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Chapter 1166: Update Understanding
🕑 Added 2024-07-08 16:32:48 +0000 UTCThe next day, Thursday, they had the Defense Against the Dark Arts examination.
This was the strong point of Evan and Harry, but Hermione's only weakness, and the one she was most anxious about.
There was no difficulty in the written examination. In the practical examination, there were tests on counterjinxes and defensive spells, and then dealing with Boggarts.
Evan thought it would be best if he didn't face that creature. Although a Boggart himself wasn't significant, what was his greatest fear after all these years? A bloodied, near-death Hermione, a more powerful Voldemort, or an unfathomable evil god?
No matter which one it was, their appearance in the Great Hall would be highly unpleasant!
Especially if the Boggart transformed into the evil god, which Evan had seen once. Who knew what dangerous abilities that thing might have?
Imagine, if an evil god were to suddenly appear, the entire examination Hall would likely descend into chaos.
So, before this Boggart came out of the box, Evan directly made him explode!
With a gentle flick of his wand, there was a loud bang, and the Boggart was reduced to fragments.
"It seems that you don't like this kind of Dark creature, Mr. Mason," said Professor Tofty. This time he was the examiner of Evan's Defense Against the Dark Arts practical examination. "But this will not do. Destroying the Boggart directly will affect your final score."
"Professor, the thing I'm afraid of is a bit troublesome," said Evan. Did this guy want to see how he would confront an evil god?
From the start of the exams, Evan had been keeping a low profile, trying not to reveal too much of his extraordinary abilities. He possessed numerous legendary magic items and held many secrets. If he inadvertently revealed them or used ancient magic long thought lost, it would be an event as shocking as Voldemort's return.
But looking at Professor Tofty's serious look, he seemed eager for some big news...
"As an examiner, I must ensure the examination proceeds smoothly. Facing a Boggart is an essential part of the O.W.L.s, and I don't see how a Boggart could be that troublesome," said Professor Tofty in an encouraging tone. "Facing your inner fears is indeed challenging, but it should not be a problem for you, Mason. Just a simple spell, I believe in you!"
‘This isn't a matter of belief,’ thought Evan. ‘Don't use that tone, talking to me like I were a child, and you are wrong, Professor Tofty, this is not simple at all. Things will become more troublesome than you can imagine after the evil god comes out.’
"Professor, what I fear is rather unique and not suitable to be seen by students…" Evan tried to make one last effort, turning his head to look for Dumbledore or Sirius, hoping they could explain to Professor Tofty.
If there was really no other way, then he could only use some restricted magic!
After all, compared with a fake evil god and the possible chaos, Evan thought his examination score was more important.
Of course, if something terrible did happen, it would be because Professor Tofty insisted on it.
"Wait, you are talking about … You-Know-Who!" Professor Tofty suddenly narrowed his eyes, seeing the seriousness on Evan's face that didn't seem like he was joking. It seemed he understood something, and he quickly said, "You are right, he is indeed not suitable to appear in public. Let's do this … I heard, from my dear friend Tiberius Ogden, that you can produce a Patronus? If you could..."
"No problem!" Evan raised his wand, and almost without a pause, his Patronus spurted out from the tip of the wand.
The black panther cantered the length of the hall, once again drawing the attention of all the examiners and students.
Instantly, the hall buzzed with chatter!
After the incident of the Dementors attacking the Quidditch field in their third year, many students knew that Evan's Patronus was a cat, but this creature in front of them looked a little weird—larger and more ferocious.
They didn't know that Evan's Patronus had changed. If they did, they would surely find it astonishing.
"Excellent!" said Professor Tofty with satisfaction. "This is the best corporeal Patronus I have ever seen."
"Professor, in fact, there are many people in the school who can cast this charm," said Evan modestly.
The Patronus returned, lying on his shoulder like an obedient black cat.
"Oh, that's impressive. This charm is very difficult. If you mean some senior students..."
"Not just a few senior students. The Patronus Charm has become quite common at Hogwarts," said Evan. "Well, as far as I know, even many first-year students can cast it and summon their own Patronus."
At least, as far as Evan knew, several first-year students in D.A. had mastered this charm.
"Impossible!" Professor Tofty shook his head immediately and said arbitrarily, "Mason, the Patronus Charm is a very difficult and advanced magic. Not to mention the young wizards in the lower years, even adult wizards cannot use this charm."
"We have done special training, Professor. You should know that because of the former Minister, Dementors often appeared at Hogwarts in the past few years. In order to be on the safe side, many students have learned this charm."
Professor Tofty smiled and shook his head. From the look of him, he didn't believe what Evan said at all.
Although he acknowledged Evan as a powerful wizard, he still relied on his own common sense.
In the common sense of normal wizards, the Patronus Charm was the most advanced white magic, which only a few wizards could use to summon a corporeal Patronus.
"Don't be modest; you did exceptionally well!" said Professor Tofty with a smile. "I know better than you how difficult it is to summon a corporeal Patronus. I heard that Harry Potter can also use this spell, but after all, he's the famous Potter. As for other students, I think they can probably only manage some mist."
"It is a corporeal Patronus. Many students can summon their own Patronus!"
"If that is truly the case, I would recommend the Ministry of Magic award Hogwarts a special contribution prize. Your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor should receive the Order of Merlin," said Professor Tofty, glancing at Sirius standing by the door directing students. "Oh, he is from the Black family. I knew his grandfather. When I was a student at Hogwarts, he was my senior. How can I say … a strong willed pure-blood wizard, both in terms of family background and personal strength..."
"Professor, what if I can prove it?"
"I think that's impossible, but I do not deny that you are very good … really, really good. It has been a long time since I have seen a young wizard like you. I heard that you are also a student of Nicolas Flamel … a legendary figure!" Professor Tofty came back to his senses, “Very well, Potter, you may go!"
Professor Tofty's attitude was very ambiguous. He seemed to be satisfied with Evan's performance, but he was unwilling to believe what he said.
Given the situation, the final score for Defense Against the Dark Arts examination was precarious! In this case, the impression points were also very important. Evan felt it was necessary to prove his point to Professor Tofty!
Well, it was time to update his understanding.
