Not just Ian.
All the little wizards in the classroom were actually a bit confused, unsure why Professor McGonagall suddenly lost her temper. Wasn't it just a puff of green smoke?
"Before class, I remember I warned you all that caution is the first rule of learning Transformation Technique." Professor McGonagall stared at Ian with a gaze that seemed about to burst into flames.
"But clearly, Mr. Prince, you haven't fully grasped that point." The mature cat lady's serious face revealed an extremely stern aura.
Making Ian involuntarily shrink his neck.
"Sorry, Professor, I just impulsively wanted to try something." Ian thought he was quite cautious. He only attempted to transform a matchstick into the misty Water of Youth.
He even suppressed the impulse to turn it into misty Amortentia.
Isn't that cautious enough?
Besides.
This impulsive attempt didn't succeed anyway. Ian could feel that although the smoke indeed had the color of Water of Youth, it did not possess the unique properties of a magic potion.
Maybe Ian's current Transformation Technique level isn't high enough?
[Transformation Technique (Level 3) 6/800]
After Professor McGonagall's teaching and insights just now, Ian's [Transformation Technique] achieved an astounding leap, which is why he managed to transform smoke.
Just.
The Level 3 [Transformation Technique] clearly doesn't support Ian's wild ideas. Transforming things with magical traces might be difficult; whether Extraordinary Traits and Legendary Traits can compensate is unknown.
"Have you considered the consequences if other little wizards accidentally inhaled this smoke?" Professor McGonagall's expression slightly improved after hearing Ian's apology.
But remained exceptionally serious.
"They would be harmed... provided it's out of control."
Ian responded concisely. He certainly knew the potential danger of Transformation Technique smoke and had no intention of using his classmates for experiments.
Actually.
Ian could clearly feel that as long as he didn't actively withdraw that influence, the effect of the Transformation Technique might last for... a very long time.
Perhaps longer than the lives of many little wizards.
"Since you know, why still attempt something so dangerous?" Professor McGonagall stared closely at Ian, a hint of worry deep in her eyes.
Could it be.
Hogwarts is welcoming another prodigious renegade?
"I wasn't considering much at that time, always pondering and striving to understand the mysteries of Transformation Technique, wondering if items could be turned into gas or liquid."
Ian knew now wasn't the time for stubbornness, so he honestly applied the art of language — saying only half the truth.
Upon hearing.
Professor McGonagall was momentarily stunned.
Then her gaze and expression softened somewhat.
"Alright, Mr. Prince, it's apparent that this situation also reflects my oversight." The mature cat lady sighed, speaking in a remorseful tone.
"I didn't anticipate a little wizard achieving such a deep level of transformation in the first lesson, so there were things I intended to discuss in later classes."
"Now it seems, to avoid similar incidents, I need to revise my teaching plan." As Professor McGonagall spoke, she glanced around the classroom of little wizards.
"There are significant matters within the Transformation Technique. Besides the Gamp's Transformation Law you will learn, there are aspects to be vigilant about as you advance."
Upon saying this.
Professor McGonagall cast a surprised glance at Ian.
Then continued, "What Mr. Prince did earlier is precisely what you need to be cautious of — transforming objects into gases and liquids is extremely dangerous."
"Just like the smoke earlier; if someone inhales it and the magic spell goes out of control or fails, countless fragments would wreak havoc in the inhaler's blood vessels and lungs."
Professor McGonagall's earnest tone was filled with instructive meaning.
Right at this moment.
"Isn't this quite amazing?"
The slight mutter stood out distinctly in the quiet classroom.
Ian quickly turned his head.
Found the mutterer was the lovely little witch who wanted to turn her brother into a My Little Pony.
He couldn't help but triple-check the class schedule.
It's indeed a joint class with Hufflepuff today!
"Of course it's amazing, Miss Laura, but..."
Professor McGonagall's expression was exceptionally serious.
"It's a form of murder. Perhaps only someone at Saint Mangos Magic Hospital might survive and I absolutely won't allow anyone to attempt such methods on anyone."
