"Fire-Making Spell!" Filch's eyes lit up. The successful casting of the Illumination Spell had greatly boosted his confidence.
While studying the "Kwikspell Correspondence Course," he had indeed mastered the casting technique for the Fire-Making Spell.
"I should be able to do it!" He nodded excitedly, raised his wand again, and swept it through a precise, forceful arc. "Incendio!"
A cluster of flames shot from the tip of his wand, instantly swelling into a basketball-sized fireball.
The fireball floated in midair, dancing merrily as it gave off astonishing heat and light, like a rising morning sun.
Filch stepped closer, allowing the firelight to paint his face bright red.
His eyes reddened as well. Unable to suppress a whimper, his shoulders began to heave violently. The whimper swiftly turned into an unrestrained, heart-wrenching wail that echoed throughout the circular hall.
Filch cried like a child. The resentment, jealousy, and unwillingness that had tormented him for so many years were utterly torn apart and poured out with those sobs.
Dumbledore and the others were the first to rise to their feet, smiling as they clapped with all their strength.
The witches and wizards quickly came to their senses and rose as Dumbledore had, clapping just as fervently.
Boom!
The applause rapidly swelled, erupting like thunder.
Cheers rose at that moment as well, interweaving with the thunderous applause to form a tide of sound that seemed capable of flooding the entire circular hall.
"Merlin's beard!" A Ministry of Magic official stood up and clapped vigorously. "He did it! He really did it!"
No matter how indifferent the witches and wizards present had been toward Squibs before, Filch's crying moved them at this moment.
The scrutiny and suspicion on their faces vanished completely, leaving only pure astonishment and blessings.
As for most of the upper