"Learning Transfiguration requires immense dedication because it's far more precise and scientific than other subjects. In Transfiguration, only absolute perfection counts as success."
Professor McGonagall stepped down from the podium and tapped Harry's book. "Now, please turn to page five. I'll repeat the key points once more: when performing a transformation, a firm and decisive wand movement is crucial. Avoid unnecessary flicks or twirls, or the spell will surely fail. Before casting the charm, clearly visualize the object's new form in your mind…"
McGonagall went over two critical points and introduced a counter-spell to reverse transformations. Then, she instructed the young witches and wizards to turn the matchsticks on their desks into silver needles.
The students eagerly began their attempts, but few succeeded. Despite trying different gestures and pronunciations, their matchsticks remained stubbornly unchanged. Frustration set in, with many scratching their heads or furrowing their brows.
Hermione, however, was staring intently at Sean.
Sean's eyes flickered with focus as he reflected deeply. Transfiguration, known as the magic that most embodies a wizard's will, perfectly illustrated a profound truth: magic itself is a miracle.
And wizards? They're the gods who wield those miracles. With a clear intent, unwavering belief, and enough mental strength, even a first-year could alter an object's very essence.
I know the structure of a matchstick, and I'm confident I can do this, Sean thought. Maybe I could dive deeper into its makeup or boost my confidence even more, but… I'm more curious about something else—something mentioned in Magical Theory. To truly unleash a spell's full power, you need sufficient mental strength. If the emotion behind the Lumos charm is a desire for light, then what's the emotion needed for Transfiguration?
"It's command," Sean said aloud. "I am the god here. Vera Verto!"
[You practiced basic Transfiguration at an expert level. Proficiency +30]
A burst of light shot from Sean's wand, and in an instant, the matchstick transformed into a silver needle, its tip glinting coldly with a small hole at the end. The other students immediately crowded around in awe.
"Merlin's beard! He did it!"
"How'd he manage that?!"
"Who was it? Sean? Sean?!"
Beside him, Hermione's jaw dropped. She was certain she hadn't missed a single detail, so why could Sean succeed where she hadn't, despite using the same wand movements and incantation?
"Mr. Green…" Professor McGonagall strode over, her eyes fixed on the needle, a relieved and satisfied smile spreading across her face. But just as she opened her mouth to speak, her expression shifted. "Step away from Mr. Green—now!"
Her sharp command sent the gawking students scattering.
Sean, oblivious to the commotion, remained focused, his gaze steady and resolute. "I can do even more," he told himself. "Transfiguration!"
With a forceful wave of his wand, the rat in the cage beside him began to transform into a snuffbox. It wasn't perfect—the rat's tail still twitched—but the result drew a collective "Wow!" from the class.
[You practiced intermediate Transfiguration at a beginner level. Proficiency +50]
"Mr. Green," McGonagall said, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of awe and sternness. "A… disconcerting talent."
She paused, noticing Sean's shy, cautious glance as he seemed slightly drained. Her stern expression softened, and a genuine spark of joy lit her eyes. A reassuring talent, too.
"An exceptional performance beyond the curriculum, Mr. Green. For that, I award Ravenclaw ten points!" McGonagall's smile was warm and approving.
"Brilliant!" Michael cheered, pumping his fist and slyly pocketing Terry's matchstick from the desk in front. Terry snapped out of his daze, ready to protest, but Michael cut him off. "Look at Sean's transformation, Terry! Ravenclaw just earned ten points!"
Terry glanced at Sean, stunned for a moment, then broke into a shy grin. Michael, meanwhile, smirked while clutching the stolen matchstick, earning a subtle headshake from Anthony, who was leading the applause.
[You practiced intermediate Transfiguration at an apprentice level. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced intermediate Transfiguration at an apprentice level. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced intermediate Transfiguration at an apprentice level. Proficiency +10]
With class still in session and some energy restored, Sean kept practicing to boost his proficiency. After another exhausting effort, he checked his progress:
[Transfiguration: Apprentice Level (113/900)]
[Advanced: Beginner-Level Transfiguration. You can unlock the Beginner Transfiguration Title]
Rapid progress, Sean thought. I'm living up to my faint purple talent. While he was curious about the beginner title, his priority was mastering potion-making. That meant understanding how to handle potion ingredients to gain practical experience.
"Where's my matchstick?!" Terry's quiet voice suddenly roared just before class ended. Michael bolted out of the classroom like the wind, pausing only to shout, "That was incredible, Sean!" as he passed.
Sean chuckled, watching Terry chase after him, then headed toward the greenhouses.
At the corridor leading to the greenhouses, Sean spotted a familiar figure. "Bruce!" he called, hurrying over.
"Hey, Sean," Bruce, a senior student, greeted with a warm smile. "Heading to the greenhouses?"
"Yeah," Sean replied, and the two walked down the corridor together.
Sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing Hogwarts Castle in a warm glow. Shadows of suits of armor and statues slanted across the floor, while portraits chatted and visited one another. Sean's eyes lingered on a painted lady who pointedly ignored an approaching knight.
"Why does Professor Sprout have us handling things like snake fangs?" Sean asked.
Bruce raised an eyebrow. "For the first-years' potion brewing, right?"
Sean nodded, sharing his guess.
"No wonder you're in Ravenclaw," Bruce said with a playful shrug. "Bet you can guess what we're doing today, then?"
Sean thought for a moment before admitting, "No idea."
"Ha!" Bruce grinned, clearly delighted. "Slugs—horned and hornless—and porcupine quills. If we're quick, we might finish today."
Sean nodded, excitement bubbling up. If he could master handling these ingredients today, he'd be one step closer to his goal. With that thought, he pushed open the greenhouse door.
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