"Learning Transfiguration demands real grind—it's stricter and more scientific than other subjects. In Transfiguration, only absolute correctness counts as success."
Professor McGonagall stepped down from the dais and tapped Harry's book.
"Now turn to page five. I'll repeat the essentials:
When performing a transfiguration, your wand movement must be firm and decisive. Do not flick or twist your wand unnecessarily, or the transfiguration will fail. Before casting, form a clear image in your mind of what you want the target to become…"
After covering two key points and introducing a counter-spell for restoring the original form, she told the class to turn the matchsticks on their desks into silver needles.
The first-years pounced on the task, but few succeeded. They tried all kinds of wand flourishes and pronunciations—yet the matches didn't change at all. Soon they were scratching their heads and frowning.
Hermione, however, was staring fixedly at Sean.
Light flickered in Sean's eyes as he thought back.
Transfiguration—said to be the branch of magic that most reflects a wizard's will—proves a simple truth:
Magic is a miracle.
And wizards are the ones who command miracles.
With a clear intent, firm conviction, and sufficient mental force, even a first-year can change the substance of a thing.
…I know a match's structure, and I'm confident I can do this, Sean thought. I could analyze the match more deeply, or give myself more confidence cues—but…
I'm more curious about something Magical Theory mentions:
Once you've learned a spell, you need enough mental strength to bring out its full power.
If the emotion for Lumos is the longing for light, then what emotion feeds Transfiguration?
"It's command," Sean said softly. "I am the authority."
"Trans—figura—tion!"
[You practiced Elementary Transfiguration once at Expert standard. Proficiency +30]
Light burst from his wand tip; in an instant the match turned into a silver needle, its point gleaming coldly, a small hole neatly formed at the end.
A ring of onlookers formed at once.
"Merlin! He did it!"
"How did he do that?!"
"Who was it—who—Sean… huh?!"
Beside him, Hermione gaped. She was sure she hadn't missed a step—same wand motion, same incantation—so why could Sean do it?
"Mr. Green…" McGonagall came over at a brisk clip, eyes fixed on the needle, a relieved, pleased smile on her face. But as she drew breath to speak again, her expression shifted.
"Step back from Mr. Green—now!"
Her sharp command sent the crowd scattering.
Sean didn't notice a thing around him; his gaze was steady and intent.
"I can do more," he told himself.
"Trans—figura—tion!"
With a hard sweep of his wand, the rat in the cage beside him became a snuffbox—though not perfectly. The tail was still twitching. A chorus of "Woooow—" rose from the class.
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Novice standard. Proficiency +50]
"Mr. Green," McGonagall's lashes trembled; her stern voice softened. "A disquieting degree of talent…"
She paused, catching the shy, slightly wan look he shot her. Her tight lips relaxed, and genuine joy warmed her eyes.
…and a reassuring bearer of it.
"Transfiguration beyond the syllabus—because of your performance, Mr. Green, ten points to Ravenclaw!"
She smiled, satisfied.
"Brilliant!" Michael punched the air—and filched Terry's match from the desk in front. Terry blinked, not yet angry, as Michael said, "Watch Sean's transfiguration—ten points to Ravenclaw!"
Terry stared at Sean for a beat, then gave a bashful smile. Michael snickered into his stolen match; Anthony, leading the applause, only shook his head.
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard. Proficiency +10]
…
Before the bell, with a bit of strength back, Sean kept grinding proficiency. When his energy flagged again, he glanced at his panel, panting:
[Transfiguration: Apprentice (113/900)]
[Advance: Novice-level Transfiguration unlocks the Transfiguration domain's Novice title]
Flying progress.
No wonder I've got light-purple talent.
He wanted to peek at what the Novice title gave—but the priority was getting to a level where he could actually brew. That meant mastering ingredient prep first, then grinding proficiency through practice.
"Where's my match?!" Terry—usually shy and quiet—squeaked before the bell. Michael shot from the room like the wind. As he passed Sean he still found time to say, "You were amazing, Sean!"
Sean chuckled at Terry's pursuit and headed for the greenhouses.
In the corridor before the greenhouse, he spotted a familiar figure.
"Senior Bruce."
Sean quickened his pace.
"Ah, Sean." Bruce smiled warmly. "To the greenhouse together?"
"Mm." Sean agreed, and they set off down the arcade.
Sunlight spilled over the castle; warmth wrapped Hogwarts in gold. Armor and statues cast slanted shadows along the corridor; portraits popped in and out of each other's frames. Sean watched a lady turn her head away from a knight who'd tried to approach—curious.
"Do you know why Professor Sprout's been processing things like snake fangs?" Bruce arched a brow.
"For the first-years' brewing?" Sean ventured.
"I can see why you were sorted into Ravenclaw…" Bruce spread his hands. "Then you can probably guess what we're doing today?"
Sean thought, then said, "No idea."
"A-ha!" Bruce wore a look that said finally—something you don't know.
"Slugs—prepping horned and non-horned. And porcupine quills. If we're quick, we can finish today."
Sean nodded, anticipation rising.
If he learned all the ingredient prep today, he'd have Step One in the bag.
Carrying that spark of joy, Sean pushed open the greenhouse's wooden door.
~~~
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