"So Transfiguration doesn't create life. As magic fades—oh, all right, as the spell wears off—the transformed object gradually returns to its original form."
"And creatures that have been transformed usually remain alive. Once the spell wears off, they return to their original forms, while anything added is rejected by the magic..."
Professor McGonagall's explanations were so fascinating that Andrew, who had exchanged another sixty Galleons at Gringotts, could only follow her mechanically, struggling to remember every word. He barely noticed the little world of magic that was Diagon Alley.
Professor McGonagall had to be one of the best Transfiguration practitioners in the entire Wizarding world. He would bet there were very few people who could make sense of his wild questions so easily, let alone answer them.
He could always come back to Diagon Alley on his own. But who knew when he would get another chance to ask her questions like this? What deputy headmistress would set aside so much time just to clear up one student's doubts?
If it weren't admissions season, he couldn't even dream of it.
Too bad I haven't read any Transfiguration theory from the Wizarding world... As for having questions and ideas of my own, forget it...
Good thing I came up with a few ideas back when I mistook magic for Telekinesis. Otherwise, this would be a shameful waste.
And he acted on that thought.
"You say you can feel the power of magic, and that it's still growing?"
After hearing Andrew's question, Professor McGonagall took a moment to gather her words. "According to current Magical Theory, this is called the Magical Surge Period. For some time after a young wizard first manifests magic, their Magic Power grows rapidly, and magical phenomena become more and more frequent."
"As for controlling it, that isn't unusual either. Some traditional wizarding families even begin teaching their children the dangerous magic they possess after the first Magic Surge. But before the age of eleven, that can easily lead to injury. I don't personally approve of the practice, though some traditional families have indeed taught their children destructive spells before school that many wizards still can't master by graduation."
"And casting without a Wand is perfectly normal. Usually, though, the magic isn't very powerful. With a Wand's help, a wizard can use their Magic Power more deftly and precisely. At first, because of unfamiliarity and a poor fit, it may even be less effective than casting directly with magic. But over time, the advantages of using a Wand become increasingly clear."
"So a Wand is like a new weapon. At first, it might cut your own hand," Andrew said with a nod, putting it in terms he understood, "but as you get better with it, you can do far more damage than you could bare-handed?"
"A Wand isn't a weapon, Taylor." Professor McGonagall shook her head. "It's a wizard's best friend. You must learn to sense your Wand's feelings so you can work with it, rather than simply treating it as a tool."
That's very magical. Judging by Transfiguration, I need to get used to how magic works instead of forcing it into what I already know.
Andrew warned himself again. He didn't know how long the warning would stick, but he kept trying.
"I'll remember that, Professor," he said, then raised another question. "When casting with a Wand, does the upper limit of a single spell's power increase through practice or through growth in Magic Power? Is there a way to increase Magic Power?"
"An excellent question, but first we need to buy your textbooks."
The answer caught Andrew off guard. Only then did he notice that they had turned into a narrow alley. A banner hung crookedly outside a shop that got little sunlight. Several of its letters leaned against one another, fast asleep; he could just make out the words "Second-hand Books Bought," with half of "Bought" lying down.
Given the location, the shop probably sold Second-hand Books too.
Naturally, it sold nothing else. Though Second-hand Books could theoretically bring in enormous profits, the owner would never put the shop in a prime location. And because books took so long to sell, a second-hand bookshop that needed to keep a large inventory wouldn't rent a good spot anyway.
After a brief discussion of prices, Andrew agreed to buy several more introductory books about the Wizarding world on Professor McGonagall's recommendation. In return, he got the textbooks he needed and the extra books at a slightly lower price. After a quick inspection, he found them reasonably tidy.
He could borrow every one of these books from the school Library, but the start of term was still a long way off. If they helped him build a foundation before school began, he could afford the expense.
His money was running dangerously low, though. Even second-hand, specialist books commanded quite a price.
Next came robes, scales, basic potion ingredients, a brass telescope, glass bottles, and other odds and ends.
Andrew's questions hardly stopped. Sometimes, after a little thought, one answer would lead to another question. Not a single one stumped Professor McGonagall.
Incredible...
Andrew marveled inwardly as he considered Professor McGonagall's answers.
"All right, that's enough questions."
Just as he was about to ask another, Professor McGonagall stopped answering. "I told you earlier that growing hair is the simplest form of Human Transfiguration for a wizard. What areas do you think that kind of Transfiguration could extend into?"
"The amount of hair, its style, color, toughness, and texture."
After a moment's thought, Andrew quickly added, "If it extends into other areas, it could apply to ropes, animal fur, how lush certain plants are... and disguise?"
"Fairly thorough. There are some obvious mistakes, but those concern things I haven't explained, so they're easy to make."
"And what did I say about beginning Transfiguration?"
"The most basic Transfiguration usually involves partially transforming an inanimate object. Typically, that means turning a small, rod-shaped object into something like a needle."
"And?"
"You need to pay attention to the incantation, gestures, Wand movements, and firm conviction."
"More or less correct."
After several more questions, Andrew was preparing his next answer when Professor McGonagall stopped. He blinked, then realized they were standing before a tiny, shabby shop.
Above the dilapidated storefront hung a sign whose gold lettering had begun to peel. But what it said was anything but ordinary.
"Ollivander: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
"Wands?"
After a moment of surprise, Andrew read aloud the part of the sign that stood out.
"Yes, Wands." A faint smile crossed Professor McGonagall's face as she nodded. "Now for the most important purchase of all. Let's find your partner."
Before you continue