Immortal Bird

At six in the morning, the corridors of Hogwarts were dimly lit, the castle still wrapped in the quiet of early dawn. Alexander walked through the hallways with steady steps, the sound of his sneakers lightly echoing against the stone walls. He made his way toward the Great Hall, his raven, Artemis, perched silently on his shoulder, observing their surroundings with sharp, red eyes.

When he entered the Great Hall, it was mostly empty, save for the teachers seated at the head table. The enchanted ceiling above reflected the pale light of the rising sun, casting a soft glow over the long house tables.

Alexander noted that he was the first student to arrive, the echo of his steps drawing the attention of the professors. A few gave him a brief glance, Professor McGonagall included, before returning to their quiet conversations. Taking a seat at the Slytherin table, Alexander set his things down and prepared to enjoy the rare solitude of the moment, waiting for breakfast to begin.

As Alexander sipped from his glass of milk, the quiet of the Great Hall was interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. Looking up, he saw Professor Snape approaching, a stack of parchment in hand. Snape's expression was as unreadable as ever, his dark eyes fixed on Alexander.

Stopping in front of him, Snape inclined his head slightly. "Good morning, Mr. Ravenwood," he said in his measured tone. "It's refreshing to see that at least one student understands the value of punctuality. Typically, they don't start appearing until 7:15."

Snape placed a parchment in front of Alexander—it was his timetable. Alexander nodded, his calm demeanor unwavering. "Good morning, Professor," he replied simply, picking up the timetable to examine it.

Snape's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Make good use of your time, Mr. Ravenwood," he said before turning and walking back toward the head table, his black robes billowing behind him.

As Alexander finished his breakfast, he rose from his seat, carefully folding his timetable and slipping it into his pocket. The Great Hall was still mostly empty, with only a few early risers beginning to trickle in.

With a quiet resolve, he made his way out of the hall, his footsteps echoing faintly in the corridors. His destination was clear—the famous Hogwarts library, a treasure trove of magical knowledge he had been eager to explore since his arrival.

The castle was serene in the early hours, its corridors bathed in the soft light of the morning. Alexander's raven, Artemis, perched comfortably on his shoulder, occasionally ruffling her feathers and glancing around with sharp, curious eyes.

As he walked, Alexander couldn't help but admire the intricate architecture of the castle, the moving portraits greeting him with polite nods or curious looks. The anticipation of discovering the library's wealth of books quickened his steps, his mind already racing with thoughts of spells, theories, and the secrets of the wizarding world waiting to be uncovered.

As Alexander stepped into the library, he was immediately struck by its grandeur. Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves stretched across the vast space, each filled with volumes of magical knowledge. The faint scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, and the soft rustle of enchanted pages turning by themselves added a quiet charm.

Behind the main desk stood a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and tightly bound hair. She was meticulously organizing a stack of books when she noticed Alexander's arrival. Her gaze softened slightly, and she addressed him in a measured tone.

"Good morning, young one. A first-year, I presume?" she said, her voice carrying a blend of curiosity and authority.

"Yes, ma'am," Alexander replied politely, dipping his head in respect.

Madam Pince's sharp eyes studied him for a moment before she continued, "It's rare to see a first-year this early in the library. What brings you here so soon?"

"I wanted to familiarize myself with the resources available," Alexander said, his tone steady. "I've been eager to start learning beyond what's in the curriculum."

A small, approving nod escaped the librarian. "Good. Knowledge is a powerful tool, young wizard. Treat it with respect, and it will serve you well. But remember," she added with a faint smile, "I will not tolerate any damage to these books. Am I clear?"

"Crystal clear," Alexander assured her.

"Very well," Madam Pince said, gesturing to the vast expanse of the library. "The library is yours to explore. But stay out of the Restricted Section unless you have explicit permission."

With a grateful nod, Alexander moved deeper into the library, his eyes lighting up as he scanned the countless titles. Artemis shifted slightly on his shoulder, her red eyes gleaming with curiosity as they delved into the world of magical knowledge together.

As Alexander wandered through the seemingly endless rows of bookshelves, the sheer magnitude of Hogwarts' library left him in awe. The silence was comforting, broken only by the faint rustle of parchment and the occasional sound of a book settling into place. Artemis perched silently on his shoulder, her crimson eyes scanning their surroundings as if sharing his curiosity.

Eventually, he found himself in the Transfiguration section. The spines of countless books stood neatly aligned, their titles etched in shimmering gold or silver lettering. His fingers lightly brushed against the covers as he read the titles aloud, his voice barely above a whisper.

