Hogwarts, Headmaster's Office. Professor McGonagall sat at the table, eloquently describing everything about Leo. Across from her was an elderly man with silver-white hair and beard, wearing half-moon glasses, behind which were a pair of bright blue eyes.
Albus Dumbledore.
"...Perhaps he's the most talented child in Transfiguration I've ever seen. He's also very studious, completely unlike other children his age who are mischievous..."
After listening to Professor McGonagall's description, Dumbledore chuckled: "Minerva, from what you say, Leonardo is indeed very talented, especially in Transfiguration. It seems Hogwarts is about to welcome another exceptionally gifted student."
Dumbledore was initially somewhat surprised, as he rarely saw McGonagall give such lengthy evaluations of a student, especially one who hadn't even enrolled yet. However, Dumbledore had lived for over a century and taught at Hogwarts for many years, having witnessed far too many so-called genius students.
Some shone brilliantly in their respective fields, while others eventually faded into obscurity. So Dumbledore wasn't particularly concerned about this child named Leonardo. Moreover, Harry was starting school this year... the saviour from the prophecy... and Dumbledore had invested most of his energy and attention on him.
With a light wave of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a plate of cockroach clusters and two cups of honey water. McGonagall had also become somewhat thirsty from talking, so she picked up the honey water from the table and took a light sip.
But after just one sip, she frowned and set it down. Too sweet.
"Also, Albus, when I saw Leo use Transfiguration... besides those conventional transformations, at the end, he actually transformed into a magical creature... an Occamy."
McGonagall leaned forward and asked Dumbledore. "Have you ever seen similar Transfiguration?"
Hearing Professor McGonagall's question, Dumbledore withdrew his hand that was reaching for the cockroach clusters and instead adjusted his glasses. His gaze suddenly became serious.
As someone worthy of being called a master in Transfiguration, Dumbledore naturally understood what McGonagall's question implied. Transfiguration could actually involve magical creatures? Dumbledore had never witnessed such a thing either!
Those who could quickly master existing knowledge in the early stages and innovate in later stages could be called geniuses. But what about someone who displayed unknown talents from the very beginning? This might no longer be within the realm of genius.
Dumbledore's expectations of Leo had shifted, and he had to reassess.
"Minerva, please pay more attention to Leonardo in the future. Students with such exceptional talents need proper guidance even more."
As if thinking of a former student, Dumbledore sighed softly. "How about this... first write to Leonardo and tell him not to attempt magical creature transfiguration; explain that it's very dangerous."
McGonagall nodded seriously. Such an exceptionally talented child couldn't be allowed to fall into the danger of reckless experimentation. McGonagall was even considering whether to visit again and personally explain the relevant matters to Leo face-to-face.
Grafton Manor. Leo stood in his bedroom, right hand holding his wand, left hand holding a copy of "Encyclopaedia of Beginning Charms". His wand pointed at a pile of ceramic fragments on the ground, his wrist giving a light shake.
"Reparo!"
The fragments automatically assembled into a complete teapot, with cracks gradually disappearing in reverse.
"Hmm, quite simple. Next one."
Leo flipped through the book in his hand, learning new charms. After merging with Loki's Faceless, his Light Magic talent had also reached S-level. Learning such simple elementary charms was naturally effortless.
The teapot would float in the air for a while, have its surface stains cleaned, then be summoned to Leo's hand...
"Bang bang bang..."
Leo turned toward the source of the sound. A snow-white owl perched outside the window, holding a letter in its beak. Leo didn't walk over to help open the window but simply pointed his wand.
"Alohomora!"
The window opened on command, and the owl fluttered its wings as it flew in. Leo looked down at his wand and chuckled softly.
Magic was truly convenient. A single wand could accomplish so many things.
Taking the letter from the owl, he opened it. Seeing the signature, Leo raised an eyebrow.
"Professor McGonagall?"
Dear Leonardo Grafton:
I have already discussed with Headmaster Dumbledore that your talents are quite outstanding, especially in Transfiguration.
Having purchased so many books, I believe you are already beginning to learn magical knowledge. You should have also attempted Transfiguration. I need to specifically remind you never to attempt magical creature transfiguration.
This behaviour is very dangerous, with no clear precedent in the wizarding world.
If you wish to learn more Transfiguration knowledge, you can find me after arriving at Hogwarts.
I originally wanted to visit again and explain this to you in person, but there are many preparations for new student enrolment. However, I believe you are not a reckless, impulsive child who would deliberately attempt dangerous behaviours.
The letter wasn't long, and Leo finished reading it quickly. Simply put, magical creature transfiguration was very dangerous, and she didn't want him attempting it carelessly.
No clear precedent? A new direction in Transfiguration?
Leo frowned. He certainly hadn't forgotten that he needed to repay the Loki's Faceless loan... by perfectly mastering Transfiguration within a year. Besides learning existing Transfiguration knowledge, he also needed to pioneer and discover new fields of Transfiguration.
Professor McGonagall said she had discussed it with Dumbledore, meaning even Dumbledore hadn't witnessed magical creature transfiguration. This should count as an unknown field of Transfiguration. If he could research it thoroughly, it would satisfy the loan requirements.
But that transformation, where the final change was a creature resembling an Occamy, was just my instinctive spellcasting. How could it involve such advanced aspects...?
Leo had already finished reading "The Guide to Caring for Magical Creatures" and had gained some understanding of magical creatures. He judged that the creature he had transformed at Ollivanders matched highly with the appearance and body-changing characteristics of an Occamy.
Combined with Professor McGonagall's current warning, it basically confirmed Leo's speculation.
Raising his wand, Leo listened to the faint snickering coming from within it. Loki?
He now possessed Loki's magical talents, especially Transfiguration talent at the highest SSS level. So that spellcasting transformation into a magical creature was most likely due to Loki's talent influence.
Magical creatures... Leo thought of the bizarre offspring of Loki in mythological legends... the giant wolf Fenrir, the World Serpent Jörmungandr, and the eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
Could it be that these offspring were actually created by Loki using Transfiguration?