Magic Training!

'It whispers secrets through the winds, conceals ancient knowledge beneath veils of obscurity, and dances through the veiled realms of possibility. It is the key to unlocking the doorways of perception, an enigma that defies mortal comprehension. To grasp its essence, one must transcend the mundane and embrace the mystic, for magic's true power lies in the unseen, the unspoken, and the untamed. Seek the hidden symbols, listen to the silent incantations, and become the conjurer of worlds beyond imagination.' - Aesira Concordia: Journal Entry

As I observed the animated newspaper displaying the previously incarcerated individual, I couldn't help but be captivated by the way the news unfolded on the parchment, akin to a video. My eyes gleamed with fascination, marveling at this example of wizarding innovation. Meanwhile, Harry wore a deeply concerned expression, and Hermione responded with skepticism.

"Dovetown? That's uncomfortably close, isn't it? This can't be possible!" Hermione scoffed, her disbelief palpable. Ron took the newspaper and began reading, his expression growing increasingly serious with each passing word.

"How in the world did he manage to escape? It's Azkaban, for Merlin's sake!" Ron exclaimed, handing the newspaper over to me. I couldn't help but inwardly roll my eyes. Sirius Black's escape remained an impressive feat. Not only had he broken free from a supposedly high-security prison infested with soul-sucking creatures, but he had done so without a trace and without sustaining any injuries until his escape was discovered. It took an exceptionally skilled wizard to pull off something like that. I was eager to ask him about it once we cleared up the misunderstanding about him being a murderer.

I noticed the worry in Harry's eyes as he stared at the newspaper in my hand. "You look spooked, mate. What's bothering you?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. His attention snapped to me instantly. Hermione leaned in closer to whisper, her voice hushed. "It's something you'll learn when we have some privacy. It's not safe to discuss it here." I nodded in understanding, and Harry acknowledged me with a knowing look, making eye contact with Hermione. It seemed they were finally ready to share this information. I couldn't help but feel like I was going to be dealing with a lot of challenges from this point forward, and it only bolstered my desire to improve my magical abilities.

As the Great Hall emptied, Hermione grabbed my arm and veered me away from the path to our rooms, leaving Harry and Ron walking behind us. "Why don't you drag them along? Why just me?" I complained, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "Because you annoy me, is that a good enough reason?" she retorted playfully, her brows furrowing in mock concern. "It really hurts, you know. I think I'd prefer getting hit by a book over this," I sighed dramatically, prompting Ron to shoot me a sardonic look.

"No, you wouldn't," he deadpanned, and his monotone voice only made me laugh harder. "No, seriously, you wouldn't. I'm not kidding," he added, joining in. Hermione rolled her eyes but eventually let me go so that we could proceed with our little ritual. Stepping backward and then forward again, she triggered the Room of Requirement's door to open, with the stone wall disappearing to reveal the entrance.

"Get in."

This time, I didn't hesitate, smiling as Hermione ensured there were no onlookers. Once we were situated inside the concealed room, I turned to Harry. "So—"

"Sirius is out to kill me," Harry stated plainly.

"Okay, that's a bombshell. How do you know this, mate?" I inquired, eager for more information.

"I tried to get to the bottom of it, but remember when I told you that I made my Aunt blow up?" I smiled, nodding in recollection.

"Well, after that, I kind of walked out on them. I was too upset, and I eventually ended up getting on the Knight Bus-"

"Which is the most horrid of magical transportation," Hermione chimed in.

"And I eventually ended up in Mr. Fudge's office. It was accidental magic, so he let me go. He was acting strange like he was keeping something from me..."

"Then I talked to Ron's Father. He told me the higher-ups wouldn't like what he had to say, and-"

"He said Sirius would be after you, correct? Seems like this truth runs deep," I pondered, covering my mouth in thought. I was pretending, of course, but what would anyone in my situation do? "What do you mean?" Ron asked, confused. "Think about it, Harry. Why would they keep it a secret that a killer would be after you? If they wanted to protect you, they surely would have advised you of his motives without someone on the outside going against their wishes to tell you," I explained, my eyes fixed on his as I spoke. "Adults tend to keep secrets and hide certain details that end up hiding the full truth. You understand what I mean, right?" Harry narrowed his eyes and nodded, while Ron walked over to pat him on the back.

