Chapter 91: Benefitting Immensely
Chapter 91: Benefitting Immensely
For students living in Hogwarts, weekends were undoubtedly a blessing.
When the weekend arrived, no one had to worry about being late for class. They could sleep in, wake up naturally, and not fret about any classroom issues. It was a time to play, relax, and unwind from the pressures of a busy school life, giving students a much-needed breather.
Early one morning, the Weasley brothers' beds were already empty. Fred and George had risen early and set out to plant garlic in a sunny spot on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
It was a secluded spot, rarely visited by others, and they had spent a lot of effort finding it.
Honestly, Albert couldn't fathom what Fred and George were thinking. Why would they spend so much time and energy planting garlic? Was it really just for those ridiculous protective amulets?
Perhaps! The two of them certainly marched to the beat of their own drums, and their actions were often unpredictable.
Before Albert had even finished his breakfast, Fred and George returned, their robes and hands dirty from the garden. After a quick wash, they eagerly chatted with Albert about their garlic-planting endeavor.
Listening to their incessant chatter, Albert felt an urge to point out that they could simply plant garlic in pots. But he refrained, as he politely declined Lee Jordan's invitation to practice Quidditch. As his pocket watch struck ten, Albert promptly made his way to the wooden door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts office on the second floor of the castle.
Come to think of it, the last time he entered Professor McGonagall's office, they had literally torn the door off its hinges. It was surprising that they hadn't been punished for that incident.
The door opened from the inside, and Professor Quirinus Quirrell stood there, smiling at Albert and inviting him into his office. "Right on time! It's just turned ten."
"I hope I'm not disturbing you," said Albert as he stepped into the cozy room. He took in the soft sofas, the bronze-colored carpet underfoot, and the neatly arranged bookshelves lining the walls, filled with countless books. Silk blue curtains hung by the window, and a glance outside revealed students strolling, chatting, and sunbathing in the castle grounds.
"What would you like to drink?" Professor Quirrell asked.
"Milk tea, please," Albert requested. "Professor, if you don't mind me asking, did you graduate from Ravenclaw?"
"Yes, it's not difficult to guess, is it?" Professor Quirrell winked at Albert and raised his wand, gently tapping the empty teacups before them. The cups instantly filled with the fragrant aroma of milk tea.
Albert added a few lumps of sugar to his tea and slowly stirred it. After a moment, he took a sip, "I've heard that Ravenclaw's eagle-shaped bronze door knocker is quite something."
"Indeed," Professor Quirrell nodded. "If you can answer the riddle of the eagle-shaped bronze knocker, the Ravenclaw common room will open for you."
Albert smiled but remained silent, giving a slight imperceptible shake of his head.
While Professor Quirrell said this, Albert doubted that the Ravenclaw students would welcome a stranger into their common room.
People tended to be exclusive, and he could easily guess the outcome if a student from another house wandered into the Gryffindor common room.
Professor Quirrell pointed to the treats on the table. "Freshly baked pumpkin pies, you might like them."
"I love pumpkin pie too! It's delicious when it's still warm!" Albert took a piece of the steaming pie and began to chat about a book he had read recently. "By the way, Professor, I just finished reading 'Simple Alchemy', and I must say, it left quite an impression on me..."
Albert organized his thoughts and hesitated for a moment before continuing, "It's hard to imagine that what the book describes is what they call alchemy. Do you have any insight into this field?"
Professor Burbage shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't claim to be an expert in alchemy. My understanding of it is limited to what I've read in books. I presume you didn't come here today to discuss alchemy with me, did you?"
Knowing it was time to change the subject, Albert steered the conversation toward Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection and the doubts he had after reading it, casually bringing up the spells mentioned in the book.
"I do," Albert nodded. "It helps us recognize the dark creatures that exist in this world and teaches us how to respond when we encounter them."
"Indeed, you are correct," Professor Burbage set down her teacup. "However, that book is inadequate for a talented student like yourself. The Ministry of Magic, unfortunately, isn't too keen on exposing students to moderately aggressive hexes."
"That's understandable," Albert said as he picked up another piece of pumpkin pie and took a bite. "If I wanted to further my knowledge in Defense Against the Dark Arts, do you have any recommendations?"
