4: Differences in Subject Difficulty

Huh?

Why was it Hermione?

What a coincidence?

On the train,

Sean's voice mingled with the howling wind.

Outside the window,

the vast plains had disappeared at some point, and the scattered sunlight had become dappled. The train had entered a Yew Forest.

The tips of Hermione's ears slowly flushed red. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but her mind went blank,

which only made Sean even more puzzled.

"Oh! She was just saying that you actually know Transfiguration. That's incredible!"

A voice spoke up. It was Justin, quickly answering in Hermione's place.

He pointed at the Silver Needle on the table, drawing Sean and Hermione's attention to it.

"How did you do it? Hermione said this was a very difficult spell."

After saying that, he felt a little uneasy and could only pray that the young wizard across from him had not heard those offensive words.

"The incantation is Transfiguration. There's a break between Trans and figura,

and the emphasis is on fi... More importantly, when you move your wand from left to right, do it quickly. Don't pause."

Sean reviewed his own practice process and picked out the likely key points. This had always been his way of studying.

"Well, of course, you need to clearly picture what you want the object to become in your mind. You can find that on page five of the Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration."

Soon, the train emerged from the Yew Forest, and the compartment brightened again, making Sean's jade-green Eyes gleam like Jade.

"So my failure was because I paused... I mean, it's nice to meet you.

You might not have heard my introduction earlier. I'd be happy to say it again. I'm Justin, Justin Finch-Fletchley."

After hearing Sean's words, Justin let out a sigh of relief.

"Hermione Granger."

The blush still lingered on Hermione's face, but her voice was full of confidence.

"Sean Green."

Sean thought Hermione was acting a little strangely. Though confused, he did not intend to dwell on it.

More important things awaited him.

Inside the compartment,

Sean appeared to be continuing to flip through the Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, but his gaze had already fallen on the Proficiency Panel.

Let's see what level of Transfiguration genius I am.

His gaze slowly moved downward. Sean admitted that he was a little nervous—one hundred times more nervous than when pulling cards in his previous life...

The strength in games had been fake, but this was real. It concerned his future Talent.

Title: Transfiguration Apprentice

Slightly increases perception of Transfiguration and slightly improves Transfiguration Talent

Just as expected, Sean held his breath and continued reading.

Wizard Sean, Transfiguration Talent: Light Purple (enhanced by the Transfiguration Apprentice Title). Note: Normal wizards are Green

Evaluation: You are a true genius in the magical branch of Transfiguration. With guidance, you will become an influential Master in the field of Transfiguration.

Purple Epic?!

I really am a Transfiguration genius?!

Sean felt as though someone was beating gongs and drums beside his ears,

and even singing something about good luck.

Those who had experienced White Trash could always appreciate Purple Epic more deeply.

With guidance, I can even become a Transfiguration Master...

Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Sean decided that he had to stay at Hogwarts for the next seven years.

At the same time, in order to achieve that goal, he began to think carefully.

The difference between Transfiguration Talent and Charm Talent proved one thing:

in the Harry Potter world, magical Talent was not all the same. Different wizards could excel in different areas.

For example, Neville was average in other subjects but strongest in Herbology.

For example, Hermione was strong in most branches of magic, but her Defense Against the Dark Arts was inferior to Harry's, and she was even worse at Divination class.

If Sean wanted Outstanding in seven subjects, he would have to put more effort into the subjects he was not good at.

At Hogwarts, different subjects also varied in difficulty.

This was not only because of the subjects themselves. More importantly, it depended on the professors, who played a crucial role in the courses.

Just like at university, the knowledge points were all laid out there. Whether studying was enjoyable and whether it was easy to pass depended entirely on the professor.

Following that logic,

the hardest core subject should be Potions. Not only was there Professor Snape, but the knowledge points were detailed and numerous.

There were also highly dangerous practical components. Every class required students to hand in the potion they had made that day, and the essays were fairly long as well.

At the thought of Professor Snape's gloomy face, Sean's heart sank too. Getting an Outstanding in Potions class under Professor Snape would not be easy.

He could only hope he had a little Talent for Potions.

Well, just a little would do.

As for second place, Sean thought it was Defense Against the Dark Arts.

It was dangerous, and the teachers were a mixed bag.

Two-faced people were not exactly common.

Another difficult course...

Sean rubbed the space between his brows, and his gaze sharpened.

Nothing could stop him from studying. Not even Voldemort!

With a rough plan in mind, Sean continued thinking.

Next, taking all sorts of factors into account, the third most difficult should be Herbology, Transfiguration Class, and Charms.

Every one of these subjects required Talent.

The final tier should be History of Magic and Astronomy class, which required memorizing specific knowledge points.

But these subjects were not troublesome for Sean.

"Transfiguration Class and Charms... My current level should be enough.

Astronomy class and History of Magic... The more you memorize, the higher your score. No need to pay special attention to them.

So, the difficult parts are Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Herbology."

With his goals set, just as Sean was thinking about how to carry them out,

the commotion outside the compartment had been going on for quite a while.

Every now and then, he could hear words like "Harry," "Harry Potter," and "Merlin's beard."

Then came a loud bang.

Disturbed, Sean slowly raised his head and once again met Justin and Hermione's gazes head-on.

Justin quickly lowered his head and said as though nothing had happened:

"Sean, look! It's the Levitation Charm. How amazing!"

Sean followed his gaze. Above Hermione's wand, a feather was floating in the air.

The little girl lifted her chin.

"Actually, this is just a simple spell. I learned it from Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1. It isn't very difficult. I learned it after practicing a few times."

There was a hint of pride in her voice.

Sean, who had practiced it five hundred times: Actually, that wasn't the case.

"Justin, you should try it too. It's just a small spell. Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1 says it is often one of the first spells young wizards learn."

Hermione spoke seriously as she looked at the eager Justin.

"You'll have to guide me."

Justin did not refuse. With a hint of longing, he waved his wand.

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

The feather did not move.

"You need to flick your wrist."

Hermione corrected him.

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

The feather swayed ever so slightly.

"You got it wrong again! You have to say it firmly. The moment you hesitate, you'll fail!"

Hermione instructed him rather sternly, while Justin became even more serious.

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

"It worked! That's great, Hermione. You're such a good teacher!"

Justin was extremely excited after succeeding. He thanked her sincerely.

"You were right. It doesn't seem very difficult!"