Neville cautiously spoke up. "Uh... maybe it's because... you haven't practiced enough?"
Ryan said softly, "Wade once said that being able to cast a Charm and truly knowing how to use one are several floors apart. We practiced for a long time to learn this Charm too."
"Yeah, yeah," Neville hurriedly added. "We've been in SSC for so long, learning alongside Wade and the others, and even now there are only so many spells we've truly mastered... The fact that you can successfully cast the Shield Charm already makes you amazing."
"Fine, again!"
Ron raised an eyebrow, took a deep breath, and lifted his Wand. In a serious tone, he said, "Neville, don't hold back, or you'll be looking down on me!"
"Uh... all right..."
Neville hesitated. He swallowed and cast a pleading look at their temporary coach—Harry.
Suppressing a laugh, Harry put on his "coach" authority. He walked over to help Ron correct his hand position and said:
"Remember, the stress is on the second syllable! And when you cast it, don't think 'block.' Think 'push away,' like you're using your hand to shove aside something coming at you."
He watched his friend mutter the spell twice under his breath. Once he felt there was no problem, he stepped away and let the two continue practicing freely.
Harry returned to his table and was just about to take a drink when he suddenly sensed an unmistakable gaze beside him.
He turned and saw Wade looking at him. He had no idea how long Wade had been watching.
Perhaps because of those grey eyes, the gaze seemed especially profound. It gave Harry the feeling that Wade was looking at him, yet not at the present him, but rather watching his future.
Harry paused, then asked, "What is it?"
He walked