The grown Mandrake, its leaf longer than an adult's palm, is impossible to hold in your mouth, so you must choose smaller tender leaves.
But if they're too small, they're easily swallowed.
"The best is for it to cover a third of the palate without touching the teeth."
Professor Sprout shared past experiences: "The curve of the leaf is also important; the tighter it fits the palate, the easier it is to succeed."
Under Professor Sprout's guidance, Vid picked out the leaves. Then Professor Sprout selected and cut five or six leaves of similar size.
She soaked these leaves in a pale green herbal juice, neutralizing the inherent magic power, then cast a Preservation Spell and handed them to Vid.
"Before the full moon, use these leaves for practice."
"So many?" Vid asked in surprise.
Counting the days, there were only six days until the full moon, meaning Professor Sprout had given him an average of one leaf per day.
Professor Sprout smiled: "The beginning is always the hardest. Before the full moon, don't use up all the leaves and you'll be successful."
...
"Good afternoon, Vid."
The small Demon Hunter bounced as he opened the office door, speaking in a deep, hoarse voice: "You're late."
Vid held out a hand, indicating "Five."
The Demon Hunter understood his meaning and frowned: "Five minutes is still late."
Vid waved his magic wand, and golden words appeared in the air.
[Had an accident at lunch, delaying the time.]
At this moment, Professor Morry walked out from inside.
Vid asked through the words: [Has Jerry become more lively?]
"Jerry" was Professor Morry's nickname for the Demon Hunter.
"That's the charm of Life Alchemy."
Professor Morry smiled and said: "Unlike the rigid and stiff pieces in Wizard's Chess, he will gradually grow, absorb more knowledge, and even his personality may change."
Vid marveled: [It's like creating real life.]
"That's what makes it fascinating." Professor Morry asked: "What's wrong with your throat?"
[I'm practicing Animagus.] Vid replied: [With Mandrake leaves in my mouth, it's difficult to speak.]
Just the first day, he had ruined two leaves.
One leaf was lost when he accidentally knocked it with his teeth while answering a question in class; a strong bitter taste filled his mouth which lingered, and he had to brush his teeth several times to remove it.
The other sacrificed during a meal.
Vid initially used a Sticky Spell to fix the leaf to the palate, but it felt uncomfortable and made breathing difficult.
When stuck to the tongue, speaking and swallowing became more difficult, and it was more easily damaged.
Vid now truly realized how tough this task was.
Keeping a thin leaf in his mouth without damaging it wasn't like holding a piece of candy.
Candy could melt or be chewed apart. But the leaf had to be cared for delicately, like a baby.
Vid had to temporarily give up speaking; he even resorted to a Masking Spell during class to avoid being called upon unexpectedly by the professors.
"Animagus?" Professor Morry shook his head disapprovingly: "This magic is both dangerous and useless, as the transformed form limits animal body functions and blocks other spells. Why practice it?"
[Transforming into an animal is remarkable! Additionally, mastering Animagus benefits the study of Transfiguration Technique.] Vid replied.
Professor Morry indulgently said: "As you wish, you always want to learn all the magic... have you heard of Uagadou School of Magic?"
Vid: [I've heard of it, it's Africa's magic school and the largest of all magic schools.]
Professor Morry nodded: "I haven't learned Animagus myself, but I know some African wizard friends."
"Uagadou specializes in Wandless Spellcasting and Animagus. Many of their students can transform into elephants and cheetahs at around fourteen years old. I can lend you some reference notes."
[Thank you, professor.]
"Don't thank me too soon," Professor Morry intentionally said with a stern face: "If you transform into a slug, just don't cry in front of me."
Vid couldn't help but laugh.
He knew that even if Professor Morry didn't agree, he'd support his decision.
If it were Professor McGonagall... Vid imagined...
"Too dangerous, Mr. Gray!" Professor McGonagall would sternly say: "This isn't magic suitable for your age!"
Or it could be—
"Mr. Gray, what is your Animagus form? Wizards must register their Animagus form and traits with the Ministry of Magic, or it's illegal!"
How should one put it? Professor McGonagall is a great and honorable professor. As a teacher, she is impeccable, but she can barely tolerate any unauthorized actions, making Vid wary of sharing certain secrets with her.
"Well, let's end the chatter here and continue today's lesson." Professor Morry asked: "I suppose you've completed the assignment I left last time?"
Vid nodded, placed his backpack on the ground, and cast a spell with his magic wand.
A huge wardrobe appeared.
Entering its internal space, a driverless pumpkin carriage rumbled over, with the door opening automatically. It began moving only after the two got in.
The carriage traveled along the white road, where imposing armored soldiers patrolled, and two cats rolled on the grass.
Their movements seemed agile, but their outward appearance carried an artificial mechanical touch.
Several broad brooms swept vigorously, hopping dustpans joined alongside, spilling recently collected trash back out. A broom tapped it, and it went back sweeping.
The carriage stopped at the edge of the woods, under a vine tree stood a white table and two high-backed chairs.
A round-bellied teapot bowed, two cups eagerly jumped out from the dish, the teapot poured tea for the two, steam "puffed and puffed" against the lid, as if singing happily.
Professor Morry picked up a teacup, downed it in one gulp, then placed the cup back on the table. The teapot eagerly tried to refill but was stopped by the professor.
Vid waved a hand, and a small bird landed on it. The bird pecked at the edge of the cup, causing water to gush up from the bottom, refilling the cup to the brim before stopping.
Professor Morry showed a satisfied smile.
"Impressive, you completed this creation in just two weeks."
Though pleased, his modesty prevented him from showering his student with excessive praise.
[Combining alchemical creations with magic is hard; solidifying magic pattern circuits to cast Aguamenti is even more challenging.]
Vid petted the bird's head and said: [Luckily, it's finally successful.]
"Next, you can start attempting to solidify two types of magic pattern circuits," Professor Morry said: "Today, we'll discuss the compatibility and conflict between alchemy materials and magical spells..."