Chapter 228: The New Dark Arts Defense Professor
Chapter 228: The New Dark Arts Defense Professor
The Dark Arts Defense class finally seemed to be getting back on track, albeit with each professor teaching in their own unique style.
Professor Flitwick taught various charms, Professor McGonagall instructed on using Transfiguration to handle dangerous creatures, Professor Sprout focused on identifying perilous plants, while Professor Snape always said, "If you have a bottle of XXX Potion, you can effortlessly solve this problem."
The Dark Arts Defense class felt like an extension of other courses.
And when Professor Lockhart was teaching, he would assign trivial homework, allowing students to easily earn high grades by making up flattering phrases.
However, when the other professors took over, the amount of homework seemed to double overnight, and not a single professor assigned less than a foot-long assignment.
"You've missed out on far too much knowledge in this subject!"
Almost every professor echoed this sentiment: "To at least pass the final exam, you'll need to put in more effort!"
The mountain of homework weighed heavily on the students, and they couldn't help but curse Professor Lockhart, even though he had the most charming smile in all of Britain, he had lost the adoration of Hogwarts' female students.
What was even more painful for the students was that the expensive books they had purchased were now useless, and there were no new textbooks available.
The professors believed that the new Dark Arts Defense Professor should decide on the teaching materials.
So, during each class, the professors would present key points on the blackboard, and the students had to copy them down and then conduct research and write essays after class.
Finally, on a weekend evening in early March, the evening feast was more lavish than usual. Professor Dumbledore, who hadn't been seen for a long time, appeared at the staff table, with an unfamiliar witch seated beside him.
The woman wore a black wizard's robe with deep blue and golden stripes along the edges. She was around thirty years old, with dark skin and bold, slender facial features, exuding a wild beauty.
The students couldn't help but be captivated by her, and whispers filled the air. The witch, however, didn't shy away from the stares; instead, she watched the students with keen interest.
Her gaze swept through the Great Hall like a hunting lioness, landing on the excited Weasley twins, then on Harry Potter beside them, before turning and briefly locking eyes with Vold.
After dinner, Professor Dumbledore tapped his fork on his glass, and the crisp sound echoed throughout the Hall, instantly quieting the students.
"Good evening, children, I hope you've all eaten your fill."
The students responded enthusiastically, and Fred shouted, "The strawberry cake today was amazing, Professor!"
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley, I quite agree."
Professor Dumbledore smiled pleasantly. "Allow me to introduce our new Dark Arts Defense Professor—Professor Sera Abigail from the United States."
The students applauded enthusiastically, and a few even whistled loudly.
However, Professor Abigail didn't seem inclined to speak; she lazily raised her hand and waved at the students.
The students began to feel that this professor might be a bit difficult to get along with.
"Additionally—"
Professor Dumbledore continued, "The Board of Governors has generously donated funds to purchase a set of Dark Arts Defense textbooks for all students..."
"Really?"
"Some students asked in surprise.
"Of course," Professor Dumbledore said, "The new textbooks have been delivered to the common rooms, and the prefects will distribute them later. Well, what are you waiting for? Go and see what you'll be learning next!"
The sound of chairs scraping filled the air as students filed out of the hall, many turning back to catch a glimpse of the new professor.
"She's really charming, isn't she?" Michael said, craning his neck to get a better view as he spoke to Vold.
"Hmph!"
Padma suddenly let out a cold hum beside them, nudging Michael aside as she and her roommate strode out with their heads held high.
"I'd say she's the most charming professor in Hogwarts!" Terry added, "I wish we had Defense Against the Dark Arts class tomorrow."
"Our class is on Thursday," Vold said, "Just be patient."
"Oh, no..." Terry exaggerated, "You didn't have to remind me, Vold."
The students returned to their common room, giggling, and received the new textbooks from their prefects.
'Defense and Deterrence Charms'.
Opening the cover, they saw a bold line on the title page—
"Attack is the Best Defense!"
"It seems our new professor is quite unique, isn't she?" Michael murmured.
The students' faces were filled with excitement—the choice of textbook clearly showcased the new professor's style.
Before Vold and his friends' class, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students had their turn. Of course, other grades also had their Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.
The students who had attended the class had mixed reviews.
"The best Defense class I've ever taken!"
"She's completely mad!"
"Can Professor Abigail teach us Defense Against the Dark Arts all the time?"
"How could Dumbledore allow her to teach like this? It's worse than Lockhart's theatrical performances!"
Students who had attended the class returned with minor injuries. It was said that even Madam Pomfrey had an argument with the new professor and stormed out of the office in a huff.
Padma nervously asked Hermione about her experience in the class.
"Well... how should I put it?" Hermione thought for a moment, "It's interesting, dangerous. In short... bring White Moss with you when you attend the class."
"Brilliant!" Harry highly recommended the new professor's class, "I wish she had been our teacher from the start."
"Harry, your nose is bleeding," Padma whispered to him.
"Oh, damn, it's happening again."
Harry quickly stemmed the nosebleed, and Vold cast a Healing Charm to finally stop the bleeding.
"Thanks, Vold," Harry said, then explained with a sullen expression, "I bumped my nose."
"We noticed," Michael said, "So, what did you learn?"
"Duel."
Harry smiled happily, "A real wizard's duel."
"It's a bit too thrilling, to be honest," Fred grinned, "But for us, it's like heaven!"
"What's there to be afraid of?" George put his arm around Michael's shoulder, "Think about it, how many times have you ventured into the maze? Why fear a Dueling class?"
Michael found their words reasonable, but he also felt they were trying to coax him.
Amidst the Ravenclaw students' apprehension, Thursday finally arrived.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
