He gave it a wave, and the wand let out a low hum, like a sigh.
"Whose wand is this?"
"My dad's."
Tom looked at him. "Your dad's?"
"Yes. My dad passed away. My gran said that using his wand was like having him still by my side."
Tom handed the wand back to him. "When you cast spells, have you ever felt like the wand wouldn't listen to you?"
Neville hesitated. "Yes. Sometimes it feels like it's about to fly out of my hand."
"That's because it isn't yours. The wand chooses the wizard. Your father's wand chose your father, not you. Using his wand is like wearing someone else's shoes—you can walk in them, but you can't walk very fast."
Neville lowered his head, his fingers gripping the wand so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"Don't be so nervous. I'll teach you. You'll definitely learn the Levitation Charm."
Tom could tell that Neville wasn't stupid. He simply lacked confidence, and the wand didn't suit his hand, which was why his magic kept failing.
Neville looked up at Tom. His eyes were glistening, but the tears did not fall.
Professor Flitwick stood on his raised platform and began explaining the casting techniques for the Levitation Charm in detail.
As he spoke, he slowed down and demonstrated it once more. "At the same time, clarity in pronunciation is also important. Don't imitate Wizard Baruffio."
"Back then, he said the 'W' as an 'F,' and ended up lying on the ground with a buffalo standing on his chest. He nearly got trampled into mincemeat."
The whole class laughed, and many students were eager to try. Professor Flitwick quickly added, "Children, whatever you do, don't try that!"
Getting your bones broken by a buffalo would leave you bedridden for half a