He said it so naturally that Sean paused for a few quiet seconds to think.
The difficulty of becoming an Animagus came from the complicated steps, the immense mental discipline required, and the constant risk of unexpected mishaps. But if someone could overcome those hurdles, completing Animagus transformation as a first-year wasn't completely impossible.
And before attempting it, careful observation was essential.
Or rather—before learning any magic at all, proper guidance from predecessors made all the difference.
Sean had just opened his mouth to respond when someone cut in—
"Mr. Green, it's… really nice to see you."
Hannah always got a little shy around Sean—but the moment she turned to Justin, she became fierce again.
"You've failed to bring Mr. Green to the club for so long that I'm starting to think you're slacking off again. Recruiting new members? You never show up… Justin, you're nothing like a proper vice-captain.
"With an attitude like that, how will we ever find the Castle's Spirit Cat—"
She finished her rant and dragged away a crestfallen Justin, leaving Sean alone with his book, shaking his head.
---
That afternoon, Ravenclaw had Herbology.
Sean left the castle and walked past the vegetable patch toward the greenhouses, where all sorts of magical plants were tended.
As he drew near, he noticed the other students waiting outside for Professor Sprout.
He had barely joined the group when Professor Sprout marched across the lawn—Gilderoy Lockhart gleaming at her side. Her arms were covered in bandages.
Sean glanced toward the distant Whomping Willow. Several of its branches were also wrapped in bandages.
Magical plants were always peculiar—apparently even they needed medical bandages when injured.
Professor Sprout's hat was patched, her robes were dirty as always, hair wild in the breeze.
Lockhart, on the other hand, looked immaculate from head to toe—flowing aquamarine robes, shining blond curls topped with a perfectly positioned matching hat trimmed in gold.
"Oh, hello there!" Lockhart beamed at the students.
"I've just been showing Professor Sprout the proper way to treat an injured Whomping Willow! Though I wouldn't want you to think I'm better at Herbology than she is—no, no! I simply happened to encounter a few of these unusual plants on my travels…"
Sean glanced up. Professor Sprout did not look pleased.
It was rare to find a wizard who could irritate Professor Sprout—one of the kindest, most open-hearted witches at Hogwarts. Sean couldn't imagine what someone had to say to upset her so quickly.
---
"We're working in Greenhouse Three today!"
Professor Sprout said, still noticeably annoyed—very unlike her usual cheerful self.
But when she passed Sean, her expression softened.
"Mr. Green, your mother collected quite a lot of mandrake leaves from me. Are you studying Animagus transformation?"
She pulled him gently beside her, speaking kindly.
"Yes, Professor," Sean answered.
"Oh dear—"
Professor Sprout looked delighted, and not for just one reason.
"Oh—child, you shouldn't talk with a leaf in your mouth during the process."
"I understand," Sean nodded slightly, then added,
"Professor, I succeeded."
"Oh my… my dear little flower, you succeeded?"
Her surprise and joy were completely genuine.
While they talked, Lockhart—clearly feeling ignored—hovered around them, eyes flicking back and forth before stubbornly following the class into Greenhouse Three.
"I told you," Michael whispered excitedly, "Sean is obviously Professor Sprout's secret—"
Anthony clamped a hand over his mouth before he could finish his "shocking theory," which he still hadn't abandoned after nearly a year.
When Michael wriggled free, gasping for air, Anthony coolly slid out a ranking chart from his book.
"If you want an explanation—score full marks yourself."
Sean, of course, topped the entire year—undisputed number one. Rumor had it the professors even argued over whether his score exceeded the maximum possible.
Next was Hermione, brilliant as ever. Justin and Anthony tied for third.
But Anthony frowned.
Sean Green, unstoppable—his notes alone were legendary.
Hermione Granger, endlessly talented and tireless.
Justin Finch-Fletchley, always sticking close to Sean—no surprise there.
But Harry Potter?
That disappointment at the start of term? That boy with three weekly Quidditch practices? He was suddenly only a few points behind Anthony?
How did Harry Potter get that strong in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms? At this rate, Anthony might lose his top-three spot entirely.
---
"You found Sean's… group, right?" Anthony asked.
"Oh, absolutely!" Michael puffed up proudly.
"I let Neville take my spot, but I learned something. They're all in a special club."
The Ravenclaws were still bickering when they entered Greenhouse Three.
To first-years, this greenhouse had always been forbidden territory.
But in reality, Sean had been here before—defeating Snagroot, fighting Devil's Snare, and even binding Venomous Tentacula with a transformed snowman.
Every time he came here, he remembered that enchanted winter.
Greenhouse Three smelled of damp soil and fertilizer, mixed with heavy floral perfume. Some of the flowers were the size of umbrellas, dangling from the ceiling.
Professor Sprout stood behind a workbench covered with twenty or so colorful earmuffs.
Once everyone sat, she announced—
"Today we'll be repotting mandrakes."
"Professor Sprout, you won't mind if I observe, will you?" Lockhart asked, his dazzling white teeth practically twinkling.
Judging by her expression—she minded.
"I believe the professor does mind,"
said a voice behind him—Senior Bruce.
"You see, Mr. Lockhart, Greenhouse Three contains plants that… well, release powders with unexpected effects."
"Oh, I'm not worried!" Lockhart said grandly. "Though of course, nothing compares to winning the Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award five times in a row."
A few young witches sighed dreamily.
"That's perfect, then," Bruce said with a polite nod, as if he were genuinely complimenting him. He turned to leave.
Just before the door closed behind him, Sean heard someone whisper—
"Oh, did you sprinkle the Itching Powder already?"
This part links directly into the next scenes—Deer will post three chapters tomorrow morning.