Chapter 1006: Self-Defense Guide
Chapter 1006: Self-Defense Guide
Late into the night, the lights in the Gryffindor common room were still on, and Harry Potter sat by the round table next to the roaring fireplace, catching up on his homework. He was feeling a bit drowsy, covering a yawn and rubbing his slightly sore eyes. He stretched his arms above his head and, taking a moment from his busy schedule, turned to glance at the pouring rain outside the window. Covering another yawn, he returned to his work, driven by the heavy workload.
With the constant targeting of the old Troll this month, along with the relentless Quidditch team training in rain or shine, Harry had barely any time to complete the homework assigned by his professors. As a result, he had to stay up late every night to finish his work.
He absentmindedly glanced at the scar on the back of his hand, a faint mark left from repeatedly writing lines with the punishment quill.
At least the recent misfortune of Umbridge made Harry feel a lot better, lifting his previously gloomy mood.
To further counter Umbridge, Harry had even joined the Anti-Frog Union.
Yes, the rumored Anti-Frog Union did indeed exist.
Harry had known for a long time who had been causing trouble for Umbridge.
Was it Albert Anderson's idea?
Or was it the doing of the Weasley twins?
Harry had no way of knowing, but the truth wasn't important to him. What mattered was that Umbridge was getting what she deserved.
Yes, treating Umbridge so harshly made Harry feel not a twinge of guilt, and he had never thought he would come to dislike and oppose a person to this extent.
Bringing his thoughts back to the present, Harry continued to focus on his homework. Just before dawn, he put away his books and took out the Murtlap tentacle balm that the Weasley twins had provided. He applied it to the back of his hand where the punishment quill had left a wound that sometimes ached faintly. It was said that the balm contained extract of the white fresh, which could help prevent scarring.
"Does your arm still hurt?" Hermione suddenly asked.
"You haven't gone to rest yet?"
Harry looked at Hermione, who was still sitting next to him, in surprise. Usually, Hermione would have gone to rest before dawn, as it was said that staying up late was bad for the skin.
"Hermione said she has something to discuss with you," Ron added, putting down his quill as well, curious about what Hermione wanted to say.
"Go ahead, Hermione," Harry said calmly.
Hermione must have something important to say, otherwise she wouldn't have picked this time, clearly intending to keep their conversation private.
"What did Sirius say?"
Hermione's first question left both Harry and Ron confused, as they didn't understand what she meant. Hermione seemed to realize this and quickly added, "I'm talking about practicing defensive magic against the Dark Arts."
"Oh, I contacted Sirius last night," Harry said with a smile, understanding what Hermione was asking about, "He agrees with me standing up against Umbridge, and he even recommended a good place for us to practice spells."
"Where?" Ron asked.
"The Shrieking Shack," Harry replied, "He thinks that if we don't want Umbridge to find out, the Shrieking Shack is a good choice. We can go there in our free time to practice magic, and if they're available, Sirius and Remus will come to teach us."
"Harry, if it's just the three of us, the Shrieking Shack is a good place, but..." Hermione's words were interrupted by Harry, who was frowning.
"Not just the three of us? Oh, you mean Fred, George, and Lee Jordan?"
To be honest, the Weasley twins were quite skilled in defensive magic against the Dark Arts. They had trained with Albert before, and Harry even suspected that he might not be a match for either of them in a duel.
"I heard their prank products are very popular," Ron said, feeling that those guys were just out to make a quick buck.
"It might not be just the three of us," Hermione explained with a light cough, "The original size of the Defense Association wasn't small, and... I think most of the members of the Anti-Frog Union would be willing to participate."
"Hermione, I think you're joking," Harry said, rolling his eyes at her, "I'm not Anderson, and I don't have his charm. Do you really think many people would be willing to believe in a weirdo like me? Besides, we don't even have that much space to accommodate everyone."
