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With the reminder of the school bell, the first Charms lesson came to an end.
Professor Flitwick had even awarded Ravenclaw some points because of Erwin's excellent performance.
The young wizards filed out one after another, but Erwin remained seated.
He still had questions about spellwork that he needed to ask Professor Flitwick.
Seeing that everyone had left while Erwin lingered, Professor Flitwick asked with mild curiosity.
"Mr. Gaunt, is there something else you need?"
"Yes, Professor. I still have some questions about spells that I'd like to ask you."
"Then let's talk in my office. Come with me, Mr. Gaunt."
Erwin followed Professor Flitwick to his office.
The space was larger than expected, with bookshelves lining the walls and volumes filling every shelf.
According to Erwin's observation, the vast majority were books on Charms, and many hadn't even been published yet.
Professor Flitwick took his seat and motioned for Erwin to sit as well.
Erwin wasn't one to stand on ceremony and sat down opposite the professor.
"Would you like something to drink, Mr. Gaunt?"
"A cup of black tea without sugar, thank you."
Erwin loved tea, but he didn't like it with sugar.
"Black tea is indeed an excellent choice, Mr. Gaunt."
With a wave of Professor Flitwick's wand, an exquisite tea set appeared on the table. The teapot floated gracefully and began pouring.
"Now then, Mr. Gaunt, what questions did you want to ask?"
Professor Flitwick took a sip of his tea, then looked at Erwin expectantly.
"Professor, I believe I have some talent in Charms. Before I came to school, I'd already learned most of the spells from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1."
"However, when I attempted silent casting and wandless casting, I encountered some difficulties."
This was indeed the case.
Through the system's daily card draws and his usual hard work, he'd learned numerous spells.
But when he tried silent and wandless casting, he made no progress.
Silent casting was manageable; he could succeed occasionally, but wandless casting had never worked even once.
"Oh? Mr. Gaunt, your performance in class already showed me you're quite gifted. If you don't mind, could you demonstrate your current abilities?"
Professor Flitwick's interest was clearly piqued.
Erwin didn't speak.
Instead, he showed Professor Flitwick the same skills he'd displayed in class. He floated the teapot and refilled the professor's cup, cast the Vanishing Spell to make the teapot disappear, and finally used the counter-charm to restore everything.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Applause filled the office as Professor Flitwick beamed with delight.
"Wonderful, Mr. Gaunt! If this were in class, I would have awarded you twenty points, no, fifty points! Ravenclaw hasn't had someone like you in quite some time."
After speaking, Flitwick pushed up his glasses and dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief.
Erwin's eyebrow twitched at the display.
After a few moments, Professor Flitwick's emotions gradually settled, and he began contemplating Erwin's problem.
Several minutes passed before he looked up.
"Mr. Gaunt, why do you think a wizard needs incantations and a wand to cast spells?"
Erwin was caught off guard by the question.
He began thinking it through carefully.
After considering it from multiple angles, he finally gave his answer.
"Professor, I believe that when a wizard recites an incantation, it helps them concentrate. Through the wand and fixed gestures, the magic within their body can be channeled and activated. This allows the spell to be cast."
Erwin expressed his opinion, looking at Professor Flitwick expectantly as he waited for the professor's evaluation.
"Well said, Mr. Gaunt. Your understanding of spellwork is approaching O.W.L. examination level."
Professor Flitwick first offered his praise, then continued.
"However, you've overlooked one point, a point that ordinary wizards don't often consider. That element is will."
Professor Flitwick tapped his temple with one finger.
"Will?"
"Yes. When a wizard casts a spell, it's not merely concentration; it's a process of instilling one's will into the magic. Why are we wizards? Because we believe we can accomplish something, and we make it happen through spellwork."
After taking a sip of tea, he continued.
"When you want to cast spells silently, you need an even stronger will to ensure the spell releases successfully. Because you're not reciting the incantation, you must instill enough will through your own mental focus to release the magic. In this way, you can cast spells silently."
"Of course, there's still a gap between the power of a spell cast this way and one released with a proper incantation."
After listening to Professor Flitwick's explanation, Erwin's brow furrowed as he fell into deep thought.
Professor Flitwick wasn't in any hurry and leisurely enjoyed his afternoon tea.
Several minutes later, Erwin withdrew his wand and pointed it at a quill resting on the table.
The quill suddenly floated upward.
However, when Erwin's concentration wavered slightly, the quill slowly descended once more.
"Congratulations, Mr. Gaunt. It seems you've found an approach that suits you. I must say, your talent is truly remarkable."
Professor Flitwick was genuinely pleased.
Having such a perceptive young wizard in his own house was a tremendous pleasure.
Slytherin had won the House Cup for six consecutive years.
Although Ravenclaw students valued the pursuit of knowledge above all else and didn't care much about trivial competitions, Flitwick was still the Head of House.
He naturally hoped his house could win a House Cup.
In Erwin, he saw this possibility.
He was more than happy to provide assistance to such a talented young wizard.
"Thank you, Professor. Thanks to your guidance, I was able to grasp it so quickly." Erwin expressed his sincere gratitude.
The professor nodded with a smile.
"Professor, what about wandless casting? Does that require an even stronger will?" Erwin continued with his questions.
"Yes, Mr. Gaunt. But for that, you'll also need deeper knowledge of magic itself. In the third year, I strongly suggest you take Ancient Runes. It will help you tremendously. But these matters are still premature for you at present."
Flitwick patiently explained, his words carrying a subtle implication.
"Ancient Runes? I understand. Thank you very much for your help today, Professor."
Erwin grasped Flitwick's suggestion, and today's goals had been essentially achieved.
He stood and prepared to leave the office.
"You're most welcome, Mr. Gaunt. My door is always open if you have further questions."
With a nod of thanks, Erwin departed, his mind already working through everything he'd learned.