Chapter 116: The Transfiguration of Magic

October was ending in howling storms, and November was approaching; Hogwarts Castle was as cold as frozen iron, each morning coated in a thick layer of frost, the biting wind cutting at hands and cheeks.

The sky and the Great Hall’s ceiling turned a pale blue-gray, the mountains surrounding Hogwarts crowned with snow, the castle’s temperature dropping so low that many students wore thick dragonhide gloves during breaks in the corridors.

Wizard Sean stood outside the corridor, his breath forming white mist, and he lightly knocked on the door.

“Mr. Green, I’ve told you many times—no need to knock, come in, child.”

A gentle voice came from behind the door.

Wizard Sean pushed the door open; though the professor had said it many times, he had no intention of changing.

Private space is sensitive and inviolable; the professor gave him a key, but that didn’t mean he could simply walk in anytime.

In the room, the fireplace always burned merrily.

Lately the professor had been busy, sitting on a tall chair, grading assignments or correcting the mistakes of young wizards without pause.

It was as if she were preparing for something significant.

“Regarding the transformation of ‘self’ into ‘living creature,’ Mr. Green, that requires even greater caution.

So today we will learn—transformation of objects into ‘magic.’”

Professor McGonagall stopped grading, waved her wand, and in an instant, flames burst from the fireplace, tongues nearly licking Wizard Sean’s cheeks.

She waved her wand again, and the flames transformed into the shape of a lizard, slithering back into the hearth.

“This advanced transfiguration demands stronger will and higher magical power; crucially, when you infuse magic into your chosen object… you must believe it was always magical.”

What Professor McGonagall said had already been recorded in the notes she gave Wizard Sean, and now hearing it aloud deepened his understanding further.

“Today, you will learn to infuse this ‘magic’ into the flames of the fireplace.”

Professor McGonagall’s expression softened further.

After all, this student had memorized both notebooks she gave him and finished three transfiguration textbooks in just three weeks.

In the corridors, she had never seen Green without a book in hand.

Most sixth-year wizards would be lucky to finish one book in three weeks.

Wizard Sean leaned closer to the fireplace out of curiosity, when suddenly the flames flared violently, forcing him to recoil.

In his hands he held a notebook, its ink slightly yellowed by the fireplace’s heat:

【Clear and precise intent, firm belief, sufficient will】—

This was the content from Professor McGonagall’s notes, the eternal truth of transfiguration.

Wizard Sean waved his wand; in fact, transfiguration at the 【Expert】 level no longer required incantations.

This level corresponds to adult wizards, though a few advanced students might reach it—rarely, though.

As Wizard Sean waved his wand, the flames leapt more visibly; he tried imagining them as dancing shapes, guiding them out according to the professor’s notes.

This step was accomplished effortlessly.

【You practiced an advanced transfiguration at apprentice level, proficiency +30】

【You practiced an advanced transfiguration at apprentice level, proficiency +30】

…

Soon, Wizard Sean could make the flames dance with his wand movements; though only a tiny flicker, it brought great delight to Professor McGonagall.

“Excellent, Mr. Green. Next, try controlling more of the flame…”

Professor McGonagall said with satisfaction.

Leaving the transfiguration office, Wizard Sean knew he had already stepped halfway through the door to advanced transfiguration.

Though still far from the professor’s ability to conjure fire lizards, it was undeniably a fine beginning.

After all, as Professor McGonagall had said:

“Most wizards cannot make the flame react at all on their first attempt—they must practice continuously for over a month to achieve this…”

Wizard Sean suspected this was tied to his title’s innate talent:

【Title: Master of Transfiguration】

【Greatly enhances unique perception of transforming non-magical objects into magic】

This perception always helped Wizard Sean find the key to making the flames “obey.”

After Wizard Sean left, the transfiguration classroom remained bathed in firelight.

The professor waved her wand; the drawer transformed into a small pig, which gracefully handed her an envelope filled with thick sheets of parchment.

Seeing the parchment, the professor’s expression grew even softer.

In the corridor.

Wizard Sean wore thick gloves and pulled his scarf up slightly, now able to clearly see the notebook in his hands.

—Its cover was pure black, the first page filled with warnings—this was Professor Flitwick’s notes on dark magic.

Dark magic might make Headmaster Dumbledore… uneasy.

But that didn’t mean Wizard Sean would abandon learning it entirely; Professor Flitwick had said:

“Dark magic is like a blade—those with ill intent use it for vile purposes, but its nature is ultimately tied to the user’s intent.”

One reason was that dark magic advanced rapidly—after all, you can never have too many spells at your disposal; the more spells a wizard learns, the stronger they become;

Another reason was that Professor Flitwick personally took charge of Wizard Sean’s dark magic instruction:

“Excellent! Oh—truly astonishing talent…”

In the charms classroom, Professor Flitwick paced back and forth.

He muttered to himself, “Oh, I must handle this,” “I must watch this child closely,” “Thank goodness it’s little Green…” while using his wand to restore the books Wizard Sean had knocked flying.

Lately, every one of Wizard Sean’s practices had been supervised directly by Professor Flitwick.

【You practiced a Disarming Charm at expert level, proficiency +50】

【You practiced a Disarming Charm at master level, proficiency +300】

…

“Professor, goodbye.”

As the sun set, casting long shadows, Wizard Sean left the charms classroom and silently opened his panel in the corridor:

【You are a rare genius in dark magic; dark magic embraces you naturally—you are the born King of Dark Magic】

Wizard Sean quickly skipped over this absurd line.

【Disarming Charm: Expert (10/30000)】

An expert-level Disarming Charm is cast instantly and silently.

Combined with various applications of the Levitation Charm, Wizard Sean’s combat skill even surprised Professor Flitwick—underestimate him, and he might send an adult wizard sprawling.

“Filus, isn’t that an unsettling talent?”

A frail voice echoed in the classroom.

“But a reassuring wizard.”

At this, Professor Flitwick’s beard bristled with pride.

The elderly wizard beside him said nothing, only nodded slightly.