Chapter 65: Dylan, Teach Me!

The holiday had ended, and classes resumed as usual.

Hermione and Harry had finally discovered what Fluffy, the three-headed dog, was guarding. But now that they knew the truth, they found themselves less interested in the Philosopher's Stone. After all, they were just first-year wizards, and their curiosity had been the main driving force behind their investigation.

Besides, Harry had been incredibly busy lately.

The next Quidditch match was approaching, and Professor Snape had been assigned as the referee. Given Snape's usual disdain for Harry and the entire Gryffindor house, everyone on the team, including Wood, was convinced that Snape would be scrutinizing their every move, looking for any excuse to deduct points from Gryffindor.

This put immense pressure on Harry during practice. Wood's intense focus and strict corrections made the atmosphere almost unbearable. Even Harry wasn't spared from Wood's relentless scrutiny.

By the time Dylan was nearly ready to sneak into the Forbidden Forest, he returned to the dormitory to find Harry lying on his bed, looking utterly drained.

When Dylan learned that Harry was overwhelmed by his recent schedule, he pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"I've learned a new spell that helps me relax when I'm exhausted. Would you like to try it?"

Harry's eyes, which had been dull, suddenly lit up. He tried to sit up but only managed to lift his head slightly.

"Of course!"

Dylan nodded and pulled out his wand.

"*Serenitas Lux!*"

A soft, pink light emanated from the tip of his wand, and as the particles touched Harry, they seemed to melt into his body. Harry felt his tired nerves relax, as if he had just woken up from a refreshing nap.

He stretched his limbs and let out a big yawn.

"Wow, that's amazing! I feel like I just had a full night's sleep!"

Dylan smiled. "I found this spell in an old magic book. If you want, I can teach it to you."

Harry's spirits lifted immediately. "Really? Dylan, please teach me!"

Dylan nodded and began explaining the spell's key points. It wasn't a complicated spell, and Harry picked it up quickly after a few tries.

"Make sure to emphasize the second syllable of the first word, 're,' and the second word. Keep your pronunciation smooth and steady, and let the airflow out gently. Some syllables should be clear, while others can be softer and shorter."

Under Dylan's guidance, Harry mastered the spell in no time.

When Ron and Neville returned to the dormitory, they found Dylan teaching Harry the spell.

"What are you two learning?" Ron asked, dragging his feet as he entered. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Harry holding his wand with an excited grin.

"A really useful spell!" Harry replied, his eyes twinkling mischievously. He suddenly pointed his wand at Ron and cast, "*Serenitas Lux!*"

A bright beam of light shot from his wand, wrapping around Ron like a golden ribbon. Ron flinched in surprise, while Neville watched wide-eyed.

But as the golden light seeped into Ron's body, the heavy fatigue on his shoulders seemed to lift. His eyelids felt lighter, and his mind cleared.

"What was that?" Ron asked, stunned.

"*Serenitas Lux!* Dylan taught me!" Harry said proudly.

Ron turned to Dylan with pleading eyes. "You're learning spells in the dorm? I want to learn too!"

Dylan sighed but agreed. It wasn't a difficult spell, so he decided to teach Ron and Neville as well. Even Seamus joined in later.

However, by the time Neville and Seamus had mastered the spell, Ron was still struggling. Dylan finally understood why Hermione often lost her patience with him.

"It's getting late. I'll teach you again tomorrow," Dylan said, declining Ron's request for another attempt.

"Just one more time, I promise!" Ron begged.

Dylan packed his books for the next day's classes and stored them in his system inventory. He glanced at Ron. "You said the same thing when Neville learned the spell."

Ron hesitated, then sighed. "Fine. But you'll teach me tomorrow, right?"

Dylan nodded. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you learn it—just not tonight. I need to sleep."

Ron sighed again and reluctantly agreed.

As they lay in bed, Ron and Harry started talking about the upcoming Quidditch match and Professor Snape.

"I don't get it," Ron said, resting his hands behind his head. "That greasy-haired git looks like he wants to eat you alive, but he still saved you from Quirrell."

Harry shook his head. "I don't understand it either."

Dylan, who had just finished tidying up, cast a quick *Scourgify* on himself before climbing into bed. He grabbed Coal, his cat, and tucked it into his arms.

"Regardless, Professor Snape is a competent teacher, and protecting students is part of his job. I actually think he's not that bad—maybe he's just not great at expressing himself."

Ron gasped in disbelief. "Are you serious? He can kill you with just one sentence! Remember what he said to me last time? 'Mr. Weasley, is your brain filled with Cockroach Clusters? Or perhaps you've mistaken your head for a cauldron of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans? Your hands seem to be under a Jelly-Legs Jinx—maybe you'd be better off cleaning windows at Honeydukes!'"

Ron imitated Snape's tone perfectly, then glanced at Dylan. "You know, sometimes you can be pretty sharp-tongued too. Maybe you should've been in Slytherin."

Dylan rolled his eyes. "Ron, if you know I can be just as cutting, why do you keep provoking me?"

Ron's smirk faltered, and he quickly looked away, chuckling nervously.

(End of Chapter)