Douglas Holmes strode calmly to the center of the stone platform.
The Great Hall gradually fell silent—even the ghosts hiding in the shadows or lurking in corners stilled, their attention drawn to the stage.
All eyes fixed on the center, anticipation buzzing in the air.
Of course, the dozen or so seventh-years about to take their exam looked decidedly anxious, doing their best to steady their nerves.
With a flick of his wand, Douglas cast a Sonorus charm so that every ear—living or spectral—could hear him.
"Professors, students, and honored ghosts—good evening!
If you'll permit me, I'd like to say just a few words before we begin."
Clap, clap, clap!
His words had barely faded before applause rippled through the crowd.
"Defence Against the Dark Arts is a subject that will accompany you for seven years...
Of course, after your O.W.L.s in fifth year, many of you may choose to drop it, for all sorts of reasons...
But if I had to summarize the essence of Defence Against the Dark Arts in one sentence, it would be this:
It teaches you how to face the disasters—both natural and man-made—of the magical world.
For younger years, the focus is on dark magical creatures: the kind of black magic that arises from nature itself—what you might call natural disasters.
From fourth year onward, we shift our attention to dark wizards. That's the man-made calamity...
Some of you, especially the thoughtful ones, after seriously studying what constitutes dark magic in fourth year, always come to me with questions.
'If hexes, jinxes, and curses are all considered dark magic, why do we still learn some of them in class?
Why are certain dark spells not even kept in the Restricted Section of the library?'
I'm glad you ask these questions.
Because at the heart of Defence Against the Dark Arts is a bigger question:
Are we truly defending against dark magic, or against dark wizards?
In this classroom, you will learn how to recognize dark magic, how to defend against it, how to use it, and—most importantly—how to confront those who wield it.
Many in the wizarding world oppose dark magic, but let's be honest:
Aside from a handful of forbidden spells, most dark magic isn't illegal by itself...
Yes, it has a bad reputation, but that doesn't mean all dark magic is evil.
After all, it's the wizard who casts the spell—their intent and choices matter most..."
As Douglas's voice echoed through the hall,
professors and upper-year students alike began to frown, pondering the implications of his words.
It wasn't that what he said was radical—much of it could be found, in more formal terms, right in their textbooks.
But as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, what did his attitude toward dark magic truly mean?
Was he advocating for a world where magic is neither black nor white, only wizards are good or bad?
Or was there something else at play?
Even Dumbledore fixed him with a piercing gaze.
There's nothing wrong with a wizard striving for power.
But if that pursuit leads to an obsession with the Dark Arts—especially in a Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor—it could spell disaster for the entire magical world.
Meanwhile, the lower-years grumbled quietly:
"Didn't he say 'just a few words'?"
"I put down my homework to watch a duel!"
But Douglas pressed on, undeterred.
"...
So, the true purpose of this subject is to prepare you for the people you'll meet out there...
Especially those of you who have stuck with Defence Against the Dark Arts after your O.W.L.s.
Most of you are aiming for a top mark in your N.E.W.T.s, hoping to land a choice job at the Ministry of Magic.
And many Ministry jobs, as you'll find, involve dealing with people who don't play by the rules...
In the end, I hope that every student who graduates from my class will shine brilliantly in the wizarding world!"
(And for the record—I cut out a lot of prepared material, so don't accuse me of rambling! This is not padding!)
A smattering of applause followed.
So much for "just a few words"—Douglas had spoken for nearly fifteen minutes.
If there hadn't been so many professors present, some students might have slipped out already.
Still, Dumbledore seemed satisfied.
There were no dangerous ideas here—just a clear-eyed account of the realities of dark magic, and the consequences of dabbling in the truly forbidden.
A speech worthy of a Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
Finishing, Douglas glanced at Dumbledore—the speech had originally been written for the Headmaster, who hadn't even bothered to look at it before declining.
So, out of respect, Douglas left the official announcement to his "leader."
Dumbledore chuckled, stood up, and winked at the crowd:
"Oh, Professor Holmes's 'few words' were certainly... succinct!
Well, I won't waste any more of your time.
I hereby declare the first seventh-year Defence Against the Dark Arts monthly exam open.
The rules are simple:
Survive five minutes against Professor Holmes—if you can defeat him, even better.
Other than the Unforgivable Curses, you may use any spell you've learned.
Each of you gets one chance to fail.
Everyone else, please keep a safe distance from the dueling area—no need for any accidental hexes.
