Chapter 46: Where did you come from?
Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson took an unexpected turn.
The heavy rain, which had been falling for several days, showed no signs of stopping. A damp chill permeated the castle, and colds were spreading among both staff and students, leaving many feeling unwell.
The young wizards on the various house Quidditch teams, in particular, hadn't stopped training for a single day.
This was necessary training. One of the most famous matches in wizarding history had been completed in a downpour.
In the words of Professor Flitwick from Charms class—this was how wizards should be! Tempering their spirits in the wind and rain!
Whether anything was actually tempered was debatable, but Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, was rushed off her feet.
The castle was filled with young wizards with steaming heads after drinking potions.
This severely affected Lockhart's teaching effectiveness.
He needed these students to be more immersed in the fairy tale atmosphere, just as he himself was immersed in the identity of the 'Forest Witch.'
Defense Against the Dark Arts, dueling, defense against dark magical creatures—these three major areas of Defense Against the Dark Arts were all so dangerous, each requiring constant vigilance.
Lockhart wished he could master a spell that would allow him to simply wave his wand and have all the young wizards enter a state of peak focus.
Unfortunately, he couldn't.
Even though he had several healing spells in his memory that were sufficient to deal with this situation, such advanced magic was clearly beyond his current stage of digestion.
Blindly trying to digest it would only cause him to be influenced and turn into someone else.
Losing himself would mean losing magic, which was something he absolutely couldn't accept.
So, the accident happened, unsurprisingly.
There was nothing he could do about it.
Here's how it went: it was a fourth-year lesson on dark magic training.
Yes, that's right, dark magic.
Lockhart sometimes found it quite absurd that wizarding society had a bizarre misalignment between 'political correctness' and 'academics'—the Ministry of Magic's Wizarding Examinations Authority clearly listed a bunch of dark magic in the 'Ordinary Wizarding Level' exam syllabus arranged for magic schools, and then the Ministry's Wizengamot court and Auror Office explicitly prohibited wizards from using dark magic.
What could he do but sigh?
This lesson he was teaching covered five spells and their corresponding counter-curses: Serpensortia, Vera Verto, Oppugno, Impedimenta, and Slugulus Eructo.
This was a summoning charm-focused type that he had carefully organized based on the characteristics of the spells, trying to help the young wizards systematically build a knowledge framework through a thematic approach.
According to the relatively vague danger level classification in the wizarding world—
Oppugno, the charm that summoned a flock of canaries to attack, was the least dangerous 'Hex' among the spells.
Vera Verto, Serpensortia, and Impedimenta, which summoned bats, snakes, and a large black dog respectively for attack, were 'Jinxes.'
Slugulus Eructo, the charm that summoned slugs, directly affected the wizard's body and was actually a 'Curse,' a standard dark magic even under the strictest classification methods.
Then came the interesting part.
Whether 'Hex,' 'Jinx,' or 'Curse,' all three categories were classified as dark magic.
Not only that.
Wilbert Slinkhard, the author of Defensive Magical Theory, one of the classic books in the field of Defense Against the Dark Arts, mentioned in his book that hex-deflecting charms, whether the general counter-curse or the specific counter-curse for a hex, were essentially hexes themselves.
The above classification method was standard academic thinking.
Real life was different, with a very ambiguous standard of distinction.
The classification method based on political thinking was particularly simple—a charm cast with great malicious intent was dark magic.
Just kidding, how could one determine whether a wizard had great malicious intent when casting a spell?
Based on the whims of the inquisitor? Or the influence of their family? Or the correctness brought by their status and background? Or relying on pitiful storytelling skills to gain the general sympathy of other jurors?
This was nonsense!
From Lockhart's perspective, as long as a wizard was involved in combat magic, whether dueling other wizards or defending against magical creatures, it essentially required malice, or rather, combat emotion!
If you wanted to attack, you could only be full of malice.
You couldn't say that you were fighting by casting spells that the Ministry of Magic classified as non-dark magic without being filled with a strong desire to kill the opponent. That was impossible.
All such offensive magic fell into the categories of hexes, jinxes, and curses!
All of it was undoubtedly dark magic.
So, how did clever and top-notch wizards ensure their absolutely positive image? How did they avoid stepping into this muddy quagmire full of confusion and ambiguity?
The answer was Transfiguration!
This was the version answer of the current era.
Dumbledore, a great wizard who came from a Defense Against the Dark Arts background, clearly understood this wisdom.
But this wasn't Transfiguration class; it was Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Lockhart had to guide the young wizards in learning how to use and defend against these academically defined dark magic spells.
The teaching method was academic. Every spellcasting secret that Lockhart pointed out regarding these spells and counter-curses was essentially within the scope of dark magic application.
Mastering these spells well would mean that when the young wizards really used the Ministry-recognized dark magic, or even the Unforgivable Curses, they would find themselves surprisingly adept.
Each of these spells was extremely dangerous.
Each one, whether casting offensively or defensively, required a high degree of concentration and sharp reflexes.