"A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, Intermediate Transfiguration Techniques, The Art of Animal Morphology, Inanimate to Animate: A Theoretical Approach," he murmured, pausing occasionally to tilt his head at particularly intriguing titles. "The Physics of Magical Transformation... The Secrets of Transmutational Mastery... fascinating."

Artemis flapped her wings lightly as if urging him to pick one. Smiling at his familiar's enthusiasm, Alexander carefully slid a particularly thick volume, Transfiguration for the Talented and Curious, from the shelf.

"This one seems promising," he muttered, flipping through the aged pages. Diagrams of objects morphing into animals and complex theories adorned the parchment. "I wonder how much of this I'll be able to try during my first year."

Alexander found a nearby table and settled down, placing the book before him. Artemis hopped from his shoulder onto the table, observing the text as though she too was eager to learn. The quiet atmosphere of the library was perfect for his exploration, and Alexander felt a deep sense of excitement for the journey ahead.

Leaving the library with a sense of satisfaction, Alexander carried two books under his arm. The first was Transfiguration for the Talented and Curious, the volume he had carefully chosen earlier. The second was an equally intriguing title he had discovered in the Charms section: Mastering the Fundamentals of Charms: A Practical Guide for Beginners.

As he walked through the quiet corridors of Hogwarts, the weight of the books in his hands filled him with a strange excitement. Each step echoed softly, and the flickering light from the torches on the walls illuminated his path. Artemis perched silently on his shoulder, as though sensing his focus.

With his timetable in mind, he made his way toward his first class of the day, ready to immerse himself in the magical lessons he had long awaited.

Alexander was the first to arrive at the Transfiguration classroom. The room was quiet, its walls lined with shelves containing various objects that seemed primed for magical demonstrations. As he stepped inside, his gaze was drawn to an orange tabby cat sitting calmly on Professor McGonagall's desk, its piercing eyes watching him with an almost unnatural intensity.

Intrigued, Alexander approached the desk and observed the cat for a few moments. There was something unusual about its posture and the intelligence in its gaze. Slowly, realization dawned on him. He gasped softly, stepping back slightly.

"Professor McGonagall?" he asked, his tone a mixture of curiosity and amazement.

The cat's ears twitched, and its expression shifted into what could almost be interpreted as surprise. Moments later, with a fluid movement, the cat leaped down from the desk, transforming mid-air into the familiar figure of Professor McGonagall, her sharp eyes twinkling as she adjusted her robes.

"Very perceptive, Mr. Ravenwood," she said with a slight smile. "Not many first-year students recognize an Animagus form so quickly. It seems you've already been doing some reading."

Alexander nodded, still slightly stunned. "I read about Animagi in Transfiguration for the Talented and Curious. I thought it might be you when I noticed the way the cat was watching me."

"Impressive," McGonagall replied, clearly pleased by his deduction. "Perhaps you have a natural aptitude for Transfiguration after all. Take a seat, Mr. Ravenwood. Class will begin shortly."

Alexander nodded, moving to a seat near the front, his excitement for the lesson growing even stronger.

As Professor McGonagall transformed back into a cat and gracefully leaped back onto her desk, Alexander pulled out his diary. With focused precision, he began jotting down spells he intended to practice and questions for his teachers, his quill scratching softly against the parchment.

A few minutes later, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor, and the door swung open. The girl who had bothered him on the train stepped into the room, her bushy hair bouncing slightly as she glanced around.

"I thought I would be the first to arrive," she said, her tone carrying a hint of surprise. Her gaze then landed on Alexander, and she frowned slightly. "The teacher isn't here yet?"

Alexander's eyes flicked toward the orange cat perched on the desk. To his surprise, it seemed to wink at him, as if sharing an inside joke. Turning back to his diary, he answered dryly, "No."

The girl's gaze lingered on Alexander's diary, curiosity piqued. "What are you doing?" she asked, her tone sharp. "You shouldn't be learning without a teacher."

"Why?" Alexander replied sarcastically, not even looking up from his writing.

"Because teachers are here to teach," she retorted, crossing her arms. "I've already read all the curriculum books, but I didn't bother with advanced material. It would be useless—you wouldn't understand anything without proper guidance."

Before Alexander could respond, she suddenly leaned forward and grabbed his diary, flipping it open. "You even take notes on them for experiments?" she exclaimed, her tone incredulous.

Alexander's eyes darkened as irritation flared within him. This girl was disrupting his peace and prying into his private work, her audacity grating on his nerves. He snapped, his voice cold and cutting, "You brown-haired, nosy, annoying girl, get away from my things. If you're too dumb to understand advanced books after reading the curriculum, that doesn't mean everyone is like you. You are not the standard of intelligence. You're just an arrogant little girl who thinks she knows better than everyone else."

