The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 105 Professor McGonagall's Promise (First Update)

"Dear Mr. Enoch Swinburne: We are pleased to inform you that your submitted paper, 'The World Is a Whole,' has won the 1992 Best Newcomer Award for Transformation Papers..."

The letter was short, and Ino quickly skimmed through it. It didn't contain much useful information; it was mostly polite, encouraging words—in short, lacking substance but still respectful.

Finally, at the end of the letter, he found the information he wanted.

"...To encourage your creative work, the editorial team of 'Today's Metamorphosis' has unanimously decided to award you a prize of 150 Galleons."

It's safe to say it's in my pocket! Upon seeing the amount, Ino also breathed a sigh of relief.

He was worried that "Today's Transformation" would be stingy and only give him a dozen or so Galleons as a token gesture. Now that he has received 150 Galleons, although it is not much, it has solved his immediate problem.

"Have you finished reading?" Professor McGonagall, who had been watching closely, spoke up after seeing Ino put down the letter.

"There's something I need your permission for. I'd like to make a copy of this certificate of honor and keep it in my Transfiguration Club. At the same time, I would like to formally invite Mr. Enoch Swinburne to join my Transfiguration Club."

"It would be my honor, Professor." Without the slightest hesitation, Ino agreed on the spot.

Just kidding, who could refuse! Professor McGonagall's private academic club is open to only true geniuses.

Even Hermione, with her excellent grades, didn't receive an invitation while attending Hogwarts. The only known member of the Transfiguration Club is Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff's rising star.

As for who is left and how many are left, that remains unknown. But one thing is certain: the Transfiguration Club has a very high entry barrier, which is why many people have stayed at Hogwarts for seven years without even knowing that such a club exists.

Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall's smile widened even more after hearing the affirmative answer.

"Our meetings are every Thursday evening, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., for a total of two hours. As for the location, I can only say it's in the corridor on the third floor of the castle. It's a test, and every newcomer has to go through this test."

After a brief pause, she jokingly added, "Don't even think about slacking off. I'll tell the others in advance that you'll have to find it yourself next Thursday."

"Professor! I wasn't thinking of slacking off." Ino was a little speechless. It was just about finding an entrance; there was no need to cheat or be lazy. If they really couldn't find it, there were always divination dice.

"That's perfect! And here's the prize money they sent, keep it safe." Professor McGonagall said, waving her wand to make a duplicate of the certificate of honor.

Upon hearing this, Ino did not refuse and grabbed the money bag, putting it into the pocket of his robe.

"Professor! If it's alright, could I have a few minutes of your time?"

"What's the big deal! I have plenty of time during the holidays," Professor McGonagall replied crisply.

"Well, I'm very curious about Animagus and would like to ask you for an explanation. Are the animals that are magically transformed completely random, or can the wizard intervene through some other means?"

After hesitating for a moment, Ino finally voiced her doubts. There was no other way; while the Animagus magic was practical, it was a bit too arbitrary in its ability to shapeshift into different species.

He really didn't want to work hard for six months only to get a bizarre result. A beetle was one thing, but if it turned into a fish or other aquatic animal, or a soft-bodied insect like a toad or snail, he'd be utterly devastated.

On the other side, Professor McGonagall also showed a helpless expression after hearing the question.

"Animagus again! You guys are really... Oh well! It's not your fault."

Having taught for over half a century, she knew these young wizards' temperaments all too well. If she didn't say something today, these young wizards would turn around and start doing their own research.

"Ino, first of all, I must tell you that Animagus is a very dangerous form of magic!"

"Professor me..."

"Let me finish, don't interrupt!" McGonagall rubbed her temples, as if she had encountered many such situations before.

"With your current Transfiguration abilities, you've barely reached the threshold for learning Animagus. I know I can't stop you, because you're all like that... So, now go and take a mandrake leaf; I suppose you've already looked up the steps."

Left with no other option, Professor McGonagall resorted to delaying tactics. Her years of teaching experience had taught her that too many interested young wizards were stuck at the first hurdle.

After a few months of procrastination, their enthusiasm waned, and the matter gradually faded away. This approach was far more effective than directly dissuading them from pursuing it.

"I've finished it! The potion is ready too, hidden in a dark box, just waiting for a stormy night," Ino said somewhat embarrassedly.

"You really are..." Professor McGonagall's eye twitched involuntarily.

She had seen students secretly studying Animagus, but she hadn't encountered a student in decades who could so quietly arrange everything so perfectly.

"It seems I really can't persuade you anymore!" Professor McGonagall sighed softly.

"Now I'll answer your previous question. Animagus transformations are only related to personality and weight; nothing else affects the final animal form. However, there is a method in Vagado that allows you to choose from a limited number of forms, but unfortunately, Hogwarts doesn't have that!"

"Thank you for your answer! I understand." Ino bowed slightly.

Professor McGonagall's answer served as a reminder to him that when it came to Transfiguration and Animagus magic, the Wagard Magic Academy in Africa was second to none.

"What do you know?" Professor McGonagall slammed her hand on the table, somewhat angrily. "Going to the library again? I know you all too well! Vagad's Transfiguration isn't as simple as you think, unless you go and study there right now."

Observe words and expressions.

After seeing that Professor McGonagall was somewhat angry, Ino decided to end the exchange, even though he still planned to look for relevant information in the library.

Observation is, in fact, often mutual.

While Ino was observing Professor McGonagall, Professor McGonagall was also secretly observing Ino.

"You trying to run away again? Their transfiguration magic isn't something you can learn from books! Vagado doesn't even need a wand! You drop your wand and conjure a needle for me!"

Professor McGonagall seemed a little agitated, and as she spoke, she took a match from her drawer and threw it on the table.

"I'm not running! I just plan to take a look, I'm not thinking of learning anything," Ino said weakly.

Honestly, he believed he could communicate with Dumbledore or Snape with ease. But when facing Professor McGonagall, he always felt a sense of vulnerability, like being back in the distant past, facing his homeroom teacher in school.

"Never mind! Just let me know when you want to drink the potion." Professor McGonagall sighed.

After a moment, as if she had made a decision, she said resolutely:

"I really don't want anything to go wrong during your transformation. Too many young wizards have suffered permanent damage because of Animagus. As for registration or anything else, you can rest assured, I'll just pretend I don't see it!"

Professor McGonagall seems to be like that; although she is old-fashioned, rigid, and polite, the safety of her students always comes first in her heart.

Faced with such a professor, Ino felt no resistance whatsoever and said rather solemnly:

"Professor, don't worry! I will definitely inform you before I drink the potion."

Meow! Double monthly passes for the May Day holiday! Don't save them up, give them to Xiao Di... otherwise they'll expire.

Please add this to your favorites! Please recommend it! Please vote with monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)