Lumos is a relatively straightforward spell, albeit one that demands your utmost concentration during its casting; failure to do so could result in your wand being set ablaze.
Under the tutelage of Professor Flitwick, numerous young wizards from both Slytherin and Gryffindor have mastered this incantation. While the luminance of many wands resembled the gentle glow of fireflies, Professor Flitwick beamed with pride.
In a bid to earn extra points, Artel displayed his powers by conjuring the spell non-verbally. In front of Professor Flitwick, he adeptly manipulated the wand's fluorescence, blinding those who dared to gaze upon it at its brightest.
Professor Flitwick, in his generous spirit, rewarded Artel with a full 10 points. Despite Hermione's impressive performance, she still paled in comparison to Artel, receiving no additional accolades from the professor.
Hermione found herself resigned to the situation. While she had once harbored ambitions of competing with Artel in spellcasting, her experience in the Transfiguration class, particularly while grappling with the Thorn Entanglement spell, had starkly revealed the chasm that separated her from Artel. Consequently, she no longer entertained the notion of rivalry, at least in the realm of magic and transfiguration.
Of course, she took solace in her superiority in other subjects, given Artel's reluctance to delve into the world of books.
....
Following the Charms class, Gryffindor had a free period, while Slytherin had an afternoon session on the history of magic.
After partaking in dinner at the Great Hall, Hermione embarked on a solitary journey to the library, where she immersed herself in her books. Meanwhile, Artel made his way to the history of magic class, and finally understood why Hermione occasionally succumbed to sleepiness despite her fervor for reading.
Artel valiantly struggled for twenty minutes but eventually succumbed to slumber amidst Professor Binns' soporific and monotonous lecture. By the time he roused himself from his unintended nap, the class had concluded.
"A missed opportunity for extra points," Artel lamented, observing Professor Binns' departure with a hint of exasperation. It appeared that Professor Binns' class had the same soporific effect on him as his previous philosophy lectures, where he too had been known to doze off.
While Hermione remained engrossed in her library pursuits throughout the afternoon, Harry and Ron's whereabouts remained a mystery.
The school year had just begun, and the iconic trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron had yet to solidify. However, with Artel now in the mix, the foundations for their legendary friendship was doubtful.
It was the Halloween troll incident that had truly cemented the "Golden Trio." Ron's ill-spoken words about Hermione's levitation spell, overheard by her, had driven her to seclude herself in the restroom during the Halloween festivities. When Quirrell unleashed the troll, it was Harry and Ron who came to her rescue, forging a bond that would define their Hogwarts years.
Yet, with Artel's presence, the trajectory of their adventures might take an entirely different course.
As Wednesday evening arrived, the young wizards gathered at the Astronomy Tower, armed with telescopes to observe the starry canvas above. They diligently learned the names of celestial bodies and traced their intricate orbits. According to ancient astrology, the motions of these stars held portents.
However, for most of the students, stargazing was simply an opportunity to revel in the nocturnal spectacle. Hermione, on the other hand, led Artel to a secluded corner and shared stories from her childhood while they contemplated the twinkling constellations.
Upon returning to the dormitory later that night, Malfoy and his cohorts, including Artel's newfound acquaintances, sat in an awkward silence. They exchanged furtive glances, unsure of how to interact with the newcomer. Artel, in turn, observed them casually, casting a brief chill through the room with his piercing gaze.
Artel slipped into his comfy pajamas, casting an uneasy glance at the trio of friends who had gathered around him. It sent shivers down their spines.
"We...not feeling sleepy," Goyle barely blurred out.
Artel couldn't help but feel a tad uncomfortable with their intense scrutiny. "If you're not tired, why not find something to do? Read a book, challenge me to a game of chess, or just have a casual chat. No need to be so formal."
Artel pondered how he could put their unique talents to good use. The three of them had their quirks, but they weren't devoid of skills. Malfoy, for instance, had the audacity to hand over Dumbledore's wand, which raised eyebrows and suspicions alike. It was hard to tell whether Dumbledore's intent had been a factor, but one couldn't deny that Malfoy had some potential.
And then there was Goyle, not to be underestimated. He had mastered the Fiendfyre, a feat impressive enough to incinerate the entire Room of Requirement.
Crabbe, with his round face and cautious demeanor, looked at Artel with uncertainty. "We don't want to disturb you."
Artel waved his hand around his bed, creating a shimmering curtain that concealed him from view. "I've cast a few spells around my bed. You could have a full-blown dance party in the dorm, and it wouldn't bother me."
"But I'd still recommend getting some shut-eye. We have potions class with Professor Snape tomorrow," Artel cautioned, his gaze fixated on Malfoy. "Goodnight."
Malfoy was taken aback, his anxiety palpable. As he gathered his thoughts, Artel had vanished from sight, hidden behind the magical veil.
"You were saying...?" Malfoy trailed off, his two younger companions looking equally bewildered.
Crabbe wiped his forehead nervously, whispering, "He seems alright. Remember last time? Artel tried to bewitch Goyle first, but His spell didn't harm Goyle. It just put him into a deep slumber."
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