Chapter 19: Fluorescent Improvement and an Exclusive Spell

As Ciel spoke the incantation, he focused his newly enhanced perception not just on the wand movement, but on the very flow of magic itself. It was a novel sensation, like flexing a muscle he never knew he had. He could feel the nascent pool of magic within him, small but distinct, and willed a portion of it to stream from his core in a smooth, steady current. He guided it through his arm, down the length of his ash wood wand, and out through the tip with a single, focused thought: light. A bead of pearly light bloomed into existence. It wasn't dazzling or overtly powerful like the professor's, but it was perfectly, immaculately stable. It glowed with the soft, unwavering intensity of a distant star seen on a clear night, without a single flicker or waver to mar its surface. It was, in its own quiet way, perfect. Professor Flitwick's eyes, already wide with surprise, widened further. His jaw dropped for a fraction of a second before a delighted, almost gleeful grin spread across his face. He clapped his small hands together with an audible smack. "A beautiful Lumos! Absolutely flawless control! Three points to Hufflepuff!" The Ravenclaw students, who had been preening over their own sputtering, candle-like flames, turned to stare. Three points? From their own Head of House? For a simple Lumos? Their eyes darted from Ciel's wand, with its steady, confident glow, to their own wavering efforts. A grudging silence fell over their section of the classroom. Alright, perhaps his was a little bit better. The Hufflepuffs, on the other hand, who had been struggling to even pronounce the spell correctly, broke into enthusiastic, heartfelt applause for their housemate. Only Professor Flitwick's expression remained complex, a mixture of delight and a deep, poignant sorrow. He remembered observing Ciel during the last class; the boy's control then had been clumsy, his magic hesitant. He must have practiced relentlessly, the professor thought, his respect for the boy growing. To show this much improvement in such a short time... this child possesses a truly formidable will. But the thought was bittersweet. A familiar sense of regret, one he felt for many hardworking but less-gifted students, settled over him. Talent was a cruel, unyielding barrier. Effort could take a student far, but without a strong magical core, some doors would forever remain closed. Ciel might master the simple spells through sheer diligence, but what about the powerful, complex magic that truly defined a great wizard? The Shield Charm, a spell that ninety percent of adult wizards could never properly cast? The Patronus Charm, a testament to a wizard's inner strength? Professor Flitwick let out a small, almost inaudible sigh. As a teacher, there was nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a dedicated student hit a wall they could never overcome. He couldn't change a student's innate talent—not without a legendary potion that hadn't been seen in centuries. But he could offer encouragement. He could nurture that fierce determination and perhaps guide it down a path where it could shine. "Alright, everyone," he announced, his voice regaining its usual cheerful squeak. "How about a little challenge? In four weeks' time, we will have a small test on the Lumos charm. The four students who perform the best, or who show the most progress and unique insight, will receive a special reward from me. I will personally tailor an interesting little spell, just for them." A wave of excited murmurs swept through the classroom. A unique spell, designed by a Charms Master? That was a prize beyond measure. Even the Hufflepuffs, who were usually more interested in snack time than spellcasting, sat up straighter, their eyes gleaming with a competitive spark. Ciel, however, noticed that Professor Flitwick's gaze had lingered on him for a moment as he made the announcement. He understood the professor's intent instantly. This wasn't just a general challenge; it was a gesture of kindness, a custom-built opportunity to encourage the student he perceived as disadvantaged. Whether it was out of friendship for his aunt or a genuine desire to motivate a hardworking student, Ciel felt a warmth spread through his chest. He would not forget this kindness. As for the reward itself, a thoughtful, calculating expression crossed Ciel's face. An exclusive spell, no matter how simple, was an incredible opportunity, the kind of personal tutelage that was priceless. And Ciel, with the mind of a modern scientist, already had an idea. The Lumos charm was more than just a light source. To a Herbologist, it was a tool. Many magical plants, including his Goldfish Vines, thrived on magical light, and sustained exposure could accelerate their growth. But Ciel's scientific mind from his past life took the concept a step further. In agriculture, different frequencies and spectrums of light could have dramatic effects on plant growth. Specific wavelengths could trigger flowering, enhance nutrient absorption, or stimulate photosynthesis. Chlorophyll fluorescence was a key indicator of a plant's health, and it could be optimized with targeted light. It was a long shot, but what if magical plants were the same? What if a modified Lumos, one that produced light of a specific magical frequency—a different magical "color"—could hyper-accelerate the growth of a corresponding plant? With his current skills, modifying a spell was a pipe dream. But with the guidance of a Charms Master like Professor Flitwick, it was entirely possible. This wasn't just about showing off; it was about fast-tracking his entire plan. A faster-growing Goldfish Vine meant a faster enhancement of his Magical Perception, which meant he could start cultivating the truly powerful—and more rewarding—magical plants much sooner. "Four weeks," he murmured to himself, a plan solidifying in his mind. "By then, the first batch of Goldfish Vines should be fully mature. My perception will be much stronger. I can win this." He wasn't arrogant enough to think it would be easy. Hogwarts was full of hidden talents. But he had an advantage no one else did: his inhuman physique. Waving a wand, especially for a small eleven-year-old, was tiring. Arms grew sore, and concentration wavered under the strain. But for Ciel, whose body was fortified by legendary-tier rewards, waving his wand felt as effortless as breathing. He could practice until the end of time. For the rest of the class, he focused with a singular, unwavering intensity, tuning out the world around him. "Lumos!" "Lumos!" "Lumos!" The little eagles of Ravenclaw, initially trying to compete, to match the stability of his light, soon had to stop, their arms aching and their faces flushed with exertion. They watched, waiting for Ciel to slow down, to show some sign of fatigue. But he never did. He just kept going, again and again, his movements as precise and deliberate as the first time. The gentle point of light at the tip of his wand, at a slow but inexorable pace, grew brighter, denser, more pure. Perfect. The Ravenclaws could only stare, their mouths agape, a single, unified, and utterly bewildered thought running through their minds. "Is he... is he not tired?!" *** (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For More Chapters On All Of My Fanfics!!] [www. 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