12 Chapter 12: Mistfall

Compared to other wizarding schools open to the entire magical community, Mistfall is more akin to a military academy. 

It teaches what other schools teach and more. Its curriculum includes spells, potions, transfiguration, history, combat, defense, alchemy, and survival courses. 

Unlike Hogwarts, Mistfall doesn't have a separate class for Dark Arts; 

it incorporates them into spells, combat, and defense classes. 

Herbology, except for a few plants that cause hallucinations, poisoning, or other effects when burned, which are discussed in spell classes, is mostly covered in potions and alchemy.

 Mistfall students learn that the best way to deal with obstructive plants in the wild is to burn them, using Fiendfyre for more troublesome ones. 

They're only taught about a limited number of plants that absolutely should not be burned. 

Combat and defense are purely practical courses, teaching students how to fight and defend, how to defeat various types of enemies, or avoid being defeated.

For Mistfall students, enemies are not limited to wizards but include various magical creatures and races, such as vampires, werewolves, and, more troublingly, races that have been fighting wizards since ancient times, like elves. 

Mistfall subjects students above the age of seven to Cruciatus and Imperius Curses monthly, specifically targeting elves.

Moaning Myrtle, a magical creature particularly beloved by adult male wizards, can induce feelings of longing and happiness in any male wizard who sees her dance and sing. 

They become engrossed in pleasing and attracting her attention. 

Only wizards with strong wills can resist this charm. 

Elves have similar abilities to Moaning Myrtle, but much stronger. 

A slap might wake someone enchanted by Moaning Myrtle, but an elf's soul-targeting magic requires a stronger stimulus to break: the Cruciatus Curse. 

This curse was originally intended to forcefully disrupt an elf's influence on a wizard's soul. 

However, those subjected to the Cruciatus Curse often experience severe pain and convulsions.

 Repeated exposure can build resistance, meaning the body recovers quickly, not that the curse's effects diminish.

Mistfall trains elite wizards, essentially a wizard army, always vigilant against ancient foes. 

The curses are endured monthly from the age of seven until graduation – 24 times a year, with no summer or winter breaks, only a 15-day Christmas holiday. 

Mistakes bring additional "meals," the term students use for extra doses of the Unforgivable Curses.

"How long do you think it'll be before you go mad?"

"The next second."

Or

"I already have."

These phrases are common greetings among Mistfall students.

Is it terrifying? Being constantly tormented by the Cruciatus Curse, indeed, you recover from its effects faster over time, but the indescribable agony it brings doesn't diminish at all—the first and the hundredth time you experience the Cruciatus Curse feel exactly the same. 

Regularly having your mind muddled by the Imperius Curse and enduring the inevitable monthly Cruciatus Curse, it's this extremely oppressive atmosphere that renders the students of Mistfall somewhat abnormal.

"Yes, that's how it is," 

William added, 

"If you see a 'normal-looking' student at Mistfall, it's best to stay away from them. Because either they're already insane or on the brink of madness, or they're the kind of person you definitely can't afford to mess with."

"When did you come back?" 

the three exclaimed in unison, having not noticed William's return.

"When you were all intently staring at Neville's face."

...

William's expression turned serious: "Mistfall is a school that places extreme emphasis on practical combat. 

I can say without exaggeration that five about-to-graduate students from Mistfall could wipe out everyone in this school—professors not included. 

However, Mistfall doesn't only train combat wizards. 

If someone truly lacks combat talent, they can also focus on potions or alchemy."

The quality of Mistfall students is not even on the same level as Hogwarts'.

 Whether it's the students' talents, awareness, or the quality of education, Mistfall surpasses Hogwarts by several levels. 

However, the educational goals of Mistfall and Hogwarts are entirely different. One focuses on cultivating combat abilities, and the other... well, you get the idea.

"Honestly," William sighed,

 "the quality and depth of education at Mistfall are incomparable. Knowledge, theories, and techniques of magic that are inaccessible to the outside world are carefully taught there. 

Whether you can learn them or not is your problem." 

William crossed his arms and looked up at the ceiling, sighing again,

 "Really, if it weren't for the Cruciatus Curse and Imperius Curse, I probably wouldn't have come to Hogwarts."

"Is it... very hard to endure?" Draco asked.

"I reckon I could have used the Cruciatus Curse by my third year," 

William glanced at Draco, "How about I let you experience it sometime?"

"I'll pass on that," 

Draco swallowed hard, hoping never to be on the receiving end of the Cruciatus Curse in his lifetime.

"Alright, let's stop discussing that school," 

William stood up. 

"Unless something unexpected happens, you'll never have anything to do with that school in your lifetimes. 

Don't forget why we're here today. I'll teach you some spells useful in combat." 

William hurriedly changed the subject.

In an adjoining room lined with cushions, William began the lesson: "For beginners in combat spells, there's nothing more suitable than Expelliarmus."

 Holding his wand in his left hand, he faced the three students.

Seeing them take out their wands, William nodded: "First, you need to find your suitable wand-holding method."

A wizard skilled in combat can gauge an opponent's strength just by observing how they hold their wand.

Most wizards grip their wands with their entire palm, which is fine for everyday life but reveals significant disadvantages in a duel. 

This grip restricts wrist joint movement, limiting rotation. When pointing the wand at an opponent, the wrist bends downward, an unnatural and uncomfortable position. 

In combat, when an enemy moves, the wizard must adjust their arm to aim, creating a significant vulnerability to combat-savvy wizards.

In contrast, combat-savvy wizards use "pinching" and "clamping" methods. 

"Pinching" involves holding the wand between the thumb, index, and middle fingers, while "clamping" uses two fingers, either the index and middle or middle and ring fingers, to hold the wand. These methods free the wrist, allowing greater mobility, beneficial in combat.

After William's explanation, the students looked at each other, never having considered such intricacies in wand-holding.

"If you observe carefully, you'll notice that Professor Flitwick uses 'pinching' while Professor McGonagall uses 'gripping'. Do you know what that implies?"

"Flitwick is skilled in combat, but McGonagall isn't?"

William nodded: "Those familiar with Professor Flitwick's past know he was once the British dueling champion. 

Professor McGonagall, not to belittle her, is an academic wizard. 

Unprepared for battle, she could easily be subdued in a few moves."

"Before teaching you Expelliarmus, I need to ask if either of you has a dragon heartstring core in your wand?" 

William glanced at Draco and Hermione; he already knew about Neville's wand. 

"I know it's a bit intrusive, but it's necessary to clarify before practicing Expelliarmus."

"Um... my wand has a dragon heartstring," 

Hermione asked uncertainly, "Does the wand core matter?"

Different woods and cores give wands distinct characteristics. 

Dragon wands lean towards dark magic, weakening spells with positive emotions. 

They're easily swayed; a single failed duel or spell can reduce their loyalty to the owner, eventually becoming unsuitable.

Examining Hermione's wand, William commented, 

"Vine wood? That should be fine. Interesting combination." 

He returned the wand, "Vine wood wands are exceptionally loyal and resolute to their owner, but considering its dragon heartstring core... it's an intriguing mix. 

This indicates, Hermione, you're a person of contradictions."

"Alright, no issues then. Let's start with Expelliarmus." 

William beckoned them closer.

"Expelliarmus is as simplified and straightforward as it gets. 

I estimate you'll master it after a few tries. The incantation is 'Expelliarmus,' very simple. Give it a try."