Chapter 944: The Curse
Chapter 944: The Curse
"You want me to teach you how to use Transfiguration in combat?"
"Yes, Professor," Albert replied sincerely.
Professor McGonagall paused in her work, looking up at her prized student with a slightly reproachful tone in her voice. "You haven't been attending the Transfiguration Club for quite some time now."
"I've learned all that I can from the Transfiguration Club, and as you know, I've been very busy with other matters," Albert explained. He had been a member of the club for several years and had mastered everything Professor McGonagall had taught.
In fact, much of what was taught at the club was repetitive, and continuing to attend would have been a waste of time.
"I heard you've been learning combat techniques from Professor Flitwick?"
Professor McGonagall didn't press further on Albert's absence from the club, knowing that he had already learned what she taught there and understanding that he had many commitments.
"Yes, Professor Flitwick's experience in dueling has been invaluable," Albert admitted with a nod. There was no point in denying it.
"So, you're hoping to learn something from me as well?" Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow, guessing Albert's intention.
"What I lack most is experience," Albert said calmly as he looked at Professor McGonagall. "I'm hoping to gain some insights and experience in using Transfiguration in combat from you."
Albert's progress was astonishingly fast. It was hard to imagine that a wizard who knew nothing just a few years ago could have reached his current level.
It was as if everyone else was jogging, and he had suddenly sped off on a firebolt.
Professor McGonagall had even heard from Professor Flitwick that Albert had mastered the Blasting Curse in just a few hours.
Not the Lumos spell, but the Blasting Curse.
The Blasting Curse was infamous in the world of Dark Magic for its danger and unpredictability, and Albert had mastered it in a few hours? What a terrifying talent.
In truth, Professor McGonagall did not approve of Professor Flitwick teaching Albert these dangerous and evil spells. When she had first heard that Albert had completely mastered the Blasting Curse in a few hours, she had even gone to Dumbledore to complain about it.
There was no doubt that Professor Flitwick was teaching Albert Dark Magic with Dumbledore's tacit approval.
Now that Albert wanted to learn Transfiguration from her, Professor McGonagall felt a sense of relief for some reason. She was truly worried that Albert might stray down a dark path due to his misuse of Dark Magic.
"I can spare some time to explain my understanding and application of Transfiguration spells to you, but I must warn you, Transfiguration is more difficult than you think. Becoming proficient in using it for combat is no easy task," Professor McGonagall agreed to share her experience and techniques in Transfiguration with Albert. After all, he was her favorite student, and she didn't want him to become a dangerous Dark Wizard.
She had no choice; Albert's learning speed when it came to Dark Magic was truly shocking.
If Albert had used the Blasting Curse to complete the third task, the consequences would have been unthinkable. If he got the impression that Dark Magic was an easier way to solve problems, it would truly be a disaster.
"That's wonderful!" Albert exclaimed excitedly.
"I'll let you know when I have some time," Professor McGonagall said.
Indeed, it was up to her to guide him back onto the right path.
Just as Albert was about to leave, Professor McGonagall, who was holding a stack of books, suddenly asked, "I heard you've started delving into Dark Magic."
"Yes, I've been reading quite a few books related to Dark Magic recently," Albert replied, a little surprised that Professor McGonagall brought up the subject. He quickly guessed the reason and felt a bit speechless.
"What's your opinion on Dark Magic?"
"There's a Muggle saying that goes, 'Guns don't kill people; people kill people,'" Albert said, although he didn't completely agree with the saying.
"Dark Magic is not the only type of magic that can be used for killing. Most types of magic can easily cause death if used irresponsibly or with malicious intent," Albert pointed out, giving a few examples. "The Severing Charm can easily behead someone, the Aguamenti Charm can drown them, and the Healing Charm can even cause immense pain to those who are injured."
"That's enough, Mr. Anderson. I understand your point," Professor McGonagall said, her expression turning a little sour. However, she had to admit that Albert's words held some truth.
"I heard you're getting married," she said, changing the subject to something lighter.
"Yes, after graduation," Albert replied, a little surprised at Professor McGonagall's sudden shift in topic.
"Have you found a witness yet?" she asked.
"Yes, Mr. Le Mey," Albert replied, feeling a bit exasperated. It seemed like everyone was very interested in the role of the witness.
"Well, do remember to invite us," Professor McGonagall said, sounding a little regretful.
"I will. I originally planned to inform you before the end of the semester," Albert said, feeling a little embarrassed. He hadn't intended to announce it so soon.
"Please help me keep it a secret. I don't want the whole school to know about it. It would cause a lot of trouble for my remaining time at school," Albert requested.
"I won't say a word," Professor McGonagall said, watching Albert's departing figure. Her mind wandered to certain unpleasant memories. She remembered another pair of students she had high hopes for who had gotten married soon after graduation, and the outcome...
"You actually convinced Professor McGonagall!"
Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were all astonished. They couldn't believe that Professor McGonagall had so readily agreed to teach Albert combat techniques.
