https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-555-Let-s-Start-with-an-Investigation-Hermione/13487787/
Chapter 554: Auror-Taught Defense Against the Dark Arts
Chapter 554: Auror-Taught Defense Against the Dark Arts
In the days that followed, discussions about the Spells Study Circle (Ssc) gradually became a new trend at Hogwarts.
Wade had heard more than once someone humbly remark, "My Protego Charm isn't very good. It's just barely formed and can't deflect anything too powerful."
As they spoke, the student would cast a spell, creating a transparent barrier. Other students would curiously cast a minor hex, watching the spell's light spread or bounce off the barrier, emitting sounds of surprise and admiration.
At the dining table, someone might say to a neighbor, "I just asked my dad, and of course, he knows the Protego Charm, but no one else in his office does! The Ministry of Magic's staff levels these days are truly worrying. If we go back twenty years, I doubt they'd last a week."
The concerned look on their face made it seem as if they were about to run for Minister of Magic and reform the situation.
Others would complain to Harry and his friends, "So, you guys have been eating so well in the Ssc all this time? You've been keeping it a secret from us. No wonder even Neville can cast a Cheering Charm."
Neville, hearing his name, looked up blankly and said, "I didn't hide any food... uh, do you want a potato?"
He handed one of the roasted potatoes from his plate to the person.
Neville's grades, while not top-tier, were consistently average. Since Snape stopped picking on him so often, Neville's Potions grades had even improved a bit.
As a result, he had become more confident and open. Even when he knew people were mocking him, he no longer shrank back and lowered his head.
"By the way, have you noticed?" Harry asked the others while doing homework at the Hut. "I think Snape is a bit afraid of Professor Moody."
"It's Professor Snape, Harry", Hermione said without looking up.
"Snape always avoids Alastor Moody's eyes, right?" Padma directed her quill to dance on the table with her wand, adding, "I find it quite normal. I wouldn't dare look at Professor Moody's face either."
"It's different", Harry said.
He couldn't quite explain why, but even if he thought about it with his thumbnail, Harry felt that Snape's fear of Alastor Moody couldn't be the same as Padma's.
The others weren't interested in the relationship between the two professors. Both were intimidating, but they preferred to talk about the recent Defense Against the Dark Arts classes.
Alastor Moody never followed a set curriculum. He set various challenges in each class, with duels in pairs being the most common and normal.
Sometimes he would set up magical traps, some of which even had traces of dark magic, for the students to solve. Those who failed to solve the traps would suffer various consequences.
Other times, he would introduce dangerous magical creatures into the classroom without telling the students, letting them attack unexpectedly. Once, he broke Lisa's arm, and another time, Zabini's nose nearly got sliced off.
Of course, none of these injuries involved dark magic, and Madam Pomfrey quickly healed them.
Alastor Moody never took students' complaints or tears seriously. If someone cried in his class, they would be scolded as if their very existence was a mistake.
As for the Howlers parents sent him, Alastor Moody treated them like morning candy, disposing of them in various ways before they could even be opened.
Students noticed that Alastor Moody almost never opened any letters directly, even from acquaintances. He would place them far away and use magic to open them.
This caution helped him avoid two Bubotuber pus attacks and an unknown curse.
"Stay alert, children!" Alastor Moody would shout after each attack. "In this world, just surviving is a challenge! Accidents always happen when you least expect them!"
Students silently grumbled to themselves: None of us are as hated as you are!
However, after that, everyone was much more cautious when opening packages or letters.
In short, no matter how much parents and students protested, Alastor Moody remained the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Once, Hagrid, after Malfoy was injured, seemed so desperate that he might jump off the Headmaster's tower.
But for Alastor Moody—getting a treatable injury? What's the problem with that! For the entire family to yell at him over it was just making trouble!
He firmly stuck to his teaching methods, even borrowing numerous dark magic artifacts seized by Aurors from his old friends to teach students how to recognize them.
Michael said hesitantly, "Professor Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts class is scary, but it's useful and sometimes fun... but it's definitely scary."
Theo sighed, adding, "And it often comes with various injuries and pain, sometimes even life-threatening."
He shuddered as he touched his neck.
"Theo almost got strangled by a scarf today", Leon told everyone. "We heard Madam Pomfrey and Professor Moody arguing in the infirmary. I've never seen her so angry."
"Why hasn't the Ministry of Magic taken action against Alastor Moody?" Harry asked, puzzled. "I've been worried he'd end up in Azkaban a few times."
"You've seen his scars", Wade said. "They say he filled half of Azkaban's cells. He was an Auror for years, with many achievements. Even in retirement, he's still one of the best Aurors."
"So, it's a stroke of luck that he can share his lifetime of experience with us?" Michael said with a grimace.
Wade nodded. "Exactly."
Harry looked uncertain. Being an Auror had always been one of his dreams, alongside being a professional Quidditch player. But watching Alastor Moody, Harry felt he needed to think about it more.
"Ah, I'm done!" Hermione suddenly put down her quill, tapped her wand on the parchment, and duplicated the text several times, handing out copies to everyone.
Harry, holding the parchment, asked in confusion, "A Vomit Initiative? What does that mean?"
"It's not 'vomit,' it's S.P.E.W.—the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, the club I'm planning to start."
Hermione gave Padma and the others a stern look. "You'll join, right?"
There was a moment of silence, and even Michael didn't enthusiastically respond this time.
"It's a good idea", Wade said. "But I have a few questions."
"Go ahead", Hermione said, lifting her chin proudly.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
