Chapter 40: Dissecting Magic

Compared to the lower-grade students who were enthusiastically playing games, the higher-grade students felt much more despondent.

Unable to attend Professor Fawley's class or play the Light Ball game, they had hoped that Quirrell would feel a sense of duty after the duel. But he still appeared indifferent! Their dissatisfaction with Professor Quirrell had reached its peak.

In the school auditorium.

"Do you know what Professor Quirrell taught in class today?" Percy complained loudly to Penelope.

Penelope politely asked, "What did he teach?"

"He talked about magical creatures for a full two hours! It was so vivid, I could almost smell the stench!" Percy slumped down, resting his head on the long table, sighing sadly.

"I still have to take my O.W.Ls this year. At this rate, I might not even get 12 certificates," he lamented.

"Oh, my dear brother, why don't you go and consult the esteemed Professor Fawley?" George interjected dramatically as he popped up.

Percy waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. The whole grade wants Fawley to teach, but he never agrees."

Fred shook his head, looking a bit mischievous. "No, no, no, dear Percy. While the professor won't teach you, he might give you some personal guidance!"

Percy glanced at the staff table, where only Professor Fawley was absent.

"I wonder what the professor is busy with. He's hardly ever seen around, so when would he have time to guide me?"

During this time, Tver had been digesting the aftermath of the duel, studying Neville, and indulging in wizard's chess, so besides class time, he rarely appeared before the students.

George wore a smug smile. "Here's a hint for you. Between 9 to 10 pm, in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom on the first floor, you'll find the professor."

Penelope was puzzled. "Why?"

"As a reward, the professor gives private lessons to them at that time," Percy said enviously, "But isn't the professor busy then?"

The twins shook their heads in disappointment.

"The professor is playing wizard's chess and answering our questions at the same time."

"Now the professor's chess skills have skyrocketed, and we're completely outmatched."

"We can already sense the professor's dissatisfaction with us; his classes have become so casual."

"So, we need someone skilled at chess—"

"To play chess with the professor!"

The more they talked, the more excited George and Fred became, both placing their hands on Percy's shoulders. "This daunting mission is all yours, my dear brother!"

"Oh, come on, you just want to use me as a pawn, don't you?"

Despite saying so, Percy couldn't help but smile, his eyes brightening, a far cry from his previous despondency.

"By the way, isn't Ron better at chess? Why not ask him?"

"Once you fail to meet the professor's expectations, we'll kick you out and bring Ron in," George said matter-of-factly.

"Well, well, seems like you're using me as a tool for real!" Percy retorted.

...

At nine o'clock in the evening, Tver arrived promptly at the classroom. He had been spending an hour every day practicing wizard's chess, and his progress was remarkable.

Cedric, the strongest in the quartet, couldn't beat him anymore. So, feeling confident, he challenged McGonagall to a game, only to be defeated in a matter-of-fact manner.

However, it was a close match, not a devastating defeat, validating his skills.

"Oh, if I'm not mistaken, your name is Percy, right?" Tver exclaimed in surprise as he noticed the fifth person in the classroom.

"Yes, Professor Fawley," Percy introduced himself somewhat awkwardly. "I'm Percy Weasley, George and Fred's brother, and also the Gryffindor prefect."

His smile was a bit awkward; he had questioned Professor Fawley's abilities during the duel, but now he admired him greatly.

"Why bother introducing yourself as a prefect?" George scoffed, stepping forward to inform Tver about Percy's desire for guidance.

Tver's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Ron's skill level was undoubtedly higher than that of a chessboard, but the gap was too large for him to learn much. On the other hand, defeating Percy first and then seeking Ron's guidance would be more reasonable.

"If the professor doesn't approve, we can find another sparring partner for you," Fred added.

Tver set up the chessboard on the desk and patted the seat beside him.

"No need for that yet. Percy, come over here, and let's play a game of chess first."

Percy immediately came overjoyedly, and sat down cautiously, and the other four gathered around Tver with their notebooks in hand.

As usual during their private lessons, Tver spoke while playing chess, and they stood by listening attentively, occasionally taking notes.

The only one feeling uncomfortable was Cedric, who had to focus on the chessboard while also trying to understand the professor's lecture. He couldn't even take notes!

So, their request for an outsider to join them was largely due to Cedric's strong demand for it.

After setting up the pieces, Tver, as always, played as White.

"Pawn to A3. O.W.Ls exams are divided into theory and practical parts. Percy, what preparations have you made?" he casually asked after Percy's move.

Percy took a moment to respond. "I've memorized all the theoretical parts of the exam, but I lack practical experience and worry about panicking during the test."

Tver nodded casually.

Indeed, Percy was a top student, fond of rote memorization.

"You're doing well. The theoretical aspects of Defence Against the Dark Arts are often overlooked, and many people with less than ideal grades stumble in this area."

He glanced at Cedric and the others frantically taking notes nearby.

"This is why you have exams in class, especially you two Weasleys. You focus too much on practical skills. If you fail the theoretical exam at the end of the school year, I'll make you write a summer paper."

George and Fred shivered at the thought, hastily nodding in agreement.

Tver then turned his attention back to Percy.

"As for your practical skills, I recommend a special method."

This time, not only Percy but even Cedric and the others stopped writing, listening intently.

"Disassemble the magic."

Tver took out his wand, and uttered "Lumos," but didn't wave the wand until after he finished speaking. Finally, a distinct magical aura emerged from the tip of his wand.

"Break down a spell into three steps: the incantation, the gesture, and the release of magic. Dive deep into studying and understanding each step thoroughly before moving on to the next spell."

Percy nodded thoughtfully, but Cedric and the others couldn't quite grasp the concept.

An incantation was just an incantation to them; what was the point of studying and understanding it?

Tver didn't elaborate further. This wasn't something they would encounter until the sixth year, if at all - the concept of total integration of magic.

This was another way of implementing silent casting, a more difficult and powerful form of it. Once one reached this level, casting magic would be like second nature; he wouldn't have to worry about miscasting spells or mishandling the ones he've learned.