Chapter 288: Transfiguration Club

The frame had transformed completely into a door. Kyle reached for the knob, and with a quiet "click," the door swung open. Inside was a room that resembled the usual Transfiguration classroom, though it felt more intimate with only a handful of people seated around.

Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle himself, there were exactly ten people present. On average, it seemed only two students per year were admitted to McGonagall's Transfiguration Club—a clear indication of the high standards she upheld for membership.

As Kyle stepped in, he was greeted by a round of applause, with one person in particular clapping the loudest from the back of the room.

"Cedric?" Kyle said in surprise as he recognized the student. "When you left the common room, didn't you say you were going to the kitchen to grab something to eat?"

"Er… sorry, Kyle," Cedric replied sheepishly, scratching his head. "Professor McGonagall asked me not to mention anything."

"It's true—I asked him to keep it a secret," Professor McGonagall confirmed with a smile. "I wanted to ensure you found the entrance on your own, as that's considered the first test. And it seems you've done well. Take a seat, won't you?"

She gestured toward an empty chair near the round table. Everyone sat around this single table, leaving an open spot between Cedric and Percy—clearly intended for Kyle.

As he walked over, Kyle noticed something curious: the spot reserved for him had only a small, low square stool, quite unlike the comfortable chairs with wide backs and plush velvet cushions that everyone else was seated in. The other club members were watching him with an amused curiosity, and Kyle instantly understood. This was the second test. If he couldn't perform a simple Transfiguration spell, he'd be stuck attending the session perched awkwardly on this low stool.

But Kyle wasn't about to let that happen. He took out his wand and gave it a deft wave. The small stool transformed into a brand-new velvet armchair, identical to the others.

Another round of applause broke out, and some of the older students began introducing themselves to Kyle, signaling his official acceptance into the club.

Besides himself and Cedric, there was only one other third-year and fourth-year in attendance. In fifth year, two Slytherins and a Ravenclaw were members, though Kyle wasn't familiar with any of them. Among the sixth years, Percy Weasley was joined by Ravenclaw prefect Penelope Clearwater, who was the first to greet Kyle warmly. The remaining students were all in seventh year.

...

Once Kyle had settled into his seat, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a copy of Transfiguration Today appeared in front of each student.

"I managed to get an advance copy of the latest issue," Professor McGonagall announced. "Today, we'll be discussing it. Choose an article that interests you most, and share your thoughts with the group."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall!" the students replied in unison, before the quiet sound of pages turning filled the room.

Unlike their structured classroom lessons, the club encouraged open discussions and sharing of interpretations and personal insights. Professor McGonagall's role was more of a facilitator—guiding the discussions, helping when someone hit a roadblock, and gently steering everyone's thinking in the right direction.

The room buzzed with an atmosphere of deep focus, and the liveliest debates came from the fifth and sixth years, led by Percy. They had selected an article on interspecies multiple metamorphosis, a cutting-edge topic in transfiguration studies. Percy eagerly shared his own theories and insights, clearly passionate about the subject. It was evident he was preparing to submit an article on the topic before graduation.

Transfiguration Today awarded a Most Promising Newcomer prize for young wizards still at Hogwarts, a prestigious accolade that could greatly enhance Percy's prospects at the Ministry of Magic after graduation.

…

By the time the club wrapped up, it was 8 o'clock. After Professor McGonagall gave a closing summary and answered a few lingering questions, the group left the room on the eighth floor, heading back to their respective common rooms.

"How did it feel?" Cedric asked as he and Kyle walked down the corridor together.

"Really productive and efficient," Kyle replied, glancing at the few sheets of parchment he'd taken notes on. "It would be even better if we could do it every day."

"Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't agree," Cedric chuckled. "I don't think she has that much spare time."

"Yeah, I know…"

They continued down the hallway toward the kitchens. Just before entering the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle turned to Cedric with a serious expression.

"Mr. Diggory," he began. "Are you still going to the kitchen for a snack? I can wait for you."

Cedric looked a bit embarrassed. "Oh, come on… Look, Professor McGonagall asked me to keep it a secret. I really didn't have a choice. Besides, I was confident that painting wouldn't give you any trouble."

"I'm flattered by your confidence," Kyle replied with a sidelong glance. "But Professor McGonagall also told us to avoid nighttime excursions. So why'd you forget that when you followed us into the Forbidden Forest last time?"

"That was different," Cedric protested. "I was… keeping an eye out. You know, making sure Filch didn't catch you."

"Yeah, I don't buy it," Kyle replied flatly.

"Fine… I don't believe me either," Cedric sighed. "How about I treat you to a Butterbeer to make it up to you?"

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to steal Fred and George's job now?"

"What else can I do?" Cedric replied helplessly.

Kyle thought for a moment. "I'll tell you what… just say, 'The Wimbourne Wasps are the best Quidditch team,' and I'll let it go."

"In your dreams!" Cedric's face went pale. "Those ruffians are league-bottom material. They don't even understand the art of Quidditch."

"Actually… the Wasps placed second in this year's league," Kyle said with a grin. "It was the Cannons who came last."

"That's just a temporary setback…" Cedric insisted, his face resolute. "I'm sure they'll catch up and reclaim their former glory!"

"If being at the bottom for thirty years is 'temporary,' maybe they'll turn things around in fifty. Or, who knows… a hundred years?"

"Ha, we'll see… and we'll see who's laughing then." Cedric tapped the entrance barrel with his wand and walked into the common room without looking back.