In the observation room, Douglas had to announce with a hint of regret,
"Miss Weasley's challenge has ended in failure."
He then used a Whispering Charm to let Ginny, who had regained control of her body, know she could return—there was no need to fear any further spells.
Ginny reappeared in the observation room, dripping wet.
With a gentle tap of his wand to her shoulder, Douglas sent a wave of warmth through her body—like a tiny sun radiating gentle heat from within.
It was soothing, not scalding, and made her feel almost drowsy.
A soft hiss filled the air as steam rose around her. To Ginny's surprise, not only were her robes dry, but even her hair—previously soaked—was now perfectly warm and fluffy.
The other students gazed at Douglas in awe.
Those raised in the wizarding world had seen Drying Charms before, but only ever used on clothes hung up and removed. Most witches and wizards struggled to cast it properly—often ruining the fabric.
Douglas smiled faintly. This little spell was his own invention, inspired by martial arts tales of heroes drying their clothes with inner energy.
"Miss Weasley, you may head to the classroom now and write a reflection on today's practical lesson—ten inches at minimum."
Ginny hesitated.
"Professor, could I… try again later? Just give me one more chance—I know I can do it…"
Douglas gave a regretful shrug,
"Sorry, Miss Weasley. Because of time constraints, everyone only gets one attempt this class."
A flicker of frustration crossed Ginny's face, but she nodded quietly.
At the classroom door, she paused, then turned back,
"Professor, may I…?"
Douglas smiled in approval.
"Of course, Miss Weasley. That's entirely up to you."
Ginny turned to her classmates,
"When you go in, don't forget what Professor said—don't look directly or indirectly at its eyes! So, whatever you do, don't stare at anything reflective.
At the first corner, there are a few puddles—be careful!
And that creature seems to follow you by the sound of your footsteps. Don't forget the Quietus charm…"
She let out a long breath, preparing to leave.
Clap, clap, clap!
Douglas beamed as he applauded, and the rest of the class joined in.
Several students even offered their thanks to Ginny.
Seeing her blush and stare shyly at her shoes, Douglas said with genuine admiration,
"To share everything you know with your competitors, even after failing yourself—that's not just the courage to face defeat, but a rare and remarkable spirit. I think Professor McGonagall would be very proud.
Given Miss Weasley's excellent use of Lumos, the Quietus charm, her keen observation, and her extraordinary courage and generosity—ten points to Gryffindor!"
The room erupted in applause.
Ginny ducked her head, pretending to study a scuffed spot on the floor.
With Ginny's warning, the next student quickly made it to the puddles.
Having learned from her mistake, he rolled up his trousers, closed his eyes, and gingerly stretched out a foot.
The first puddle was ankle-deep, which eased his nerves a little.
He carefully tested the next step—this time, dry ground.
Another step, and he was back in a puddle, but he pressed on.
Suddenly, as he lifted his leg, the foot in the puddle felt as if something was swallowing it whole.
Startled, he panicked—his raised foot came down hard into another puddle.
But this one was different—a hidden pit.
He stepped into empty air, and momentum yanked his other leg free of the mud.
Before he could feel relief, he looked up—straight into a pair of glowing green eyes above.
"Above? Eyes? Oh, bugger—"
In his panic, he'd opened his eyes and twisted sideways—right into the creature's gaze.
Before he could react, the Full Body-Bind Curse hit him.
He froze, half-submerged in water, half sprawled on the shore—a truly miserable sight.
In the observation room, everyone watched as "Petrificus Totalus" appeared on the map and let out a collective sigh.
Douglas flicked his wand, murmuring,
"Mobiliarbus!"
The petrified student floated out of the tunnel, wobbling gently in midair.
Douglas released the spell and dried his clothes for him.
The student quickly shared his experience before hurrying out, still embarrassed.
—
After five students failed at the same spot, the rest finally calmed down.
Rather than charging in blindly, they huddled together to strategize.
"Why don't we just jump across?"
"You forgot—Colin already tried that. The gap's too wide. He landed right in the puddle!"
"This is impossible!"
"Yeah, maybe Professor never even meant for us to pass…" (whispered)
"I know a freezing charm! We could freeze the puddles!"
"Really? You try it, then! I don't want our whole class to fail!"
"But I don't actually know it. I only saw Hermione practicing in the common room…"
—
Listening to their discussion, Douglas could only shake his head.
They were completely fixated on the puddles.
He'd never meant to stump a bunch of first-years.
Not a single one had noticed the narrow path he'd left in the shadows beside the puddles—just half a foot wide.
If they'd pressed against the wall and grabbed the protruding rocks, they could have avoided the puddles entirely.
But from Ginny onward, not one had bothered to examine the walls…
By the end of class, aside from a few who struggled even with Lumos, every student had tried the challenge.
One even managed a decent Transfiguration, turning a pebble into a plank to bridge the puddle.
Unfortunately, his spell didn't last long enough—the plank reverted to a stone before he could cross, and he tumbled into the puddle.
He'd kept his eyes closed, but crawled out in the wrong direction.
When he realized something was off and opened his eyes, he found himself staring straight into the creature's gaze.
At the end of the lesson, Douglas had to inform them—regretfully—that no one had succeeded.
After Gryffindor's first-years came Ravenclaw's.
Their performance was noticeably better.
Four students spotted the hidden path and made it to the second challenge, though all failed there.
But whether they'd failed at the first or second stage, none of the Ravenclaws shared their discoveries with others.
Douglas made no comment.
Everyone had their own choices.
After Ravenclaw, the last class of the day: Slytherin second-years.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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