"I think Harry's right, Hermione," Ron chimed in, "If you really want to reorganize the Defense Association, you should get Anderson to host it. Only he has the ability to bring the students of Hogwarts together."
The two of them had initially thought that Hermione wanted to form a small group to practice defensive magic against the Dark Arts, but now it seemed that she intended to revive the Defense Association.
Harry felt that if he were to follow Hermione's plan, he would likely become a complete joke. After all, there were quite a few students in the school who thought he was a fraud.
"Also, do you think Umbridge needs a reason to put me in detention?" Harry asked with a strange expression.
"When have you ever been afraid of Umbridge, Harry? If you want more people to stand on your side..." Hermione's words were cut off by Harry once again.
"Hermione, I really don't know how to convince them. At least I don't think I have that ability," Harry said, not optimistic about Hermione's plan, which he felt was completely unrealistic.
Forming a small group to practice defensive magic against the Dark Arts and improve each other's skills through mutual exchanges was actually a pretty good idea. However, Harry felt that Hermione's "ambition" was a bit too grand.
"Many people are willing to believe in you, and I think you should give them a chance," Hermione said after a moment's hesitation.
"A chance to laugh at me?" Harry asked sarcastically, "Don't be delusional, Hermione. You know very well what everyone else thinks."
"I think Harry's right," Ron agreed, taking Harry's side, "Just look at our dormitory. Neville is the only one who's willing to believe in Harry."
"If you want to reorganize the Defense Association, you should get Anderson to do it. He's better at this kind of thing," Harry repeated.
"He's busy, Harry," Hermione said helplessly, "And you don't need to be so hard on yourself. You're also excellent at defensive magic against the Dark Arts, and you also have this..."
"What's this?"
"This is from Albert." Hermione handed the book to Harry.
Harry took the book and looked at the silver embossed pattern on the cover: "Self-Defense Guide."
"Self-Defense Guide?" Ron asked doubtfully, "Did Albert write this book?"
"Yes, he said it was an early Christmas gift. I've read it several times already, and the spells we practiced in the Forbidden Forest last semester are all in here," Hermione explained to Harry, "It's said that this book also incorporates Auror training methods. If we master the content, we should be able to protect ourselves to some extent."
"A guide book written by Albert?"
Harry was a bit surprised as he flipped through the "Self-Defense Guide." It mostly contained very basic spells, many of which he had already learned, such as the Ironskin Spell and the Disarming Charm...
"It seems pretty ordinary.
"
Indeed, the first impression the book gave Harry was that it was rather ordinary.
"Harry, this is just basic knowledge. Once you finish reading the entire book, you'll gain a lot," Hermione could understand Harry's thoughts, as she had initially felt the same way. But after reading the whole book, she realized that she hadn't even mastered the fundamentals of Dark Arts defense in her five years of study.
"I dare say you don't even know the most basic spellcasting techniques very well. If we master the knowledge in this book, everyone's self-defense abilities will improve greatly." Having read the book, Hermione admired Albert immensely. She continued, "It includes a total of 66 spells and teaches us how to handle various situations."
"Is the book really that amazing?"
Ron also leaned in, curious to see the book that Hermione was raving about.
"I think it's pretty average," Harry admitted, flipping through the book. Most of the spells within were already familiar to him.
"No, Harry, I think Hermione's right," Ron agreed, flipping through the pages before nodding. "This book is indeed amazing."
"Really?"
"Harry, you feel it's ordinary because Sirius has been tutoring you, and you already know a lot of the content. Naturally, it won't seem as impressive," Hermione pointed out. "You need to flip to the latter part of the book."
"Okay, Hermione, I agree with you. Can I borrow this for a while?" Harry casually flipped to the back of the book and found instructions on tracking and anti-tracking techniques.
He had to admit that this was something he didn't know. At least, so far, no Defense Against the Dark Arts class had taught these skills.
The book also included instructions on how to use the Disguise Spell, how to set up a simple and safe temporary camp, and various other practical knowledge and techniques.
