Chapter 87: The Amulet
Chapter 87: The Amulet
"Alright, that's all for today's lesson. Don't forget to do your homework." After Professor Broad's announcement, students began packing their things and leaving the classroom.
"Professor Broad?" Albert lingered behind intentionally.
"Yes, Mr. Anderson? Is there something you need?" Professor Broad looked up at Albert and asked.
"Yes, I have a question," Albert said immediately. "In the back of 'Dark Forces: A Self-Defense Guide,' I read about Grindylows, which reminded me of a plant you mentioned in our first lesson—the Guarding Tree."
Professor Broad looked at the gifted student with interest and asked with a smile, "You want to know if the Guarding Tree can protect against Grindylows?"
"Yes," Albert nodded.
"In theory... it should be possible," Professor Broad said, raising his hand to point outside, indicating that someone was waiting for Albert.
"In theory?" Albert turned around, confused, and waved to Fred and the others, signaling that they didn't need to wait for him.
"Yes, in theory. I'm glad you noticed that," Professor Broad said happily. "The Guarding Tree is a magical Rowan tree that protects those who touch its trunk from dark creatures. Of course, this is according to the records, and since it's mentioned in 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,' it proves that the Guarding Tree is indeed effective. But... it's just a theory."
Albert fell silent and listened quietly for the professor to continue.
Professor Broad gazed out the window, lost in his memories. "When I was much younger, a friend gave me an amulet that was said to protect against werewolves, Dementors, and Inferi."
"Did it really work?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, it did," Professor Broad nodded. "Of course, the effect wasn't as dramatic as he claimed, but the amulet did cause some dark creatures to keep their distance. It certainly made my travels less troublesome."
"Was the amulet made from Rowan wood?" Albert had already guessed the professor's implication.
"Yes, but over time, the amulet's effect weakened," Professor Broad nodded.
Albert remained silent, pondering the professor's words and wondering how effective a Rowan wood amulet truly was.
"After the amulet lost its power, I asked my friend for another one, but he refused," Professor Broad continued, shaking his head as he recalled Albert's astonished expression. "He told me that soaking the amulet in crushed garlic would keep vampires away. So, I followed his suggestion and soaked the amulet in garlic for a day. After that, the amulet reeked of garlic."
"Do vampires really fear garlic and crosses?" Albert asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"They fear them, but 'dislike' would be a more appropriate word," Professor Broad continued. "Vampires dislike the smell of garlic. It's an irritant to them, like having something you detest waved in your face."
"What about crosses, then?" Albert asked.
"Muggles of that time used branches from the Guarding Tree to make crosses, and they did work to some extent, but the effect was minimal," Professor Broad shook his head. "Of course, the more important aspect of the cross is the courage it gives through faith."
"So, vampires aren't afraid of crosses?"
"No, they aren't," Professor Broad brought the topic back. "Later, I saw amulets being sold in the market and bought one for two Galleons. It was also made from Guarding Tree wood."
"Didn't work?" Albert guessed he knew the answer.
"Well, not exactly ineffective, but..." Professor Broad smiled wryly, "basically useless."
"Why?"
"Good question. Why indeed?" Professor Broad asked rhetorically. "What do you think is the reason?"
"I don't know," Albert shook his head. "Is it because the amulet wasn't made from Guarding Tree wood?"
"Do you know about alchemy?" Professor Broad suddenly changed the subject.
"Yes," Albert replied without hesitation. "It's an ancient precursor to chemistry, isn't it?"
"Chemistry? Apologies, my boy, but I don't understand what you're saying," Professor Broad was taken aback, genuinely confused by the mention of 'chemistry,' a concept unknown in the wizarding world.
"I'm referring to the Muggle perspective, you know, coming from a Muggle family," Albert explained casually. "Muggle books describe alchemy as the ancient precursor to chemistry."
"I see. However, alchemy in the wizarding world is considered a form of magic," Professor Broad continued. "It's a profound discipline that encompasses many things. Unfortunately, it's not very popular in Britain, and only a few select courses are offered in Africa and Egypt."
"You believe the amulet is an alchemical artifact," Albert immediately connected the dots.
"Yes," Professor Broad was pleased that Albert understood. "Only amulets crafted by alchemists can be considered true amulets, capable of preserving the power of the Guarding Tree to its fullest extent. At the very least, wearing such an amulet will protect you from Grindylows when crossing swamps or lakes."
"But I must warn you," Professor Broad continued, "don't buy amulets from the market. They are made by fraudsters. While Guarding Trees are not common, an amulet made from its wood shouldn't cost more than two Galleons."
"Because they haven't been crafted by alchemists?" Albert asked.
"Exactly," Professor Broad said, looking at Albert. "I suspect you want to make an amulet using the Guarding Tree?"
"Yes, I want to make one for my sister's upcoming birthday," Albert didn't hide his intention, though he averted his gaze from the professor, feeling the need to be cautious despite not sensing that his thoughts had been read.
As he spoke, Albert pulled out a simple cross he had made recently from his pocket. It was just an ordinary cross made by intertwining wooden sticks, a product of his practice with the Cutting Curse.
"This is indeed an amulet made from Guarding Tree wood," Professor Broad took the cross, examined it, and joked, "but it's of very poor quality. I'd say it's not worth more than two Galleons."
Albert knew the professor was just making a lighthearted comment and didn't mind it at all.
"If you want to make an amulet, I suggest you look into books related to alchemy," Professor Broad proposed suddenly. "For others, I might not recommend studying it, as it's at least third-year elective level difficulty. But I think you can handle it."
"Any recommendations?" Albert asked.
"There's a book called 'Simple Alchemy,' a beginner's guide, which I like to call 'Alchemy for Dummies,'" Professor Broad checked his pocket watch and said, "Well, I have another class soon. If you want to discuss more about Dark Arts defense, feel free to visit me in the Dark Arts Defense office over the weekend."
(End of Chapter)
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