Harry Potter : This Progress Too Much

"Transfiguration is the most dangerous and complex magic you will learn at Hogwarts."

Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze swept across the young wizards in the classroom.

"If anyone dares to be unruly in my class, I will ask them to leave and never return."

Her stern tone sent a shiver down the students' spines. No one dared to speak, not even the Slytherins, who often prided themselves on their defiance.

Professor McGonagall observed their disciplined postures with satisfaction. Then, with a swift motion, she tapped the podium with her wand.

In an instant, the wooden podium transformed into a plump, pink pig.

The pig squealed and trotted around the classroom, weaving between desks as students gasped in amazement. After completing a circuit of the room, it returned to its original spot. With another wave of McGonagall's wand, the pig reverted back into a podium, as if nothing had happened.

The classroom erupted into murmurs of astonishment.

David's eyes widened. Even though he had read about Transfiguration before, seeing it performed so effortlessly was another experience entirely.

Professor McGonagall allowed a brief moment for the students to absorb what they had witnessed before she turned to the blackboard. With a flick of her wand, words appeared in neat, flowing script, outlining the fundamental principles of Transfiguration.

"Unlike other branches of magic, Transfiguration has no fixed spells or formulas," she explained. "However, beginners may use 'Quick Transfiguration' as an incantation to aid in their casting."

She gestured toward the blackboard as she continued, her tone crisp and precise.

"Transfiguration is the art of altering the properties and structure of an object through focused intent, strong mental imagery, and controlled magical energy. It requires not only knowledge of the target object but also a deep understanding of the intended transformation."

The young wizards listened intently, quills scratching against parchment as they hurried to take notes.

Professor McGonagall resumed her lecture.

"There are important limitations to Transfiguration. First, one cannot create food from nothing, and transfigured food is not safe to consume. Second, you cannot increase the quantity of an object—a single quill cannot become two pigeons. Third, Transfiguration requires a medium; you cannot conjure something from thin air."

David wrote down every word. Though he was already familiar with these concepts, reinforcing them through note-taking was a habit he had developed over the years.

Once the theoretical portion was complete, Professor McGonagall clapped her hands together.

"Now, let us begin our practical exercise," she announced.

Each student was given a matchstick.

"Your task is to transfigure this matchstick into a needle," McGonagall instructed. "Do not be discouraged if you do not succeed today. This is a gradual process, and mastering it marks the true beginning of your journey in Transfiguration."

She cast a keen look around the room.

"Remember, the transformation of inanimate objects is the simplest form of Transfiguration. You must focus on precision, especially when working with objects of similar size and structure."

With that, the students set to work.

David examined the matchstick in his hand.

Concentrate. Visualize the transformation.

He took a deep breath, recalling the image of a needle—its smooth, metallic sheen, its fine point, the way it reflected light.

He tapped his wand lightly on the matchstick, channeling his will into the spell.

At first, nothing happened.

Professor McGonagall paced through the rows of desks, stopping to correct students' wand movements and offering advice. She lingered a little longer among the Hufflepuffs, who seemed to be struggling the most.

"Your concentration must be absolute," she reminded them. "Merely prodding the match with your wand will not make it change."

Across the room, Michael watched in awe as David's matchstick shimmered and slowly elongated, its wooden surface turning silver. Though imperfect, the transformation was undeniably successful—the matchstick was now a needle, albeit one that shifted slightly in size.

"David! How did you do that?" Michael exclaimed, leaning in.

A few other students turned their heads, eyes widening at David's success. Their own matchsticks remained stubbornly unchanged, making David's progress all the more impressive.

David offered a small smile.

"The key is to form a clear image in your mind. The more specific the visualization, the better the results," he explained. "Also, be mindful of your magic output—too much energy, and you'll burn the match instead. Lastly, reread what Professor McGonagall wrote on the blackboard. Understanding the theory is just as important as the casting itself."

He hesitated before adding, "I also practiced some Transfiguration over the summer, so that helped."

Michael and the others nodded in understanding, determined to improve.

"Mr. Adrian, an excellent demonstration of Transfiguration."

David looked up to see Professor McGonagall standing beside him. She observed his work with satisfaction, picking up the transfigured needle and holding it up for the class to see.

"When I first met you, I had a feeling you had an affinity for Transfiguration," she remarked. "A pity you did not end up in Gryffindor."

She turned to address the class.

"Due to Mr. Adrian's impressive performance, Ravenclaw will be awarded five points."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the room as heads turned toward David. The Ravenclaw students, especially, beamed with excitement, erupting into applause.

Not everyone was pleased, however.

Draco Malfoy scowled at David from across the room, his jaw clenched.

Why was it always him?

First, the Sorting Hat incident. Now, he was showing off in Transfiguration too? A Mudblood, stealing the spotlight again?

Draco's fists tightened, but he forced himself to remain silent.

He couldn't challenge David directly—he had already lost their previous scuffle. And telling his father? That would be even worse.

Being beaten by a Muggle-born was one thing. Having Lucius Malfoy find out would be a humiliation beyond words.

No, he had to bide his time.

Meanwhile, Cassandra and Hermione redoubled their efforts. Both were determined to catch up to David.

Cassandra, in particular, was still fuming over her loss in their fire spell contest on the train.

She would surpass him today.

"Thank you, Professor," David said, smiling.

As he spoke, a notification appeared in his mind.

[Achievement Unlocked: Points Enthusiast]

- Constantly earning house points is a path to greatness!

- Objective: Earn points for your house (1/1).

- Reward: Transfiguration talent enhancement.

David's eyes gleamed.

So that was it. The system rewarded him based on the subject in which he earned points. Since he had gained recognition in Transfiguration, his talent in the subject had been enhanced.

A valuable bonus indeed.

The hour-long class flew by. Just as the lesson was about to end, a triumphant voice rang out from the Slytherin section.

"Professor McGonagall! We Slytherins have succeeded as well!"

The speaker, a young wizard, was looking at Cassandra with excitement, as if he had won the prize himself.

Even though they had not been the first to succeed, at least they had bested Gryffindor.

Professor McGonagall walked over, intrigued. She observed the silver needle in Cassandra's hand and smiled.

"Very well done, Miss Volley. Slytherin is awarded two points."

The Slytherin students cheered, but Cassandra herself remained dissatisfied.

David had still been the first to succeed.

She would not let that happen next time.

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