Chapter 104: Professor McGonagall's Promise

"Dear Mr. Ino Swinburne, we are pleased to inform you that your transfiguration paper, 'The World as a Whole,' has won the Best Newcomer Award for Transfiguration Papers in 1992..."

The letter was brief, and Ino quickly skimmed through it. Although it didn't contain much useful information—mostly encouraging, polite remarks—it was essentially courteous but uninformative.

Finally, at the end of the letter, he found the information he was looking for.

"... To encourage your future work, the editorial board of 'Today's Transfiguration' has agreed to award you a prize of 150 Galleons."

Secure in hand! Seeing the amount, Ino let out a sigh of relief.

He had been worried that 'Today's Transfiguration' might only give him a token amount, like a few dozen Galleons. Getting 150 Galleons, while not a lot, at least solved his immediate financial issues.

"Finished reading?" Professor McGonagall had been paying attention to his reaction. Seeing Ino put down the letter, she spoke up:

"There is something I need to ask your permission for. I would like to make a copy of this honor certificate to keep in my Transfiguration Club. Also, I am formally inviting you, Mr. Ino Swinburne, to join my Transfiguration Club."

"It would be my honor, Professor." Ino accepted without hesitation.

No one would refuse such an offer! Professor McGonagall's private academic club was known for accepting only true geniuses.

Even someone as brilliant as Hermione Granger had not received an invitation during her time at Hogwarts. The only known member from the stories was Cedric Diggory from Hufflepuff, considered a rising star.

As for who else was in the club and how many members there were, that was unknown. But one thing was certain—the club had very high standards. Many students spent seven years at Hogwarts without even knowing the club existed.

Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall's smile grew wider after receiving his affirmative answer.

"Our meetings are on Thursday evenings from seven to nine. The location is somewhere in the castle's third-floor corridor, which is a test for new members. Every newcomer must find it themselves."

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

"Professor, I wasn't planning on slacking off." Ino felt a bit exasperated. It was just a matter of finding the entrance; he didn't need to cheat. If worst came to worst, he could always use his divination dice.

"That's good to hear! And don't forget to take your prize money." Professor McGonagall waved her wand, duplicating the honor certificate.

Ino didn't refuse, grabbing the money bag and putting it into his robe pocket.

"Professor, if it's alright, may I take a few minutes of your time?"

"Of course! I have plenty of time during the holidays." Professor McGonagall answered briskly.

"It's like this, I'm very curious about Animagus transformation. Is the animal one transforms into completely random, or can a wizard influence it through some means?"

After hesitating for a moment, Ino voiced his question. Animagus transformation, while practical, seemed too arbitrary in terms of the resulting animal form.

He didn't want to spend half a year only to turn into something bizarre. Beetles were one thing, but if he turned into a fish or some kind of amphibian or soft-bodied insect like a snail, he would be devastated.

On the other hand, Professor McGonagall sighed upon hearing his question.

"Animagus again! You kids are really... Never mind, it's not your fault."

After teaching for more than half a century, she knew these young wizards well. If she didn't explain things now, they would start experimenting on their own.

"Ino, first I must tell you, Animagus transformation is a very dangerous magic!"

"Professor, I..."

"Let me finish, don't interrupt!" McGonagall rubbed her temples, seemingly having encountered this many times before.

"With your current level of Transfiguration, you barely meet the requirements to learn Animagus transformation. I know I can't stop you because you're all the same... So, go ahead and start holding a mandrake leaf in your mouth. I'm sure you've already looked up the steps."

Reluctantly, Professor McGonagall employed a delaying tactic. Her years of teaching experience told her that many interested students got stuck at the first step.

After struggling for a few months, their enthusiasm would wane, and they would give up. This was more effective than direct discouragement.

"I've already done that! I've also made the potion and stored it in a light-proof box, just waiting for a stormy night." Ino said somewhat embarrassedly.

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

She had seen students secretly learning Animagus transformation before, but rarely had she encountered one who had quietly arranged everything so thoroughly.

"It seems I can't dissuade you!" Professor McGonagall sighed.

"Now to answer your earlier question. The form an Animagus takes is influenced only by their personality and body weight. No other factors can affect the animal form. However, at Uagadou, there is a method to choose from several forms, but unfortunately, we don't have that at Hogwarts."

"Thank you for your answer, Professor. I understand now." Ino bowed slightly.

McGonagall's response gave him a hint. When it came to Transfiguration and Animagus transformation, Uagadou School of Magic in Africa was unrivaled.

"You understand what?" Professor McGonagall angrily slapped the table. "Are you planning to go to the library again? I know you too well! The Transfiguration magic at Uagadou is not something you can learn from books. They don't even use wands! Try transforming a needle without your wand!"

McGonagall seemed agitated, pulling a matchstick from her drawer and tossing it on the table.

"I'm not running away! I just plan to look it up; I don't intend to learn it." Ino said weakly.

Honestly, whether facing Dumbledore or Snape, he felt he could communicate smoothly. But facing Professor McGonagall, he always felt like he was back in school, dealing with a stern headmistress.

"Fine! Just remember to inform me before you drink the potion." Professor McGonagall sighed.

After a moment, she seemed to come to a decision, speaking resolutely:

"I don't want you to get hurt during the transformation. Too many young wizards have suffered permanent injuries from Animagus attempts. As for registration or anything else, don't worry, I'll pretend I didn't see anything!"

This seemed typical of McGonagall. Though traditional, strict, and proper, the safety of her students always came first in her heart.

Faced with such a professor, Ino felt no resistance. He solemnly said:

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