Chapter 21: Intermediate Transfiguration

Learning Transfiguration requires great diligence, for it is more rigorous and scientific than any other subject.

In Transfiguration, success is only achieved when every detail is perfectly correct.

Professor McGonagall stepped down from the podium and tapped Harry’s book.

“Now turn to page five.”

“I will repeat the above points once more:”

“When performing a transformation, it is crucial to swing your wand with firmness and decisiveness.”

Do not wave or rotate your wand unnecessarily, or the transformation will surely fail.

Before casting the Transfiguration spell, clearly visualize in your mind the form you wish the object to become…”

Professor McGonagall explained two key points, and after introducing the counter-charm called Reverso,

she instructed the young witches and wizards to transform the matches on their desks into silver needles.

The students eagerly began trying, but few succeeded;

no matter how they changed their gestures or pronounced the incantation, the matches showed no change at all.

They scratched their heads and furrowed their brows.

Hermione, however, kept her eyes fixed on Wizard Sean.

Wizard Sean’s gaze flickered,

lost in thought.

Transfiguration,

known as the magic that best reflects a wizard’s will,

proves a simple truth—

magic,

is itself a miracle.

And wizards,

are the gods who command miracles.

With clear intent, firm belief, and sufficient mental power,

even a first-year wizard can alter the very nature of an object.

…I know the structure of a match, and I have enough confidence to succeed.

Wizard Sean thought.

Perhaps I could delve deeper into the match’s structure, or give myself stronger affirmations of confidence,

but…

I am more curious about another thing—

what The Theory of Magic mentioned.

When mastering a spell, to unleash its full power, sufficient mental strength is still required.

If the emotion behind Lumos is the desire for light,

then what emotion is needed for Transfiguration?

“Command,”

Wizard Sean said,

“I am the god.”

“Trans—figura—tion!”

【You practiced a low-level Transfiguration at expert standard. Proficiency +30】

A flash of light erupted from Wizard Sean’s wand tip; the match transformed into a silver needle in an instant, its tip gleaming coldly, with a small hole at the base.

This sight immediately drew the attention of the other students.

“Good heavens! He succeeded!”

“How did he do it?!”

“Who? Who? It’s Wizard Sean… huh?!”

Beside Wizard Sean,

Hermione’s mouth hung open; she was certain she had not missed a single detail,

yet why, with the same wand motion and incantation, had Wizard Sean succeeded while others failed?

“Mr. Green…”

Professor McGonagall hurried over, her eyes locked on the needle, her face breaking into a relieved and warm smile.

Just as she was about to speak, her expression changed slightly.

“Step away from Mr. Green. Immediately!”

Her sharp command caused the surrounding students to scatter.

Wizard Sean paid no attention to the commotion; his gaze remained focused and resolute.

“I can do more,”

Wizard Sean told himself.

“Trans—figura—tion!”

As he swung his wand with force,

the mouse in the cage beside him transformed into a snuffbox—though imperfectly, its tail still twitching,

yet it drew a unified “Whoa—” from the students.

【You practiced a mid-level Transfiguration at beginner standard. Proficiency +50】

“Mr. Green,”

Professor McGonagall’s eyelids trembled slightly, her voice losing its usual sternness,

“an unsettling talent…”

She paused, noticing Wizard Sean, exhausted, glancing at her shyly.

Her tightly pressed lips softened, and genuine joy sparkled in her eyes.

A reassuring bearer.

“For exceeding the curriculum, Mr. Green, I award ten points to Ravenclaw!”

Professor McGonagall smiled, satisfied and pleased.

“That’s amazing!”

Michael swung his arm triumphantly, snatching Terry’s match from the desk ahead,

and before Terry could react, Michael said:

“Watch Wizard Sean’s Transfiguration, Terry—Ravenclaw just earned ten points!”

Terry stared at Wizard Sean, stunned for a moment, then smiled shyly.

Michael chuckled, still clutching the match, while Anthony, who had led the applause, shook his head slightly.

【You practiced a mid-level Transfiguration at apprentice standard. Proficiency +10】

【You practiced a mid-level Transfiguration at apprentice standard. Proficiency +10】

【You practiced a mid-level Transfiguration at apprentice standard. Proficiency +10】

…

Before class ended, Wizard Sean, having regained some energy, continued grinding proficiency.

After another depletion of stamina, Wizard Sean panted and glanced at his panel:

【Transfiguration: Apprentice (113/900)】

【Advancement: Beginner Transfiguration unlocked. Beginner title in Transfiguration available.】

Progress was rapid.

I’m no fool for having a pale purple talent.

Though Wizard Sean longed to see what the Beginner title entailed, his immediate priority was reaching the level needed to brew potions.

That meant he had to first understand how to process magical ingredients,

before he could practice and grind proficiency.

“Where’s my match?!”

Just before class ended, Wizard Sean heard Terry, usually shy and quiet, shout suddenly,

and moments later, Michael dashed out of the classroom like the wind.

As he passed Wizard Sean, he called out, “Incredible, Wizard Sean!”

Wizard Sean glanced at Terry chasing after Michael, smiled faintly,

and headed toward the greenhouse.

In the corridor before the greenhouse,

Wizard Sean spotted a familiar figure.

“Senior Bruce.”

Wizard Sean walked over quickly.

“Ah, Wizard Sean.”

Senior Bruce smiled warmly,

“Shall we head to the greenhouse together?”

"Hmm."

Wizard Sean responded, and the two walked down the corridor together.

Sunlight spilled across the grounds, bathing Hogwarts Castle in warmth.

The corridor was lined with the slanted shadows of armor and statues, and the portraits still visited one another.

Wizard Sean glanced curiously at a Lady who turned her head away from a knight approaching her.

"Do you know why Professor Sprout handles things like snake fangs?"

said Senior Bruce, raising an eyebrow.

"For the new students' potion brewing?"

Wizard Sean offered his guess.

"I can see why you were sorted into Ravenclaw..."

Senior Bruce sighed and spread his hands.

"Then you must have guessed what we're doing today?"

Wizard Sean thought for a moment and said, "I don't know."

"Aha!"

Senior Bruce wore an expression of triumph—finally, something Wizard Sean didn't know.

"It's slug processing—those with tentacles and those without;

and hedgehog spines. If we work fast, we can finish today."

Wizard Sean nodded, feeling a flicker of anticipation.

If he could master the processing of these materials today, he would complete the first step of preparation.

Carrying this joy,

Wizard Sean pushed open the wooden door of the greenhouse.