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In Transfiguration, basic deformation techniques allow you to change the shape of an object, but not its essence. For instance, last night, Dyroth had turned broken wood into birds and buttons into venomous snakes during his duel with Alexia.

However, while they appeared impressive, he knew the truth — they were still wood and buttons, only in a different form. Unlike Professor McGonagall's transformations, where a pig turned from a desk acted and moved as if it were a real, living creature, Dyroth's conjurations lacked that life-like quality.

As Dyroth observed quietly, Professor McGonagall noticed his thoughtful expression. She admired how quickly he grasped the important details of Transfiguration, a talent she seldom found in first-year students. However, as the professor for all Hogwarts students, she couldn't focus solely on Dyroth.

"Alright, young wizards," Professor McGonagall said, addressing the class. "Transfiguration is far more complex than you think. Today, we'll be learning to transform a matchstick into a silver needle."

She handed out matchsticks to the students and carefully demonstrated the technique — the wand movements, the focus, the precise gestures. Only after ensuring everyone understood did she give them permission to try.

"The key," she reminded, "is not to rush. Follow the steps in order."

Excitement filled the room as the students eagerly waved their wands. However, despite their efforts, most found little success. The matchsticks remained unchanged.

"Dyroth, can you check why my wand isn't doing anything?" Draco called out in frustration. But when he glanced at Dyroth's table, he froze.

To his astonishment, the silver needle on Dyroth's desk was constantly changing forms — from a pig to a needle and back again. Even more bizarre, the piglet's legs were thin, elongated like silver needles!

"Dyroth!" Professor McGonagall gasped, her eyes wide with alarm. She quickly dispelled the transformations with a flick of her wand.

Dyroth blinked, about to offer an explanation, but Professor McGonagall's stern voice interrupted him. "Dyroth, have you forgotten the rules? No experiments outside of what I've instructed."

"I apologize, Professor," Dyroth said, bowing his head. "I had completed the task and was trying to understand how to make the transformation more like yours — a real pig, not just a changed form."

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Professor McGonagall's eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected Dyroth to comprehend such an advanced concept so quickly.

"You're trying to understand the nature of the transformation," she murmured, intrigued.

"Yes, Professor. I can change the appearance, but I can't infuse life into it, like you did."

"Mr. Grindelwald," McGonagall said softly, her stern expression giving way to a hint of admiration. "Your grasp of Transfiguration is beyond what I anticipated."

Though she had expected Dyroth to excel, she had not imagined that in his first year, he would already be contemplating the deeper mysteries of Transfiguration — the very essence of objects, and even the level of the soul.

Her expression softened. "What you're speaking of touches on the core of advanced Transfiguration. To change wood into flesh, you must understand the essential difference between the two. This is not something you can achieve yet, but in time, you may. For now, practice transforming wood into stone or iron. It will help you build the foundation."

Dyroth nodded. "I understand, Professor. Thank you for your guidance."

McGonagall's eyes gleamed with pride, as though she had discovered a rare and precious gem. "If you're interested, Mr. Grindelwald, you may attend the Transfiguration Club on Sunday mornings. I'll explain the more advanced principles there."

"I'd love that! Thank you, Professor!"

Her face grew serious once more. "However, for your actions today, I must deduct five points from Slytherin for breaking classroom rules."

Dyroth nodded, accepting the punishment.

"But," she added with a small smile, "you've also earned five points for Slytherin for your exceptional transformation."

The Slytherins cheered as Dyroth smiled modestly. He appreciated McGonagall's fairness — clear rules and balanced rewards.

"Mr. Grindelwald," McGonagall said, "could you assist your classmates in completing today's task?"

"With pleasure, Professor," Dyroth agreed.

Draco immediately grabbed his arm. "Dyroth, help me first! My matchstick won't budge!"

"Alright," Dyroth said, watching as Draco tried again. "Stop there. I see your issue."

"What is it?" Draco asked eagerly.

"Draco, magic responds to your belief. You need to truly see the matchstick as a silver needle in your mind for the transformation to work," Dyroth explained patiently.

As he demonstrated the wand movements again, other Slytherin students, including Pansy, Daphne, and Theodore, gathered around, each eager to improve. With Dyroth's guidance, they soon began to make progress. The matches on their desks gradually sharpened, inching closer to becoming silver needles.

Seeing the rapid improvements of Slytherin, several Gryffindor students hesitated before joining the circle. Dyroth welcomed them, offering advice without any bias, much to Professor McGonagall's quiet approval.

Harry watched from a distance. "Maybe we should ask Dyroth for help," he suggested.

Ron immediately scoffed. "What, ask a Slytherin? You can't trust them. His father's a dark wizard, and he's probably just as bad, Right?"

Seamus Finnigan, returning from getting advice from Dyroth, barely heard Ron's complaint and simply nodded absentmindedly, too focused on his newly transformed matchstick.

By the end of the lesson, nearly every student had seen noticeable improvement, with many now holding sharpened matchsticks or partial silver needles in their hands.

Except for Harry and Ron. Their matches remained as stubbornly unchanged as before.

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