Professor Tobias Blade waited near the front of the classroom as the third-years filed in, a plain wooden box of candles at his feet. He watched them settle with the same quiet patience he always carried, then stepped forward, a trace of sternness settling over his features.
“Good morning, everyone. Short lecture today—we’ll spend most of our time outside.” A low buzz of curiosity rippled through the room. Blade raised a hand for silence. “Settle in. Let’s cover the essentials so we can get to work.”
With a flick of his wand, the word Incendio appeared in crisp chalk letters on the board. “Incendio is the charm for conjuring fire,” he said, pausing long enough for quills to scratch the note down. “Fire is useful—also dangerous. Control is everything. Lose focus, and you’ll trade a spark for an inferno.”
He summoned a single candle into his palm. The room watched in silence. “Incendio.” A tight, controlled jet of flame leapt from Blade’s wand, igniting the wick with a bright orange flicker. He blew it out. “Conjuring fire is easy. Managing size and intensity is the real task. Your mindset matters—steady hands, steady emotions.”
“Grab your wands and leave your bags. We’re heading to the grounds—there’s a stack of wood set up like a bonfire. I’ll be right behind you.”
Outside, the overcast sky kept the air cool as Blade positioned the class in a loose arc around the bonfire site. He set a candle in front of each student and stepped back.
“Third years, take one step back. Good. Your target is the candle.” He paced down the line, ensuring there was space between every student. “Concentrate. Aim. Keep the flame small. Once you’ve lit the candle, plant it in the ground and cast again. Practice as many times as you need.”
Blade moved among them, extinguishing stray sparks in the grass and offering quiet pointers. A few candles flared too high; he doused each flare with a swift flick of his wand. Singed grass smoldered, but he put that out as well—no sign of annoyance, only calm efficiency.
After a good stretch of practice, he clapped once for attention. “That’s enough for today. If you want extra practice, find me after class and I’ll supervise.” He nodded toward the castle. “Class dismissed. Mind the burn marks on your way out.”