"Expecto Patronum!"
Cedric raised his wand and cast the Patronus Charm. A corporeal puma Patronus leapt from the tip of his wand.
As the puma Patronus gave off silver light and traced a silver arc through the air, the outline of Cedric's body began to reshape as well, transforming into a puma sitting on the ground.
The puma Cedric transformed into was about the same size as a real puma.
His unique Animagus feature was the tear troughs on either side of his nose bridge. They were a honey-golden brown, making them particularly conspicuous.
After Cedric completed his Animagus transformation, the puma Patronus also landed on the ground and sat beside the puma he had transformed into.
The puma Patronus pulsed with silver light in a steady rhythm, as though it could breathe, radiating a sense of warmth in all directions.
Professor Flitwick nodded. As he wrote something on a sheet of parchment, he said to Professor McGonagall, "He's already very proficient at this step!"
"Yes!" Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement, her gaze focused mainly on the puma Patronus. "He's maintaining the Corporeal Patronus Charm very well. There isn't the slightest sign of instability."
She remembered that two weeks ago, while maintaining his Animagus form, Cedric could only sustain a corporeal Patronus for a minute at most.
But now...
Professor McGonagall checked the time. Five minutes had already passed, yet the corporeal puma Patronus remained stable.
She nodded at Cedric. "Mr. Diggory, you may transform back now."
Cedric returned to human form and looked at the two professors. "Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, although I can perform this step steadily now, the next step..."
He sighed softly, his tone more subdued than before. "Just like yesterday... I still can't truly overcome 'animal instinct.'"
Professor Flitwick comforted him. "Mr. Diggory, don't be