Hogwarts Study Panel

Chapter 116: The Magic of Transfiguration

October was almost over amidst the raging storms, and November was just around the corner. Hogwarts Castle was as cold as frozen iron, with a layer of frost every morning, and the icy wind cutting into hands and cheeks.

The sky and the ceiling of the Great Hall turned a pale blue-gray, the mountains surrounding Hogwarts were covered in snow, and the temperature inside the castle had dropped so much that many students wore thick dragon skin gloves when resting in the corridors during recess.

Sheen stood outside the corridor, his breath turning into white mist, and gently knocked on the door.

“Mr. Green, I’ve told you many times, no need to knock, come in, boy.”

A gentle voice came from behind the door.

Sheen pushed open the door. Although the professor had said it many times, he was not prepared to change.

Private space is sensitive and inviolable. Just because the professor gave him the key doesn't mean he can keep the door open forever.

The fireplace in the room always burned happily.

The professor was always very busy these days. She was sitting in a tall chair, grading papers or dealing with the mistakes made by the young wizards.

It was as if she was preparing to do something.

"Regarding the transformation from 'self' to 'living thing,' Mr. Green, that requires more careful consideration."

So today we're going to learn about—the transformation of objects into 'magic'.

Professor McGonagall stopped grading assignments, and with a wave of her wand, flames burst forth from the fireplace in an instant, the tongues of fire almost licking Sheehan's cheek.

The professor waved his wand again, and the flame transformed into the shape of a lizard, which ran all the way back to the fireplace.

"This advanced transformation requires a stronger will and a higher level of magic. Importantly, when you infuse magic into the objects you choose... you have to believe that they already possess magic."

Professor McGonagall's words were already recorded in the notes she gave to Sheehan, and now that they were spoken aloud, they deepened Sheehan's understanding.

"Today, what you will learn is how to infuse the fire in the fireplace with this 'magic'."

Professor McGonagall's features have softened.

After all, the student in front of her had memorized the two notebooks she had given him and read through three Transfiguration textbooks in just three weeks.

She had never seen Green empty-handed in the hallway.

If it were a sixth-grade wizard, it would be quite an achievement to finish reading a book in three weeks.

Sheen approached the fireplace with some curiosity, when suddenly the flames flared up fiercely, causing Sheen to quickly shrink back.

He held a notebook in his hands, the handwriting on it slightly yellowed by the fireplace:
[A specific and clear intention, a firm belief, and sufficient willpower] —

This is from Professor McGonagall's notes, and it has always been the essence of Transfiguration.

Sheen waved his wand; in fact, at the [Expert] level, Transfiguration no longer required incantation.

This level corresponds to an adult wizard. Of course, some senior wizards may also reach this level, but that is very rare.

The flames leaped more noticeably as Sheen waved his wand, and Sheen tried to imagine them as dancing shapes, drawing them out according to the instructions in the professor's notes.

This step was completed very easily.

[You have practiced an advanced Transfiguration spell to the standards of an apprentice. Proficiency +30]

[You have practiced an advanced Transfiguration spell to the standards of an apprentice. Proficiency +30]

……

Before long, Sheen was able to make the flame dance between his wands. Although it was only a small flame, it delighted Professor McGonagall.

“Very good, Mr. Green. Next, you will try to control more flames…”

Professor McGonagall said with satisfaction.

Emerging from the Transfiguration office, Sheen knew he had already stepped one foot into the realm of advanced Transfiguration.

While it's far from matching Professor McGonagall's ability to conjure fire lizards, it's still a decent start. After all, as Professor McGonagall said:

"Most wizards can't even get the flames to react the first time they try this transformation. They need to practice continuously for at least a month to be able to do it..."

Sheen guessed that this was related to the talent that came with the title:

[Title: Master of Transfiguration]

[Significantly enhances the unique perception of transformation from non-magical to magical realms]

This perception always helped Sheen find the knack for making the flames "obey".

Even after Sheen left, the Transfiguration classroom remained filled with flames.

The professor waved his wand, and the drawer transformed into a little pig, which gracefully handed Professor McGonagall an envelope containing a thick stack of letters.

Upon seeing these letters, the professor's expression softened even more.

in the corridor.

Sheen was wearing thick gloves, and he pulled his scarf up a bit so he could see the notes in his hands.

—A pure black cover, with warnings written on the first page—this is Professor Flitwick's notes on dark magic.

Although dark magic could easily make Headmaster Dumbledore... uneasy.

But this doesn't mean Sheen will completely give up learning dark magic. Professor Flitwick once said:

"Dark magic is like a blade; those with malicious intent may use it in dirty ways, but ultimately it is closely related to the user's purpose."

One reason for this is that the progress of black magic is very fast—after all, you can never have too many hidden treasures, and the more spells a wizard learns, the stronger he becomes;
Another reason is that Professor Flitwick took charge of teaching Sheen dark magic:

“Excellent! Oh—what an amazing talent…”

Professor Flitwick paced back and forth in the Charms classroom.

He muttered to himself, "Oh, it's my turn," "I need to keep a closer eye on this child," "Thank goodness it's little Grimm," as he used his wand to restore the books that Sheen had knocked away.

During this period, Sheen's practice sessions were basically conducted under Professor Flitwick's watchful eye, with the professor overseeing the process.

[You practiced the knockback spell to expert standard, proficiency +50]

[You have practiced the Knockback Spell to mastery; proficiency +300]

……

Goodbye, Professor.

As the sun set and its shadows slanted, Sheen left the Charms classroom. In the hallway, he silently opened his control panel:
You are a genius rarely seen in the history of dark magic; dark magic will embrace you willingly. You are the born king of dark magic.

Sheen quickly dismissed this nonsense.

[Knockback Spell: Expert Level (10/30000)]

An expert-level knockback spell is instantaneous and silent.

With the levitation spell available in various ways, Sheen's combat prowess even surprised Professor Flitwick—underestimating him could easily send an adult wizard tumbling.

“Felius, a disturbing talent, isn’t it?”

An aged voice rang out in the classroom.

"But he is a reassuring wizard."

Professor Flitwick's mustache stood on end when he mentioned this.

The old wizard beside him did not deny it, but simply nodded slightly.

(End of this chapter)