The Ordinary Wizarding Level exams involving this part were not written tests but entirely practical exams, leaving no room for Lockhart to teach vaguely, unless he didn't care at all about these young wizards' futures.
He didn't require these students to master them particularly skillfully, as the exam didn't have such high demands.
But at least they had to successfully cast the spells and successfully cast the counter-curses, right?
Otherwise, what was the point of taking the exam!
They might as well go home and marry a rich Muggle or be married to one, living a more prosperous life in the Muggle world than in the wizarding world. Wouldn't that be great?
Muttering to himself, Lockhart still maintained the most vigilant posture, carefully watching every young wizard.
They were currently at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The students from the four houses each played the role of one of the four teams attacking an evil lair, fighting fiercely to seize a monster's treasure chest.
Hagrid's pet Fang, as the evil overlord, was lying idly on the treasure chest filled with small red flowers that could earn points for their houses, guarding the entrance to the monster's lair (Hagrid's hut).
The young wizards were fighting fiercely and evenly.
Snakes, large black dogs, birds, and bats summoned by the spells crawled everywhere. The young wizards ran through the ground covered in slugs they had vomited up, dodging attacks.
Dueling was a magical sport that best demonstrated a wizard's all-around quality and ability.
Nothing could be clearer than this.
Hogwarts' division of house members based on the young wizards' own characteristics seemed so direct at this time.
Slytherin could almost be said to be the most goal-oriented players among the four houses. These young wizards knew what they wanted.
But unfortunately, due to their extremely clear division into two factions, respectively following the two Chasers of the Slytherin Quidditch team, Cassius Warrington and Draco Malfoy, the two factions caused trouble and played small tricks on each other, resulting in nothing being accomplished in the end. Their internal strife was incredibly intense.
In comparison, Hufflepuff was undoubtedly the most united house. Under the command of Cedric Diggory, who performed the best among them, they advanced and retreated in an orderly manner. Unfortunately, they didn't stand out because of this, only barely maintaining a situation where no one was injured, but this was clearly a very good result.
Gryffindor was the most eye-catching in this chaotic battle. They were really perfectly suited for such a melee. Unfortunately, they weren't particularly united, mostly forming small groups of a few people each. The internal unity within the small groups was very strong, but the house unity was a complete mess.
Among them, the most conspicuous were the Weasley twins, George and Fred, and two of the three Quidditch team sisters, Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson (George's future wife). P.S.: The other sister was a third-year student and not in this class.
As for Ravenclaw.
Hmm...
Lockhart really didn't want to complain about the house he came from, but he really couldn't see where the Ravenclaw team was.
Oh, in Slytherin, in Gryffindor, in Hufflepuff.
And some were standing aside watching the battle because they had been kicked out early for breaking the rules.
Ravenclaw in the fourth year also had an outstanding player, nicknamed 'Little Lockhart' by his classmates, named Roger Davies.
However, Lockhart didn't really approve of this nickname, because even the original Lockhart, who pursued fame, social status, and social resources, was different from this Roger, who was just a pure playboy.
In the original story, this handsome and athletic heartthrob went to the Yule Ball with Fleur Delacour and also pursued Cho Chang, changing girlfriends at a rapid pace.
Lockhart despised this guy.
After graduation, this fellow would realize that just having a handsome appearance wouldn't bring good results. He had to have real skills. The balanced characteristics of being slightly good at everything but not outstanding in anything would only make him quickly fade into the crowd.
Lockhart quickly moved through the chaotic battle, constantly releasing gray wolves to help block some damage that the young wizards might not be able to handle, then kicking that young wizard out of the game, or kicking out those who illegally used other spells.
Then he made these eliminated young wizards practice counter-curses to heal the magical injuries they had sustained.
They couldn't expect Lockhart to help them heal.
—Lockhart's expression was one of disdain, and he said with earnest instruction that this was a good opportunity to practice, but in fact, he himself couldn't cast these counter-curses.
You all practice yourselves.
Otherwise, the wounds from being bitten by the snakes summoned by Serpensortia would keep them awake all night in pain, and Slugulus Eructo would make them miss dinner tonight and even breakfast tomorrow.
Anyway, Lockhart controlled the seemingly chaotic situation, clearly knowing the development of the entire scene, and even able to predict the final outcome of today's practical exercise.
It would probably be Gryffindor and Hufflepuff joining forces to eliminate Slytherin, and then, amidst the cheers of the backstabbing Ravenclaws, the Gryffindors would go to Fang to get the point-scoring treasure chest.
The accident happened just as Lockhart thought everything was under control.
The Weasley twins, who had originally put great pressure on the Slytherin house, suddenly changed direction and attacked Roger Davies, the Ravenclaw playboy who was causing a ruckus in his own house.
This guy actually dared to provoke Angelina Johnson!
Angelina, whom George and Fred secretly both liked!
This wasn't the first time. Usually during Quidditch training matches, this peacock was as annoying as a fly.
