A faint glimmer flashed past.
A trace of magic spilled from Ethan's hand, which had been hanging at his side.
Like a thread, it attached itself to Sean's back without him noticing.
Penelope had not realized that anything had just happened either.
She could not be bothered to waste words on Sean. Pulling Ethan over, she raised her wand to cast a Disillusionment Charm on him.
However, to her surprise—
Ethan stopped her.
"No," Ethan said with a smile, raising his hand. "You don't need to cast a spell on me, Senior Student Krivat. Thank you for your kindness."
"Don't worry about me. Go with them."
"But..."
Looking at Ethan's smile, Penelope thought he was merely putting on a brave front.
That made sense. People as naturally gifted as him usually had high self-esteem.
Even if it put them at a disadvantage, they would not accept charity or help from others.
But that was childish too.
Ethan really was still an immature child.
Penelope shook her head and tried to persuade Ethan a few more times. Seeing that he insisted, she said nothing more.
She had done all she could.
They had already wasted a great deal of time, and this assessment was crucial to her as well.
Seeing Ethan standing there silently, Penelope felt a pang in her heart.
"After the exam, I'll take you to eat some candy from Honeyduke's."
Penelope bent down and whispered comfortingly into Ethan's ear.
Then, gathering her courage, she pinched his fair little cheek.
Straightening up, she cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself, turned, and caught up with Sean and the others, who had already grown impatient from waiting.
"..."
Ethan helplessly rubbed the cheek she had pinched red.
Ever since he had stopped being human, it had been a long time since