I know most of you wanted my dreary romance to finally start developing for real, but I couldn't ignore this plot bunny, which started bugging me in the middle of the night. Next time I'll write the date, promise. Once again thanks to my lovely bèta, SoraKairiRikuNamine, who helped me enormously with perfecting this chapter. On that note, I'll probably start updating each Friday/Saturday from now on and in June it will take a backseat. I only have exams from May 29 till June 12 though.
Hope you enjoy the chapter and leave a comment on your way out!
Chapter 17: Life's lessons
"Alright class, we're doing something a little bit different today."
Professor Moody was as grumpy as ever when he trudged into the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom on Thursday afternoon.
"Ever since I introduced you to the Unforgivable Curses, I've had difficulty finding my desk through the veritable mountain of letters I've received from your parents. While I agree my approach might have slightly extreme, it doesn't change the reality of the outside world. If you're ever confronted with one of these curses, it's duck or die. And I want to prepare you to the best of my ability for whatever you might encounter later. Now Granger, tell me the textbook difference between Light and Dark magic."
Hermione perked up at the chance to answer a question, though she did look vaguely insulted at the way professor Moody said textbook. Like it left a bad taste in his mouth. She had made some progress with her worship of authority, but nevertheless had a long way to go.
"Dark magic, often referred to as curses, is fueled by the intent to harm the intended victim. This is in contradiction with most other magic, which is far more neutral."
"Right and yet inherently wrong." Moody answered. "Magic is directed by our intent, but it is called forth by our emotions. And our emotions influence our intent as well. Generally Light magic is fueled by positive emotions like happiness, hope, pride, inspiration, etc. Dark magic is fueled by negative emotions like anger, sadness, deep fear and so on. Grey magic lies in between and Neutral magic is controlled by intent and visualization alone. Most of you seem to associate Dark with Evil and Light with Good, why?"
Ron hesitantly put his hand up, as he was the only person in the whole room to do so. Moody nodded at him, a pensive expression on his face.
"Because hurting people is bad." Ron answered the professor's question.
Moody gave a sort of odd, grunting laugh at this very comprehensive answer.
"Of course it's bad," Moody retorted."but haven't you ever been truly angry at someone? So angry you wished nothing more than to hurt them like they have hurt you. Let me put it this way. Imagine some guy has just played with your sisters heart, aren't you ready to pummel the bastard into the ground to teach them a lesson? Now say he has raped her, most people would kill the son of a bitch. And if she was killed afterwards and that good-for-nothing-piece-of-shit was bragging about it, well that's enough to make me want to torture him so he can feel a fraction my pain. Does that make me a bad person? Does it make me evil?"
Everyone was shaking their heads. Some were more cautious about it than others, but all could understand the reasoning behind these crass statements. Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Granger."
"That doesn't mean that certain curses aren't banned for a reason. The Unforgiveable Curses…"
"Aren't the worst thing that might happen to you, Granger. In fact love potions are based off the Imperius Curse and they are taught at Hogwarts and even sold in some Apothecaries. And the things a skilled person is able to do with first year spells alone can be quite dissimilar to how you'd use them. Still I do realize that this might be a drastic shift in worldviews for some of you, so I'm assigning an essay. I want three feet in which you detail acceptable uses for each of the Unforgivables and a harmful way to employ one of your first year spells. This spell might be learned in Charms, Transfiguration or DADA."
Draco's hand flew into the air, as did some others.
"Yes Malfoy."
"Why don't you limit us to DADA spells, sir?" Draco asked. "Not that Quirrell has taught us many." The last part was muttered softly and sarcastically, but not quiet enough.
"Exactly Malfoy. Quirrell, and Lockhart for that matter, were utterly incompetent and I doubt any of you learned much in your two first years. Besides DADA is about teaching you how to defend yourself against threats. Who can tell me what a wizard's biggest enemy is?"
All hands shot into the air, Hermione's highest, but Moody pointed at Parvati to speak instead. She uttered a shaky "mummies", but Moody shook his head and indicated Zabini instead who answered with vampires. More headshaking and pointing ruled out werewolves, Dementors, Blast ended Skrewts, arcomantulas and other magical Creatures and Beings. In the end only Harry hadn't answered yet. When Moody finally motioned at him to answer, Harry looked him straight in the eye and said clearly "Wizards are in most danger from other wizards."
The room fell so silent a pin dropping on the floor would be heard clearly. Everyone stared at Harry as if he had grown a second head (or several feet of hair). The silence lasted and lasted until the gruff chuckles from professor Moody broke it.
"That is indeed the correct answer, Potter. Good thinking. Yes a wizard armed with a wand can do far more damage than any being or creature you will ever meet. Most of those aren't very hostile by nature, as long as you keep your distance and don't threaten their young. A wizard or witch on the other hand is far more flammable and unpredictable. I've decided that the rest of the school year will be dedicated to duelling for this very reason."
With a wave of Moody's wand, the tables were shoved into cupboards lining the wall and a big marked area appeared on the floor. Now the room was empty, it proved to be far larger than the students had expected.
"This year you will learn the intricacies of formal dueling as well as thinking on your feet and using your whole arsenal of spells. We will learn some basic spells like disarming, stunning and shielding, but they are revision material and to be mastered on your own time, so they can be used the next lesson. If you experience difficulties, ask someone. Don't hesitate because of pride or shame. That's what gets you killed in battle. Right now I'm going to call pairs of students to duel so I can assess your skills and mind-set. The rest of you will wait outside so you won't be hurt on accident. Brown, Bulstrode you're up first."
