After Defense Against the Dark Arts, Devon, Hugo, Stephanie, Samantha, and Lily headed to Charms class.
Along with Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms was the other single house class.
While Lily was grateful for the opportunities for more interhouse interaction that were going to be provided this year, she was also glad that the two single house classes were her first two classes as she liked the idea of easing into third year with her classmates from her own house first.
When Devon, Hugo, Stephanie, Samantha, and Lily entered their Charms classroom and took their usual seats, they saw Professor Flitwick sitting at his desk with a very serious expression on his face. For reasons unknown to them, a paper airplane was sitting on Professor Flitwick's desk.
"Rather a Charms lesson, " said Professor Flitwick in a businesslike voice, "I have an announcement."
"It is time, " announced Professor Flitwick, "For the New Era of Hogwarts to take another step into its new generation. Effective immediately, I am retiring. "
Devon, Hugo, Stephanie, Samantha, and Lily all sat still and looked into Flitwick's eyes with looks of surprise in their own eyes.
"I am old now, " said Professor Flitwick, "I'm not the same wizard I once was."
"I understand, " said Samantha sympathetically, "Time is like a predator that stalks us all our lives."
"All too true, " agreed Lily sadly, "Father time is undefeated."
"But," said Hugo uncertainly, "You still seemed to be a great teacher these past two years you've taught us."
"I can still do the job, " said Professor Flitwick wearily, "But, I started to notice these past three years, especially last year, that in my older age my busy teaching schedule was taking more of a toll on me than in the past. I've felt thin and stretched."
"Did you consider?" asked Devon curiously, "Simply working a reduced schedule such as teaching only first and second year Charms?"
"No, " said Professor Flitwick, "Either I'm all in or I'm not in at all. If I can't trust myself to handle the full workload, then how can I be sure of how much I can handle."
"I respect that, " said Stephanie supportively.
"It's better for me to retire and enjoy a relaxing time in latter part of my life, just as McGonagall is now doing, " said Professor Flitwick peacefully.
Lily stood up and said fiercely, "Professor Flitwick, thank you for the wonderful work you did in teaching Devon, Hugo, Stephanie, Samantha, Ainsley and me first and second year Charms. You set us all up to succeed with your impeccable knowledge of Charms, practical teaching style, and balance of respecting what we could handle while keeping your lessons age appropriate. Countless witches and wizards over many generations have benefitted from the teachings of Professor Flitwick. Congratulations on a long and successful career as Hogwarts Charms teacher and as Head of Ravenclaw House."
"The very reason I am retiring is because I believe my weariness is on the verge of having a negative effect on my teaching quality, especially for older students, " said Professor Flitwick bluntly, "As I believe I can no longer what you just described, it's time to hand the reins to a young and fresh voice."
"Before you go, " smiled Lily, "Let me give you a parting gift."
Next nanosecond, Lily retrieved her wand from her right hand pocket with her right hand and raised it.
"Flowericus!" cried Lily.
Instantly, a bouquet of beautiful lilies shot out of Lily's wand and Lily walked up to Professor Flitwick and presented him with the lilies.
"Oh, thank you, Miss Potter, " said Professor Flitwick emotionally, "But I think it is time for you to meet your new Charms professor."
Professor Flitwick picked the paper airplane up off of his desk with his right hand and threw it.
A few minutes later, in walked their new Charms teacher, Parvati Patil.
"Parvati?" said Lily in surprise.
"Yes, " explained Parvati, "I am taking over for Professor Flitwick and am now Professor Patil. The first few years Pamela was away at Hogwarts I found my life living alone while Pamela was at Hogwarts to be quite peaceful. Last year, however, I found myself increasingly bored during the Hogwarts school year. When Professor Flitwick informed Professor Kirke of his intent to retire, Professor Kirke, who was caught off guard by Professor Flitwick's decision to retire, offered me the job without any idea whether I'd accept it. The reality of the matter is that this job opportunity is coming at the perfect time for me to take it. "
"Congratulations, Professor Patil!" piped up Lily glowingly, "I know you'll do a great job of carrying on Professor Flitwick's Charms legacy."
"Congratulations, Professor Patil!" chorused Devon, Hugo, Flitwick, Stephanie, Samantha, and Lily.
Professor Patil now went up and sat at what had been Professor Flitwick's desk as Professor Flitwick himself walked out of the room peacefully carrying the lilies that Lily had gifted him.
The transition was official.
