The Imperius Curse

"Perhaps this will help you understand." Moody backed toward his desk with an unreadable look in his eyes and began fiddling with the jars and bottles on it.

None of those things had been in the classroom before. Moody must have brought them. Students sitting close enough could see that the glass jars were packed with writhing maggots.

The students at the back couldn't see them, but judging by Moody's strange expression, they knew he was up to no good.

Moody gazed at the contents of a jar with something almost tender in his eyes. That expression on his scarred face, coupled with the revolting insects beside him, sent a chill through the students.

"Come on out, little fellow."

From his tone, anyone might have thought he was coaxing a pet. But the moment Ron saw what was in Moody's hand, every hair on his body stood on end.

Only a creature with lots of legs could get that kind of reaction out of Ron. A spider, for instance.

A Whip Spider lay sprawled lazily on Moody's hand. With its eight legs spread, it was as big as his palm. Its brown body filled Ron with a dread rivaling that of the legendary unspeakable horrors.

"Engorgio!" Moody rasped, pointing his Wand at the Whip Spider in his palm. It grew until it could easily wrap itself around an entire face. Even Eli felt a shiver watching it.

"Imperio!" An eerie pulse came from Moody's Wand. Eli might have been the only person in the classroom able to sense magic at that level.

As soon as Moody finished the incantation, the Whip Spider stopped moving. It seemed to be waiting for orders.

Moody flicked his Wand, and the Whip Spider flew onto Neville's desk.

"Ah..." Neville would have sworn he had