Professor Grindelwald’s First Defense Against the Dark Arts Lesson

"I’m telling you about my life not to encourage you to start a revolution or become Dark wizards. I’m no longer young, and I don’t have the energy for that sort of thing."

Grindelwald pulled over a chair and sat down, crossing one leg over the other.

"I’m only doing this so you understand my capabilities. As one of the most accomplished Dark wizards in the world, I know better than any Auror how to deal with Dark magic."

"But you understand Dark magic very well too, don’t you?"

Grindelwald glanced at the speaker, compared her to the class roster in his mind, and curled his lips into a smile.

"That’s right, and that is one of the things you need to learn, Miss Granger… After all, only by understanding something can you deal with it better, can’t you?"

He nodded at Hermione, then turned back to the other students.

"I will do everything I can to teach you how to use magic… teach you how to use this unique power to protect yourselves. I will uncover your potential and tell you how to handle danger."

"You may have noticed that there is no textbook for Defense Against the Dark Arts this year, because you do not need one. Now that Voldemort has returned…"

Grindelwald looked at the students, who had grown uneasy at the sound of that name, and frowned slightly.

"I understand that you fear his power. But if you do not even dare speak his name, then forgive me, children, but you are not suited for this class."

"If you do not even dare draw your wands when facing Dark wizards, then my suggestion is that you use this time to enjoy yourselves instead…"

With a flick of his wand, the classroom door opened. Grindelwald’s gaze swept across the students’ faces.

"While you are still safe at Hogwarts, go have fun! Fly a few laps on a broomstick, try foods you have never tasted, tell the person you like that you like them… Why not do more meaningful things while you are still alive?"

Grindelwald watched the motionless students, rose to his feet, and spread his arms.

"Do you think I’m joking? No, I’m serious! If a single name makes you tremble, then what I teach in this class has no value to you whatsoever. It would be a complete waste of your lives! Go on! What are you waiting for?"

Seeing that the students still did not move, Grindelwald suddenly understood.

"Or do you care too much about what your classmates think, so you do not dare leave? Don’t be like that. After you are killed by a Dark wizard, other people’s opinions will mean nothing to you. Do not let something so trivial leave you regretting it at the moment of death: Oh! Why didn’t I just go out and do what I wanted? That would be truly pathetic!"

Grindelwald walked over to one of the students who had been the most frightened, bent down, rested a hand lightly on his shoulder, and lowered his voice.

"I believe your name is… Neville Longbottom, correct?"

"Yes, Professor."

Neville nodded timidly.

"If you are so afraid, why are you so determined to take this class? Do you think good grades in it will help you deal with the Death Eaters?"

"…No, Professor."

Neville bit his lip.

"Then do you still want to study this subject?"

"…Yes."

"Why?"

"…"

Grindelwald did not rush Neville as he fell silent.

"Why do you still want to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts when you are so afraid? When you face someone who frightens you, what do you raise your wand for?"

"For…"

Neville’s gaze gradually became firm.

"Excellent!"

Grindelwald patted Neville on the shoulder. Rather than let him continue, he had him turn and meet his eyes.

"Remember the feeling rising within your heart at this moment… That will be the source of your strength."

Straightening up, Grindelwald looked at the students.

"This is the first lesson I will give you. If you want to remain in this classroom, think carefully about why you raise your wands and why you want to study Defense Against the Dark Arts—do not tell me the answer. Keep it in your hearts. Once you die or graduate, you will have nothing more to do with me."

"But you should know very well what is happening outside Hogwarts now, so do not deceive yourselves. Question your hearts…"

Returning to the front of the classroom, Grindelwald looked at the students who had fallen into thought and nodded.

"All right. You can think about the answer when you go back and lie in bed, or whenever you are alone. Now, we will begin the lesson…"

For the first lesson, Grindelwald did not teach anything too advanced. Teaching only from words on a page was far too inefficient and did not meet Adam’s or his own requirements.

So after class, Grindelwald looked at the students before him and said,

"Starting next week, our classes will be held on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. I have asked your headmaster to prepare several practice grounds in the forest… What you need is practical instruction."

After this lesson, no one doubted Professor Grindelwald’s words, because this was the reality they had no choice but to face.

After class, Grindelwald was strolling toward the Headmaster’s Office to mooch some snacks when a student called out to him.

"Professor Grindelwald!"

Grindelwald turned around, looked at the student, and his eyes lit up.

"Oh, Mr. Longbottom… I liked the look in your eyes back then. Is there something you need?"

"I… I have some questions I want to ask…"

Looking at Neville, who was still somewhat timid but had an exceptionally resolute gaze, Grindelwald gave him the smile of a considerate professor.

"No problem. Come to my office."

Pushing open The Office door, Grindelwald waved his wand. A cushioned chair was moved out from a corner, and Grindelwald cast a silent Scourgify on it.

"I haven’t come here many times since this office was assigned to me. If you cannot find me normally, ask the portrait by the Headmaster’s Office door."

The dog-headed man Adam had brought back from Egypt was now specifically responsible for guarding Adam’s door.

But if anyone truly regarded it as nothing more than an ordinary portrait, then Anubis’s scales hidden within it, along with the basilisk standing motionless and pretending to be a decoration, would teach him how to behave properly in his next life—though under normal circumstances, there would be no need for that.

With a snap of his fingers, he had a House-elf prepare milk tea for himself and Neville. Grindelwald crossed one leg over the other as he sat in his chair and looked at Neville.

"What is your question?"

"Professor Grindelwald, I… My magical talent is not very good. Can I still become good at Defense Against the Dark Arts?"