Chapter 49: Dark Arts Defense - Escape
Chapter 49: Dark Arts Defense - Escape
The afternoon's Dark Arts Defense class certainly did not disappoint.
Professor Babbitt Broad was a witty and humorous old man. On the first day of Dark Arts Defense class, he said to the students:
"You may not know this, but the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is cursed. No one has been able to hold this position for a year, and I don't expect myself to be an exception. Before I leave, I will impart to you the knowledge you need to know."
This statement was truly shocking.
"Professor, doesn't that mean you can't break the curse?" Roger Davies asked, raising his hand.
"I'm afraid not," Professor Broad shook his head. "In the past few decades, quite a few Defense Against the Dark Arts professors have tried, but they have all failed. Even Dumbledore couldn't do it, so I don't think I stand a chance. It's important to know one's limitations. Now, turn to page five of 'Dark Forces: A Self-Defense Guide,' and let's begin the lesson."
Professor Broad tended to go off on tangents, and he soon started recounting his travels, such as how he once used a bloody lollipop to subdue a ravenous vampire.
Professor Broad informed the class that vampires didn't actually need to feed on blood; they merely craved the taste of it.
"Ladies, be especially cautious when encountering vampires," Professor Broad said jokingly. "Most vampires tend to target young ladies like yourselves."
Of course, most vampires and werewolves registered with the Ministry of Magic these days, but that didn't mean there weren't any rogue individuals.
When it came to werewolves, Professor Broad's advice was to stay away from them.
"If you're bitten by a transformed werewolf, you will turn into a werewolf yourself," he explained. "Werewolves are shunned by wizards, and it's difficult for them to find decent work. Most of them end up on the wrong path."
"If I encountered a transformed werewolf outside, the first thing I would do is run away using the Disillusionment Charm," Professor Broad continued. "It's best to avoid any entanglements with transformed werewolves, as it could mean risking a bite."
Being bitten by a transformed werewolf would lead to a fate worse than death—becoming a werewolf yourself.
"Professor Broad, what should we do if we encounter a werewolf?"
"Well, given your current situation, it's unlikely that you'll come across one," Professor Broad replied. "But if you do, your only option is to fend for yourselves. In areas with dense housing, you can use the Locking Spell to secure your doors. Werewolves, like other magical creatures, tend to lose their rationality when they transform, so locking yourself in and then firing red sparks with your wand to signal for help is a good idea."
"What if we're in the wilderness or on a plain with nowhere to hide?"
"In that case, I'm afraid your only recourse is to pray to Merlin," Professor Broad said helplessly.
"Isn't it possible to subdue a transformed werewolf with a wand?" someone else asked.
"Yes, a powerful wizard can do that," Professor Broad nodded. "But I would never advise you to try and challenge a transformed werewolf. That would be incredibly foolish and suicidal. If you're bitten by a transformed werewolf and don't receive treatment in time, you will undoubtedly die. And even if you survive, you'll face consequences worse than death."
"That means you'll become a werewolf," he repeated.
"What if we're bitten by a werewolf that hasn't transformed?" Albert suddenly asked.
"That's a good question," Professor Broad said, nodding at Albert. "Being bitten by a human werewolf won't turn you into a full werewolf, but you will exhibit partial werewolf characteristics. The bitten area will also be difficult to heal, and you'll need a mixture of silver powder and agrimony to treat the wound."
Professor Broad clapped his hands, drawing the class's attention back to him. "Why don't you record all this?"
"Remember, always stay vigilant, stay away from werewolves, and not getting bitten is the best way to protect yourself."
Before the end of the Dark Arts Defense class, Professor Broad taught them two types of magic—how to use their wands to shoot red and green sparks into the sky.
Red sparks usually signaled danger and a call for urgent help, while green sparks could mean assembly, locating a target, or any other meaning agreed upon by the casters.
As Professor Broad spoke, the students eagerly jotted down his words in their books.
And of course, the homework for the Dark Arts Defense class was to practice shooting these sparks.
Albert found Professor Broad to be a reliable Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
The old professor was amusing and humorous, and instead of sticking to the textbook, he shared his own experiences, which made for very practical lessons.
"I wish Professor Broad would teach us some useful spells," Albert had heard someone complain more than once, their tone suggesting they couldn't wait to rush off and fight a werewolf.
They didn't realize how considerate Professor Broad was being! "Don't be too greedy," Albert bluntly told George, dashing his hopes. "You haven't even mastered the Lumos spell yet, and there's also the Transfiguration and Alohomora spells. Now you also need to practice shooting red and green sparks with your wand."
The three boys instantly deflated like frost-bitten eggplants.
Yes, they still had a lot to learn, and even if Professor Broad taught them useful spells, they wouldn't be able to master them quickly.
This reality was cruel, not just to the three boys, but to most first-years.
"If you want to learn magic, I have a book called 'Practical Defensive Magic and its Application to Dark Forces' that I can lend you," Albert offered with a smile as they turned a corner. "I found the Ironskin spell in there this morning. It's a very practical book."
At his words, the three boys' eyes lit up, and they seemed ready to start learning immediately, their previous complaints forgotten.
'Practical Defensive Magic and its Application to Dark Forces' was a book that introduced defensive magic, with colorful animated diagrams explaining counter-curses and toxic curses. It was indeed a practical book, as Albert had said, though it wasn't cheap.
The three boys couldn't take their eyes off it.
"You've mastered everything in there?"
Not just Lee Jordan, but the Weasley twins as well, looked at Albert expectantly, as if planning to ask him to teach them spells in their free time.
Yes, teach them.
Due to the wonders Albert had demonstrated, the three boys believed they could learn other spells from him.
As for self-study, that was a bit difficult.
"How is that possible? I haven't even mastered a few spells myself," Albert said in an annoyed tone. "And you two, aren't you supposed to be focusing on the Alohomora spell first?"
(End of Chapter)
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