A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts
Chapter 639: Animagus - (2)

"…I've finished explaining the difference between transforming into animals and Animagus transformation. In summary, the former is passive, and once cast, the wizard cannot undo the spell independently; the latter is an active choice, where the wizard can decide when to return to human form. It's crucial to note that the former leads to a gradual loss of human reasoning, eventually turning into a beast, while the latter allows the preservation of a certain level of intelligence."

"African magical schools, especially the Uagadou, have delved deeply into this, and the portion of information you have comes from there," Professor McGonagall said. "You will find that the training you are about to undergo differs from what you've read in books—if you've genuinely paid attention to those materials." Her last sentence became stern, causing several students to guiltily lower their heads.

"...The content has been modified by Professor Snape and me, and we will do our best to ensure your safety. But if anyone wants to withdraw, you can do so now."

The students huddled together, engaging in rapid whispered conversations.

"Professor McGonagall, what does she mean?" Ron asked Hermione in a hushed tone. Harry perked up his ears, observing Susan Bones, Justin, and Ernie with worried expressions, while members of the Transfiguration Club, led by Professor McGonagall, seemed unperturbed, indicating they were already familiar with this knowledge.

"In simple terms, the learning process is going to change," Hermione replied succinctly.

Harry looked up at the ceiling, trying to recall Hermione's notes. He could vividly recite the first step: starting from the first full moon, until the next full moon, the caster must hold a Mandrake leaf in their mouth without swallowing or taking it out. After completing this step, they need to put the saliva-soaked leaf into a crystal vial on the night of the full moon, adding a strand of their hair and a silver teaspoon of dew under the pure moonlight.

There were specific requirements for the dew, Harry remembered—something about finding dew untouched by sunlight. And finally, adding a chrysalis of a Grim-faced Moth. After completing all these steps, the vial had to be secretly placed in a quiet, dark place, awaiting a storm with thunder and lightning.

"You can decide after this class is over," Professor McGonagall continued. "So, today, I won't delve into overly advanced topics, like controlling magic in human transfiguration. These techniques have proven to significantly reduce the difficulty of learning Animagus transformation. Felix?"

Felix, playing the role of a teaching assistant, lazily raised one hand and waved it in front of the students. At first, they were puzzled, but then they were astonished. Professor Snape's right hand was slowly elongating, resembling the claw of some carnivorous creature, with sturdy, powerful joints. The back of Professor Snape's hand and wrist were covered with fur, and five long nails emerged with a "swish."

Felix lifted his arm and scratched five deep marks on the wall, sparking and making an unpleasant, grating sound.

"Oh, thank you, Felix, that's enough," Professor McGonagall said in an almost normal tone.

Felix shook his hand, shedding the fur, returning to a human appearance. However, all the students continued to stare at the skin on his arm, their eyes wide with curiosity. They were eager to know which creature served as the template for the transformation. If it were an entire living being, they felt it could have easily been crushed underfoot.

"What you've witnessed is a more advanced form of transfiguration, not something you need to worry about being as complex as Professor Snape's," Professor McGonagall said with some unease. "Let's continue… We need a volunteer. Who is willing to cooperate for a demonstration?"

Several hesitant hands went up, and Professor McGonagall finally chose Susan Bones.

"Stand in the circle in front of me, stand properly, Miss Bones," Professor McGonagall directed. Felix walked over, both of them staring at Susan Bones, which made her somewhat apprehensive. "Don't worry," Professor McGonagall reassured, "It's just an extra precaution. I'll be monitoring the entire process, and if anything goes wrong, I'll stop it immediately."

Other students formed a circle, their eyes filled with eager anticipation.

"What do you need me to do, Professor?" Susan Bones asked with a trembling voice.

"Just try to stay conscious," Felix said. The words sounded as if Susan was about to endure some inhuman torture. She took a step back in fear, and even other students shared the same sentiment.

Felix cleared his throat and explained, "I will perform a transfiguration to turn you into a small animal. During this time, you must try to remain calm, resisting the increasingly strong wild impulses, avoiding instinctual drives... Of course, before you lose control, Professor McGonagall and I will turn you back."

"This is just a demonstration. When we actually practice, Professor Snape and I will slow down the process as much as possible, giving you ample time to experience the subtle changes during human transfiguration, which is crucial during Animagus transformation... One last question, Miss Bones, what is your favorite animal?"

"I like unicorns," Susan said softly.

"No, I mean... ordinary animals."

"Maybe a bunny?" Susan said uncertainly.

"A rabbit? Very well, stand firm."

Felix took out a wand, not commonly used nowadays, and pointed it at Susan. With a loud "bang," Susan disappeared on the spot, replaced by a fuzzy, gray rabbit. The rabbit let out a short scream, cowering within the golden circle.

"Everyone else, step back, don't scare her," Professor McGonagall commanded sternly.

The approaching students stepped back, their eyes reluctant to leave, and those standing behind strained to tiptoe, wanting a clearer view.

Felix crouched down, looking at the trembling gray rabbit in front of him.

"Calm down, Bones. My relationship with your aunt is good. If anything happens to you, she'll give me trouble... so there's nothing to be afraid of," Felix said gently. The rabbit Susan had turned into calmed down, curiously looking around. From this angle, she seemed taller than her classmates, even towering over giants.

This made her feel a bit eerie.

"How do you feel now?" Felix asked.

The rabbit's small eyes showed a thoughtful expression, and it let out two short cries.

"Oh, you can't talk now... Next, I'll ask you questions, and you just need to nod or shake your head. Always remember, you're a witch, and the longer you can maintain your composure, the better... Do you like winter?"

The rabbit hesitated for a moment and then nodded.

"Good. Next question, are you a Ravenclaw student?" The rabbit shook its head.

"Do you like pink?" The rabbit nodded.

This continued for almost ten minutes. It was clear to the observing students that the rabbit's reaction was getting slower, interspersed with nervous glances and alert ear movements. Harry swallowed, watching helplessly as the rabbit's eyes gradually lost their sharpness.

He glanced at Draco Malfoy, and as expected, his face turned unusually pale.

"Felix—" Professor McGonagall hesitated.

"Do

you still recognize who I am?" Felix asked. This time, the gray rabbit ignored him, beginning to groom the fur on its front paws. Felix asked again, but there was still no response.

"Felix!" Professor McGonagall said sternly.

As if frightened, the gray rabbit suddenly leaped forward, jumping outside the golden circle. Felix remained calm, raising his wand. After a loud bang, Susan Bones returned to her original state.

Professor McGonagall hurried over, embracing her, comforting and patting Susan's shoulder. Felix handed a calming potion to Professor McGonagall, temporarily taking on the role of Madam Pomfrey. After drinking the potion, Susan's expression relaxed.

"I remember you experienced Moody's Unforgivable Curses in fourth year," Felix said. "If you choose to continue, you'll experience this feeling multiple times. The advantage is that during Animagus practice, with two professors guiding you, there's little risk of irreversible magical damage, and the success rate is high... You have a week to decide."

"Alright, does anyone else want to try now?"

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