Just as Professor Quirrell stood frozen in the center of the podium, his face turning pale and then red, unable to utter a single word...
The Chosen One has arrived!
Draco narrowed his eyes, knowing he couldn't press the issue any further.
Who knows if that thing on the back of Professor Quirrell's head might suddenly go berserk?
Voldemort doesn't have such a good temper. If you really piss him off, probably none of the young wizards in this room will escape unscathed.
The thought had barely formed in his mind when Draco raised his wand and said, "Professor, I might know something about Jiangshi."
The students' attention was immediately drawn to Draco.
Professor Quirrell could also breathe a sigh of relief.
His eyes lit up instantly, as if he had grasped at a lifeline, and he blurted out, "Quick, quick, please tell me, Malfoy!"
Draco slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the curious faces in the classroom, and began to speak:
"Actually, the term 'Jiangshi ' is a term used in China."
"Usually, people die unjustly, their resentment lingers, and after being placed in a coffin, their souls are nailed down by special talismans or ritual implements, preventing them from reincarnating. Over time, they become walking corpses."
Upon hearing this, Seamus couldn't help but exclaim, "Walking corpses? And they're sucking blood? This is even scarier Boggart!"
These words instantly piqued everyone's curiosity, and the classroom erupted in chatter.
Some people speculated about what Jiangshi would look like, while others asked if China shamans dealt with them.
Even the most timid students forgot their fear and were only interested in joining in the fun and asking questions.
The classroom, previously tense from interrogating Quirrell, was now filled with the curiosity and excitement of teenagers.
All expectant and amazed gazes fell upon Draco.
Draco chuckled helplessly. What's so strange about this? Am I telling horror stories at Hogwarts?
After they had finished expressing their astonishment, Draco slowed down and continued speaking.
"Most Jiangshi wear burial clothes, have bluish-purple, stiff skin, walk with a hopping gait, are afraid of light and fire, and most importantly, live by sucking blood and possess immense strength, making them impervious to ordinary swords and knives."
These words sparked even louder discussions in the classroom.
Even Professor Quirrell was captivated by the story; he had only made it up to fool his students, but it turned out to be true.
Just then, Seamus asked again, "So how do we deal with these Jiangshi? We can't just let them suck blood everywhere, can we?"
"That's the key point." Draco nodded and continued.
"The most traditional method is to use a peach wood sword, and it must be a peach wood sword that has been blessed by a Daoist priest."
"Just like our wizarding wands, they need to establish a connection with the user. For an ordinary person, holding one is no different from holding a piece of ordinary wood."
"However!" Draco changed the subject.
"These are Muggle methods; for us wizards, there's absolutely no need to go through all that trouble."
"Once we learn the Blasting Curse, let alone one stiff corpse, even ten, we can blow them to smithereens in no time, so there's really nothing to be afraid of."
"Well said! Absolutely right!" Professor Quirrell seemed to have finally regained his voice, slamming his hand on the podium, his voice surprisingly fluent.
" Malfoy is right! The power of wizards is the strongest! Everyone, clap your hands!"
As he spoke, he clapped his hands first; the applause was sparse, but it conveyed a sense of relief.
Seeing this, the students joined in the applause, and the atmosphere in the classroom instantly transformed from the previous interrogation and awkwardness into a lively discussion.
As Draco sat down, Hermione nudged his arm and whispered, "How do you know so much about Jiangshi?"
Draco turned to look at her and said, "I like reading all sorts of books."
When the applause ended, Quirrell stood on the podium, his face finally regaining some color.
Although still somewhat flustered, he visibly relaxed and nodded repeatedly to Draco.
" Malfoy is a learned and erudite student, worthy of our emulation! Let's continue the lesson..."
As he spoke, he was finally able to smoothly flip through the textbook, though his grateful gaze would occasionally drift towards Draco.
Seeing Professor Quirrell like this, Draco couldn't help but sigh: Voldemort, Voldemort, you still need me to save the day.
However, with the topic of Jiangshi at the forefront, the students completely forgot about Professor Quirrell.
No one cared how chaotic his lectures were anymore, nor did anyone wonder what secrets he was hiding under his scarf.
All attention was focused on the novel, dark creature known as the " China Jiangshi."
The students, still reluctant to stop, finally paused their discussion when the cheerful bell rang to signal the end of get out of class.
Professor Quirrell announced the end of class almost right as the bell rang, his voice unusually lighthearted. "That's all for today... Class dismissed!"
After saying that, he hurriedly packed up his textbooks and rushed out of the classroom as if he were escaping, as if staying even a second longer would result in him being questioned again.
As everyone packed their bags, they were still chatting in small groups about Jiangshi.
Some people made plans to go to the library after class to look up information about China magic, some debated whether the Blasting Curse or the peach wood sword was more effective against Jiangshi, and others imitated the way Jiangshi jumped, causing laughter all the way.
Draco was pressed for more details by Olivia and the others, so he had no choice but to make up all sorts of stories, just like Professor Quirrell.
At lunchtime in the Great Hall, Draco had barely put down his chopsticks when all eyes turned to him again.
The Jiangshi lesson and the Odour-Blocking Charm from the morning's Defense Against the Magic class were still being talked about with great interest, while Draco continued cutting his steak as usual.
A moment later, two figures walked towards them.
Cho Chang and Emock came over again with their trays.
Hermione sat up straight instantly, her fingers, which had been resting on the edge of the plate, now gripping Draco's waist.
With a slight squeeze, Draco gasped in surprise.
Draco tilted his head, frowned, and asked her, "What's wrong?"
She glanced at Cho Chang and Emock approaching, then feigned composure and withdrew her hand, saying coldly:
"It's nothing, I just noticed your steak was getting cold and wanted to remind you to eat faster."
Olivia rested her chin on her hand, her gaze sweeping over Hermione's clenched and unclenched hands.
He glanced at Cho Chang and Emock who were approaching, then nudged Neville lightly with his elbow, mouthing "jealous."
Neville, realizing what was happening, quickly lowered his head to stifle a laugh.
Cho Chang immediately saw through Hermione's thoughts and broke the awkward silence first. " Hermione, don't worry, we're just here to ask some questions."
Emock immediately nodded in agreement, his voice so loud that it could be heard at several nearby tables:
"Yes, yes, we all know you two are together, there's absolutely no other meaning behind it!"
Hermione blushed deeply upon hearing this.
But Emock added jokingly, "Unless you two break up, then I might..."
"We won't break up!" Hermione interrupted her hastily, then realized what she meant, her cheeks flushed even more, and her voice lowered.
He said to Emock, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Olivia burst out laughing, and everyone else was watching with amusement.