After all, this guy had seemingly experienced a breakthrough in his growth ever since he learned combat techniques from Professor Flitwick. Now that he was going to learn from Professor McGonagall as well, it was hard to imagine how far Albert would go.
However, these were things that they could only dream of. Albert had once spoken to them about Professor Flitwick's combat experience, but they couldn't emulate it. Mastering the Silencing Charm was fundamental, yet the trio had essentially given up on it. Despite Albert's graceful execution, it was incredibly challenging to cast the spell silently with such finesse.
"I still think loud incantations suit us better."
The three friends chorused in agreement.
In truth, the vast majority of sixth-year students had practiced the Silencing Charm day and night, yet only a select few had truly mastered it.
It was a difficult spell that required extensive practice, intense focus, and unwavering willpower. Fred, George, and Lee had all attempted to master it, their faces turning red from the effort, as if they were constipated.
However, after prolonged practice, they still couldn't cast it silently and ultimately resorted to cheating—mumbling the incantation under their breath.
Yes, most students at Hogwarts only pretended to have mastered the Silencing Charm. The actual spell was much harder to pull off than it seemed.
Most students would mutter the incantation quietly, feigning proficiency in silent casting.
The trio was well aware that the Silencing Charm Albert spoke of was entirely different from what they knew.
Just as most wizards' Lumos spell differed drastically from Albert's.
"We're just not cut out for it," they conceded.
"By the way, our research on Howlers has yielded some initial results, and we've created another version of the Decoy Detonator." George shared with Albert.
"It's more aptly called a Sound Bomb. When thrown, it creates a loud ruckus, similar to a Howler, effectively drawing attention," George explained.
"I think I recall something like that," Albert remarked.
"Yes, but this one is more powerful and will definitely deliver an unexpected surprise," George added.
"Some things aren't suitable for sale, at least not in the next few years." Albert advised, "I don't want to see someone using it against us one day, and besides, we don't need the money."
"Alright, you're right." George agreed, taking out his notebook to jot down a list of items that shouldn't be sold in their shop.
"I've seen you reading that book a lot lately," Lee Jordan commented casually, his eyes drifting to the book in Albert's hands, 'Most Poisonous Dark Magic.' "Of course, I'm researching Dark Magic," Albert replied.
"This book records a lot of Dark Magic," Lee continued.
"About fifty-three types, to be precise," Albert knew the exact number, having perused the book numerous times.
Fred took the book, 'Most Poisonous Dark Magic,' from Albert's hands, pretending to browse through it as he asked curiously, "How many have you learned?"
"None," Albert didn't lie, "The Dark Magic in this book isn't very useful, but it does provide a wide range of examples since there are many types of Dark Magic."
Okay, saying it was a joke might be an exaggeration.
It was indeed impressive to publish a book in those days, and regardless, it did contribute to the advancement of Dark Magic research.
As for the Dark Magic described in 'Most Poisonous Dark Magic,' it was essentially Goltrude harnessing the power of the Elder Wand to create spells that appeared dangerously powerful.
The danger of these spells stemmed more from the power of the Elder Wand than the spells themselves. Albert suspected that very few wizards could actually cast the spells within, as they required an exceptionally strong magical foundation, which was to be expected from spells developed using the Elder Wand.
However, Albert did gain insight into the type of curse used by the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor from 'Most Poisonous Dark Magic.' Directly cursing someone without using a spell required advanced skill, immense magical power, and the effects were usually limited.
The curse Voldemort placed on the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor fell into this category.
If not for Voldemort's own formidable power, the curse on the position wouldn't have persisted and been so challenging to break.
This was also why, despite the general unease about the position being jinxed, most people didn't take the curse too seriously.
Cursing someone had its limitations, hence why Voldemort didn't curse Dumbledore to hasten his demise.
However, Albert knew of one successful case.
It was said that an ancestor of the Malfoy family had cursed Queen Elizabeth I to remain forever single after she rejected his advances.
More dangerous than curses were blood curses.
'Most Poisonous Dark Magic' didn't provide detailed information about blood curses but warned readers of their malevolence.
It was similar to the disclaimer in the preface: "'Regarding Horcruxes, the most evil of magical inventions, no instruction will be provided, nor will any guidance be offered.'" What nonsense.
Of course, Albert found additional information about blood curses from other sources.
They were incredibly perilous.
A wizard who dared to use a blood curse on another would typically pay a steep price, often dying on the spot. Moreover, the caster of a blood curse had to be powerful themselves and harbor intense hatred toward the target for the curse to persist and pass down through generations after their death.
As for how to cast one, there was likely information in 'Unveiling the Apex of Dark Magic,' but unfortunately, that book was in Dumbledore's possession.
However, Albert had no intention of delving deeply into Dark Magic. He studied these ancient dark spells primarily to protect himself from them and to recognize them if he ever encountered them.
By the way, the author of 'Most Poisonous Dark Magic,' Goltrude, was reportedly locked in his basement by his son in his later years and died a miserable death.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