"I'd suggest you take a look at Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts," Professor Burbage said as she took a book from the shelf and handed it to Albert. "However, this series is a bit pricey, and our school library doesn't have it yet. If you'd like to read it, I can lend you my copy."
"What a coincidence! I happen to own that series as well," Albert exclaimed, quickly wiping his greasy palms with a handkerchief before accepting the book from Professor Burbage. "I've found the Ironskin and Disarming Charms to be quite useful. Of course, the Stunning and Impediment Jinxes are also good. It's just a shame that I'm not well-versed in counter-curses."
"On the contrary, Mr. Anderson, it's remarkable that you've mastered so many spells in such a short time," Professor Burbage said, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. "I've heard that Professor McGonagall holds your talent in Transfiguration spells in high regard."
"I believe I have a natural aptitude for magic, and with consistent practice, my progress is bound to be swift," Albert mused. "There's no harm in learning more. It might come in handy someday."
"A thirst for knowledge is not a fault," Professor Burbage suddenly made an exaggerated expression. "Merlin's beard, to be frank, you resemble a Ravenclaw more than a Ravenclaw themselves! The Sorting Hat must have offered you a choice!"
"Indeed, the Sorting Hat deemed me suitable for every house except Slytherin," Albert winked. "To be honest, I don't have any particular bias against any house, but I chose Gryffindor because I made friends with my current roommates on the train."
"Yes, yes, it's commendable that you're so open-minded. Many people struggle to achieve that," Professor Burbage's eyes shone with appreciation.
"Once you finish reading Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts, your proficiency in Defense Against the Dark Arts will be at the O.W.L. level," Professor Burbage said with a hint of regret. "Because this subject has been cursed by a certain wizard, a crucially important class like Defense Against the Dark Arts has become almost optional, and most students aren't very skilled in this area."
"Professor, is the person who cursed the Defense Against the Dark Arts class still alive?" Albert asked.
Professor Broadbent nodded, "I'm afraid so. Otherwise, Headmaster Dumbledore would have found a way to lift the curse. It is quite taxing to find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher every year."
"My roommate mentioned that there's a profession in the Ministry of Magic called Aurors," Albert continued curiously. "They're experts in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Why doesn't Headmaster Dumbledore invite them to teach us?"
To be honest, this had also puzzled Albert in his previous life. Retired Aurors would undoubtedly make excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts professors. With their wealth of experience, even a small amount of knowledge passed on could greatly benefit the students.
"Many people are afraid," Professor Broadbent replied, with a slight twinkle in his eyes. Albert was certain he saw a hint of disdain in that momentary glance.
"Afraid?"
"They consider the position jinxed and unlucky," the professor explained, seemingly unconcerned about his own safety in the role. "Very few professors have left this position unscathed. Moreover, the Ministry of Magic isn't too keen on the idea either."
"Professor, I have another question," Albert spoke up again.
"What is it?"
"Has Headmaster Dumbledore ever considered... discontinuing the Defense Against the Dark Arts class altogether and starting a new course, or perhaps just changing the name of the subject?" Albert voiced an idea that had occurred to him in his previous life. After all, if the class disappeared, perhaps the curse would disappear with it. As for the name, it could easily be changed to something like 'Defense Class' or 'Self-Defense Class'.
Although this explanation seemed reasonable, Albert felt it was just an excuse. Nonetheless, he didn't press the matter further and changed the subject.
"If you master the spells in 'Practical Defensive Magic and its Application to Dark Forces,' you can borrow 'Defensive and Deterrent Spells' from the library," Professor Broadbent continued. "That book introduces a variety of powerful defensive spells that should satisfy your curiosity. However, there's something you should know. What you see as magic is just the tip of the iceberg. The true wonder of magic lies in how it evolves and adapts to your unique thoughts and ideas. Remember, powerful spells aren't everything. Sometimes, a simple incantation can solve a problem effortlessly."
As Albert pondered the professor's words, Broadbent added, "Well, it's almost lunchtime. You shouldn't miss it. It's been a pleasure chatting with you. Most students hold their professors in awe and rarely take the time to have a casual conversation like this."
"I've learned a lot, and I look forward to our next chat," Albert said, nodding respectfully to Professor Broadbent before turning to leave the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.
(End of Chapter)
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