Hermione looked genuinely delighted—this was probably the first time someone her own age had ever complimented her.
Before now, she'd always studied alone. Her classmates rarely approached her, let alone praised her. Even though she consistently earned top marks, almost no one talked to her.
So this sudden interest made her perk up. She quickly grabbed Magical Theory and flipped to the chapter on spell classifications.
"For example," she said, "when studying magical theory… why is the Levitation Charm classified as a Transfiguration spell instead of a Summoning spell?"
Huh?
Rock paused, a little startled, then leaned in to look.
Sure enough, Hermione had highlighted that exact section in bright yellow so it stood out clearly.
Rock tried to recall—he had completely forgotten that detail even existed.
"In Wilbert Slinkard's Defensive Magical Theory, page twelve," Hermione continued, "he emphasizes the flow of magical energy based on wand movement. You should look—"
Rock nodded and took the book, studying the diagrams and notes.
Meanwhile, Hermione opened The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 to the page on the Levitation Charm and looked at him.
"And the most important part," she added.
She gestured in the air, perfectly mimicking the wand movement for the charm—something Rock recognized instantly, since it was the first spell he'd practiced over break.
"This movement matches Slinkard's definition of 'guiding the object's inherent properties to undergo a temporary transformation.'"
Using his Deep Reading ability, Rock reorganized everything he knew about the Levitation Charm, connecting it with Hermione's explanation.
A bright spark flashed in his eyes.
He pulled out his wand again—this time not just swinging it the way he always did, but applying the theory Hermione had just explained.
A flick and a swish.
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 rose gently into the air.
Hermione and Neville both gasped, jaws dropping.
The sight was too shocking—Rock, someone their age, had just cast the Levitation Charm that easily!
> [Deep comprehension of Levitation Charm achieved. Completion: ~95%. EXP +30!]
> [Levitation Charm upgraded to Lv.2 (320/599): Precise Control!]
> [As natural as moving your own arm. Your intent guides the magic perfectly.]
"So that's how it works," Rock murmured, lowering his wand. The book dropped back onto the table.
Hermione didn't even glance at the falling textbook. Her voice shook from excitement.
"You—you actually mastered the Levitation Charm!"
"Yeah," Rock admitted. "I practiced a bit over break. And thank you—your explanation gave me a whole new angle to think about."
A blush crept up Hermione's ears. She waved her hands quickly. "It—it wasn't me! I just analyzed the theory. I've only learned the Mending Charm so far."
"Cool!" Neville breathed, looking at Rock with pure admiration.
If only he could be like Rock… maybe his grandma would finally be proud of him.
"Actually," Rock added, "you already said almost everything important about the Levitation Charm. You were just missing the core essence."
He pointed to the relevant section in the book. "The spell doesn't summon an external force. It temporarily changes how the object responds to gravity."
He shook his head.
Honestly, magic in the Harry Potter world was simple. Even if you didn't fully understand it…
As long as the spell incantation and wand movement matched, you could cast it.
That's why some people used the same spell but produced vastly different results.
Hermione mulled over his explanation, and after a moment her eyes widened. "Your summary is actually clearer than the textbook."
"Not really," Rock said. "Defensive magical theory wasn't written specifically for the Levitation Charm—it covers lots of topics."
He wasn't about to take credit he didn't deserve.
Hermione appreciated his attitude. That humility toward knowledge—that was the best kind of learner.
Just then, the train's speakers announced it was time to change into school robes. Hermione looked disappointed the conversation had to end.
"Maybe… once we get to school, we can keep talking?"
Finding someone who could truly discuss academics with her—and enjoy it—was rare. She didn't want to let it go.
"Sure," Rock said with a smile. "I'd like that."
Whether they'd end up in the same house… well, that was up to the Sorting Hat. For all he knew, he might end up in Hufflepuff like Newt. The other three houses each had their own benefits too.
Hermione packed up her books, then pulled out a notebook and handed it to Rock. "These are some notes I organized. I've already memorized them, so I hope they help you."
Rock accepted it seriously.
At the very least, those notes would show him Hermione's learning methods—or help him find faster, more efficient ones.
After saying goodbye to Hermione and Neville, Rock took a deep breath and tidied his things, waiting quietly.
Outside, the sky had grown dim. The train began to slow.
Ten minutes later, it came to a full stop.
Night had completely fallen. Through the window, Rock could see the dark platform—and not far away, a tall figure holding a lantern and shouting loudly.
"First years! This way, all first years!"
Rock smiled softly and joined the crowd getting off the train.
"First years! Over here!"
Hagrid's enormous frame and booming voice stood out even in the bustling crowd. Rock walked toward him.
He stood quietly at the edge of the gathering group as more students arrived.
Once Hagrid confirmed everyone was present, he waved his huge hand. "All right! Follow me! Watch your step!"
The sound of shuffling feet filled the air as they followed Hagrid down a path toward the lakeshore.
Across the dark water, the lights of Hogwarts Castle glowed brilliantly. Rock felt a tremor of awe.
A childhood dream—finally coming true.
Hello, Hogwarts.