The afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of the Hogwarts corridors, casting long shadows over the stone floors as students made their way to Transfiguration class. The events of the Divination lesson still lingered in their minds. Whispers of the Grim and the foreboding warnings given to Harry by Professor Trelawney filled the corridors. Even as Cela walked alongside Hermione, Harry, and Ron, she could feel the tension in the air, a mixture of fear and dread that the students who attended the class were expressing.
"It's… it's a bit unnerving, isn't it?" Cela whispered, keeping her voice low as they climbed the winding staircase toward the top floor. "Trelawney… she said those things with such certainty. You can't help but feel…"
Hermione nodded, though her expression remained calm. "I know. It's unsettling. But… I think we need to remember that Divination is not always accurate. Some of it is insight, some of it is… showmanship. And let's be honest as I said—Harry has survived far worse than a petty criminal and some false prophetic conspiracies."
Harry's jaw tightened as he followed them, still visibly tense. "It's not just Divination," he muttered. "It's knowing that something could happen. The black dog… the Grim… I saw it before. It's not just a warning—it's real. It's terrifying."
Ron muttered under his breath, "I told you this class would freak us out."
By the time they entered the Transfiguration classroom, a hush had fallen over the students. Professor McGonagall, standing rigidly at the front of the room, surveyed her pupils with her piercing blue eyes. Her expression, while always stern, seemed sharper today, as though she had sensed the unease among the students.
"Settle," she said firmly, her voice carrying an authority that immediately commanded attention. "I can see by your faces that many of you have just come from Divination class. Some of you are anxious. Some of you are worried. I can understand why."
A few students shifted nervously in their seats, glancing toward Harry, who still looked pale and troubled. Cela noticed Hermione squeeze Harry's hand gently in reassurance.
Professor McGonagall continued, her voice softening slightly, though still resolute. "Let me make something very clear: what you heard in Divination today, the warnings of death and doom… much of it is exaggeration, if not complete deception. Professor Trelawney… she has her talents, yes, but she often uses fear to maintain her position here at Hogwarts. Year after year, she predicts my death. And yet… here I am. I am standing before you, very much alive, and still teaching you."
A ripple of nervous laughter ran through the classroom, easing some of the tension. Harry exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the morning lesson lighten slightly. Even Ron cracked a small grin, muttering, "Told you so."
Cela leaned closer to Hermione, whispering, "That's… reassuring. I was a little unnerved by Trelawney. But McGonagall… she makes sense."
Hermione nodded. "Exactly. Remember, Divination can provide insight, but it is not infallible. Transfiguration… this, this is solid. Precise. You can measure it, control it, master it."
Professor McGonagall's gaze swept over the students again. "I know some of you are new, and some are still learning the fundamentals of magic at Hogwarts. For those students—pay particular attention. Today's lesson will require precision, focus, and skill."
Cela's pulse quickened slightly. She had been homeschooled for her first two years under her grandfather, Horace Slughorn, and had trained intensively in potion-making, charms, and some theoretical transfiguration. But actual Hogwarts classes were different. Here, she would be observed, guided, and compared to other students. Yet she felt a thrill of anticipation.
"Now," Professor McGonagall said, her tone shifting to one of instruction, "we shall begin today's lesson with animal transfiguration. You will attempt to transform small objects into birds. Precision, control, and clear focus are essential. Cease attention to any distractions. Concentrate solely on the task."
The classroom buzzed with quiet activity as students opened their books, retrieved their wands, and prepared for the exercise. McGonagall walked among the students, observing closely, her sharp gaze noting every hesitation and every mistake.
Cela's turn came soon. She placed a small, clay figurine of a mouse on her desk and centered herself, taking a deep breath. Her wand hovered above the figure, and she spoke the incantation clearly, enunciating every syllable. "Avifors."
The mouse shimmered briefly, and then, with a soft flash of light, it transformed into a delicate, blue-feathered bird that fluttered briefly before landing gently on her desk.
Professor McGonagall's eyes narrowed, and then, to Cela's surprise, they softened. "Very good," she said, her voice carrying genuine admiration. "Excellent precision, skill, and concentration. It is evident you have received thorough training prior to your arrival at Hogwarts. Well done, Miss Slughorn'."
Cela's cheeks flushed. She had expected observation, scrutiny—but not immediate praise. She inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall," she said softly.
