So you learned a lot of theories while at school, under the subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts. But can theories save you when it comes to the actual disaster? Not likely. Not unless you have put them into practice and learn how to do them properly! Knowing how a spell should be performed won’t really help you if you have never implemented it. So if you really want some real protection from the dark forces, extract those knowledge and information from your brain and implement them into actions. You know how one should do a Shielding Charm. Well, why don’t you pull out your wand, do the proper move, say the spell, and see if you succeeded! 

Believe it or not, spells require practice, and this applies to all kinds of spells. Again, information means nothing without action. You would be surprised at how many times you might have to practice one spell before you can perfect it and be successful at the first try. Now, you don’t have time for mistakes when dark wizards already come knocking at your door. There’ll be no room for practice anymore. Either you get it at the first try or it may cost you your life or the life of someone you love.

By no means am I trying to scare you here. This is just a friendly warning. The world out there isn’t a friendly world and it’s always more dangerous than you would expect. Nothing you have read before would compare to the real thing. Dark arts often are unpredictable, so you’d better be prepared thoroughly. What I would suggest is practicing together with a group of friends or members of your family. Never tell kids that they’re too young to do magic. When they’ve gotten their own wand, chances are they should be as prepared as you are and should be capable of their own defense. 

Now of course they’re not allowed to use magic out of school, but do encourage them to practice a lot while they’re there! That’s what they’re getting educated for, after all. Contrary to popular belief, education needs both theories and practices, not just one of them. Practicing with some friends or family will enable all of you to encourage each other better and learn from each other. It will always be easier to have a partner to practice with.

And remember, just because the world doesn’t seem dangerous at your time, doesn’t mean you should stop practicing. So maybe you don’t want to be an Auror and you can’t see the use of continuation to learn defensive spells that most likely will never be used in your daily lives. You’ll likely be proven wrong. Self-defense is always useful. Fine, so maybe there isn’t any group of evil wizards after you. But what about the occasional, everyday crime? Say someone tries to rob you in a dark alley. Or a burglar comes into your house at midnight. Or, let’s hope it never happens, someone attempts to kidnap your kids. You’ll be able to prevent all these things from happening by mastering defensive spells! 

There is always a time and place to make them useful. And while you’re at it, why not learn some simple offensive spells too to make sure you can also paralyze your opponent? Nothing too dangerous. Things like the stunning spell or the full body-bind spell. Let the authorities take it from there. But the point is, you’re safe because you can defend yourself before they arrive.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and no matter how small, self-defense will always be useful! So take out your wand now and start practicing!