C20 Classes

Magic Theory of Classroom | 2nd September 1985

All the students listened attentively while their Professor explained Charms to them. Magic theory wasn't about how magic worked. If it was, it would be too complicated for children to learn, and also even wizards done with their mastery couldn't comprehend the theory of magic.

Another reason as to why 'Magic Theory' itself isn't taught was that a lot of wizards raised innumerable hypotheses, but none of them were proven. It is in fact impossible to prove how magic works, since they would need magic to be a tangible object. Since none of the hypotheses were proved, the question of which hypothesis to teach the children would naturally arise.

Also, the Academy did not want the children to be churned out like goods from a factory, with an intangible view of magic; they wanted their students to understand magic itself on their own. So in the magic theory classes, they had basic theory from all the various subjects they would do in the future, including transfigurations, charms, healing, potions, herbology and alchemy.

None of the lessons they would have for the next three years would be practical, but it would provide a solid foundation for the students and they would be able to spend more time with the wand in their later years.

"Charms are spells that alter an object without changing its essential nature. I can make this desk dance, and that would be charms."

Professor Papillon tapped his desk. Once he tapped it, the desk started dancing wildly. He tapped it again and it stopped, standing still. Charlus observed that while the desk was moving wildly, the objects on the desk were stuck to the desk and did not fall off. He decided he would ask the professor later.

The professor continued, "If I turn this umbrella into a pig, that is not charms. That is transfiguration, which we will learn a few classes later."

The professor pointed to the umbrella on his desk and said, "Vera Verto."

The whole class started cheering as they saw the umbrella transform into a pig. The whole class was full of laughter and excitement because they would be able to do it in the future. The only person who had no such emotion in his face was Charlus.

When Charlus saw the pig, he didn't see a pig like the other students. He only saw a doll shaped like a pic that was moving. He didn't think of it as a real pig. When he saw the pig, he had an emptiness in his heart, as he only saw that the pig was simply a shell, and wasn't really alive.

The class continued till 10:30. Once the bell rang, the professor said, "I am known to be lenient when it comes to homework. Today, you will not receive any homework as this is your first day here. But do not think that you will not get homework in the future. Homework is an important part of learning and I expect everyone to do it once I start giving it.

Everyone started leaving but only Charlus remained.

"Any questions young man?" Professor Papillion asked Charlus.

"Yes Professor Papillon. You said that some of us are groomed to hate you. What does that mean?"

"Well you see Charlus, I am a vampire. Since I am not completely human, some pure-blooded families despise me."

Charlus didn't understand the concept of prejudice as he was just an 8-year-old. He went on to his next question.

"Professor, when you made the table dance, why didn't the objects on your table fall off?"

The professor laughed and said, "That's a very nice question boy. You are very good at observing. I applied a sticking charm on all my objects before hand itself. That's why none of them fell off. You will learn sticking charms in your 4th year."

Charlus understood what his professor did. Then he asked his last question. His tone became a little high and he asked quietly, "Professor, when you made the umbrella into a pig, why did the pig seem as though it was a dead thing?"

The professor stopped laughing immediately and his face became serious.

"Move on people! Nothing more to watch here! Show's over." He waved his wand and the people outside the building were unable to see what was happening inside.

He looked at Charlus and said, "How do you know that the pig is dead boy?"

Charlus timidly replied, "I just know sir. I looked at the pig and it didn't seem like it was alive. It felt like it was a doll that you made move like you made the table move."

Professor Papillon said, "You see Charlus, even wizards have limitations. No one till now were able to create life itself. It is one of the unsolved problems till now in magical history. So instead of creating life, we try our best to imitate life. This is why the pig I made was not alive, but it seemed alive. Did you understand?"

Charlus nodded his head.

"Do not ask this question to anyone. Do not tell anyone that you could see the pig was dead Charlus. Ok?"

Professor Papillon was worried that if Charlus' unnatural ability came to light, he would be kidnapped and then experimented on.

When Charlus nodded again, he said, "Ok now. Move on. It's time for your next class."

After Charlus went outside, Professor Papillon went outside and found a single person outside.

"So you were the only one who stayed?"

"Yes sir," the person replied.

"If a single word of this incident comes out, I will personally be after you."

"Yes sir." Saying this, the person left.