Spells Lesson

On Sunday morning, Mrs. Soman sent a reply to her son. The letter began with the typical motherly sentiments: I miss you; are you adjusting well to dormitory life? Do you need more food? Do you want new clothes? Do you need money?

Then she subtly answered Edmund's question: she had scattered a lot of Galleons and reaped several clues, some real and some false.

By this time, she was beginning to regret her search for the stone, but to put an end to her obsession, she still paid someone to continue tracking it down...

"One of them might have run off with the money. In any case, I haven't heard from her since," his mother wrote. "I've completely lost interest too. After all, it's just a children's book, and what's written in it isn't necessarily true, right, Ed?"

Tsk.

This is quite interesting. Old Soman was quite influential in Germany. Although he wasn't the only rising star in the German wizarding world, he was certainly not a big shot that ordinary wizards could afford to offend.

Did the witch really run off with the money, or was she silenced because she got too close to the truth?

It was best not to ask about the rest of the conversation in the letter. Although Dumbledore appeared to be a very upright gentleman, not the kind of control freak who would monitor students' mail, Edmund still had to be wary of him.

Moreover, leaving some suspense in life can also ensure that the future doesn't become too boring.

It was an ordinary Sunday. After Edmund finished replying to his letter and eating breakfast, he was caught red-handed by Lucius.

Their conversations were always full of riddles and witty remarks. In fact, Edmund knew perfectly well what Lucius wanted to know: he was curious about the Somans' current source of income; he also wanted to know old Mr. Soman's standards for hiring...

Alas, Edmund wanted to tell the other person everything he could directly. But in his experience, if you give this kind of person the answer too easily, he will only suspect that it is fake or a trap.

That's why Edmund was unwilling to become close to Lucius. If Avery was so naive as to be foolish that even using him would lower his own worth, then Lucius was far too slick; even with a life-or-death bond, one couldn't completely rely on him.

Besides, the genie naturally favors good people. Good people have weaknesses, and good people have true feelings—while someone like Lucius is a long way from being a good person.

"I guess he didn't want me in Slytherin, and he admitted he thought I'd go to Ravenclaw." Edmund shrugged. "I disappointed him—but who cares? A fussy old wizard, a mere headmaster!"

"Luckily, he didn't try to intimidate me with his seniority; my family doesn't acknowledge him as a relative!"

After much back and forth, Edmund finally said what Lucius wanted to hear. The prefect nodded in satisfaction, but sighed under his breath:

"It must be tough on you, Dumbledore has always been so stubborn."

Then he rambled on with nonsense like, "We Slytherins endure hardship and struggle in this corrupt school." Edmund shifted his weight, silently expressing his impatience. Lucius immediately and tactfully said goodbye, even inviting him to watch the Duel Club preliminary rounds next weekend.

God knows why he didn't bring up the "Duel Club" topic; Edmund was much more interested in that!

This resentment lingered until the next morning. Monday morning had two consecutive Charms classes, so Edmund and the others had to hurry and eat breakfast.

Travers followed Edmund into the Great Hall, then watched as Edmund plopped down next to Pollyanna. Before he could express his confusion, Edmund began talking to Pollyanna about today's Charms class, asking if she had previewed it and tried using the Levitation Charm.

"You're really going too far, Soman," Anneli Murseb drawled. "Why do you have to rub salt in the wound with Pollyanna? Oh—I didn't mean to mention 'feet'~"

She laughed again after saying that, as if it were truly hilarious. Most tragically, along with her childish and malicious remarks, Carlo and several older students also laughed.

Pollyanna, who was being ridiculed, just sat there expressionless, as if she had suddenly gone deaf.

"I didn't give you permission to interrupt, Murseb, you're very rude," Edmund said, frowning, clearly displeased. "This is a warning. Know your place. I'm only letting you off the hook because of your brother."

After these words were spoken, both Mullerbers were stunned. Avery, sitting next to Genova Mullerber, looked at Genova with the eyes of someone looking at a traitor, while Genova was both puzzled and somewhat flattered.

"What...what do you mean by this?!"

Anneli's face turned red with anger. But Edmund ignored her. Just as he had expected, Genova stopped his sister, and the two exchanged a few words in hushed tones before Anneli, still indignant, regained her composure.

"I'm a useful friend," Edmund whispered to Pollyanna. "And I enjoy making useful friends."

Upon hearing this, Pollyanna seemed to curl the corners of her mouth slightly.

After breakfast, Edmund, Pollyanna, and Travers followed the crowd toward the Charms classroom.

The good news is that the Charms classroom is directly above the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Although the stairs leading up are not easy to find, there's no need to worry about getting lost this time.

Just as he was about to enter, James Potter ran up from behind, seemingly unfazed by the disapproving looks from the Slytherins around him, and bumped Edmund on the shoulder:

What did you do this weekend?

He's truly the Gryffindor of Gryffindors. Compared to him, Dumbledore should be in Ravenclaw.

Edmund whispered a few words to James, emphasizing that he had found a strange book in the library and had received 20 extra house points from Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor.

James's eyes lit up with envy, much to Edmund's delight.

Upon entering the Charms classroom, Edmund immediately noticed its illogical design. The classroom was furnished with tiered seating on either side, but the teacher's desk wasn't in the center, forcing everyone to turn their heads to listen.

However, considering that the professor also walks around the room during Potions class, this design doesn't seem to matter?

Once Professor Felix Frivi made his appearance with quick, lively steps, Edmund lost all interest in the interior design. He couldn't help but wonder: "Uh, Professor Frivi, does he have some kind of fairy blood?"

Hogwarts is truly wild. Is Dumbledore really... a nepotist?

This petite professor's teaching style was also quite different from that of Professors Hecate and Slughorn. He was clearly more lively and loved to joke with his students.

"Dear students, welcome to one of the most exciting courses at Hogwarts—Charms. I am your professor, and as you may have noticed, I am quite learned; many books have been trampled under my feet."

Professor Flitwick stamped his foot, letting everyone see the stack of books he had placed under his chair to get to the lectern, which drew a burst of laughter.

"Yes, yes, I'm even shorter than you first-years! But isn't that perfect? ​​Think about it, why is it me, and not some other towering, monstrous wizard, standing here?"

"Listen carefully, children. This is because I know more spells than they do, and I can use them more skillfully and effectively! Students, you may find it difficult to change your appearance and height, because those are things you were born with, but magic is not like that! As you practice and use it, your magic will absorb nutrients called 'knowledge' and grow stronger!"

"Your knowledge will never betray you, and your skills will never abandon you!"