McGonagall nodded and moved on to observe other students. "Remember, everyone, control is paramount. Magic will only follow where your intent is clear. Hesitation, doubt, or lack of focus will result in failure or worse."
The students murmured, practicing their spells, some successfully transforming objects, others fumbling. Harry struggled at first, his nerves from the Divination class still affecting him, but Hermione's steady guidance helped him center. "Focus on what you can control," she whispered, and Harry nodded, trying again. The object—a small coin—transformed into a tiny bird, albeit slightly wobbly on its perch.
Cela continued to excel, moving to increasingly difficult objects: a pencil, a small stone, a quill. Each time, her transformations were clean, precise, and successful. Professor McGonagall observed closely, occasionally nodding in satisfaction.
"Miss Slughorn," she said, pausing beside Cela again. "Your control over your wand and your focus are exemplary. Your technique is precise, your concentration… unusual for a new student. Your grandfather must have been a meticulous teacher."
Cela smiled shyly. "Yes, Professor. He… he trained me at home. I am grateful for his guidance."
"Grateful indeed," McGonagall murmured, her piercing gaze studying Cela intently. "You have a natural aptitude, a clarity of mind that allows you to direct your magic effectively. Hogwarts is fortunate to have a student such as you joining us. You must continue to refine your skills—precision, patience, and careful observation are key. Your talent will only grow if you respect the discipline."
Hermione glanced at Cela with pride. "See? I told you. You've got a gift."
Cela's smile broadened, though she felt a flicker of nervousness. The praise was encouraging, but it also raised expectations. She knew she had to maintain this focus, particularly as a new student, to prove herself worthy.
Professor McGonagall returned to the front of the classroom, addressing all the students. "Now, we will progress to more advanced transfiguration techniques. Today, you will attempt to transform a larger object—a small wooden box—into a porcelain vase. Concentration is crucial. Visualize the final object clearly. Imagine every detail before speaking the incantation."
The room hummed with focused energy. Students raised their wands, eyes narrowed, lips moving as they whispered the incantations. Some hesitated, others succeeded with minor imperfections. Cela approached the challenge with careful deliberation. She visualized the vase in her mind, noting the delicate curves, the smooth surface, the fine details of the rim.
"Vasiformis!" she whispered, her wand moving with precise, fluid motions.
The wooden box shimmered, its corners stretching and reshaping. Light rippled across the surface, and in moments, a pristine porcelain vase stood where the box had been, perfect in every detail.
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened, and a rare smile flickered across her face. "Remarkable," she said, her voice tinged with genuine approval. "Miss Slughorn, your visualization, focus, and execution are extraordinary. This is the work of a skilled practitioner, not a student on her first day at Hogwarts. You are exceptionally talented. Continue to refine this skill, and you will achieve mastery far sooner than most of your peers."
Cela's cheeks flushed deeply, and she inclined her head in gratitude. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall," she whispered.
McGonagall nodded before turning to the rest of the class. "Let this serve as an example. Once again I repeat Precision, patience, and visualization are the keys to success. Observe carefully, focus intently, and your magic will follow. Even those who struggle initially can succeed with careful guidance and diligence."
The remainder of the class progressed with similar intensity. McGonagall circulated, offering individual guidance, correcting wand movements, and praising notable successes. Cela continued to excel, while Hermione quietly assisted Harry and Ron, ensuring they maintained focus and corrected mistakes.
By the end of the lesson, the classroom buzzed with energy, accomplishment, and a renewed sense of confidence. McGonagall addressed the class one final time.
"Today, you have learned that success in Transfiguration is not merely about the incantation or the flick of a wand. It is about focus, patience, and intent. Each of you has demonstrated this to varying degrees. Miss Slughorn, your aptitude is impressive, and I expect to see continued progress from you."
Cela felt a swell of pride. She had survived her first day in Hogwarts' rigorous academic environment and had impressed a teacher as exacting and formidable as Professor McGonagall.
As the students left the classroom, murmuring and laughing softly, Hermione leaned close. "You did amazing today, Cela. McGonagall doesn't give praise lightly."
Cela smiled, walking alongside her friend. "Thank you, Hermione. I… I hope I can keep up with this. It feels… wonderful to finally practice magic openly at Hogwarts after two years of being at home."
Harry and Ron nodded to her words even though they weren't much interested, their expressions got relaxed after the end of the classes.