"They said I was a freak," Harry cringed in anger. I couldn't help but think of Aunt Petunia right now. Why hadn't she told Harry about his mother's true nature or his? I wouldn't know. Could it really have been simply jealousy or fear?

I couldn't help but feel resentment toward Dumbledore, too, if it weren't for his own safety. He needed the Dursleys to conceal his presence, but it never sat well with me that he allowed them to treat Harry the way they did. He could have used his influence to make them better foster parents, but I suppose even the "Greater Good" had its limits. I mean, you're Dumbledore. Who would object to you magically persuading a couple of Muggles to actually do something good and take care of a child? 

I looked towards Hermione as she looked down shyly, fingers fidgeting with her robes. "I'm sorry, Yumi, I didn't mean-" I waved her off, understanding her actions. "I know, you were taking care of your friend. Who am I to be upset?" I shrugged. Hermione smiled at me.

"That makes it all the more reason we need to be prepared. I need to step up my magic. We all do," I declared. The four of us nodded in agreement. "Whatever free time we have, we need to be in here. Okay?" she exclaimed, her determination shining through, like a general rallying the troops. "First, we get you up to speed on things, Yumi. Then we'll each do our own practice. We'll skip through the curriculum a bit, as you'll learn some basics, but we'll get into dueling straight away. Do you have a problem with that?" she asked, clearly challenging me. I grinned, ready for the challenge. "Hit me with whatever you've got. I'm straight for it." Hermione cocked her head in confusion. "Straight for it? Straight for what?"

I sweat dropped, realizing my use of American slang might be unfamiliar to her.

"It's nothing! Yeah, I have no problem."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Good. Now, ready your wand. Harry, get some snacks from the pantry." Harry looked bewildered. "What snacks?"

Suddenly, the entire room shifted, and a set of three training dummies, a connectionless door, a table with an assortment of toys ranging from familiar ones to unfamiliar ones, a mirror, a staircase that stretched a few feet up towards the ceiling, and a stick of dynamite all materialized before us.

I could only stare in astonishment.

"Seriously?"

Hermione simply shrugged.

"Now, here's what I'm going to do. We'll start with the most straightforward spells in theory and work our way up."

Hermione led me to the door, which appeared old and wooden, in stark contrast to its shiny and clean doorknob. I could see tiny engraved writing on its face: "Goblin Steel."

"So, can the Room just conjure gold if it wanted to? Or is it only limited to common metals and materials? Food for thought. I might test it out when I'm alone here," I pondered to myself.

Harry and Ron had asked for a dueling arena, and on the right side of the room, they were gleefully throwing charms at each other, clearly goofing off.

"Hey, the lesson's right here, focus!"

I could only sigh.

Hermione positioned herself beside the door, fixing her hair.

"So, we'll begin with Alohomora. A spell that opens doors. Simple, really. You don't have to do any swishy wand movements, just move your wand in time AFTER you've already said it. Come on now, we don't have all night!"

I pulled out my wand, its smooth wooden surface giving off a faint heat. It buzzed with anticipation, like electricity coursing through my fingertips.

"Alohomora."

With a flick, I pointed my wand at the door.

But it didn't unlock. I narrowed my eyes in frustration.

"It's okay, I expected this, Yumi. Look, magic is all about intent and will. I heard that you mastered the levitation spell, and that's good, but for spells with a straightforward goal, you need to think of it differently. Imagine having the key to this door, the right one. Then imagine you have the key to unlock any door you intend to."

Hermione exhaled sharply, walking closer.

"Repeat after me, Alohomora."

She counted down from three, and I said the incantation once more.

"Alohomora!"

With another swish, a satisfying click emanated from the doorknob, indicating it had unlocked.

My eyes widened in realization. Magic was selective with its workings, requiring a more active imagination for certain spells. I couldn't rely on emotion alone. How would I combine magic with Limitless if that's the case? Was it up to me to develop the necessary thought processes to make it work?

"Well done! Also, a neat tip for witches and wizards is that once we learn a spell, we never forget it. Every spell we learn is remembered flawlessly. No exceptions. Well, except Obliviate, but that's a topic I'd rather not delve into today. Come, we still have more to cover."

