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Chapter 388: Forming a Club
Chapter 388: Forming a Club
The sudden intrusion of Dementors into the school, without any warning, sent Dumbledore into a rage. He never expected that something like this would happen in just the one day he was away.
Upon receiving this news, Dumbledore immediately dropped everything and went to the Ministry of Magic to find Fudge.
No one knew what the two discussed in the Minister's office, but by Monday, most of the Dementors guarding Hogwarts had been recalled, with only a handful remaining at essential entrances.
Additionally, there was no mention of this incident in the Prophet, as if nothing had happened at all.
However, the students of Hogwarts were unaware of these developments, and no one noticed that the number of Dementors had been significantly reduced.
After the weekend, the castle remained bustling and busy as ever, with the only change being that Harry's broom was now broken.
But aside from the Gryffindor students, not many people seemed to care about this.
And for Kyle... the dragon scale badges were once again in high demand. The latest batch sent by Rattler had sold out in just a few days, and even the more expensive dragon tooth accessories were nearly sold out.
But these were minor matters, not worth mentioning.
The first class in the morning was Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Professor Lupin looked unwell, his robes hanging loosely on his frame and dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept in days.
But when the students entered, he managed to offer them a smile.
"Today, we're going to learn a very useful little trick—the Revealing Charm."
Professor Lupin's voice was weak as he explained, "Using this charm will easily expose any creatures hiding in the shadows or magical items, leaving them with nowhere to hide.
If you're in ancient ruins or a perilous forest... knowing what's around you beforehand is crucial.
It will help you avoid Hinkypunks lurking in the water and alert you to the presence of Malkins in the treetops."
"Now, everyone take out your wands..."
According to the original plan, Professor Lupin was supposed to take the fourth years for an outdoor class. Two weeks ago, he had prepared a large clearing on the edge of the Forbidden Forest where the students would use the Revealing Charm to find the hidden Bowtruckles and fairies.
However, plans often go awry, and he certainly didn't have the energy now to take the students outside the castle. He could only make do with practicing the charm and wand movements in the classroom.
"We'll go outside next class," Professor Lupin thought to himself.
But after experiencing Professor Lupin's engaging and fascinating lessons, the simple practice of casting spells felt rather dull.
Additionally, the Revealing Charm was different from other spells; without a target, it was challenging to determine if you were doing it correctly.
About halfway through the class, the students started to get bored, and their spellcasting and wand movements became perfunctory.
"Professor..."
Suddenly, someone asked, "Do you know about Dementors?"
Everyone immediately became more attentive, their eyes fixed on Professor Lupin.
This topic was undoubtedly far more interesting than monotonously waving their wands.
"Of course, I do," Professor Lupin replied. "Although I wasn't at the school last Saturday, I heard about what happened from the other professors.
Dementors are one of the most evil creatures in the world. They feed on every positive feeling, every happy memory...
Anyone who spends time around them will go insane, and eventually become like them—soulless and filled with malevolence."
"Then why did the Dementors go to the stadium?" someone asked.
"I believe they were hungry," Professor Lupin said calmly. "The excitement and heightened emotions around the Quidditch pitch would have been a feast for the Dementors.
"But Professor, what if Dumbledore isn't around?" the student persisted. "Like last Saturday, if the Dementors were to invade the castle while the headmaster is away, we should have some means of protecting ourselves."
Professor Lupin frowned. "Well... that is usually taught in the seventh year. It might be a bit early for you to learn it now."
"We can handle it, Professor!" Kyle suddenly spoke up. "I promise we can learn this charm."
"Yes, yes!" Mick added eagerly. "Kyle has already mastered it, so we'll definitely be able to as well."
Professor Lupin opened his mouth to argue that Kyle was an exceptional case and didn't set a precedent, but he stopped himself.
"Time is the issue," he said instead. "Learning the Patronus Charm requires precise control over your magic and emotions, and it can't be rushed in half a lesson. But if we take too much time, it will interfere with your end-of-term exams and even your O.W.Ls in the fifth year. Perhaps it's best to wait until your seventh year."
"But Professor, can you teach us until our seventh year?" came a meek voice from the corner of the room.
Professor Lupin was embarrassed to realize that he probably couldn't, as his contract with Dumbledore only spanned one year. In fact, all Defense Against the Dark Arts professors had been hired for a single year.
According to faculty gossip, there was a stack of these one-year contracts in the headmaster's office, as plentiful as the acceptance letters sent to new students each year. All they needed was a name filled in.
Whether this was true or not remained a mystery...
As Professor Lupin fell silent, the students began to chatter excitedly again.
"Professor, I really want to learn this..."
"We promise to study hard..."
"Even if you give us two rolls of parchment worth of homework..." The student was cut off as someone clamped a hand over his mouth.
That was definitely out of the question.
"If you're concerned about time..." Kyle spoke up once more. "You could take a cue from other professors and start your own club."
"A club?" Professor Lupin asked, lowering his head in thought as he considered the suggestion.
"Yes," Kyle said enthusiastically. "After what happened last Saturday, I'm sure students from other grades would want to learn the Patronus Charm too. Learning an extra spell is always beneficial, and by forming a club, you can gather all interested students together and teach us in just two hours a week."
Professor Lupin pondered this for a moment before nodding slowly in agreement.
"A club is indeed a good idea, and it won't interfere with your regular studies... But with students from all seven years, won't the number of participants be too large?"
He furrowed his brows in concern. "And I don't think Hogwarts has a classroom big enough to accommodate all of us."
"Of course, there is—the Great Hall!" Kyle smiled. "You probably don't know this, but last year, Professor Lockhart requested the Great Hall from the headmaster to start a Dueling Club, and almost every student joined.
If a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor could do it, then surely you can too, Professor Lupin."
(End of Chapter)
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