As the clock neared nine o'clock, the classroom filled with first-year wizards was buzzing with excitement and apprehension. It was their first class, and everyone had eager yet nervous expressions.
Luke couldn't help but notice two of his roommates at the very back of the class who looked like they hadn't slept all night, their eyes sporting dark circles. He wondered what they had been up to to look so sleep-deprived.
The absence of familiar faces like Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley didn't go unnoticed. Luke assumed they had encountered some trouble, given their penchant for mischief.
As class time approached, Professor McGonagall, who had transformed into her animagus form as a tabby cat, was still observing the students, not yet returning to her human form. Her tardiness had left the room in disarray.
Just as the class began to murmur about the professor's absence, the classroom door swung open, and all eyes turned toward the latecomers.
"Come on, Harry, we're going to be late!"
Ronald, with his trademark red hair, dashed into the classroom, clutching a book. Upon seeing the vacant podium, he let out a relieved sigh.
"It looks like the professor is late too!"
Harry, following closely behind, shared in Ronald's relief. Being late for their first class would be considered a provocation in the eyes of the professor, so the situation worked in their favor.
Luke glanced over and saw that the tabby cat had vanished from the podium, replaced by an elderly woman in a dark green robe—Professor McGonagall.
"Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, you two are late."
Professor McGonagall's capable and hoarse voice filled the classroom, and the latecomers froze in their tracks.
"Perhaps I should transfigure you both into pocket watches so you'll always know the time."
"No, Professor, we got lost on the stairs!"
"Well said, but don't let it happen again."
"Two points from Gryffindor!"
Although Professor McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor, she was never biased in deducting or awarding house points. To her, houses didn't matter. Deducting two points from Gryffindor on their first day marked Harry and Ronald as transgressors within their own house.
The two boys, chastised and clearly affected by the deduction, took their seats quietly and started studying their class materials.
Beside Luke, Hermione's eyes flew open upon hearing about the house points deduction.
"We got points deducted on the very first day!?"
She was incredulous.
"After all, Gryffindor's house points have been in bad shape lately," Luke noted. He had looked at the recent House Cup winners, with Slytherin leading and Ravenclaw coming second. The weight of Slytherin's dominance was evident, having won six consecutive House Cups. Gryffindor, on the other hand, frequently lost points due to nighttime wanderings, pranks, and disturbances—typical Gryffindor behavior.
"Okay, you'll get used to it," Luke tried to console her.
However, Hermione, consumed by the shock of having house points deducted, didn't seem to register his words.
"Okay, young witches and wizards, in this class, we will be learning the Transfiguration spell," Professor McGonagall began, addressing the curious students who were still in awe of her previous demonstration. "For instance, the spell I just performed, which turned a button into a beetle, is an Animagus transformation. However, this is an advanced spell with high risks and difficulty, and you won't be attempting it anytime soon."
"In the British wizarding world today, there are only seven registered Animagi, and there are some unregistered ones as well. They are all highly skilled and potentially dangerous individuals."
"Today, we will start with a simpler form of Transfiguration: turning an object into a creature."
With a wave of her wand, the button beside her began to twist and transform until it eventually turned into a beetle, which fluttered its wings and crawled on the desk. Even Luke couldn't help but be impressed by the transformation. Among all the magical worlds he was familiar with, this one seemed to be the only place where dead objects could be turned into living beings.
"Transfiguration is the most complex and challenging subject you will encounter at Hogwarts. Anyone who tries to be mischievous in my class will be swiftly removed and won't be welcomed back. Consider yourselves warned."
Professor McGonagall cast a stern glance at the students who were fidgeting with their wands, causing them to settle down.
As the class continued, Professor McGonagall delved into the intricate principles of the Transfiguration spell. Luke found himself listening in a somewhat dazed manner, while Hermione, seated beside him, became increasingly enthusiastic. She took extensive notes throughout the lecture, filling three sheets of paper with neat and detailed writing.
Luke couldn't help but comment, "I might have to borrow your notes for a refresher."
As he casually tapped the button on his desk with his wand, he remembered the demonstration Professor McGonagall had given in class. Channeling his magical energy, he whispered the transfiguration spell.
Hermione raised her head arrogantly to reply to Luke's comment, but before she could utter a word, her eyes widened as a cloud of smoke erupted from his wand.
"Plop!"
A distinct croak filled the classroom, and Hermione's gaze dropped to the emerald green frog that had materialized on the table.
Professor McGonagall, who was in the process of packing her textbooks and hadn't left the classroom yet, was immediately drawn to the unexpected commotion.
Observing the frog that had appeared, she raised an eyebrow and glanced at the bewildered Luke.
Impressive Transfiguration talent. It was the first time she had witnessed a student imitate her ability to transform an object into a living being during the very first lesson.
"Luke Geralt, if I recall correctly, I explicitly stated that you are not allowed to attempt Transfiguration," she said firmly.
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