Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the classroom, arms crossed, a look of no-nonsense authority etched on her face — yet there was a spark of amusement in her eyes as she waved her wand. A small toy mouse appeared on every student's desk, twitching softly with enchantment.
"Today," she announced, "you will be turning these toy mice into snuff boxes. Precision, detail, and intent will determine your success. Begin."
Hadrian's eyes narrowed at the mouse in front of him. He knew this exercise — it was a step toward transfiguring a live animal, something canon had placed in their final exams. So, he thought, this is the warm-up.
He rolled his wand between his fingers, then set to work. Each spell was carefully calibrated — his goal not just transformation, but artistry. His snuff box emerged with delicate carvings of tiny trees along its side, the lid gilded in gold with an inlaid badger crest for flair. He even added a silent locking mechanism that clicked softly into place.
Across the table, Dora's box sparkled with color-changing enamel, whimsical flowers blooming along the rim. She beamed at it proudly.
"I'm going for charming," she said. "Literally."
Iris raised a brow at both of them, then conjured a sleek, obsidian box with intricate silver patterns that shimmered like frost. "Let's see you top that."
By the end of the lesson, the three of them had drawn curious glances from half the class — and an impressed nod from McGonagall.
"Well done," she said crisply. "Ten points to Hufflepuff for excellent craftsmanship — and, might I add, ambition."
As they left the classroom, flushed with pride, Hadrian glanced at the girls and lowered his voice.
"You know, it's already December."
Dora grinned. "Which means?"
"Which means it's time to start thinking about Christmas presents," he replied slyly. "And I've got an idea…"
Iris gave him a knowing look. "This is going to involve rule-breaking, isn't it?"
"Of course," Hadrian said with a smile. "I say we sneak into Hogsmeade."
Dora's eyes lit up. "Ooooh, forbidden adventure. I like it already."
"But we'll need a plan," Iris said practically. "The gates are locked. Filch is everywhere. And the teachers are sharp."
"We'll figure something out," Hadrian replied, his mind already running through the school's layout. "Secret tunnels. Invisibility. Decoys. We've got options."
"And mischief in our bones," Dora added with a wink.
They walked off down the corridor, heads close together as they plotted their next escapade.