Chapter 184: Practicing Animagus
Chapter 184: Practicing Animagus
"Sorry, Professor Mcgonagall, it seems I arrived a bit late", Ivan said apologetically as he closed the door.
"No, I just got here myself", the Tabby Cat opened its mouth and spoke in a human voice, then leaped down to the ground.
Her form stretched and expanded in mid-air, transforming into a middle-aged witch with square glasses and a deep green robe in just a couple of seconds. This was Professor Mcgonagall.
Ivan watched with a mix of admiration and envy. The ability to transform between two forms at will, without a wand or incantation, seemed incredibly magical no matter how many times he saw it.
"Before we begin, I must ask you a question. How much do you know about Animagus transformations?" Professor Mcgonagall adjusted her square glasses and walked back to the lectern.
Ivan thought for a moment before responding seriously.
"An Animagus transformation is an advanced Transfiguration spell that a Wizard casts on themselves. Once mastered, it doesn't require an incantation or a wand. The magic transforms the caster into a specific animal, typically used for reconnaissance or to avoid danger, as most people don't suspect ordinary animals."
"There are some risks involved in the initial transformation, so practicing Animagus transformations requires not only talent and determination but also a bit of luck", Ivan recalled the descriptions from the original story and combined them with the research he had done last year.
Professor Mcgonagall's expression grew increasingly satisfied, indicating that Ivan's decision to practice Animagus transformations was well-prepared and thoroughly researched.
After Ivan finished explaining his understanding, Professor Mcgonagall continued.
"Very good, but you've missed a few points! First, Animagus transformations are typically limited to ordinary animals. Transforming into a magical creature can have unpredictable consequences."
"Second, once the transformation is mastered, it must be registered with the Ministry of magic. Since the 20th century, only seven Animagi have been registered! So, Animagus transformations are not just dangerous; they are extremely dangerous!"
At this point, Professor Mcgonagall glanced at Ivan, hoping he would understand the risks. She then added, "Of course, the danger is not constant. The higher your Transfiguration skills, the lower the risk of transformation."
Ivan wasn't too concerned about the risks of transformation. He was confident in his Transfiguration skills, and he had the benefits of the studious experience card, which should prevent any major mishaps.
However, the requirement to register with the Ministry of magic was a problem for Ivan. He didn't want his Animagus transformation to be known to everyone, as that would significantly reduce the magic's value.
Can I skip the registration?
Ivan subtly gestured a question, but Professor Mcgonagall ignored him completely.
Ivan didn't get discouraged. Professor Mcgonagall's silence likely meant she wouldn't interfere, so the registration was up to his own discretion.
As Ivan pondered this, Professor Mcgonagall meticulously explained the difficulties of practicing Animagus transformations. Ivan quickly composed himself and listened attentively to every step.
Practicing Animagus transformations is extremely complex. The first step is to keep a leaf from a Mandrake in your mouth for an entire month, from one full moon to the next. The leaf must remain in your mouth at all times; if it falls out, you must start over.
A month later, the leaf can be used to create a complex Potion. The Potion should then be buried in a place that is completely undisturbed and does not receive sunlight. When a thunderstorm arrives, the Potion should be retrieved.
If the Potion has turned completely blood red when retrieved, it means all the steps were correct. At that point, drinking the Potion will allow the first Animagus transformation to begin.
Listening to the instructions, Ivan frowned. This was too troublesome.
He had thought that practicing Transfiguration at a higher level would be enough to master Animagus transformation.
"Professor Mcgonagall, is the creation of the Potion really necessary?" Ivan couldn't help but ask.
The other steps, though complicated, could be managed, but burying the Potion and waiting for a thunderstorm was quite difficult. Who knew when the next thunderstorm would come around here?
He couldn't exactly travel to a place with frequent thunderstorms just to bury the Potion, could he?
"Not necessarily", Professor Mcgonagall shook her head. But before Ivan could feel relieved, she continued.
"However, it greatly reduces the difficulty and danger of the process. Unless you are as skilled at Transfiguration as Headmaster Albus, you should follow the steps diligently!"
Professor Mcgonagall waved her wand, and the magical light in the air slowly transformed into several half-human, half-monster creatures, their forms twisted and their expressions agonized.
"These are the results of failed transformations. There is currently no way to restore a failed transformation to its original form", Professor Mcgonagall said sternly, with no hint of joking. She warned Ivan that if he didn't want to end up like this, he shouldn't take unnecessary risks.
Ivan had to abandon his unrealistic thoughts. He was not confident that his Transfiguration skills were on par with Dumbledore, even with the boost from the experience card.
At that moment, Mcgonagall placed a bright green leaf in front of Ivan.
"This is the leaf of the Mandrake. You should be grateful that your Professor Sprout recently introduced a batch of Mandrake, which saved a lot of trouble."
"As for the timing of the practice, that is up to you", Professor Mcgonagall paused and then smiled. "You might want to check the Muggle weather forecast to choose the best day to start."
You know about the Muggle weather forecast, Ivan was quite surprised. It seemed that Mcgonagall, who frequently visited the Muggle world to recruit students, was not entirely ignorant of their way of life.
However, Ivan didn't want to wait around foolishly. Who knew how long it would take for a thunderstorm to come? If he had to wait for years, wouldn't all his efforts be in vain?
Ivan thought that the Room of Requirement might be able to create a suitable environment for practicing Animagus transformation.
After receiving the Mandrake leaf, Ivan was handed a notebook by Professor Mcgonagall.
Opening the notebook and flipping through a few pages, Ivan found detailed notes on practicing Animagus Transfiguration, with the dangerous points clearly marked. It was clear that Professor Mcgonagall had compiled this information over the past few days.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
