"Although it may seem like I haven't given you much, I still want to remind you: if you ever truly encounter them, do not try to fight or resist. Look for an opportunity to escape—run as far and fast as you can! Vampires and the like don't need to suck blood; they crave it. That's why encountering a vampire is far better than encountering a werewolf. Of course, girls should be especially cautious around vampires, as most of them have a preference for females."
"As for why meeting a vampire is preferable to a werewolf, there's something important you must understand: if you are bitten by a transformed werewolf, you may not die, especially if treated quickly—but your life afterward will be worse than death."
"The key thing about being bitten by a transformed werewolf is that you will become one yourself. It's irreversible. Moreover, werewolves lose control of themselves during the full moon. They can even harm loved ones. Because of this, most wizards avoid werewolves, making it difficult for them to find decent jobs. Many end up on the wrong path."
"If I ever encountered a werewolf, even outside the full moon, I would immediately Apparate away. Even being bitten by an untransformed werewolf won't turn you into one, but you may still develop werewolf traits—like hair growing near the wound. Those wounds also heal very slowly and require a mixture of silver powder and dittany [white fresh water]."
"While I believe it's unlikely that you'll encounter a werewolf any time soon, today's lesson is focused on how to protect yourselves in such a situation—how to survive."
Professor Jonathan scanned the classroom of young witches and wizards, then stood at the podium and raised his wand. With a flick, smoke issued from the tip and formed an image above him.
A werewolf.
"Untransformed werewolves appear nearly identical to normal humans. However, just before and after the full moon, they often look paler, and they tend to be older than the average wizard. Their eyes are often bloodshot. As for their transformed state—well, I sincerely hope you never see that in person."
"Compared to ordinary wolves, werewolves have slightly shorter snouts, smaller pupils, and a more humanoid appearance. The hair on their tails grows in tufts. Unlike wolves, werewolves attack humans proactively. Some experts believe they lash out because, upon transforming, they lose their ability to use magic. But their magical power doesn't disappear—it surges and overwhelms them. With no way to channel that power, they lose their minds and turn to violence."
"If you encounter a werewolf, your response should depend on your surroundings. In a city or village, the best course of action is to magically lock yourself indoors. Werewolves, regardless of whether they were once Muggles, Squibs, or wizards, cannot use magic in their transformed state. They can only break in by force, which gives you precious time."
"But if you're in an open plain or the wilderness, with no cover—well, then you'd better pray to Merlin. In such terrain, unless you're a particularly powerful witch or wizard, your only likely outcome is to be bitten… or worse."
Jonathan paused and clapped his hands, drawing the students' attention away from the smoky werewolf image.
"Why aren't you writing this down? Be alert at all times. Stay away from werewolves. Don't get bitten. That's the best way to protect yourself."
"Defense Against the Dark Arts isn't about charging into battle with the Dark—it's about avoiding it."
He then explained a set of safety signals used by witches and wizards in Ambition: three colors of magical fireworks released via the Fireworks Spell.
Red fireworks: immediate danger, call for help.
Yellow fireworks: a dangerous situation, but you may be able to manage or overcome it.
Green fireworks: safety, target found, or time to regroup.
"Any fireworks you see—regardless of color—signal something. When you see them in the wild, assess the risk before deciding whether to help. And you aren't limited to just red, yellow, and green. You can choose your own colors and assign meanings within your group."
The lesson concluded with the soft rustle of quills on parchment as the students diligently recorded everything.
Based on Professor Jonathan's teaching style, they all guessed that the next lesson would likely involve learning the Fireworks Spell itself.
After class ended, Phineas followed Jonathan to his office.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts office was on the third floor of Hogwarts Castle. Curiously, unlike other offices filled with books, curiosities, or the professor's personal touch, Jonathan's office was nearly empty.
It contained only a desk, a few chairs, and an open suitcase.
Phineas quickly noticed that the suitcase had been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, just like his own. The professor's belongings and books must have been stored inside.
"So, Mr. Black, what did you want to speak to me about?"
Jonathan's voice pulled Phineas's attention away from the suitcase.
"Ah, well, Professor… I wanted to ask if you could teach us all the spells we use—like the Unlocking Charm, the Locking Spell, and so on?"
Jonathan shook his head.
"No. You're not ready. And frankly, I always get the feeling that you, of all students, don't need to learn how to fight dark creatures or use dark magic."