Dracula ignored the curious gazes of the young witches and wizards and started the dark magic defense class on his own.
"Miss Granger's recitation of the definition is not entirely incorrect; vampires are indeed a type of dark creature," he confirmed the textbook content, then continued in a serious tone, "However, the definition in your textbook is too one-sided. It only covers the characteristics of lower-level vampires and does not address the higher forms."
"In fact, vampires can be considered a type of cursed being, existing between life and death, and this curse can be transmitted through blood."
Dracula softly explained his definition of vampires.
This curse that exists between life and death is somewhat similar to the wizards who extend their lives by drinking unicorn blood, except that vampire life forms are more infectious and have fewer negative effects.
"According to the purity of their bloodline, vampires can be divided into many levels. Lower-level vampires are the lowest in rank, often resembling individuals suffering from severe infectious diseases, with withered appearances and uncontrollable feeding instincts," he said. "These lower-level vampires are the ones described in your textbooks, and most of the vampires commonly seen by wizards and Muggles are from these large and lower-level groups."
"Higher-level vampires, on the other hand, are often able to control their bloodlust and are willing to coexist peacefully with wizards. The magical community included this group of vampires in the definition of 'human' because of their close interactions with wizards."
At this moment, a rustling noise filled the classroom. The quicker students took out their notebooks and began recording this new information that wasn't in the textbooks with their quills.
"In the magical world, vampires are feared for the same reason as werewolves—due to their strong infectious nature," Dracula continued. "Wizards fear being infected and turning into vampires or werewolves, so they avoid them as if they were venomous."
"But if handled promptly, even if bitten by a mindless werewolf or a lower-level vampire, there is still room for remedy."
"Ultimately, the nature of infection is the transmission of blood. As long as the infected blood is expelled in time and then treated with silver powder or corresponding potions, the risk of turning into a werewolf or vampire can be significantly reduced."
At this point, a Hufflepuff student with a yellow scarf raised their hand and asked, "Professor, if a person has already been infected, is there a chance for them to turn back into a human?"
Dracula shook his head slowly.
"Once thoroughly infected, a wizard's bloodline is completely transformed into another species, with no possibility of reversal," he said solemnly. "So I hope everyone can take precautions and avoid such events. If you do get infected, be sure to address it as early as possible. The quicker you act, the higher the chance of recovery."
The Hufflepuff student's expression seemed a bit regretful.
Dracula's gaze shifted to the student's desk, where he saw an exquisite book titled *The Snout, The Human Heart*.
This seemed to be a bestseller telling the poignant story of a wizard struggling against lycanthropy after being infected by a werewolf. It resonated with many wizards and had once been rated alongside the famous author Gilderoy Lockhart's *Wandering with Werewolves* as one of the most highly regarded werewolf-related books.
Thinking of this, Dracula looked toward the front row where a young witch's desk was covered with various books on dark magic defense, with a large portion occupied by a set of Gilderoy Lockhart's ornate works.
Dracula's gaze was drawn to a book titled *Traveling with Vampires*.
It was this book that piqued his interest in the well-known author Gilderoy Lockhart.
However, since class was still in session, he had not yet sunk to the level of abandoning all his students to seek entertainment with Lockhart…
So, Dracula refocused his attention back on the dark magic defense class.
"In addition to prompt treatment and prevention, there's one more very important point," he said seriously to the students. "This is crucial, and you should make sure to remember it—unlike werewolves, who lose their reason after transformation, vampires are usually capable of communication!"
"If you really encounter lower-level vampires that want to drink your blood, you can use your social skills to engage in friendly communication with them."
Upon hearing this, Hermione raised her hand again.
"Professor, I read in a book that hungry vampires don't negotiate with wizards," she asked. "Can we really communicate with them smoothly?"
"Good question!" Dracula smiled and nodded. "So remember, when you encounter such vampires, make sure to say the most critical line before they bite you—"
"Say—'Your professor is Dracula.' I believe they will give me face."
Laughter filled the classroom as the young witches and wizards thought the professor was joking.
...
The time in dark magic defense class passed quickly. Before long, the bell signaling the end of the class rang softly from Hogwarts' clock tower.
"That will be all for today. We've covered most of the important points about vampires," Dracula said.
He pulled out a goblet filled with crimson liquid from somewhere, leaned against the lectern, and elegantly took a sip.
At this moment, Hermione anxiously pulled out a piece of parchment and kept giving Dracula furtive glances.
Noticing Hermione's hints, Dracula suddenly remembered he seemed to have forgotten to collect the homework.
"Oh right, everyone stay put. Assistant Quirrell will come around to collect your homework from the last class," he said with a chuckle, shaking his head.
A chorus of groans erupted in the classroom.
"Professor, were the blood-drained animals in the Forbidden Forest killed by vampires?" Harry, a diligent student who had completed his homework, proudly raised his hand and asked.
"Mr. Potter, I've checked, and those animals were not killed by vampires," Dracula said, casting a knowing glance toward the door and a playful smile on his lips.
"Rather, I would be more inclined to believe that it was Voldemort who killed them."
At that moment, Quirrell, carrying a large stack of parchment, had just reached the door of the dark magic defense classroom.
Upon hearing Dracula's comment, Quirrell's face immediately went stiff, and he lost his grip on the graded homework, which fell to the ground.