Transfiguration

"Transfiguration is the most dangerous and complex magic you will learn at Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall announced, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

"If anyone dares to misbehave in my class, I will ask them to leave and never return."

The young wizards sat up straight, barely daring to breathe, even the Slytherins who usually had a tense relationship with Gryffindor.

Satisfied with their behavior, Professor McGonagall tapped the podium with her wand, turning it into a pig. The pig trotted around the classroom before returning to its spot and transforming back into a podium.

The students gasped in awe.

As an experienced professor, McGonagall knew exactly how to captivate her students' attention. She waved her wand again, and the blackboard filled with the basic principles of Transfiguration and important precautions.

"Transfiguration is different from other magic. It doesn't have fixed spells or formulas. Beginners can use 'Quick Transfiguration' as an aid, but true Transfiguration requires an understanding of magic, a strong mental focus, and a thorough knowledge of the object you're transforming."

Pointing at the blackboard, she continued, "Remember, Transfiguration cannot create food or increase quantities. A single quill cannot turn into two pigeons. And Transfiguration cannot create something from nothing; there must always be a medium."

The young wizards quickly took notes. Although Ethan already knew this information, he still made sure to write it down.

After the explanation, it was time for practice. Professor McGonagall handed out matches to each student. Their task was to transform the match into a needle—a simple but essential exercise for mastering Transfiguration.

"This will take time," she said, "but once you succeed, you will have taken your first step into Transfiguration."

"Concentrate," McGonagall advised as she moved through the classroom. "You won't change anything by simply poking the match with your wand."

She spent extra time helping the Hufflepuff students, but it was Ethan who drew the most attention.

"How did you do it?" Michael asked, staring in amazement at Ethan's match, which had successfully turned into a needle and was even changing size.

Other students turned to look, their own matches still unchanged. They were eager to know Ethan's secret.

"The clearer the image of the needle in your mind, the better your chances of success," Ethan explained. "And control your magic—don't burn the match. Make sure to follow Professor McGonagall's instructions."

"I also practiced a bit of Transfiguration over the summer," Ethan added modestly.

If you understood the theory, it wasn't too difficult to transform objects, though the specifics could be tricky.

"Excellent work, Mr. Adrian," Professor McGonagall praised as she reached Ethan's desk, clearly pleased with his performance.

"I sensed you had a natural talent for Transfiguration when I first met you," she said, smiling. "It's just a pity you didn't end up in Gryffindor."

"As a result of Mr. Adrian's excellent Transfiguration, Ravenclaw is awarded five points," she announced to the class, holding up Ethan's needle.

The Ravenclaw students cheered, their excitement filling the room.

Not everyone was thrilled. Draco Malfoy glared at Ethan from across the room, but he kept his resentment hidden. He knew better than to challenge Ethan after their last encounter.

Cassandra and Hermione, meanwhile, focused intently on their matches, determined to keep up with Ethan. For Cassandra, it was especially important—she had lost to Ethan in their fire spell contest on the train, and now she was eager to redeem Slytherin in Transfiguration.

"Thank you, Professor," Ethan said, smiling. As McGonagall awarded points, an achievement notification appeared in his mind:

[Achievement: Points Slave]

"Points, always rising points. I can give everything for higher points."

Goal: Add points to your house once (1/1)

Reward: Transfiguration talent improved

The improvement in his Transfiguration talent felt particularly fitting after the points were awarded in the same class.

The class went by quickly, and as it was about to end, a cry came from the Slytherin side.

"Professor McGonagall, we Slytherins have succeeded too!" announced an excited young wizard, pointing towards Cassandra, whose match had successfully transformed into a needle.

Though she hadn't finished first, she had beaten Gryffindor.

McGonagall smiled as she inspected Cassandra's work. "Well done, Miss Vole. Slytherin is awarded two points."

Though Cassandra had succeeded, she didn't seem overly pleased.