"Today, we will learn about the creature known as the Centaur." From the moment Gilderoy Grindelwald began the lesson, Ian could feel the methods and ruthlessness of the first generation.
The tall centaur, with an expression like a lifeless puppet, completely under the control of Gilderoy Grindelwald, was clearly under the Imperio spell, his entire being utterly manipulated.
But this was not the limit.
As Gilderoy Grindelwald traced the history of the centaur race and analyzed their habits and characteristics, he began leading the little wizards in studying the weaknesses of centaurs.
"Some say that the internal structure of these creatures is no different from us humans, but the fact is not so. The skin and certain organs of centaurs provide them with extremely strong magical resistance." Saying this, Gilderoy Grindelwald waved his hand, with a flamboyant gesture like that of a conductor.
No incantation was heard.
In the next moment.
The robust body of the centaur began to twist in a way that defied nature.
Muscles and bones visibly separated in ripples, yet no sound of pain was heard—because Grindelwald's magic had frozen its perception at the moment of terror. In the terrified gazes of countless little wizards and amidst uncontrollable screams, an astonishing scene unfolded before the witnesses.
The body of the centaur seemed to disassemble under an invisible force. Limbs, torso, head, and even each rib, every blood vessel, and each organ, all freed from their original confines, slowly rose and floated in the air. They did not float in disarray.
They were arranged in a peculiar and harmonious layout, as if they could reassemble at any moment to form a very, very lively centaur again.
Yes, it would indeed be very lively, because even after the centaur was dismembered, Ian could still perceive the thoughts of the centaur, proving that the disassembled centaur remained in a state of life.
In fact.
A close observation could reveal the same.
Although the suspended organs were no longer part of a complete life, they still maintained a certain form of vitality, as if enveloped by a thin film of magic, preserving their most basic form of existence. The heart continued to beat faintly, the lungs seemed to breathe silently, even the tiniest nerve endings flickered with a jumping glow.
"Professor! What have you done!"
"Oh my god! It's dead! It must be dead!"
"Ugh~ ugh~ ugh~"
...
Not everyone was as calm as Ian, observing and perceiving.
The suspended organs, even the blood vessels and the flowing blood within, were clearly visible at a close distance, creating a surreal scene that filled everyone present with an indescribable horror. Of course, it was definitely better than facing a Dementor, but many little witches were so frightened that they turned pale and began to vomit on the spot.
"What kind of magic is this?"
Ian raised his hand, unable to resist asking Grindelwald. Compared to the panic of his classmates around him, his focus was entirely on the magic of Gilderoy Grindelwald.
"This is a Torture Curse, to learn this magic requires extensive knowledge of biological structures." Gilderoy Grindelwald looked at Ian with approval.
He quickly added a caveat to his statement, "I'm merely a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and won't teach you such cruel dark magic."
Just as Ian, feeling his 'Butcher's Instinct' finally had room to shine, was somewhat disappointed, Gilderoy Grindelwald solemnly continued in a serious tone.
"Hogwarts has always prohibited the study of dark magic, and if I discover any of you sneaking into my office, opening the sixth cabinet and counting to the third drawer from the top... well, you'll find out just how severe my warning can be."
Gilderoy Grindelwald said severely, then immediately donned a Lockhart-like smile, "I hope everyone can be good children with the ability to think independently."
As he said this.
He approached the magically dismembered centaur, as if time itself had frozen.
"Everyone can see the centaur's skin possesses an additional layer of tissue that grants them magic resistance comparable to high-level fantastic beasts."
"As for the metabolism of magic potions, it relies on this organ... dismantling the function of this organ isn't difficult, but breaking through the centaur's magic resistance is the real challenge."
"However, as you can see, the centaur's sternum area clearly lacks protection from magical resistance tissues, though targeting this area requires a bit of special technique," Gilderoy Grindelwald once again cast his spell, restoring the dismembered centaur to its normal state.
"I hope that during my demonstration, you will eagerly ask questions." But before Gilderoy Grindelwald could begin, the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was abruptly flung open. Severus Snape, clad in a black robe, with a weary expression, stormed into the teaching room.
"Come with me!"
Without giving Ian a chance to respond, Snape grabbed Ian and headed for the door, not even sparing a glance at Gilderoy Grindelwald on the podium.