Hermione then led me to a large table, where a wide assortment of toys stood, ranging from a Rubik's cube to a small wooden horse.

"Now, this is where we get a bit more complex, but I believe you have the aptitude for it. Transfiguration is a branch of magic that allows the caster to transform one thing into another. Today, we'll start with inanimate objects. I'll permit you to attempt transfiguring living creatures later on, but you'll need to consult with Ron for that. I don't possess his level of expertise."

She asked for a couple of chairs, and we both took a seat. She placed the wooden horse in front of me.

"Now, intent is key in transfiguration. There should be no emotion involved; it's all about intent and imagination. It must be unwavering. You must fully grasp what you intend to transform the object into, and you need to visualize it in your mind. In most cases, you'll need to understand the elements."

My interest piqued. "Elements?"

"Yes, like those on the periodic table. It can get that detailed."

I massaged my face with my hands, rubbing my eyes in thought. "Alright, for now, let's stick to simpler transformations."

Hermione chuckled. "For now."

Once again, I retrieved my wand, feeling its warmth against my fingertips. I nodded, narrowing my eyes as I prepared to close them. What is wood made of? My knowledge from chemistry class in my home world told me that wood wasn't a pure substance; it was a mixture. There was carbon, oxygen (since it's derived from a plant), hydrogen, and nitrogen. But there was something missing. The additional substances could vary depending on the type of tree from which this wooden horse was made. This was incredibly frustrating. What could I do to transform this wooden horse? I now understood why professors like McGonagall were so revered; it took an exceptional mind to master transfiguration at such a high level. Think, Yumi!

How can I make this work?

....

'Transfigure!'

The wood reacted, visibly trembling. Hermione and I cringed as the wooden horse began to expand, and a subtle buildup of magical energy accompanied its growth. The transformation escalated, causing the table it rested on to shatter.

Crack!

When the transformation was complete, all that remained was a fully grown tree, having lost any semblance of the wooden horse.

"Well... I'd give that a D-"

"Don't laugh."

Well, adding more carbon clearly didn't do well. It wasn't like this tree was anything like Mother's. It looked more like a statue than a living thing. When Hermione tested its density, it just... fell apart.

Hermione visibly trembled with restrained laughter, and I shielded my eyes, my cheeks flushing in embarrassment. The chorus of laughter that erupted from Harry and Ron, who had apparently been watching (When the fuck?), was both irritating and humbling.

I couldn't take it anymore, so I put as much distance as I could between myself and what was... left of the table.

Hermione raised her hand in protest.

"Wait, wait! Come back! Haha! We still have more lessons!"

"Now now! Don't be too upset. Transfiguration is very complicated and takes time. You need to study the elements, and I mean really study. The instant recall will assist, but will only help you transfigure one object to another, and you will have to learn it for every object you end up coming across. I don't have to tell you how many inanimate objects there are right?"

A surprising voice rang from beside me, making me turn to look at the redhead. "Start small mate. Basic objects that you can understand first, then work your way up to living things. Shouldn't be that hard. Just study!" I was gobsmacked.

Did Ron of all people tell me to study? There's no way. Hermione cackled at my expression, while Ron deadpanned. "I learn what I think is interesting. Hate potions. Transfiguration is wicked!"

  Ron is the Fullmetal Alchemist!

The brown-haired girl punched him in the arm as Ron yelped in pain. 

Or not. Kinda missing the fullmetal.

"Not when it's at the expense of the House!" Harry's voice rang behind me, "Yeah, you suck at potions." 

"CAN YOU LET ME LEARN??" I yelled, and the trio laughed. "Sorry, Yumi." Hermione chuckled. "Luckily, there's a spell that incorporates Transfiguration in its application. Glisseo!"

Ron facepalmed. "You cannot be serious."

Hermione grimaced. "Is this your class?" 

"Nope!" Ron shot back, running with Harry back to the dueling arena.

"Now, where was I? Oh yeah! Turn this staircase into a slide. Now! Visualize! Intent! Do it!" I sighed, walking over with her and aiming my wand at the staircase.  "Glisseo!" 

and just like that, now what stood was a smooth wooden slide.

"Go down it." She ordered. 

I just looked at her. 

