Chapter 288: The Transformation Club
Chapter 288: The Transformation Club
The painting frame transformed into a door, and Kyle held onto the doorknob. With a click, the door opened.
Beyond the door was a room similar in size to the Transfiguration classroom, but with far fewer occupants.
Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle, there were exactly ten people, meaning only two students from each year were selected to join Professor McGonagall's Transformation Club.
Such a small number demonstrated the strict criteria Professor McGonagall used when choosing members.
As Kyle entered, a round of enthusiastic applause greeted him, with the person sitting on the outer edge clapping the loudest.
"Cedric?" Kyle asked, recognizing the person. "Weren't you going to the kitchen to get something to eat when you left the Common Room?"
"Um... sorry, Kyle," Cedric said, scratching his hair awkwardly. "Professor McGonagall asked me not to tell you."
"Yes, I did request him to keep it a secret," Professor McGonagall confirmed with a smile. "This was to prevent him from giving you any clues or hints."
"Finding the club's entrance on your own is the first test," Professor McGonagall explained. "And you've passed it splendidly."
She pointed to an empty seat not far away.
The room had only one round table, and everyone was seated around it. Next to Cedric and Percy, there was an empty seat, clearly intended for Kyle.
However, when Kyle approached, he realized it was a low, four-legged stool, resembling a small folding chair.
In contrast, the others were seated on large, plush chairs with velvet cushions.
The surrounding onlookers added to the atmosphere.
Kyle instantly understood that this was the second test.
If his Transfiguration skills were inadequate, he would have to sit on the low stool and participate in the club's activities from that position.
Of course, such a situation wouldn't occur.
Kyle waved his wand lightly, and the four-legged stool transformed into a brand-new, plush chair with a backrest, identical to the others.
Another round of applause filled the room, and the students began introducing themselves to Kyle, indicating their acceptance of him into the club.
Among them, there was only one student from each of the third and fourth years—Kyle and Cedric.
Two Slytherins and a Ravenclaw from the fifth year were present, but Kyle didn't recognize them.
In the sixth year, besides Percy, there was the Ravenclaw Head Girl, Penelope Rivil, who was the first to introduce herself to Kyle.
The remaining members were from the seventh year.
Once Kyle sat down, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a copy of 'Transfiguration Today' appeared in front of each person.
"I obtained an advance copy of the latest issue," Professor McGonagall said. "This is the topic we'll be discussing today. You can choose an article that interests you and share your thoughts."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall!" the group responded.
The room was filled with the sound of pages turning.
Unlike regular classes, the club focused more on student-led discussions, allowing them to share their understanding and opinions.
Professor McGonagall's role was to ensure everyone's thinking was on the right track and to provide guidance when they got stuck.
The atmosphere in the room was vibrant, and the most intense discussions were centered around Percy and the fifth and sixth years.
The article they chose was about Cross-Species Multiple Transformation, one of the hottest topics in Transfiguration research.
Percy shared many of his own insights and understandings, and it seemed that he was determined to publish an article on this topic before graduation.
The Transfiguration Today journal, aimed at young wizards who had not yet graduated from Hogwarts, featured a Most Promising Newcomer Award.
Percy was aiming for this very award.
As a professional academic journal, the award held significant value, and receiving it would greatly benefit his future career in the Ministry of Magic after graduation.
...
By the time the Transformation Club ended, it was already 8 p.m.
After Professor McGonagall finished her final summary and addressed some questions, the group left the eighth-floor room and headed towards their respective Common Rooms.
"How do you feel about it..." Cedric asked on the way back.
"It was very fruitful and efficient," Kyle glanced at the parchments in his hand, "It would be even better if we could do this every day."
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"Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't think so," Cedric laughed, "She doesn't have that much time."
"I know..."
The two of them walked all the way to the kitchen corridor.
Just before entering the Common Room, Kyle suddenly turned to Cedric and said seriously, "Mr. Digory, are you going to the kitchen to get something to eat? I can wait for you."
"Hey, don't do that."
Cedric's face turned slightly embarrassed, "It's just that Professor McGonagall asked me to keep it confidential, and I couldn't do anything about it.
Besides, I'm sure that painting won't be a problem for you."
"I'm honored to receive such high praise from you," Kyle glanced at him, "But Professor McGonagall also said that we're not allowed to wander at night. How come you forgot about that when you were following us to the Forbidden Forest?"
"That's different..." Cedric argued, "I was... watching over you, protecting you... from being discovered by Filch."
"You don't even believe that yourself," Kyle said with a sigh.
"Alright... I don't believe it." Cedric sighed, "Then, if I invite you for a Butterbeer, will you forget about this matter?"
Kyle raised his eyebrows, "Are you trying to take Fred and George's job?"
"What should I do then?" Cedric said helplessly.
"How about this..." Kyle thought for a moment, "Just shout out that the Wembly Wasps are the best Quidditch team, and I'll forgive you."
"In your dreams!"
Cedric's face changed instantly, "Those brutes deserve to be at the bottom of the league. They don't understand the art of Quidditch at all."
"In fact... the Wasps are ranked second in this year's league," Kyle said with a smile, "The Cannons are the ones at the bottom."
"That's just temporary..." Cedric said with unwavering determination, "I believe they can catch up and relive their former glory!"
"If being at the bottom for thirty years can be considered temporary, then they might have a chance to catch up."
Kyle shrugged, "Maybe in fifty years... or even longer, a hundred years?"
"Haha, we'll see... let's see who has the last laugh."
Cedric knocked on the wooden barrel with his wand and walked in without looking back.
...
(End of Chapter)
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