His words left the girl stunned, and she quickly placed the diary back on his desk, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She turned away in silence, clearly taken aback by his sharp rebuttal. Alexander picked up his diary and continued writing, his expression stoic, reclaiming his peace as the cat on the desk observed the exchange with interest.

The class started when Harry Potter and Ron Weasley arrived a few minutes late. Professor McGonagall transformed back into her human form, her eyes flashing with disapproval.

"I will not tolerate any shenanigans in my class," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the room. "Anyone who disturbs the lesson will be expelled from this class for the rest of their time at Hogwarts."

She paused, letting her words sink in, before turning to the class with a sharp look. "Now, who can tell me, what is transfiguration?"

Hermione Granger eagerly raised her hand.

"Yes, Miss Granger?" McGonagall called on her.

Hermione beamed and immediately recited the textbook definition of transfiguration, word for word, looking at Alexander with a sense of superiority as she finished.

Alexander, who had been quietly observing, let out a small laugh, unable to hold back his amusement at the girl's clear desire to impress.

Professor McGonagall turned her sharp gaze towards Alexander, her expression unreadable. "You have something to say, Mr. Ravenwood?" she asked, her tone expectant.

Alexander looked up from his desk, a slight smirk on his face. "Sorry, Professor, it's just that I find it funny," he said, his voice calm but with a touch of sarcasm. "The girl who lectured me about learning seems to think she's smart just because she memorized the page from the book, rather than actually understanding it."

The room fell silent, and Hermione's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Even Professor McGonagall's face hardened slightly, though she said nothing, waiting to see how the situation would unfold.

Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Alexander's response. "Then what do you think transfiguration is, Mr. Ravenwood?"

Alexander leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes thoughtful as he began to speak. "Transfiguration, to me, is more than just a form of magic. It's a discipline of change—a deep understanding of transformation. At its core, it's about transmutation—the art of changing one substance into another. It's not just about shifting the form, but also about understanding the essence of what you're changing. Whether it's an object, a creature, or even a human form, each requires a different approach, a different set of principles.

There are three main types of transfiguration: object transfiguration, animal transfiguration, and human transfiguration. Object transfiguration involves transforming one material into another—like turning a cup into a teapot. It's precise, technical, and requires great control. Animal transfiguration is a bit more complex—it's not just about changing a creature's shape, but about channeling its spirit and characteristics, like when Professor McGonagall transforms into a cat. And human transfiguration, the most difficult of them all, involves changing one's physical form, which demands an extreme level of skill, concentration, and a deep understanding of the human body.

The beauty of transfiguration lies in its versatility. It's not just about making something disappear or change; it's about creating something entirely new from what once was. It's about seeing the potential in everything and shaping it, bending it to your will. It's the magic of possibility, and that's what makes it so fascinating."

There was a quiet pause after his answer, and Alexander noticed several students exchanging glances. Hermione seemed slightly taken aback, though she didn't speak. McGonagall, however, gave a small nod of approval.

Professor McGonagall gave Alexander a brief nod, acknowledging his insight. "I couldn't say it better myself, Mr. Ravenwood," she remarked, before waving her wand in a swift motion.

With a soft whoosh, her desk transformed into a pig, its small round eyes blinking in confusion as it snuffled the floor. The class fell into stunned silence for a moment, all eyes on the now-pig-shaped desk. McGonagall gave a sharp clap to break the stillness, and the pig immediately transformed back into the desk.

"Now, as you can see," she continued, "transfiguration is not simply about waving your wand and expecting results. It requires mastery of three key elements: focus, will, and visualization."

She looked around the room, making sure every student was paying attention before continuing. "Focus is the ability to concentrate on your magic, blocking out distractions. Without focus, your spells will fall apart, and you risk failure—or worse, unintended consequences."

"Will is the strength of intent behind your spell. It is the power of your mind driving the magic, forcing the change to happen. Without will, the magic remains dormant, useless. It is the fuel that powers transfiguration."

"Lastly, visualization is perhaps the most important. To transform something, you must clearly see in your mind what you wish to create. You must picture the end result with precision, or your transformation will not work. It is not enough to simply change the shape; you must understand the very essence of what you're trying to create."

She paused for a moment, letting the gravity of her words sink in before adding, "Today, we will begin practicing these three keys. You will work on simple object transformations, starting with turning a matchstick into a needle. Focus, will, and visualization must guide you. Now, take out your wands and let's begin."

