[Understood and remembered the professor's teachings in Transfiguration — Spell Chapter Affinity +2]
[Understood and remembered the professor's teachings in Transfiguration — Spell Chapter Affinity +2]
Two notifications popped up in a row, leaving Rock a little stunned.
Unlike Charms class, where simply listening earned him affinity, Transfiguration required both understanding and memorizing the lesson.
So… Transfiguration relied more on comprehension?
While Rock was still thinking it over, Professor McGonagall returned to the podium and faced the class.
"So then—can someone tell me what the word 'change' truly means in the context of Transfiguration?"
The room fell silent—not because the question was difficult.
But because it was so simple. The meaning was clearly stated in the introduction of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
"If no one raises their hand, I'll start choosing at random."
Professor McGonagall refused to let the silence linger any longer.
The moment she said that, every first-year buried their face into their desks like ostriches.
Rock caught a glimpse of Theo beside him—this guy looked exactly like one of those students in his previous life who thought lowering their head made them invisible.
And those were always the first ones called.
Sure enough, McGonagall noticed the student hiding the most enthusiastically.
She glanced at the magically generated seating chart on her desk.
"Mr. Theo, please stand."
Whoosh—
Every student lifted their head and looked around to see which unlucky soul she'd picked.
Theo looked absolutely defeated. He shot a quick look at Rock—who offered no help—then slowly stood.
"Well then, Mr. Theo. After reading A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, tell me: what do you believe the word 'change' truly means in Transfiguration?"
The room grew quiet again—everyone held their breath and stared at Theo.
"Uh… change means… making one thing look like something else, but before that you need a very clear picture of your target in your mind."
For a first-year, that answer was already quite good.
He was sorted into Ravenclaw for a reason.
Professor McGonagall nodded lightly. "Good. You've grasped one of the essential points, although your answer is still incomplete."
She gestured for him to sit, then called on another student—a Hufflepuff this time.
But their answer was almost identical to Theo's phrasing, which didn't please her.
Same soup, different bowl. No personal thought.
Still, this was the very first class, so she let it slide.
Sensing her dissatisfaction, the students grew even more nervous.
Rock took a slow breath. The notifications he'd received earlier gave him a theory, so he raised his hand.
McGonagall had been considering who to call next, but the moment she saw Rock's hand, her eyes lit up.
"Mr. Rock, you may answer."
Rock stood and faced her.
"Professor, I believe that 'change' means using one's own will and magic—within the limits of Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration—to intervene in the nature of an object."
"For example, we cannot create food from nothing using Transfiguration, nor can we create true life. The change is temporary, and restricted."
"When casting Transfiguration, we must remain disciplined. Affecting an object requires respect for the process."
Clap, clap—
McGonagall applauded softly and nodded.
"An excellent answer."
"That is what one must understand about Transfiguration—not just the power to change, but the limitations and the responsibility that accompanies it. I expect all of you to remember this well."
"The true brilliance of Transfiguration lies in creativity within the rules. Mr. Rock has earned Ravenclaw five points."
Whoosh—
The class applauded again.
Ravenclaw had already earned points that morning thanks to Rock in Charms class… and now again in the afternoon.
Everyone had heard from upper-years that Professor McGonagall was famously strict. Some students were already nervous before stepping into class.
Rock nodded politely and sat back down.
He ignored Theo's enthusiastic thumbs-up—his attention had shifted to the glowing notifications in front of him.
His lips curled slightly. His theory was right.
[Received high praise from the Transfiguration professor — Spell Chapter Affinity +3]
[Received high praise from the Transfiguration professor — Spell Chapter Affinity +3]
So, gaining affinity in Transfiguration required genuinely understanding the lesson—and expressing your own thoughts clearly enough for the professor to recognize them.
Each class might require a different approach based on the professor's personality?
Rock sighed internally.
He had assumed he could simply use the same method he used in Charms and coast through the lessons.
But Transfiguration proved that idea was too naive.
"All right, we'll end the theory portion here. I will assign homework on this topic later."
McGonagall announced, face stern as ever. Then she raised her wand, and matchsticks floated down to each student's desk.
"Today's practical lesson is transforming the matchstick in front of you into a needle."
As she spoke, she raised her wand toward her own matchstick:
"Vera Verto."
In an instant, the plain wooden matchstick turned into a bright steel needle—clean, sharp, flawless.
Wow—!
Every student leaned forward, wide-eyed. The demonstration stunned them all.
Rock, meanwhile, checked his notifications again.
[Observed a close-range demonstration of the Basic Transfiguration Spell — Spell Chapter Activated (Basic Transfiguration Spell)]
[Basic Transfiguration Lv.0 (0/100)]
[The foundation of all Transfiguration—used for simple changes of shape and material]
?!
Rock blinked.
This was the first time he activated a spell without practicing it—just by watching a perfect casting.
That was insane.
Or… did it only work if you witnessed the spell performed at the highest level?
His thoughts spun wildly.
This class raised so many questions he didn't even know where to start.
"All right, begin!"
McGonagall spoke as if she'd done nothing remarkable at all.
Without hesitation, every student grabbed their wand, and the classroom filled with uneven attempts at the spell.