Cassius Warrington and Draco Malfoy of Slytherin had very cleverly seized this opportunity. After exchanging a glance, they tacitly agreed to cooperate and began to quietly break through the chaotic battle, charging towards Fang.
But they had clearly forgotten that Hufflepuff had been watching from the side. Led by Cedric Diggory, they launched a fierce charge against these two teams that were preparing to develop stealthily.
What made Lockhart gratified was that the tactics of 'detour,' 'strategic retreat,' etc., that he mentioned every day, had finally been heeded by some of the young wizards.
This was clearly a trap.
Slytherin all turned their heads and surrounded the charging Hufflepuffs in a pincer movement.
Excellent!
Extremely excellent collective combat!
Hufflepuff also performed well. They weren't as cunning as Slytherin. What they had learned from Professor Lockhart were tactics like 'focus fire' and 'rapidly disintegrating strength.' They didn't consider the pincer situation but instead put all their effort into attacking one of the teams.
Especially Draco Malfoy, who was leading the group in the middle, was the main target of the focused fire.
The effect was remarkable!
"Draco Malfoy, out!"
Lockhart laughed loudly, directing the young wizard to leave the field, waving his wand to summon gray wolves to shield the other team from the attack that they probably couldn't withstand.
His casting strength wasn't great, but his combat awareness was extremely sharp, and the timing he grasped was just perfect.
However, an accident still occurred!
Draco Malfoy's psychological quality in a crisis was not as good as he usually showed. It might also have been that a severe cold had weakened his will. Watching the dense array of spell lights about to cover his vision, he actually screamed in terror and grabbed a student beside him, pushing him towards these spells!
In an instant, Lockhart's precise gray wolf command missed its target.
The poor young wizard, with a look of despair, was hit by more than a dozen terrifying Slugulus Eructo spells!
The scene looked as if his entire body was about to be completely covered by magical light.
The spectacular effect made the originally noisy and chaotic battlefield fall silent, and everyone turned their heads in horror to look at this scene.
Fortunately, Lockhart's assistant, 'Little Goldie,' pounced in time, tearing apart all the other incoming bats, birds, snakes, and the large black dog. Otherwise, this poor student would probably have been sent to Madam Pomfrey for emergency treatment immediately.
What was the concept of being hit by more than a dozen Slugulus Eructo spells?
Even with such rich memories, Lockhart had never actually seen this scene.
Of course, based on his in-depth study of the principles of this spell, this student's entire esophagus and throat would probably be instantly blocked by slugs, and if not rescued in time, he might suffocate to death.
Lockhart had a contingency plan!
He had long prepared contingency plans for the worst-case scenarios, quickly rummaging through his pocket for an emergency emetic potion, which he had troubled Madam Pomfrey to brew.
He pulled out the potion and rushed towards the student.
Only...
The state of the young wizard before him looked so strange.
This student, who was usually almost ignored by everyone, actually had an extremely tenacious will. Even at the risk of a sudden surge of nausea, he still pointed his wand at Draco Malfoy, who had pushed him.
But unfortunately, he couldn't utter any effective spell, only vomiting a huge slug.
This was the most perfect effect of the Slugulus Eructo spell.
—Anti-magic!
Unless he knew how to cast silently.
This wasn't difficult. Most wizards, after using a certain spell extensively throughout their lives, would eventually naturally achieve silent casting of that spell at some point.
Well, this didn't seem to have anything to do with the young wizard.
However, this young wizard actually mastered silent casting.
He first glared resentfully at Draco Malfoy, then waved his wand and pointed it at himself.
It was a spell Lockhart didn't recognize, and it looked so complex.
"!!!"
A ghostly pale mist swept over him, carrying an unpleasant chill and piercing coldness. All the Slugulus Eructo spells on him were stripped away.
Not only that, but his whole body seemed to be rapidly twisting andexpansion due to the influence of this magic.
In just an instant, he actually turned into a short, fat middle-aged wizard with a somewhat distorted face!
"Everyone, step back quickly!"
Lockhart's expression changed, and he loudly shouted for the surrounding students to be vigilant.
However, there wasn't enough time. The middle-aged wizard was clearly an experienced combat wizard. He actually cast a tap-dancing jinx on himself, crash into the young wizards at a very unique angle. Amidst the chaos, the sound of a spell quickly rang out.
"Crucio!"
"Ah~~~~~" Draco Malfoy let out a miserable cry and fell to the ground in agony, his whole body convulsing, his face instantly as pale as if he had lost a lot of blood.
Bang!
A terrifying shockwave swept through, and all the surrounding young wizards were thrown away.
The middle-aged wizard stepped on Draco Malfoy's chest, twisted his neck, and let out a panting smile. Shaking the wand in his hand, he looked at Lockhart with a sneer. "I advise you to put down your wand, or I'll immediately give him a Killing Curse!"
Lockhart rolled his eyes and looked at this fellow with some helplessness. "Where did you pop out from?"
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