February 1st, 1889

Next week-end, Hogwarts will play host to a student dueling tournament. Using the knowledge you have garnered in your time at Hogwarts, I would like you to compose an essay (50-150 words) detailing what you think the most practical spell is for dueling, and why you believe it to be so. It is to be submitted on your last class before the tournament, whichever day that might be.

Open to all DADA students. Post responses below by Feb 15th.
5-15HP are on the table for essays that meet the brief!

  

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— set by soph! —

It is my belief that in a duel, the most useful spell in a witch or wizard's arsenal is the shield charm (protego). One cannot be reliably expected to attack if one is incapacitated, and the shield charm allows the duelist to protect themselves from the efforts of their opponent. Some might argue that a shield charm is not flashy, however "flash" does not win competitions—success does. It also helps to prepare duelists for actual combat, should they be unfortunate enough to find themselves attacked in an uncontrolled environment.

  

I confess, I find it hard to identify a particular spell that is most useful in dueling. In my own humble opinion, I believe that the structure of dueling tournaments is missing one key component.

The use of potions should be permitted in dueling, and their incorporation, I think, would be the greatest asset a duelist might come across. Potions (including poisons and their antidotes) have myriad applications and can help to undermine the "traditional" dueling rhythm of stunning, shield charms, and disarming that has become so overdone. Incorporating poisons would add a dimension to the skill of the duelist, making them a more rounded sorcerer.

In conclusion, spells have their place, but it is potions that truly expand the sport.

  

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— Graphics by MJ ♡ —

While offensive flashy spells are often used in dueling and have their place and defensive spells can help to protect oneself during a duel, I believe that the best action is to cast a spell that hinders a person’s ability to think straight. In this case I would argue that the usage of confundo would be the best offensive spell to use in such a case as dueling. It not only is an offensive spell, but hinders the need of defensive spells that would not help you win a duel. It instead confuses the opponent to the point where they are no longer able to think straight about the best way to win and thus gives you the perfect opportunity to win a duel.

  

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Made by magic (MJ) <3

I believe that a disarming spell is the most effective spell to use while dueling. This prevents the opponent from being able to cast a spell, effectively protecting yourself in a duel as well as earning you the points needed to win a duel. Simply evading your opponent’s spell only gets you so far in a duel before you must go on the offensive, thus a disarming spell is a good balance of both defensive and offensive.

  

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Thank you Bee <3 Your magic has made Sisse bloom

To win a duel I believe you need to be ready for anything. In this case I would say that a levitation spell, wingardium leviosa, would be an excellent spell to use in a duel. This spell would allow you to dangle your opponent, or their wand, in the air, thus preventing a spell from being cast in the proper direction (or at all).

  

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DADA Homework

Duels, in my opinion, cannot be won without going on the offensive. Shield charms might provide a moment to collect one's thoughts, but the only way to win a duel is by actively striving to incapacitate one's opponent. I believe the stunning spell serves this purpose best; an unconscious opponent is an opponent no longer.

Myra Dursley, Ravenclaw

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— pretties by MJ! —

DADA Homework

I believe the best dueling spell is the disarming spell, if only because it can be used whether in an offensive or defensive position. My style of dueling is more aggressive, however, so I'm more likely to opt for a spell that will intimidate my opponent—say, the stunning spell or petrificus totalus.

Holly Scrimgeour, Slytherin

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— set by MJ <3 —