“Learning Transfiguration requires great diligence, as it is more rigorous and scientific than any other subject.
In Transfiguration, only absolute precision counts as success.”
Professor McGonagall stepped down from the podium and tapped Harry’s book.
“Now, please turn your textbooks to page five.
I will repeat the content above once more
When performing a transformation, it is vital to wave your wand firmly and decisively.
Do not flick or twirl your wand unnecessarily, or the transformation will certainly fail.
Before casting a Transfiguration spell, clearly visualize in your mind exactly what you want the object to become…”
Professor McGonagall covered two key points in succession. After introducing a counter-spell called *Reparifarge*, she instructed the young wizards to turn the matchstick on their desks into a silver needle.
The young wizards began to try impatiently, but few achieved success. Even after changing their gestures and chanting the incantation in various ways, the matchsticks remained completely unchanged.
This left them scratching their heads, brows furrowed in frustration.
Hermione, meanwhile, was staring intently at Sean.
Sean’s eyes flickered.
He was recalling and contemplating.
Transfiguration,
Known as the magic that best embodies a wizard’s will,
Its existence perfectly illustrates a truth—
Magic,
Is a miracle in itself.
And wizards,
Are the gods who command these miracles.
With only a clear intention, firm belief, and sufficient mental power,
Even a first-year student can alter the very nature of an object.
…I know the structure of a matchstick, and I possess enough self-confidence to succeed.
Sean thought.
Perhaps I could understand the construction of the matchstick even more deeply, or give myself more suggestive cues of confidence,
But…
I am more curious about something else,
Something mentioned in *Magical Theory*.
When one has mastered a piece of magic, to truly unleash its maximum power, one also needs sufficient mental strength.
If the emotion for casting the Lumos charm is a longing for light,
Then what is the emotion required to cast Transfiguration?
“It is command,”
Sean said,
“I am the god.
Trans—figura—tion!”
【You have practiced a low-level Transfiguration spell with expert standards, proficiency +30】
A burst of light erupted from the tip of Sean’s wand. In an instant, the matchstick transformed into a silver needle; the tip glinted coldly, and a small eye had formed at the base.
This scene immediately drew a crowd of young wizards.
“My god! He did it!”
“How did he do that?!”
“Who? Who is it? Sean… wait, what?!”
Beside Sean,
Hermione’s mouth hung open. She was certain she hadn’t missed a single detail,
Yet why, when using the same wand movement and chanting the same incantation, was Sean the only one who could succeed?
“Mr. Green…”
Professor McGonagall walked over quickly, her eyes locked firmly on the silver needle. A look of relief and satisfaction appeared on her face.
Just as she was about to speak, her expression shifted slightly.
“Stay away from Mr. Green, immediately!”
Her sharp reprimand caused the surrounding students to scatter at once.
Sean did not notice what was happening around him; his gaze remained focused and resolute.
“I can do more,”
Sean said to himself.
“Trans—figura—tion!”
As he slashed his wand forcefully,
The mouse in the cage next to Sean transformed into a snuffbox. Although it wasn’t a complete success—the mouse’s tail was still twitching—
It still drew a synchronized “Whoa—” from the young wizards.
【You have practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with beginner standards, proficiency +50】
“Mr. Green,”
Professor McGonagall’s eyelids fluttered, her stern voice changing pitch,
“A disturbing talent…”
She paused, seeing Sean, who was somewhat drained, peeking over shyly and cautiously.
Her pursed lips softened, and a genuine joy appeared in the depths of her eyes.
A reassuring possessor of such power.
“Transfiguration beyond the curriculum. Because of your performance, Mr. Green, I shall award ten points to Ravenclaw!”
Professor McGonagall wore a look of gratification and satisfaction.
“Awesome!”
Michael swung his arm, taking the opportunity to swipe the matchstick from Terry at the front desk.
Terry snapped out of his daze, but before he could get angry, he heard Michael say
“Look at Sean’s transformation, Terry! Ten points to Ravenclaw!”
Terry looked at Sean, stunned for a moment, then broke into a shy smile.
Michael chuckled while holding the matchstick, causing Anthony, who had led the applause, to shake his head slightly.
【You have practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice standards, proficiency +10】
【You have practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice standards, proficiency +10】
【You have practiced an intermediate Transfiguration spell with apprentice standards, proficiency +10】
…
Taking advantage of the time before class ended, Sean, having recovered a bit of energy, continued to grind his proficiency.
As his energy bottomed out once more, Sean panted and checked his panel
【Transfiguration: Apprentice Level (113/900)】
【Advancement: Beginner-level Transfiguration, can unlock the beginner-level title in the field of Transfiguration】
The progress was rapid.
I truly deserve my light purple talent.
Although Sean was eager to see what the beginner-level title was, his top priority now was to reach a level where he could brew potions.
This meant he had to at least understand how to process potion ingredients,
So that he could grind proficiency through practice.
“Where is my matchstick?!”
Before the end of class, Sean heard Terry, who was usually shy and quiet, let out a small shout.
Then, Michael ran out of the classroom like a gust of wind.
As he passed Sean, he took the time to say, “You’re amazing, Sean.”
Sean glanced at the chasing Terry, chuckled softly,
And headed toward the greenhouses.
In the corridor before the greenhouses,
Sean saw a familiar figure.
“Senior Bruce.”
Sean walked over quickly.
“Ah, Sean.”
Senior Bruce wore a gentle smile.
“Heading to the greenhouse together?”
“Yeah.”
Sean replied, and the two walked down the long corridor together.
Sunlight spilled down, bathing Hogwarts Castle in warmth.
The long corridor was filled with the slanted shadows of armor and statues, and the portraits were still visiting one another.
Sean looked curiously at a lady who turned her head to ignore an approaching knight.
“Do you know why Professor Sprout needs to process things like snake fangs?”
Senior Bruce raised an eyebrow and asked.
“For the first-years’ potion brewing?”
Sean voiced his guess.
“I can understand why you were sorted into Ravenclaw…”
Senior Bruce shrugged helplessly.
“Then you must be able to guess what we’re doing today?”
Sean thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know.”
“Aha!”
Senior Bruce looked as if he were thinking, *Finally, something you don’t know.*
“It’s the processing of slugs—those with tentacles and those without;
And porcupine quills. If we’re fast, we can finish today.”
Sean nodded, unable to help but feel a sense of anticipation.
If he could learn to process all these ingredients today, he would have completed the first step of his preparations.
Carrying this joy with him,
Sean pushed open the wooden door of the greenhouse.
(End of chapter)