"Ahh, I see. Harry, my proficiency in dueling is due to a combination of my own natural talents and decades of practice. I am sorry to say that there is no secret trick that will enable you to do it in a short amount of time. But I can help you to get started if you would like." Professor Flitwick offered.
"That would be great!" Harry said enthusiastically. "I'd really like to be able to move as fast as you did."
"That is one thing I can not teach." Flitwick answered. "It is not a spell that makes that possible. It is a natural skill that can be done without a wand, much like Animagus transformations or Metamorphmagus changes. I am what's known as a Curromagus, which is basically a witch or wizard that is able to use magic to boost their natural speed and reflexes. We are quite rare, although not as rare as Metamorphmagi, and a person is either born one or not. There is no way to become one."
"I see." Harry answered, the disappointment clear in his voice. "I guess that means I'm not one."
"It is unlikely, but still possible. The differences usually do not become clear until a wizard is a little older than you are now. I was 16 before I discovered the ability, although even before that I was aware that I had very good reflexes. If I were to suspect that anyone in this school might be a Curromagus I would suspect you, Harry."
"Really? Why?" Harry asked with a look of confusion on his face.
"Mainly because of the way I've seen you act during Quidditch. Your success in that sport is not due solely to your abilities to fly a broom, but in the speed with which you are able to react to Snitch as it changed directions. It is quite impressive, Harry, and one reason among many I wish you had been sorted into Ravenclaw." the small professor explained with a chuckle. "Wait and see, Harry. Perhaps you are a Curromagus, perhaps not. Either way you should remember that there is more to dueling than simply magical power. Honestly speaking, one day you will be a far more powerful wizard than I."
"Do you really think so?" Harry asked uncertainly.
"Of course. You are stronger than most, while I am merely average." Flitwick admitted.
"You have to be better than average, sir. I heard you were a duelling champion, that's far from average."
"Ah but you missed the point, Harry. What I meant was that I am not capable of putting as much power behind my spells as many other wizards are. Because of that it is much wiser for me to avoid spells in a fight rather than trying to shield against them. Due to my size and Curromagus talents I am uniquely capable of doing this." Flitwick explained.
"OK, I think I understand that. But how were you able to cast spells so quickly? Was that just another part of the Curromagus abilities?" Harry asked, surprised to be learning so much.
"Partly, but not completely. I utilize a talent that any witch or wizard can do but only professional duelers ever bother to master. It is a way of linking spells together so that your wand never stops moving. In order to link two spells together the last wand movement of the first spell must be the same as the first wand movement of the second spell. If they are, you can do the movement once when casting one spell right after the other. For instance, what is the last movement in the disarming charm, Expelliarmus?" Flitwick asked, reverting back to his teaching attitude.
"A full clockwise spin." Harry answered confidently.
"Correct! And what spell can you think of that begins with a clockwise spin?"
Harry had to think about that for a few seconds, but finally remembered one. "The body bind curse does."
"An excellent suggestion, and the one I was hoping you would remember. So using one movement but two incantations it is possible to quickly disarm and bind an adversary."
"Wow, that sounds really useful. Why doesn't everyone use that technique?" Harry asked.
"It takes practice to learn the skill well enough to get to the point where the increase in casting speed is noticeable, and most people that aren't professional duelers have no reason to learn it. Beginners often create what are called chains of linked spells and practice the same ones over and over so that they can use them in a duel. The problem with this is that an advanced dueler will see the first spell in the chain and know what is coming after it. Masters of the technique are able to create chains as they cast." Flitwick explained.
"You're a master, aren't you?" Harry asked with a knowing smile on his face.
"I am. And it took me decades to reach this point. If you want to improve you must practice, Harry. I have seen how easy the spells in this class have become for you, so you must be studying ahead of time. Tell me, how far ahead are you?"
"Either finishing sixth year or starting seventh in Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense. I guess I have been practicing almost non-stop since my name came out of the Goblet of Fire." Harry admitted.
"Your dedication shows. If I may make a suggestion though: don't neglect practice on casting speed, accuracy, and curse dodging. They are just as valuable as the number of spells you know and how strong you can cast them." the small professor advised.
"Thank you, Professor Flitwick. You've given me a lot to think about."
"Good luck in the tournament, Harry. I'll be cheering for you."
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