The next day at the Academy began like any other. The students, still adjusting to their new lives, filed into the Charms classroom for their second Defense Against the Dark Arts (D.A.D.A) class with Professor Silver. The lingering mist outside the castle walls seemed to have thickened, casting an ominous atmosphere over the academy.
As the students settled into their seats, Professor Silver paced at the front of the room, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for something hidden. The air felt charged with an unspoken tension. Spyro and Hunter exchanged uneasy glances, sensing that something unusual was about to happen.
"Good morning, students," Professor Silver greeted with a mysterious smile. "Today, we delve into the darker side of magic—the Unforgivable Curses."
The mere mention of these curses sent a shiver down the spines of the students. Professor Silver continued, "These curses are powerful and forbidden, with severe consequences for those who use or encounter them. Today, I'll introduce you to three such curses."
He raised his wand, and the room darkened. A spectral projection appeared, demonstrating the effects of each curse as he explained them in detail.
"First, the Imperius Curse—Imperio. It allows the caster to control the actions of the victim. They become puppets, carrying out the caster's every command without hesitation."
The students watched in horror as the spectral figures moved lifelessly, manipulated by an unseen force.
"Next is the Cruciatus Curse—Curcio. This curse inflicts unbearable pain on the victim without causing any physical harm. It is a tool of torture and sadism."
The air in the room grew heavier as the students witnessed the agony depicted by the spectral projections.
"The next Cruse is the Memory drain Cruse, Memoria Exanimo. Depending on the intent of the caster, It will remove, or drain, specific memories. It is a lot like Obviate, only that you can't find your memories just by lying in a hospital."
Hunter leaned over to Spyro and whispered "I think the mist is getting thicker."
Spyro, startled, replied "Seriously? Hunter if the mist is getting thicker, you have to tell someone."
"I did! You!"
Spyro rolled his eyes "Look, maybe it could help us if we know these Curses. Like Professor Silver said."
Hunter sighed "OK, I'll try to pay attention. But if it gets thicker I'll tell You and/or Professor Silver."
Professor Silver continued "The next Curse is the Dark Mist Curse, Nebulus Obscurum." Hunter could have sworn that Silver shot a look at him. As if to say This could be what the mist is, so pay attention. "This Curse creates a dark mist around the victim, creating an atmosphere of Fear. To long surrounded by it may damage long-term sociological health."
Hunter watched in horror as a dragon slowly lost his mind to the mist. Could that happen to me?! He thought almost panicking. He slammed a blank expression onto his face, releasing that Spyro was going to glance at him nervously.
Professor Silver continued once again. "One of the more dangerous ones is the emotion-binning Cruse, Animus Captivus. This Cruse is self-explanatory. It numbs the unfortunate victim to a state of complete blankness. They lose the ability to feel Joy, sorrow, or any kind of emotion."
Hunter bit his lip. These Cruse's aren't getting any better. He thought. He tried very hard to not think about what would happen if he got hit by that.
Even after all of these, Professor Silver still continued. "These next Cruses are also self-explanatory, however still dangerous. The Lightning Whip Cruse, Fulgur Expulsa. The forever freezing cruse, Gelum Constringo. The deadly poison cruse, Venenum Mortiferum. The forever silent cruse, Silentium Muta. The forever brunt Cruse, Ignis Verbero."
Silver stopped. The room was rid of the mist that showed what the cruses did. Hunter wondered what might have happened.
"I wish to show this Cruse in person with you all, after this, you all may go back to the D.A.D.A room, where Professor Ignitus will show you your regular secluded class." Silver said, showing a spider in his claw. He set it down, raised his wand and said, loud enough for everyone to hear "Avada Kadabra!" There was a flash of green light, and when Hunter could see again, the spider was dead. "Killing Curse—Avada Kedavra. This curse causes instant death to the victim, without causing any physical harm. It is the most sinister of the Unforgivable Curses. The only spell in the world without a counter-curse. In the history of the world, no one, not even an Animus, has survived. That is all. You are dismissed."
As Professor Silver concluded the lesson, Spyro and Hunter exchanged troubled glances. The realization of the darkness that existed in the magical world weighed heavily on them.
Following the lesson on Unforgivable Curses, Professor Ignitus, the Fire Guardian, entered the classroom. The air seemed to lighten as he took charge. Hopefully, this is better than the last class… Hunter thought, hopes rising. Professor Ignitus was, after all, his favorite teacher.
"Good afternoon, students. Today, we'll be exploring the art of dueling," Professor Ignitus announced. "In the magical world, dueling is an essential skill. It involves the use of spells, charms, and occasionally, physical combat."
The students listened attentively as Professor Ignitus explained the rules of dueling and demonstrated the proper stance and gestures for casting spells. However, instead of wands, wooden practice swords appeared in their hands.
"Now, let's have a demonstration. Hunter and Link, please step forward," Professor Ignitus instructed.
Hunter glanced nervously at the forest-green-clad boy next to him, who seemed remarkably calm. The whispers seemed to grow faint as the anticipation of the duel filled the room.
"Engage when you're ready," Professor Ignitus declared.
As the two students faced each other with wooden swords in hand, Hunter couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this duel than met the eye. He heard Link mutter something under his breath, but the words were indistinct. His mind could only think of all the ways that Link could destroy him in the duel. But, hey, He thought, What do I have to lose?
With a nod from Professor Ignitus, the duel began. Link advanced on Hunter with calculated steps, his movements precise and measured. The whispers grew louder in Hunter's mind, almost drowning out the sounds of the duel.
Suddenly, Hunter felt a surge of instinctual energy. Without conscious thought, he executed a flawless backflip, gracefully avoiding Link's oncoming strike. Time seemed to slow down for Hunter, allowing him to react with unparalleled agility.
In a rapid sequence of movements, Hunter touched the ground, dashed behind Link, and delivered a series of swift strikes to his opponent's back. The wooden sword made contact with Link's back multiple times, echoing through the room.
The whispers reached a crescendo as the mist outside the cavern dissipated (at least for Hunter), allowing sunlight to stream into the classroom. The duel concluded as Professor Ignitus applauded the unexpected display of skill.
"Well done, Hunter. It seems there's more to you than meets the eye," Professor Ignitus remarked.
Hunter, still catching his breath, glanced at Link, who wore a knowing smile. The mysterious forest-green-clad boy seemed unfazed by the outcome as if he had anticipated Hunter's movements. "Well done," Link said, still smiling. "Couldn't have done it better myself."
"I highly doubt that" Hunter replied, scratching the back of his neck. "But thanks anyway."
As the class continued, Professor Ignitus introduced more spells and techniques for dueling. The students practiced their newfound skills under the watchful eyes of their instructors.
Amid the lesson, Hunter's mind wandered back to the encounter with Professor Silver and the strange mist. The whispers persisted, urging him to uncover the secrets hidden within the academy's walls.
Little did they know that their journey into the magical world was only beginning, and the shadows cast by The Dark Master's growing power would soon envelop them all.