Douglas paused.
"Mr. Wayne, you too."
Wayne jerked his head up.
His eyes went perfectly round.
"But I recited it!"
"You certainly did."
A dangerous smile curled at the corners of Douglas's mouth.
"But you haven't learned to assess the risks around you."
"Much less keep your mouth shut."
Quiet snickers came from around the classroom.
Wayne sat down, his face full of humiliation.
"One more spot check."
As Douglas finished speaking, silence immediately returned to the classroom.
"Today is September eighth. Hmm, then student number eight will answer."
The entire class looked toward the same seat, at a boy with a slight build.
"Professor."
"Very good, Mr. Finch."
Douglas looked at the frail boy.
"Recite the three basic principles of defense in detail."
"And give an example involving a situation you might encounter."
Finch nodded confidently, but still closed his eyes, as though there were an essay in his mind.
"First, identification."
"Before beginning your defense, you must be absolutely certain of the nature of the threat."
"A dark shape in a corner isn't necessarily a ghoul."
"It might simply be Mrs. Norris."
"If you fire a Reductor Curse at a cat."
"The result will be facing Filch's crazed retaliation."
The students chuckled.
Douglas did not so much as twitch an eyebrow.
"Continue."
"Second, distance."
Finch's voice was steady.
"Keeping your distance is not a cowardly retreat."
"It gives your brain the physical space to analyze and judge."
"Once an unknown target comes within arm's reach."
"The defender loses the initiative completely."
"Third, cost."
"All defensive measures consume resources needed for survival."
"A Shield Charm drains your magic."
"Turning and running drains your stamina."
"Shouting for help costs time."
"And maintaining a foolish silence in the face of danger."
"Costs your life."
A hint of approval flashed in Douglas's