When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 9

Stealing a Secret

"Alright, settle down," Professor Nott instructed.

The class fell immediately silent, her presence alone enough to elicit such a reaction. She was a stern woman, her mousey brown hair pulled back as tightly as her ever-present pursed lips. She always appeared as though she was unimpressed, but Harry had quickly learned this was her demeanour. She was not as sour as she was terse, impatient perhaps, but not unfair.

Thus far, Rosalina Nott had impressed him. She was a well of knowledge on the subject of defence, and a passionate practitioner. One only needed to hear her explain the beauty of the spells she taught to see that.

If he were honest with himself, he had expected little from her, bigotry and favouritism towards purebloods, but she had proven him wrong. She was nothing like the two Notts he had met.

She looked like them, but that was where the resemblance ended.

"Today we will be discussing situational specific spells," she announced, and Harry could have sworn her eyes had lingered on him for a second longer than was normal. "Can anyone tell me what I mean by the term 'situational specific spells?"

Harry had read the term in the books that Sirius had given him, and when no one else raised their hands, he did so.

"Evans," Nott prompted.

"The term refers to spells that have been created to serve only one specific purpose. As an example, a privacy charm is designed only for that outcome, whereas a fire summoning charm could be used for many things from lighting a candle to burning down an entire building."

A ghost of a smile crested the woman's thin lips as she nodded.

"Take five points for Gryffindor," she offered. "Mr Evans is correct. Situational specific spells are designed for one thing only. The privacy charm, as Mr Evans explained, serves only the purpose of providing privacy. It cannot be repurposed for other use. Now, can anyone think of any other spells that would fall into the category? Mr Black?"

Arcturus Black frowned at being questioned when he had not raised his hand.

"The killing curse," he answered with a shrug.

"Indeed," Professor Nott agreed, "the one of the three unforgivable curses that has only one purpose."

"What about the Cruciatus Curse?" Stebbins questioned.

Harry disliked the boy. He was as bigoted as they came with none of the intelligence or charisma of some of his housemates. Charlus too disliked him and often spoke of his stupidity.

"The Cruciatus Curse used to be used as a medical spell," Nott replied. "It still could be if needed but the healer practice has advanced beyond the need of it."

Stebbins merely frowned but said nothing else.

"Let us delve into more specific examples," Professor Nott suggested, her calculating eyes once more roaming towards Harry.

Seeing that he would not take whatever bait she was offering, she took it upon herself to prod him in the desired direction.

"Mr Evans, I have it on very good authority that you have mastered the patronus charm and did so when you were aged thirteen."