true loves poison • james potter

13

"Demons were a magical species who specialized in dark arts." Professor Binns drones in his unfortunately monotone voice, "Famous demons were: Zozzimon, Korrur, Rergroth, and Bralren."

Lorelei diligently wrote each name on her empty parchment.

"Demons such as these were known for their proficiency in the Dark Arts. Each demon was known to have a specialty they taught for a heavy price, sometimes they taught in exchange for knowledge, but most of the time these demons taught for souls. When learning from a demon it was common for hopefuls to bring several living beings, spanning from mice to hippogriffs to muggles. If the demon accepted these sacrifices, they would teach their specialized dark art as an exchange."

Lorelei finished writing her note before raising her hand. It took only a moment for the undead teacher to notice.

"Yes Miss Byrd?"

Bringing her hand down, she asked, "Why did the demons want souls?"

"Because a life force is more powerful than any spell, Ms. Byrd. The power behind each life given to the demons gave them unimaginable power that they then used to terrorize muggles, wizards and witches alike."

Scribbling furiously, she thanked Professor Binns.

"As I was saying. After the exchange, the demon would then tutor the person in return. All of their teaching was word of mouth, meaning many dark arts have been lost as the demons were slayed or otherwise died."

A Hufflepuff student raised his hand. "Isn't it a good thing that most dark magic has been lost?"

"It depends on your perspective, Mr Rivers. To those who believe all dark magic is evil, yes. To those who believe no magic can be evil, only those wielding the magic, no. It's seen as a loss of knowledge, which to most historians is a tragedy." Professor Binns replied.

Pandora raised her hand. "Why did the demons not want their teachings transcribed?"

Professor Binns sighed. "Only those taught by demons know. But there could be many reasons. A popular theory is that they simply wanted to keep people coming to them. Any more questions?"

With no more raised hands, he continued. "There are few dark arts thoroughly recorded, as the teaching of dark magic is illegal. You should learn specific curses and what to do against them in Defense Against The Dark Arts, but I will outline some of the known dark arts. We know of unforgivable curses, hexes, jinxes, and other miscellaneous spells. Other dark arts include some potions, dark objects, and dark creatures."

Lorelei found her wrist cramping as she tried to keep up with how quickly Professor Binns was speaking.

"Beginning with the demon Zozzimon. Zozzimon specialized in the dark art of possessing or communicating with the dead, or necromancy. He was said to be a horrible teacher, but the only demon during the medieval century who held the knowledge needed to master necromancy."

"Next, the demon Korrur. She was said to specialize in hexes; we have no further recording of other than a few spell names associated with her name. She was said to be a good teacher, despite being near impossible to reach on her tiny island."

"Rergroth was said to be a demon versed in dark creatures. He was said to be found in a cave south of America with a hoard of thestrals guarding him. He was said to be a difficult teacher."

Lorelei's wrist was on fire as she worked her quill furiously.

It occurred to her absentmindedly that some people thought this class was boring.

"And finally Bralren. The demon is said to specialize in blood magic. Unlike the other demons, Bralren is the only one with a written account on some of her teachings. She is also the only one with an official description, she was said to be seven feet tall and slender with long black hair and red skin. She could be found in the top of any active volcano, and she was said to be an excellent teacher. Despite us having a record on her teachings, little is still known on the dark art of Blood Magic." 

Just then the bell rang, cutting Professor Binns from continuing any further. "I expect written essays on these demons by the end of the month!" He called as students filed out of class.

Hanging back, Lorelei slowly packed her stuff and waited until she was alone with Professor Binns.

"Do you have a minute, professor?"

Looking up, he answered, "Of course miss Byrd, what do you need?"

"You said there are written accounts on the demon Bralren. Are there any books covering the text?"

"Yes there is."

She hesitated. "Could I perhaps get the title? Is it in the library?"

Professor Binns stared into her eyes for a moment. "Why do you want a book on blood magic, Miss Byrd?"

"Oh no, not on blood magic specifically. But I just find the history fascinating. How demons were once the most coveted teachers for wizards craving unconventional methods."

Professor Binns shrugged and pulled a parchment strip from his desk. "It's in the restricted section. The book title is Blood Magic: A Lost Art." He wrote quickly on the slip of paper. "It's the most historically accurate account, and it's a good read."

Smiling and waiting patiently, Lorelei responded, "Thank you, Professor Binns. I'll be sure to write an excellent essay."

"I expect only the best from you Miss Byrd." He said, signing the slip and handing it up to her.

"Of course." She said, slipping out into the corridor.

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I made up practically every fact about demons and blood magic, but I did see a tiktok that mentioned Blood Magic and my brain spiraled with ideas about it so you're all getting hella lore.