Chapter 61: Chapter 61 "Petrificus Totalus"
With the arrival of November, the weather turned bitterly cold almost overnight.
The mountains surrounding Hogwarts Castle appeared gray, covered in snow and ice. A thin layer of ice formed on the surface of the Black Lake.
As they stepped out of the Slytherin common room each morning, frost covered the ground outside the entrance.
They had to bundle up in thick clothing to ward off the cold.
Matthew reduced his visits to the library and the Room of Requirement.
When he had free time, he preferred to sit in the comfortable armchairs of the Slytherin common room, basking in the warmth of the fireplace, reading a book, or working on his homework.
Whenever he didn't understand something, he could always seek advice from his fellow students.
Just like Hermione's "prophecy," since Halloween, Professor Rosier had vanished again.
The official explanation was that she hadn't fully recovered from her injuries.
Meanwhile, "Gellert Grindelwald," the Headmaster, appeared punctually every morning, lunchtime, and evening, sitting in the main guest seat of the Great Hall.
Perhaps Hermione's previous conjecture was correct—Professor Grindelwald didn't possess complete authority as the Hogwarts Headmaster and couldn't stay at the school for long.
Now, they saw him every day, accompanied by Headmistress Rosier, who was all dressed up.
But Matthew's "prophecy" wasn't wrong either. Though the principal who appeared before them daily was likely an imposter, the "true culprit" lurking in the shadows still feared him and dared not launch new attacks.
Apart from the minor "interlude" on Halloween, the castle remained peaceful.
...
Since Professor Rosier "hadn't completely recovered yet," the first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class was still taught by Professor Trocar.
Under Professor Trocar's guidance, their Defense Against the Dark Arts proficiency gradually improved.
It was another Friday afternoon, another Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
"Among all the protective spells, the Full Body-Bind Curse is undoubtedly the easiest... and one of the few suitable for young wizards like you, who are new to magic!" Professor Trocar explained.
"You see, the younger the wizard, the more difficult it is to control the magic within their bodies... Contacting powerful protective spells blindly, even if you have extraordinary talent, poses a high risk of accidents!"
Professor Trocar's voice remained hoarse, but his appearance had improved recently, at least compared to when he first arrived at Hogwarts.
"At the same time, the Full Body-Bind Curse is one of the few spells that won't cause any harm... Most of the time, when facing plausible 'enemies,' the Full Body-Bind Curse is the most appropriate spell to use... It restrains the target, rendering them unable to move for a certain period. However, their body functions remain intact, so it doesn't cause any harm."
"The Petrificus Totalus also has a counter-curse, 'General Counter-Spell' or Finite Incantatem. When you realize you've targeted the wrong person with your Full Body-Bind Curse, use it immediately!"
"Remember, the emphasis is on the first 'P' and the second 'T,' respectively. Pay attention to a half-second pause between the two words... Don't make a mistake!"
Professor Trocar's Defense Against the Dark Arts class was undoubtedly more popular than Professor Rosier's.
It wasn't because of the academic level but because Professor Trocar was much more easygoing, and the classroom atmosphere was more relaxed.
"Remember, the stress is on the last syllable of Incantatem..."
This was their third lesson on learning the Full Body-Bind Curse.
Like in Transfiguration class, Professor Trocar would repeat these details, ensuring they remembered them.
They were divided into pairs for practical exercises.
Matthew's partner was Draco.
Raising his wand, Draco pointed it at Matthew and shouted, "Petrificus Totalus!"
A sudden explosion occurred at the tip of his wand, causing poor Draco to recoil and hit the wall behind him. He fell to the ground, groaning in pain.
"Malfoy! Remember to pause for half a second between the two words! Don't forget!" Professor Trocar yelled as he helped Draco up.
Draco, who had missed nearly two months of classes compared to other students, lagged behind in every subject.
"Wickfield, your turn!" Professor Trocar called out to Matthew.
