Wait, that's Hermione Granger? What a coincidence.
Sean's thoughts were nearly lost in the rushing wind as the train sped along the tracks. Outside the window, the wide-open fields had given way to a dense forest of yew trees, and the sunlight filtering into the compartnt beca dappled and dim.
The tips of Hermione's ears were still a faint shade of pink. She opened her mouth to say sothing, but her mind seed to have gone completely blank. Her stunned silence only deepened Sean's confusion.
"Oh! She was just saying that it's incredible you can already perform Transfiguration!" a cheerful voice cut in. It was Justin, quickly coming to Hermione's rescue. He pointed at the silver needle on the table, drawing both their gazes to it. "How did you do that? Hermione ntioned it's a very difficult spell."
He glanced nervously at Sean, praying the other boy hadn't overheard Hermione's actual, rather less complintary, words.
"The incantation is 'Trans-figura-tion,'" Sean explained, taking the question seriously. He ntally retraced his practice sessions, identifying the key details as he always did when learning. "The pause is between 'Trans' and 'figura,' and the stress is on the 'fi'… but more importantly, the wand movent from left to right has to be quick, without any hesitation."
He paused, adding, "And of course, you need a clear ntal picture of the object you want to create. That's on page five of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration."
Just then, the train erged from the yew forest, and the compartnt was once again flooded with bright sunlight, illuminating Sean's green eyes until they shone like polished jade.
"So my mistake was hesitating…" Justin muttered to himself, before catching himself and breathing a sigh of relief. "I an—it's great to et you! You probably didn't hear my introduction before. I'm Justin. Justin Finch-Fletchley."
"Hermione Granger," the girl said, the blush on her face finally receding. Her voice was confident and strong.
"Sean Green," he replied.
He still found Hermione's reaction a bit odd, but he decided not to dwell on it. He had far more important things to think about.
To the others in the compartnt, it looked as though Sean had gone back to flipping through his Transfiguration textbook. In reality, his focus was entirely on the ethereal panel floating in his vision.
Alright, let's see it. What level of Transfiguration genius am I?
His eyes drifted down the panel. He had to admit, he was nervous—a hundred tis more nervous than he ever was doing gacha pulls in the gas he used to play. Power in a ga was an illusion. This was real. This was a talent that would define his future.
[Title: Transfiguration Apprentice]
[Effect: Slightly increases your affinity for Transfiguration. Slightly improves your raw talent in Transfiguration.]
That was expected. He held his breath and read the next line.
[Wizard: Sean Green]
[Transfiguration Talent: Violet (Epic)]
Boosted by Title: Transfiguration Apprentice. Note: Average wizarding talent is Green (Uncommon).
[Evaluation: You are a true genius in this branch of magic. With proper tutelage, you will beco a master of great renown in the field of Transfiguration.]
Violet?! An Epic-tier talent?!
I really am a Transfiguration genius!
Sean felt as if a brass band had started playing in his ears. Only soone who had experienced the utter misery of a 'White' (Common) grade talent could truly appreciate the glorious sight of a 'Violet' (Epic) one.
With proper tutelage, I can beco a Master…
Suppressing a surge of pure elation, Sean cented his resolve. He would stick to Hogwarts for all seven years, no matter what. To do that, he needed a plan.
The vast difference between his Transfiguration and Charms talents confird a theory: magical aptitude in this world was specialized. Different wizards excelled in different areas. Neville, for instance, was hopeless at most subjects but a prodigy in Herbology. Hermione was brilliant across the board, but her Defence Against the Dark Arts wasn't as strong as Harry's, and she was a complete disaster in Divination.
To get 'Outstanding' in all seven subjects, Sean would have to pour his effort into his weaker areas. He began to rank the subjects by their perceived difficulty, knowing that the professor was just as important as the subject matter itself.
The most difficult subject, he concluded, would undoubtedly be Potions. Not only was it taught by Professor Snape, but the curriculum was famously detailed and complex. It also involved a high degree of practical, often dangerous, lab work, with graded assignnts due at the end of every single class, not to ntion the lengthy essays. The re thought of Snape's perpetually grim face made Sean's heart sink. Earning an 'Outstanding' in his class would be a monuntal challenge.
I just have to hope I have so talent for it, he prayed. Even a little would be nice.
Second on the list was Defence Against the Dark Arts. The practical elent was inherently dangerous, and the professors were… an eclectic bunch. People with two heads, after all, were not exactly common.
Another difficult class. Sean rubbed his temples, his gaze sharpening with determination.
Nothing will stop from learning. Not even Voldemort himself.
With his plan solidifying, he continued his assessnt. The middle tier of difficulty would be Herbology, Transfiguration, and Charms, all of which required a significant amount of talent. The easiest tier would be History of Magic and Astronomy, which primarily relied on morization—not a problem for him.
"My current level should be sufficient for Transfiguration and Charms," he murmured to himself. "History and Astronomy are just a matter of studying. That ans the real hurdles are Potions, Defence, and Herbology."
Just as he finalized his targets, he beca aware of a growing commotion outside the compartnt. He could hear excited shouts of "Harry," "Harry Potter," and "rlin's beard!" This was followed by a loud bang.
Startled from his thoughts, Sean looked up and t the curious gazes of Justin and Hermione for the third ti.
Justin imdiately looked down at his lap, as if he hadn't been staring at all. "Sean, look!" he said quickly. "It's the Levitation Charm. It's amazing!"
Sean followed his gaze. A feather was hovering in the air above Hermione's wand.
The girl lifted her chin proudly. "It's actually just a simple charm. I learned it from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. It wasn't very difficult; I got it after only a few tries."
It took five hundred tries, Sean thought, a muscle twitching in his cheek. So, not exactly.
"You should try, Justin," Hermione said earnestly, turning to him. "It's just a little spell. The book says it's often one of the very first charms young witches and wizards learn."
"Only if you'll teach ," Justin replied eagerly, taking out his own wand.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" he shouted.
The feather didn't move.
"You have to swish and flick your wrist," Hermione corrected.
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
The feather trembled slightly.
"You're saying it wrong!" she instructed, her tone becoming a bit more severe. "You have to be decisive! Any hesitation and it will fail!"
Justin focused intently. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
A mont later, the feather lifted into the air.
"I did it! It worked!" Justin exclaid, beaming. "Thanks, Hermione! You're a brilliant teacher!" He looked at the floating feather in awe. "You're right, it isn't so difficult after all!"
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