https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-401-The-Annoying-Eagle-shaped-Bronze-Knocker-and-the-Damaged-Broomstick/13441660/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-403-I-Never-Expected-You-to-Uncover-My-Identity-So-Quickly-/13441662/
Chapter 402: Lupin: I'm Done, I Probably Won't Make It Through Today!
Chapter 402: Lupin: I’m Done, I Probably Won’t Make It Through Today!
"Are you both ready?" Lupin asked loudly. Seeing Harry and Malfoy both nod, Lupin released a Red Cap from the cage.
At the same time, Ivan lifted the Petrification Charm he had cast, allowing another Red Cap to regain its mobility.
These Red Caps, under the influence of the Confundus Charm, had completely lost their senses. They didn't notice the circle of wizards around them and only followed their instincts to attack the closest person.
Harry and Malfoy had seen Ivan cast the spell so effortlessly, but when it was their turn to face the creatures, they realized these beings were not easy to handle.
Although the Red Caps were small, only able to reach their shoulders when they jumped, the wild, fearless expression on their faces made the two boys feel a bit intimidated.
"Stupefy!" Harry, tense, tried to mimic Ivan's earlier spell.
A beam of magical light shot out quickly but missed, hitting the wall behind the Red Cap instead.
For Harry, who lacked combat experience, hitting a fast-moving target was not easy, especially since the Red Cap was small and at a distance, making it even harder to hit.
"Harry! Don't panic. Calculate the distance and wait for the Red Cap to get closer before casting your spell! Yes, that's right, now! Stay calm while casting!" Ivan instructed Harry on how to time his spell correctly.
Harry took the advice to heart, suppressing his nervousness and waiting for the Red Cap to get closer before casting the Stupefy spell again.
A brilliant red light shot from the tip of his wand, hitting the target this time. The running Red Cap stumbled and fell to the ground, struggling for a moment before passing out.
On the other side, Malfoy was flustered.
Despite Lupin's guidance on using the Red Cap Repelling Charm, Malfoy, who already had a grudge against Lupin, was not inclined to follow Lupin's methods.
He cast a dark spell he had learned from somewhere, and with a bit of luck, hit the Red Cap's chest.
However, Malfoy clearly overestimated his magical abilities. The Red Cap, though hit, did not fall immediately but instead became even more aggressive and charged at him.
Malfoy, now panicking, cast two more spells. One missed, and the other blew off the Red Cap's right arm.
By this time, the Red Cap, with one arm missing, had already reached Malfoy, its face twisted in a fierce expression, and it was making loud, threatening noises. Malfoy, in a state of panic, didn't know what to do and could only scream in terror.
"Help me, help me!"
"Stupefy!" With a gentle voice, Lupin cast a spell, and a beam of light hit the Red Cap, freezing it in its attacking posture right in front of Malfoy.
The Red Cap's right arm was still dripping blood, and its left claw was just a few inches away from grabbing Malfoy's arm.
Malfoy, still shaken, his face alternately red and white, glared at Lupin, thinking that Lupin must have deliberately waited until the last moment to save him to make him look foolish.
Lupin, however, didn't care much about Malfoy's attitude. He pointed out the mistakes Malfoy had made during the fight and encouraged him to try again.
Malfoy, though impatient, returned to his original position. This time, he didn't dare to act recklessly and obediently followed Lupin's instructions, using a specific spell to confuse the Red Cap.
Seeing the previous "strong enemy", the Red Cap, lose its target and frantically run around, eventually crashing into a wall, Malfoy felt a great sense of satisfaction, finally getting a chance to vent his frustration.
However, thinking about how he had achieved this under the guidance of Lupin, Malfoy felt a bit uncomfortable.
After Harry and Malfoy defeated the Red Cap, more and more young wizards volunteered to give it a try.
Unlike the Boggart, which only scared people, the Red Cap had a fierce appearance and could genuinely inflict harm on people!
This sense of excitement was quite novel for these young wizards, who had never experienced life-and-death battles. Some of them even mistakenly believed that this was a real fight and proudly boasted about how calm and fearless they were during the battle!
However, about one-third of the young wizards encountered various issues when facing the Red Cap for the first time.
When it was Seamus's turn, he was so flustered that he accidentally cast a spell at Neville, who was standing nearby. If not for Ivan's timely reaction and the casting of a Shield Charm on the poor Neville, he would have been hit.
Fortunately, by the end of the class, every young wizard had successfully mastered the techniques to deal with the Red Cap, and they no longer panicked during the battles.
This made the Defense Against the Dark Arts class end on a high note, with the majority of the young wizards feeling much stronger and praising Lupin without end. Two consecutive interesting and exciting classes had thoroughly won them over.
"Professor Lupin's class is amazing! Last time it was the Boggart, this time it's the Red Cap, I wonder what it will be next time?"
"He's the best Defense Against the Dark Arts class professor I've ever seen!"
The young wizards chattered excitedly, and Lupin overheard their comments. He smiled faintly, feeling a bit emotional.
These few months at Hogwarts were the most relaxed and happiest days he had had in years.
There was no discrimination, he could enjoy delicious meals, and he had a decent salary.
Even teaching didn't feel like a chore, as interacting with these mischievous and interesting students brought him great joy. Lupin hoped that his true identity would never be discovered.
After returning to his office from the classroom, Lupin took out the Wolfsbane Potion from his robe pocket, preparing to drink it.
Calculating the time, the Full Moon Night should be in the next few days, so it was better to take the potion in advance for safety.
However, just then, a knock came from the door.
Lupin immediately stopped what he was doing, hastily putting the Wolfsbane Potion in a drawer, and then composed himself before speaking.
"Come in!"
"Hello, Professor Lupin!" Ivan pushed the door open, nodded, and then closed it behind him.
After a moment's thought, Ivan decided it wasn't safe enough and locked the door to prevent anyone from eavesdropping during their conversation.
Lupin watched Ivan lock the door, and a chill ran down his spine. He felt that he might not make it through the day.
(End of Chapter)
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