Matthew raised his wand and aimed it at Malfoy.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
A faint red light shot from the tip of Matthew's wand, accurately hitting Malfoy's body.
Malfoy's arms fell to his sides, his legs stiffened, and he stood straight like a board.
His entire body became rigid, swaying a few times before he fell to the ground with a thud, resembling a wooden plank.
His face, upper and lower jaws locked together, rendered him speechless, only his eyes darting around.
"Well done, Wickfield!" Professor Trocar praised.
"Now, release the Full Body-Bind Curse on Mr. Malfoy."
Matthew raised his wand again and said, "Finite Incantatem!"
Another red light flashed.
This time, Malfoy's stiff body quickly returned to normal. He promptly got up, gasping for breath.
"Excellent!" Professor Trocar commended Matthew, his praise resounding.
...
About ten minutes later.
Professor Trocar glanced at his watch and said, "Alright, class is over. I hope you'll practice diligently for the next class!"
"The feeling of being petrified is awful!" Malfoy whispered as he gathered his belongings.
"Don't be discouraged. You were so close to success just now," Matthew reassured him.
"Oh, and Wickfield!" Professor Trocar called Matthew's name once more.
"Stay behind for a moment."
Matthew was taken aback.
"I'll see you in the Great Hall later!" Draco waved before leaving the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom with Vincent, Gregory, and Theodore.
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Chapter 62: Chapter 62 "The Vampire Professor"
In the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, the students of Slytherin and Ravenclaw left one after another.
Hermione cast a worried glance at Matthew as she exited the classroom.
Unfazed, Matthew reassured her with a comforting expression. Despite her concern, Hermione had to leave.
...
Only Matthew and Professor Trocar remained in the classroom
a few minutes later.
Comp composed and calm, Matthew initiated the conversation by expressing his curiosity about the Professor's condition.
"What seems to be troubling you, Professor?" Matthew asked in a steady voice, remaining seated in his chair.
Professor Trocar took a seat across from Matthew and acknowledged his question. "The Full Body-Bind Curse you demonstrated is impressive, Matthew. Do you often practice it?"
"Yes! Just like the Professors said, that spell is the only thing a freshman could hope for when their life is in danger." Matthew honestly admitted.
Professor Trocar smiled, "Very good! I initially thought you only gave your best in the Transfiguration class. As a young Wizard, talent might be important, but the beauty of hard work is equally as fruitful." He expressed his admiration for Matthew's dedication.
Matthew quickly dismissed the Professor's praise, "I do not deserve such praise, Professor!"
However, Professor Trocar reaffirmed his admiration "Perhaps. These days in the classes I teach, you are the only student I see putting effort into continuously honing your talent. I am really grateful to be your teacher." He said proudly.
As their conversation progressed, Matthew asked Professor Trocar, "Professor, does the Full Body-Bind Curse works effectively on a Being?"
"I'm afraid not, Matthew... most Beings are naturally resistant to magic, and this Curse ranked as one of the lowest and simplest protective spells. Casting it upon them would only lead to a poor result." Professor Trocar explained.
"Do Vampires have magical resistance as well?" Matthew inquired with a rugged look.
"Naturally, although not as strong as a werewolf. Still, they would be a formidable opponent when the night comes; a young Wizard like you won't be able to seal their movements." Professor Trocar warned Matthew.
"Well, how much do you know about Vampires then, Professor?" Matthew asked smugly.
Professor Trocar was caught off guard by Matthew's question and shook his head.
He explains softly, "I think the world has a big misconception about Vampires... every vampire was once an ordinary Muggle or Wizard; it's a torture that no one can't simply ima---" Professor Trocar's demeanor turned serious before Matthew cut him off.
"Did you embrace those feelings then, Professor?" Matthew asked once again, leading Professor Trocar to where he wanted.
Upon hearing those words, Professor Trocar is visibly shocked. Still, he continues without realizing Matthew's intention with the question.
