https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-126-Professor-McGonagall-s-Transfiguration-Magic/12525963/
Chapter 125: You Made it into a Magazine
Chapter 125: You Made it into a Magazine
One of Albert's latest research topics was how to prolong the duration of the Ironskin Curse on his protective bracelet.
Recently, Albert had been delving into numerous books, and he had indeed discovered some methods to extend the longevity of spells.
The simplest method was to concentrate while casting the spell, essentially using stronger magical power to sustain it. A prime example was the Replication Curse; some replicated objects could exist permanently, while others would disappear after a certain period, depending on the caster.
According to Albert's knowledge, there was also a spell called the Permanent Paste Curse, which fell under the category of irreversible curses.
The ancient spells maintaining Hogwarts Castle were incredibly powerful, and the four heads of houses were also mere humans. Since they could achieve such feats, Albert believed he could too.
However, he acknowledged that his line of thinking might be skewed, or perhaps his dedication to the study of knowledge and magic paled in comparison to theirs.
Albert contemplated whether he should consult Professor Flitwick about this matter.
Someone playfully patted Albert on his left shoulder from behind.
When Albert turned his head, he didn't see anyone.
"What is it?" Albert asked, knowing that the person was on his right.
"You're such a bore," Field said with a mischievous smile as he sat in the empty seat next to Albert. "Have you read the latest issue of 'Today's Transfiguration'?"
"Not yet," Albert admitted.
"Wow, you haven't read it?" Field stared at Albert in disbelief, as if he were observing some peculiar creature.
"I just haven't had the time," Albert explained. "Is there something about this issue of 'Today's Transfiguration' that I should know about?"
Recently, he had been preoccupied with the matter of the protective bracelet, and the Runic inscriptions on it hadn't been performing as expected, which had left him in a foul mood for quite some time. He hadn't had the chance to browse through the latest issue of 'Today's Transfiguration' that had arrived earlier in the day.
"The essay you wrote last time was published in this issue of 'Today's Transfiguration'," Field said, fixing his eyes on Albert as if to confirm whether the other boy was truly unaware or merely pretending.
"Oh?" Albert repeated, taken aback for a moment. "What did you say?"
"The essay you wrote was printed in this issue," Field said, his expression one of exasperated admiration. He unfurled the copy of 'Today's Transfiguration' he had been holding and pointed to the article. "Professor McGonagall said that our Transfiguration Club activity this time will be based on this topic."
Students sitting nearby who had overheard their conversation gathered around, curious to see the essay Albert had written about Transfiguration.
"Professor McGonagall removed quite a bit of content," Albert observed after taking a closer look. "It's less than half of what I originally wrote."
"I know, I've seen your original draft," Field nodded.
Albert looked at Field in surprise. "When did you see it? I don't remember showing it to you."
"After reading your essay, I asked Professor McGonagall for your original manuscript," Field explained. "You really dared to write those things."
Transfiguration was the most complex and dangerous form of magic.
Field vaguely recalled these words from Professor McGonagall's first lesson.
Yet, the boy in front of him actually intended to use it against enemies?
"Did you bump your head when you entered the common room?" Field asked, exasperated.
"Is there a problem?"
"Of course, there is. Do you know about the Transfiguration Torture Curse?"
"What about the Transfiguration Torture Curse?" Field asked suddenly.
"I know a bit about it," Albert began, "it involves using transfiguration techniques—" before being interrupted once more by Field.
"You do realize," Field said, "that the Ministry of Magic works tirelessly to maintain peace in the wizarding world?"
"They wouldn't want..." Albert trailed off.
"Exactly," Field sighed. "After all, the 'Today's Transfiguration' is an academic journal. Some parts of your paper don't quite align with their goals."
In truth, Field had to admit that Albert's creativity was admirable. The myriad ways of using charms could indeed lead to unexpected results when applied at the right time. But sometimes, it was simply not feasible.
"I understand," Albert nodded, "no one wants chaos in their daily lives, and it's easier to maintain order this way. But..."
"But what?" Field asked, noticing a fleeting hint of sarcasm on Albert's face.
"Nothing," Albert replied with a smile, choosing to keep his thoughts to himself.
This was one of the favorite tactics of higher-ups. After all, a flock of sheep was easier to manage than a pack of wolves. However, when faced with challenges, the lack of certain abilities could leave them vulnerable and helpless, as was evident during Voldemort's return when the entire Ministry of Magic's prestige was trampled upon.
Albert, however, didn't pay much mind to such matters. In fact, he tended to disregard anything that didn't directly concern him.
"I don't think this is very practical," Fred commented after perusing the paper. "It requires exceptional transfiguration skills. As you know, most wizards are terrible at transfiguration."
"Your transfiguration skills are terrible, don't lump others in with you," snapped George, giving Fred a sharp look.
No one liked admitting they were bad at something, even if it was true.
"Shut up, Fred," George said, clamping a hand over his brother's mouth to silence him.
Just then, Beck walked over and slapped Albert on the shoulder. "You lucky dog! I can't believe you published your first paper in 'Today's Transfiguration' as a first-year! You've broken Hogwarts' record. Not long ago, McDougall set a new record, and now you've broken it again!"
"McDougall?" Sana's eyebrows rose as the name rang a bell.
"Who's calling me?" Katrina McDougall looked up, having overheard her name.
An awkward atmosphere filled the room.
"What's going on?" Katrina frowned, sensing the shift in the mood.
"Nothing," Albert coughed lightly, "we weren't talking about you."
"I didn't know Isabelle had a sister," Beck remarked, eyeing Katrina with surprise. "She never mentioned you."
"Why would she mention me?" Field countered, looking at Beck. "Just curious, that's all."
"Katrina and I are in the same year," Albert added.
Katrina had already guessed what these people had been discussing—her sister, Isabelle. Her sister was a genius in every field, but the boy before her seemed even more so. She had read Albert's paper recently, and it was on a whole other level compared to her own work.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report