The following day they had an extremely boring history of magic lesson, and then charms class, where Flitwick was teaching healing magic.
"Healing magic is used to improve the physical and mental condition of sick or injured witches and wizards." The professor told them. "There is a vast amount of different spells and potions used for this purpose. Now healing potions should be left up to the more advanced potioneers, but there are a few little charms that can ease the process of response and recovery in a magical emergency, and the good thing is that most everybody can do it." He explained. "Who can tell me some of the basic healing charms?"
Aedan's hand was the first in the air, followed by Teddy's.
"Aedan?" Flitwick pointed at him. Teddy and Aedan's hands went down.
"Episkey."
"Very good. Five points for Hufflepuff." Flitwick nodded.
"And Teddy, did you have a spell?"
"Sir." He nodded, "reparifors."
"Excellent." Flitwick nodded. "And can anybody tell me what these spells do?" He questioned. Teddy thrust his hand into the air, and then began to speak before Flitwick could choose him.
"Episkey is used for minor injuries, whereas reparifors heals minor magically induced ailments, like paralysis." Teddy smiled.
"Well i'll be! Healing magic must be your strong point, Teddy. Normally you don't answer questions in class. Your knowledge is extensive." Flitwick commended. "There are two more spells, class, which make up a basic knowledge of first aid magic." He then said. "These are Ferula and Tergeo, which are less healing spells and more about dealing with the damage." He said, then he elaborated. "Ferula is used to cast bandages and splints around broken bones, and Tergeo is a variation of the scouring spell, used to clear away blood from the wounded area." Flitwick then disappeared outside for a moment. When he came back in, the care of magical creatures teacher, Professor Greengrass was behind him, and trailing her was a unicorn with an injured leg, a pixie with a broken arm, and a few birds, presumably with their own ailments.
"Okay, so can i have a few volunteers?" Flitwick asked. Teddy's hand shot straight up. This was his chance! He could practice healing magic for real. The teacher smiled and nodded. "What animal would you like?" Flitwick questioned.
"The unicorn please." Teddy replied. He came forward and placed a hand on its side. The beautiful white flank of the creature shivered under his touch. He could sense she was very wary of him. Teddy knew they preferred women, but nonetheless he moved slowly around to face her front and held his hand out. The unicorn's breath fluttered over his open palm in great huffs.
"Hey." He said quietly. "I'm gonna help you." He moved to her front left leg, the injured leg. The animal tossed its head and backed away from him, not using the sore leg. The whole class collectively held their breath. "Hey..." He whispered. His gentle touch brushed her shoulder soothingly. She seemed to calm down, but remained very alert. Teddy brandished his wand, and moved it over her leg.
"Episkey." He murmured. The unicorn seemed to notice the reduction in pain, and made to stand back on her leg tentatively, but huffed heavily and picked it back up off the ground just as her hoof connected with the floorboards.
"Hmm... Hold on." Teddy said, and then he laid down on his back and gently moved her leg to see underneath her hoof. He could clearly see something crookedly sticking out of the bottom of it. "There's something in her hoof!" He exclaimed. Professor Flitwick's eyes widened.
"Like what?"
"I can't see what it is, exactly..." He trailed off. "Tergeo." Teddy muttered. The dried blood immediately cleared away. Now he could see that it was a long splinter of wood.
"Accio splinter." Teddy muttered, and then dodged out of the way. He had anticipated the unicorn's pain reflex, which was to stomp down hard. He was only just fast enough as her powerful muscles drove her hard hoof down onto the wood with a bang. She whinnied and tossed her mane and reared up. Teddy stood up, backed away and focussed his wand on her flailing hoof. "Episkey!" He spoke clearly, and he was on point. The animal calmed quickly with the help of professor Greengrass, and soon enough they had a much happier unicorn on the their hands. Teddy held up the splinter in victory.
"I did it!" He grinned, and the class clapped. a sudden camera flash went off.
"Wow, Teddy!" Teddy turned to see the bespectacled Freda Gilbert holding up her beloved camera. "That was really amazing." She told him. Teddy frowned deeply. No doubt the daily prophet would hear about this. He sighed exasperatedly, and then the bell went off for lunchtime. The classroom cleared quickly, and professor Greengrass led the animals back out of the door in the direction of the grounds. Flitwick clapped him on the back.
"Very well done! Fifty- no sixty points for Hufflepuff!" Professor Flitwick said cheerily. Teddy smiled bashfully.
"Aw it was nothin'" he replied.
"Have you considered being a healer?" His professor asked suddenly.
"Yeah i have actually. That's what i plan to do when i graduate."
"Really? Well i think you would be amazing at it!" Flitwick let him know. "I expect great things of you." He smiled. Teddy was flattered. Did he really think he'd make a good healer? The blue haired Hufflepuff walked out of there with a spring in his step and newfound confidence. He really thought he could invent this healing stone. He had even greater belief in himself now, thanks to his charms teacher.