Professor Trocar explains, "The ritual imposed a curse on a child, subjecting them to a life lived under that Curse. Wizards feared Vampires because they feared the ritual, which led to the aggressive hunting of Vampires by Wizards. While some Vampires acted heinously, most were unfortunate individuals trying to navigate the world under the burden of their Curse..."
"...The changing attitudes of Wizards towards vampires over time. Although conditions had improved in recent years, and vampires were living more openly with Wizards, discrimination still persisted, and vampires faced constant scrutiny. Until the first Wizarding war when a Wizard senselessly killed a Vampire and was penalized with a mere 100-galleon as a fine!" Professor Trocar finishes his explanation with a furious look before he recollects himself.
"Then... Professor, are you a Vampire?" Matthew mustered the courage to ask.
...
Professor Trocar finally realized the whole point of these questions, he was surprised, but he wore a wistful smile after.
"When did you find out?" Professor Trocar asked, still with a smile.
"In Professor Rosier's class, when she was teaching us about Vampires," Matthew answered.
"It was only a matter of time before a boy of your talent figured that out; vampires have obvious characteristics, after all." Professor Trocar somehow feels proud when he is found out by Matthew.
Professor Trocar acknowledged Matthew's observation and glanced at him with a significant meaning. He then transformed his appearance, revealing his fangs.
"Since you know I'm a Vampire, why would you dare to stay in a room alone with me?" He glanced at Matthew fiercely.
Matthew remained unfazed and unafraid, "My friends are waiting for me in the Great Hall, so if I were missing, surely it would raise suspicion for them. That won't be a smart move, right Professor?"
Professor Trocar agreed, retracting his fangs, "What a marvelous way of thinking, Wickfield! As we've talked for the last hour, wouldn't you mind listening to another story?"
"Of course, Professor!" Matthew replied excitedly.
The cold empty classroom somehow feels the warmest inside Matthew's heart when ironically, he is in front of a dangerous Being. Still, he could feel even if he were bleeding, Professor Trocar would help him instead of sucking his blood out.
...
"This is a tale that unfolded many years ago in a Romanian village. It revolved around a deranged vampire who derived pleasure from abducting children from nearby villages, assimilating them through the first embrace, and subjecting them to a life of torment..."
"...The story takes a significant turn when the vampire captured a ten-year-old Wizard, leading to a confrontation with the child's enraged father killing him. It was too late when the father found out his son had already been embraced. His little son has now turned into a Vampire." Professor Trocar tells the story with a solemn expression.
He pauses momentarily before continuing, "The poor little Wizard, or little Vampire at that point. Was left alone by his father after seeing he already turns... the poor thing didn't give up, he wandered from one village to another looking for food..."
"...because of how frail a newly turned Vampire is, the boy can't fight at all... he simply wishes for a harmless animal to pass him, or he would scrape leftovers, thankfully because the influence of a Vampire was still weak, he could stomach normal Human food and stand under sunlight on the first few days. If not for that, that poor thing would be long gone..."
"Struggling to pass day by day, he was dying... he gets thinner and weaker as he could not find any source of food to satiate his hunger." Professor Trocar's expression gets grimmer as the story progresses.
He smiled at this point, his eyes filled with happiness and hope as if the story he told was ending happily.
"A man stood before him one day, and the boy recognized the man. No one won't recognize the man in front of him because of the fame that spread before him. It was Grindelwald... he extended his hand towards the boy, the boy was scared, instinctively retreating because he thought Grindelwald was there to kill him."
"Grindelwald slit his wrist and told the boy to drink; the boy was puzzled about the whole situation. Grindelwald comforted him and said that no matter what had happened to the boy, he was still a Wizard! All Wizards shall reign supreme!"
Matthew attentively agreed to listen to the story, allowing Professor Trocar to unravel a haunting chapter from the past, revealing the intertwined fate of the vampire, the child, and the infamous Wizard.
