The black shadow drew closer. Dove straight toward the two.
Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly. Just about to raise her wand—then lowered it after seeing clearly.
A black flying horse with skeletal body, dragon head, and giant bat wings flew beside them. Slowly descended.
Luna smiled, stroked the horse's back. It snorted softly.
Thestral!
Hermione recognized it instantly.
Hogwarts did raise a few. But so rare—Hermione had never seen one in person.
Didn't expect to see one today.
"Woo-woo comes here every day for a while. I usually feed it some raw meat." Luna explained. Then looked at Hermione.
Seeing her calm reaction, Luna said happily, "You really can see it!"
Hermione nodded. Didn't speak. Just quietly listened.
"Two years ago, my mother died in a failed magical experiment. Since then, I could see it."
Luna recalled. "Father said this is a Thestral. Only those who've witnessed death can see it."
"Oh right," she turned to Hermione. "She was reading Introduction to Dangerous Magical Experiments at the time."
"Since you can see it, you must've witnessed death too." Luna stared at Hermione's face. "Only my intuition tells me—you're not just 'witnessed' that simple."
Hermione nodded. "You're right. I not only witnessed... but killed."
Who knew—after hearing this, Luna wasn't afraid. Instead clapped happily. Seemed pleased she guessed correctly.
"I knew it! I was right!"
Hermione smiled. Took out raw meat from her bag. Fed the Thestral. Used the opportunity to collect a vial of blood.
[Thestral (Collected)]
Though Luna didn't know what she was doing, didn't stop her. Until the Thestral ate its fill and left—then pulled out a magazine from her clothes. Handed it to Hermione.
"Thank you for finding my shoes. This is a return gift."
Hermione opened the magazine. Large words written on it.
The Quibbler.
Good grief. Pushing family products now?
Hermione knew her family was this magazine's editor. Constantly contradicted the Ministry-endorsed Daily Prophet. Sales surprisingly high.
No wonder Luna was a conspiracy theorist from childhood.
"Oh, almost time! Let's chat later!"
Luna bounced away. Halfway, suddenly remembered something. Turned and waved goodbye. Then continued forward.
Dark Arts Defense classroom.
Watching Lockhart opposite, muttering as if memorizing upcoming lines, Hermione quietly approached the expressionless Snape beside. Whispered, "Say... Professor Snape, does he have some dirt on you?"
Since the petrification incident, Lockhart seemed to see an opportunity. Ran to Dumbledore requesting to open a Dueling Club.
Reason: Strengthen students' self-protection abilities.
Bizarrely—Dumbledore actually agreed.
Thus, upcoming Dark Arts Defense classes would transfer to the Dueling Club. Today's theme: wizard duel combat practice.
Don't know what method Lockhart used—forcibly dragged Snape to be his sparring partner.
Hearing this, Snape's mouth twitched.
Long while. Finally squeezed out two words.
"Ask less."
"Heh."
Hermione didn't mind. She'd roughly guessed the reason.
If someone else asked, Snape might not agree.
But if Lockhart asked—he must go.
Because... what's coming is a combat class!
If Lockhart wanted student battle practice and pulled in Harry—he had no confidence this guy could protect Harry's safety.
So Snape must be on-site watching. Otherwise wouldn't feel at ease.
Hermione didn't expose him. This old bat still had face. Didn't dare let people know he actually cared about Harry.
Arriving at the Dueling Club, students from various houses already positioned.
Since today was a large class, three entire years of wizards came. The entire dueling platform surrounded three layers deep—packed tight.
Lockhart mounted the stage. Head held high.
"My dear students, today is the Dark Arts Defense combat class I, Gilderoy Lockhart, personally applied to open for you. Please look forward to the upcoming content!"
Though after last teaching accident everyone had no confidence in Lockhart... But knowing they'd contact wizard dueling, eyes still filled with anticipation.
In the crowd, Hermione spotted a familiar face.
While Lockhart still talked endlessly, she quietly came behind the crowd.
"Why'd you come?"
Hermione asked.
She remembered first-years didn't participate in combat.
"Suddenly wanted to see you. Heard Professor Lockhart opened this class. Came to look."
Luna said.
Then held up a paper bag.
"Look, I brought you Chocolate Frogs!"
You think I'm Ron... Hermione somewhat speechless.
But seeing Luna's clear sincere eyes, still accepted the bag.
Seeing this, Luna smiled even happier.
At this time, Lockhart finally completed his opening.
"Then next, before combat, please let my teaching assistant... Miss Hermione Granger explain some basic Dark Arts knowledge."
Hermione walked to the stage.
This wasn't a surprise attack. She and Lockhart had discussed it long ago.
Since last class—perhaps knowing he couldn't complete teaching, or that night's persuasion made him trust Hermione greatly—Lockhart handed full teaching arrangement authority to her.
Though nominally still professor, their actual roles had swapped.
Seeing all eyes on her, Hermione said, "So-called Defense Against the Dark Arts teaches you how to protect yourself from Dark Magic and dark creatures. Believe in previous courses, you've had some contact and understanding of dark creatures."
"So now, who can tell me—what is Dark Magic?"
Wizards below exchanged glances.
Though Hermione's age differed little from theirs, usually didn't talk much... But just a few sentences made people feel an unquestionable momentum.
The aura radiated—far beyond Quirrell and Lockhart. Even the recognized oppressive Snape slightly inferior.
This is Gryffindor's Witch... Everyone silently thought.
A Hufflepuff male student raised his hand.
"Name?"
Hermione looked at him.
Feeling the Witch's gaze, the boy swallowed. Gathered courage. "Justin Finch-Fletchley, Miss Witch."
Hermione paused.
First time being addressed this way publicly.
"Good. Continue."
Seeing Hermione's affirmation, Justin grew bolder. "Dark Magic—magic specifically used to harm, control, even kill others. Very evil magic."
Hermione nodded. "Then, who can tell me—the three top-tier Dark Magic called Unforgivable Curses—what are they?"
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