Whispers about the new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts have already made their rounds through the castle. Some claim he used to be an Unspeakable; others say he dueled a Dëath Eäter with nothing but a flick of his wrist and an unimpressed sigh. Whatever the truth may be, no one knows what to expect.

Then, the door swings open.

Professor Velasco strides in with precision. You all get instantly quiet as his mere presence demands attention. He places his leather-bound journal on the desk, his wand slipping effortlessly from his sleeve into his hand.

"Wands out," he says smoothly yet with authority.

The class hesitates for a moment before following the order. Even Draco shifts in his seat and grips his wand a little tighter.

Velasco paces before them, his eyes scanning each student. "Defense Against the Dark Arts is not about waving your wand and hoping for the best. It is about instinct. Precision. Survival." He stops suddenly and flicks his wand towards the back of the room.

A loud noise echoes as a chair rockets toward BIaise. On instinct, you lift your wand, deflecting it mid-air before it reaches him.

Professor Velasco’s lips twitch, amused. "Interesting." He tilts his head, studying you with curiosity. "Some of you were paying attention. Others…" His gaze shifts to Pansy, whose wand is still resting on her desk. "Would already be dead."

Pansy glares. "That was unnecessary."

"And yet, effective," Velasco counters. His gaze flickers back to you. "Let’s see if it was just luck."

He flicks his wand again, sending a silent spell hurtling toward you. Without thinking, you duck, twisting your wand in a defensive arc. The spell rebounds, striking a nearby suit of armor.

Velasco smirks. "Not bad."

Mattheo whistles under his breath. "Damn, that was hot."

Velasco ignores him, but the intensity in his eyes doesn’t waver as he nods towards you. "This one might actually survive."

Before you can respond, he raises his wand once more.

"Let’s find out."