"I was kidding. Now, down to our last two lessons for today." She gestured to the stick of dynamite that was now floating towards me. "You are NOT gonna make me blow this up," I said, holding the dynamite ruefully. "Yes, I am. There are sound charms in this room so it wouldn't alert anyone. You think I haven't tested a thing in here?"

I raised an eyebrow at her, suspicious. "That's not what I'm worried about. You want me to lose a hand?" I asked. Hermione only giggled in response. "No heat or concussive force will be able to harm you. It's the figment of the room. Everything mind as well be highly realistic props. Unfortunately, when you conjured that... Tree, it became real because you transfigured it."

"You birthed a tree then had it die in minutes."

  I rolled my eyes. "Never letting me live that down."

The girl only shook her head with a grin.

"Never"

I sighed then brought out my wand again, but Hermione stopped me. "You don't need a wand for this one. A simple spark is enough. Just snap your fingers and it will light. Simple, but integral." I had it down, snapping my fingers and lighting the fuse. Even if it was a figment, I liked blowing stuff up. Call it a comeback from my time on Earth. I baseball-pitched that thing and it slammed against the wall in a satisfying explosion.

"BOOOOM!"

"Nice," I said a wide smile on my face.

"Remind me to teach you less fire spells." Hermione sweat dropped.

  'Heh, as if. Once I get Fiendfyre I'm spamming it.' 

Now, for the final lesson for today, a charm. As she walked me to the mirror. "Now, this is just a little more complex, but please don't have me jinx myself like last time. The disillusionment charm conceals yourself from your surroundings, but it's not true invisibility. Harry's cloak is a perfect example of this. Once he puts it on, there's no trace of anything that relates to him existing in this world AT ALL. If he decides to put it on in a rainstorm? The rain won't look like it's hitting something in by an onlooker, it seamlessly blends into reality."

I widened my eyes. Very different from the movies. "Wouldn't that be limited intangibility in a sense? I don't know if he is intangible while he wears it." Hermione shook her head in negative, but looked up in thought.

"Well yes, it can be looked at that way. Anyone or anything can still touch him physically, but visually? When he steps on a muddy puddle, for instance, it won't make a sound or noise, however, it is privy to people who possess mage sight or the unconcealing charm. I think it makes the cloak visible for about 30 minutes. We tested it in here, while we found the first fact out in... not so well circumstances." She cringed. "Mage sight is very rare. It's possible to learn it but..." She looked downtrodden, as if recalling a memory. "I haven't been able to acquire it."

Ahh, you- know who has mage sight? Perfect. Another reason to read Mother's books. "Now, what I want you to do is do more than what you did with the levitation charm. Instead of calm, I want you to connect yourself with your surroundings. The air, the confines of this room. Be one with it." She steeled her gaze, demonstrating a hand gesture to use while doing it. "Hear no evil." She said, covering her ears. "Speak no evil," covering her mouth. "See no evil". Covering her eyes. "This is the one you should do," she explained. I smiled. This should be easy. I meditated often in my past life. Feeling one with my surroundings was one of my primary exercises when I was going through pain in my world. I had this down.

"See no evil" I muttered, and as I faded into the background, Hermione gasped. "This is the best one I've seen yet!" she exclaimed. I took my hands off my face to see her moving around where I was previously visible.

"You blend in perfectly. No faded image or anything. Tap your foot on the ground" I did as she asked, and made a small but audible noise. "It's even more quiet than it should be. Nice job Yumi!" She beamed a toothy grin now on her face. I smiled as I instinctively stopped my charm, and reappeared. Hermione punched me lightly. "Talented. I knew you were."

I rolled my eyes and smiled back. "No, you didn't."

The girl only giggled and shrugged her shoulders. "Hey, if anyone saw that tree thing, they would have doubts too." When she saw the disapproving look on my face, she only laughed. "This calls for a little celebration." She pulled out her wand and with a flick, conjured a flurry of multicolored light, and as they reached the apex of their height, they exploded into a mess of beautiful fireworks. The light danced and twirled into little shiny fairies that faded just as long as they appeared. I turned to her, looking at her with appreciation.

"Thanks." I said simply.

"Don't mention it. You still have more to learn you know. Don't get a big head because you can be invisible". I scoffed, "Whatever. Room! I need 5 more sticks of dynamite!"

"NO!"