(booooom!)

Elf Wizard: What the... casts Protection from Fire

Charred Dwarf Fireballer: I think I'll do that again! Kaaaa....

Elf Wizard: Sneer...casts Confusion/Suggestion/Hold Person/insert Will save or die/suck spell here

Dwarf Fireballer: Crap.

Seriously, if the surprise doesn't wipe out your theoretical wizard in the first round, it's not worth much.