Chapter 24: A Small Combo in Magic Control
There were no surprises in Transfiguration class; they were simply reviewing what they had learned in the previous lesson: turning a matchstick into a silver needle. Under Professor McGonagall's guidance, most of the class had managed to produce some change in their matches. Ethan, of course, had taken it a step further, successfully transfiguring a complete, perfect sewing needle.
"Excellent, Mr. Jones! One point to Slytherin!"
Ethan calmly accepted the stares of his classmates. During the second half of the lesson, he attempted to morph his transfigured silver needle into different shapes, pushing for more difficult forms like a pin or a paperclip. Naturally, this was still beyond the reach of a young wizard like him; it required far more advanced knowledge of Transfiguration.
However, in Charms class, Professor Flitwick gave him a pleasant surprise.
"Class, you learned some magical theory in our last lesson," the tiny Professor Flitwick said, standing on his usual pile of books. "To better demonstrate your grasp of that theory, today we will learn a simple spell: Lumos. This charm lights up the tip of your wand, illuminating your path in the dark. It is one of the foundational spells every wizard must master."
He continued introducing the spell. "Of course, we will also be learning its counter-charm: Nox."
"I will demonstrate first. Watch my movements closely and listen to the rhythm and pauses in my incantation." He raised his wand and chanted, "Lumos!"
As he spoke, he moved his wand in a specific motion. Instantly, a bright point of light appeared at the tip of his wand.
"See? This is the Wand-Lighting Charm's effect. Next, I will show you the counter-charm." He moved his wand in a wide arc in front of him, ensuring everyone could see the lit tip, before chanting, "Nox!" He performed a different wand movement, and the light extinguished.
"How was that? Did everyone see clearly?" Noticing a few young Slytherins shaking their heads, Professor Flitwick immediately repeated the demonstration.
Ethan had actually mastered this simple spell over the summer; the incantation and wand movements were clearly detailed in The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. He had been a bit distracted, wondering what books to borrow on his next visit to the library. But Flitwick's demonstration brought a crucial detail to his attention: the effect of the professor's spell was completely different from his own.
Comparing the light from Flitwick's wand to his own, Ethan realized his Lumos was much brighter. He didn't believe for a second that a Hogwarts professor like Flitwick would cast a weaker spell than a first-year. There was only one logical explanation: Professor Flitwick was deliberately controlling the spell's intensity.
Sitting up straight, Ethan watched Flitwick's second demonstration with rapt attention.
The movements and the results of both casts were identical. Doesn't this prove he's controlling the effect? So why can't I do it? My spell only produces a fixed brightness; it doesn't dim at all. His expression turned serious as he pondered this problem.
When the professor told them to practice, Ethan couldn't wait to test his theory. He waved his wand and cast the spell. Although he lit his wand on the very first try, earning an appreciative nod from Professor Flitwick and three points to Slytherin, he wasn't thrilled. He could clearly feel that he had absolutely no control over the spell. He could complete the casting, but he couldn't alter it in the slightest.
While the others were still practicing, he raised his hand for the first time in class. "Professor, I have a question!"
"What is it, Mr. Jones?" Professor Flitwick turned to him.
"Well, Professor, I just cast the spell successfully, but I noticed my light was much brighter than yours. I suspect yours was the result of deliberate control. Is that correct?" Cautious as always, Ethan wanted to confirm his theory before assuming too much.
Professor Flitwick nodded. "Indeed. A light that is too bright can be harsh on the eyes, so I limited the brightness at the wand tip, enough for you to see it, but not enough to blind you."
Having confirmed his guess, Ethan immediately asked what he really wanted to know: "How did you do that, Professor?"
The corners of the professor's mouth turned up in a slight smile. "That, I'm afraid, is not something first-year wizards need to worry about just yet. Your focus right now should be on building a solid foundation and learning to cast basic spells."
Before Ethan could press further, the professor gestured for him to sit, clearly not intending to discuss it in depth.
He clapped his hands to get the class's attention. "Now that you've practiced for a bit and gained some understanding, I will demonstrate one more time. Think about the differences in our movements and incantations."
Ethan focused entirely on Flitwick, but he still couldn't figure out what the professor was doing differently. He wished he had a video camera to record Flitwick's movements and analyze them frame by frame.
After several rounds of practice, most of the class had mastered the simple charm and its counter. As time ran out, Professor Flitwick assigned homework and dismissed the class. The homework wasn't difficult, but it would require spending some time digging through the library.
Disappointed, Ethan was packing his bag when he suddenly noticed Professor Flitwick giving him a meaningful look.
What does the professor mean? Is he telling me to stay behind? To continue our earlier conversation? If he had just tapped me on the head three times, it would be much clearer, Ethan thought, his mind racing.
Uncertain if he was reading the situation correctly, he deliberately slowed down, packing his things at a snail's pace. Only when the classroom was completely empty did he quickly grab his bag and approach the professor, who had stayed behind.
"Professor, were you waiting for me?" he asked directly.
Flitwick stroked his long beard and said unhurriedly, "Yes. Your question in class was excellent, but it isn't applicable to the majority of first-years. Explaining it in too much detail during class would have wasted their time. Come to my office. Classes are over for the day. You don't have any more today, do you?"
"No, I don't." Ethan quickly followed him.
After a long walk, they arrived at the Charms office in the West Tower.
"What would you like to drink? Black tea? Coffee?" Professor Flitwick asked, sitting on a specially modified chair to meet Ethan at eye level.
"Black tea, please, Professor."
With a flick of Flitwick's wand, a tin of black tea popped open on its own. A small pinch of tea leaves flew out and settled into an open teapot. A jet of clear water was conjured, splashing perfectly into the pot. Finally, with just a gentle tap and no incantation at all, a fire sprang to life on the stove beneath the teapot.
Ethan watched in awe. Even after the breathtaking sights of the Great Hall at the start of term, the everyday wonder of magic never failed to amaze him.
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