"Alright, that's all for today's class. Don't forget your homework." Professor Broad announced the end of the lesson, and students began packing their things to leave.
"Professor Broad?" Albert deliberately stayed behind.
"Is there something, Mr. Anderson?" Professor Broad looked up at him.
"Yes, I have a question," Albert said at once. "In the back of Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection, I saw content about Grindylows, which reminded me of a plant called a guardian tree you mentioned in the first class."
Professor Broad regarded the gifted student with interest and smiled. "You want to know if a guardian tree can protect people from Grindylow attacks?"
"Yes," Albert nodded.
"Theoretically… it should be able to." Professor Broad gestured toward the door, indicating that someone was waiting for Albert outside.
"Theoretically?" Albert echoed, confused, waving at Fred and his companions, who signaled he didn't need to wait for them.
"Yes, theoretically. I'm glad you noticed that," Professor Broad said cheerfully. "A guardian tree is a magical mountain ash tree said to protect anyone who touches its trunk from Dark Creature attacks. Since it's recorded in A Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, it must be effective—but… this is only theoretical."
Albert stayed silent, listening.
Professor Broad gazed out the window, lost in memory. "When I was very young, a friend gave me an amulet, claiming that as long as I wore it, I could ward off Werewolves, Dementors, and Inferi."
"Was it really effective?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, it was." Professor Broad nodded. "Of course, not as exaggerated as he claimed, but the amulet could indeed make some Dark Creatures retreat. It saved me from unnecessary interference while traveling."
"The amulet was made of mountain ash wood?" Albert guessed.
"Yes. Later, its effect weakened with time," Professor Broad admitted.
Albert pondered silently. Was mountain ash wood truly that effective?
"After it stopped working, I asked him for another. He refused, saying that if I soaked the amulet in mashed garlic, Vampires would stay away." Professor Broad shook his head. "I tried it. The amulet reeked of garlic."
"Are Vampires really afraid of garlic and crosses?" Albert asked.
"Afraid isn't the right word. They dislike it. Garlic irritates them, like someone chasing you with something you hate."
"And crosses?"
"Muggles once used guardian tree branches to make crosses. They had some effect, but negligible," Professor Broad explained. "The true power of the cross was giving people courage through faith."
"So Vampires aren't afraid of crosses?"
"No, they're not." Professor Broad returned to his point. "Later, I saw amulets sold on the market. I even spent two Galleons on one, also made of guardian tree wood."
"No effect?" Albert asked, suspecting the answer.
"Not none, but…" Professor Broad grinned, "basically useless."
"Why?"
"Good question. Why do you think?"
"I don't know," Albert admitted. "Is it because the amulet wasn't processed properly?"
"Do you know Alchemy?" Professor Broad suddenly asked.
"Yes," Albert replied without hesitation. "It's the ancient prototype of chemistry."
"Chemistry?" Professor Broad frowned. "I don't understand that word." In the wizarding worldview, chemistry didn't exist.
"I mean in the Muggle worldview. I come from a Muggle family. In their books, Alchemy is considered the prototype of ancient chemistry," Albert explained casually.
"I see. But in the wizarding world, Alchemy is a branch of magic," Professor Broad continued. "It's a profound subject, covering many things. Unfortunately, it isn't popular in Britain. Only Africa and Egypt offer separate courses."
"You think the amulet is an Alchemical item," Albert concluded.
"Yes." Professor Broad was pleased Albert understood. "Only amulets created by an Alchemist can be considered true amulets, capable of preserving the guardian tree's effects. At the very least, when worn across a swamp or lake, Grindylows won't attack you."
"However, never buy amulets on the market. They're made by swindlers. Guardian trees are rare, but even so, an amulet of plain wood isn't worth two Galleons."
"Because it hasn't been processed by an Alchemist?" Albert asked.
"Exactly," Professor Broad said, studying him. "I suppose you want to make an amulet yourself?"
"Yes. For my sister—her birthday is coming soon." Albert admitted, though he avoided Broad's gaze, wary of Legilimency.
He pulled a simple wooden cross from his pocket, a product of his practice with the Cutting Curse.
"This is indeed guardian tree wood," Professor Broad said, examining it. "But the workmanship is poor. I doubt it would sell for two Galleons."
Albert knew it was a joke and didn't mind.
"If you want to make an amulet, study Alchemy," Professor Broad advised. "Normally, I wouldn't recommend it—it's at least third-year level. But for you, it shouldn't be too hard."
"Do you have any recommendations?" Albert asked.
"Simple Alchemy. It's an introductory book—I call it Alchemy for Dummies." Professor Broad checked his pocket watch. "Alright, I have another class. If you want to discuss Defense Against the Dark Arts further, come to my office this weekend."