Transfiguration class

Breakfast in the dining hall is unexpectedly well balanced and satisfying with portions of magical beast meat and the finest vegetables grown in controlled environment with abundant magic.

This would be very beneficial to growth and recovery of the body, something that is in actual fact very expensive. Most common wizards are happy enough to eat three times a day and only nobles get to taste the premium taste of magical beast meat.

'Maybe half my monthly tuition goes to food. I was even wondering why the tuition fee here in Durmstrang Institute is surprisingly four times more than those of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Beuauxbatons Academy of Magic, it turns out that they actually mix recovery potion with the drinks.'

He walked for a while as the castle is lined with anti-apparition and disapparion charms, its not like it mattered that much to Viktor he tended to enjoy walking in the morning since a little bit of walking is very good for keeping the mind healthy and away from worldly thoughts.

(AN: fun fact. Exercise keeps you from thoughts of master**tion. Hahaha try it you nerds. Sue me.)

Viktor entered a spacious classroom for his transfiguration class and sat near the back of the room. The room buzzed with the constant chatter from the students who seem very excited for some reason. The professor arrived five minutes earlier than scheduled (which is 8:30).

"Good morning everyone. I'm quite early aren't I? I'm your professor for the transfiguration class. My name is Edward Alric, I'm also a graduate here, but it's going to be my first year teaching here in Durmstrang, I still can't believe it, so let's cooperate."

The professor introduced himself with a bright smile decorated on his face. He has long blond hair tied into a ponytail. He is wearing a set of black metallic punk themed suit, black leather shoes and a red cloak. He looked quite young and energetic with a constant smile on his face, canines jutting out. He had a set of deep blue eyes full of sadness despite his attempts at hiding it behind his smile. He is quite the shortstuff though at about five feet.

Professor Alric placed his hands together as if to pray and then lifted it forward showing his white rune filled gloves hidden underneath the long sleeves of his outer coat.

buzz*

'Basic Transfiguration for Dumdums by Edward Alric'

A thick book on transfiguration appeared in everyone's desks with a buzzing zap of electricity which no one expected. It has a strange title but that's not the important matter, the author of this book is currently their professor. That's pretty cool.

Publishing a book is easy, but making it so that it can be used as a reference and teaching material in schools in their local wizarding community especially in Durmstrang is quite difficult as it needs three main criterion, which are validity, time, and approval. Validity is very straightforward as the content will simply be under the scrutiny of fellow experts, much like a research defense. Time is a set requirement as ten years of staying true/accurate is the minimum, while this factor is often bypassed it still holds its ground. Hardest and most important of the three still is the approval of the authorities as a percentage of the sales of these books are actually given as incentive to high ranking officials, most would likely be part of the people who needs convincing.

If they went to other places like in Europe for example, these rules don't apply as like in most places Europe is open to these things. Even Hogwarts which is a famous school allowed the works of a certain fake adventurer cum wizard be used as a teaching material. Publishing your tales of adventure from your imagination and using it to teach? Then go... , but here in Durmstrang, false knowledge is kept away like how the trash are kept away from people and segregated for proper disposal some are for fools to entertain, some are for the masses to keep their ego sated and some are for the elite who truly knows how the world works.

Viktor gave it a quick scan and he was shocked. The comprehensiveness of the book and the step by step details and instructions is on a different league. He even gained a few inspirations and became enlightened about a few vague topics he seems to have missed in his research.

A book worth millions in Viktor's point of view was just taken out and handed over to him just like that after paying a minuscule amount of tuition.

'Ahh pigs do not know the value of pearls nor gold. This book is amazing! No... Professor Alrick is...'

"Yes Viktor?"

Prof. Alric called out with a smile when he saw Viktor raising his hand. Everyone's attention focused on one place.

"The book is arranged into an increasingly difficult topic, but what if... just if I already know how to do those things? Are you really going to tutor me specifically as mentioned at the last page of the book?"

There was a lot of flipping sounds from all around, making sure that what they heard is true. Their eyes twinkling in delight. As most of them are purebloods and had a deep background when it comes to magic, they are already aware of the most basic things and as such doing things one already know is dull and boring. A waste of time if put bluntly.

'He truly is sharp huh.'

The professors have already been aware of Viktor's profile after all.

"Yes of course! In fact here...."

Still smiling, he replied and performed the same actions he did when he summoned the books.

Another book appeared on top of the student's tables. It is twice as thick as the previous ones and is entitled 'Still a Dumdum in Transfiguration'.

"Nope, you can't have it. This is yet to be approved, but I hope it would be before the end of this term. I can't have my work plagiarised now can I? Don't worry, those who can finish the whole thing, I'll keep my word. I believe that answers the question. Any more questions master Krum?"

