Dumbledore: I'm Watching You

"As you can see," Professor McGonagall said, "when one's understanding of the internal structural Rules of matter is sufficiently profound, one's Magic Power sufficiently strong, and one's will sufficiently clear, this kind of transformation can be achieved.

"But as you said, it is far more difficult than ordinary Transfiguration, because it requires the caster not only to imagine the target form, but also to understand and reconstruct its stable internal structure, transforming loose layered connections into a solid three-dimensional structure."

Regulus asked at the right moment, "Professor, what about the Philosopher's Stone?"

She put away her wand and looked at Regulus. "As for the Philosopher's Stone... it is the pinnacle of Alchemy, beyond the scope of ordinary Transfiguration.

"It touches upon the realms of creation and eternity.

"Gold created through ordinary Transfiguration often bears a strong imprint of the caster's Magic Power. It is unstable and will revert to its original state over time or under interference from powerful magic, or it may possess some false essence.

"And the gold produced by the Philosopher's Stone is said to possess the true, eternal properties of gold.

"Perhaps the difference lies in whether one has truly created or fixed that perfect internal structural Rule belonging to gold."

This discussion benefited Regulus immensely.

Professor McGonagall's perspective leaned more toward an intuitive understanding of Magic Power and will.

His own perspective, meanwhile, incorporated modern scientific thinking.

The convergence of the two gave him a sudden, illuminating understanding of Transfiguration.

"Your talent and depth of thought in Transfiguration are impressive, Mr. Black."

Professor McGonagall's tone softened somewhat. She rose and walked to an old bookshelf, taking down a thick notebook that looked rather aged.

Regulus noticed that its cover was made of dark blue dragonhide. One glance was enough to tell how dearly its owner treasured it.

"This contains some of my insights, conjectures, and lessons from failure from when I was young and exploring the higher levels of Transfiguration." She handed the notebook to Regulus, her expression solemn.

"There are no specific spells or techniques inside. It is more about reflections on the essence of Transfiguration, and how to perceive and understand more clearly the object you wish to transform.

"I believe it may be of some help in your current explorations."

Regulus accepted the notebook with both hands. He could feel the gentle residual magic on the cover, as well as the crystallized wisdom of decades belonging to a rigorous scholar contained within.

The value of this gift was immeasurable.

"Thank you very much, Professor McGonagall," he said solemnly and sincerely.

"I hope it guides you in the right direction." Professor McGonagall looked at him deeply. "Transfiguration is one of the most direct manifestations of magic changing reality.

"A powerful will can reshape matter, but you must remember that will itself must be guided by wisdom and morality.

"Never forget that we study magic to understand the world, not simply to Dominate or distort it."

"Yes, Professor. I won't forget."

Regulus nodded in agreement. He understood what Professor McGonagall meant, and after thanking her again, he left the office.

After the door closed, Professor McGonagall remained where she was, staring at it with a complicated expression.

The talent and way of thinking this child had displayed were exceedingly rare, even in all her years of teaching.

He was calm, perceptive, and creative, while also understanding restraint and respect—at least on the surface.

But that was precisely why she was even more concerned. If such talent and temperament went down the wrong path, the harm it brought would be immense.

"I only hope he chooses the right road," she murmured. She returned to her desk, yet for a long while, she could not refocus on grading assignments.

In the end, Professor McGonagall rose and headed for the Headmaster's Office on the eighth floor of the Castle.

After she spoke the password, the Stone Gargoyle sprang aside, and the Spiral Staircase turned upward. She knocked on the gleaming Oak Door.

"Come in, Minerva," Dumbledore's gentle voice called out.

Professor McGonagall entered the circular office. As always, it was filled with the humming of all manner of strange Silver Instruments. The Portraits of former headmasters on the walls pretended to doze, though in truth, every one of them was listening intently.

Fawkes was preening his Feathers on his Perch.

"Albus, I need to speak with you about Regulus Black," Professor McGonagall said without preamble.

Dumbledore looked at her over his Half-moon Spectacles, his blue eyes gleaming with interest. "Ah, the young Mr. Black.

