Chapter 78: Non-verbal Spells
Non-verbal spellcasting was typically introduced in the sixth year at Hogwarts. Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, and Transfiguration all eventually required students to master it. Logically, most adult witches and wizards in Britain should have been proficient. However, as sixth and seventh-year courses were electives, it was possible some wizards never chose these subjects, leading to a wide variation in skill levels.
"So," Professor Flitwick squeaked, perched atop his stack of books in the hidden classroom that afternoon, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and delight, "you wish to learn non-verbal spellcasting?"
"Yes, Professor," Sean confirmed with a nod.
"Well then, let me see your Levitation Charm," Professor Flitwick instructed, gesturing towards one of the heavy wooden chairs. Before the professor had even finished speaking, Sean focused his intent, and the chair lifted smoothly into the air, spinning slowly.
"Truly astonishing progress!" Flitwick exclaimed, clapping his tiny hands together. "Now, Mr. Green, tell me, what are the advantages of non-verbal spells? And the disadvantages?"
"Your opponent doesn't know what spell you're about to cast, giving you a split-second advantage," Sean answered promptly, recalling the text. He then added his own thought, "Of course, without the vocalisation to reinforce intent and channel emotion, the spell's power might be slightly diminished."
The first part was directly from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6; the second was his own deduction based on observation and theory. He remembered Hermione being hit by Dolohov's non-verbal curse in the Department of Mysteries; it had been explicitly stated that the curse would have caused far more damage if spoken aloud.
"An excellent summation!" Professor Flitwick beamed, his surprise deepening into genuine excitement. "When a wizard matures sufficiently to hold the precise intent of a spell clearly and firmly in their mind without vocalisation, they are ready for non-verbal casting. Clearly, Mr. Green, it is time for you to ascend to the next level."
As he spoke, the professor waved his wand. Not only the chair but also various inkwells, books, and even a squirrel that had just scampered in through the window began to float and dance around the room in a whimsical display of magical mastery.
"The key to non-verbal casting is extreme concentration," Flitwick explained. "When wizards are accustomed to speaking incantations, they often do so subconsciously, causing the non-verbal attempt to fail. You must hold the incantation firmly within your mind… Go on, give it a try, Mr. Green."
Sean's Quick-Quotes Quill scribbled furiously beside him – the convenience of magic allowed him to learn and take notes simultaneously. Professor Flitwick watched patiently, radiating encouragement even as Sean failed his first three attempts.
It was frustratingly difficult. For a wizard accustomed to speaking spells aloud, attempting non-verbal casting felt unnatural. There was a strong, physical urge to say the word, an impulse that required significant willpower to suppress. Resisting it often led to tensed lips or silent mouthing, which itself was a distraction, like trying desperately not to sneeze.
But under Flitwick's gentle guidance, Sean gradually adapted. When he finally managed to cast a weak Levitation Charm without making a sound, Flitwick cheered.
"Rapid progress indeed! Now for the next step – maintaining focus on both the incantation and the required emotion simultaneously! It demands immense concentration and willpower to hold the spell's intent purely in your mind… a considerable challenge…"
Emotion, willpower, and the precise incantation? Sean focused. He recalled the feeling of release, of breaking free from gravity.
He raised his wand—
[You have practiced the Levitation Charm non-verbally to the Expert standard. Proficiency +50]
"MERLIN'S BEARD!!!"
October arrived, bringing with it a damp chill that seeped into the castle grounds and permeated the very stones of Hogwarts. Rain lashed against the windows in bullet-sized drops, drumming relentlessly for days on end. The lake swelled, the flowerbeds turned to mud, and Hagrid's pumpkins swelled to the size of small garden sheds.
Perhaps it was the intense mental strain of practicing non-verbal spells, perhaps it was the relentless, exhausting pace of Snape's Potion "tutelage," or perhaps it was simply the pervasive damp and cold – whatever the reason, just as he mastered the non-verbal Levitation Charm, Sean caught a nasty cold.
His breathing grew heavy, his cheeks flushed with fever. A persistent dizziness blurred his vision, making it difficult at times to distinguish between Hermione and Professor McGonagall – a confusion exacerbated by the fact that McGonagall had been giving him extra Transfiguration lessons in her office yesterday, while Hermione had been patiently drilling Justin on Charms techniques in the corridor just outside. Michael had even snapped a photograph, pointing out the uncanny resemblance between Hermione's stern, instructional pose and their Head of House's.
"No Transfiguration practice today, child," Professor McGonagall said gently, placing a cool hand on Sean's forehead. It felt alarmingly hot. "Go to the Great Hall and have some pumpkin juice."
Sean numbly allowed himself to be guided to the Great Hall. Sitting dazedly at the Ravenclaw table, he managed to check his progress. He had successfully cast the non-verbal Levitation Charm this morning – Wednesday. Now he just needed to learn the Smokescreen Spell and the Knockback Jinx to secure the scholarship. Professor Flitwick was eager to teach him, but could he even muster the magic in his current state?
His feverish thoughts drifted to Madam Pomfrey, the school matron, renowned for her ability to mend bones in seconds ("Not a difficult job," Ginny Weasley had once remarked after a Quidditch injury healed in the blink of an eye), re-grow entire sets of bones (as Harry could attest after Lockhart's disastrous attempt at mending his arm), and instantly stitch up skull fractures. Her track record was impeccable; she was practically a miracle worker.
As Justin hovered anxiously beside him, Sean managed to rasp out a few words: "Hospital wing."
Justin, jolted from his worried stupor, immediately understood and helped Sean to his feet. Just as they were leaving, Professor McGonagall swept past them, heading purposefully out of the Great Hall.
Hogwarts was well-prepared for common ailments like colds, possessing a range of effective remedies. The most potent, however, were those brewed personally by the Head of Slytherin House.
At the end of a long corridor, McGonagall intercepted Snape. "Severus, I require a dose of Pepperup Potion."
Snape paused, regarding her silently for a moment before replying in his iciest tone, "Professor McGonagall… Correct me if I am mistaken, but tending to students' minor ailments falls under my purview, does it not?"
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