The library was quieter than usual that morning, the sunlight spilling across the tall shelves in golden beams. My shadow clones had been sent to catalog grimoires and practice their own experiments, leaving the space free for me and Luna.
Luna stood near the center of the main hall, wand raised with an eager, determined expression. Her emerald eyes sparkled, and I could see the curiosity and raw talent she held. My own wand hovered in my hand, a faint glow emanating from the tip as I prepared to demonstrate the first advanced spell of the day.
"Alright," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though my chest raced slightly at seeing her so focused. "We'll start with a controlled elemental binding. It's not just a basic spell. It requires precision, timing, and—" I paused, letting my mind organize the steps carefully. "—an understanding of magical flow. Watch closely."
With a flick of the Elder Wand, I drew a complex sigil in the air, and small tendrils of fire and air intertwined above the floor. The flames danced without burning, controlled perfectly by the invisible currents of wind I commanded.
Luna's eyes widened. "Wow…" she whispered, almost breathless.
"Don't just watch," I said firmly, holding out my wand to her. "You need to feel the magic. Place your focus on the currents, not just the flames. Let them flow through you."
She nodded, stepping forward with determination. I could see the concentration on her face as she mimicked my gestures. A faint glow appeared around her wand tip, but the fire wavered, uncontrolled.
"Good start," I said, a note of encouragement in my voice. "Now adjust the flow with your intention. Don't force it. Let the magic respond to you, not the other way around."
Her brows furrowed, and she concentrated harder. I stayed close, guiding with words and gestures, careful not to interfere too much. Slowly, the flames steadied, intertwining with a soft whisper of wind that formed a perfect, spiraling helix above the floor.
"Yes!" I exclaimed softly, barely containing my excitement. "Perfect, Luna! That's exactly it!"
Her eyes shone, pride and delight in equal measure. "I did it, Seraphina!"
"Not just you," I corrected, smiling faintly despite the flutter in my chest. "We did it. Magic like this isn't just one person—it's understanding and cooperation."
She grinned, her small hand clutching her wand tighter. "I want to learn more! Can we try combining with earth magic next?"
I raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Bold. Very well. But this is dangerous. You need precision, or the currents could become unstable."
For the next hour, we worked together, weaving fire, air, and finally earth into controlled elemental formations. I guided her hand when necessary, adjusted the flow with a flick of my wand, and quietly noted her strengths: her instinctive understanding of magical currents, her adaptability, and her fearlessness.
At one point, a small pillar of rock trembled too close to the ceiling, and I had to push her back quickly, my hand brushing hers. The brief contact sent an unexpected jolt through me, and I quickly stepped back, clearing my throat.
"Careful," I said, voice a little too sharp, trying to mask my flustered state.
"I'm fine!" she said brightly, though a mischievous smile tugged at her lips. "That was exciting!"
I shook my head, exhaling slowly, and refocused on the lesson. "Exciting, yes, but we're learning control, not chaos. Focus. Flow. Precision."
By the end of the session, Luna had mastered the advanced elemental combination better than I expected for someone her age. She beamed with pride, and I felt a mixture of admiration and something warmer stir in my chest.
"Good work today," I said, lowering my wand. "You've learned more in a month than most students in their first year."
"Thanks, Seraphina!" she said, her grin bright enough to light the entire library. "I can't wait for the next lesson!"
I smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, trying not to think about how much her enthusiasm affected me. "Next lesson will be even harder," I said softly. "But I think you're ready."
As she left the library, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling quietly. My mind was still on the lesson, still on her talent… and, of course, still on her.
Teaching Luna Black was going to be a challenge—and perhaps, in ways I didn't want to admit, more than just academically.