Chapter 453: Dream

After the first Animagus transformation, to return to human form, Xiang Xiang Xien must imagine his human shape as clearly as possible.

Usually that is enough. But sometimes the transformation does not happen immediately; at such times, do not panic.

Because with practice, one will be able to switch freely between animal and human form simply by imagining the creature's appearance.

But… how long… does the practice take?

This question troubled Xiang Xiang Xien, leaving him with an inexplicable sense of unease.

Professor Marcus Marcus Maige and Headmaster Dumbledore soon departed, and before long the place returned to a silent, lifeless state.

Lightning streaked across the sky above Spider's End Lane; even the Dursleys looked down on this impoverished street. But in the eyes of a cat, everything here was novel.

After the black cat roamed about for a while, it could even close its eyes and, guided by feel, silently slip to wherever it wished to go.

The abilities of the magical creature Kneazle seemed to be gradually mastered by it.

But problems followed along with it.

It could not just go on living as a magical creature forever.

Before Professor Marcus Marcus Maige left, she told him not to worry, that an Animagus transformation would be mastered by a wizard very quickly.

At the latest, it would not exceed a single day.

But… he was no ordinary Animagus.

If after one day he still had not transformed back, he would have to call for the professor.

During Xiang Xiang Xien's practice.

The night quickly passed, and dawn arrived.

Puddles still lingered from the stormy night, now slowly flowing into the filthy river.

The sun rose above the cluttered street before the house, illuminating the last-numbered brass plate of Spider's End Lane; sunlight also crept quietly into the cramped parlor.

Xiang Xiang Xien had fallen asleep within the cushion conjured by Transfiguration; when he awoke, the cooing of an owl was drifting in from outside the window.

During this night, he entered a dream.

Mist filled the dream; within it, he could fully master his Kneazle body.

He recalled the description in "Soul Transformation":

"Those who do not know they possess a fetch… interpret what they see as a dream, but those who know are well aware they are not dreaming, but have conjured a fetch.

In Norse mythology, this kind of dream allows the fetch to borrow the dream and the scene it corresponds to, turning its owner's thoughts into reality."

Xiang Xiang Xien recalled the former Harry, who dreamed Nagini attacking Mr. Wei Silai, and it became reality;

he dreamed Wormtail's first exchange with Voldemort, and that too became reality…

And upon waking, the black cat shook its head and, as always, stayed put in place; this was him imagining his wizard body, and this time, he quickly felt his own body.

This meant that in reality, he could also master his Animagus!

The arrival of success left Xiang Xiang Xien elated.

As he transformed,

a crisp sound came from above; Xiang Xiang Xien looked up—an owl had smashed through the window, scattering shards of glass across the floor.

Professor Professor Sineipu's face was expressionless; he simply grabbed the owl and was about to throw it into the fireplace.

In the end, it was the signature on the owl's letter that distracted him, allowing the burly owl to flap away.

—"To Mr. Sean Green."

Soon Xiang Xiang Xien took and opened the letter.

Sunlight fell upon the letter, smoothing out its slightly creased pages and revealing the writing:

【Dear Mr. Green:

It has been a long time since an orphan in Hollies fell ill without receiving aid.

This will only be your doing. Do you know what I think when I weep?

There are always people who harbor the most genuine kindness toward the world.

The children here are all well; Sean from the farm wrote you a little poem, and I want you to know:】