Day 13- Spell Casting

"Dad?" Harry called out as he opened the door to Severus and his quarters late one evening. He held his Charms book up in front of his face and didn't see Severus sitting in his usual spot by the fireplace.

"Don't shout," Severus said calmly from behind his copy of The Daily Prophet.

Harry put the book down. "Oh, sorry. I can't get the hang of this spell. Can you help me?"

"Which one?"

"Summoning charm. And before you say anything, yes, I know it's a fourth-year spell."

Severus raised an eyebrow and put down his paper. A few seconds later, Harry's book flew from his hand and landed neatly in Severus's.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, that was very helpful. Thank you. Now could you do it again for those of us who don't know wandless or nonverbal magic?"

Severus smirked. "No need to be so testy, Harry." He stood up and then waved his wand, causing all of their furniture to back against the walls, except for the end table that sat between the two armchairs. That moved to the middle of the opposite side of the living room and on it sat the Charms book.

"Alright," Severus said, "that should do." He turned to Harry. "Now, the most important thing is to picture the thing clearly in your mind. Imagine it coming to you. Then, as always, enunciate properly."

Severus raised his wand and pointed it at the book. "Accio, book." Again, it flew directly into his hands. "There's no certain wand movement that you need to do, just aim and call for the object."

Harry nodded and when Severus sent the book back to the table, he raised his own wand towards it. "Accio, book."

The book seemed to hover an inch or so off the table but then fell back down with a soft thump.

"Good," Severus said with a nod. "Try again, but focus harder. Keep thinking about it."

It took several more tries before Harry successfully brought the book all the way across the room to him, but when he did, he couldn't contain his excitement.

"Did you see that?!" he exclaimed, smiling brightly.

"I did. Very well done, Harry!" Severus praised as he put his hand on Harry's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm quite proud of you, Son."

"Thanks, Dad. Can I practice some more?"

Severus nodded. "If you want. Though only for a little while longer. You have classes tomorrow and you need to get to bed soon."

Harry groaned but didn't argue.

Severus moved his chair away from the wall and took a seat as he continued to watch Harry practice. Before long, the boy was causing all sorts of things to zoom around the living room. Severus just hoped he realized that he was going to be in charge of making sure everything was put back in its proper place.