CH: 12 Brief Chat in the Headmaster's Office

"I'll start counting down, and when I reach three, you all can cast the spell together," Dracula proclaimed icily from the podium. "If you don't want extra homework or detention, give it your all when casting the spell!"

"Three," he muttered impassively.

The young wizards appeared bewildered, casting anxious glances at their peers in front, behind, and to the left, seeking support.

"Two."

Encouraged by the determined expressions of Fred and George, they tentatively grasped their wands, spurred into action by the twins' example.

"One."

As Dracula concluded his countdown, the Weasley twins, known for their audacity in challenging the professor, unleashed their signature spell—

"Mucus ad Nauseam!"

Dracula's eyes twitched, repulsed by the vile snot charm, swiftly deflecting it back towards the twins. Fred and George's noses promptly began to run.

The twins exchanged glances, sniffled in unison, then engaged in a playful skirmish, gleefully smearing snot on each other's robes.

Encouraged by the twins initiative, the remaining young wizards summoned their courage, casting an array of spells on Dracula in succession, spurred on by the threat of increased homework and detention.

Rather than evade the spells, Dracula chuckled, extending his arms, even closing his eyes, passively absorbing the curses with his body.

Subsequently, a hush fell over the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

"Professor? Professor?"

Observing Dracula's stillness, Cedric, who had refrained from participating, called out softly, "Professor, are you alright?"

Witnessing this scene, the other young wizards grew anxious, transforming the once quiet classroom into a clamorous atmosphere.

The twins, now composed and observing Dracula on the podium, halted their antics, their faces reflecting a mix of amusement and concern.

"Professor Dracula, is everything alright?" Their faces betrayed a hint of concealed delight.

Dracula, assessing the potency of the young wizards' spells, furrowed his brow upon hearing the tumultuous sounds within the classroom.

"Silence!" His eyes snapped open as he striked his pointer on the lectern.

"The results are out. The spells I got are not better than Mr. Diggory's. Diggory doesn't have to do homework," Dracula announced. "The next five individuals I call will be tasked with their double homework and report to my office for evening detention!"

Singling out the five students who refrained from casting spells, Dracula isolated them for additional practice until they successfully executed the spell, prolonging the class until the task was accomplished.

For the remaining students, the assignment entailed independent reading and comprehension of the theoretical concepts outlined in the initial segment of "The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection" for the subsequent lesson.

Upon organizing these tasks, Dracula leisurely strolled around the classroom, perusing the students' textbooks with ease, swiftly grasping the required content for third-year wizards and delivering a successful lesson without reference materials.

When he approached the Weasley brothers, Fred tentatively raised his hand.

"What's the matter?" Dracula inquired curiously.

"Hey, Professor, you don't feel any pain after taking so many spells?" Fred questioned, a hint of reluctance evident on his face.

George nodded in agreement.

"Fear not, I am unharmed," Dracula assured with a sly grin. "You should start saving up, as I anticipate 40 galleons from each of you!"

The twins lowered their heads in unison, sporting crestfallen expressions.

...

After the class concluded, Dracula promptly made his way to the headmaster's office.

"I find the teaching methods at Hogwarts to be rather flawed," Dracula remarked casually, seated before the portrait-adorned wall, a Blood-flavored lollipop from Honeydukes dangling from his mouth. Continuing, he pondered, "How can students who've been learning magic for two years not cast a spell? Dumbledore, what do you want the four founders to think?"

"Professor Dracula, the third-year students have all passed the second-year final exam and are proficient in spellcasting. It's unlikely they are unable to cast spells," Dumbledore responded with a reassuring smile. "I believe your teaching method may be intimidating."

"It's not intimidation, but rather their own mindset. The students at Hogwarts are becoming increasingly coddled," Dracula rebutted, contemplating tossing the lollipop out the window.

However, recalling Professor McGonagall's stern demeanor, he refrained from the impulsive action and instead tossed the candy stick to Fawkes's talon.

"Dispose of this, Fawkes," Dracula instructed, stroking the phoenix's golden-red plumage. "In a few more centuries, students like these would have a hard time making it in the real world after graduation."

Fawkes, visibly perturbed by the vampire's dark aura, exhaled a burst of flames, reducing the candy stick to ashes.

"Professor Dracula, times are changing," Dumbledore remarked, adjusting his glasses as he addressed the venerable figure before him. "In fact, once today's wizards depart the campus, even those of modest strength can lead fulfilling lives. Quite commendable."

"Among the students I have taught, there are numerous wizards who, while not exceptionally powerful, lead fulfilling lives—such as the renowned witch and singer Celestina Warbeck, Devlin Whitehorn, the founder of Nimbus Racing Broom Company, and Glenda Chittock, the esteemed host of the Wizarding Wireless Network program 'The Witching Hour,'" he elaborated.

"In this day and age, people can always find their special talents in different areas," he continued, a gentle smile reflecting in his eyes as he locked gazes with Dracula.

Dracula fell silent for a moment, contemplating Dumbledore's words.

"Maybe you're right," Dracula responded, his gaze penetrating as he addressed Dumbledore. "But the Defense Against the Dark Arts curse is still there, showing that Voldemort's evil is not completely gone."

"Another conflict looms on the horizon, doesn't it? What are these great wizards gonna do to protect themselves?" he mused.

Dumbledore paused, visibly taken aback, before shaking his head with a sigh. Removing his glasses, he meticulously wiped them before responding.

"Sometimes, talking about 'You-Know-Who' is just fooling ourselves. Some get it, but more people choose to believe lies," Dumbledore reflected after a brief pause.

"The diminishing influence of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts in recent years has indeed left a notable impact on the wizarding community," he acknowledged.

"Hence, Hogwarts requires Defense Against the Dark Arts professors like yourself, Earl," he affirmed.