15 Defense Against the Dark Arts

"The thing that was inside you and hinders your concentration is called an obscurus."

"What is an obscurus, professor?"

"When a young witches and wizards suppresses their power, a dark manifestation of this power is formed within. A parasitic entity born to torment its host. And you, Alfred is an Obscurial for being its host."

"Is… there a way to destroy it?"

"Normally, it should've diminished since you willingly practice magic. Since, the precondition of being an obscurial is by forcefully repressing one's magic, doing the opposite should weaken it and the more you accept magic the obscurus will die."

"Then, I should freely use magic?"

"Freely using magic is different than what you imagine, but understanding what power lies beyond of that creates magic. Even still, it is an uncertainty. There's a small chance that the obscurus will remain hidden inside, until it explodes along with the host. For the most cases that is, however…"

I remained silent. When he took a newspaper – the New York Ghost with a caption "OBCURUS RAMPAGED IN NEW YORK 1926" and a moving photo of a young man who looked downcast and troubled.

"There's someone who happens to control his obscurus which everyone thought to be impossible." He paused and pointed his finger at the photo, "His name is Credence Barebone."

"Did this happened?" I said as I looked at the newspaper which features the devastation of a city.

[AN: The picture of New York before the auror's fixed it.]

"Yes. In December 1926."

"Did this man, Credence Barebone had caused it?"

"There is more to that story."

"Why are you telling me this, professor?"

"I am telling you this for the reason that…"

"You want me to control such power, is that it?" I interrupted and expressed my guess.

"If the obscurus remained and wasn't weakened, we now know that there's a way to control it. In all of these years of my research, this 'thing' is bent on destruction. And only by controlling it you can hope to prevent… this disaster and live." He explained while referring to the newspaper.

"And your plan is…"

"… seek this man." He finished my speech.

"So where is he now?"

"That, I have no clue."

"…"

"There's circumstances, lately… and he is now part of Grindelwalds army."

---

The next day, we have a class in the Defense Against the Dark Arts in the first period with professor Guillermus Fawley.

In our first lesson, he introduced us to basic jinxes which fall under dark magic but considered to be not-so-dark.

I already made an advance study about it and I am only confirming some points. So far, I managed to learn much from his lecture. I gotta admit that he is adept in this subject.

His lecture lasted for about an hour.

Then, we gathered around as he introduced us to some nasty looking creatures – a cage full of [Mortis Bats] and an enormous venomous [Red-tail Viper].

Seeing that professor taking out these creatures, Silvanus eyes lit up. He looked at me with those bright eyes as if saying, "They're cool creatures".

"The mortis bat is a species of bat that is poisonous, known for being aggressive when woken at daytime. They can be found in darker place such as caves, dungeons, abandoned mine, etc. It can also be found is some areas around the castle or in the corners of Knockturn Alley. They are particularly vulnerable to the [Knockback Jinx], [Vermillious], and the [Verdimillious Charm]." Professor Fawley explained.

We were then taught how to use these charms. And since I already knew those spells, I was able to impress the professor, though, he tried to hide it.

It should be known that these spells will took an ordinary student 3 days to fully execute it with passable result. However, Tom and I already demonstrated a perfect execution of the spell.

Having to witness a muggleborn and a half-blood demonstrating a heaven defying talent that no other pureblood from his class or probably his entire career, managed to accomplished truly bewildered him.

Then he introduced the venomous [Red-tail Viper], "[Red-tail Viper] is a viper species found in the dark forest and the forest of Albania. Like all vipers, it is venomous. It is the largest and with the longest fangs – up to 3 and a half inches in length – and the highest venom yield of any snake."

The snake bared its fangs and hissed that made all of us to took a step back, except Tom who looked unfazed after that.

He looked at the snake intently and the snake seems to calm down.

I observed him.

Just now, I remember that he possessed a unique ability to talk to snake. It is only disappointing that I can't remember what they call it.

I am very sure that he is using that ability now, but I don't hear him saying anything.

How did he do that? I really have no idea.

It's a pity that all I can do is watch him.

Professor Fawley seem not to notice this change.

Instead, he started explaining the snakes known features, habits and hunting method.

He ended the class by giving us homework's before dismissing everyone.

---

We then have our launch before proceeding to the afternoon class – the History of Magic Class under the instruction of an old professor named Cuthbert Binns.

There's nothing much more about the whole class. As expected, professor Binns is very particular with his students, most especially me. It is because, I showed so much interest in his class which the other students thought it to be boring.

I very much like history among any other subject in my previous life. And it was such a nostalgic to sit in a class which is no different than any muggle class. Though, professor Binns use magic as a necessity such as writing notes on a chalkboard, lifting books, etc.

I would always ask some questions and with a smile, he would answer me thoroughly.

"I would die a ghost someday and be satisfied to meet such perceptive young fellow like you, Mr. Alfred Stanford." He said in praise.

[AN: He died in 1970's and became a ghost.]

---

After class, I decided to come with Silvanus to yesterday's place which is at the lake's bank right next to the Hogwarts Castle.

I have no intention of going back early in the common room as to avoid humiliation. It seems Tom has decided to kill time in the library.

We decided to train magic combat. It seems that Silvanus is also interested in dueling as much as caring for magical beasts.

However, we have another person coming with us. His name is Patrick Stark.

I met him back at Hogwarts Express. He and Silvanus became friends since they're both in Hufflepuff's.

Thus, Silvanus introduced him to me and he was pleased when he learned that we already made an acquaintance. Therefore, we readily became close friends.

One Slytherin and two Hufflepuff's, an unlikely trio eh. Anyway, I have use for them.

Sometime later, sounds of anguish was heard in some distance.

"Come on you two… don't just stay in the ground. Get up and we'll do another round."

"Bloody hell! I have enough of this, Al! Let's do something different." Silvanus retort back.

"Yeah Al, you're too good at this that we can't beat you even if its two against one! I agree with Sil. We should do something else. How about teasing some girls?"

"Tsk tsk tsk… I am so disappointed in you two. I thought you'd like to learn how to duel?" I looked at Silvanus, "You want to defeat strong magical creatures?" Then I looked at Patrick, "You want to become an auror? Then, all you have to do is get up and fight!"

"Al, if I get you this time, don't come begging!" Silvanus declared.

"I will defeat you, Al and take that smug face of yours!" Patrick declared.

"That's more like it. Bring it on!"

Soon, the two received harsher punishment and their cries echoes across the distance.

Right now, I could defeat any first year and second year students who have less experience in duel and only knew a few number of spells. But, I have no absolute confidence to defeat the more experience seniors of Slytherin's.

But I am not in a hurry as my progress is advancing rather smoothly.