Flitwick gave two quiet coughs, looked at their varied expressions, and continued.
"During your years at Hogwarts, and even for many years afterward, you won't come into contact with true dark magic.
"But Defence Against Dark Magic will teach you how to identify its traces, defend against its attacks, and protect yourselves and those around you when facing a Dark Wizard."
"You really would be better suited to teaching the Dark Magic Defence class," Vivian said thoughtfully.
"No, no, no. Don't even suggest that," Flitwick said, looking rather alarmed.
Only Gerald noticed the hint of uncertainty in Flitwick's voice when he said they would never encounter true dark magic.
Had he not been watching deliberately, he would never have caught it.
Flitwick must have known something, perhaps through Dumbledore.
Perhaps he, too, was worried about the day Voldemort returned.
To Gerald's surprise, Fred raised his hand.
Flitwick nodded at him, inviting him to speak.
"Professor, what about defensive dark magic? If you use dark magic to defend against dark magic, does that count as dark magic?"
"Good question, Mr. Weasley. Using dark magic to defend against dark magic is known academically as counter-dark magic. Its nature differs from dark magic itself. Counter-dark magic aims to stop, neutralize, or reverse the effects of dark magic, rather than cause harm. It is therefore classified as advanced Defence Against Dark Magic, rather than dark magic."
He paused before continuing.
"But that doesn't mean it comes without risks. Counter-dark magic requires a sufficiently deep understanding of dark magic itself, and in the process, you may encounter things you should never have encountered. Curiosity and overconfidence in your own abilities are often more dangerous than dark magic itself."
"So that's how it works. I suppose adding a little dark magic to joke products is still