'He knew my name? Its either he is a dedicated teacher or someone is on the lookout for me. I wonder which one... hmm.'

Professor Alric answered matter-of-factly and with confidence as he would be glad to tutor and entertain those few who would push and shove to reach their goals like himself.

"Thank you professor Alric. I have no further questions."

Viktor sat back down and Edward turned to those who have their doubts while answering them with completely clear and consise details. While a certain professor is occupied, a knowledge hungry demon is quickly scanning all the pages of his book. This of course did not escape a certain midget's perception but he did not do anything.

.........

[Professor Edward Alric POV]

It was my first year of teaching and out of my excitement I didn't get much sleep. I came to the room assigned for the Transfiguration class which I'll be teaching.

The students are already waiting for me in their seats. I guess they know what they are doing as in Durmstrang being late is frowned upon as it shows disrespect to the rules and unwillingness. I have nothing against that though as these students really don't have a reason to be late anyway, they live in the school for one and another is they are away from distractions.

"I am Edward Alric. I'll be your professor in the Transfiguration class....."

I introduced myself and conjured the book we're using. I feel really proud of myself right now. I have spent countless hours into making this book and now finally I can share it with everyone.

"Yes Viktor?"

This kid is easy to remember, his folder is labeled special when I read it but there's not much information, well I guess I'll have to wait and see for myself.

So the boy was asking whether the note I put on the last page of my book stands true for what is written. Well yeah dumdum, I don't make false promises. Wait a minute? Did he just flip through my book like a maniac and ended in the last page? I didn't see clearly. 'Why would he do that? It's not like most of these students can finish this book in a year.

I showed them my next book. This one is more advanced as the last quarter of it is the gateway to the laws of equivalent exchange. This book however is yet to be approved by the local ministry and the school so I can't be teaching it here except for special cases such as tutorial sessions or an apprenticeship.

He was happy and sat back down then his full attention to the new book I summoned. He is going through it very quickly flipping the pages with telekinesis and shit. It only hastened further but I can't observe anymore as these other kids are raining questions upon me, I can't simply ignore them right?

After all that sharade, the class resumed and the students began following the book's instructions. I walked around to check in on everyone's progress while giving out tips to those who are having trouble transforming things.

I reached the back of the room where a lone student is sitting. The poor kid must have been socially awkward, I read he was orphaned quite early and was made master of the house at a very young age.

"Master Krum, why are you not opening your book?"

The kid smiled. Now that I'm closer I feel a sense of danger whenever I look straight into his eyes. Must have been my imagination.

"I was waiting for my tutor, you see."

Is this kid for real? He loved intelligent and talented students, but he would put them down if they are being overly confident about themselves when they know Jack-shit. Still patient from his old age, he spoke...

"Is that so.... Well..."

"Professor."

As I was about to see what makes him very confident about himself, I was interrupted mid sentence. The kid looked like he didn't do it out of disrespect so I'll let it slide this time, he is a misunderstood and socially awkward child after all.

"How about I show you what I can do and then teach me from there?"

He declared with confidence. He must be pretty good then.

"OK then, show me what you've got."

The kid placed a block of stone atop his desk, he must have some pretty good storage devices on him. Might be the black ring or the black muggle watch which I actually quite like. I'll ask him where I can find one later.

He took out his wand and cast it on the stone. The stone changed and took the shape of an egg, it looks vaguely familiar but I can't seem to find the correct one, if had a mirror I'd check out the tip of my tongue because its right there. He tapped the egg a second time and it began to crack. A small bald chick came out chirping, almost as if looking for its mother asking for food. Another tap of the wand at the head of the chick and it's now a fledgling. It has red and golden feathers and long tail feathers adorned with natural markings.

'Its a phoe...'

Slash*

'Blood?'

He fucking split the bird in half. Then lifted his wand again and brought it back to its previous state. Chirping and looking around like nothing happened.

"You see.... Its... Incomplete. I can restructure it again and again but it dies after the magic holding its structure is used up. It doesn't have a magic of its own and the world seems to refuse aiding it either. Can you please help me?"

"..."

What the actual f*ck? I was distracted by his presentation. I was unable to say or do anything as I simply watch him quickly swishing his wand in the air while muttering gibberish words which led to a young phoenix on the table.

Then he sliced it in half with a black blade that came out of nowhere with apathy, like he's done it many times before. The cut is quick and clean with no blood sputtering here and there to make a mess, just two portions of a majestic bird. How is that possible for an eleven year old kid? He even brought it back to its previous state and explained his case. This is only possible if... If...

He was saying something but my mind is still reeling and I can't understand most of the things he is saying. Something about it being incomplete.

Of course it is, the thing has no soul.

But it seems like he already knew that. This kid is not simple at all. I will have to reevaluate his files.