Chapter 54: Clear Water Like a Spring

The Cerberus incident was like a minor interlude, failing to cause much of a ripple in Sheen's life at Hogwarts.

Instead, Professor Flitwick's notes provided Sheen with immense help. Although the content within remained somewhat vague, knowledge always left traces within that vagueness.

【Regarding the wand movement for the Aguamenti spell, it is typically described as a "diagonal upward arc."

Miranda Goshawk, in *Standard Spells, Grade 1*, metaphors it as "the arc of water flowing from a fountain statue," which is vivid and intuitive, making it suitable for beginners to establish a mental image.

However, in her later work, *The Book of Spells*, this description was revised to "the exquisite arc produced by natural water striking stone."

Regrettably, I have never heard Ms. Goshawk publicly explain the specific reasons for her revision.

But in terms of actual spellcasting effects, the latter movement indeed brings more fluid magical guidance and more stable results—a point that has been verified multiple times in my teaching practice.

Therefore, we might speculate that this change was not an arbitrary act, but was based on a deeper understanding of the charm.】

"I think I understand—"

The lethargic atmosphere of a Saturday at Hogwarts did not permeate this classroom guarded by owls.

Early in the morning, one could see two small heads huddled together, engaged in deep study over books spread across the table.

In the corner of the books, the wisps of steam from three cups of honey lemon tea intertwined, blurring two serious faces.

"Want to try?"

Sheen, having stared at that description for a long time, spoke to the little witch beside him.

"Of course—Agua—men—ti!"

Hermione waved her wand confidently, the tip tracing a natural arc.

A thin stream of water surged from the tip of Hermione's wand, finally landing on the floor with a "splat."

"It needs to be higher, more energetic... oh, what am I even saying..."

Hermione tried to articulate her feelings, only to find her words as vague as those in the book.

She let out a soft sigh and could only turn her gaze toward Sheen, hoping he might understand.

"A larger arc, and a faster wand movement, right?"

Sheen first used the Scouring Charm to sweep away the water, then described it in detail, making Hermione's eyes brighten more and more.

"Agua—men—ti!"

【You have practiced the Aguamenti spell once at the Apprentice standard, Proficiency +1】

【Aguamenti: Unlocked (27/30)】

【Accio: Unlocked (1/30)】

【Wingardium Leviosa: Novice (200/900)】

In half a day, Sheen had already grinded Aguamenti to the brink of unlocking.

This was partly due to Hermione's help; Miss Granger indeed possessed a talent for charms, otherwise, she likely wouldn't have become Professor Flitwick's protégé later on.

Sheen used the Scouring Charm to clear the puddles on the floor and, before becoming completely exhausted, squeezed in a few more practice rounds.

【You have practiced the Aguamenti spell once at the Apprentice standard, Proficiency +1】

【You have practiced the Aguamenti spell once at the Novice standard, Proficiency +3】

【Aguamenti Unlocked】

It wasn't too difficult.

But the feeling of total exhaustion was unpleasant; Sheen felt as if he couldn't even lift his wand.

He exchanged a look with the weary Hermione, both of them having eyes filled with the excitement of learning a new spell.

"There's also Accio. Professor Flitwick's notes mention

When a wizard summons an unknown object, they do not need to state the specific name of the object, but they must know a certain attribute of it.

While it is not entirely impossible to summon living creatures, most living things cannot be summoned, and those that can are hardly worth summoning..."

Hermione recited a string of tongue-twisting words; anyone else would have been utterly confused.

But Sheen, who had stayed up late reading with Hermione and finished an entire notebook in one go, understood the meaning perfectly.

After the Cerberus incident, Hermione had become even more obsessed with learning charms.

Perhaps driven by a sense of crisis, she frequently discussed magic with Sheen.

As for Justin, something seemed to have happened between him and Harry; when he learned that Hermione had insisted on following along, his momentum weakened significantly.

Hermione was currently ignoring Harry and Ron, but Justin, conversely, had changed his evaluation of Harry

"Sheen, I think the difference between Harry and my perception is huge. When I spoke to him, he even expressed his apologies to Hermione. That expression couldn't be faked...

We talked for a while, and I must say, if I encountered a troublemaker like that Slytherin, it would be hard for me to control myself from breaking school rules."

Justin seemed somewhat sentimental.

"If this incident taught me anything, it's that one should not pass judgment when the full picture is unknown—Mother was right."

Sheen nodded slowly and then left the classroom.

He was actually quite curious about Mrs. Figg; she must be glowing all over.

Justin, left alone, miraculously managed to deliver a note to Hermione

【Sorry, Granger】

This was unexpected to Sheen, yet entirely logical.

During their first year, Harry had already demonstrated precociousness and resilience.

He had grown up amidst the bullying and neglect of the Dursleys, yet he had not become twisted or cowardly; instead, he had nurtured a quiet kindness and a strong desire for justice.

Sheen was perhaps the wizard who understood this feeling best among all the first-year students, after all, they were both orphans.

If Sheen's character was supported by a firm sense of self that prevented him from going astray, then Harry was pure resilience.

Harry would never be a bad child, nor was he a complete brute.

If he had to be described, Sheen thought he was a war orphan who deserved a certain amount of favoritism.

Those childhood years, briefly mentioned in the original books, were enough to constitute a long, dark, and damp existence.

Therefore, Sheen did not believe that Headmaster Dumbledore bringing Professor Quirrell to Hogwarts and designing various dangerous traps on the fourth floor was something to complain about.

If Harry could not grow, and Headmaster Dumbledore could not use this to clear out the two-faced man, then who would deal with Voldemort?

The only thing to watch out for was to stay as far away from Professor Quirrell as possible.

Thinking this, Sheen let out a soft breath.

The warm wind ruffled his hair, making his emerald eyes appear even brighter.

The grass after the rain was filled with a misty vapor, and a crisp scent of earth wafted toward him; he could faintly smell the slight mustiness of the oak seats in the stands after being soaked by the night dew.

Sheen found Madam Hooch packing away brooms here and walked quickly toward her.

"Madam Hooch, may I practice flying a broom here? It won't take long," Sheen asked tentatively.

"Oh, who do you think I'm waiting for? Mr. Green, use this broom!"

Madam Hooch's hawk-like eyes swept over Sheen as she tossed him a reasonably good Cleansweep Seven.

"Thank you."

Sheen nimbly mounted the broom. Whether it was psychological or not, he clearly felt the fatigue from practicing charms dissipate slightly.