DADA-101 Lesson 5

Year 1, week 5

The atmosphere at Hogwarts was strangely subdued after the feverish activities and exuberance of the Holiday season, already behind them. Every corner of Hogwarts had been stripped of anything related to Yule; only the snow, the cold and the wind would remain for at least three more months. So it wasn't a surprise for Professor Gount to see the dispirited faces of his first-year students as they quietly filed in classroom 3C that afternoon. Now the room didn't clash anymore with the rest of the school. All retelling about Holidays had been drained by lunchtime and everyone felt like they were going to be swallowed back by the mind-numbing daily grind.

Except that boredom was the last thing to fear in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Welcome back", began austere Professor Gount. A flick of his wand shut the door and he was able to quickly determine that everyone was present except the one student who, according to a note he had ben sent earlier, had come down with the flu; the boy was currently at the Hospital Wing to be treated with a few doses of Pepper-Up Potion, a highly efficient tonic that would made him smoke from his ears. "Hopefully these last two weeks of intellectual inactivity won't have dulled your wits too much, because we've got a busy programme ahead."

Some students half-heartedly began taking out their school supplies from their bags as the teacher stepped to the front of his desk. The Holiday feasting didn't seem to have affected his lean figure at all.

"Today we're going to have an overview of the three different categories of Dark spells. Can anyone tell me what they are?"

His intimidating dark gaze scanned the room. Had it been the proper season, he would have heard crickets. "No one?" he asked slowly, in a way that sounded slightly menacing. Finally, a tiny Ravenclaw girl raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Maury?"

"Would curses be one, sir? And then perhaps... charms?"

"Party correct."

He stepped over to the blackboard and wrote swiftly, with his spiky handwriting:

Jinxes

Hexes

Curses

He faced the students again and explained:

"The Jinx is the first category of the Dark Spells. It is typically known as a spell that doesn't cause much harm but brings irritation and slight discomfort to the intended target. Most often times, Jinxes are used as distractions as they lack any long-term damage. A commonly known jinx that we will learn later this year will be the Knockback Jinx."

He paused, giving them time to write that down.

"The second category of Dark Spells is a bit darker and leaves a more lasting effect on the intended target, he continued. "A hex usually has an effect that is carried out over time; it is negatively affecting the victim and usually does more damage than their first level counterpart. Hexes serve to bring major discomfort and a moderate amount of suffering. The only way to reverse a hex is through the use of a Hexbreaker. An example of it is the Bat-Bogey Hex," he nodded, waiting for them to finish before continuing on. "Now, it's good to notice that the higher up you go in these categories, the more wicked, the stronger, the longer-lasting and the less reversible the Dark spells' effects appear to be."

Again he paused and paced slowly, hands in his back.

"This leads us to the final category, curses. They are the most dangerous and darkest of all dark spells with effects that are meant to severely harm or even kill the intended target. Typically, curses are not reversible and have a lasting or permanent effect. The three darkest curses known to Wizards are the Three Unforgivable Curses. We will eventually discuss these in your later years. And speaking of those, a word of warning", he said in a deep, chilling voice as he faced the class once more, looking even more ominous than usual: "Should any of you be tempted to practice a curse without permission or away from my direct supervision will get themselves expulsion. Have I made myself clear?"

A few unconvinced mumbles rose.

"HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR?" he asked again with a stare to wake the dead.

"Yes, Professor", the students sheepishly chanted in unison as they had no choice.

"Good. Now today's assignment requires a little bit of research. I want you to list one spell for each category. Make sure to include the spell name, incantation, effects, and a wizard or witch who has used it. This will be due at the start of next class."

Professor Gount waved his wand to the board. The assignment quickly replaced the writing that was originally on there.

Assignment

Choose one Dark spell for each category, other than the examples I have provided.

Make sure to include the spell names, incantations, effects, and a wizard or witch who has used them.

Requirements

Write either in essay form or as a diary entry.

Creativity and details are encouraged. Take your time to read, feel the lesson and don't hesitate to interact with its contents.

You must answer all the prompts to receive full credit.

State your sources, including your own imagination.

Copying is frowned upon and will result in a "Troll" grade.

LESSON 5 TEST: https://forms.gle/QMHiT9dxJhKZNp4P6