Inside the Transfiguration classroom, Ethan's comment set off a burst of laughter.
They had only been at the magic academy for a short time, so of course they still missed home. His words clearly brought up everyday memories for everyone. Unless someone came from an elite or aristocratic family, having a sewing kit at home was completely normal—even if you'd never used it, you'd definitely seen one.
"And then, just like the professor said earlier, clear your mind completely and focus."
"Most failures happen because, at the very last moment of casting, you stop truly believing in yourself."
After finishing, Ethan nodded politely to Professor McGonagall and sat back down.
The professor gave a stern nod of approval—his explanation had been perfect.
She turned toward the young students still staring at her, summarizing firmly:
"Did everyone hear that clearly? Talent counts, yes, but skill still requires method."
"What Ethan just said is a structured summary of the textbook content and what I've taught you. Now—everyone—try again."
[Someone gained a deeper understanding of the Basic Transformation Charm thanks to your explanation. Basic Transformation EXP +2]
[Someone gained a deeper understanding of the Basic Transformation Charm thanks to your explanation. Basic Transformation EXP +2]
[Transfiguration professor expresses admiration for your talent. Basic Transformation EXP +10, Spellbook Affinity +10]
Perfect.
As expected, helping other students still boosted his growth.
And the professor's praise giving EXP was an unexpected bonus—not just affinity, but actual spell experience.
That meant Ethan now had a new Transfiguration-class goal.
Maybe Transfiguration could eventually surpass the only spell he currently had at Level 2—Levitation.
He wondered whether experience could still be gained outside of class. Something to test later.
He also made a mental note to analyze which professors gave which types of experience so he could "level grind" more efficiently.
Keeping that thought tucked away, Ethan started helping Theo and Adam again.
These adorable newbie "XP generators" couldn't be wasted.
By the time the afternoon sun had softened, the dismissal bell rang.
"Before next class, you will complete tonight's assignment," McGonagall announced.
"Each of you must fill two full parchment rolls explaining today's Transfiguration theory and attempt to fully transform a matchstick into a needle. Class dismissed."
With that, she packed her things and strode out first, leaving a room full of stunned students.
"This… is this even humanly possible?" Theo muttered after a long daze.
"It's not that bad. One parchment roll is about nine inches long," Ethan replied, already packing up.
"That's not the point! The point is she wants them filled—and she wants two!"
Theo held up his hands dramatically, showing the size of the parchment while groaning in despair.
"You could always… not do it," Adam said casually as he walked by.
Theo shivered.
"Nope nope nope—there isn't a single person in this entire academy who'd dare skip McGonagall's assignments!"
Both boys hurried to catch Ethan, grabbing him by each arm.
"Ethan the Mighty! You HAVE to help us!"
"When we get back, I'll show you the key points. You two just need to read them carefully."
The moment he said that, he was finally freed, and the boys headed toward their dorm tower.
While climbing the stairs, Theo suddenly remembered something.
"Ethan, you turned the matchstick into a needle… so right now, is it wood or what?"
"You don't need Ethan for this one—I can answer it," Adam replied.
"It's still wood. Its essence hasn't changed."
"Why? When I touched it, it felt exactly like a steel needle!" Theo scratched his hair in frustration.
If he had dandruff, Ethan would have backed away on the spot.
"Transfiguration only alters appearance, not the object's essential nature," Ethan explained.
"In Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, it clearly states that food cannot be conjured from nothing. Another rule is 'Life cannot be created nor destroyed'—in other words, the essence cannot be transformed."
"As for why it feels like a metal needle—that's because the spell forces the matchstick to mimic the needle's appearance, hardness, size, and shape."
Seeing Theo still struggling, Ethan summed it up simply:
"Think of it this way: Transfiguration is basically forcing the matchstick to put on a costume.
It looks like a needle, feels like a needle… but deep down, it's still wood."
"Oooh! I get it now!" Theo brightened—then immediately deflated.
"Man… I really thought it could turn into real metal."
Adam narrowed his eyes. "What were you planning to do?"
"Heh… Well, if it could turn into real metal, then I could make silver… or maybe even gold coins…"
Theo rubbed his fingers together with a greedy grin.
Ethan and Adam gave him a long, speechless look.
"That's exactly why McGonagall warned us about the dangers of Transfiguration before class," Adam said, tapping Theo on the head.
"You clearly weren't listening at all."
"Accident! Accident! I couldn't focus at the time!"
Theo rubbed his head awkwardly. Sure, the professor had gone over the basics very clearly…
But shiny gold coins were just so tempting!
"Transfiguration only alters the physical form. It can't override the object's true nature. Real essence conversion? That's alchemy."
Ethan adjusted his backpack as they reached the top of the stairs.
"But even then, real essence transformation still follows equivalent exchange."
"You studied alchemy too?" Adam stared at him—aghast.
"That's for sixth- and seventh-years! And you already know it?"
"Not studied—more like skimmed it. I read alchemy books as bedtime reading when I was little."
Ethan shrugged casually.
Theo and Adam chorused:
"Freak!"
Even as fellow Ravenclaws, they felt that Ethan's habits were beyond extreme.
Who the heck reads alchemy books as children's bedtime stories?