"Learning Transfiguration requires extreme diligence, because it is more rigorous and scientific than other subjects.
In Transfiguration, only perfection counts as success."
Professor McGonagall stepped down from the podium and tapped on Harry's book.
"Now, please turn your textbook to page five.
I will repeat the points again:
When performing Transfiguration, it is crucial to move your wand with determination and decisiveness.
Do not wave or twist your wand unnecessarily, or the transformation will surely fail.
Before casting a Transfiguration spell, first clearly visualize in your mind what you want the object to become…"
McGonagall explained two points in a row. After introducing a counter-spell called Reversion,
she instructed the young wizards to turn the matchstick on their desks into a silver needle.
The young wizards eagerly began, but few succeeded.
No matter how they changed gestures or tried different ways to say the spell, the matchsticks did not change at all.
They scratched their heads and frowned in frustration.
Hermione, however, was intently watching Sean.
Sean's eyes flickered as he reflected.
Transfiguration, known as the magic that best manifests a wizard's will, illustrates a fundamental truth—Magic is, at its core, a miracle.
And a wizard is the deity that commands miracles.
With only a clear intent, firm belief, and sufficient mental strength, even first-year students can alter the very nature of an object.
'…I know the structure of this matchstick, and I have enough confidence to succeed,'
Sean thought.
'Perhaps I could further study the matchstick's composition, or give myself stronger mental cues, but… I am more curious about another matter,
mentioned in Magical theory.'
When mastering a spell, to fully unleash its power, one also needs sufficient mental strength.
If the emotion driving Lumos is the desire for light,
then what emotion is required to cast Transfiguration?
"Command," Sean said.
"I am the deity. Trans—figura—tion!"
[You practiced a low-level Transfiguration spell with Expert Level Skill. Proficiency +30]
Sean's wand tip blazed with light, and the matchstick transformed into a silver needle in an instant, its tip gleaming coldly, and a small hole appearing at the tail.
This immediately drew the attention of the surrounding young wizards.
"Oh my god! He did it!"
"How did he do that?!"
"Who is it? Who? Sean… huh?!"
Beside Sean, Hermione's mouth hung open. She was certain she hadn't missed a single detail, yet why, when performing the same wand movements and saying the spell, could Sean succeed?
"Mr. Green…" Professor McGonagall hurried over, her eyes fixed on the silver needle, a look of relief and satisfaction on her face.
Just as she was about to speak, her expression shifted slightly.
"Everyone, stay away from Mr. Green, immediately!"
Her sharp command made the watching students scatter at once.
Sean didn't notice what was happening around him; his gaze remained focused and unwavering.
"I can do even more," Sean told himself.
"Trans—figura—tion!"
With a powerful sweep of his wand, the mouse in the cage next to Sean suddenly transformed into a snuff bottle. Though it wasn't a complete success—the tail of the mouse was still moving— it still drew a chorus of orderly "Wows—" from the young wizards.
[You practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with Beginner Level Skill. Proficiency +50]
"Mr. Green," Professor McGonagall's eyelids twitched, her stern voice softening, "a… troubling talent…"
She paused, noticing the slightly exhausted Sean shyly glancing her way.
Her pursed lips softened, and genuine joy glimmered in her eyes.
A reassuring possessor of magic.
"Transfiguration beyond the expected pace—because of your performance, Mr. Green, I am awarding Ravenclaw ten points!"
Professor McGonagall's face showed a pleased and satisfied smile.
"Awesome!"
Michael raised his arm triumphantly and, on a whim, pocketed Terry's match from the front desk.
Terry, snapping back to reality and before he could get angry, heard Michael say:
"Look at Sean's Transfiguration, Terry, Ravenclaw just got ten points!"
Terry stared at Sean for a moment, then shyly smiled.
Michael grinned while holding the match, prompting Anthony, leading the applause, to shake his head slightly.
[You practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice Level Skill. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice Level Skill. Proficiency +10]
[You practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice Level Skill. Proficiency +10]
…
Before class ended, with some energy restored, Sean continued to grind Proficiency points.
As his energy drained once again, he panted and glanced at the panel:
[Transfiguration: Apprentice (113/900)]
[Advanced: Beginner-level Transfiguration, unlocks Beginner Transfiguration title]
Progress was rapid.
I truly do have a pale purple talent.
Although Sean wanted to see what the beginner title looked like, the immediate priority was reaching a level capable of brewing potions.
That meant he had to at least fully understand handling potion ingredients to practice and gain Proficiency through application.
"My match?!" Before the end of class, Sean heard the usually shy Terry shout, and then Michael dashed out of the classroom like the wind.
Passing Sean, he even managed to say, "Incredible, Sean."
Sean glanced at Terry chasing after him, chuckled lightly, and headed toward the greenhouse.
In the corridor in front of the greenhouse, Sean saw a familiar figure.
"Bruce." Sean quickened his pace.
"Ah, Sean."
Senior Bruce gave a warm smile.
"Heading to the greenhouse together?"
"Yeah."
Sean nodded, and the two walked down the corridor side by side.
Sunlight streamed in, bathing Hogwarts Castle in warmth.
Shadows of armor and statues leaned across the corridor, and the portraits continued their gossip; Sean curiously watched a lady turn away from an approaching knight.
"Do you know why Professor Sprout handles things like snake fangs?"
Senior Bruce raised an eyebrow.
"For the first-years' potion brewing?"
Sean offered his guess.
"I can see why you were sorted into Ravenclaw…"
Senior Bruce shrugged helplessly.
"So you can probably guess what we'll be doing today?"
Sean thought for a moment and replied, "I don't know."
"Aha!"
Bruce looked as if finally something was unknown to Sean.
"We'll be handling slugs—those with tentacles and those without; and porcupine quills. If we're quick, we can finish today."
Sean nodded, feeling a spark of anticipation.
If he could master handling all these ingredients today, he would complete the first step of preparation.
With that joy in his heart, Sean pushed open the wooden door of the greenhouse.