Chapter 21: 21: Intermediate Transfiguration

“Studying Transfiguration requires immense hard work, for it is more rigorous and scientific than other disciplines. In Transfiguration, success is only achieved when it is done perfectly.”

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

“Now, please turn your textbooks to page five. I shall repeat the contents once more: When performing a Transfiguration, it is vital to wave your wand firmly and decisively. Do not wave or twist your wand unnecessarily, otherwise the Transfiguration will surely fail. Before using a Transfiguration spell, clearly visualize the desired form of the object in your mind...”

Professor McGonagall delivered two key points in succession. After introducing a counter-spell called *Finite*, she instructed the young wizards to turn the matchsticks on their desks into silver needles.

The young wizards began to try impatiently, but few found success. Even as they changed their gestures and recited the incantations in various ways, the matchsticks remained unchanged. This left them scratching their heads and frowning in frustration.

Hermione, however, was staring intently at Sheen.

Sheen's eyes flickered; he was recalling and thinking.

Transfiguration, known as the magic that best embodies a wizard's will, exists to prove a certain truth—magic is, by its very nature, a miracle. And a wizard is a deity who commands miracles. With only clear intent, firm belief, and sufficient mental strength, even a first-year student can change the very essence of an object.

*...I know the structure of a matchstick, and I have enough confidence to succeed,* Sheen thought.

*Perhaps I could delve deeper into the composition of a matchstick, or give myself more self-confidence through suggestion, but... I am more curious about something else mentioned in 'Magical Theory.' When one masters a spell, to truly unleash its maximum power, one also needs sufficient mental strength. If the emotion required to cast a Wand-Lighting Charm is a longing for light, then what is the emotion required for Transfiguration?*

“It is command,” Sheen said. “I am the deity. *Trans—figura—tion!*”

【You have practiced Low-level Transfiguration to an Expert standard, Proficiency +30】

A light burst from the tip of Sheen's wand, and in an instant, the matchstick transformed into a silver needle. The tip gleamed with a cold light, and a small hole appeared at the end.

This scene immediately drew a crowd of young wizards.

“Heavens! He did it!” “How did he do that?!” “Who is it? Who? It's Sheen... Huh?!”

Beside Sheen, Hermione's mouth hung open. She was certain she hadn't missed a single detail, yet why was it that with the same wand movement and the same incantation, Sheen could succeed?

“Mr. Green...”

Professor McGonagall walked over quickly, her eyes locked onto the silver needle. A relieved and relaxed smile appeared on her face. But just as she was about to speak, her expression shifted slightly.

“Stay away from Mr. Green, immediately!”

Her sharp reprimand caused the surrounding young wizards to scatter instantly.

Sheen did not notice what was happening around him; his gaze was focused and determined.

“I can do more,” Sheen said to himself. “*Trans—figura—tion!*”

As he swung his wand forcefully, the rat in the cage beside him actually turned into a snuffbox. Although it wasn't a complete success—the rat's tail was still twitching—it still elicited a collective “Whoa—” from the young wizards.

【You have practiced Intermediate Transfiguration to an Apprentice standard, Proficiency +50】

“Mr. Green,” Professor McGonagall’s eyelids trembled slightly, and her serious voice changed tone. “A disturbing talent...”

She paused, seeing Sheen glancing at her shyly and cautiously, looking somewhat exhausted. Her pursed lips softened, and a hint of genuine joy appeared in her eyes.

A reassuring holder of power.

“Transfiguration beyond your grade level. Because of your performance, Mr. Green, I shall award ten points to Ravenclaw!” Professor McGonagall revealed a relieved and satisfied smile.

“Brilliant!” Michael threw his arms up, accidentally swiping Terry's matchstick from the front desk in the process.

Before Terry could even get angry, he heard Michael say, “Look at Sheen's Transfiguration, Terry! Ravenclaw got ten points!”

Terry stared at Sheen for a moment before breaking into a shy smile. Michael, meanwhile, snickered while holding the stolen matchstick, prompting Anthony, who was leading the applause, to shake his head slightly.

【You have practiced Intermediate Transfiguration to an Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10】 【You have practiced Intermediate Transfiguration to an Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10】 【You have practiced Intermediate Transfiguration to an Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10】 ...

Taking advantage of the time before class ended, Sheen, having recovered some energy, continued to grind for proficiency. As his energy depleted once more, Sheen panted and glanced at his panel

【Transfiguration: Apprentice Level (113/900)】 【Advancement: Introductory Transfiguration, can unlock the 'Introductory Transfiguration' title】

The progress was rapid.

*I truly live up to my Lavender talent.*

Although Sheen really wanted to see what the Introductory title was, his priority now was to reach a level sufficient for brewing potions. This meant he had to at least understand how to process potion ingredients before he could grind proficiency through practice.

“Where is my matchstick?!”

Before class ended, Sheen heard the usually shy and quiet Terry let out a small shout. Immediately after, Michael ran out of the classroom like the wind, taking a moment to shout, “That was amazing, Sheen!” as he passed him.

Sheen glanced at the chasing Terry, gave a light chuckle, and headed toward the greenhouses.

In the corridor in front of the greenhouses, Sheen saw a familiar figure.

“Senior Bruce.” Sheen walked over quickly.

“Ah, Sheen,” Bruce gave a gentle smile. “Going to the greenhouses together?”

“Yes,” Sheen replied, and the two walked down the corridor together.

Sunlight spilled across the grounds, enveloping Hogwarts Castle in warmth. Shadows of armor and statues slanted across the corridor, and portraits were still visiting one another. Sheen watched curiously as a lady turned her head away from an approaching knight.

“Do you know why Professor Sprout processes things like snake fangs?” Bruce asked, raising an eyebrow.

“For the new students' potion brewing?” Sheen offered his guess.

“I can see why you were sorted into Ravenclaw...” Bruce spread his hands helplessly. “Then you must be able to guess what we are doing today?”

Sheen thought for a moment and said, “I don't know.”

“Aha!” Bruce wore an expression that said, *Finally, something you don't know.* “It's the processing of fluxweed—the ones with tentacles and the ones without; and porcupine quills. If we're fast, we can finish today.”

Sheen nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation. If he could learn all these ingredient processing techniques today, he would have completed his first step of preparation.

Carrying this joy, Sheen pushed open the wooden door of the greenhouse.

(End of Chapter)