章節 68: Help
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Arriving at the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Harry and his companions were immediately struck by a pungent odor. The smell of heavy garlic hung in the air, so intense it was almost tangible. Recoiling slightly, Harry wrinkled his nose in distaste. "What is this?" he muttered, perplexed by the overpowering scent.
Tracey, holding her nose, responded, "I heard Professor Quirrell had a nasty encounter with vampires in Romania last summer. He's been terrified of them ever since. That's why he reeks of garlic. They say his stutter started after that incident."
Nodding in understanding, yet still grimacing, Harry cautiously entered the classroom, the smell of garlic seemingly permeating every corner. He took a seat, trying his best to ignore the nearly visible aroma wafting through the air.
Nigel's voice resonated in Harry's mind, "Ah, the scent of paranoia. Nothing like a bit of garlic to ward off ancient bloodsucking fiends, eh?"
As the lesson commenced, Professor Quirrell, stuttering and trembling, attempted to lecture on the basics of defending against the Dark Arts. His nervous demeanor and the constant twitching of his turban did little to inspire confidence in his students.
"Today, w-we will discuss the t-theory behind basic defensive spells," Quirrell began, his voice shaky. "The most f-fundamental aspect of defense is awareness of your surroundings and potential threats."
Nigel's voice offered a sarcastic observation. "Inspirational, really. I'm trembling with newfound knowledge."
Harry listened to the lecture, taking mental notes while Nigel provided occasional insights and critiques. Despite Nigel's sarcasm, Harry found the AI's analysis helpful in dissecting the theoretical aspects of the subject.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Quirrell left Harry feeling utterly disappointed. His anticipation for a class filled with engaging discussions and practical applications of defensive magic was quickly dampened by the pungent odor of garlic and Quirrell's evident incompetence. The lecture, marred by Quirrell's stuttering and evident fear, failed to provide any substantial insight into the art of defense.
As Harry and his Slytherin companions left the classroom, his thoughts lingered on the wasted opportunity for learning something meaningful. The overpowering scent of garlic still seemed to cling to them as they made their way down the corridor.
Nigel's voice chimed in, "Quite the aromatic experience, wasn't it, Master Harry? I dare say the only thing repelled in that class was the students' interest."
Harry couldn't help but agree silently. He was about to respond when he was interrupted by a voice he hadn't expected to engage with so soon. "Harry, hi," Hermione Granger greeted him, a hint of hesitancy in her voice.
Harry furrowed his brow. He and Hermione weren't exactly friends, and their brief interaction on the train hadn't left him expecting much friendliness from her. However, he also realized that Hermione might not be familiar with wizarding etiquette, which might explain her use of his first name.
"Yes, Miss Granger," he replied, his tone polite yet distant, subtly hinting at the proper way to address someone in their world.
Unaware of the subtle cue, Hermione continued, her curiosity apparent. "Can you tell me what is your secret for Transfiguration?" she asked, her eyes earnest.
Harry was taken aback. From his brief evalution and system's observe, he knew Hermione to be prideful and competitive. It seemed out of character for her to seek help from a peer.
He asked in his mind to Nigel, "Is this because Dumbledore's compelling her?"
Nigel's response came promptly, "Observe had already proven that she is under a spell, Master Harry. My theory is, Dumbledore assumed you would be lacking academically and would seek help from Ms. Granger, but not only did you two not get close, but you also surpassed her in classes. Dumbledore must have thought to approach in the opposite direction to get you two close. Despite it going against Ms. Granger's nature."
Harry pondered over Nigel's words. It sounded plausible, fitting the pattern of Dumbledore's subtle manipulations. He observed Hermione, noting her earnest expression, a stark contrast to her usual confident demeanor. It seemed unnatural, almost forced.
"Miss Granger, Transfiguration requires a deep understanding of the object's essence and a clear visualization of the desired outcome," Harry explained, maintaining a respectful distance. "It's not just about the wand movements or the incantation. You need to engage your senses, imagine the object's properties in detail."
Hermione listened intently, her eyes reflecting her thirst for knowledge. "But how do you achieve such a vivid visualization?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Harry pondered for a moment before replying, "It's about connecting with the object on a deeper level. You have to feel it, understand its nature. For example, when transforming a matchstick into a needle, don't just see it as a needle. Feel its weight, its texture, imagine its sharpness."
Hermione's expression softened as she asked Harry for help, her voice laced with a rare vulnerability. "Can you help me please?" she pleaded, her eyes conveying a mix of hope and desperation.
Harry's frown deepened. He sensed an opportunity to potentially unravel or investigate the compelling spell Dumbledore might have placed on Hermione. "Wise decision, Master Harry," Nigel affirmed in his mind, "but do tread carefully."
"Alright, Miss Granger. I will see you in the library after Potion Class tomorrow," Harry agreed, noting her immediate relief.
As Hermione thanked him and hurried away, Harry turned to rejoin Daphne and Tracey, who were eying the interaction with evident curiosity. Before he could reach them, he noticed Neville Longbottom nearby. Ever since their shared boat ride on their first night at Hogwarts, Harry decided to be friends with him so he called out, "Neville, how's it going?"
[System Message: Neville Longbottom - Under Long-term Confundus Spell. Origin of spell: Unknown. Note: Spell affects memory and decision-making. Subject's awareness of the spell's influence - Minimal.]
Harry's mind raced as he remembered the previous observation of Neville under the Confundus Spell. He needed to find a way to help Neville without alerting anyone to the spell or his own knowledge of it.
As Neville approached, Harry could see the spell's subtle effects in his hesitant steps and slightly confused expression. "Oh, hi, Harry. I'm... I'm okay, I guess," Neville replied, his voice lacking confidence, as usual.
Harry offered a warm smile. "That's good to hear, Neville. Listen, I've noticed you seem a bit... overwhelmed with everything going on. Hogwarts can be a lot to take in, especially in the first few weeks," he said empathetically.
Neville nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. "Yeah, it's all so new and different. I keep forgetting things and getting lost."
Harry sighed, understanding the challenges that Neville was facing. Hogwarts, with its myriad of corridors and enchantments, could be a bewildering place for a first-year student, especially one struggling under the influence of a Confundus Spell.
"Neville, if you don't mind me being a Slytherin, you can sit with me in classes. We can help each other," Harry offered, his tone genuine. He understood the value of having someone to lean on in this vast and sometimes intimidating magical world.
Neville's eyes lit up at the offer. "Really? That would be great, Harry. I... I could use some help," he admitted, a hint of relief in his voice.
Harry smiled. "And to be honest, I'm not that good at Herbology and could use your help there," he added, making the offer mutually beneficial. Neville had a natural affinity for plants and Herbology, and Harry recognized that he could learn a lot from Neville in this area.
Neville nodded eagerly, his spirits lifted. "I don't mind at all. Herbology is actually one of my better subjects. I'd be happy to help," he said, his confidence growing slightly at the prospect of being able to contribute.
"That's great. And let's partner up in Potions too," Harry suggested. "I've heard Professor Snape can be... a little overwhelming for some."
Neville's posture stiffened at the mention of Snape, a mixture of apprehension and agreement in his eyes. "Yeah, that sounds good. Thanks, Harry," he said, his gratitude evident.
Harry clapped Neville on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. "Alright, see you later, Neville."
"See you later, Harry," Neville replied, his smile a bit more confident as he walked away.
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