THOUGH CEDRIC HAD NEVER BEEN PARTICULARLY FOND OF DEFENSE AGAINST THE DARK ARTS, the whispers about Professor Moody's teaching style had Cedric intrigued. He waited in growing anticipation for their first D.A.D.A meeting, entertaining himself with thoughts on the Triwizard Tournament and his other classes until then.
Friday came sooner or later with D.A.D.A as his first class of the morning. "They say Moody's a racket." Anthony says in between mouthfuls of bacon and ham. "He looks a bit scary, don't you think?" Maxine prods in a low whisper, glancing towards the professors up on their platform. Oddly enough, Professor Snape seems to act timid and innocuous around Professor Moody; a complete contrast to the Potions master's usual personality.
"Heard he turned Malfoy in to a ferret," Zacharias says with a malicious cackle. Though Hufflepuff's sense of rivalry wasn't as embedded as the other houses, Quidditch still brought out the competition in all of them. "Any professor who has the gall to do that is one for my books."
"Only one way to find out." Cedric calls out as he sweeps up his books and makes his way out of the Great Hall. Anthony and Zacharias are quick on their feet, beginning to banter about Malfoy and ferrets on either side of Cedric, while Maxine walks a few steps behind, reviewing the syllabus.
"Odd. His curriculum isn't anything specific." Maxine mumbles. "Come on, Max," Anthony kids, stepping back to throw an arm around Maxine's shoulders. "Does Moody really look like the kind of guy to follow the book?"
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
THAT FRIDAY D.A.D.A SESSION IS A COMBINED CLASS OF SLYTHERINS AND HUFFLEPUFFS. Typically, the houses sit with each other, which is why it doesn't shock Cedric to spot Amata among her Slytherin peers. He tries to catch her eye as he enters but she's so engrossed in her conversations that all the way up to until Professor Moody enters the room, Cedric isn't quite sure if Amata had seen him.
Professor Moody hobbles in, his wooden lag dragging against the flooring of the room; Cedric shifts in his seat, a little unsettled at the sight of the man. He had a wild, unkept look to his appearance, but by far the most unnerving aspect of his look was his vivid, electric blue magical eye that moved independently from his normal eye. Rumor had it was that the magical eye could see through objects, and even the back of the man's own head.
"Books away." Moody garbles, taking a swig from a flask. When he speaks again, his voice is clearer. "You've already wasted too many time focusing on just creatures and spells - when it comes to the Dark Arts, I believe in a practical approach."
"While some of you may remember the lessons of your sixth year, I'm certain that they were not covered in-depth. For example: who can tell me the three Unforgivable Curses?"
"The Killing Curse, the Cruciatus Curse, and the Imperius Curse." Maxine pipes up. Moody lets out a grumble of approval as he reaches in to his bag. "And they are so named because they are unforgivable. Any use of one will earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban." A few girls in the first seats let out sounds of horror when Moody pulls out a cage of three spiders.
"Today's lesson is not for the faint-hearted." Moody warns, and it occurs to Cedric what the professor has in mind. The Hufflepuff boy's blood runs cold as Moody sets a spider on the professor's desk. The class is dead silent, waiting with baited breath as Moody points his wand at the spider.
❝ ɪᴍᴘᴇʀɪᴏ ! ❞
Some students seated at the back crane their neck to see the Imperius Curse in action. The insect seems to fold in to itself, its legs twitching violently. "It's resisting." someone from the Slytherin side mumbles with hushed horror. Cedric manages to turn away from the spider to the source of the voice - Amata hasn't looked away from the scene, but even her side profile gave away the hints of terror on her expression. Cedric has the inexplicable urge to reach out and comfort her.
"Damn right it's resisting!" Moody roars. "The Imperius Curse places the victim in a trance or dreamlike state . . . makes you feel like you haven't got a thing to worry about. The caster can make the victim do just about anything."
With a flick of his wand, Moody sends the spider flying out the window. The initial shrieks of terrified students break out in to nervous laughter; the humor is quick to die down as Moody sets out the second spider.
❝ ᴄʀᴜᴄɪᴏ ! ❞
This time, there is no resistance; the spider withers painfully on the desk. "The Cruciatus Curse inflicts excruciating pain upon the victim." Moody explains. "It's nothing but pure torture, from beginning to end. Some have even been unfortunate to lose their mind to it."
"I think I'm going to be sick." Zacharias mutters from beside Cedric. "Oh, I can't watch this." Maxine chokes out, hiding her head in her arms as Moody releases the third spider. The professor pauses and balances his wand in his hand for a moment.
"Some classes prior to this have not reacted kindly to my demonstrations," Moody says. The oddest of smiles twist on to Moody's rough face. "If any of you feel the need to step out for a moment, I suggest that you do it now."
A heartbeat of silence passes. When no one makes any move of leaving the room, Moody nods and whips his wand to the last spider . . .
❝ ᴀᴠᴀᴅᴀ ᴋᴇᴅᴀᴠʀᴀ ! ❞
A blindingly intense green bolt of light is all it takes.
"Constant vigilance." Moody says solemnly. Cedric, along with the rest of the class, merely stare at the dead spider.
From the corner of his eye, Cedric spots Amata raising her hand. "Professor," she says in an oddly calm voice. "May I be excused?"
Moody merely nods, and Cedric watches Amata as she half-bolts out of the class.
YOU ARE READING
ONCE UPON A TIME.
Fanfic❛ ◜of a girl named after a fairy tale and a boy convinced he needs no saving. › & CEDRIC DIGGORY/OC.