"Grindelwald then sent the boy to Durmstrang Institute, where the boy excelled at his studies before they expelled him because they found out he was a Vampire..."
Professor Trocar's unfinished story ended there, leaving a sense of intrigue in the air. His voice remained calm and devoid of resentment or sadness as if he were merely recounting a story from long ago.
...
"So..." Matthew hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Can you listen to me tell a story, Professor Trocar?"
"Of course!" Professor Trocar nodded, curious about Matthew's story.
"A long time ago, Hogwarts hired a werewolf teacher..." Matthew's voice was soft and contemplative.
"I don't recall Hogwarts ever hiring a werewolf teacher!" Professor Trocar interjected, momentarily confused.
"This is just a story... a story..." Matthew clarified hastily. "The werewolf teacher, much like the little vampire in your tale, was bitten by a werewolf when he was young. But he was taken in by a great Wizard, who helped him become an excellent Wizard in his own right..."
"...At Hogwarts, his classes were prevalent, and he was well-liked by the students. However, less than a year later, he was dismissed from Hogwarts..."
Professor Trocar opened his mouth to say something but remained silent, intrigued by Matthew's narrative.
"Because someone... perhaps other professors who couldn't understand him, or maybe ordinary students... the news that he was a werewolf reached the newspapers, and Hogwarts had no choice but to expel him..." Matthew continued with a smile. "That's the story I made up, Professor... It's relatively simple, nothing more!"
...
Professor Trocar seemed touched by Matthew's story, his expression softening slightly.
"What else do you want to tell me?" Matthew asked, meeting the gaze of Professor Trocar's eyes. "You asked me to stay here for more reason than telling me that story, I assume?"
Matthew quickly noticed the change in Professor Trocar's demeanor and realized it was time to address the real reason behind their meeting.
Professor Trocar returned to his usual appearance and spoke in a low voice, "No, it's a warning... You must be cautious. Hogwarts is currently a dangerous place!"
While Professor Trocar expected Matthew to be frightened by this revelation, "Aren't you afraid?"
Matthew's face remained calm and composed. "Principal Grindelwald has assured us that Hogwarts is safe," he replied nonchalantly.
Professor Trocar was taken aback by Matthew's response but couldn't help but smile. "Nevertheless, you must still be careful," he insisted.
"I understand," Matthew nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, professor!"
"You're welcome... Don't leave the common room without caution, don't walk alone in the corridors, and avoid being alone with others," Professor Trocar cautioned, his tone filled with concern.
"I'll remember," Matthew assured him. "But may I ask another question?"
As Professor Trocar stood up, he replied, "Of course, Matthew. What would you like to ask?"
"Professor Trocar..." Matthew hesitated for a moment, then gathered his courage. "Do you prefer to drink animal blood or human blood?"
Professor Trocar regarded Matthew with interest, acknowledging the boldness of his question. Matthew quickly added, "If this question invades your privacy, you need not answer."
"There were once many of my kind who believed that human blood, particularly the blood of Wizards, was more satisfying... But in the end, they all perished!" Professor Trocar responded, choosing not to answer directly.
Matthew had more questions to ask, but it seemed he wouldn't get the chance.
Just then, the classroom door swung open with a loud bang, revealing Hermione standing in the doorway, accompanied by Professor Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw House.
"Granger!" Professor Flitwick gasped for breath. "Why have you brought me to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom?"
"Apologies, Professor," Hermione quickly apologized, panting. "I made a wrong turn."
The situation outside seemed somewhat awkward, and the atmosphere within the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom had become similarly uncomfortable.
"It seems our question-and-answer session has come to an end, Matthew," Professor Trocar spoke first. "Thank you for the little story."
With that, he waved his hand, signaling for Matthew to leave. Matthew exited the classroom, feeling a tinge of regret.
In truth, there was one last question he had refrained from asking Professor Trocar.
That question was...
"How does Ronald Weasley's blood taste?"
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