Chapter 47: Unforgivable Curses

There are various subjects to study at Hogwarts, a school of magic.

Charms, which are essential for wizards.

Potions, which range from everyday items to dangerous substances with incredible effects.

Transfiguration, which is difficult without understanding precise theories but has infinite possibilities.

Herbology, which is also indispensable for the life of a wizard.

There are also many other subjects such as Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Arithmancy, and Muggle Studies.

Among them, Defense Against the Dark Arts is particularly challenging for wizards.

It is a compulsory subject at Hogwarts and was also known as the cursed subject.

For several years, the teacher in charge changed almost every year.

However, Remus Lupin, a former werewolf who was appointed last year, broke that curse.

This year too, he is in charge of Defense Against the Dark Arts and is a popular teacher among students at Hogwarts.

Currently, Lupin is in the middle of a class for Ravenclaw students.

"Let's start the class. Last year we focused on dealing with dark magical creatures, but this year let's learn to defend ourselves with spells. Although I think you've learned various things about spells in Leonard's class two years ago, so it might feel like an extension of that."

Most of the Ravenclaw students are participating in Leo's study group and have higher average abilities compared to other dormitories due to their inherent desire to learn. It's certain that their abilities will improve in this year's classes.

"As you can see from the incident at the Quidditch World Cup, dark wizards still exist. I think we should train to protect ourselves from such opponents. In the first class, let's learn about the Unforgivable Curses that we should be most wary of."

Unforgivable Curses.

These are the Imperius Curse (Imperio), the Cruciatus Curse (Crucio), and the worst Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra).

Lupin explains with a bitter face.

"The Imperius Curse (Imperio) is a spell that completely controls the person it is cast on. During the heyday of the Dark Lord, everyone became suspicious because of this. Well, now there's a spell developed by Leonard that can discern obedience and an antidote potion, so it's not that much of a threat. But once it's cast on you, you need considerable mental strength to break it on your own.

Next is the Cruciatus Curse (Crucio). This is a spell that inflicts the worst pain in this world. No matter how strong your body or how excellent a wizard you are, you can't endure it. It inflicts so much pain that no torture is needed.

Finally, the Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra). This can cause death without question. There's no spell to defend against it so you just have to avoid getting hit. The only one who was hit by this and survived is Harry Potter."

The students who were listening to the explanation were terrified. But Leo was different.

The Imperius Curse (Imperio) is a mental magic so it can be completely blocked by "Barrier".

The Cruciatus Curse (Crucio) is just magic after all so it can be defended against with four defense mechanisms: "Reflection", "Absorption", "Barrier", and "Protection".

Only the Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra) would probably only be able to withstand one shot from each defense mechanism so if used consecutively he would eventually die. But even then it could be nullified if he uses what he's currently researching or if Kuu becomes a shield.

Apart from the Killing Curse (Avada Kedavra), there is another spell that Leo feels threatened by.

Many people use it but everyone thinks it's not that powerful a spell.

It's Obliviate.

It has high versatility and can transform into something terrifying depending on how you use it.

You can use it for torture by making someone forget how to breathe or turn someone into a puppet by making them forget their personality and implanting convenient memories. It can substitute for Crucio or Imperio without being as difficult as them. In addition, it can also perform feats such as nullifying by making someone forget how to use magic or their vision or hearing or making someone like a dead person by making them forget everything.

This wouldn't be a problem if it doesn't hit but nothing is absolute. While Crucio or Imperio can be endured or resisted, if Obliviate hits then it's game over at that point. Many people don't realize this but Leo thinks it's that dangerous.

Unforgivable curses were, of course, only explained in class and never actually used. Naturally, the Ministry of Magic strictly forbids their use against the same person, and anyone who uses them willingly is considered a dark wizard. Moreover, these curses are highly difficult to perform. Even if an average student knows the spell, it's not easy to master.

"Well, that's about it for the Unforgivable Curses. I don't think it was a pleasant topic to hear about, but there's a world of difference between knowing and not knowing. This difference has significantly increased your chances of protecting yourself and your loved ones. Now let's explain this year's schedule for the rest of the time!"

Lupin wrote the spells to be learned on the blackboard. Looking at the content, it was a selection that would be more practical in real combat. If they study hard this year, they should at least acquire basic defense techniques.

"Oh yes, it's only for Ravenclaw's class, but Leonard might have to help. Honestly, you're very excellent. It seems you can correct each student's magical habits from other teachers' talks and the content of classes two years ago, so I'd like to ask for your help this time."

"Understood."

"Thank you. Well, let's have a mock battle with Leonard for the rest of the time."

This statement caused a stir in the classroom.

(Hey hey hey. Doesn't Professor Lupin know?)

(The opponent is that Leonard Taylor!?)

(Ah... Is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher going to change again this year?)

(No! Professor Lupin can do it! Maybe, probably, possibly... No way.)

"Pr-Professor! It's just a simple mock battle with holding back, right?"

"Of course! No matter how excellent he is, I'll hold back. It would be a big problem if a teacher hurt a student."

Everyone in the classroom thought, "No, that's not it!" Lupin didn't know about Leonard's rampage two years ago. He only knew him as an excellent researcher. He had heard that his father was Erskine, but he never dreamed that he was such an extraordinary existence.

"Well then, let's start the mock battle. Are you ready, Leonard?"

"No problem. Anytime."

Lupin was confident that he was quite excellent, though not as much as James or Sirius. He wanted to use his power to become the greatest benefactor in life. He thought that if he could gain even a little power, he would be able to survive in case of emergency. He was an indispensable existence in the wizarding world and had to be protected.

In conclusion, Lupin's power was not necessary for Leonard Taylor at all.

The duel became one-sided. All magic cast by Lupin was nullified. Leo's magic was powerful and he was on full defense, and it was clear that he was holding back. 

From the students who were watching as if it were natural, Lupin realized his mistake.

"Huff, huff... I give up! I was wrong! You really are something else!"

Despite being shown the overwhelming difference in power, Lupin didn't break. His benefactor was a powerful being. But that doesn't mean he's invincible. Sure, he's weaker than him, but that doesn't mean he can't protect him. He needs to gain more power and be of some use. He's already prepared to use his life as a shield if necessary.

"Hahaha! I still have a long way to go! It seems like there's a lot to learn and train in the future! I'm going to do my best from now on, so let's all work hard together!"

The students of Ravenclaw were inspired by Lupin's attitude and decided to aim for a far higher goal.