38

Jason was lounging on one of the long benches in the Hogwarts Great Hall, a warm buzz of chatter filling the room as students enjoyed a rare moment of downtime. Around him sat Simon, Vik, Tobi, and Josh, all with cups of pumpkin juice in hand and excitement evident in their voices.

Tobi: "I still can't believe we're finally allowed to go to Hogsmeade this year. Feels like we've graduated to the big leagues."

Simon: "About time, honestly. I was starting to think they'd keep us cooped up forever. I mean, who makes rules like that?"

Josh: "Probably someone who thought a bunch of first-years in a sweet shop was a recipe for disaster."

Jason smirked, leaning back as he sipped his juice.

Jason: "To be fair, have you seen how you lot act around Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans? disaster is putting it lightly."

Vik: "Hey, Jason, what's your plan for Hogsmeade, then? Knowing you, you had some planned "

Jason grinned, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Jason: "Oh, definitely not. I've got my eyes on Zonko's Joke Shop. Heard they've got a new line of magical pranks, and I've been meaning to replenish my 'collection.'"

Simon: "Of course you have. Planning to terrorize malfoy, are we?"

Jason: "Terrorize? Such a strong word. I prefer 'lighthearted mischief.' Besides, it's not my fault Malfoy didn't find the laughing amusing."

Josh: "Mate, malfoy laugh was something else hyena like."

Simon : " what was the name of that spell ."

Jason : " i called it janice laugh ."

Jason grin widening.

Tobi: "Forget Zonko's, I'm heading straight to Honeydukes. Heard they've got fudge so good it makes you question your life choices."

Vik: "And what life choices have you made, Tobi? You spend half your time dodging homework and the other half in detention."

The group burst out laughing, Jason shaking his head.

Jason: "Alright, alright. Let's not get too sidetracked roasting Tobi's work ethic or lack thereof. What about you, Simon? Got any big plans?"

Simon: "Honestly, I just want to check out the Shrieking Shack. Apparently, it's the most haunted building in Britain."

Josh: "You're going to drag us to a rundown house when there's perfectly good butterbeer waiting at the Three Broomsticks? Priorities, Simon."

Simon: "Hey, it's adventure. Haunted house first, butterbeer after. Maybe even a ghost story to go with it."

Vik: "Knowing you, you'll scare yourself before you even get there."

Jason: "I'll go with you, Simon. Always good to know someone's there to document it when you scream and run."

Simon: "Very funny, Jason. Just wait—when the ghosts show up, we'll see who's laughing."

The group laughed and bantered .

=======

Jason hesitated for a moment as he approached Professor Flitwick's office, his thoughts swirling. Was this the right move? Was it too forward? Too ambitious?

Jason (to himself): "Well, it's a leap of faith. Let's see where it lands me."

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. From inside, a familiar, high-pitched voice called out.

Flitwick: "Yes, yes, come in!"

Jason stepped into the cozy, cluttered office. Scrolls of parchment, spellbooks, and peculiar magical trinkets were scattered across the room. Professor Flitwick, perched on a tall stack of cushions behind his desk, looked up and smiled warmly.

Flitwick: "Ah, Jason, my boy! To what do I owe the pleasure? Another of your ventures into material far beyond your curriculum?"

Jason chuckled nervously, shifting on his feet.

Jason: "Not exactly, Professor. I've come because I have a... problem, and I think you're the only one who can help me."

Flitwick leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Flitwick: "A problem, you say? Well, let's hear it."

Jason straightened up, his expression serious.

Jason: "Sir, I want to learn dueling."

Flitwick blinked in surprise, then let out a light laugh.

Flitwick: "Dueling, eh? And what has brought on this sudden interest, Jason?"

Jason: "Professor, I've been thinking about what happened last year. The... incident. If I'd known how to duel properly, maybe I could've handled things better. I don't want to be caught unprepared again."

Flitwick's smile faded slightly as he considered Jason's words.

Flitwick: "Jason, I assure you, situations like last year are exceedingly rare. You are under my protection, as well as the protection of this castle. Your life being in danger is not something you should have concern , i will always be there to protect you."

