Chapter 4: On the Train

All seven subjects with Outstanding grades?

Sean Green pondered this difficult problem while carrying his suitcase.

He had arrived relatively early, and the first few carriages were not yet full,

so he found an empty compartment in the second carriage. He tried to drag and haul his suitcase up, but could not lift it; after two attempts, the suitcase crashed to the ground both times.

Sean Green stopped in place, then waved his wand:

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

[You practiced the Levitation Charm once at the Beginner level. Proficiency +3]

As the incantation sounded and the panel notification rang out, the brick-like suitcase swiftly floated up.

This thing is still the most useful.

Satisfied, Sean Green put away his wand and pulled the suitcase into the compartment.

What he did not notice was a little witch looking at him curiously.

Outside the window, thick smoke from the steam locomotive swirled above the chattering crowd, while cats of various patterns weaved in and out among people's feet.

Amidst the buzzing chatter of the crowd and the noisy dragging of heavy luggage, owls also hooted and cooed.

Sean Green opened "Hogwarts: A History," which was half the size of a desktop. On one page it stated that the seven main subjects at Hogwarts were:

Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, and Astronomy.

These were also the compulsory courses at Hogwarts...

So how does one achieve Outstanding?

Sean Green found a reference standard: Hermione, the top student of the Trio.

If he remembered correctly, she had achieved an excellent result of nine Os (Outstanding) and one E (Exceeds Expectations) in her O.W.L.s, the Ordinary Wizarding Levels.

Since Hermione's grades were always stable, comparing himself to her performance would allow him to judge the level he needed to reach.

Was it difficult?

Of course it was difficult. His own magical talent was dismal; apart from History of Magic, which was a historical subject, every other course required magical talent.

But was it impossible for him?

If he activated his cheat and still could not do it, he might as well find a block of tofu and bash his head against it until he died.

"Just grind it out!"

While stowing his luggage, Sean Green thought for a few seconds.

"Then let's start with Transfiguration..."

Sean Green sat down on the seat cushioned with velvet, put back "A History," and instead took out "A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration." This was a brownish-red book edged with gold-patterned trim, detailing the principles and techniques of Transfiguration; it was the textbook for first- and second-year students at Hogwarts.