Cedric's Invitation

"This is also Lumos."

Li Wei's voice pulled the students back from their shock.

"To achieve this effect, I went through five stages."

He waved his wand lightly, and the partially burned training dummy returned to its original state, a faint smell of scorching filling the air.

"The first stage, I define it as the theoretical stage.

This is the stage Ginny is currently in: mastering the standard casting posture, rhythm, and syllables of a spell, understanding its resonant frequency for channeling magic.

Of course, a calm mindset is also required—though that's clearly not an issue with you all."

"The second stage, endless diligent practice."

Hermione raised her head at this point—but she quickly realized her method was only the second stage—causing her to lower her head again.

"Even for the simplest spell, I repeated it tens of thousands of times.

Casting instinctively is faster than thinking. Before forming a spell into muscle memory, I wouldn't rush to learn the next one.

In my opinion, this is what basic mastery of a spell means."

Li Wei paused here.

"The subsequent three stages, regardless of order or importance, are, in my view, merely an embodiment of a wizard's self-will.

This relates to Ginny's question just now—after reaching a basic level of mastery, how can one increase the power of a spell?"

Ginny also lowered her head at this moment—if the professor's basic mastery meant this, she didn't feel she had even basically mastered the spells she had learned.

She had thought she was doing quite well by studying with Li Wei recently, but now it seemed she was still far from it.

"Magic is the embodiment of imagination and a wizard's willpower.

When I recite a spell, I don't think about the spell's completed form. Instead, I envision magic resonating at the tip of my wand, nurturing intense kinetic energy, ready to tear through darkness in an instant.

This imagination isn't absolute; every wizard has their own understanding of the world, just as you might not understand what 'kinetic energy' is.

You don't need to figure it out. Just follow your own thoughts, understand and perceive the world, and firmly believe that this is the correct path."

"I only want to teach you the theory of learning magic, but I don't wish for you to understand magic entirely through my perspective.

Whether it's Percy's or Pas's method, both can ultimately lead to the same result in my eyes, provided you firmly believe your path is correct.

Of course, this persistence is often the most difficult. It requires you to constantly understand the world, adjust your perceptions, and solidify your ideas without being swayed."

"Besides imagination, the confidence Percy mentioned is also very important.

When casting, you must believe that your magic will manifest in the way you intend.

Doubt is the greatest obstacle to the flow of magic. You are not 'trying' to emit a bright light; you are declaring the birth of light."

"When your will and your imagination are wholeheartedly convinced of this, the spell will reveal its true power."

"As for the final stage, I don't want to talk about it, nor do I think you need to deliberately pursue it—the answer to this stage is for you to find yourselves."

The classroom was silent, everyone wearing a thoughtful expression.

"Alright, Ginny's question is resolved. Does anyone else have questions this week?"

No one spoke.

Seeing this, Li Wei assigned an essay of unlimited length, asking them to elaborate on their understanding of the five stages of magic and submit it to him next week.

"Class dismissed."

The students began to leave.

Cedric, however, had a plan and deliberately took his time packing, being the last to stand up.

Once everyone had left in order, he stood at the doorway, suddenly turned, and looked at Li Wei, gathering his courage.

"Professor."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Halloween is approaching, and Nearly Headless Nick will be hosting a Deathday Party. I was thinking of inviting Qiao Weili to attend with me, would that be alright?"

Qiao Weili, who had been engrossed in Li Wei's earlier speech, suddenly looked up, somewhat dazed—was he involved in this too?

"A ghost's Deathday Party?"

Li Wei looked slightly surprised, instinctively glancing in Qiao Weili's direction—he was looking down, not daring to meet his gaze, appearing somewhat embarrassed.

"If you want to invite Qiao Weili, why are you asking me?"

Seeing that Li Wei's attitude remained calm, Cedric delivered his prepared speech:

"Professor, regarding the fifth stage you spoke of today, I actually have the answer now—an important factor influencing a spell's power is emotion, isn't it?

Professor Dumbledore told me that the power of love is the most potent magic in the world.

You had us perform a play, also to help us experience different emotions and enhance our magical abilities, right?"

Li Wei looked at Cedric with some astonishment.

This student was truly different from the others, so adept at thinking.

While other students simply followed their lessons, Cedric always pondered the deeper meaning behind them, striving to achieve the effect Li Wei intended.

This insight was a burden for duller students—once they knew Li Wei's intended effect, their minds would resist, leading to worse results.

But Cedric was different; he only performed better.

"Yes."

Li Wei nodded, wanting to see how Cedric would convince himself—though he himself didn't understand why inviting Qiao Weili out required his permission.

He had never restricted the freedom of his two assistants.

"So I thought, shouldn't wizards also experience different things and feel different emotions, rather than just studying spells behind closed doors?"

"Hmm, that makes a lot of sense. I don't think I have any reason to refuse."

Li Wei nodded and looked at his two assistants.

"Qiao Weili, did you hear that? Hogwarts' ghosts are hosting a party on Halloween. You should go with Cedric—Jiamer, you too."

Qiao Weili, who had just opened his mouth, immediately closed it.

Jiamer frowned slightly, not understanding why she had to go, but still agreed.

Senior Jiamer is going too? Cedric felt awkward—being with this cold and beautiful senior was both thrilling and unsettling.

"What, you don't welcome me?"

Jiamer seemed to sense Cedric's thoughts and glanced at him.

"N-no, of course, you're welcome."

Cedric gave a wry smile, suddenly regretting his decision.

"The party starts at seven on Halloween. I'll pick you up ten minutes beforehand."

I don't know why I always make math errors when writing books. I was drenched in sweat when I discovered this just now, even though I double-checked everything when I started the book.

The protagonist enrolled in 1971 with Snape and his peers. In '92, he should be 32, not 38. The 21 years since graduation in the synopsis should also be changed to 14 years.

The errors have been corrected. It won't affect new readers, but I apologize to my old readers, orz. Please continue reading, this is really important to me, orz.