Maybe he should do it nonverbally. What could go wrong, yeah? Besides…it might be his lucky day!

Ethan positioned himself again and made sure that he could see the dummy clearly. Once that was established, he visualized what he wanted to happen, filled his chest with intent, and concentrated on the words ‘Carpe Retractum’. Merlin. He had to admit that it was hard to do all three things at the same time mentally. Although it was hard for the boy, he focused on the dummy and at the task at hand.

3…2…1.

“Carpe Retractum!” a whip like movement of the wand, and shouting the incantation clearly inside his head. A puff of purple smoke emanated from his wand, and about four inches of purple rope pathetically dangled from its tip. Ethan raised an eyebrow and flicked it, retracting the rope. At least he got something. Heh.