"Let me guess—has he raised another Transfiguration question difficult enough to trouble even my deputy headmistress?"

"It is more than just a question." Professor McGonagall sat in the hard-backed chair she usually occupied, her expression grave.

"His talent... is extraordinary. His understanding of Transfiguration has already far surpassed his age, even touching upon levels that I myself do not often consider in depth.

"More importantly, his way of thinking is highly unusual—clearly structured, with a... far-reaching perspective.

"This is very unusual. I mean this child, Albus."

She recounted in detail their earlier discussion about Graphite, Diamond, and the internal structural Rules of matter.

Dumbledore listened quietly, his hands folded before him.

"And," Professor McGonagall continued, her brow tightly furrowed, "I have noticed some of his behavior.

"He no longer raises those overly advanced questions in class, presenting himself as an outstanding student focused on building a solid foundation.

"But I had the House-elves keep an eye on him, and I discovered that he often practiced rather intricate magic alone in secluded parts of the Castle, including nonverbal spells and exceptionally precise Transfiguration.

"That is far beyond what someone his age should have mastered. Some of his magic is even more powerful than what adult wizards can cast.

"He has academic exchanges with Lily Evans of Gryffindor in the Library, and has even taught her Muggle essay-writing methods.

"With his classmates... he keeps his distance on the surface, but that child Avery Cuthbert seems to have begun following him. What Regulus has shown in response is conditional acceptance and guidance, not simple exploitation."

Dumbledore nodded slightly. "Yes, Minerva. I have noticed these things as well."

Professor McGonagall looked at him. "You knew? Of course you knew. How could you not?"

"This Castle," Dumbledore said with a smile, his gaze sweeping across the seemingly sleeping Portraits around them, "is filled with eyes and ears.

"And I have indeed been paying special attention to the young Mr. Black.

"From the day he enrolled, the Sorting Hat conveyed some interesting information to me.

"It said that his gaze upon the Starry sky transcended worldly conflicts, yet he had firmly chosen the path of Slytherin."

He paused, and his voice became calm and insightful. "He is different from his brother Sirius.

"Sirius's rebellion is a flame—fierce, bright, and direct.

"But Regulus appears calm on the surface, while within him may lie complicated thoughts and unknown ideas.

"His thirst for knowledge is genuine, and his pursuit of power is clear. Yet he seems to possess his own standards of judgment and logic of conduct."

"That is exactly what worries me!" Professor McGonagall said. "He has talent, ideas, and understands concealment and calculation. If he is drawn to those dark ideals..."

"We cannot choose our students' paths for them, Minerva." Dumbledore's voice was gentle but firm. "We can only provide knowledge, set an example, and offer guidance and correction when necessary.

"For now, Regulus Black has not displayed any behavior that crosses the line.

"His exchanges with Lily Evans are founded on a friendship of mutual respect. The way he restrains Avery Cuthbert is more like guidance than indulgence.

"His exploration of Transfiguration, though profound, has not touched upon dangerous forbidden territory."

He looked out at the sky gradually darkening beyond the window, his gaze distant. "Voldemort's Shadows are drawing near. Many ancient families are making their choices, and the Black family is destined to be unable to remain uninvolved.

"Regulus stands within it. Every choice he makes will affect himself, and may also affect many others.

"We cannot foresee the future, but we can observe, and we can prepare."

"You think he... might be different?" Professor McGonagall asked.

Dumbledore was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "The Starry sky seen by the Sorting Hat may be a metaphor.

"It may represent ambition, or it may represent a broader vision and pursuit.

"The way he views magic differs from that of many people. That may be a danger, or it may be an opportunity.

"Time will give us the answer, Minerva.

"Until then, let us continue fulfilling our duties as professors: teach him, observe him, and when necessary, ensure that he harms neither others nor himself."

When the conversation ended, Professor McGonagall's concerns had not completely faded, but the headmaster's words had settled her somewhat.

At the very least, Dumbledore was watching that child too.