Chapter 29: Hogwarts Classes (2)
The bell rang, signaling the end of Charms, and Nero packed his things with a sense of satisfaction.
Saying goodbye to LIlith, he made his way through the bustling corridors of Hogwarts.
The chatter of students filled the air, but Nero remained focused; his next class would be the Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Upon entering the D.A.D.A. classroom, Nero immediately noticed its distinct layout. Unlike the orderly rows of desks in Charms, the room was arranged in a semicircle, fostering an open and engaging atmosphere. At the center stood an imposing yet approachable figure, the professor, whose presence immediately commanded attention. Nero took a seat near the middle, setting his bag down and surveying the room.
Just as he settled in, he noticed Ember Gryffindor entering the room. Her fiery red hair and confident demeanor made her stand out, even among the notoriously bold Gryffindors. Instead of sitting with her housemates, Ember strode directly to Nero's side and plopped down next to him without hesitation.
"What?" she said with a grin, noticing Nero's raised eyebrow. "Did you think I'd follow some silly tradition about house seating? As if."
Nero chuckled softly. "Fair enough. Let's see what this class has in store."
The door closed with a soft click, and the professor strode to the center of the room. He was tall, with striking silver hair and a long, deep green cloak that swirled dramatically with every step. His sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in each student with a piercing gaze that seemed to weigh their potential. When he spoke, his voice was both rich and resonant, immediately silencing the room.
"Good morning, students. My name is Professor Aurelius Thornfield, and I will be your guide in mastering the art of Defense Against the Dark Arts. But make no mistake, this is not a class for the faint-hearted. Here, you will learn to face what lurks in the shadows and how to protect not just yourselves but those who cannot defend themselves."