Well, Harry had to admit that compared to this book, 'Magical Theory' truly belonged in the trash bin.
"But we don't have a place to practice spells," Harry countered, flipping through the book again and noticing instructions on how to cast protective charms on one's house to safeguard one's family from unwelcome guests.
"If Umbridge finds out what we're up to, I'm sure she'd be delighted to put us all in detention," he added.
"We can start by forming the core of the Defense Association, and we can slowly look for a place to practice magic," Hermione said excitedly.
"We can ask Fred to borrow their room for activities," Ron suggested.
"I'm afraid not. I don't think Albert would agree," Hermione shook her head. "Practicing magic might destroy their space. Fred and George have already promised to help us find a room."
"Are you still not giving up on that unrealistic idea of yours?" Harry asked, closing the book and raising an eyebrow at Hermione.
"You need some support," Hermione said without hesitation. "And some things are better learned and improved upon together."
"Okay, Hermione, tell me honestly what you're trying to do. I don't believe you just want to learn some magic," Harry said, looking at Hermione intently. "Your reasons seem silly to me. If it's just a Dark Arts defense group, I'm sure we can gather ten or so members without any issues, as long as we're willing."
Ron looked confused as he glanced between Harry and Hermione.
"Okay!" Hermione took a deep breath and said seriously, "The main reason is that I want to learn more about protecting ourselves. But you know the current situation at Hogwarts, Umbridge is unpopular, and she's been particularly nasty lately. I think it's a good opportunity to bring others together and gather those who are willing to believe in you. It's not a good idea to go at it alone, Harry. You need more supporters, and I'm sure you don't want to be isolated!"
"My plan is to start by recruiting from the Anti-Frog Union," Hermione continued. "The union already has nearly a hundred members, and I believe many of them would be willing to believe in you. I think we can combine the two groups, and I'm sure everyone is tired of Umbridge."
"Hermione, I think your idea is rather naive," Harry suddenly said.
"What?" Hermione was taken aback.
"Actually, there's a way to convince them all at once," Harry said.
"What way?"
"When it comes down to it, the whole dispute is about whether or not Voldemort is still alive," Harry stated, getting to the heart of the matter. "For wizards who haven't witnessed Voldemort's resurrection firsthand, it's hard to make them believe the harsh reality, so..."
"So?"
"...we show them the harsh reality. Sirius told me that Dumbledore has a Pensieve in his office that can present memories to people. If we let others view the memory of Voldemort's resurrection, no one will doubt his return," Harry explained.
Hermione's mouth hung open, and she was stunned by Harry's suggestion.
"You're right, but... would Dumbledore be willing to lend us the Pensieve?" Ron asked, curious to see Voldemort's resurrection as well. "And if it's really possible to do that, why didn't Dumbledore let Fudge view your memory?"
"Because Fudge doesn't want to step down!" Harry scoffed. "Whether he sees it or not, he won't believe it. Admitting Voldemort's return would mean he'd have to step down."
"So what should we do?" Ron asked.
"If you want to form a Defense Against the Dark Arts group, then follow my lead," Harry said to Hermione. "Invite those who are willing to believe, and leave those who aren't. Be clear about what we're doing instead of finding an excuse to gather them."
"But Harry, everyone..."
"I've never felt the need to seek anyone's acknowledgment, nor do I want to spend time convincing anyone," Harry interrupted. "I certainly don't want to be treated like a monkey in a zoo, nor do I think I can befriend a bunch of people who want to see me fail."
"Sorry, maybe I went too far," Harry apologized to Hermione. "But I think Fred and George are right; you are a bit too naive in some ways."
"I'll borrow this for a while to study the contents," Harry said, taking the book and leaving.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Ron asked with concern.
"Do you think my idea is unreliable too?" Hermione asked Ron.
"I don't know," Ron shook his head. "But I just want to learn some useful things, and I'm sure Harry feels the same."
(End of Chapter)
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