Chapter Six: Wands and Words
Harry arrived early to Charms class, keen to avoid the awkward scramble for seats that usually accompanied the first week of lessons. The classroom was compact, lined with high windows that poured morning light across neat rows of desks. The air carried a faint scent of old parchment and beeswax polish.
Unsurprisingly, Hermione was already there, seated at a front-row desk. Her wand rested parallel to a blank sheet of parchment, and her ink bottle and quill were aligned with the kind of precision that spoke volumes.
Harry approached with a small smile.
"Mind if I join you?"
Hermione looked up, eyes momentarily flicking to his scar before settling on his face.
"Oh- Harry," she said, her tone softening. "Of course not."
He slid into the seat beside her, placing his wand down gently. "I didn't see you at breakfast," he said, unpacking his things. "Everything alright?"
"I was writing a letter to my parents," she replied, a little defensively. "They're Muggles, so I thought I'd let them know what the castle's like and what House I'm in. I think Mum's worried I'll fall into a cauldron."
Harry chuckled. "That sounds like something my aunt might worry about. Probably not for the same reasons, though."
Hermione tilted her head, curious but cautious. "You're not close?"
"Not exactly." He met her gaze without flinching. "It's… complicated."
She gave a small nod, clearly sensing boundaries and respecting them. Then, after a pause, "Well, I'm glad you're here. I mean, not just sitting here. At Hogwarts."
Harry smiled at that. "I'm glad you're here too."
Before either of them could say more, the door creaked open, and in walked Professor Fliwick.
"Good morning class!" he chirped, climbing a small step-stool behind his lectern.
"Welcome to your very first Charms class! I am Professor Flitwick, your instructor, and as some of the older students may whisper, a former Duelling Champion in my youth!" His eyes twinkled. "But don't let that frighten you."
Laughter rippled through the room. Harry watched as Flitwick's presence filled the space, not with volume, but with enthusiasm. The man radiated knowledge and warmth.
"Our first lesson will be on the Levitation Charm: Wingardium Leviosa. A practical spell, and one that requires finesse rather than force."
The class leaned forward with collective interest.
"Don't be disheartened if you can't lift those feathers in front of you today, this is a trial run of starting with the practical side rather than the theory. With my other first year class we'll be spending a while working through the theory behind the spell first". Fliwick looked around the room curiously. "But with you, we'll jump in at the deep end, so to say, and try the spell before the theory".
Flitwick demonstrated the wand movement with theatrical flair: a smooth swish and a sharp flick. The feather on his desk floated several feet into the air before gliding down like a drifting snowflake.
"Now then," he said, "pair off and try it yourselves! Wands at the ready!"
Harry turned to Hermione, who was already setting her parchment aside with focused determination.
"Shall we?"
She nodded, brows furrowed. "I've been reading about wand movements. The flick is harder than it looks."
Harry gave a lopsided grin. "I've had some practice. Want a few tips?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, not unkindly.
"Practice? You've only been here a day."
"Let's just say I'm very motivated."
He kept his tone light, but there was weight behind his words, and Hermione, sharp as ever, didn't miss it. She didn't press, but her posture relaxed slightly. She was intrigued.
They practiced for several minutes.
Hermione's first few attempts were competent but jerky. Harry watched carefully, then gently reached out to correct her wrist position.
"Here. A little looser. Let your arm guide the flick, not just your hand."
She adjusted, tried again, and the feather gave a slight wiggle before lifting an inch off the desk.
"I did it!" she gasped, beaming. "That was it!"
Harry chuckled. "Told you."
Then he raised his own wand and performed the charm with casual ease. His feather soared several feet and hovered in the air.
A few nearby students turned to watch. Hermione blinked.
"That was... very good."
He offered a small shrug. "I had a good teacher."
She glanced at him sideways. "Who?"
Harry hesitated, then simply said, "Someone I trusted."
Their eyes met again, and something passed between them; curiosity, a flicker of mutual understanding, and perhaps the cautious beginning of trust.
Professor Flitwick made his rounds, offering praise and pointers, but when he reached Harry and Hermione's table, he beamed.
"Excellent wandwork, both of you. Mr. Potter, precise control for a first year. And Miss Granger, quite the quick learner."
Hermione flushed with pride. Harry gave a modest nod.
The lesson passed quickly, and as the students began packing up, Hermione lingered just long enough for Harry to match her pace as they left the classroom.
"Thanks for your help," she said, after a few steps. "Most people probably wouldn't offer."
"I like helping people" Harry replied. "And anyway, I've got a feeling we'll make a good team."
Hermione looked at him, her eyes searching his face. Then, with a small smile: "We'll see."
They walked down the corridor side by side, the hum of magic still lingering on their fingertips.