Chapter 98: Failed Transformation

Upon Alaric's invitation, Professor McGonagall had to hastily rush to the edge of the Forbidden Forest while her own house's Quidditch match was still ongoing, in search of her talented student.

Because, her favorite student had taken such initiative without even consulting her, making preparations in advance for his first Animagus transformation today.

Professor McGonagall sternly reprimanded him, but ultimately agreed to guide him through the Animagus transformation.

So, in front of Professor McGonagall, Alaric began his Animagus transformation.

At this point, Professor McGonagall still thought it was a typical first-time Animagus transformation, albeit a bit risky. 

However, given her student's talent, she believed it wouldn't be overly challenging.

As Alaric's body revealed beautiful scales, and claws and teeth started to change, Professor McGonagall thought he might be transforming into some rare lizard or, more dramatically, a dinosaur.

While Animagus transforming into extinct prehistoric creatures was rare, it wasn't impossible.

Little did she know, Alaric proceeded to grow wings on his back and a tail—transforming not into a crawling creature, nor a winged dragon with integrated forelimbs, but into a true dragon!

Not just any dragon but one far surpassing the Hungarian Horntail, a magical creature that existed only in wizarding legends.

Due to the immense power of dragons, Professor McGonagall became particularly concerned. 

There was no precedent for transforming into magical creatures, let alone a dragon, and she didn't believe Alaric would succeed. 

She wasn't even hoping for success; she just prayed that Alaric would eventually transform back into human form, without any unexpected consequences—the most likely being death due to magical exhaustion.

In fact, Alaric was indeed plagued by magical exhaustion.

At this moment, not only was his soul resisting the abyss-like temptation, but his body was also undergoing inhuman torment.

The magical energy required to transform into a giant dragon was continuously squeezing his body and spirit, and the conflict between dragon and wizard magic left every part of him in agony.

He felt as if he were being dismembered, and not just once but hundred times simultaneously.

If this sensation were on the physical level, his pain receptors would be completely numb. 

However, it wasn't a physical sensation; it was an impact on his soul, forcing him to fully experience all the pain.

In other words, he had to walk a tightrope while being dismembered, enduring both physical and mental exhaustion.

He had to endure the relentless squeezing of his physical body while forcefully squeezing his own soul.

Finally, with unparalleled determination, he regained his will before succumbing to death from magical depletion.

In Professor McGonagall's eyes, the giant dragon that had been writhing in agony on the ground slowly opened its eyes.

It was a clear and rational gaze, yet filled with strength and resilience.

She was quite familiar with that gaze, and she could confirm that the creature before her was still her talented student. 

His consciousness hadn't succumbed, and he hadn't fallen into the belief that he was another creature.

Professor McGonagall could finally relax. She waved her wand, forcibly dispelling Alaric's Animagus transformation.

Fortunately, Alaric hadn't successfully transformed into a dragon yet, making her spells essentially ineffective.

The dragon's form began to slowly shrink; scales and claws gradually disappeared, wings and tail continuously shortened until Alaric finally reverted to his human form.

He lay on the ground in a sorry state, drenched in sweat, muscles twitching uncontrollably.

Professor McGonagall quickly helped him up, guiding him to sit against a large tree.

It took quite a while for Alaric to regain some strength.

Seeing him open his eyes, Professor McGonagall immediately asked with concern, "How are you feeling?"

"Not great. I've depleted both my physical strength and magical energy. Every part of my body hurts," Alaric shook his head slowly.

"Animagus spell is indeed more challenging than I imagined. 

After a successful transformation, I had to exert all my effort to keep my consciousness from being consumed by the allure of becoming a dragon. 

The insane and overpowering sensation is incredibly difficult to resist."

"But you resisted it, didn't you?" McGonagall looked at him gently. 

"You're a strong young man. I can imagine the difficulties you faced at that moment, but you still came through. Well done."

She sighed and said to Alaric, "Now, you need to go with me to Madam Pomfrey for a thorough check-up and then rest for a day or two."

"But all I want to do now is sleep," Alaric reluctantly followed Professor McGonagall towards the castle, but the endless exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him at any moment.

He had spent too long resisting temptation, and the mental pain was too great.

He followed Professor McGonagall, his consciousness blurred, all the way to the infirmary.

As soon as he touched the bed, he immediately collapsed.

...

This was the second time he had been admitted to the hospital wing since coming to Hogwarts.

The feeling of lying in the hospital bed wasn't pleasant because it made him acutely aware of his weakness and vulnerability.

However, everyone has moments of weakness and vulnerability. It's impossible to be strong and fearless forever.

Fortunately, during his moments of weakness, there were few girls willing to accompany him. 

His friends, including three roommates, the Weasley twins, and Harry, who was admitted to the hospital at the same time.

He had a broken bone from the Quidditch match, and Gilderoy Lockhart volunteered to fix it, but ended up removing all the bones from his arm, so he had to stay in the hospital wing. 

Ron, his Quidditch teammate, and many Ravenclaw students who attended his classes, as well as his fangirls, took turns visiting him, making him feel warm.

At the same time, he heard some news: just last night, after visiting Harry, Colin Creevey, Harry's little fanboy, was petrified on his way back.

This further proved that the Chamber of Secrets had been opened, and Slytherin's heir was making moves at Hogwarts.

It was indeed a troublesome autumn, and he needed to become stronger quickly.

A day later, Alaric left the hospital wing. He wasn't seriously injured; it was just magical and physical exhaustion.

Professor McGonagall called him to her office, attempting to persuade him to give up the Animagus transformation into a dragon and choose a more ordinary animal.

"I think a dragon suits me just fine," Alaric refused. 

"I've figured out why the transformation failed. I'll find a way to succeed. When I'm ready again, I'll remember to let you know."

"Fine," Professor McGonagall sighed. She couldn't force him, so she reluctantly agreed to Alaric's choice. "

But you must promise that you'll call me before the next transformation. You are the most outstanding student I've ever taught, and I don't want to lose you."

.

.

.

Guys, do leave some power stones and reviews.

✌patreon.com/bobthewriter✌

If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.