All the students at Hogwarts were eagerly anticipating their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class, and perhaps due to Lockhart's special request, every year group had their Defense Against the Dark Arts class combined into one session.
This meant that the four houses of second-year students were taking Defense Against the Dark Arts together.
Not only were the female students looking forward to Lockhart's classes, but even the male students were eager as well.
However, their points of anticipation differed. The female students were looking forward to Lockhart's teaching, while the male students hoped to see Lockhart make a fool of himself, revealing his incompetence.
Second year was different from first year, with more classes being introduced, and the time left for free activities began to dwindle compared to the first year.
After Herbology on Monday morning, they had Professor Flitwick's Spell Class.
Professor Flitwick looked the same as last year, still standing on a tall stack of books, waving his magic wand as he explained the key points of knowledge.
"Today we will be learning the 'Mark Manifestation' spell," Professor Flitwick waved his magic wand in the air: "What you need to know is that this spell can create burning fire lines in the air, which means using your magic wand to 'draw' specific shapes in the air, similar to writing, watch."
Saying this, Flitwick moved his magic wand in the air, drawing an X mark.
"You see, this is the application of this spell—" Professor Flitwick said in his high-pitched voice, "Moreover, there are various different applications, such as writing some words, you see... if I want to write Filius Flitwick, it would be like this..."
He waved his magic wand again, writing the name "Filius Flitwick" in fiery script in the air, the script seemed to be burning, making a crackling sound.
"Professor." Seamus suddenly raised his hand, "So what use is this mark? For example, in a duel, how would this spell help us?"
Professor Flitwick smiled and said to Seamus, "That's a very good question, Mr. Finigan— but I need you to understand that not all spells are meant for combat. Just like in our lives, we also need to use some small spells that make our lives more convenient, don't we?"
"I understand, Professor." Seamus nodded.
"However, as your professor, I also need to tell you something." Professor Flitwick put his hands on his hips, "I know, some of you might think that this is an awkward spell— but I need to tell you, there are no awkward spells, only awkward wizards."
"Look, like this."
Professor Flitwick waved his magic wand, making a mark in the air.
"For example, when you are exploring, this mark can help you track the places you have been, allowing you to quickly find the exit—"
He waved his magic wand, dissolving the mark.
"You see, this is another application of the spell, as for other ways of application, I won't explain them all to you, because letting you explore them by yourself would be more rewarding, wouldn't it?"
Professor Flitwick bounced twice on his books, saying to the students, "I am going to assign you a homework—"
The students sighed with disappointment upon hearing this.
"Ah, don't be nervous, children." Professor Flitwick said with a smile, "This isn't a mandatory assignment— the homework I want to give you is to find another application for each spell I have taught you, and I will check each one during the first spell class after Halloween. If anyone can find a different application of the spells during this time, I will award house points."
"Great!" The students erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
This homework was great, non-mandatory, and it came with rewards?
Could there be better homework than this?
"Well then." Professor Flitwick scanned the room and started calling names, "I think the outstanding students among us should have many different uses for spell applications... For example, Mr. Potter?"
Harry was lost in thought, thinking about the snake monster, when Professor Flitwick suddenly called his name.
"Harry, Professor Flitwick is asking if there is another way to use the spell?" Ron quietly reminded him.
Another application of the spell?
Harry thought to himself, that's the question...
"Professor, I would like to request Ron to assist me with a demonstration." Harry said aloud.
Ron's face fell instantly.
Blood Mother Hell, mate, are you repaying kindness with enmity?
He couldn't help but think of the two application ideas Harry suggested during Herbology class...
Maybe, I should be fine, right?
"Harry..." Ron said pitifully.
"Don't worry, Ron, I know what I'm doing." Harry said with a reassuring smile.
"Alright then, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley." Professor Flitwick was delighted to let the two come forward, "You two, show the class then."
"Professor, I would like to demonstrate the Summoning Charm." Harry said to Professor Flitwick, "It is well known that the Summoning Charm is a spell used to summon objects, but it does not work on humans."
"Yes, yes, Mr. Potter." Professor Flitwick's eyes brightened, "However, I believe the Summoning Charm is something you would learn in fourth year?"
"I have been studying ahead, Professor." Harry replied with a smile.
Still muttering to himself, I've been reviewing it for five years.
Professor Flitwick said nothing, only nodding approvingly.
Harry moved to stand opposite Ron, roughly twenty meters away, and then he waved his magic wand.