Chapter 242: The Real Challenge Lies Ahead!
Chapter 242: The Real Challenge Lies Ahead!
For the next few days, Ved practiced Animagus transformation under Sirius's guidance.
The initial transformations were akin to constipation, requiring a long time to initiate, and reverting back was equally challenging.
However, with repeated practice, Ved gradually mastered the art of transforming within a few seconds. Still, he couldn't match Sirius's effortless and swift transformations, which were as natural as breathing.
"This is how I kept my mind clear in Azkaban," Sirius explained. "Back then, I spent most of my days in animal form, so my proficiency is naturally different from a novice like you."
Ved's ability to maintain his consciousness in the transformed state improved, but after testing, both adult wizards advised him to limit each transformation to no more than half an hour for now, with a three-minute extension every month.
"Your animal form doesn't differ much from other peregrine falcons," Lupin remarked, half-jokingly. "I fear we might accidentally lose you again."
Lupin's tone was lighthearted, but his concern was genuine.
Ved readily agreed, having no desire to spend the rest of his life as a confused bird, surviving on a diet of birds and wild rabbits.
After the Easter break, Ved bid farewell to Lupin and Sirius and returned to school.
With his success in becoming an Animagus, Transfiguration became second nature to him. Ved could now transform objects without incantations, bending them to his will.
He even ventured into human Transfiguration, starting with simple color changes to nails, hair, and eyebrows, followed by controlling their length. As he gained proficiency, he progressed to transforming other body parts until he could alter his appearance without the need for Polyjuice Potion.
However, the final stage was an extremely advanced Transfiguration skill, only achievable by natural Metamorphmagi. Ved knew of only two individuals capable of such feats: Grindelwald, who had been imprisoned for many years, and Dumbledore, who had never demonstrated this ability but was undoubtedly capable of it.
The Maze Challenge had also concluded during the break, but upon returning to school, Ved noticed a distinct lack of enthusiasm among the students. Most were sullen, some even seething with anger, except for the Slytherins, who were exuberant.
"Slytherin won," Michael said glumly. "But they used underhanded methods! Blatchy and his team brought powerful magical items, and Professor Snape even supplied them with a large quantity of potions!"
"But..." Theo hesitated, "the rules didn't prohibit the use of magical items or potions, right? So, they didn't break any rules; they just exploited a loophole."
Michael shook his head in dismay. "Theo, I'm trying to stick up for you Hufflepuffs! Why are you undermining me?"
"Oh," Theo realized, lowering his head. "Sorry."
Satisfied, Michael resumed his complaints about Slytherin's underhandedness and shamelessness, detailing how they had lavishly used enlarged puppets to knock out their opponents.
"Puppets?" Ved asked, intrigued.
"Yeah, your pet was in the competition too," Fred added nonchalantly.
They had been strong contenders but were unexpectedly swept away by the 'Beast Legion'.
Surprisingly, Hufflepuff came in second, while the 'Champion Seed Team' Gryffindor took third place.
The fourth team was from Gryffindor.
The fifth, sixth, and seventh places were all taken by Slytherin teams, with the eighth place going to Gryffindor once again, and it wasn't until the ninth place that a Ravenclaw team appeared.
It wasn't that Ravenclaw was particularly weak; it was just that teams were not limited to a single house, so several of Ravenclaw's capable students had been invited to join other teams. As a result, when the final rankings were announced, the students from Ravenclaw were the most dejected.
"It's no big deal," Vold said with a smile. "When the weather gets warmer, we can always organize another activity. How about a Python challenge?"
Everyone was taken aback, and Harry couldn't help but ask, "Isn't that the ultimate boss? No one has been able to challenge it yet!"
"According to Professor Flitwick's estimates, by early May at the latest, someone will reach the innermost layer," Vold said.
As one of the designers and founders of the activity, his information was naturally trusted by everyone. The group immediately began discussing their previous losses with renewed enthusiasm.
"I know there are some potions specifically for dealing with cold-blooded creatures. We'll bring enough potions with us when the time comes!" George said excitedly.
The brothers now sold various game-related merchandise, and money was no longer a concern when it came to buying things.
"It's huge in size, and its scales can withstand most spells," Fred added. "We'll also need to learn some targeted spells, like the Eye-Heal Charm..."
After listening for a while, Harry turned to Neville and asked, "What are the Python's weaknesses?"
Neville actually knew the answer.
He loved Herbology and had read many books about plants and animals. After thinking for a moment, Neville replied, "I remember it's very sensitive to cold... When the temperature is too low, it becomes less active."
Harry immediately thought of the Weather Charm he had researched halfway but abandoned due to its difficulty.
He silently pulled out his old notebook from the bookshelf.
Neville added, "The Python has high temperature requirements, and it's not suitable for it to survive in excessive heat either."
Padma asked, "Can the Blazing Fire Charm also be used against it?"
Neville hesitated, his expression showing some reluctance.
Vold tapped the table and said, "Listen up, everyone. This Python is actually Professor Caterwaul's pet. After this semester, it will leave the school with the professor."
"So..." Fred asked, "Are we not supposed to defeat this boss?"
Vold shook his head and said, "In fact, the professor will prohibit the use of harmful spells and magical items during the challenge. Challengers must subdue it while minimizing any harm to it and also ensure their own safety."
The Gryffindor students all had question marks on their faces, feeling that the difficulty had increased tenfold.
Vold slowly added, "Although it's challenging, you have almost a month to prepare your tactics. Do you still think you'll lose to Slytherin?"
It turned out that people didn't hate injustice, but rather, they hated when the favoritism wasn't directed at them.
Knowing that they could prepare ahead of Slytherin, even Hermione didn't say anything and immediately joined the enthusiastic discussion.
Vold smiled.
Facing the large yet docile Python was just a rehearsal; the real challenge was yet to come!
He hoped that the excited students wouldn't be too frightened when the time came.
Vold twirled the pen case in his hand, thinking to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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