Ron looked at Professor Flitwick in horror.
Kai Adler didn't want to be humiliated in front of the class—but neither, apparently, did Ron.
"Professor, I…"
Ron began weakly, but it was too late.
Harry was chuckling off to the side. Though he hadn't seen exactly what happened, he had a strong suspicion about the cause. His eyes drifted to Kai, who sat calmly with folded hands and a subtle smile.
Yes, it was probably him.
But Harry had no intention of exposing his friend. Instead, he gave Ron a helpful shove forward.
Ron stumbled toward Professor Flitwick and turned back with a betrayed look on his face.
Harry looked away innocently, even puckering his lips as if about to whistle.
Hermione clutched Kai's sleeve and laughed so hard her shoulders shook.
Professor Flitwick took in the scene with twinkling eyes. He had taught far too long not to recognize harmless mischief when he saw it—and to appreciate it.
"Well then, Mr. Weasley seems especially enthusiastic. You'll make an excellent volunteer."
"Ah? Oh…"
Ron nodded with the expression of a man heading to the gallows. He cast one last, desperate glare at his so-called friends.
Flitwick raised his wand.
"This charm is quite simple. Repeat after me, everyone. Rictusempra!"
"Rictusempra!"
The students echoed the incantation. Even Ron mouthed it miserably, as though reciting his own eulogy.
"Very good. Now, Mr. Weasley, get ready."
Before Ron could respond, a flash of white light burst from Flitwick's wand and struck him squarely in the chest.
His lips twitched. His face contorted.
Then he exploded into uncontrollable laughter.
Within seconds, Ron was doubled over, gasping for breath, laughter pouring from him in loud, ragged bursts. He collapsed onto the floor, writhing helplessly.
The class erupted with laughter. Even Harry bent over, wheezing. Hermione buried her face in Kai's shoulder, her body trembling with mirth.
Professor Flitwick chuckled to himself, clearly pleased with the demonstration.
The only one not laughing—at least not willingly—was Ron. His body was limp, face flushed, brows furrowed, but still he laughed against his will.
Finally, Flitwick ended the spell with a flick of his wand. Ron sucked in air like a drowning man and coughed violently.
He looked like someone who had used up his entire lifetime's supply of laughter in thirty seconds.
Kai couldn't help but laugh either—heartily, honestly. But then something in his expression shifted. He paused, eyes distant.
Hermione noticed the sudden change. "What's wrong?" she asked quietly.
Kai's eyes lit up as if struck by inspiration. He abruptly rose to his feet, as if to run off somewhere.
"Where are you going? Class isn't over yet!"
Hermione quickly grabbed his sleeve, pulling him back down.
Kai blinked, then smiled. "Right, right…"
She narrowed her eyes. "What was that?"
Kai leaned in, his voice low. "I think I've figured out the condition for casting the spell."
"What spell?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
"Expecto Patronum."
Hermione's eyes widened. Just as she was about to press him further, Ron returned to his seat, still looking shaken.
"What were you two whispering about? Don't tell me you're still laughing at me."
Kai shrugged. "We were exchanging thoughts."
A sharp jab landed in his side.
"Ow."
"Don't listen to his nonsense," Hermione said calmly, though her cheeks were pink. "We were discussing spells."
Ron looked unconvinced but let it go, already plotting revenge on Harry.
"You pushed me, didn't you?"
"What? No!"
Harry looked wounded—far too dramatically. "It wasn't me."
Ron tackled him with a growl, rubbing his head violently while Harry protested with laughter.
Kai and Hermione watched them roughhouse, both laughing softly. The earlier conversation faded, but Hermione didn't forget his words.
Pure happiness.
Could it really be… the Tickling Charm?
Later, after class…
Kai tugged Hermione to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. The door appeared, and they slipped inside.
Kai pulled out his wand, but Hermione hesitated.
"You're going to try the spell now?"
"I think so," Kai nodded.
Hermione looked down at her wand, then at him. Her fingers tightened around it.
"Kai… if pure happiness is the key…"
She raised her wand before he could react.
"Rictusempra!"
A flash of white light struck Kai square in the chest.
One minute later, Kai was sprawled across the floor, breathless, still twitching with the aftershocks of laughter.
Hermione, face red with embarrassment, helped him sit up.
Kai stared at her with an exasperated grin. "You really thought I meant the Tickling Charm?"
Hermione didn't answer. Her head was bowed in shame.
In her panic, she had forgotten the counter-spell and watched helplessly as Kai practically suffocated in laughter.
He had to forcibly break the spell himself. Barely.
And it wasn't even that effective. His ribs hurt.
Kai flicked her forehead gently. "What were you thinking? If I got hit, how was I supposed to counter it?"
"I… I thought you wanted to try it… and laughing is happiness, right?"
Hermione looked miserable.
Kai sighed but chuckled anyway. "If it were that easy, every wizard would have a Patronus."
Hermione pouted. "Sorry… I just wanted to help."
"I know."
He reached over and ruffled her hair gently. "No harm done. But next time, try not to nearly kill me with your good intentions."
She pulled his hand away and gave him a half-hearted glare. "You're not angry?"
"How could I be? It was kind of adorable."
They shared a quiet smile.
Just then, the door opened behind them.
Cough cough.
Kai turned, instantly annoyed. "What are you doing here?"
"You mean, Professor, don't you?"
Dumbledore stood at the door, looking far too entertained.
Kai narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "How did you know I was here?"
"I happened to see you run off after class. I had a hunch," the Headmaster said, casually stroking his beard.
Kai gave him a look.
You're watching me again, aren't you?
Dumbledore raised a brow.
If you caused less trouble, I wouldn't have to.
Hermione looked from one to the other. "…Why are you two just staring at each other like that?"