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Transfiguration class ended with a flurry of activity. Before dismissing the class, Professor McGonagall assigned a two-foot-long essay, and the young wizards squeezed out of the classroom in a noisy throng, already groaning over their homework.
"Edmund, Ethan, Oliver, you lot go on ahead. I need to see Professor McGonagall about something," Aiden said, waving his roommates off.
Bidding them farewell, Aiden made his way to Professor McGonagall's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Professor McGonagall's crisp voice from within.
Aiden entered, closing the door behind him. "Professor, good afternoon. I have a few questions I'd like to ask."
"Of course, Mr Prewett. Please, sit down and tell me what's on your mind," she replied, gesturing to a chair.
Aiden sat, gathering his thoughts. "It's like this, Professor. I've been practising the transformation between objects and animals. I can usually complete the change in animal form, but the animals are always unable to move independently. I was hoping for your guidance."
Professor McGonagall regarded him over her spectacles. "Mr Prewett, your learning progress is rather remarkable. Have you already mastered transfiguration between objects of different materials?"
"Yes, Professor," Aiden answered confidently.
"Let's see, then. Please turn this matchbox into a bed."
Aiden placed the matchbox on the desk, drew his wand, and with a flick, transformed it into a large, ornate bed, its headboard carved with intricate patterns.
"Very good, Mr Prewett. Now, turn this mouse into a cup."
Aiden flicked his wand again. The mouse shimmered and became a delicate porcelain cup.
"Perfect Transfiguration," Professor McGonagall praised. "Finally, turn this book into a crow."
Aiden took the book, waved his wand, and transformed it into a crow. The bird, however, stood motionless on the table, staring blankly ahead—not at all as lively as the pig Professor McGonagall had conjured earlier.
After a moment of observation, Professor McGonagall smiled gently. "Mr Prewett, I can see you have a strong desire for control, and it seems you've already done some exploration in the realm of the mind."
Aiden met her gaze and gave a wry smile, realising she had seen straight through him.
"In class, you said that a believing heart is your magic. I agree with that wholeheartedly. Magic transforms the world under our will; it is a projection of the mind. Among all branches, transfiguration is closest to the mind, which is why it is so dangerous," Professor McGonagall explained. "Your problem isn't with casting but with control. You're so intent on controlling yourself that your transfigured crow becomes a puppet, not a living creature."
Aiden nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Professor. I've learnt something valuable."
"Remember, Mr Prewett, magic is emotional; it is our feelings. Don't restrain it. Also, the first-year curriculum is no longer suitable for you. I recommend you read 'The Essence of Transfiguration' and 'Advanced Transfiguration Guide'. These will give you new insights."
"Thank you, Professor." Aiden stood and left the office, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
*****
He headed straight to the Hogwarts Library, located on the second floor of the castle. The library was vast and ancient, with tens of thousands of books and countless shelves stretching into shadowy alcoves. The layout was intricate, with narrow passages winding between the stacks, making exploration both exciting and challenging. Madam Irma Pince, the stern librarian, kept a watchful eye on all who entered.
Aiden quickly found the two books Professor McGonagall had recommended. He settled at a table, parchment and quill at hand, and began to read, taking notes for his essay as he went.
As he read, he realised that the mental barrier he'd constructed for himself was actually hindering his spellcasting. He finished his essay, rolled it up, and decided to find somewhere private to practise.
He was halfway out of the library when Edmund, Ethan, and Oliver intercepted him.
"Aiden! We're going exploring—come with us!" Edmund called, grabbing his arm.
Aiden hesitated, but the three were insistent, and he was swept along in their wake, forced to abandon his plans for the moment.
That night, as soon as curfew fell, Aiden dressed, gathered his books, and prepared to slip out.
"Aiden, you're actually sneaking out at night?" Edmund whispered, eyes wide.
"Yes, I want to find a quiet place to practise magic," Aiden replied calmly.
"Ah, you're secretly working hard! Take us with you!" Ethan pleaded.
"Yeah, let's go!" Oliver chimed in.
Aiden shook his head. "No, you three don't know the Disillusionment Charm yet. Do you want to empty Ravenclaw's points pool before the year's even started?"
The three groaned in unison. "What a pity…"
"But you can teach yourselves the Disillusionment Charm. There's a copy in the Ravenclaw library. If you learn it, I'll take you to a good place next time," Aiden promised, already planning their next study session.
*****
He slipped out of the dormitory and into the corridors, moving silently through the castle. As he walked past the eagle-head knocker on the fourth floor, he suddenly felt as though he was being watched.
Didn't I use the Disillusionment Charm? Why do I feel like someone's watching me? Aiden thought, scanning the area with his ability.
His mental probe bounced off a powerful barrier around the corner. Aiden instantly recognised who it was—there weren't many at Hogwarts with such formidable mental defences.
"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore," Aiden called, stepping into the shadows.
"Oh, good evening, Aiden. According to school rules, shouldn't young wizards be in bed at this hour?" Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling.
Old bee, do you think I'm a child? Aiden grumbled inwardly but said aloud, "But Professor, the rules don't forbid diligent students from practising magic, do they?"
Dumbledore smiled. "That is indeed the case. Well then, let's pretend we haven't seen each other."
"Agreed, Professor," Aiden said, and the two parted ways with a nod.
Aiden continued up to the eighth floor, stopping before the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy being clubbed by trolls.
The Room of Requirement, also known as the Come and Go Room. The most precious treasure Ms Rowena left us. Such a pity it was later destroyed by those trolls. Aiden marvelled, admiring the magical energy nodes in the wall.
He walked past the tapestry three times, focusing his mind on the need for a place to practise magic. A door appeared opposite the tapestry, and Aiden entered.
The room transformed as he stepped inside. The walls faded from their original colours, replaced by deep green velvet, and the floor became smooth, polished wood—sturdy and springy, perfect for practising spells.
In the centre stood a simulated shooting range, with moving targets ranging from dartboards to magical creature models, all designed to test spell accuracy and power. On the far wall, a huge mirror reflected the entire room, its frame decorated with intricate silver vines. It was no ordinary mirror but a magical one, perfect for observing and correcting casting technique.
Aiden set down his books, took a deep breath, and prepared to begin his practice, the night stretching ahead, full of promise and possibility.
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