Forum:Bryan Smith's Defense Against the Dark Arts Final

Bryan Smith Seventh Year Hufflepuff Bryans

Questions Portion:
1. What is in the image on the right?

'''The being in the picture on the right is a vampire. You can identify it by, the elongated canine teeth (better known as fangs), and the red discoloration of the pupil.'''

2. What is in the image on the left, below?

'''The creature in the picture below is a werewolf. You can identify werewolves by the fact that they're covered in hair, the canine-like features, and the large claws.'''

Writing Portion:
Write an essay on the difference between an Animagus and a Werewolf

The two conditions are rather similar, actually. The difference, however, is a matter of will over force. Allow me to explain.

Those that suffer from Lycanthropy, otherwise known as werewolves, do not have a chose to stop their transformations in to these wolf-human beings. They are forced, by nature of their condition, to, once a month, turn into these beast. They forget everything they know. Willing, to murder their best friend if they got in the way.

On the other hand, there are people who willingly wish to change into an animal, their spirit guardian usually. Going through the process of learning how to transform into an animal, is a pure choice.

That simple fact, is what separates Werewolves and Animagis. Animagis have a choice, but Werewolves simply don't. Write an essay on what to do in the case of a vampire/werewolf attack.

Vampire:
When confronted by a vampire there is only one, fool proof way to defend yourself. It is as follows:
 * 1) Blind your attacker. Vampires primarily rely on two of their senses when attacking. Sight and Smell. By blinding it, it cripples it by removing one of its necessary senses.
 * 2) Create a distracting scent. Conjure something that relies on blood. It is recommended that you don't actually sacrifice a living creature. However, you can transfigure a nearby object into a rabbit or bird. In turn, this will lead the blind vampire off your trail.
 * 3) Make your escape. Whether you apparate away, or you take off your broom. If you have been traveling on foot, it is noted best to leave behind an article of clothing (a jacket or shoe) just so that the Vampire, in the scenario that your decoy doesn't work very well, will have a second distraction to focus on.

Werewolf:
As with Vampires, there is only one sure way (besides murdering the beast) to deal with a werewolf attack. It is as follows:
 * 1) Seal its mouth. There are a number of ways to do this, but this simple step will prevent it from biting and passing on the disease.
 * 2) Bind its appendages. Somehow, (conjuring ropes is suggested) bind its legs and arms so that it would not be able to free itself from the mouth seal. This will also prevent the beast from mauling you.
 * 3) To prevent a reach in the International Statue of Secrecy, if you are not already in a forest of sorts, it is requested by the Ministry that you apparate with the creature to a forest as far away from a Muggle settlement as possible (make sure the bonds are tight, of course). Once the beast has been separated from a Muggle area, apparate quickly. If you are not capable of apparating, you are pressured to contact the Ministry, immediately.

Write a senior thesis on everything that was covered in this course.

As I look back on the past seven years of study, I smile. To think of all that we have learned of the course of nearly a decade, it's amusing, to me at least. There were quite a few things that I really enjoyed, but I'll focus on my three utmost favorites. Those being, the practical work, the study of magical creatures, and the study of Defensive Magical Theory.

Firstly, Defensive Magical Theory. This was a very interesting and something rather fun to study. It was really a topic that I was able to sink my teeth into. I was even compelled to make a visit to the library, and read about some things we didnt have time to cover in class. I have to say, I did practice the illustrations in the book in my alone time. I'm not sure what it was about counter-jinxes and counter-curses, but they always really interested me.

Secondly, in my Third Year, I believe. We spent the whole year learning about the most terrifying creatures I'd ever heard of. For example, the Basilisk. I mean a bloody giant snake, really, it's horrifying. Despite the shock factor, it was great to know what types of things were out there. And I was assured that I would be able to defend myself against them.

Finally, the practical part. I have to say, this part was the funnest thing I've ever partaken in, in a class of course. And if I do say so myself, and trust me I really hate to brag, I was really good at it. I guess that's why I enjoyed it so much. On the other hand, I really enjoyed being guided on how to cast certain spells (Impedimenta, Stupefy, etc.) comes in handy in the profession I wish to pursue.