Bab 87: Chapter 87: Talisman
"Alright, that's all for today's class. Don't forget to do your homework," Professor Brode announced, and the students began packing up and leaving the classroom.
"Professor Brode?" Albert intentionally stayed behind.
"What's the matter, Mr. Anderson?" Professor Brode looked up at Albert and asked.
"Well, I have a question," Albert immediately said, "In the back of 'Dark Arts: A Self-Defense Guide,' I saw some information about Grindylows and remembered the plant you mentioned in the first class, the Guardian Tree."
Professor Brode looked interestedly at this talented student and smiled, asking in return, "You want to know if the Guardian Tree can protect people from Grindylows?"
"Yes," Albert nodded.
"In theory... it should be possible," Professor Brode raised his hand and pointed outside, indicating that someone was waiting for Albert.
"In theory?" Albert turned around in confusion, waved to Fred and the others, and they signaled that he didn't need to wait for them.
"Yes, in theory. I'm glad you've realized this," Professor Brode said happily. "The Guardian Tree is a magical pear tree that protects anyone who touches its trunk from attacks by dark creatures. Of course, this is recorded information, and since it's included in 'A Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,' it indicates that the Guardian Tree is indeed effective. But... it's only a theoretical possibility."
Albert fell silent, quietly listening to the professor continue.
Professor Brode looked at the scenery outside the window, immersed in his memories. "When I was much younger, a friend once gave me a talisman. It was claimed that as long as you wore it, you could ward off werewolves, Dementors, and Inferi."
"Was it really effective?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, it was," Professor Brode nodded. "Of course, the effect wasn't as exaggerated as he described, but the talisman did make some dark creatures retreat. It could protect you from unnecessary disturbances while traveling."
"Is the talisman made from pear wood?" Albert had already guessed the meaning behind Professor Brode's words.
"Yes, later on, the effect of the talisman gradually weakened due to the passage of time," Professor Brode nodded.
Albert fell silent, contemplating how much truth there might be in Professor Brode's words. Could a talisman made from pear wood truly be that effective?
"After the talisman lost its effectiveness, I asked him for another one, but he refused. He told me that if I soaked the talisman in mashed garlic, it would keep vampires away," Professor Brode looked at Albert, who was dumbfounded, and shook his head. "I followed his suggestion and soaked the talisman in mashed garlic for a day. Afterwards, the talisman was filled with the smell of garlic."
"Do vampires really fear garlic and crosses?" Albert couldn't help but ask.
"Fear might be a more appropriate term than 'fear.' Vampires dislike the smell of garlic," Professor Brode continued, "It's a kind of irritation for vampires, like someone holding something you detest and driving you away."
"What about crosses?" Albert asked again.
"That's right. Vampires aren't afraid of crosses," Professor Brode redirected the topic again. "Later on, I came across talismans being sold in the market and bought one for two Galleons. It was also made from Guardian Tree wood."
"No effect?" Albert felt like he might have guessed the reason.
"Not exactly. It's more like..." Professor Brode grinned. "It was basically ineffective."
"Why?"
"Good question. Why indeed?" Professor Brode countered. "What do you think?"
"I don't know," Albert shook his head. "Are the talismans made from Guardian Tree wood?"
"Do you know about alchemy?" Professor Brode suddenly changed the topic.
"Yes," Albert replied without hesitation. "It's an ancient precursor to chemistry."
"Chemistry, sorry, child, I didn't understand what you said," Professor Brode was also taken aback. He truly didn't comprehend the term "chemistry" as it didn't exist in the wizarding worldview.
"I'm referring to the Muggle worldview. You know, I come from a Muggle family, and in Muggle books, alchemy is described as the ancient precursor to chemistry," Albert explained casually.
"I see. However, alchemy in the wizarding world can also be considered a form of magic," Professor Brode continued. "It's a profound subject that encompasses many things. Unfortunately, this field of study isn't popular in Britain. Only in certain areas of Africa and Egypt are there some open courses available."
"So, you think a talisman is an alchemical item," Albert immediately connected the two things.
"Yes," Professor Brode was pleased that Albert understood this point. He continued, "Only talismans created by alchemists can be considered true talismans and preserve the effects of the Guardian Tree to the greatest extent. At least, when you wear a talisman made by an alchemist while crossing a marsh or a lake, Grindylows won't attack you."
"However, I must warn you not to buy talismans from the market. Those are all scams. While Guardian Trees are not common, I don't think a talisman made from Guardian Tree wood is worth two Galleons."
"Because they haven't been processed by alchemists?" Albert asked in return.
"That's right," Professor Brode looked at Albert and said, "I guess you want to use Guardian Tree wood to make a talisman?"
"Yes, I want to make a talisman for my sister. Her birthday is coming up," Albert didn't hide it and just avoided Professor Brode's gaze. He felt that the old man might have a penetrating gaze, although he didn't feel like he was being seen through. Nonetheless, he thought it was better to be cautious.
With that, Albert took out a cross he had made recently from his pocket.
It was really simple, just wood woven into a cross, the ordinary kind. It was the product of his practice with the cutting spell.
"This is indeed a talisman made from Guardian Tree wood," Professor Brode took the cross and examined it up and down, jokingly saying, "However, it's extremely low-quality. I dare say it wouldn't sell for 2 Galleons."
Albert knew that Professor Brode was just making a simple joke and didn't mind at all.
"If you want to make a talisman, I suggest you go and read books related to alchemy," Professor Brode suddenly proposed. "If it were someone else, I might not recommend it since it's at least a third-year elective difficulty. But I don't think it would be difficult for you."
"Do you have any recommendations?" Albert asked.
" 'Alchemy Made Easy.' It's an introductory book, but I prefer to call it Foolproof Alchemy," Professor Brode took out his pocket watch, checked the time, and said, "Alright, I have another class to attend to. If you still want to talk about Dark Magic Defense, I suggest you come to the Dark Magic Defense Office to find me on the weekend."
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(End of this chapter)
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