"So, Transfiguration isn't about creating life; as magic fades – well, as the spell wears off – the transformed object will gradually revert to its original form."
"And living creatures that undergo transformation usually don't lose their life. When the spell expires, they also return to their original state, and any additions will be repelled by the influence of magic…"
…
Professor McGonagall's explanations were so fascinating that Andrew, who had just exchanged another 60 Galleons at Gringotts, could only follow along mechanically, trying to remember every word, almost completely ignoring the magical world that was Diagon Alley.
Professor McGonagall was undoubtedly one of the most skilled Transfiguration experts in the magical world. He could bet that there were very few who could easily unravel these convoluted ideas and answer them clearly.
He could always return to Diagon Alley later, but getting such a focused opportunity for Q&A like this—who knew when that would happen again? After all, how often would a deputy headmistress take this much time just to answer a student's questions?
If it weren't for the admissions period, such a thing would be unthinkable.
'It's a pity I haven't read anything on magical theories of Transfiguration… As for forming my own questions and insights, I can forget about that for now…'
'Fortunately, when I mistakenly thought of magical power as telekinesis, I did consider a few things; otherwise, this would be an embarrassing waste.'
That's how he thought, and how he acted.
"You said you could feel magical power, and that it seems to be increasing?"
Hearing Andrew's question, Professor McGonagall took a moment to organize her thoughts. "According to current magical theory, this is called a magical surge phase. After a young wizard's magic first manifests, there's a period of rapid growth, and magical incidents occur more frequently."
"As for control, that's normal. Some traditional wizarding families even try to teach their children powerful spells after their first surge. But before the age of eleven, practicing magic this way often leads to injuries. I personally don't support this approach, though some traditional families do have their children master dangerous spells well before graduation."
"And casting without a wand—yes, that's also normal, but usually, such magic lacks potency. A wand allows wizards to use their magic with more precision and finesse. In the beginning, due to issues with skill and compatibility, wand magic may even feel less effective than direct magic casting, but over time, the advantages of wand use become more and more apparent."
"So, in other words, the wand is like a new weapon. At first, it might be awkward, but with practice, it becomes far more powerful than bare-handed casting?"
"A wand isn't a weapon, Taylor," Professor McGonagall shook her head. "It's a wizard's best friend. You must learn to feel the emotion of your wand so that you can work with it instead of just using it as a simple tool."
'That's very much a magical concept,' Andrew reminded himself, especially when considering Transfiguration. 'I need to adapt to magical influences rather than forcing my current thinking onto it.'
"I'll remember that well, Professor," he replied while asking another question. "In wand magic, is the upper limit of spell strength increased through practice or through an increase in magical power? And are there ways to increase one's magical power?"
"A very good question, but we need to get your textbooks first."
That answer made Andrew pause, and he realized they had turned into a small alley. Above the doorway of a shop in the dim sunlight hung a crooked sign with sleeping letters, barely readable, but he could make out the words "Used Books" on it.
Given the location, it was certainly a secondhand book shop.
Of course, it was all secondhand books here—while secondhand books could be profitable, the owner certainly wouldn't want to open a shop in a prime spot, especially since a secondhand shop would need lots of storage space for long-term inventory.
After discussing the prices, he managed to get the required textbooks and some recommended foundational magical books at a slightly discounted rate, thanks to Professor McGonagall's guidance. Although he could borrow every book from the school library, term was still a while away, and the small expense seemed worth it to get a head start.
But his funds were dwindling quickly. Even secondhand, professional books carried a hefty price.
Next, they bought robes, scales, basic potion ingredients, a brass telescope, glass bottles, and other essentials.
Andrew's questions didn't stop; after each response, another question would spring to mind, and none of them seemed to stump Professor McGonagall.
'Incredible…' Andrew thought as he analyzed her answers.
"Alright, that's enough questions," Professor McGonagall finally said as he prepared to ask another. "Earlier, I mentioned that hair growth is one of the simplest forms of human transfiguration. So, tell me, what do you think this branch of transfiguration might encompass?"
"Hair volume, hairstyle, color, strength, and texture," Andrew replied thoughtfully. "If extended to other areas, it could apply to ropes, animal fur, lushness of certain plants… maybe even disguise?"
"Not bad, though there are some obvious errors, which are common at this level," she replied. "Now, how did I describe the basics of Transfiguration?"
"The most basic transfiguration is partial transformation of non-living things. Typically, it's about partially transforming small, stick-like objects into needles."
"And what else?"
"Focus on the incantation, hand movements, wand technique, and a strong conviction."
"That's mostly correct."
After a few more questions, Andrew noticed that Professor McGonagall had stopped walking. He looked up and saw they were standing before a small, shabby shop.
The shop's old sign read, "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
"Wands?"
After a brief moment of realization, Andrew took in the significance of the sign.
"Yes, wands," Professor McGonagall said with a slight smile, nodding. "Now, for the most important purchase of all: find your partner."
(End of Chapter)