Keeping the Essence

The sensation of casting Transfiguration was marvelous.

With the help of the spell, Vizet's consciousness spread across the surface of the match, as if it had become a pair of hands that could knead the match however it pleased.

He felt a sense of déjà vu, as though he had returned to his childhood in his previous life, when he had played with mud.

A clear goal.

A silver needle surfaced in Vizet's mind. He directed his consciousness to knead the match, and it really began to lengthen and sharpen.

More details were needed...

He replicated every detail of the silver needle as best he could.

It needed the gleaming silver color of metal... The needlehead had to be more finely crafted... It needed a needle hole for threading...

The match on the table kept changing shape. Its edges grew softer and softer, while the red and wooden colors on its surface gradually faded;

The bright luster of metal became increasingly apparent. The match grew longer and longer, its end continuously narrowing until it formed a sharp needlehead...

"This was your first time casting the spell, and you actually succeeded?" Anthony glanced at the match before him and praised him despite himself. "That was way too fast!"

Professor McGonagall also nodded lightly, agreeing with Anthony.

Transfiguration required not only caution, but also sufficient patience and imagination.

Vizet had begun by imagining with his eyes closed. He had not rushed to act, which was a sign of caution.

Professor McGonagall had seen the orderly process of change. Every step had been steady and solid, with no attempt to rush success. Instead, he had changed it bit by bit, which was a sign of patience.

Vizet had not stopped casting the spell, clearly because the magic was not truly complete yet.

A needle hole for threading appeared at the end of the silver needle, while intricate patterns emerged across its surface.

Professor McGonagall leaned over to examine it and discovered that they were Mistletoe patterns.

The Mistletoe pattern was the finishing touch, making the silver needle more than a daily-use item and giving it greater value.

Generating complex patterns through willpower—this was the role of imagination, an advantage unique to Wizards.

She pinched the silver needle between her fingers and called out, "Mr. Lovegood has completed the spell, successfully transforming a match into a silver needle! Five points to Ravenclaw!"

The students raised their heads one after another and looked at her in unison.

"Engorgio!" Professor McGonagall cast the spell. The tiny silver needle rapidly lengthened and thickened, transforming into an exquisitely carved awl.

She raised the awl high to show the students. "Everyone, take a look. This was an extremely successful Transfiguration! Aside from the needle hole, Mr. Lovegood also created beautiful patterns!"

"You didn't just make a silver needle; you put patterns on it too..." Anthony thumped Vizet heavily on the shoulder. "The way you're going... is putting a lot of pressure on me!"

"Finite Incantatem!" Professor McGonagall restored the silver needle to its original size. "Vizet, well done!"

"Thank you!" Vizet took the silver needle and suddenly thought of a question. "Professor McGonagall, would this needle now count as wood or metal?"

"An interesting question." Professor McGonagall smiled. "You only changed the match's appearance, so it's still wood."

Vizet asked, "Can Transfiguration change the essence of a match and turn it into a real silver needle?"

"Of course it can, but I don't recommend doing that." Professor McGonagall patiently explained, "The danger of Transfiguration comes precisely from this."

"For inanimate objects, changing their essence might merely make them less fragile and allow them to serve people better. But what if you changed your own essence?"

"After changing your essence, would you still be you? Having a body of true steel means that your essence would also need to become steel, and your original essence would be lost."

"Your essence could be lost?" Vizet opened and closed his mouth, feeling a chill rise behind him.

Seeing the apprehension on Vizet's face, Professor McGonagall nodded lightly. "That is the essence. In my view, a Wizard's essence comes from his thoughts, desires—in other words, his soul."

"When your body becomes stronger but your soul is replaced, are you still the same person? If not, then who are you? These are all questions that need to be considered."

"The soul is a marvelous subject. If you wish to explore the mysteries of magic and deepen your study of the soul, that is an indispensable step."

"Many Wizards have gone astray because of this and become Dark Wizards, taking pleasure in toying with souls..." Professor McGonagall suddenly shook her head. "I seem to have said too much."

"You only need to remember that if you wish to go farther down the path of Transfiguration, you must understand the importance of keeping your essence. If you're interested, go look for information about 'Animagus'!"

What Professor McGonagall had said was undoubtedly Beyond Scope, but it had also benefited Vizet greatly.

The Magical World was like a vast treasure trove. There were simply too many secrets to explore!

He hurriedly picked up his Notebook and recorded what Professor McGonagall had said.

There was still plenty of time left in the lesson. Quite a few students gathered around Vizet, asking him for advice on Transfiguration.

Vizet did not hold back either, sharing everything he had learned.

In his view, answering other people's questions could also consolidate the knowledge he had acquired.

"You don't need to be so hard on yourself. Try sharpening one end of the match first, taking it one step at a time."

"Didn't you notice? The match's color has become lighter. That's a good start. Changing the color first is also a fine choice!"

"You don't need to be so nervous. Hold your Wand farther away. The explosion just now was an accident. If you're really afraid, you can snap off the red phosphorus at the front. The most important thing is to try..."

Looking at Vizet, surrounded on all sides, Professor McGonagall let out a soft sigh.

She was rather envious of Filius Flitwick now. How had such an outstanding student ended up choosing Ravenclaw?

Actually, Hermione's performance was not bad either. She had also managed to give the match the rudimentary shape of a needle.

Unfortunately, the girl was somewhat poor at interacting with others. Whenever she answered questions, she always sounded a little preachy.

Professor McGonagall now understood why Dumbledore admired Vizet so much.

To cultivate such a calm, unassuming temperament amid the torment of a Dark Wizard, allowing him to get along harmoniously with those around him—it was truly rare.

Vizet also seemed to have potential in Occlumency. To develop that potential, Professor McGonagall wondered what Dumbledore had planned and whom he would choose as a guide.

Hogsmeade.

Dumbledore stepped out of the firelight and appeared on the second floor of the Hog's Head.

Before long, hurried footsteps sounded.

A tall, thin old man with a long gray-white beard appeared before him.

The old man raised his eyebrows and asked harshly, "Why did you come here?"

Dumbledore said softly, "Aberforth, I'd like to ask you for a favor."