Bab 91: Chapter 91: Benefiting Immensely
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For the students living at Hogwarts, weekends were undoubtedly good days.
On weekends, everyone didn't have to worry about being late for class, and they could sleep in until they woke up naturally. After waking up, they didn't need to think about the problems they might encounter in the classroom. They could have a great time, relax, and relieve the accumulated stress from the week. It allowed the students to take a breath amidst their busy academic life.
Early in the morning, the Weasley brothers' beds were already empty. They had gotten up very early and planned to plant garlic in a sunny spot near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
It was a location they had struggled to find, with few people around, and they didn't have to worry about being discovered.
Honestly, Albert couldn't understand what Fred and George were thinking. They had spent so much time and effort planting garlic. Was it really just to create those silly protective amulets?
Maybe!
Well, their minds worked in mysterious ways, and nothing they did was surprising.
Before Albert finished breakfast, Fred and George had already returned. Their robes and hands were covered in dirt. After quickly washing up in the bathroom, they talked to him about planting garlic.
Listening to their endless chatter, Albert actually wanted to criticize them. Did they not understand the concept of planting garlic in a pot?
Politely declining Lee Jordan's invitation to go to the Quidditch pitch for training, Albert checked his pocket watch. It was exactly ten o'clock when he reached out and knocked on the wooden door of the second-floor office of the Dark Arts Defense professor.
By the way, the last time he entered Professor McGonagall's office, he actually broke down the door. At that time, they somehow didn't get punished by Professor McGonagall. Thinking about it now, it's quite unbelievable!
The wooden door opened from the inside, and Professor Barty Broad smiled as he invited Albert into his office. "You've arrived exactly at ten o'clock. You're quite punctual!"
"I hope I'm not disturbing you." Albert walked into Professor Broad's office and looked around at the extremely comfortable room. There were several soft sofas, a bronze-colored carpet on the floor, neatly arranged bookshelves along the walls filled with numerous books—definitely over a hundred. Blue silk curtains hung by the windows, and looking out, one could see the castle's courtyard. Currently, there were students walking, chatting, and sunbathing in the yard.
"What would you like to drink?" Broad asked.
"Milk tea," Albert curiously replied. "Professor, if I may ask, did you graduate from Ravenclaw?"
"Yes, it's not hard to guess, is it?" Broad winked at Albert. He raised his wand and lightly tapped the empty teacups in front of them. Immediately, a strong aroma of milk tea wafted from the cups.
Albert added a few sugar cubes to his milk tea and stirred it slowly with a spoon. After a moment, he lifted the teacup and took a sip. "I heard that the eagle-shaped bronze doorknocker at Ravenclaw is quite interesting."
"Yes," Professor Broad nodded. "As long as you can answer the question about the eagle-shaped bronze doorknocker, the Ravenclaw common room will be open to you."
Albert smiled and remained silent, shaking his head imperceptibly.
Although Professor Broad said so, he didn't believe that Ravenclaw students would welcome a stranger into their common room.
People were often exclusive, and the result wouldn't be hard to guess if a student from another house ran into the Gryffindor common room.
Professor Broad pointed to the pastries on the table. "Freshly baked pumpkin pies. Perhaps you'll like them."
"I also enjoy pumpkin pies. They taste great when eaten warm!" Albert took a piece of the still-warm pumpkin pie and talked about a book he had read recently. "By the way, Professor, I just finished reading 'Simple Alchemy,' and that book gave me a... unique feeling."
After organizing his thoughts a little, he hesitated for a moment before continuing, "It's hard to imagine that the things described in that book are supposed to be alchemy. Do you have any knowledge about it?"
"I don't want to pretend to be an expert in alchemy. On the contrary, my understanding of alchemy is limited to what I've read in books," Professor Broad shook his head. "I assume you didn't come here today to discuss alchemy with me, did you?"
Albert knew he should end the topic of alchemy and redirected the conversation to "Dark Arts: A Guide to Self-Protection," discussing his doubts about the book and mentioning the spells described in it.
"I'm glad you brought up this topic," Professor Broad said happily. "Yes, you're right. As you can see, 'Dark Arts: A Guide to Self-Protection' doesn't contain many useful defensive spells, but do you know why this book has become a mandatory read for Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
"I do," Albert nodded. "This book helps us understand the dark creatures that exist in the world and teaches us how to deal with them when encountered."
"Yes, you're right. In fact, this book is not enough for students like you with such talent," Professor Broad said, setting down his teacup. "However, the Ministry of Magic isn't fond of students being exposed to moderately offensive spells."
"Yes, it's evident," Albert took another bite of a pumpkin pie and continued, "If I want to further my knowledge in Dark Arts defense, do you have any recommendations?"
