"Okay, that's all for today's class. Don't forget to do your homework." After Professor Broad announced the end of get out of class, the students began to pack up and leave the classroom.
"Professor Broad?" Albert deliberately stayed behind.
"Is there anything wrong, Mr. Anderson?" Professor Broad looked up at Albert and asked.
"That's right. I have a question." Albert said immediately, "I saw the content about Grindylow at the back of Dark Power: A Guide to Self-Defense. It reminded me of a plant called the Guardian Tree that you mentioned in the first class."
Professor Brode looked at this gifted student with interest, and asked with a smile: "Do you want to know whether the guardian tree can protect people from Grindylow's attacks?"
"Yes." Albert nodded.
"In theory... it should be possible." Professor Brod raised his hand and pointed outside, telling Albert that someone was waiting for him outside.
"In theory?" Albert turned around doubtfully and waved at Fred and the other two, signaling that they didn't need to wait for him.
"Yes, in theory. I'm glad you realized this." Professor Brod said happily, "The guardian tree is a magical mountain pear tree that protects people who touch its trunk from attacks by dark creatures. Of course, this is a record in the data. Since it can be recorded in "One Thousand Magical Herbs and Mushrooms", it means that the guardian tree is indeed effective, but... this kind of thing is only in theory."
Albert was silent and listened quietly to the other party continue speaking.
Professor Brod looked out the window, immersed in his memories: "When I was very young, a friend gave me an amulet that claimed to protect me from werewolves, dementors and inferi as long as I wore it."
"Does it really work?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, it works." Professor Broad nodded and said, "Of course, the effect is not as exaggerated as he said, but the amulet can indeed make some dark creatures retreat. It can indeed prevent you from some unnecessary interference when traveling."
"The amulet is made of Yamanashi wood?" Albert had already figured out what Professor Broad meant by these words.
"Yes, and then the effect of the amulet gradually weakened over time." Professor Broad nodded.
Albert was silent. He was thinking about how much truth there was in Professor Broad's words. Was the amulet made of Yamanashi wood really so effective
"After the amulet lost its effect, I asked him for another one, but was rejected. He told me that as long as I soaked the amulet in crushed garlic, vampires would stay away." Professor Brod looked at the stunned Albert and shook his head. "I followed his suggestion and soaked the amulet in crushed garlic for a day. Later, the amulet smelled of garlic."
"Are vampires really afraid of garlic and crosses?" Albert couldn't help asking.
"Fear, or hate might be a more appropriate word. Vampires hate the smell of garlic." Professor Brod continued, "It is a kind of stimulation to vampires, just like someone is chasing you with something you hate."
"What about the cross?" Albert asked again.
"At that time, Muggles used branches of the guardian tree to make crosses. It did have an effect, but the effect was minimal." Professor Brode shook his head. "Of course, the more important aspect of the cross is that it gives people courage in their faith."
"So, vampires aren't afraid of the cross?"
"Yes, they are not afraid." Professor Brod brought the topic back to the topic. "Later, I saw someone selling amulets on the market and bought one for two Galleons. It was also made of the wood of the guardian tree."
"No effect?" Albert felt that he might have guessed the possibility.
"No, it's not that it has no effect, but..." Professor Broad grinned and said, "Basically it has no effect."
"Why?"
"That's a good question. Why?" Professor Brod asked, "Why do you think it is?"
"I don't know." Albert shook his head. "Is the amulet made from the wood of the guardian tree?"
"Do you know alchemy?" Professor Broad suddenly changed the subject.
"Yes." Albert said without hesitation: "An ancient chemical prototype?"
"Chemistry, sorry, kid, I don't understand what you are saying?" Professor Broad was also stunned. He really didn't understand why Albert uttered the word chemistry. In the wizard's worldview, there is no such thing as chemistry.
"I mean the Muggle worldview. You know, I come from a Muggle family. According to Muggle books, so-called alchemy is the prototype of ancient chemistry." Albert explained casually.
"I see. However, alchemy in the magic world is actually a kind of magic." Professor Broad continued: "It is a profound subject. Alchemy includes many things. Unfortunately, this subject is not popular in the UK. Only in Africa and Egypt are there separate courses available."
"You think the amulet is an alchemical item." Albert immediately connected the two things.
"Yes." Professor Brod was very happy that Albert had figured this out. He continued, "Only an amulet made by an alchemist can be considered a true amulet, and it can best preserve the effect of the guardian tree. At least, when you wear the amulet and cross a swamp or lake, Grindylow will not attack you."
"However, I need to remind you not to buy any amulets on the market. They are all made by scammers. Although the guardian tree is not very common, I think an amulet made of the wood of the guardian tree is not worth two Galleons."
"Because it has not been processed by an alchemist?" Albert asked.
"That's right." Professor Brod looked at Albert and said, "I guess you want to use the guardian tree as a talisman?"
"Yes, I want to make a talisman for my sister. Her birthday is coming soon." Albert did not hide it, but avoided Professor Broad's gaze. He felt that the old man might be able to use Legilimency. Although he did not feel that he was seen through, he should still be more vigilant.
As he spoke, Albert pulled out a cross he had made a while ago from his pocket.
It was simple really, just wood woven into a cross, an ordinary one, the product of his practice of the Cutting Spell.
"This is indeed an amulet made of the wood of the guardian tree." Professor Brod took the cross, looked it up and down, and joked, "But it's very low quality. I dare say it won't sell for 2 Galleons."
Albert knew that Professor Broad was just joking and didn't care at all.
"If you want to make an amulet, I suggest you read some books on alchemy," Professor Brod suddenly suggested. "If it were someone else, I might not recommend it, since it's at least a third-year elective. But it shouldn't be a problem for you."
"Any recommendations?" Albert asked.
"Simple Alchemy, this is an introductory book. I prefer to call it Alchemy for Dummies." Professor Brod took out his pocket watch, checked the time and said, "Okay, I have another class later. If you still want to talk about Defense Against the Dark Arts, I suggest you come to the Defense Against the Dark Arts Office to see me on the weekend."