Accepted combative position

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in an accepted combative position in the Duelling Club in 1992.

"Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed; at least, Lockhart did, with much twirling of his hands, whereas Snape jerked his head irritably. Then they raised their wands like swords in front of them."

— Description

An accepted combative position is one of many positions in formal wizard duelling that both duellists adopt after shortly bowing to each other, in order to show readiness for duel. The position consists of brandishing the wands, like swords in modern fencing. After a beat or, if preferred, on the count of three, the duellers start casting their first spells and start the duel.

Though the tradition of bowing is met, wizards who show little to no respect for each other would be more crude in their gesture, as Snape irritably jerked his head, while Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, and Lord Voldemort would barely incline their heads against their adversaries. Malfoy also attacked before the count of three was finished.

Gallery

Severus Snape in an accepted combative position

Minerva McGonagall in an accepted combative position

Gilderoy Lockhart in an accepted combative position

Lord Voldemort in an accepted combative position

Molly Weasley in an accepted combative position

Alecto Carrow in an accepted combative position

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Filius Flitwick in an accepted combative position

LuciusAcceptedCombativePosition.jpg

Lucius Malfoy in an accepted combative position

Ronald Weasley in an accepted combative position

Hermione Granger in accepted combative position

Draco Malfoy in an accepted combative position

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film) (Possible appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7