Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Lupin's First Lesson
After observing the spell demonstrations by Wentworth and Cedric, Lupin paused for a moment and then remarked:
"Have Hogwarts students already reached this level? Honestly, it's a bit embarrassing to admit, but you're both far more skilled than I was at your age. Perhaps that's why Headmaster Dumbledore wanted me to give you some extra tutoring."
With a self-deprecating smile, Lupin then asked, "Alright, lads, what would you like to learn?"
Hearing Lupin's question, Wentworth and Cedric exchanged a glance. Cedric shrugged casually, signaling for Wentworth to respond.
Cedric, harboring doubts about the werewolf before them, had primarily come along to keep his good friend Wentworth company. He was not comfortable leaving Wentworth alone with a werewolf. As such, Cedric didn't particularly care what they learned today.
Noticing that both Cedric and Lupin were looking at him, Wentworth hesitated no longer and said:
"Professor Lupin, I'd like to know how one goes about inventing a spell."
This question had long intrigued Wentworth. To him, magic was almost mystifyingly idealistic compared to the pragmatic education he'd received before crossing into this world.
The desire to invent spells stemmed from his belief that teaching someone how to create was far superior to simply teaching them what to use. While it seemed impractical, Wentworth believed it wasn't entirely out of reach.
After all, if Snape could invent powerful spells as a student, why couldn't he?
But when Lupin heard the question, he froze for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter.
Baffled by the response, Wentworth asked, "Did I say something wrong, Professor Lupin?"
Lupin waved his hand, still smiling. "Not at all, Wentworth. Your ambition is commendable. It's just that inventing spells isn't as simple as you might think."
Lupin's smile faded, his gaze sharpening as he looked directly at Wentworth. The intensity in his eyes made Cedric instinctively step forward, gripping his wand tightly.
But then Lupin said in a serious tone:
"Remember this, Wentworth: until you've mastered enough knowledge and possess sufficient magical power, never attempt to invent a spell on your own.
"Spell invention isn't like cooking, where you can simply discard a bad dish. If something goes wrong with a spell, you might not get a second chance. Do you understand?"
Hearing Lupin's solemn warning, Wentworth broke out in a cold sweat and nodded repeatedly.
He had nearly forgotten that in the original story, many characters had lost their lives due to spell-related accidents. For him, a mere first-year at Hogwarts, to aspire to venture into such perilous territory was akin to, as the saying went, a dung beetle lighting a lamp—seeking death.
Still, Wentworth couldn't help but ask, "Then, Professor Lupin, what kind of wizard would be qualified to invent spells?"
Lupin considered the question for a moment before replying:
"I recall that Hogwarts offers an elective course in third year called Ancient Runes. I believe that mastering at least part of that subject is a prerequisite for delving into spell invention."
Wentworth made a mental note of this, resolving to choose Ancient Runes when he reached third year.
Curious, he asked again, "Professor Lupin, have you ever tried inventing a spell?"
Lupin smiled faintly, his gaze growing distant as if recalling a long-past memory. "Of course. Few wizards can resist the allure of creating a new spell. I had similar thoughts when I was around your age, especially when someone close to me succeeded."
"I knew a wizard—someone in my year. Though we never got along, I have to admit he was extraordinarily gifted. That person invented the Levicorpus spell you demonstrated earlier."
Cedric was astonished. "Someone in your year? Are you saying that wizard invented Levicorpus while still a student at Hogwarts? That's incredible!"
Although Lupin didn't name names, Wentworth knew he was referring to Professor Snape.
Shaking off the nostalgia, Lupin clapped his hands. "Enough about the past. Let's focus on the present. Since neither of you has a specific spell in mind to learn, how about I choose for you?"
Wentworth and Cedric readily agreed, and Lupin nodded in satisfaction.
"Very well. Today, I'll teach you your first spell—a simple yet highly practical one: Finite Incantatem. It's a spell to cancel other spells. While straightforward, it can be invaluable in the right situations."
Lupin paused, then added, "Of course, its effectiveness depends on the difference in power between the caster and their opponent. If the gap is too great, even Finite won't work."
Wentworth raised his hand, and with Lupin's permission, he asked, "Professor, why does the same spell vary in power depending on who casts it? Is it solely a matter of magical strength?"
Lupin blinked, then joked, "Wentworth, are you sure you're a Hufflepuff? You might belong in Ravenclaw!"
The three of them laughed, but after the laughter subsided, Lupin explained:
"Magical strength determines a spell's minimum potential. For example, Cedric possesses far more magic than most wizards his age, so his minimum output is naturally higher."
"But even with equal magical strength, a spell's effectiveness can vary. The key lies in the strength of one's soul. In your case, Wentworth, I sense that your soul's strength is at least double that of your peers. It's almost as if two souls reside within you."
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