Chapter 288: The Transfiguration Club
Chapter 288: The Transfiguration Club
The picture frame transformed into a door, revealing an entrance.
Kyle gripped the doorknob, and with a click, the door swung open.
Beyond it was a room similar in size to the Transfiguration classroom, but with far fewer people. Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle, there were exactly ten people—on average, only two students from each grade level had been invited to join Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration Club.
Such a disproportionate ratio spoke volumes about the stringent criteria for membership.
As Kyle stepped into the room, he was greeted with enthusiastic applause, led by the person sitting at the very edge.
"Cedric?" Kyle asked, recognizing the familiar face. "When you left the common room, didn't you say you were going to the kitchen to get something to eat?"
"Ah... sorry, Kyle," Cedric replied, scratching his head sheepishly. "Professor McGonagall asked me not to tell you."
"Indeed, I requested his discretion," Professor McGonagall confirmed. "It was to prevent him from giving you any hints or clues."
"Finding the entrance to the club on your own was the first test," she explained, smiling. "And you've passed with flying colors. Now, take a seat." She gestured to an empty spot not far from them.
There was only one round table in the room, and everyone sat together. Next to Cedric and Percy was an empty seat, clearly intended for Kyle.
However, as he approached, he realized that instead of a chair, there was only a short, four-legged stool, resembling a small folding stool.
In contrast, the others sat comfortably in high-backed chairs with plush velvet cushions.
The onlookers' curious gazes added to the atmosphere.
Kyle immediately understood; this was undoubtedly the second test. If his transfiguration skills were lacking, he would have to sit on the lowly stool for the duration of the club meeting.
But such a scenario wouldn't come to pass.
With a swish of his wand, Kyle transformed the plain stool into a brand-new velvet-backed chair, identical to the others.
Once again, applause filled the room, and the older students began introducing themselves to Kyle, signifying their acceptance of him as a member of the club.
Among them, only one student represented the third and fourth years—Kyle and Cedric, respectively.
From the fifth year were two Slytherins and a Ravenclaw, though Kyle didn't recognize them.
In the sixth year, in addition to Percy, there was Penelope Clearwater, the Ravenclaw prefect, who was the first to introduce herself to Kyle.
And finally, in the seventh year...
...
Once Kyle was seated, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a copy of Today's Transfiguration appeared in front of each person.
"I managed to get my hands on the latest issue," she said. "This will be the topic of our discussion today. Feel free to choose an article that interests you and share your thoughts."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall!" the group replied.
The room filled with the sound of rustling pages as everyone began reading.
Unlike a regular class, the club encouraged student-led discussions, allowing them to share their interpretations and insights. Professor McGonagall's role was to ensure everyone stayed on the right track and to offer guidance when they hit a roadblock.
The atmosphere in the room was thick with academic fervor, and the most enthusiastic discussion was taking place among the fifth and sixth years, with Percy at the center.
Today's Transfiguration, being a professional academic journal, offered a highly coveted award for the Most Promising Newcomer among young witches and wizards who had not yet graduated from Hogwarts.
Percy was determined to win this award.
As a prestigious academic award, it carried significant weight and could greatly aid his prospects of joining the Ministry of Magic after graduation.
...
By the time the Transfiguration Club concluded, it was already 8 o'clock in the evening.
After Professor McGonagall finished her closing remarks and answered some final questions, the group bid farewell and headed back to their respective common rooms.
"So, how was it?" Cedric asked on their way back.
"Very fruitful and efficient," Kyle replied, glancing at the parchment in his hand. "It would be great if we could do this every day."
"Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't like that," Cedric laughed. "She doesn't have that kind of time."
"I know..."
The two of them made their way to the corridor leading to the kitchen.
Just before entering the common room, Kyle turned to Cedric and said seriously, "Mr. Diggory, do you still need to get something to eat from the kitchen? I can wait for you."
"Hey, cut it out," Cedric said, his face turning slightly embarrassed. "It really was Professor McGonagall's request for me to keep it a secret. I had no choice.
Besides, I knew that portrait wouldn't be a problem for you."
"I'm honored to have earned your high opinion," Kyle said, giving him a sidelong glance. "But Professor McGonagall also said that we're not allowed to wander around at night. How come you forgot about that rule when you followed us into the Forbidden Forest?"
"That's different..." Cedric argued. "I was... watching out for you... making sure Filch didn't catch you."
"And you expect me to believe that?" Kyle said, rolling his eyes.
"Fine... don't believe me then," Cedric sighed. "What if I invite you for a butterbeer? Can we just forget about this?"
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "...Are you trying to take Fred and George's job?"
"Then what do you want me to do?" Cedric asked helplessly.
"How about this..." Kyle thought for a moment. "Just shout out that the Wimbourne Wasps are the best Quidditch team, and I'll forgive you."
"In your dreams!"
Cedric's face turned grim. "Those thugs deserve to be at the bottom of the league. They don't understand the art of Quidditch at all."
"Actually... the Wasps are ranked second in the league this year," Kyle said with a smile. "It's the Cannons who are at the bottom."
"That's only temporary..." Cedric said with unwavering determination. "I believe they will catch up and relive their past glory!"
"If being at the bottom for thirty years can be considered 'temporary,' then I suppose they might have a chance," Kyle shrugged. "Maybe in fifty years... or even a hundred?"
"We'll see about that... let's see who has the last laugh," Cedric said as he knocked on the barrel with his wand and walked into the kitchen without looking back.
...
(End of Chapter)
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