(41) Wingardium Leviosa

As time went by, Ian gradually adapted to life at Hogwarts.

Every day, he attended classes, practiced magic, occasionally flirted with the little witches, and sometimes visited the kitchen to ask the house-elves for snacks.

His life was leisurely and comfortable.

"Children, today we are going to learn the Levitation Charm," Professor Flitwick announced, standing on a special stool to address the class.

"As wizards, one of the basic skills is levitation, which allows us to make objects fly," he said, his high-pitched voice echoing through the classroom. "Does everyone have their feather?"

As soon as Professor Flitwick finished speaking, Hermione eagerly raised her feather.

"Very good," Professor Flitwick said with a smile. "When you cast the spell, remember the importance of wrist movement."

"Swish and flick," Professor Flitwick instructed, rolling up his long silver cuffs to reveal slender arms. He picked up his wand, waved it lightly, and a book suddenly floated up from the corner of the classroom.

Ian, initially distracted, was immediately captivated when he saw this demonstration.

Silent casting! Ian's eyes lit up. Should I ask Professor Flitwick, a master of charms, to teach me? If I could master silent casting—or even wandless magic—it would be incredible!

"Everyone, remember the incantation: Wingardium Leviosa," Professor Flitwick said softly. The book gracefully floated through the air before landing gently on the podium.

"Now, it's your turn," he instructed. "Use your wand to cast the spell on the feather and try to make it float. This spell is very practical, so I hope all of you can master it."

Ian picked up his wand and waved it at the feather in front of him. "Wingardium Leviosa!"

The feather, under Ian's control, floated toward Hermione on his right. It twirled a few times in front of her, as if teasing her.

"Ian!" Hermione exclaimed, glaring at him with a flushed face. It was unclear whether she was angry at his display of spell proficiency or embarrassed by his playful gesture.

Ian chuckled and turned his attention to Miss Vole on his left, sending the feather to float around her in a similar fashion.

Miss Vole raised her chin slightly, appearing quite pleased with Ian's "performance."

"Hmph! Childish," Cassandra said, reaching out to pinch the feather. However, she couldn't help the slight curve of her lips. "I'm confiscating this tool of mischief."

Ian glanced at Hermione, who was practicing her spells with full concentration. Just as he was about to throw a few more witty remarks Cassandra's way, Professor Flitwick's enthusiastic voice echoed from the podium.

"Very good! It seems that Mr. Potter has successfully mastered the Levitation Charm and is already quite skilled with it." Professor Flitwick looked at Ian as though he were examining a prized gem. "Slytherin, ten points!"

Although he already knew Ian was gifted—especially after hearing how the boy had used the Levitation Charm to save Longbottom's toad—Professor Flitwick couldn't help but marvel each time he saw Ian's mastery of spells.

This isn't a typical first-year wizard! Professor Flitwick thought to himself. Why isn't such an excellent student in Ravenclaw?

Hearing Professor Flitwick's praise, the other students in the classroom turned to Ian, their gazes filled with envy.

Ian, who had grown accustomed to receiving compliments from professors, put on his signature charming smile. "Thank you for your kind words, Professor."

Leaving a good impression on the professors and building his reputation at Hogwarts was one of Ian's key goals, after all.

Professor Flitwick nodded in satisfaction. Ian was so exceptional that he could hardly find any faults with him.

"Wingardium Leviosa," Hermione and Cassandra recited one after another. The feathers in front of them floated gracefully into the air.

"It seems our little witches are determined not to be outdone!" Professor Flitwick said with a smile. "Gryffindor, five points. Slytherin, five points."

The two witches beamed at the recognition, especially Cassandra, who tilted her chin even higher.

"Well done," Ian said to Cassandra with a teasing smile. "It seems our esteemed young lady is quite capable!"

"Of course!" Cassandra replied proudly, puffing herself up. "I'm a genius!"

"Indeed, you are a genius," Ian said with a playful gesture, "but just a little less so than me."

"Potter!" Cassandra's eyes widened in mock outrage, though she had to admit—reluctantly—that Ian was indeed more talented than her.

"Humph!" Cassandra huffed, turning her head away from Ian, her annoyance only half-serious.

Across the room, a commotion caught Ian's attention.

"Come on! It's leviOsa, not levioSA! You're pronouncing it wrong!" Hermione exclaimed, her tone sharp.

"And you're the smartest, aren't you? Miss Know-it-all!" Ron shot back, equally annoyed.

Ian listened to the noise, turned his head, and saw Hermione and Ron quarreling.

"Hey! Ron! Don't talk to Hermione like that," Harry interjected quickly.

Harry had noticed the dangerous glint that appeared for a flick of a second in his brother Ian's eyes. If he didn't step in, he thought Ian would storm over and give Ron a piece of his mind—possibly with his fists.

During his time at Hogwarts, Harry had come to understand his twin brother's personality quite well.

Although Ian often smiled and appeared approachable, Harry knew that peace was contingent upon one thing: not provoking him.

And "someone upsetting his childhood friend" definitely fell under Ian's definition of provocation.

"Stop arguing, Ron," Harry said urgently, covering Ron's mouth before Ian could get angry. Turning to Hermione, he added, "Hermione, you're brilliant—absolutely amazing!"

Hermione's expression softened at Harry's earnest praise.

Ian shot Ron a long, pointed look that practically screamed, You'd better not upset Hermione again, kid.

Though Ian valued maintaining his "friendly savior" image, he wouldn't hesitate to wield his wand if someone crossed the line. And teaching respect to those who lacked it was, in his eyes, perfectly justifiable.

He suspected that even Dumbledore would excuse his actions if it was in defense of someone he cared about.

Ron visibly shivered under Ian's gaze and quickly clamped his mouth shut. Coupled with Harry's earlier warning, Ron decided it was best to keep quiet.

Ian, satisfied with Ron's sudden understanding, turned his attention to Hermione. His expression softened as he said warmly, "Our Hermione is the smartest little witch I've ever met."

Hermione immediately flushed at the praise, her cheeks turning pink. She murmured shyly, "Ian..."

Meanwhile, Cassandra watched the scene with growing displeasure.

The smartest witch? The smartest he's ever seen? Really? Ha! Potter has no taste whatsoever!

"Ahem!" Cassandra couldn't bear to watch Ian and Hermione "flirting" so openly any longer. She cleared her throat loudly, forcing herself into the conversation.

Ian tilted his head toward her, looking amused. "What's the matter, Miss?"

"Humph!" Cassandra huffed, turning away with a pout. "Stupid Potter!"

"Why did you call me Potter again?" Ian asked, scratching his head in confusion. Though outwardly puzzled, he knew exactly what this was about—the jealous Miss Vole was making her feelings known.

As someone who prided himself on maintaining balance, Ian felt genuinely torn. He couldn't just ignore his childhood sweetheart, his "genuine girlfriend," in favor of his new interest, could he?

Yet, Cassandra didn't seem inclined to show much generosity when it came to Hermione. Couldn't she see there was no real harm in a little playful "flirting"?

But alas, Ian Potter—destined to be a romantic man—had his work cut out for him.

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