The figure hovering above was ghost-like, yet distinctly different—Peeves the Poltergeist.
Unlike the ethereal, pearl-white aura of the house ghosts, Peeves was a riot of color. He wore a clownish, vividly bright outfit, complete with a crooked tie and a round, battered bowler hat. His look was oddly formal—until you noticed the open-toed slippers flapping on his feet, and a face that was as mischievous as it was cartoonish, rather like the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro.
Upon spotting Wyzett and Professor McGonagall, Peeves grinned from ear to ear and let out a wild whoop. "Woooo! Who's come to play in my little mess—oh, it's our dear Professor McGonagall! Still harassing students even during the holidays? The little lions will cry—wait, this one's a little eagle!"
Professor McGonagall shook her head with a sigh and flicked her wand. "Reparo!"
The classroom instantly tidied itself, every bit of chalk, paper scrap, and statue fragment returning to its proper place. Only then did she address Peeves. "If you wouldn't mind, I need a bit of quiet. Please leave us."
Peeves's grin stretched impossibly wide, nearly reaching his ears, giving him a rather sinister air. He planted his hands on his hips and rocked back and forth before her. "Oh? And why should I listen to you, Professor?"
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The ominous rattle of chains echoed through the empty classroom.
A gaunt, spectral figure materialized—his tattered robes streaked with silvery blood, shackles clanking at his wrists. His hollow eyes fixed on Peeves as he shook his chains and bellowed, "Peeves! So this is where you're hiding!"
It was none other than The Bloody Baron, the fearsome ghost of Slytherin House.
With his menacing appearance and brooding silence, most students gave the Baron a wide berth.
"Oh! Baron, sir! My lord! Your ghostliness!" Peeves squawked, suddenly flustered. "What brings you here…?"
"I've come to settle things with you!" The Baron's voice was like a cold wind as he advanced, chains rattling.
Peeves grew visibly panicked, glancing left and right. His form began to fade, leaving only his hat floating in midair. A ghostly hand snatched it up, and both vanished with a final, fading shout: "Baron, sir! I'll just be off—don't let me disturb you!"
"Peeves is quite terrified of The Bloody Baron," Professor McGonagall remarked, waving her wand to disperse the Baron's ghostly form. "But we're short on time—you still need to catch the train."
Wyzett couldn't contain his curiosity. "Is there something you wanted to discuss, Professor?"
"The practical portion of your Transfiguration final was no challenge for you," she said, summoning a box of chalk with a flick of her wand. "I know you've been studying The Theory of Transubstantial Transfiguration. I imagine you've tried your hand at even more advanced magic?"
Eagerly, Wyzett asked, "Would you like me to demonstrate, Professor?"
"Absolutely!" Professor McGonagall nodded, her eyes bright. "Your snuffbox in the final was extraordinary—I'm curious to see what other surprises you have in store."
Wyzett raised his wand, eyeing the box of chalk as he considered how to push his Transfiguration further. Thanks to his research into Devil's Snare, he was most adept at transforming vine-like plants, but he'd already shown that skill. It was time for something new.
The Theory of Transubstantial Transfiguration included anatomical diagrams of animals—perhaps he could use that…
Decision made, he exhaled slowly, tapped the chalk box, and whispered, "Vera Verto!"
He pictured a fawn in his mind. As he cast the spell, the box floated into the air. The chalk pieces inside rose up, linking together to form a delicate skeleton. Red chalk crumbled into fine dust, clinging to the bones like flesh and muscle.
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened; she reflexively adjusted her glasses, lips pressed tightly together.
Everything moved under Wyzett's precise control. The chalk skeleton trembled, then, after five minutes, a spotted fawn stood before them.
With a wave of his wand, the fawn lifted its head, sniffed the air, and gazed about with wide, curious eyes.
"Professor, this is a little insight I gained from The Theory of Transubstantial Transfiguration," Wyzett said, a bit sheepish. "It still takes me too long, and every movement has to be controlled by me."
Professor McGonagall recovered her composure, adding, "But at its core, it's still just a box of chalk."
"You remembered what I taught—never change the essence of an object. That's excellent!"
She bent to stroke the fawn's back, marveling at the soft, lifelike texture. "Even the fur feels right… and you're only a first-year…"
What was most impressive was the spark of life in the fawn's eyes—a sign that Wyzett had touched upon the soul in his magic.
"Incredible," Professor McGonagall murmured, unable to hide her admiration. She thought back to her own first year, then sighed with a smile.
"But let's get to the point." She straightened. "Professor Sprout has submitted a request to cultivate Mandrakes here at Hogwarts."
"Mandrakes?" The word immediately brought to mind the entries from One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. After a year's study, Wyzett had memorized the entire book.
Mandrakes were notorious for their deadly screams, but every part of the plant was invaluable for potion-making.
Professor McGonagall smiled knowingly. "I can tell you're familiar with them."
"Fresh Mandrakes are rare. Besides their use in potions, they're also crucial for practicing Animagus transformation."
Wyzett's eyes lit up. "Animagus?"
He'd read about Animagi in the library, but the books only covered theory—never any practical instructions.
"Animagus materials are kept in the Restricted Section," Professor McGonagall explained. "Ordinary students rarely get a look at them. As I've told you before, Transfiguration is the most complex and dangerous branch of magic—especially advanced magic like Animagus. Accidents are all too common."
"When Headmaster Dumbledore first asked me, I had my doubts. But after seeing your demonstration, I'm no longer concerned."
"Starting next year, I'll find time to teach you the basics of Animagus transformation. Consider it an extra layer of protection…"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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