For now, though, the artificial ghost project could wait. For one thing, Will didn't have enough test subjects.
For another, his priority was still his research into werewolves.
Now that he knew Neville's condition might have been caused by the combined effects of the Cruciatus Curse and the Memory Charm, he needed to verify it, then find a way to apply what he learned to werewolves.
There were several difficulties. How exactly did the two curses interact to affect a wizard's magic structure? And how could he use that interaction to separate a werewolf's human form from their wolf form?
"Will." Someone called to him from behind.
He turned and saw the diminutive Professor Flitwick. "Good evening, Professor Flitwick. Is something the matter?"
"Can't I chat with my most promising student unless something's the matter?" Professor Flitwick put on a stern face. "Or would he rather I didn't?"
"Of course I'd like to, Professor," Will said. "How many people would jump at the chance to talk with Hogwarts' best Charms professor?"
"Enough, Will. No magic or charms today. Let's just take a break." Professor Flitwick patted Will's waist. "You've been pushing yourself too hard lately. Look how thin you've gotten. Come on, let's take a walk by the Black Lake."
After half a second's hesitation, Will nodded. "All right. It's been a while since I walked by the lake."
Though it was mid-September, the air by the Black Lake wasn't stifling. Plenty of students were out walking and playing. Will even saw some eat biscuits, turn into little birds, and chase one another through the air.
Will thought the Weasley Brothers ought to put some restrictions on their bird- and fish-transforming Animal Crackers. Younger students could easily have an accident. The ones he had just seen flying as birds were