"Anyone who dares joke about this will find expulsion not the most severe punishment."
Professor McGonagall's voice was ominously stern, carrying a grave warning. All the little wizards were silent, intimidated by the somewhat intimidating presence of the professor.
Ian also kept his head down, not daring to retort.
"Mr. Prince, you've accomplished things that many upperclassmen find difficult. Your speed of progress far exceeds my expectations. I hope you always remember the principle of caution."
Professor McGonagall earnestly advised Ian one last time, though her tone wasn't as severe as it was at the start. She then glanced at the classroom clock and announced the end of the class.
Finally able to escape the serious environment, the little wizards retreated quickly. Professor McGonagall was tidying up the materials on the podium, watching Ian, William, and Michael walk out of the classroom.
She opened her mouth.
But in the end, she stopped herself from speaking.
"Ian, you have to teach me!"
"Oh my god! Professor McGonagall just now was terrifying! I declare her the scariest professor!"
The two roommates chattered away.
Complaining that they needed to eat a bit more to recharge their minds.
Since it's the start of the term,
the course schedule wasn't too packed. After the morning's Transformation Class, they wouldn't have the second class until the afternoon, a nightmare for many Hogwarts students.
Magic Potion Class.
"I still need to send a letter, you guys go ahead." Ian had already placed the written letter inside his robe, remembering that Hogwarts' Owl Shed was located in the West Tower.
Perhaps it's not too far?
After bidding farewell to his two roommates, Ian asked a senior he met along the way for directions. The senior was very helpful, even suggesting they could take a night tour to familiarize him with the castle.
The more he listened,
the more Ian felt something was off.
Why do night tours require some chocolate sauce and new clothes?
"I'm only eleven! Doesn't Hogwarts have an underage protection act?" Faced with the enthusiastic senior, Ian thanked her and fled in a hurry, making his way to the Owl Shed.
The Owl Shed is located at the top of the West Tower of Hogwarts Castle. Students need to climb a narrow spiral staircase to reach it.
The shed is a circular stone room, uniquely designed and exuding an ancient ambiance. The floor is littered with straw, owl droppings, and owl regurgitated mouse bones and other debris.
At the topmost perches of the shed, hundreds of owls are roosting. These owls vary in breed, with all sorts available—it's baffling why the little wizards insist on buying their own owls.
"Send a letter for me to the Wu Orphanage." Ian chose a small white-faced scops owl, taking out what was actually just a slightly stale freeze-dried treat.
He had tasted it just last week.
"Hoo hoo~"
The owl accepted the task but did not eat Ian's freeze-dried treat. Just as Ian was about to leave, he noticed straw all over the floor and a mouse that possibly served as the shed's reserve food trembling in a corner.
A few owls were showing interest in it, yet none were pouncing to eat.
"Poor little thing."
Guided by a sudden impulse.
Ian took out his magic wand.
"Vera Verto!"
Under the influence of magic.
Some straw transformed into a yellow-orange gas, silently wafting toward the trembling mouse's nostrils, driven by Ian's will and magical influence.
It was like air.
The mouse didn't notice a thing.
And just at that moment.
"Vera Verto!"
Feeling the connection between himself and the transformed creature, Ian launched a second transformation. In the next instant, numerous sharp steel needles suddenly burst out from the mouse's body.
Its skin was ripped open, and blood spattered everywhere.
In the corner, the mouse didn't even have time to squeak before it found release. The owls were startled, flapping their wings to distance themselves from the suddenly "mutated" spiky mouse.
"There is still a lot of room for improvement. This magic will henceforth be called Avada Kedavra!"
Ian was somewhat excited.
Inspired by Professor McGonagall, he had a sudden idea that led to this experiment. He believed that all the reminders given by Professor McGonagall were very correct.
Especially the reminder that caution is the primary element.
Now.
When attempting to create a new magical attack method, he cautiously addressed the issue that an inhaler might have a chance of surviving if admitted to Saint Mangos Magic Hospital.
"One really needs a professional teacher's guidance after all!"