23 Transfiguration

The other students whispered as Artel found a seat at the front of the classroom. Hermione settled in next to him, and Neville, after some hesitation, took the empty seat on the other side of Artel.

As the class's start time approached, more and more students filled the classroom, and whispers about Professor McGonagall's tardiness circulated.

Artel remained composed, studying the Transfiguration textbook, while Hermione was still trying to figure out how to transform a match into a needle.

After about five minutes, the classroom's door was pushed open, and the previously noisy room suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where Ron and Harry had just walked in.

The classroom buzzed with renewed chatter.

"Good thing Professor McGonagall is running late too!"

Ron exclaimed with a grin as he led Harry to find empty seats. However, as they took a few steps forward, they noticed the cat on the desk, which promptly transformed into Professor McGonagall.

"Wow! That was a cool trick." Ron chuckled, shaking his head in admiration.

"Sorry," Harry began, intending to apologize, but Professor McGonagall interrupted him.

"Perhaps I should transfigure the two of you into pocket watches so at least one of you can arrive on time!"

"Sorry, we got lost, those stairs..."

"In that case, perhaps I should transfigure you into a map! Now, take your seats!"

Professor McGonagall stated firmly before returning to her podium. She nodded to Artel, Hermione, and Neville, then began her lecture.

To Hermione's surprise, today's lesson indeed involved turning matches into needles. Professor McGonagall explained various theories and precautions before allowing the young wizards to attempt the transformation.

"Is this really what you foresaw? Do you actually have the ability to predict the future? It's not as if Professor McGonagall informed you in advance, is it? Also, how did you recognize her as Professor McGonagall?"

Hermione seized the opportunity to inquire about Artel's abilities.

"Of course, I told you I can see the future... When Professor McGonagall visited my home, she transformed into an identical cat, which greatly startled my uncle. Isn't that how she convinced your parents about magic?"

Hermione suddenly grasped the connection and then shook her head, saying, "Professor McGonagall transfigured my dad's chair into a tiny pig..."

A cough from the side interrupted their conversation, and Professor McGonagall cast a stern glance at Artel, remarking, "Mr. Shelby, Miss Granger, while I'm pleased to see you engaged in such lively discussion, I hope you've also managed to successfully perform the Transfiguration?"

"Certainly," Artel replied, nodding, and then tapped his wand against the match.

The small match underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving into a delicate and intricately engraved diamond needle. The snake motif on it appeared to spring to life, its details finely etched and mesmerizing to behold. Professor McGonagall and the entire class watched in awe as the needle glistened with an almost magical radiance. 

"Unbelievable!"

Professor McGonagall exclaimed before finally letting out a sigh.

"Artel, you may indeed have a special talent for Transfiguration. This diamond needle is truly exquisite. In that case, Slytherin shall be awarded 10 points!"

The Slytherin students erupted in applause, and even Malfoy couldn't help but display a fleeting smile. However, it quickly vanished, replaced by a sense of frustration.

"So, Miss Granger, how about you?"

Nervously, Hermione nodded. She had devoted over half an hour to studying during breakfast, and Artel had explained some key points to her. As a result, she was feeling somewhat confident. Under the watchful eyes of her classmates, Hermione pointed her wand at the match.

Hermione's wand emitted a soft glow, and the match began to change shape, eventually becoming a gleaming silver needle.

"Excellent! Hermione, you've earned Gryffindor five points!"

Professor McGonagall praised her, and Hermione beamed with happiness, exchanging a delighted glance with Artel.

At that moment, Artel was scheming how to help Harry and Ron loose those five points.

With the Transfiguration class concluded, only Artel and Hermione had successfully transformed a match into a needle. Even Demolitionist Seamus, who had inadvertently blown up a desk, escaped without losing any points, much to his relief.

After morning classes, Hermione led Artel to the library. She found a book of several hundred pages and immersed herself in reading, while Artel contemplated his ideas for advancing the characters of the Lord of the Rings.

Lunchtime arrived quickly, and Artel and Hermione made their way to the Great Hall. Many students were already enjoying their meals. This time, Artel sat at the Gryffindor table, as Professor McGonagall's favor extended to him regardless of where he ate.

Harry and Ron greeted Artel warmly. They could see that Professor McGonagall held him in high regard, even though he was a Slytherin.

Artel's lunch consisted of pork chops, fried sausages, bacon pie, and pasta, while Hermione had a pumpkin pie, a green salad, and a fruit sandwich.

Before Ron and Harry lay a large plate of grilled chicken wings, which they seemed delighted to devour.

As they ate, a few owl calls sounded from outside, followed by a flock of owls entering the Great Hall, each carrying parchment letters.

"The mail's here!"

Ron exclaimed joyfully, spotting his own owl.

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