Hogwarts' schedule was pretty relaxed for first-years, with no more than three classes a day. On Thursdays, Ravenclaws had Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration.
Charms, with its instant, rewarding feedback, was a favorite. Just a few days into term, the first-years were already progressing at different speeds. Most could manage a Lumos spell, though their wands only flickered with faint light. Some were still waving their wands stiffly, chanting loudly but getting no glow at all.
And then there was Sean.
His Lumos was at a "Skilled" level. The light from his wand wasn't just brighter than the others'—it was steady, reliable. Magic, Sean knew, followed a clear logic:
First, you had to understand a spell. Without that, you couldn't cast it. So, the more spells you knew, the stronger you were as a wizard. But knowing wasn't enough—you had to practice until the spell became second nature. That was the second rule: the more skilled you were with a spell, the stronger you became.
Take Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, who'd be arriving next year. His specialty, the Memory Charm, was so polished it could trip up even wizards unafraid of vampires, werewolves, or trolls. Practice, Sean figured, was the path to mastering magic's essence.
Since reaching the "Beginner" level with Lumos, Sean felt a deeper connection to the spell. His once-awkward wand movements were now fluid, his pronunciation crisp and confident. He suspected that with enough practice, he might not even need to say the incantation aloud—just think it. According to Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1, that was a Silent Spell, a technique advanced wizards used. Magical Theory explained it clearly:
Since spells are specific words or phrases that trigger or channel magic, they can be just as effective when thought silently, allowing them to be cast without speaking.
This would come up again in sixth-year Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Snape.
"Very good! Very good! Impressive progress—many of you have mastered Lumos!" Professor Flitwick's squeaky voice rang out as he addressed the class. "For those who've just learned it, keep practicing. It's crucial. But for a few special little witches and wizards…" He winked at Sean, Hermione, and a couple of others. "I'll teach you another spell early. Come on, those who've got Lumos down, gather round! For the rest, don't worry—just remember: a flick and a flourish, and want that light!"
Flitwick might've seemed easy to underestimate, but his spell-casting was razor-sharp. Under his guidance, a handful of standout students started practicing a new spell: the Levitation Charm.
By the end of class, Sean's Wingardium Leviosa had gained a solid 30 proficiency points, reaching (34/300). Satisfied, he left the Charms classroom, stepping into the long corridor. The first-years had ten minutes to get to Defense Against the Dark Arts—not much time, so everyone hurried along.
Until they met an unwelcome guest.
"Aha! First-year runts!" A poltergeist zoomed out from behind a door, startling the group. It dumped a wastebasket over Seamus' head, who yelped, "My head! No—my eyes! Is it night already?!"
Peeves' mischief didn't stop there. He yanked the rug out from under the students, sending even Michael sprawling. As Michael tried to stand, Peeves grabbed his nose and screeched, "Got your nose!"
Anthony and Terry instinctively stepped back but then edged toward Michael, ready to help. Sean was quickest. "Peeves!" he shouted. "The Bloody Baron's coming!"
Peeves let out a shriek and vanished in a flash. Sean, Anthony, and Terry helped a shaken Michael to his feet. The other first-years stared at Sean in awe.
"Thanks, Sean, you're a lifesaver," Michael said, his face red as he glanced around to make sure Peeves was gone. He sidled closer to Sean. "How'd you know Peeves is scared of the Bloody Baron?"
"Percy, the Gryffindor prefect, mentioned it," Sean said truthfully. How he'd learned it, though, was another story.
On the spiral staircase, the spooked first-years quickened their pace to escape the corridor. Only when torchlight flickered ahead did they breathe easier.
Peeves was aptly named. The poltergeist loved zooming through Hogwarts' halls, cackling and pulling pranks. Though he was translucent and could pass through walls like a ghost, he wasn't one. Sean had learned this from The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection during Defense Against the Dark Arts:
At Hogwarts, Peeves is a noisy nuisance, but he's not a ghost. He's a poltergeist, also called a mischief spirit. Unlike ghosts, poltergeists aren't imprints of the dead but manifestations of psychic energy. Hogwarts' ghosts agree Peeves isn't one of them. Scholars believe poltergeists arise from subconscious behavior—especially from those under stress. With centuries of pressure on Hogwarts students, it's no surprise a spirit like Peeves exists.
Sean found this explanation fascinating and kept reading:
I recommend young witches and wizards learn these spells to counter the darker forces of magic: Green Sparks, Red Sparks, Knockback Jinx, Smokescreen Spell, and Wand-Lighting Charm.
Sean memorized the first four, knowing they'd help him excel in Defense Against the Dark Arts. But as he glanced at Professor Quirrell, stammering through the lesson, he sighed and jotted the plan in his notebook for later. For now, he had a bigger challenge to face—one that thrilled and worried him in equal measure:
Practicing potion brewing.
In the dungeon, guarded by the formidable Professor Snape.
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