"I recommend you take a look at 'Practical Defense Magic and Its Counteraction against Dark Arts,'" Professor Broad said, taking a book from the shelf and handing it to Albert. "However, this set of books is quite expensive, and the school library doesn't have it yet. If you'd like to read it, I can lend it to you."
"Oh, that's a coincidence. I actually bought that set of books. I find the Ironclad Charm and Disarming Charm quite useful," Albert quickly wiped his greasy hands with a handkerchief and reached out to receive the book from Professor Broad. "Of course, the Stunning Spell and Impediment Jinx are also good. Unfortunately, I'm not very knowledgeable about counter-curses."
"No, no, Mr. Anderson, it's already impressive that you've mastered so many spells in a short time," Professor Broad's eyes flickered with surprise, and he smiled. "I've heard that Professor McGonagall has high hopes for your proficiency in Transfiguration."
"I think I have decent talent in magic, and with proper practice, my progress is natural," Albert pondered for a moment and said, "Learning more things can never be a bad thing. Perhaps it will come in handy in the future."
"It's not a fault to be greedy for knowledge," Professor Broad suddenly exaggerated his expression. "Merlin's beard, honestly, you're more like a Ravenclaw than a Ravenclaw itself. The Sorting Hat must have had a hard time deciding for you!"
"Yes, the Sorting Hat considered me suitable for all the houses except Slytherin," Albert blinked and said, "Actually, I don't have any particular prejudice against the other houses, but I chose Gryffindor because I met my friends on the train."
"Yes, yes, having no prejudice is a good thing. Many people find it difficult to achieve that," Professor Broad's eyes showed an appreciative smile.
"One day, when you've finished studying 'Practical Defense Magic and Its Counteraction against Dark Arts,' your proficiency in Dark Arts defense will be at the level of O.W.L.s," Professor Broad said regretfully to Albert, "Due to a curse on this class, the important subject of Dark Arts defense has become somewhat optional, and most students aren't proficient in it."
"Professor, is the person who cursed the Dark Arts Defense class still alive?"
"I'm afraid so," Professor Broad nodded. "Otherwise, Dumbledore would have tried everything to lift the curse. After all, it's quite challenging to find a Dark Arts Defense professor every year."
"I've heard from my roommate that the Ministry of Magic has a profession called Aurors, who are all experts in Dark Arts defense. Why doesn't Headmaster Dumbledore invite Aurors to teach students?" Albert asked curiously.
Honestly, this was a question Albert had wondered about in his past life as well. Retired Aurors would undoubtedly be well-suited to be Dark Arts Defense professors, with their wealth of experience. Just a little bit of knowledge imparted by them would greatly benefit the students.
"Many people are afraid," Professor Broad blinked, and in that instant, Albert was certain he saw a hint of disdain in his eyes.
"Afraid?"
"They believe that the profession is ominous and fear curses. Very few professors have managed to leave this position unharmed," Professor Broad showed no concern for his own safety in this position. "Moreover, the Ministry of Magic is not particularly keen on seeing such situations arise."
"Professor, I have another question," Albert said.
"What is it?"
"Has Headmaster Dumbledore ever considered... stopping the Dark Arts Defense class and choosing a new course or renaming it?" Albert voiced his idea from his past life. Since Voldemort had placed a curse on the Dark Arts Defense class, perhaps if the class disappeared, the curse would vanish as well.
As for the name of the class, it could easily be changed to something like Defense Class or Self-Defense Class. It was just a name, after all.
Professor Broad laughed, a joyful laughter as if he had heard something amusing.
"You make a valid point. Dark Arts Defense is ultimately just a name, and it wouldn't hurt to abandon it when necessary," Professor Broad agreed with Albert's viewpoint, nodding. "I believe Dumbledore must have considered this, but the wizard who cursed the Dark Arts Defense class is still alive. After discarding the name, he might just curse the new class again."
Although this explanation seemed reasonable, Albert felt it was an excuse. However, he didn't inquire further and ended the discussion on that topic.
"If you learn the spells from 'Practical Defense Magic and Its Counteraction against Dark Arts,' you can borrow 'Defense and Deterrence Curses' from the library. This book contains many powerful defensive spells that should satisfy you," Professor Broad continued, "However, there's something you need to know. What you've seen so far is merely the surface of magic. The true wonder of magic lies in the subtle changes it can undergo with your imaginative thoughts. Powerful spells don't necessarily hold all the answers; sometimes, a small incantation can easily solve a problem."
While Albert was still contemplating the meaning of these words, Professor Broad said, "Well, it's almost lunchtime. You better not miss it. It's been a pleasure chatting with you. Most students hold professors in awe, and it's rare for someone like you and me to sit down and have a proper conversation."
"I've also benefited greatly from our conversation. Looking forward to the next one," Albert nodded slightly in acknowledgment to Professor Broad and left the Dark Arts Defense office.
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(End of this chapter)
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