Many student characters struggle with how to portray their skills and talents in an ICly balanced fashion, uncertain of how challenges are given to advanced students and how quickly they can reasonably master their spell work. Below is a guide to help aid in those decisions.
Unfortunately, JK Rowling left us with a limited spell list, and to keep things interesting students must be able to make up their own magical effects. The strength of any spell is based on the intention of the wizard/witch -- for example, there is only one incendio charm, but the intention of the user determines if it lights a candle or becomes a fireball, while the strength of a wizard/witch is based on the amount of magical control they exercise. Magical control comes both from practice and innate talent, making training invaluable. A wizard or witch cannot cast any spell just because he or she is skilled in charms. Even with talent, there is often difficulty in mastering spells -- practice makes perfect.
Two instances where spell work is especially troublesome and RPing difficulty most appropriate are non-verbal spells and immediately after student's return to Hogwarts after summer.
Non-verbal spells are only introduced in sixth year -- as a result, students under sixth year should not be using these spells without first speaking to the staff. Furthermore, remember that nonverbal magic is difficult and even NEWT level students may struggle. Even though students may learn magic from books over the summer, due to the 'Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery' they will not have the chance to practice that theoretical knowledge. Thus, it is important to remember that students should struggle to perform any spells learned over the summer, because they have not had a chance to practice them. Please see 'news summer' for more information.
Advanced reading can be limited by outside influences. The Librarian will stop any student from reading anything greatly beyond their current year level (IE: 2nd year reading about 5th year Charms), and prevent reading about classes that the student is not currently taking where limited and unguided knowledge could be dangerous -- Ancient Runes, Healing Arts or Vocational Studies for example.
Even if a character manages to read advanced texts that doesn't mean that they can apply it, or even understand it. Subjects are taught in a specific order, building upon previous lessons for a reason. Stepping out of that order makes it extremely difficult to understand -- doing so without the guidance of a Professor, nearly impossible. The potential for a dangerous mistake is high, which is why all such applications are forbidden without the supervision and approval of a Professor. Please see 'news school rules.'
Some classes will have clubs that will allow students to learn more the subject and to review what they know. These clubs are founded with the intention of appealing to students who are either more advanced or especially interested in an area. If a class does not currently have a club, it may be possible to speak to the Professor and see if it is possible to form one.
Students may pursue studies with the guidance of the Professor or other teaching authority such as a Teaching Assistant, with said Professor's approval. Remember, the school rules state that "Magic not covered in class or assigned reading should not be attempted unless supervised by a qualified staff member" (see 'news school rules'). As experts, teachers can give your character more guidance and assistance navigating the notorious Hogwarts library.
While it is possible to take additional classes, only students who have a compelling career reason for extra classes should apply, and even then, it's not a sure thing. We rarely approve applications for extra classes unless you are pursuing a class-heavy career such as Auror or Healer. To explore this possibility, please speak to a staff member; final approval of extra classes requires a generic application. Please see 'news apps generic' for further information on these applications.