Everyone but the two girls, who were eyeing each other, shuffled out and made themselves as comfortable as possible in the halfway. Draco was shooting longing looks at Harry, which resulted in much blushing on the part of the smaller teen. Both mourned the fact that an official courtship meant much stricter rules and less contact outside dates. In the end there was nothing they could do but turn to their respective group and wait for their turn.
Hermione was nearly bouncing at the thought of dueling and showing of her skill in front of a professor, since Fleur and Viktor had started to teach them the basics. Neville on the other hand, was rather nervous despite the progress he had made in the past weeks. (Granted at the start of the term he likely would have fainted at the mere idea of a duel,) but professor Moody still intimidated him and Neville was very peaceful by nature. Harry had been reading up on magical beings with other languages for the Second Task – without much success - and suspected nymph blood, but hadn't said anything to the others, because it was Neville's secret to tell.
"Why do you suppose that Moody only started with this dueling business now? Instead of when he started, you know. Not really like him to change his lesson plans in the middle of the term."
They all looked at Ron, who had spouted one of his rare, insightful remarks. Harry considered it for a moment before answering.
"I think it has to do with the recent changes." He responded. "I told you about the answer I got to my letter and the overturn of the current education model. It makes sense to extend it to the current Hogwarts' curriculum, which we know is subpar, except for potions. By the way have you been appointed any buddies yet? Father has told me that his adoptions frees me from it."
Hermione nodded. "Angelina contacted me last week. She has been a great help in understanding the Wizarding world, though her etiquette lessons are a bit much. Even for me! Fleur has been helping me as well. It's thanks to her that I've started to get my hair under control."
Hermione's hair had indeed smoothed out somewhat over the past week. It was no longer extremely bushy, yet still maintained its natural curl. She had also visited Madame to shrink her front teeth a bit. She had confessed that while her parents had seen no real cause to correct them, she had often bit through her bottom lip when nervous and they just didn't sit well it her mouth.
In the meanwhile Lavender and Millicent had left the classroom and were looking only slightly singed, though Millicent did look rather proud. Next up were Vincent Crabbe and Tracy Davis; the pureblood girl was nearly sashaying into the classroom. After them came Dunbar, a slight girl who often disappeared in the background, and Seamus, who came out far less arrogant than he went in. Then it was Hermione's turn and boy, did she look insulted at having to fight Gregory Goyle. Before she went in Harry pulled her close for some quick advice.
"Don't get arrogant or feel snubbed. Take him out quickly, but use the cunning you've been taught to portray your skills. We'll have plenty of time to show just what we're able to and a smart person keeps his cards close."
She seemed fortified by this and the fight only lasted half a minute, commentary included. In that short time period, Neville had been encouraged to remember all the progress he'd made and he was able to look Daphne Greengrass in the eye without losing the firm set of his shoulders.
Unsurprisingly he won against the spoiled, arrogant heiress and even received a compliment from Moody for his fine use of the Disarming Charm – incidentally the only spells he used.
Draco had more difficulty against his childhood friend Theo Nott since they had been practicing together for a long time, but Nott lost in the end to a nifty tripping jinx hidden by a barrage of stunning spells.
The tension between Parvati and Pansy was palpable when the girls were called in. Their bout lasted the longest and both were covered in cuts and bruises. Apparently they had forgone wants all together at one point and had physically attacked the other. The tension was gone though; punching each other had clearly solved the issues lingering between them.
Harry exchanged a nod with Dean Thomas. They didn't have a lot of contact besides sharing a dorm, but behaved friendly when partnered in class. Harry already knew the outcome of this battle. He had daily duels with his fellow champions and managed to keep up despite big gap in age and experience. He doubted anyone his year would provide a challenge. He was right. After Moody put them each on a side of the room and explained the rules – no permanent harm, killing or banned spell and the fight is over once the opponent is neutralized– Harry fired his first spell, a lightening quick Incarcerous, which Dean wasn't able to avoid. He didn't mind though, instead asking Harry whether he would be willing to give some extra lessons. Harry asked some time to overthink this, but didn't liked the glint in professor Moody's eyes at all.
Last were Ron and Blaise, and though he had to fight for it, Ron managed to emerge victorious. Since there was still some time left, Moody called them all back in to give a general overview.
"Most of you managed to preform decently, though there were some exceptions." The professor started. "First rule of battle is to not underestimate your opponent or overestimate your own skills. It's going to get you killed one day. Second, most wizards are incapable of a physical fight. They think it beneath them. It isn't. Everything that can give you a chance at victory is worth learning. Which means I'll invite a teacher specialised in self-defence and martial arts to take over that part of my lesson plan. He or she will take over your empty block on Wednesday afternoon. It will help you build stamina as well, which is my third point. If you can't last, you won't win. Duelling isn't about stationary blocking, but dodging and firing spells all the time. Block only if you have no other option."
They were all entrance. As much as Moody was a harsh taskmaster, he had a way of getting your attention and keeping it. Hermione was busy writing everything down and for once she wasn't the only one. Many wanted to do better next time and Moody's advice was part of getting there. It was of course all common sense, but that went out of the window too often where wizards were concerned. Even muggleborns lost it at one point or another.
Draco was considering asking professor Snape permission to start up the fencing club again. It had been a casualty of the muggleborns, who considered it out of fashion, but he felt it might actually gain more support now muggleborns were properly educated. He was also making notes about his upcoming date with Harry. The chaperones both aggravated and comforted him: on one hand he desperately wanted to be alone with Harry, on the other he was thankful they would be able to help conversation flow easily as he already predicted a lot of tongue-tightness until they were comfortable in each other's company.
"Now that's enough for today. Remember I expect three feet on beneficial ways to use the Unforgivables and a harmful use for a first year spell next Thursday. Try to be original and any copying will result in a failing mark for copier and copied alike.