[
Good morning, darling seventh year students! Remember when Charms was a harmless subject with a lovable old professor and a slim to none chance of suffering emotional or physical trauma? No? Excellent.
Today each of you will find a candle sitting on the desk in front of them. Don't worry, unlike last time it will not grow teeth and attack you on sight. So sit down, get comfortable and listen to the task at hand! ]
Now, given the
dreadful quality of your memory charms last week I trust that
at least none of you will have any trouble recalling... the freezing charms you were taught in your third year. Today-
[
He snaps his fingers, lighting all the candles in the room at once. ]
-you will freeze the small flame in front of you.
[
He allows for a dramatic pause and for his students to wonder what place child's play like that has in a seventh year class. ]
Of course there... is a catch. Not only do I expect your actual incantation to be silent, no, I... should also like you to move your wand and lips as if you were conjuring fire.
Allow me to demonstrate.
[
Professor Buckingham draws his wand (Dogwood, dragon heartstring, 15¾”, rather flexible, of course) and aims a flowing motion and a booming Incendio! at the candle on his desk, but instead of flames his wand produces a jet of ice that freezes flame, candle and holder solid.
Cue moment to let the display sink in. ]
To maintain the appearance of one charm while executing another is the very
peak of focus, control and unity between you and... your wand, not to mention
quite the edge in a duel.
[
It's also a rather underhanded technique and greatly frowned upon by Professor La Fère... which is all the more reason to teach it passionately and thoroughly!
Buckingham grins broadly and moves to the side of the classroom in strides. ]
That said, good luck and... do mind the eyebrows, eh?
[
For any ghosts, members of the faculty or students not presently suffering from his class Professor Buckingham will be in his office, grooming his owl. He will also be wandering the hallways often enough, especially to return a little something to a certain Ravenclaw's office. ]
( For the curious, everybody else's lesson plan under the cut! )