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

Though the tradition of bowing was met (Gilderoy Lockhart went as far as to twirl his hands to seem more gentlemanly), wizards who showed little or no respect for each other would be more crude in their gesture, as Severus 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

Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout in an accepted combative position

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

Merula Snyde in an accepted combative position

Behind the scenes

• When Harry refused to bow to Voldemort, Voldemort used magic to force Harry to bend over.
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Lockhart did not twirl his hands during the bowing, while Snape's bowing was less crude as well.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
• Pottermore
• Wizarding World
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
• LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
• Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery