the Potions classroom now has two parts. On Ariana's side are various brain area drawings, and next to them are glass jars of various brains.

On Draco's side were drawings of various organs and a plastic model of the human body, which looked very much like a teaching laboratory in a medical school.

Draco was doing his own research, and Snape was of course with Ariana, doing brain research with her.