Chapter 68: Praise from Professor McGonagall

Ino followed closely behind Professor McGonagall.

It was his first time entering the Transfiguration office on the sixth floor of the castle.

Pushing open the door, he was greeted by a row of towering bookshelves lining the walls, filled with various books ranging from ancient parchment scrolls to brand-new hardcovers, resembling a small library in scale.

In the center of the room was a large, dark red wooden desk, piled with stacks of bundled papers, presumably final exam papers from different year groups.

"Sit down, don't be so reserved." Professor McGonagall said as she walked behind the desk, pulled out a high-backed chair, and sat down first.

"Mr. Swinburne, your grades are excellent. I've watched you improve bit by bit, from being clumsy at first to now handling things with ease. I'm very pleased that you are serious about learning and exploring Transfiguration."

Professor McGonagall's praise made Ino a bit embarrassed. He knew very well that he hadn't really cared much about Transfiguration, investing less than one-fifth of the effort he put into Charms.

If it weren't for the need to complete his Animagus transformation, and thus cramming Transfiguration for a few months, he figured he would barely scrape by with an 'A' for Acceptable.

But now was not the time to worry about grades. After thinking for a moment, Ino voiced his concerns.

"Thank you for your praise, Professor. I'm here because I've been struggling with a problem in Transfiguration, and I don't want to carry this issue into the summer. I hope you understand."

"Of course, that's my duty. Now, please tell me your problem," Professor McGonagall said calmly.

"It's like this: Although I can skillfully use Transfiguration and even transform into some complex objects, those objects exist for a very short time. Some even revert to their original form in less than half a moment."

At this point, Ino's expression was slightly troubled. His Transfiguration wasn't just short-lived; it was far worse than Goyle's, who could make his deformed apple last for more than three hours.

"You don't believe in Transfiguration!"

Professor McGonagall only thought for a moment before identifying the problem.

"You never truly believed in it. You're just using magic to forcibly change the shape of objects. When you're focused, the object changes form; but when you start doing other things, the object quickly reverts to its original state."

Upon hearing Professor McGonagall's insightful explanation, Ino felt as if a fog had lifted.

It seemed that he really never believed in or acknowledged Transfiguration, subconsciously thinking that the flashy transformations were just illusions.

"Yes, Professor! As much as I want to deny it, the truth is that I never believed in Transfiguration. I never understood why it works. I've read many books but found no answers."

Ino spoke truthfully. Since he was seeking knowledge and solutions, he decided not to hide anything.

"Principle? Essence? It's been many years since a young wizard last asked such a question."

Professor McGonagall's tone held a hint of nostalgia.

"The principle and essence of Transfiguration, why it works? There is only one answer: unwavering belief!"

As she spoke, Professor McGonagall drew her wand and pointed it at a teapot on the table, transforming it instantly into a lively owl.

The silver-gray owl stood quietly on the table, preening its feathers, its eyes sharp and alert, as if ready to deliver messages at any moment.

"Do you see? I believe it is an owl, not a teapot transformed into an owl! So, until my death or until I lift the spell, it will always be an owl. Whether for sending letters or delivering packages, it is no different from a real owl."

At this moment, Professor McGonagall's tone and demeanor exuded a powerful and confident aura.

Despite the strong evidence before him, Ino couldn't fully accept or understand it.

This proof might be very useful for immature young wizards, but for someone mature and wise like Ino, it was hard to completely accept.

It's like certain truths that many people know and understand, but few actually apply them in their lives.

Perhaps noticing Ino's confusion, Professor McGonagall softened her tone and said calmly:

"I'm sorry, I don't know what else you're thinking, but magic is like that! No one can fully explain the mysteries of magic. This owl is a gift for you. I won't lift the spell, and I hope it will give you some confidence."

"Professor, can I understand it as needing to find a reason for myself, regardless of whether the reason is valid, as long as I believe in it?" Ino asked persistently, knowing that without overcoming this hurdle, he wouldn't make any progress in Transfiguration, let alone achieve Animagus transformation.

"It seems you already have an idea. If you don't mind, you can tell me," Professor McGonagall said, leaning back slightly in her chair, showing a hint of fatigue from the recent exams.

"Of course, Professor! This is exactly what I wanted to discuss, because I'm not sure if it's feasible."

Hitting the mark, Ino would have shared his thoughts even if Professor McGonagall hadn't asked.

"There was once a philosopher in the East who said that when he saw his finger, he saw the world and everything in it. He said that after a person dies, they turn into soil, the soil grows plants, the plants are eaten by animals, and the animals are eaten by people..."

"And in this cycle, his finger had witnessed everything, so he believed that a fish could turn into a bird, that withered grass could become an autumn cicada, and that nothing was singular and unchanging."

After expressing his thoughts in one breath, Ino sat quietly.

On the other side, Professor McGonagall fell into a brief contemplation.

The spacious Transfiguration office fell silent, including the owl, which stood obediently without preening its feathers.

Time passed quietly.

After a moment, Professor McGonagall straightened up, her expression serious.

"Mr. Swinburne! You don't need to write your Transfiguration summer homework. Instead, write an essay on the viewpoint you just expressed and submit it to me at the start of the term. It has the potential to win the 'Best Newcomer' award from 'Today's Transfiguration'."

"An honor indeed!" Ino smiled. "But Professor, you haven't told me if it is feasible."

"Of course it is, as long as you believe!" Professor McGonagall looked slightly surprised but explained:

"All books and essays aim to make you believe. Your viewpoint will make many meticulous people choose to believe, and it will also help them reevaluate Transfiguration. This is the fundamental reason why it has the potential to win an award."

...

Half an hour later.

Ino walked out of the office holding a silver-gray owl.

This visit not only expanded his narrow understanding of Transfiguration but also earned him a limited-edition owl as a reward, a truly fruitful experience.

Looking at the lively owl before him, he realized it was likely Professor McGonagall's way of rewarding a student with good grades.

Of course, if his grades had been 'T', the reward might have been a letter requiring a parent's signature instead of an owl.

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