Chapter 87

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the tall windows of the classroom as Professor Brődt concluded the day's lesson. His voice resonated through the air, commanding the attention of his students.

"Well, today's class will be over here. Don't forget to write your homework in a notebook or somewhere safe. I expect a detailed summary of everything we have been through since the start of this academic year. If you have questions, you may stay behind and ask them; otherwise, you are dismissed," Professor Brődt announced, his eyes scanning the room. The rustling sound of books being packed and chairs scraping against the floor filled the space as the students gathered their belongings and prepare to leave. Once done, they bolted out of the classroom.

However, among the crowd of students, Albert stayed behind his desk with a thoughtful expression on his face. After everyone left, he approached Professor Brődt, who was sitting behind the desk.

"Mr Anderson, of all the people I expected to stay behind, you were not on top of the list. You are not behind in lessons, and you show no particular interest in defence. So, tell me, what can I help you with?" Professor Brődt said as he looked up from his stack of work.

"I have a few questions about something I'm researching by myself," Albert said as he levitated a chair opposite the professor and sat down. "When reading 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection', I came across a creature called Grindillo, and it reminded me of something you mentioned in our first class—the Silverwood Tree."

Albert's question intrigued Professor Brődt, causing him to lean back in his chair. A smile appeared at the corners of his lips as he responded, "Ah, I see. You are wondering if the Silverwood Tree can provide protection against Grindillo. Is that what you want to know?"

Albert nodded eagerly. "Yes, that's what I want to know."

A playful glimmer danced in Professor Brődt's eyes as he stood up and walked towards the window. "Theoretically, it should be possible," he began, his voice dropping by an octave. "It is my belief that the magical properties of objects are not intrinsic to the items themselves, but are instead a manifestation of the collective beliefs and intentions of the magical communities over centuries. It is the power of belief that allows magic to attach itself to certain things, granting them their extraordinary properties. Consider the Elder Wand I mentioned in one of your previous lessons, one of the fabled Deathly Hallows. Centuries of wizards and witches believing in its invincibility have amplified its power and reputation, not merely because Lady Death created it. The Philosopher's Stone, a legendary alchemical substance, derives its magical properties from the hopes and dreams of countless alchemists across generations who sought the secret to immortality. We believe that the Silverwood Tree has properties that ward off dark magical creatures, so as long as you can, what's the word I'm looking for? Erm, amplify. Yes, amplify that property; you could use it for that purpose."

Lost in the scenery, Professor Brődt gazed out of the window. "Back then, when I was young, dumb, and very ambitious, I travelled around the world trying to find the next big thing in defence and magical creatures. But alas, my journey resulted in nothing conclusive. During the journey, I met someone whom I consider a dear friend. She gifted me an amulet. She said, It had the power to repel werewolves, dementors, and even the undead, as long as I wore it and I believed," he said as he returned to his seat.

Albert couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and blurted out, "Did it work, sir?"

A nod of affirmation followed, accompanied by a gentle smile. "Yes, it did work, my dear boy. To a certain extent. Although its effects were not as grandiose as my friend claimed, the amulet had the power to ward off some dark creatures. It provided a shield against unnecessary interference during my travels."

"Was the amulet made from a Silverwood tree?" Albert interjected.

Professor Brődt shook his head. "No. She said they made it from a branch that had fallen from a yew tree. Its power diminished as I was near some really terrible creatures, but it served its purpose for a considerable period. Once the amulet's potency had waned, I approached my friend, requesting another one. To my surprise, she declined. She said it was a family heirloom, and it would take something like 25 years to make another one. At this point in my journey, I was planning to visit a vampire coven in Romania, and I needed protection. She offered a peculiar solution. She suggested I soak the amulet in a Luminara garlic solution to repel vampires."

Albert's eyes widened. "Luminara garlic solution? And do vampires fear garlic and crosses?" He inquired.

Professor Brődt chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Luminara garlic solution is a solution primarily made from Luminara garlic, a magical variant of garlic that you'll learn next year in Herbology, and other stuff. And for the second part, 'fear' might not be the right word. Vampires detest the smell of Luminara garlic. It's like when you cut onions, but a hundred times worse for vampires."

"And what about crosses?" Albert's curiosity surged, his mind eager for knowledge.

Professor Brődt leaned forward, his eyes locking with Albert's. "In the days of old, Muggles would fashion crosses from branches of Silverwood Tree branches before we took them away from them," he explained. "Though they had some effect, the true power of the cross lies in their belief that it could ward off vampires."

"So vampires aren't afraid of crosses?" Albert pressed, yearning for further clarification.

Professor Brődt shook his head, dispelling the misconception. "No, they are not. It is the belief and convictions that they are afraid of. At least, that's the conclusion I have come to. Now, back to your original question. Yes, it's possible. As long as you find the right balance when you create a solution and soak the Silverwood branch, you could create something to repel dark creatures such as Grindillos. The ones you find on the market won't be very effective as they are mass-produced and have lost their original purpose. It's not worth the two galleon price tags."

"So, you're saying that as long as I could find the right balance in the solution and have the right intent, I could make a similar amulet that is better?" Albert pondered aloud.

"Yes," Professor Brődt confirmed. "It appears this discussion has proved fruitful. If you have intentions of crafting amulets using Silverwood, I suggest delving into the realms of alchemy. However, I must warn that it is not a pursuit I would typically recommend for someone your age. It is a subject that usually surfaces in the curriculum around the third year, and even then, very few have the aptitude and potential to succeed and do well. But given what I've heard about you, I believe you should have no trouble navigating its complexities when the time comes."

Albert's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he considered Professor Brődt's proposal. The prospect of venturing into the realm of alchemy ignited a flame of curiosity within him.

"If I may ask, Professor, do you have any book recommendations to deepen my understanding of alchemy?" Albert inquired, his eagerness palpable.

A pocket watch emerged from Professor Broad's waistcoat, his gaze briefly flickering to its face. "Ah, you're cutting it close. My next lesson starts soon," he remarked. "There is a book I would suggest, 'Ars Alchemiae: Fundamenta et Initiationes' by Aurelius Alchemicus. Consider it an introductory guide for a complete beginner. It should provide you with a solid foundation. If you wish to discuss further about defence against the dark arts, you can come see me at my office during the weekends. I would also recommend you hold off on any alchemy practicals. We have an alchemy classroom underground, and you should get permission from Dumbledore before you start, so we can prevent any potential mishaps. Now hurry, Mr Anderson; I have a lesson to teach. Goodbye, Mr Anderson."

"Bye professor."

Gratitude shone in Albert's eyes as he absorbed the professor's words. He understood the significance of the opportunity laid before him and vowed to seize it with unwavering determination.