Destined to be

ELEVEN - CHARMS AND BROOMS

I was on my way to the Charms class. It was the only subject I shared with most of my friends and it was always so much fun.

Like the last time when we were learning the Knitting Charm. Professor Ronen wanted us to make some winter clothes for each other. It was November after all and the weather started to be really chilly. It was a great idea, at first at least. Until Ominis knitting needles almost poked Sebastian in the eye. Sebastian got really angry at him and accused him that he did it on purpose because he wanted a 'blind buddy'. They started to argue and their needles were reacting to their mood. They didn't even notice it until they were covered in wool from head to toes and couldn't get out and we had to cut them out.

I sat in my usual spot next to Natsai. I was just on time.

"Hello, everyone. Today we start on something more serious," he glanced at Sebastian and Ominis. "And that would be Nonverbal spells. From now the curriculum will actually intermingle with two other classes, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration.

It should give you a split-second advantage if you master it. And that brief moment could decide if you will live or not. But it is a really difficult skill to master. Although some of you might have a slight advantage already. You ask me why? The wand wood. Every wood has its own advantages and disadvantages and some of them could simply refuse to cast the spell non-verbally. So do not panic when you will have some trouble at first. But bear in mind that a spell casted silently could be less effective then when you cast it with proper Incantation." Professor Ronan started to pass from the side to side as he explained everything. Everyone was listening in complete silence, intrigued.

"The reason we started this topic in Charms is that jinxes and counter-jinx can be a little bit easier cast non-verbally than more advanced defensive or offensive magic. The most successful spell casted this way is Levicorpus. But we won't be doing that. And if I will see every other student dangling in the air by their ankle after this lesson you all would be in much trouble! I don't want anyone to fight in my class today so we will be practicing it on the Lumos charm. Performing spells non-verbally is very difficult and requires a good deal of practice, concentration and mental discipline. The more you are connected to your wand the better chances you have. Now, let's start with the practice!" Professor Ronan ended his monologue and went back to his desk.

Everyone started to eye one another. No one actually knew what to do. I tried to focus on the task but it was more difficult than it seemed. I couldn't concentrate even for a bucket of galleons. I guess my mental discipline wasn't as good as I thought. All it left was practice. So I tried and tried and tried. And nothing.

I could see in the corner of my eye a soft white light. When I looked that way I wasn't even surprised that the person who was successful was Ominis. I guess the connection with his wand was really helping.

"Really good, Mr. Gaunt," Professor Ronan praised him. I couldn't help but feel really proud of him.

Other classmates were probably encouraged with his success because more and more of them were able to cast the Lumos charm. But unfortunately not me. My head was too busy for that.

Through the class I developed a pretty bad headache and when we were finally dismissed my head was already pounding like crazy.

"You look awful, Lynette."

"Thank you, Sebastian. True gentleman as always," I scoffed and rested my head on the table. "I think I overdid my concentration."

"Let's go, I will take you to the Hospital wing," he helped me stand and led me out of the class. "You have to be fit for the match! Slytherin versus Gryffindor. The match of the year!"