https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-281-Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts/12526456/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-283-The-Wizarding-Items-Merchant/12526458/
Chapter 282: Dark History
Chapter 282: Dark History
After class, Albert intentionally lingered in the classroom to intercept Professor Smith, intending to hold him to his promise of teaching the Traceless Extension Charm.
The downside of the panel's task rewards was that sometimes the rewards would be delivered to him in alternative ways. This time, it was a bit of a pitfall, as he didn't directly learn the Traceless Extension Charm but had to be taught by Professor Smith instead.
With the trip to Hogsmeade tomorrow, he would be able to obtain the hair of the Swamp-Cutter from Mundungus and put the Traceless Extension Charm to good use.
"Do you think the part I taught in class today was a bit...extreme?" Professor Smith paused in front of his office, turning his head to look at the distracted Albert and asking.
"It's indeed too early for most second-year students." Albert nodded. While Professor Smith was indeed a capable teacher, Albert doubted if this group of students could fully grasp such advanced knowledge.
"I'll probably leave Hogwarts early, just like Professor Broad." As he twisted the doorknob, Professor Smith added, "Sometime around May, I suppose."
"May?"
Albert wasn't too surprised. The curses in Dark Magic Defense were indeed treacherous, and leaving early was the best choice for one's safety.
"Before I leave, I'll teach as much useful knowledge as possible. Come in..." Professor Smith invited Albert into his office.
Albert sat on the sofa as usual.
"Milk tea again?"
"Yes," Albert replied.
Professor Smith waved his wand and casually conjured a cup of milk tea for Albert.
"To be honest, Hogwarts students are quite lacking when it comes to Dark Magic Defense." Professor Smith spoke as if discussing something intriguing, "You wouldn't believe how many people, even most of those working at the Ministry of Magic, can't cast a decent Ironskin Charm. Their proficiency in Dark Magic Defense is abysmal."
"It's a peaceful era." Albert responded without hesitation, "And the Ministry doesn't want them to master such arts...you know, the school doesn't truly teach much. Most knowledge needs to be acquired from others or self-taught."
"I've heard some rumors that the Dark Lord is still alive." Professor Smith interrupted.
"Yes, I've heard other wizards mention it during alchemy gatherings." Albert nodded to indicate his awareness. However, he felt that Professor Smith's intention behind bringing it up in class wasn't solely for this reason but perhaps something else.
"Never mind, let's not talk about that." Professor Smith seemed reluctant to discuss the matter further, "I can probably guess why you want to learn the Traceless Extension Charm, but I need to remind you that it's an advanced spell with a high learning curve. You should be mentally prepared."
"I'm ready," Albert said calmly. He had already planned to invest a large amount of experience points into the skill once he acquired it, quickly raising its level to three.
"Let's begin. Watch closely." Professor Smith raised his wand and cast a spell on the empty teacup.
"Capacious Extremis!"
His wand tapped the teacup, and he smiled at Albert, "Try pouring water into the cup, and you'll find its capacity has increased."
Albert drew out his wand and, using the Clear Water Spring spell, slowly filled the teacup with water. Indeed, the volume of the cup had expanded significantly.
"Pick it up." Professor Smith gestured for him to do so.
Albert found that the cup wasn't as heavy as he had imagined.
"The Traceless Extension Charm not only expands the interior dimensions of an object while maintaining its external appearance but also makes the items within lighter." Professor Smith explained.
"This spell is very practical," Albert commented truthfully, already thinking of several ways he could utilize it.
"Indeed, it is." Professor Smith continued, "However, due to the potential for abuse, the spell is strictly monitored by the Ministry of Magic."
"If one fully utilizes the Extension Charm, a briefcase could be turned into a room-sized space, as demonstrated by this teacup. But this spell also has a significant drawback—it's prone to reverting." Professor Smith waved his wand, emptying the cup of water.
"Suppose a wizard is walking down the street carrying a briefcase enchanted with the Traceless Extension Charm, and the spell suddenly fails. What do you think would happen? It would clearly violate the International Statute of Secrecy."
"Would everything inside be ejected?" Albert asked tentatively.
"Yes." Professor Smith shook his head, "Anyway, the Ministry has enacted a bunch of strict regulations. Wizards are no longer allowed to expand their containers at will, nor can they use it for personal gain, or they'll face fines."
At this point, Professor Smith's disdain was evident, "You know, those damn rules are full of loopholes, or perhaps they were deliberately left that way when the laws were written!"
On the topic of laws, Albert couldn't agree more. The laws of the wizarding world were essentially riddled with holes, serving the interests of a small minority.
"You probably don't know that the restriction on using the Traceless Extension Charm for personal gain is mostly to benefit themselves." When it came to exposing the dark history of certain individuals, Professor Smith didn't hold back, "Except for products manufactured with approval from the relevant departments of the Ministry, such as briefcases or family camping tents. Of course, these regulations were actually set by a particular family for their profit."
Albert was left speechless upon learning this hidden truth.
"Of course, those briefcases or family camping tents have undergone strict inspections, I presume." Professor Smith showed no courtesy when discussing the black history of certain individuals.
"Using one's power for personal benefit is a normal practice, I suppose." Albert said self-deprecatingly, "If I had the chance, I would probably do the same."
Professor Smith was taken aback, perhaps not expecting Albert to say such a thing.
However, in his position, he would most likely do the same.
Who wouldn't take advantage of such an opportunity?
Moreover, it was a legitimate way to make money.
"Cough, anyway, just be careful. I don't want you to be accused and end up in Azkaban." Professor Smith warned.
"Alright, let's not dwell on that. Try it now!"
"Capacious Extremis!" Albert waved his wand, casting the spell on his empty teacup.
"Your wand movement is incorrect. It should be like this." Professor Smith raised his wand to demonstrate the proper motion.
"Capacious Extremis!" Albert practiced several more times but still failed to succeed.
However, Albert didn't lose heart. He continued attempting while paying close attention to the changes in the panel.
"That's enough for today. Don't be too anxious. With your talent, you'll master it soon enough." Professor Smith wasn't surprised that Albert hadn't managed to change the teacup yet and added, "There are also books about the Traceless Extension Charm in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library. I'll write you a note so you can borrow them."
(End of Chapter)
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