Introduction

Chapter 1

The phrase “better watch out for your Flobberworms” is now commonly used to point out when a person is being absurdly paranoid. The expression originated from the story of Arthur Stevenson, the wizard who became so afraid that he would be murdered by Dark Magic that he locked himself within his home, discarded of all of his furniture, and cut off from contact from all other living beings, excluding his pet Flobberworm. The story says that Stevenson lived in this manner for three years, until his Flobberworm bit him. Stevenson then procured a disease (it is unclear whether this disease was airborne or transmitted by the Flobberworm), which led to his death three months later. I advise you not follow in Stevenson's path, and instead learn to accept the reality of danger. Over the course of your studies, is likely that you will be on the receiving end of at least five spells (this figure may vary depending on your luck and how annoying your classmates find you to be), and receive at least three physical injuries at the hands of magical creatures or plants. While this textbook will outline some ways to avoid such dangers, we will also discuss how to respond to dangerous situations. By learning defensive techniques, you can greatly reduce your risk of such mishaps.

A common misconception amongst new students is that defensive magic is all about loud dueling. However, we will present a variety of defensive strategies. The fact of the matter is that Protective Charms will be of little use to you if you've swallowed a harmful potion, or are confronting a large beast or herb. Thus, we have included a wide range of possible responses that you may apply in dangerous situations.

One must also note that, unlike most other magical fields, defensive magic does not allow for drawn-out contemplation of which method will yield the most desirable results. Rather, these techniques must often by applied quite quickly, under stressful conditions. While you may attempt to simulate such situations, it is impossible to anticipate how and when you will actually be using these methods. Thus, I encourage you to attempt to make them into instincts. The amount of time that it takes you to raise your wand could be the difference between life and death (not to sound melodramatic). Take, for example, Douglas Wetstone, a medieval wizard known for his dueling skills. Wetstone met his demise at the hands of another wizard, whom he challenged to duel, when Wetstone’s wand got caught in his thick dueling armor, and he could not fight back. Therefore, you must always prepare yourself for the worst, and know how to react in such situations.

Following major wars such as those of the past century, new Dark Magic develops, thus new defensive techniques must also be created. Therefore, while we have included most of this textbook’s original material, we have had to modify certain entries, and add others. All of this is meant as an attempt to prepare you for whatever you may face in the future. On the other hand, as I’ve stated before, there’s no real way of knowing what obstacles you may come across. This is not meant to discourage you. Rather, I hope that you will take the initiative to learn the basics of defensive magic and experiment with them. Unlike other magical arts, such as potion-making and Transfiguration¸ there are far less “rules” for Self-Protection. Those of you who have read the Harry Potter biographies may remember Mr. Potter’s quick thinking when he suddenly ended up in a graveyard at the other end of Lord Voldemort’s wand. Some have criticized Mr. Potter’s decision to respond with the Disarming Curse “cruel” and “remarkably childish.” Still, he made it out alive, and, in Defense Against the Dark Arts, success is merely in escaping unscathed.

Best wishes—

Mallory H.