Muen didn't know how to answer Hermione's question.
Fortunately, the Petrifying Charm he had cast on the shard soon wore off, giving Muen something to talk about.
"See? It didn't last nearly as long as your spell did."
Muen was telling the truth. From the moment he finished casting the spell to the time the shard fell and shattered for the second time, only about ten seconds had passed.
Hermione's spell, on the other hand, had lasted for over thirty seconds—three times as long as his.
"Keep practicing."
Hermione let out a deep breath, tossed out those words, then picked up a thick book and left.
Muen didn't try to stop her. He noticed that Hermione's footsteps were unusually heavy, as if something was weighing on her mind.
It was already ten at night. The students around them were gradually returning to their dormitories to rest.
Muen, however, greatly enjoyed being alone. He picked up the shard, now broken in half, and continued practicing.
Early the next morning, Muen was once again the first to arrive at the Common Room. He had practiced spells for two hours before his roommates came out.
"Muen, this isn't right."
Ron let out a wail as he looked at the shards scattered all over the floor.
"Exactly. Wood wants us up at seven on weekends to practice. I just can't do it."
Harry chimed in. Ever since arriving at Hogwarts, he hadn't gotten up before eight o'clock.
But with the Quidditch matches drawing near, he had no choice but to answer Captain Wood's call and devote more time to practice every day.
"Actually, if you want to get up early, I can provide a wake-up service. Free of charge!"
"No thanks. I finally got away from home—I don't want to experience my mum's wake-up