Chapter 17 — The Real Defense Against the Dark Arts Class
A cold gust swept through the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, dispersing the thick perfume Quirrell had sprayed to mask Voldemort's presence. It also instantly shook the students out of their drowsy states.
Dracula looked at the now-alert students and nodded with satisfaction.
"So, this is your very first Defense Against the Dark Arts class, isn't it?" He leaned forward, hands resting on the desk, examining each young witch and wizard with intent.
"Yes, Professor," the students answered in unison.
"Then having Quirrell substitute for me was indeed somewhat irresponsible," Dracula said, speaking with the approachable warmth of someone freshly reconciled with Nicolas Flamel.
He smiled lightly, even bowing slightly to the class.
"This lesson has truly troubled you all. I apologize."
Seeing a professor exude such noble and profound aura while bowing, the students felt an unexpected sense of honor. Any lingering resentment from Quirrell's earlier mismanagement melted away.
The room erupted in enthusiastic applause, and all the students eagerly turned to Dracula, anticipating the "real" Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson he had promised.
Sensing their expectation, Dracula for the first time revealed a pure black wand in front of others.
The wand measured thirteen and two-thirds inches, entirely black. The grip section was carved with intricate patterns, from which an aura of profound depth subtly emanated.
At the wand's end was a transparent gem, glowing with a clear light, resembling a dark-hued moon.
Ollivander had forged this wand a few days ago and sent it to Hogwarts along with the remaining materials.
As Dracula held it, perhaps due to the deep connection between the wood, the core, and himself, he immediately felt as though it were an extension of his own arm.
He waved the wand, and bold, elegant letters appeared on the blackboard behind the podium:
What Is Defense Against the Dark Arts
Dracula turned slightly, ensuring the students could clearly see the text, then asked,
"Who can tell me, what is Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
As if by reflex, Hermione raised her hand high in the front row.
Dracula nodded at her.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is, in short, a course teaching students how to protect themselves from harm caused by dark magic. This includes methods to deal with dark creatures, curses, and dueling techniques!" Hermione said confidently.
"Quite well defined!" Dracula praised.
In truth, he didn't pay much attention to textbook definitions himself, but seeing the other students' impressed expressions, he felt this answer would suffice.
"And your name?" he asked.
"Hermione Granger, Professor," the young witch said proudly.
"Very good, Miss Granger. Five points to Gryffindor." Dracula nodded, signaling her to sit.
He continued, "Of course, in my view, Defense Against the Dark Arts should not be so narrowly defined. The threats we need to defend against extend far beyond curses to include all forms of dark creatures."
"The knowledge of defense should apply to every aspect of your lives—whether being bullied by classmates or encountering ruffians outside—you can apply defense skills."
"In the wizarding world, learning academic subjects allows you to speak calmly with rogues; learning defense ensures that they speak calmly with you!"
Listening to Dracula, the students were both bewildered and excited, feeling as if a whole new world had opened before them.
"Of course, you are still young and lack much magical foundation. At such times, you must learn to borrow other powers to defend yourselves—such as alchemical armor, external weapons, or the simplest and most effective method: asking for help!"
A ripple of knowing laughter echoed through the classroom.
"Do not laugh; I am serious," Dracula tapped the desk. "For you young witches and wizards, seeking help from adults is not shameful. On the contrary, it is often the wisest choice."
"For example, when you go on adventures with adults, the easiest method is to carry two magical two-way mirrors. When alone and in danger, pressing the contact clasp on your mirror will alert the other, signaling your location to your guardians."
"Additionally, the Red Sparks and Green Sparks signaling spells are also effective for alerting and communication. Review these spells before the next class; we will begin practical learning of them then."
"However, I do not recommend using these spark spells in the presence of danger," Dracula warned, "because the signal is visible not only to your friends and guardians but also exposes your location to enemies."
"This brings us to the need for concealment spells, such as the Disillusionment Charm…"
Dracula stood at the podium, speaking fluently and vividly, drawing on his millennia of experience. Even the least studious students were captivated, recognizing that every word was practical knowledge, eagerly taking notes with their quills.
Soon, the melodious Hogwarts bell rang, signaling the end of class.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson had already lost more than half its time earlier, but now that Dracula and the students were in full swing, time had flown without notice.
Hearing the bell, Dracula paused slightly.
He hadn't felt the passage of time fly by like this in ages.
"All right, that's it for today. When you go back, review the Red Sparks and Green Sparks spells in your textbooks. I will check your preparation next class," he said, smiling lightly as he put away his wand. Then he took a dark wooden cross pendant from his pocket.
"Also, since I have taught you so much about defending yourselves with external tools, I have a small gift for you."
The pendant bore an ancient runic symbol resembling the moon. Unlike a traditional church cross, its short horizontal bar tilted slightly upward, like a pair of outstretched wings.
"This is a protective charm I made in my spare time. It can ward off much dark magic and is quite practical," Dracula held it up for the students to see. "For first to third years, the student with the highest final exam score in Defense Against the Dark Arts will receive one of these pendants."
"So, study your Defense Against the Dark Arts diligently!"
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