Jason: "With respect, sir, I'd feel better if I were prepared. I've... taken the liberty of studying spells up to the fifth-year level. I believe I'm capable."

Flitwick tilted his head, his small frame straightening as he studied Jason carefully.

Flitwick: "Fifth-year spells? That's quite a claim, Jason. Are you certain you're not exaggerating?"

Jason met his gaze with determination.

Jason: "I wouldn't joke about this, Professor."

Flitwick's curiosity got the better of him, and he hopped down from his perch.

Flitwick: "Well, my boy, let's put that to the test, shall we? Follow me."

They entered one of Hogwarts' practice rooms, a wide, open space lined with protective charms. Flitwick stood back, crossing his arms.

Flitwick: "Show me what you know, Jason. Start with some defensive spells, and then we'll move to offensive maneuvers."

Jason nodded, rolling up his sleeves. He began with a series of defensive charms—Protego, Protego Totalum—and moved on to demonstrate spells like Stupefy, Expelliarmus, and Impedimenta. His wandwork was fluid, precise, and well-practiced. Flitwick's eyebrows shot up higher with each demonstration.

Flitwick: "Well, I'll be a goblin's uncle... You weren't bluffing, Jason! That was excellent technique. And all this was self-taught?"

Jason: "Yes, sir. Lots of books, lots of late nights. I practiced whenever I could."

Flitwick was silent for a moment, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Flitwick: "Very well. I can see you're quite serious about this. I'll teach you, Jason. One hour, every weekend. But only on the condition that you practice responsibly and keep your studies balanced. Agreed?"

Jason grinned, relief washing over him.

Jason: "Agreed, sir. Thank you!"

Flitwick waved his wand, causing the practice room to revert to its original state.

Flitwick: "You have talent, Jason, but remember—dueling isn't just about spells. It's about strategy, control, and above all, understanding when not to fight. I'll see you this weekend."

Jason left the room .

====

The Room of Requirement was eerily silent, its usual flexibility now shaping it into a small alchemical chamber, lit by softly glowing orbs that floated just above Jason's head. Shelves lined with jars of ingredients, tools, and scrolls surrounded him. A large, bubbling cauldron sat at the center, emitting a faint, herbal scent that filled the air. Jason stood in front of it, holding a single mandrake leaf between his fingers, its jagged edges trembling ever so slightly.

Jason: "This is it. One month of utter inconvenience, all for the sake of preparation. Brilliant, Jason. Absolutely brilliant."

He sighed, glancing up at the ceiling, where the image of the moon hung in all its waxy fullness. Tonight marked the beginning of the lunar cycle, the perfect moment to begin his experiment. He had read about this ritual in one of the older books he had borrowed from the Restricted Section—a process requiring unwavering discipline .

Jason: "Stick a mandrake leaf to your mouth for a full lunar month... Sounds like something a mad herbologist came up with after one too many Firewhiskeys."

He took a deep breath, carefully placed the mandrake leaf onto the roof of his mouth, and pressed it firmly with his tongue. The bitter taste immediately assaulted his senses.

Jason: "Ugh... Tastes like old socks. Excellent. Just my luck."

He adjusted the leaf slightly, ensuring it stayed in place with a charm. 

Jason: "One slip, one misstep, and this whole thing goes to waste. A whole month, Jason. No sneezing, no choking, and definitely no laughing too hard. Easy, right?"

The room seemed to hum in response to his sarcasm, or perhaps that was just his nerves. Jason moved around the cauldron, double-checking his notes sprawled across a nearby table. His handwriting was small and precise, a testament to hours of study.

Jason: "Let's see... Keep the leaf in place for 30 days, then remove it under the light of the next full moon. Add it to the potion with the dew of a freshly plucked flower, and then—" He stopped, smirking to himself. "Why does everything magical have to be this complicated? It's like wizards enjoy making things unnecessarily dramatic."

He leaned against the table, staring into the cauldron. Its liquid contents swirled in rhythmic patterns, as though responding to the moon's pull.

Jason (thinking): "But if this works, it'll be worth it. "