Felix theory

After finishing reading the paper, McGonagall looked at Felix and asked, "What does 'molecular structure' mean, Mr. Scarletwound?"

Felix remembered the basics of physics he had learned at school and tried to recall the molecular structure of some materials he had studied the previous summer. "It refers to the location of atoms, groups, or ions relative to one another in a molecule, as well as the number and location of chemical bonds," he explained.

Confused by Felix's response, McGonagall asked again, "And what does that mean?"

Realizing that the professor didn't understand his explanation, Felix sighed and started to explain in simpler terms. "It means that everything is made up of smaller things, like puzzle pieces. Transfiguration changes those smaller things to transform the target into something else. But my understanding of transfiguration isn't important right now."

"Alright, then you should try the first spell in your book. Match to Needle," McGonagall said, placing a match on her desk.

Felix grabbed his wand and looked at the match, imagining the carbon molecules transforming into iron molecules and mixing together to create steel. Then he visualized the shape of the needle and began performing the hand movements with firm and decisive gestures while saying the incantation, "Acusignus."

As soon as he finished the incantation, the match transformed into a needle. McGonagall was slightly disappointed because some students had managed to turn it into a silver needle on their first attempt, but she was still proud of Felix.

"Good job, Mr. Scarletwound. If we were in class, I would give you five points," McGonagall complimented him.

"Thank you, Professor, but can I try something else?" Felix asked.

"Yes, go ahead," McGonagall nodded.

Felix repeated the same hand movements, but this time he mentally reversed the transformation and recited the incantation, "Ignusacus."

Under the watchful eye of the professor, the needle returned back to its original form as a match. Seeing the result, McGonagall was impressed but curious. "Good job, Mr. Scarletwound, but that wasn't an Untransfiguration spell. Did you just create a counter spell?"

"I don't know if it counts as a transfiguration spell or an Untransfiguration spell, but I was trying to reverse the Match to Needle spell," Felix explained while examining the match.

McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise. Felix had created a spell on his first attempt at magic. She felt a mix of worry and excitement, as if she were raising a little monster. Unaware of McGonagall's mixed feelings, Felix was overjoyed because this confirmed his theory about transfiguration and magic. To transform anything, he needed to understand the materials involved and the process, visualizing it in detail. The hand movements and incantation helped him focus, but he also realized he needed to strengthen his mind to speed up the transformation process.

"Professor?" Felix called, but there was no response. He called her again, "Professor McGonagall."

"Yes?" McGonagall snapped back to attention.

"Professor, is there a spell to strengthen the mind?" Felix asked.

"Why do you ask? What do you want to do with that magic?" McGonagall asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Felix didn't understand McGonagall's reaction, but since she acknowledged the existence of mind-strengthening magic, he explained his reasons in a way that made her want to help.

"I need a way to help me memorize the books I read and think faster, just to have more time to study," Felix explained.

After a few seconds, McGonagall sighed and said, "There's a magic called Occlumency that isn't part of Hogwarts' curriculum. It's the magic of closing one's mind against Legilimency. It has existed since medieval times and could help you control your mind. You can find a book about it in the library."

"Thank you, Professor. But what is Legilimency?" Felix asked, his curiosity piqued.

McGonagall decided to teach him about it instead of letting him discover it on his own and potentially experiment on other students.

"Legilimency is the act of magically navigating through the many layers of a person's mind and correctly interpreting one's findings. It invades people's privacy, so Legilimency is considered rude and disrespectful unless done with the other party's consent," she explained.

"So, wizards can read minds? Wait, can Ollivander and the headmaster do that?" Felix asked, remembering the feeling of vulnerability when they examined him.

"Yes, Ollivander uses it to help him choose the best wand for new students. But why are you asking about the headmaster?" McGonagall inquired, narrowing her eyes and then realizing his concern.

"Nothing, can I learn Legilimency too?" Felix avoided the question and shifted his focus to prioritizing Occlumency.

"No, you can't. The Legilimency book is in the forbidden section of the library. You'll need a professor's permission to access it," McGonagall said.

"What should I do to get your permission?" Felix couldn't give up.

After thinking for a while, McGonagall answered, "You'll have to help your house win the House Cup, and I'll allow you to read that book in your second year."

McGonagall gave Felix this task to ensure that he would make friends and not isolate himself in his studies. She didn't want him experimenting with Legilimency on other students.

Felix started thinking about the task McGonagall had given him. Learning Legilimency wasn't his priority right now; he needed to master Occlumency first to lay the foundation for his magical journey. He replied, "I accept your task, Professor, and I will do my best. But I should go now; I can't be late for my first class. Have a good day." He left the office, ready to embark on his new task.