Albus Dumbledore was the oddest little fellow Professor McCullens had ever instructed. Auburn-haired with large blue eyes, he wanted to learn everything. McCullens marvelled that he was not a Ravenclaw--he must have had incredible bravery lurking somewhere inside him to merit entrance into Gryffindor. He was inquisitive, loyal, happy...but also extremely strange. McCullens chuckled as he read over the essay one more time.
Albus Dumbledore
Charms, 2nd year
3 April 1856
Cheering Charms--An Analysis
Cheering Charms are regarded as the most simple way to change a bad mood into a good one. When used correctly, they make the wizard or witch on the receiving end very happy and optimistic. (I assume they also work on Muggles, too, but I've never actually had experience with that.) However, if the incantation is said incorrectly, it can actually make the receiver more grouchy (just look what happened to old Thomas Krage in Ravenclaw! Six days before he stopped cursing first years). Also, if the person casting puts too much power into the spell, it can induce hysterical laughter (sorry about that, Professor Ivory). There is no counter spell for the Cheering Charm, so all effects, negative or positive, must wear off on their own.
Cheering Charms are an utterly wasteful use of magic. If a wizard needs these charms to be happy, he obviously isn't focusing on the right aspects of life. Muggles get along perfectly well without them--instead, they focus on family, friends, music, love, kindness, and, most importantly, socks. Big, fluffy, warm socks are all it takes to bring a smile to someone's face. Nothing says love like woolly socks. (Can you imagine if someone gave socks to the Slytherins? Farewell, inter-House rivalry!)
McCullens shook his head and began editing the essay in red ink. At the top, he wrote a large E+. He could hardly wait for the essay on the Summoning Charm.