Chapter 32: The Art of Barriers (2)
"What an absolute monster."
The room was stunned, though many students were now in awe rather than disbelief.
Nero, still composed, felt his chest swell with joy. This was his element. Creating barriers was as natural to him as breathing. He loved this process of creating, analyzing and adapting on the fly.
At last, Verkor could no longer suppress his admiration.
The proud, austere professor suddenly shifted his demeanor completely.
The imperious, detached instructor had been replaced by someone far more akin to Flitwick, a passionate, over-excited professor on the verge of an existential revelation.
"Mr. Ravenclaw, no, Nero!" he began, almost giddy, "You are a prodigy. A true prodigy. I must speak with Professor Dumbledore immediately. Such a talent of barriers cannot be wasted here. You must be nurtured, properly, for the greater good of magic itself."
Without another word, Professor Verkor turned and sprinted out of the room, his hands shaking with excitement.
The students exchanged confused glances.
"Uh... what are we supposed to do next?" someone called after him.
"I think... I think we just... wait?" another replied hesitantly.