Eira smoothed the collar of her sea-blue uniform, the crisp fabric cool beneath her fingers. She carefully pinned the Ombrelune crest beneath her shoulder, the embroidered emblem gleaming softly in the morning light. Her wand slipped with a familiar, comforting weight into the side pocket of her uniform, nestled between the thick spines of her textbooks. Among them was the well-worn Metaphoresis: An Introduction to Transformational Magic—a book she had read countless times but found endlessly fascinating.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the Ombrelune Dorm Hall into the castle's morning bustle. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the faint scent of blossoming lilacs from the gardens outside.
Outside the hall, a few yards away, Marin emerged from the boys' dormitory, his tousled hair unkempt and his gait heavy, as if he'd barely slept the night before. He yawned wide as their eyes met.
"Morning," Marin greeted, voice rough and slow. He looked like a drunk man stumbling through the early hours.
Eira smiled, shaking her head. "Rough night?"
"Something like that," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Too much activity."
Their footsteps echoed softly through the castle's arched gallery halls as they descended toward the East Wing—one of the oldest, most beautiful parts of Beauxbâtons. Here, the air felt thicker, heavier with history. Dustless portraits blinked from gilded frames lining the stone walls, and enchanted candle sconces flickered with ever-shifting hues, casting colorful shadows that danced alongside them.
Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched along the corridor, sunlight pouring through in golden ribbons, illuminating the marble tiles like molten gold. The familiar yet timeless beauty of the château made Eira's heart calm.
At the foot of a spiraling staircase framed by white stone balustrades, they reached room 204. A polished bronze plaque shimmered in the early light:
Metaphoresis: The Alchemy of Change, the Grace of Becoming
The tall double doors creaked open as they stepped inside.
The classroom was airy and elegant, bathed in warm light filtering through stained-glass windows that painted the walls with hues of violet and amber. Long wooden tables were arranged in a semicircle around the front of the room, where a single podium stood.
At the front stood Professor Lysandra Corvielle—tall and regal, with raven-black hair cascading over a velvet robe embroidered in glimmering silver sigils. Her eyes, the color of deep violets, scanned the room with piercing calm.
She held herself with quiet authority—an aura not only of mastery over transformational magic but also of serene wisdom.
"Good morning, students," she began, her voice smooth yet commanding. "Welcome to your third-year Metaphoresis class. This year, we delve deeper into the art and science of transformation. Magic is not mere change of form but a profound reimagining of essence."
She paused, letting her words settle in.
"Today, we shall begin with a fundamental yet challenging exercise—the transformation of a static, mundane object into a moving, sentient form. Specifically, you will transfigure an ordinary box into a moving entity endowed with intent and grace."
A ripple of excitement and apprehension spread through the classroom.
Professor Corvielle's lips curved into a slight smile.
"This is not merely a test of skill, but of imagination, will, and understanding. The movement you breathe into your transfiguration must be purposeful; it must express thought, intent."
She stepped to a large wooden box resting on the podium. Raising her wand, she began.
"Observe carefully."
A swirl of silver-blue light spiraled from her wand, enveloping the box in a shimmering cocoon. As the light faded, the box transformed—no longer a simple container, but a breathtakingly beautiful figure: a young woman with delicate wings shimmering like moonlight on water, her face exquisitely detailed, radiating a serene grace.
The figure stepped forward and began to dance—a fluid, mesmerizing movement that seemed both ethereal and alive.
Professor Corvielle's voice was soft but clear.
"Before casting the spell, I imagined every movement—each step, each gesture, every flutter of the wings. My intent guided the transformation, giving life beyond mere form. This is the essence of advanced transfiguration."
The students watched, spellbound, as the figure's dance continued for a moment before the magic gently faded, and the woman returned to the wooden box.
"Now, it is your turn," the professor instructed, distributing small, identical wooden boxes to each student.
Eira's fingers curled around her box, the smooth wood warm beneath her palms.
Professor Corvielle's violet eyes swept the room.
"Remember: intention is as vital as incantation. Channel your will, imagine every movement your creation will embody before you begin."
One by one, the students attempted the spell.
Some boxes emitted only a faint glow or an awkwardly contorted shape. Others transformed into static statues—beautiful but motionless.
Marin muttered beside Eira, "Looks like half of us are better at dreaming than doing."
Eira smiled but remained focused.
When it was her turn, she lifted her wand, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes briefly.
She pictured a magnificent phoenix—fiery feathers, gleaming eyes filled with intelligence, the spirit of rebirth.
Her voice rang clear and steady as she spoke the incantation:
"Metaphoresis Volucris!"
A burst of dazzling light erupted from her wand, enveloping the box.
When the light cleared, a vibrant phoenix stood before her, its feathers shimmering in hues of red, gold, and orange. It turned its head slowly, observing the room with alert, intelligent eyes.
Then it opened its beak, releasing a soft, melodic cry.
The creature moved cautiously, shifting its weight and stretching its wings, though it did not take flight.
Professor Corvielle's eyes lit with genuine admiration.
"Miss White, your talent is remarkable as ever."
She approached with a warm smile.
"Your transfiguration embodies not only physical form but the essence of the phoenix itself. To imagine and conjure such a creature places you well beyond your peers."
Eira's heart lifted, but she frowned slightly.
"Why can't it fly?" she asked.
The professor's gaze softened with understanding.
"Flight requires not only the shape but the magic of motion — the intent and energy that sustains movement through the air. Your magic was strong, but the nuances of that motion require more experience."
She looked thoughtfully at the phoenix.
"With your current skill and dedication, in two to three years, you will be able to create a phoenix that soars."
Eira nodded, inspired by the challenge.
Professor Corvielle turned to the class.
"Transfiguration is an alchemy of spirit as much as matter. It demands patience, precision, and imagination."
She paced slowly before the students.
"Mastering the balance of form and intent is what separates a novice from a true practitioner of the art."
The classroom was filled with eager faces, absorbing her every word.
Marin leaned toward Eira and whispered, "Looks like you're the star again."
Eira smiled, shrugging modestly.
"Just lucky, I guess."
Professor Corvielle caught the exchange and allowed herself a brief smile.
"Talent is the seed, but discipline and passion nurture the bloom."
The rest of the lesson was dedicated to practice, with the professor moving from student to student, offering personalized guidance.
She corrected wrist motions, adjusted wand grips, and encouraged mental focus.
Eira felt every moment sharpen her understanding.
As the class drew to a close, Professor Corvielle addressed the students.
"Remember, this year's exam requires you to transform a static object into a moving, intentional form. Your creation must convey thought and purpose."
She fixed each student with her violet gaze.
"Begin your studies with diligence and an open heart. The grace of becoming is the highest magic."
As the students filed out, Eira lingered a moment, her mind alight with possibilities.
Marin caught up with her outside.
"So, how does it feel to be three years ahead of us all?"
Eira laughed softly. "It's just the start. There's so much more to learn."
They walked together back toward the heart of the château, the morning light warm on their faces, and the promise of transformation bright before them.