In the following class, Lys paid rapt attention, as it felt like a comprehensive guide to Knockturn Alley wizarding behavior.
Aside from the three Unforgivable Curses, the most dangerous threats came from a variety of peculiar and sinister methods: poisoned candles, contact curses, Portkeys, various potions, and—most chillingly—those that could endanger one's family:
Legilimency.
"I was expelled from the Auror squad because of my insatiable curiosity. I opened a black wizard's experimental notebook that my captain had explicitly forbidden us from touching."
The professor seemed fatigued by the memory. He pulled over a chair, sat down, and buried his face in his hands, elbows resting on his knees.
"I still remember how strange that book felt in my hands—warm, slippery, and emitting a peculiar fragrance." A Slytherin student suddenly gasped, clearly shocked. "That's right. Some of you may have guessed it already. It was a book bound in human skin. According to the captured dark wizard, it was made from the fresh, delicate skin of sixteen-year-old girls. This book, containing both wizard and Muggle victims, had absorbed over twenty vibrant souls in total."
"And what did the wizard use this book for? He dipped their bones in their blood to record their methods of death. He even claimed it was the 'glory' of those—those powerless individuals."
"From the moment I picked up that book, I was cursed—a contact curse. For the rest of my life, I could only maintain my magical abilities by drawing on others' souls. For me, it was equivalent to a death sentence for my magical career. That's why, while I hope you can grow through practical experience, I can't guarantee your safety."
The professor lifted his face from his hands, his eyes slightly red. "Poisoned candles. Aside from wands and alchemical products, wizards often rely on candles for illumination. A simple Confundus Charm can make you light a candle you think matches the festive atmosphere, and then, no matter what alchemical protections or defensive spells you're wearing, as long as you're breathing, you lose everything." He gave a bitter smile. "Who would keep a Bubble-Head Charm active at home during a holiday or while relaxing?"
Contact curses and other types of curses are arguably the most insidious and undetectable. Here's a simple example:
In battle, a wand is a wizard's most important weapon—without exception. Except for a handful of the world's top wizards, losing one's wand means losing all combat capability. Therefore, the first priority in a duel is to incapacitate your opponent. The second priority is to disarm them, take their wand, and completely sever their ability to cast spells.
However, some dark wizards curse their own wands. When you smugly grasp their wand, thinking you've seized the source of their power, the curse activates on you, flipping the outcome of the battle.
So, when fighting wizards, avoid physical contact with them whenever possible. Who knows if they've cursed their collars or any part of their body—or laced them with poison?
Hearing this, Lys couldn't help but zone out. Was this why her mother and the shopkeeper wore dragonhide gloves when they took her to buy books?
The professor glanced at his pocket watch, pinched the bridge of his nose, and forced himself to continue.
Portkeys. Often used for long-distance transportation. In the past, it was as simple as casting a spell, much like Apparition. But then, there was a heinous incident where a wizard carried a Portkey in a crowded wizarding area, pretended to bump into others, and transported unsuspecting wizards to remote locations to murder them. This led to the current requirement for Portkey registration and Ministry of Magic oversight.
Finally, Legilimency.
This is a spell that can unearth all your deepest secrets. Often, wizards can bargain for their lives by demonstrating their value, but only if the other party believes them. However, if you encounter a skilled Legilimens, you lose all means of resistance.
Do not underestimate this spell. Imagine fighting to your last breath to protect your family, believing they are safe, only for your opponent to use Legilimency to uncover even the smallest details—like the wet stains from when you wet the bed at six years old. What secrets could you possibly keep hidden after that?
The good news is that Legilimency has stringent conditions for use, and very few people can master it.
As the professor stood up again, the bell signaling the end of class rang.
"Do not treat others with the utmost malice, but in battle, always assume the worst of your enemies. Class dismissed."
The Hufflepuffs, who shared the class, looked as though they wanted to shrink into their seats. Meanwhile, the Slytherins displayed a range of reactions—some deep in thought, some sneering, and others indifferent. Even Severus Snape wore a contemplative expression.
Lys packed up her notes and quickly followed the Dark Arts professor to his office.
"It seems Miss Black has something to discuss with me. Come in~"
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