https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-234-The-Lack-of-Discovery-is-More-Frightening/12937653/
Chapter 235: Like a Real Army...
Chapter 235: Like a Real Army...
Despite Ved's lingering suspicions about Professor Abigail, Dumbledore's assurance put him somewhat at ease.
The combined age of Ved's past and present lives didn't even amount to half of Dumbledore's, and Ved didn't think his judgment could surpass that of the elderly wizard.
However, Ved was certain that Dumbledore was still holding back and had much more to say.
Of course, considering their age difference, Ved didn't hold it against him.
Or rather, whenever he felt discontent, he would switch perspectives and imagine—would he, in his place, reveal secrets to a twelve-year-old child?
Certainly not.
With this thought, he regained his composure and even felt that Dumbledore was being overly lenient towards him.
...
Towards the end of March, the weather gradually became warmer. Despite the rain that fell persistently for most of the month, the dreary rain and muddy grounds couldn't dampen the students' enthusiasm for outdoor games.
The Maze Challenge once again became the most popular game at Hogwarts.
After an entire winter, the students' enthusiasm for the game reached a level that was almost frightening. Almost every moment outside of curfew hours, the maze was packed with students.
Professor Abigail instantly fell in love with this sport. She also discovered that as long as she was in the game, she could freely knock down her opponents without worrying about being reprimanded by Madam Pomfrey.
Of course, the professor now understood that children were much more fragile than adults, and if they got injured, their 'protectors' would cause trouble. So, she exercised restraint in her attacks.
The students rarely got injured, but they were often knocked down without even seeing their opponents, and then they were sent out of the maze, resulting in a poor gaming experience.
They repeatedly complained to the "referees," but the professors merely offered a few words of comfort and didn't stop Abigail's actions.
The disgruntled students formed various alliances, with clear divisions of labor for luring, attacking, and defending, attempting to defeat the unethical Professor Abigail through sheer numbers.
For the young wizards, it was just a game. But the adult wizards, observing the children's transformation, felt a subtle sense of unease.
"This is almost like... a real army..."
Snape stood by the window, watching the students in the distant game arena trying to surround Abigail from all sides, cautiously hiding behind cover as they ran and jumped.
He asked in a low voice, "Dumbledore, is this your intention?"
"Trust me, not everything is within my expectations." Dumbledore replied with a tone of surprise, "Initially, I just wanted the children to become more familiar with the use of spells."
Snape looked at him skeptically, but he couldn't tell if Dumbledore was telling the truth from his expression.
"Well," Snape said, "Either way, don't let Fudge see this... He might be so scared that he'll sit on the ground."
"You underestimate our Minister of Magic," Dumbledore said, "His courage should be a little more than that."
Snape smiled sarcastically and remained silent.
As he gazed at the bustling scene outside the window, his expression gradually turned somber again.
He couldn't help but think—if they had undergone the same training back then in school, would Lily...
Snape then realized that the training was likely conducted by both sides, and he had been a Death Eater at the time.
They were enemies. The stronger they became, the more brutal the war would be.
Nevertheless, as the professors witnessed the students' growing capabilities day by day, they couldn't help but feel a genuine sense of pride, even as they found the task of managing them increasingly challenging.
Perhaps it was because Abigail's thirst for battle had been thoroughly satisfied in the maze, or maybe it was due to Madam Pomfrey's anger finally giving her pause. Whatever the reason, the subsequent Defense Against the Dark Arts classes became slightly more normal.
Abigail began teaching from the textbook, explaining how to deal with various common dark creatures, but mostly focusing on how to prevent sneak attacks by Dark Wizards and detailing their various tactics.
When she was in the mood, like the previous professor, she would have students demonstrate the process of subduing and counterattacking.
However, in Lockhart's class, students would merely roar ferociously before being defeated by the "Brave Warrior Lockhart," and that would be the end of it.
In Abigail's class, she would genuinely demonstrate the counterattacks, and the participating students often ended up with bruises in various colors.
"To be honest, Professor Abigail is even better than I expected. Everything she teaches is useful—it would be perfect if she could just go a little easier on the beatings."
Anthony spoke through gritted teeth as Michael helped him apply a potion to the bruises on his back.
Many students nodded in agreement.
After Defense Against the Dark Arts class, most students had developed a new habit—going to an adjacent empty classroom after class to apply potions to each other's bruises.
The girls went to a separate classroom.
For minor bruises and scratches, there was no need to bother Madam Pomfrey, who might scold or lecture them. With the application of the potions, ordinary bruises would disappear within ten minutes or so.
Most Ravenclaw and Slytherin students excelled in Potions. Even Goyle and Crabbe occasionally managed to brew passable potions.
Of course, the most effective potions were brewed by Ved in Ravenclaw and Malfoy in Slytherin.
As a result, they were always surrounded by their peers.
The relationship between the two houses had once been at its worst, but as Ved demonstrated his growing power, these grudges seemed to fade.
They were all teenagers, seeing each other every day, practicing spells together in class, sitting at adjacent tables during meals, and even getting beaten up by a professor together in the maze challenge...
Most had forgotten the reasons for the initial quarrels, and gradually, the atmosphere returned to one of laughter and conversation. Some Slytherins rejoined Malfoy, but he now treated them with a certain coldness.
After the Charms class on Friday, Professor Flitwick asked the Ravenclaw students to stay behind and informed them of an important matter.
"Starting next week, it will be the Easter break."
Professor Flitwick stood atop a tall pile of books and spoke seriously to his students, "During this break, you need to carefully consider which subjects you will take in your third year."
"This decision will impact your future, so don't choose lightly! Before making your choices, I suggest discussing them with your parents. If you have any questions, feel free to come to me."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
