Godfather Owl: Guardian of Batman [86]

“The Crimson Comet spell is, at its core, an offensive spell derived from basic spellcasting principles.”

Dumbledore raised his wand, sending a red beam across the room, which struck a distant vase.

The vase instantly shattered into dust.

“The spell’s damage depends on the caster’s strength, but it can also be weakened at the caster’s will.

“The Crimson Comet spell is quick to cast, and with practice, it doesn’t even require a spoken incantation. It’s quite a convenient spell.”

Dumbledore paused, then continued—

“In the past, Grindelwald often used this spell to discipline his followers.”

Bruce nodded. Now he understood why Professor Gael had struck Harry so many times during their demonstration without leaving a scratch.

It seemed Gael had purposely minimized the spell’s power.

Dumbledore went on, “Grindelwald was very proud of this spell and frequently showed it off.

“In his words, until it actually hits, the victim can never be sure how much damage it will do.”

Hearing this, Bruce remained silent, but Kathoom spoke up.

“The fear of the unknown—Dark Lords love that sort of thing.”

Kathoom remarked, “Though, I have to say, his successor didn’t handle it quite as well.”

If Grindelwald used punishment as a calculated instrument of control, Voldemort used only brutal extremes.

Peter Pettigrew was a prime example.

Kathoom pictured Voldemort addressing his Death Eaters proudly—

“Anyone who didn’t betray me, I still tortured with the Cruciatus Curse. Imagine what I did to the ones who actually crossed me! Applause, please!”

Wait… that line would work for Batman, too.

“The teammates I trusted, I still implanted with tracking devices. Imagine what I did to my enemies!”

Kathoom fell silent, mulling over this new thought.

Bruce, however, was still listening intently to Dumbledore, unaware of Kathoom’s musings.

Finally, Dumbledore got to the main point.

“Bruce, I’m going to teach you a defensive spell I derived from the Shield Charm. The incantation is—”

He raised his wand above his head and uttered the words, “Spell Rebound!”

As he spoke, a faint, shell-like glow appeared around his body, visible to the naked eye, before it quickly faded.

“This spell is not difficult to learn, but it requires precise timing.”

Dumbledore lowered his wand. “You must cast it the instant a spell is about to hit you to rebound the opponent’s spell back at them.

“And just so you know, Unforgivable Curses cannot be rebounded.”

Bruce nodded, confident in his ability to time his spells accurately.

“Let’s start practicing, then.”

Dumbledore said quietly.

—

Time passed swiftly, and soon it was time for the next dueling class.

In the dueling room, each student faced a practice dummy, training the new spell relentlessly.

Professor Gael strode through the room, hands behind his back, inspecting his “army” with a critical eye.

“Harry, your technique is wrong!” he corrected sternly. “The wand movement needs to be faster—so fast you can barely keep up with it yourself!”

Harry gritted his teeth, his arm already sore.

Though Neville’s form was far sloppier nearby, Professor Gael ignored him entirely, singling out Harry instead.

Harry dared not protest and could only keep practicing, straining his nearly numb arm.

Satisfied, Professor Gael moved on.

He trained Harry more harshly because he had higher expectations for him.

Let’s see if Snape has anything to say now.

As he continued his rounds, Gael’s gaze fell on Bruce, who was standing still in front of his dummy.

Gael’s brow furrowed—Bruce looked as if he was slacking off.

“Bruce!”

He barked. “If you’re going to be lazy, go home! Do you think Hogwarts is your house?”

All eyes turned to Bruce, their expressions mixed with worry.

Bruce remained calm, replying, “No, Professor. I was just thinking about something.”

“Thinking about what?” Gael demanded.

“I was wondering what to do if someone casts the Crimson Comet spell on me.”

“Then you cast a spell faster than they can!”

Gael immediately answered, “The Crimson Comet spell has no counter-charm. That’s your only option.”

“Really?”

Bruce replied, “But Professor Dumbledore said—”

“There’s no Dumbledore here!”

Gael suddenly roared. “I don’t want to hear any excuses! You focus on practicing!

“And just so you know, if you fail to learn this spell in class, it won’t cost me a single Knut!”

With that, he stormed off, leaving Bruce with a glare.

The students around him were stunned.

Especially Hermione, who whispered to Bruce, “You shouldn’t speak to the professor like that.”

Even if he was strict, bringing up Dumbledore wasn’t a good move.

Bruce only shook his head. “Don’t worry, Hermione. I know what I’m doing.”

His thoughts drifted back to a few days ago, after leaving Dumbledore’s office.

—

“Are you sure about this?”

Bruce asked Kathoom as he walked along the moving staircase, his tone skeptical.

“You really want me to bring up Dumbledore’s name just to provoke Professor Gael?”

“Trust me!”

Kathoom flapped his wings, flying beside Bruce. “I’ve got it all planned out. Trust me, Gael’s reaction will be intense.”

“And what good would that do?”

Bruce still didn’t quite understand. “Gael’s a teacher, Dumbledore’s the headmaster. Even if Gael reacts badly, the worst he could do is resign. Why would I stir things up with him on purpose?”

In Bruce’s eyes, Professor Gael, though eccentric, was a far better teacher than the previous year’s Quirrell or this term’s Lockhart.

Why would he want to start a conflict with such a competent teacher?

“Relax, it won’t go that far. In fact, you’ll probably benefit from it.”

Kathoom beat his wings reassuringly. “Trust me; I’ve read enough stories to know.”

Stories, Bruce thought. “What stories? Show me.”

Kathoom only shook his head. “Not for kids, Bruce. Let’s just say… the hero has to push his mentor a bit to get the real training.”

—

Back in the present.

The dueling class ended under a heavy atmosphere, and despite Bruce’s expectations, Professor Gael hadn’t reacted further.

That lying owl.

Bruce felt a flash of irritation as he pocketed his wand and joined the other students in leaving.

Just then, he heard someone call his name.

He turned to see Professor Gael watching him intently.

Bruce approached, noting the flicker in Gael’s eyes.

“Dumbledore… what did he tell you, exactly?”

—

T/N: PARRY? HE CAN NOW PARRY SPELLS!!!!