As the students continued to attempt the spell, the classroom was filled with the faint crackling of magic, the occasional pop of a failed transformation, and the murmurs of encouragement from Professor McGonagall. She moved around the room, offering guidance and constructive criticism, but her eyes landed on each student, noting their progress.

When she reached Hermione Granger, the young witch had managed to change the shape and color of the matchstick, but it had neither the sharpness nor the material of a true needle. McGonagall, with a small smile, nodded approvingly.

"Good try, Miss Granger," she said. "Five points to Gryffindor. Continue to try. I'm sure you will succeed."

Hermione beamed with pride at the teacher's praise. She quickly glanced at Alexander, who had been less than enthusiastic during their earlier interaction on the train. Seeing his lack of attention, she couldn't resist the urge to flaunt her success in front of him. With a smug expression, she subtly angled her matchstick to display it, hoping he'd notice her apparent progress. However, to her dismay, Alexander didn't look up at all.

Alexander sat with his legs crossed, his head resting on his left hand as he stared intently at his matchstick. His mind wasn't focused on the others' attempts or even on the spell itself—he was lost in thought, pondering the possibilities.

In his mind, he could feel the core of the matchstick, imagining what it would take to not just change its form, but to understand it at a deeper level, to transmute it completely into a needle, something that could hold its sharpness, its density, and its purpose. He could feel the essence of it, the transformation not just as a physical change, but as a shift in what the object truly was. For Alexander, the spell wasn't just about the surface—he wanted to bend reality itself, to control and understand the magic that was guiding him.

But for now, the matchstick was his focus—a mere stepping stone. He didn't need to hurry to prove anything to anyone. The rest of the class, including Hermione, could continue to boast about their small successes. He was already thinking beyond them.

As the class continued with their attempts at the spell, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but notice that Alexander hadn't even made an attempt to transform his matchstick. Instead, he seemed to be deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the matchstick in his hand. His mind appeared to be elsewhere, contemplating something beyond the task at hand.

"What's caught your interest, Mr. Ravenwood?" McGonagall asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Why aren't you practicing the spell?"

Alexander blinked, as if coming out of a trance, and looked up at her. "Sorry, Professor. I was reflecting on how I want to change the matchstick... how it will look, and if I add some changes to the form of the needle. I was thinking about the possibilities."

The class fell silent for a moment, and then McGonagall let out a soft laugh, which echoed around the room. Her laughter caught the attention of every student, who looked up to see what was happening. The usually stern and composed professor was smiling warmly at Alexander.

"I knew you were intelligent the first time I met you," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "And in the bookstore, I could see your curiosity. But I see there's more to you. Why don't you give it a try?"

With her encouragement, Alexander nodded and held his matchstick firmly in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he muttered the incantation under his breath, his focus sharpening.

"Acusignis."

The matchstick shimmered for a moment, and then, with a sudden flash, it transformed. The small wooden stick morphed into a delicate golden snake, its body coiling gracefully. Its eyes glowed a vivid green, while its tongue, rather than a forked appendage, was replaced by a sharp grey needle, gleaming with precision.

The room fell silent as every student gawked in astonishment. Even McGonagall's eyebrows rose in genuine admiration. The snake-like form, so intricately detailed, was a clear sign that Alexander's magical aptitude went beyond the ordinary.

"Well, Mr. Ravenwood," McGonagall said with a smirk, "that is certainly... impressive."

The other students exchanged glances, some in awe, others in envy, but all aware that they had just witnessed something remarkable. Alexander, however, simply smiled faintly, his mind already moving on to the next possibility.

"Twenty points for Slytherin," McGonagall said, her voice filled with genuine approval. "Mr. Ravenwood, may I keep your needle? I like to keep my students' achievements as examples for the rest of the class."

Alexander didn't even look up from his diary, where he was jotting down his thoughts. "Yes," he replied simply, still absorbed in his writing.

McGonagall, holding the golden snake-shaped needle carefully in her hands, couldn't help but marvel at the intricacy of its design. Every curve of the snake's body, every detail on its scales, and the sharp, grey needle that replaced its tongue were a testament to Alexander's creativity and skill. It wasn't just the success of the spell that impressed her—it was the artistry in the transformation.

As the class continued, McGonagall found herself distracted by the needle, turning it over in her hands as she examined it from every angle. The materials used were unlike anything she had seen before in a student's work, and the precision with which it was crafted suggested that Alexander wasn't merely a prodigy; he was a true genius, with an extraordinary understanding of magic and its potential.

She knew that this was no ordinary student, and she couldn't wait to see what he would do next.