In the following time, discussing the Magic Spell Study Group gradually became a new trend at Hogwarts.
Vid heard more than once someone pretending to be modest say, "My Iron Armor Spell isn't very good yet; it's just taking shape and can't really block any powerful spells."
Before the words fell, that student would cast a spell, conjuring a transparent barrier. Other students curiously released a small evil curse, watching the spell's light either spread out or get bounced back by the barrier, expressing surprised and admiring praises.
Some people at the dining table would say to those beside them, "I just asked my dad. Of course, he knows the Iron Armor Spell, but other people in their office don't! The Ministry of Magic's staff level over the years is really concerning. If it was twenty years ago, I doubt they could survive for a few days."
With a worried expression about national affairs, as if they would soon run for Minister of the Ministry of Magic, dedicated to changing the current situation.
Someone also complained to Harry and his group, "Did you guys from SSC always eat so well? Clearly kept it hidden from us. No wonder even Neville can use the Cheering Charm."
Neville, hearing his name, looked up blankly and said, "I haven't hidden any food... Um, do you want a potato?"
He handed over a roasted potato from his plate to the person.
Neville's achievements, although not top-notch, were always average. Ever since Snape no longer frequently bothered him, Neville even improved his grades in Magic Potion Class a bit.
Therefore, he was much more open and upfront now, even knowing many were actually laughing at him, he didn't shrink and lower his head.
"By the way, have you noticed?" Harry asked others while doing homework in Umbrella House, "I think Snape is a bit afraid of Professor Moody."
"It's Professor Snape, Harry," Hermione said without lifting her head.
"Snape is always avoiding Moody's eyes, right?" Padma said while commanding a quill to dance on the table with her wand, "I actually find it quite normal; I also dare not look at Professor Moody's face."
"It's different," Harry said.
But he couldn't articulate how it was different, yet even with minimal thinking, Harry felt Snape's fear of Moody couldn't be the same as Padma's.
Others were not interested in the relationship between the two professors; either of them was intimidating, but comparably, they preferred discussing the recent Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.
Moody never taught by following the rules; he always set up various challenges in each class, and two-person duels were among the most ordinary and typical ones.
Sometimes he would set up various magic traps, even with some light Dark Magic traces, for students to crack. Those who failed to undo and triggered the traps would suffer somewhat.
Sometimes he would let loose some dangerous magical creatures in the classroom without telling the students of their presence until those creatures suddenly launched attacks, like one time breaking Lisa's arm. Another time, Zabini's nose almost got sliced off.
Of course, none of these injuries involved Dark Magic; Madam Pomfrey quickly restored them to normal.
Moody never seemed to care about complaints and tears from students; if anyone cried loudly in his class, they would be scolded as if born as a mistake.
As for the Howlers sent by parents, Moody took them as amusing morning candies, getting resolved in various ways before even opening them.
Students discovered that Moody almost never directly opened mail from anyone—even those sent by acquaintances—he would place the letters far away and use magic to open them.
Due to this cautiousness, he avoided Bubo Bulbous Fluid attacks twice, along with an evil curse of unknown effect.
"Constant vigilance, kids!" Moody would shout each time after dealing with an attack, "In this world, just surviving is a hard challenge! Surprises always strike when you least expect them!"
Student: "..."
Silently, they all thought: None of us is as hated as you!
But after that, everyone became much more cautious when opening packages or letters.
All in all, no matter how much parents and students protested or opposed, Moody was never ousted from his position as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Once Hagrid nearly despaired enough to jump from Headmaster's Tower due to Malfoy getting injured.
But for Moody—getting hurt with injuries that can be cured? What's the problem? Families yelling at him for that were simply unnecessary fuss!
He steadfastly executed his teaching methods, unwavering, even writing to old friends to borrow Black Magic Items seized by Aurors, teaching students how to recognize the different sorts among them.
Michael hesitantly said, "Professor Moody's Defense Against the Dark Arts course is frightening, but certainly useful and occasionally interesting... though it is indeed somewhat terrifying."
Theo sighed, adding, "It also sometimes follows up with various injuries and pains, and occasionally life-threatening situations."
He nervously rubbed his neck.
"Theo nearly got strangled by a scarf today," Leian told everyone, "In the hospital wing, we heard Madam Pomfrey and Professor Moody have a big argument. I've never seen the Madam so angry."
"Why hasn't the Ministry of Magic given Moody trouble?" Harry asked, "Several times I've worried this might get him into Azkaban."
"You've seen his scars," Vid replied, "It's said half of Azkaban's cells were filled by him. He was an Auror for many years, with distinguished achievements. Even retired, he's still the best Auror."
"So can he pass his lifelong experience to us, and we are lucky for it?" Michael said with a bitter face.
Vid nodded, "That's right."
Harry hesitated; becoming an Auror was one of his goals, equating with being a professional Quidditch player. But seeing Moody's appearance, Harry felt he needed to reconsider.
"Ah, I'm done!" Hermione suddenly dropped her pen, pulled out her magic wand and pointed at the parchment, copying her recent work multiple times and handing them out to everyone.
Harry held the parchment and asked, puzzled, "Vomit initiative? What's this supposed to mean?"
"It's not 'vomit,' but S.P.E.W., the House-Elf Rights Promotion Association. It's the club I plan on creating."
Hermione looked at Padma with eyes full of authority, then at everyone else, "You'll join, won't you?"
Everyone paused in silence, even Michael didn't enthusiastically respond to Hermione's initiative this time.
"It's a great idea," Vid said, "but I have a few questions to ask."
"Go ahead, say them," Hermione said proudly, raising her head.