"Exactly," another male senior agreed. "I heard that professor used to be a Gringotts Curse-Breaker with a very strong foundation in counter-curses, but I don't know when he started to fall apart like that."
"I've heard of him. He used to have many papers published in various journals, but it seems that for the last four years, he's become incredibly unlucky. Whatever spell he tries to test fails, and unexpected accidents always happen in places where nothing should go wrong. Since then, he hasn't been able to serve as a Curse-Breaker," Shirley Lunster interjected. Shirley, now in her seventh year, had been obsessed with counter-curses since joining the club the same year as Alan.
"Do you think he might have been hit by some special curse when he was in Egypt? His situation is too abnormal," another senior added.
"Who knows? There's certainly a possibility. Otherwise, why would a perfectly capable person end up like this?" Senior Vanessa also shared those suspicions.
Just as the discussion grew animated, Professor Flitwick entered, accompanied by two students who appeared to be new members. The cluster of people dispersed as they saw the professor, returning to their seats to begin the meeting.
Alan couldn't help but speculate. Professor Gentil's state was definitely not normal, but there was too little information available to form a solid conclusion.
He glanced at the empty chair beside him, which had always been Senior Vanessa's seat. That senior, also from Slytherin, had given him a great deal of help. Now that she had graduated and joined the Ministry of Magic for an internship in the Auror Office, he wondered how she was faring.
Professor Flitwick spoke, his voice cheerful as always. "Everyone, it's a pleasure to see you all again for the new school year. To start, let me introduce the new members joining the Charms Club."
He looked at the two wizards standing beside him. "First is a fifth-year student from Hufflepuff, Marin McMillan. Please, welcome him!"
The crowd offered a warm round of applause before the professor introduced the second student. "And this is Aliana Hinkley, a third-year from Ravenclaw. Welcome!"
Alan recognized her immediately. She was a familiar face from the boats during their first year. He had seen her once or twice after that, though he couldn't remember exactly when.
"Let's arrange your seating. Marin, you sit there. Aliana, you'll be right next to Alan," Flitwick said, gesturing to the open spots.
As Aliana walked toward her seat, she noticed Alan and her brow furrowed. She remembered him vividly. Two years ago, when they were children, he had knocked her over with a snowball. To her, he was an entirely rude and uncivilized boy. She hadn't expected him to be a member of such an elite club.
Then it occurred to her that something was off. She had been chosen to join in her third year—wasn't this guy in the same grade as her? How could he have joined the club before she did?
With a frown of confusion, Aliana sat down. Alan glanced at her as she approached but otherwise paid her no attention.
*He really is a rude guy,* Aliana thought with a prickle of resentment.
"Now, let's announce this year's research topics. The standard topics remain, but we have added a new area of study. I hope you will all continue your hard work," Flitwick said, tapping his wand against the whiteboard as the titles appeared in shimmering ink.
"Development of elemental magic? This seems very innovative," Alan noted, immediately writing it down.
Aliana opened her own notebook and began to copy the list, imitating his focus, as Flitwick continued.
"Once you've finished recording the topics, I have some special news. Let's congratulate Alan Wilson. His paper, 'Echo Charm Development and Application,' has been published in multiple journals, including Century Charms. For those of you who subscribe, I'm sure you've already read it. Many renowned scholars and Charms Masters have shown great interest in this new spell. Be careful, Alan—those old masters will soon drown you in owls."
Professor Flitwick made a small joke, and the room erupted in laughter and appreciative looks toward Alan. Since joining the club, he had maintained a quiet, diligent image. They hadn't expected him to make such a significant breakthrough in spell development so early.
Alan stood and offered a humble bow. "The development of the spell relied heavily on the knowledge I've learned from the seniors here. The Amplifying Charm developed by Senior Quirrell was a great inspiration, as was the guidance from Professor Flitwick and Professor Bones. I couldn't have completed the work so quickly on my own."
The seniors smiled at his modesty, and Quirrell, specifically mentioned, even led a second round of applause.
Aliana sat in stunned silence. Was this really the same boy who had entered school with her? Developing an entirely new spell? It felt like a joke.
Professor Flitwick nodded, his pride in Alan evident. He had always admired the boy's rigor. While he had expected Alan to start with magic sensitivity, the results in sound-wave magic were impressive.
"Alright," Flitwick said, signaling for silence. "Alan, come up and demonstrate the Echo Charm. I'm sure everyone is curious to see the specific effects described in your paper."
Alan nodded. Professor Flitwick had warned him a demonstration would be necessary. He stood and walked to the front of the room to address the club.