WEEK SIX
In today’s class, we discussed all about concentration. Concentration can be broken down into two stages- one, keeping the mind on the effects of the spell even before you cast the spell, and two, keeping the mind and intent on the target once the spell is cast. Concentration is mostly focus, but maintained over a period of time. Spells vary with degree of concentration required. The Severing Charm requires that we concentrate on the effects of the spell and the target before casting the spell, while the Sunlight Charm or the Dancing Lights Charm requires us to continue to concentrate upon the spell after it has been cast in order to maintain the effect. The spell that requires the power of concentration the most, in the face of danger and adversity, is the Patronus Charm. It requires us to concentrate on a very happy, powerful memory in order to successfully defend against the Dementors. Other powerful spells that require enormous concentration, focus and will power are Riddikkulus, Imperius Curse and Cruciatus Curse.
In the second half of the class, we discussed about both spells which are modified versions of basic spells. They are called Spell Modifiers. The first spell we did was the Sunlight Charm, which is a modifier of the Wand-Lighting Charm. The incantation for this spell is “Lumos Solem” (pronounced ‘LOO-mos SO-lem‘) and the wand movement is a single counter-clockwise loop ending with the want pointed directly towards the target. When I tried this, it produced an intense beam of light. It required a lot of concentration to keep it focused and directed on the target. It looked more like a flashlight though. Professor Quilmane said depending on the will power put into the spell, the intensity can go up to resemble a bright golden yellow light at its maximum. Unfortunately, I got nowhere close to that. Will need practice.
The other spell modifier we discussed is the Dancing Lights Charm. Also a modified version of the Wand-Lighting Charm, the incantation for the spell is “Lumos Numerosa” (pronounced as ‘LOO-mos Noom-air-O-sa’) and the wand movement is a single counter-clockwise loop followed by several rapid clockwise loops. This spell requires immense concentration levels. I had to concentrate on each orb I had conjured to keep it alight. I had to choose between quality and quantity of orbs. I settled on 3 orbs and managed to keep them lighted for at least half a minute. Each orb was as bright as a candle. That was not bad for a First Year, Professor Quilmane said, making me beam with pride!
Continue to CHRM 101 Journal : Part IV.
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