The professors and I will ensure everyone's safety!"
Laughter swept through the hall, dissolving much of the tension among the examinees.
Mario Nott, Slytherin's Head Boy and the top Defence Against the Dark Arts student, stepped forward from beside Professor Snape.
He ascended the nearest steps and faced Douglas in the center, wand at the ready,
prepared to showcase the elegant dueling etiquette he'd practiced in private.
As soon as Mario reached his mark, Douglas's lips curled into a faint smile. He suddenly raised his wand and declared:
"This wand, eleven inches in length, crafted from wood I selected myself and fashioned by the renowned Ollivander.
When wielded, it radiates righteousness; when casting, it channels the might of heaven..."
???
The crowd was baffled!
Especially those who'd studied formal dueling etiquette—they glanced at each other, wondering if the rules had changed overnight.
Still, it sounded terribly impressive!
No one noticed the expressions of the four Heads of House.
Professor Snape looked about ready to storm the stage and shout,
"You bloody... using tricks like this against students..."
The other three Heads of House could barely watch what was about to unfold...
Across from Douglas, Mario Nott froze, unsure whether to proceed with the formal dueling bow.
He blinked at Douglas.
"Professor, you never taught us that!"
Seeing Douglas ignore him, Mario could only mimic, raising his wand and starting,
"This wand is... ah—!"
He barely got the words out before a sharp Expelliarmus! rang through the hall.
A jet of red light shot toward him.
Before he could react, his wand was wrenched from his grip and soared into Douglas's hand,
while a powerful force sent him flying backward off the stage...
If not for Professor Flitwick's lightning reflexes and a well-timed spell, he would have crashed straight into the wall.
Landing awkwardly, Mario Nott burned with humiliation and rage.
Ignoring the presence of professors, he shouted at Douglas:
"You have no honor!
That was a sneak attack..."
Many students nodded in agreement—Professor Holmes really had gone too far.
A sneak attack, in front of everyone!
Douglas fixed him with a cool stare.
"Mr. Nott, I never said this was a formal duel.
As I made clear earlier—this is combat.
Tell me, when you're facing a real dark wizard, would you pause to demonstrate your dueling etiquette?
You—and all of you—when you face evil wizards in the future, remember this moment.
Subdue your opponent first, ensure your own safety, and only then worry about your pride.
Haven't you ever heard? Villains die because they talk too much!"
The professors frowned, but said nothing.
Douglas had made it clear: as long as nothing dangerous happened, they were not to interfere—no matter what.
(Except, perhaps, for Professor Snape, whose sallow face had gone nearly black with fury.
If looks could cast spells, Douglas would have been sliced to ribbons by Sectumsempra already.)
Blunt as his words were, Douglas was not wrong.
Dark wizards couldn't care less whether you're from the Ministry or a pure-blood house...
Better to let students see the darkness of the magical world early.
Mario Nott, Slytherin's and Hogwarts' leading student, was no fool.
He knew there was truth in Douglas's words,
but still seething, he retorted with a mocking edge,
"You spoke first, and you spoke plenty...
So does that make you—?"
Douglas caught the implication, but understanding the boy's emotions, let it slide.
"Clearly, you haven't heard another saying:
Only the truly powerful—champions of justice—have the right to speak first.
Unless you think you're as strong as Headmaster Dumbledore, or any professor here,
I doubt any villain would wait politely for your speech before attacking."
He shrugged, as if to say, "Well, you're the villain now—deal with it."
The crowd began to catch on, some Gryffindors even breaking into applause—
whether for Douglas's words, or for watching Slytherin get trounced, was anyone's guess.
Was it appropriate for a professor to target Slytherin so openly?
Douglas had his reasons.
In his eyes, there was still hope for the sixth-years, and the younger students could be guided.
But this batch of seventh-years had been steeped in dark magic for too long.
He couldn't say they'd all turn out evil,
but with the way things were going in the wizarding world, he had to be cautious.
That's why he always made a point of demonstrating spells designed to counter dark magic,
hinting that only those untouched by the Dark Arts could master them—and that he was willing to teach them to Hogwarts students.
That way, when these students chose sides in the future, they'd have one more thing to consider.
Even if they didn't join Dumbledore's side, they'd at least respect its strength.
And when the time came, a few more fence-sitters might make all the difference.
As for Mario Nott—his uncle was a Death Eater, and he was Slytherin's current ringleader.
Naturally, he was the perfect target for Douglas to make his point.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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