"Learning Transfiguration requires very hard work, because it is more rigorous and scientific than other subjects. In Transfiguration, only complete accuracy counts as success." Professor McGonagall stepped down from the platform. She tapped Harry's book.
"Now please turn to page five. I will repeat the content above once more: When performing Transfiguration, it is very important to wave your wand firmly and decisively. Do not swing or rotate your wand unnecessarily, or the transformation will certainly fail. Before using a Transfiguration spell, first clearly visualize what you want the object to become in your mind..."
Professor McGonagall lectured on two key points. After introducing a counter-spell called the Restoration Charm, she had the young wizards transform the matches on their desks into silver needles. The young wizards eagerly began trying, but few succeeded. Even though they tried various gestures and ways of reciting the incantation, the matches showed no change at all. This made them scratch their heads and furrow their brows.
Hermione, however, stared intently at Shawn. Shawn's eyes flickered. He was recalling and thinking.
Transfiguration, known as the magic that best embodies a wizard's will, perfectly illustrated one truth—magic was itself a miracle. And wizards were the masters controlling miracles. With only clear intention, firm belief, and sufficient mental strength, even first-year students could change an object itself.
I know the structure of a match and have enough confidence to succeed, Shawn thought. Perhaps I could understand the match's structure more deeply or give myself more confidence suggestions, but... I'm more curious about something else, something mentioned in Magical Theory. When you've mastered a spell, to truly unleash its maximum power, you still need sufficient mental strength. If the emotion needed to cast Lumos is longing for light, then what emotion is needed to cast Transfiguration?
"It's command," Shawn said. "I am in control. Trans—figura—tion!"
[You practiced Low-level Transfiguration once at Expert standard, Proficiency +30]
Light burst from Shawn's wand tip. In just an instant, the match transformed into a silver needle, its point gleaming sharply, with a small hole at the tail. This scene immediately attracted the young wizards' attention.
"Goodness! He succeeded!" "How did he do that?!" "Who is it? Who? Shawn... huh?!"
Beside Shawn, Hermione's mouth fell open. She was certain she hadn't missed any details, but why was it that with the same wand movements and incantation, Shawn could succeed?
"Mr. Green..." Professor McGonagall hurried over, her eyes locked firmly on the silver needle, a relieved and relaxed smile on her face. Just as she was about to continue speaking, her expression changed slightly. "Get away from Mr. Green immediately!"
Her sharp rebuke made the surrounding young wizards scatter at once. Shawn didn't notice anything happening around him. His gaze was focused and determined. I can do more, Shawn told himself.
"Trans—figura—tion!" As his wand moved forcefully, the rat in the cage beside Shawn actually transformed into a snuffbox. Although not completely successful—the rat's tail was still moving—it still drew a collective "Wow!" from the young wizards.
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Entry standard, Proficiency +50]
"Mr. Green." Professor McGonagall's eyelids trembled slightly, her stern voice changing tone. "Remarkable talent..." She paused, seeing the somewhat exhausted Shawn shyly and carefully glance over. So her tightly pressed lips softened, and genuine joy appeared in her eyes. A natural prodigy.
"Transfiguration beyond the curriculum. Because of your performance, Mr. Green, I'm giving Ravenclaw ten points!" Professor McGonagall showed a gratified, satisfied smile.
"Brilliant!" Michael threw his arm up, discreetly swiping Terry's match from the front desk. Terry came to his senses, about to get angry, when he heard Michael say, "Look at Shawn's Transfiguration, Terry. Ravenclaw got ten points!"
Terry looked at Shawn, stunned for a while, then smiled shyly. Michael grinned triumphantly with the match, making Anthony, who was leading the applause, shake his head slightly.
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10]
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10]
[You practiced Intermediate Transfiguration once at Apprentice standard, Proficiency +10]
Taking advantage of the time before class ended, Shawn, having recovered some energy, continued grinding proficiency. As his energy depleted once more, Shawn glanced at the panel while catching his breath:
[Transfiguration: Apprentice Level (113/900)]
[Advancement: Entry-level Transfiguration can unlock Entry-level title in Transfiguration domain.]
Progress was flying. I'm worthy of having light purple talent, Shawn thought. Although Shawn really wanted to see what the Entry-level title was, the priority now was reaching the level to brew potions. This meant he had to at least understand potion ingredient processing before he could grind proficiency through practice.
"Where's my match?!" Before class ended, Shawn heard the usually shy, quiet Terry give a small shout. Then Michael ran out of the classroom like the wind. Passing Shawn, he still found time to say "You're amazing, Shawn."
Shawn glanced at the chasing Terry, chuckled softly, and headed for the greenhouse. In the corridor before the greenhouse, Shawn saw a familiar figure.
"Bruce," Shawn quickly walked over.
"Ah, Shawn." Bruce gave a gentle smile. "Going to the greenhouse together?"
"Yes." Shawn responded, and the two walked through the corridor together. Sunlight streamed down. Hogwarts Castle was enveloped in warmth. Along the corridor were the slanted shadows of armor and statues. The portraits were still visiting each other. Shawn watched curiously as a lady turned her head, ignoring an approaching knight.
"Do you know why Professor Sprout processes things like snake fangs?" Bruce raised his eyebrows and said.
"For the first years' potion lessons?" Shawn stated his guess.
"I can understand why you were sorted into Ravenclaw..." Bruce spread his hands helplessly. "Then you can definitely guess what we're doing today?"
Shawn thought for a moment and said, "I don't know."
"Aha!" Bruce's face lit up. "It's processing slugs, horned and hornless, and porcupine quills. If we work quickly, we can finish today."
Shawn nodded, feeling anticipation rising. If he could learn all this ingredient preparation today, he could complete the first step of his plan. Filled with excitement, Shawn pushed open the greenhouse's wooden door.