The Transformation Club

The original picture frame was thus transformed into a door.

Kyle pressed the doorknob... and with a click, the door opened.

Behind the door was a room about the same size as the Transfiguration Class classroom, but there were far fewer people sitting inside than during class.

Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle himself, that makes exactly ten people... On average, only two people per year can join Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration Club.

Such a stark contrast demonstrates just how stringent Professor McGonagall's criteria for selecting members were.

As soon as Kyle entered the room, a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted from within... The person sitting on the far right was clapping the most enthusiastically.

"Cedric?"

After seeing the person's face clearly, Kyle instinctively said, "Didn't you say you were going to the kitchen to get something to eat when you left the common room?"

"Um...sorry, Kyle."

Cedric scratched his head and said sheepishly, "Professor McGonagall told me not to tell you."

"It was indeed me who asked him to keep it a secret... This was also to prevent him from giving you any clues or hints."

Professor McGonagall smiled and said, "Finding the club's entrance on your own is the first test."

"You've done a great job. Sit down now."

Professor McGonagall pointed to an empty seat not far away.

There was only one round table in the room, and everyone sat around it. There was just one empty seat next to Cedric and Percy... clearly reserved for Kyle.

But when Kyle walked over, he discovered that there was only a low, four-cornered stool there, which looked like a small folding stool.

The others, however, sat in chairs with wide backs and velvet cushions.

Add to that the curious stares from those around them, clearly there to watch the spectacle.

Kyle instantly understood; without a doubt, this was the second test.

If he doesn't pass the Transfiguration, he'll have to sit on a low stool and attend class with the others.

However, this situation will naturally not occur.

Kyle took out his wand and waved it gently, and the original four-cornered stool was transformed into a brand-new velvet armchair, just like the others.

Another round of applause erupted from the crowd, and some older students began to introduce themselves to Kyle.

This means that they have officially accepted Kyle as a member of the club.

Of these people, there was only one third- or fourth-grade student each, namely Kyle and Cedric.

The fifth-year students were two Slytherin and one Ravenclaw, but Kyle didn't recognize any of them.

Besides Percy, the sixth-year class also included Ravenclaw's Prefect, Penelope Clearwater... She was also the first to introduce herself to Kyle.

The rest is seventh grade.

After Kyle sat down, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a copy of "Today's Transfiguration" appeared in front of everyone.

"I've got my hands on the latest issue of the magazine in advance, and that's the topic of our discussion today," Professor McGonagall said. "You can choose an article that interests you the most and share your thoughts."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall!" everyone said.

Then the only sound in the classroom was the turning of pages.

Unlike classes, clubs are more about students discussing and exchanging their understanding and opinions.

Professor McGonagall's role is to ensure everyone's thinking is on the right track and to give them a push when they get stuck.

The room had a very strong academic atmosphere, with the most heated discussions taking place among the fifth and sixth graders, centered around Percy.

The article they chose was about cross-species multiple Transfiguration, which is one of the most popular topics in Transfiguration studies.

Percy offered many of his own opinions and understandings, and he seemed to be preparing to publish an article on this topic before graduation.

The "Today's Transfiguration" awards a Most Promising Newcomer Award for young wizards who have not yet graduated from Hogwarts.

Percy went there specifically for that.

As a professional academic journal, this award is highly prestigious, and if he can obtain it, it will greatly help him enter the Ministry of Magic after graduation.

The Transfiguration Club ended at 8 PM.

After Professor McGonagall finished her final summary and answered some questions, everyone left the Seventh Floor room and headed to their respective common lounges.

"How are you feeling..." Cedric asked on the way back.

"Very productive, and very efficient." Kyle glanced at the parchment in his hand. "It would be even better if we could come every day."

"Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't think that way," Cedric chuckled. "She doesn't have that much time."

"I know..."

The two walked to the kitchen hallway.

Before entering the common room, Kyle suddenly looked at Cedric and said seriously, "Mr. Diggory, are you going to the kitchen to get something to eat? I can wait for you."

Hey, don't do that.

Cedric looked a little embarrassed. "Professor McGonagall really asked me to keep it a secret. I had no choice."

Besides, I'm confident that painting won't be too difficult for you."

"I'm honored to receive such high praise from you." Kyle glanced at him. "But Professor McGonagall also said that nighttime outings are forbidden. How could you have forgotten that when you came with us to the Forbidden Forest?"

"It's not the same..." Cedric argued, "I am... watching over you, protecting you... from being discovered by Filch."

"Do you even believe that yourself?" Kyle said irritably.

"Okay... I don't believe you." Cedric sighed. "Then if I buy you Butterbeer, can you forget about it?"

Kyle raised an eyebrow and said, "... You want to steal Fred and George's jobs?"

"Then what should I do?" Cedric asked helplessly.

"How about this..." Kyle thought for a moment, "If you just shout out loud that the Wimbourne Wasps are the best Quidditch team, I'll forgive you."

"You're dreaming!"

Cedric's expression immediately changed. "Those brutes deserve to be at the bottom of the league. They don't understand the art of Quidditch at all."

"Actually... the Wimbourne Wasps are second in the league this year," Kyle said with a laugh. "The Chudley Cannons are at the bottom."

"That's only temporary..." Cedric said with unwavering determination, "I believe they will catch up and reclaim their former glory!"

"If being at the bottom for thirty years can be considered 'temporary,' then they might actually have a chance to catch up."

Kyle shrugged. "Just fifty years from now... or even longer, a hundred years?"

"Ha, we'll see... let's see who has the last laugh."

Cedric tapped the barrel with his wand and went inside without looking back.