[Marvel's Magic Master] Chapter 268: Animagus Transformation

Meanwhile, on the other side, George's avatar at the real Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was diligently studying magic.

In the second-year Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall was explaining the principles of human transfiguration.

Although George had already mastered the knowledge in the textbook, attending class was still essential. The textbook was just the foundation—professors often expanded on the material, providing insights and additional knowledge that weren't written in the books.

George's skill in Transfiguration was already at the level of a typical adult wizard.

But he wasn't satisfied with merely reaching that level. He aspired to become a master, fully comprehending every aspect of magic so that he could refine it and integrate it into other magical systems from different worlds in the future.

That's why building a solid foundation was crucial. Just because he was already proficient didn't mean he could afford to skip class.

Besides, with his Time-Turner, he could attend lessons and then rewind time to continue practicing other forms of magic. There was no conflict in his schedule.

"Human transfiguration is the most difficult and dangerous branch of Transfiguration," Professor McGonagall explained. "This is because humans possess intelligence, and that very intelligence instinctively resists being transformed, making the process significantly more difficult.

Before you have sufficient skill, do not attempt to transfigure an enemy, nor should you attempt it on yourself.

There was once a witch in ancient Greece named Circe, who lived on the island of Aeaea. She was particularly skilled in human transfiguration—especially in turning people into pigs.

Many lost sailors who passed by her island were transformed into pigs and, after losing their human consciousness, behaved purely on animal instincts.

Because the spell was never reversed, they eventually lost the ability to return to human form.

Such actions are now considered illegal, and in serious cases, offenders are sent directly to Azkaban."

Hearing this, many young witches and wizards instinctively leaned back in their seats, terrified.

Azkaban—the very place guarded by Dementors. They had encountered Dementors on the Hogwarts Express at the start of the school year and had experienced firsthand how terrifying they were. Now, the school entrances were still heavily guarded by Dementors.

At that thought, many of them couldn't help but glance at George, who was listening attentively. Unlike them, he wasn't afraid of Dementors. In fact, he had even killed one before.

"Professor, is using human transfiguration on oneself the same as when you transform into a cat?"

A curious student raised their hand and asked.

Professor McGonagall nodded.

"That's correct. When a wizard transfigures themselves into an animal, it is called an Animagus transformation. You will learn about this in your fifth-year textbook.

However, I strongly advise against attempting it. A single mistake could leave you permanently trapped in an animal's form, unable to change back.

The process itself is also incredibly complex and difficult. Many wizards have attempted it multiple times, only to fail before reaching the final transformation stage, forcing them to give up."

"Is it complicated because the incantation is long?"

Another student raised their hand.

"But I've seen you transform without saying an incantation, Professor."

Professor McGonagall hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Since you're interested, I'll give you a brief explanation so you can understand the difficulty involved.

The complexity of Animagus transformation does not lie in the spell itself but in the preparation process."

She set down her textbook and began explaining:

1. For one full month—from one full moon to the next—you must keep a single Mandrake leaf in your mouth at all times.

You cannot swallow it or take it out, even for a second. If the leaf leaves your mouth, you must start over from the beginning.

2. On the night of the full moon, remove the leaf and place it in a small crystal vial filled with your saliva. Let it soak under the pure light of the moon.

- If the sky is cloudy that night, you must find a new Mandrake leaf and start over.

- To this vial, add a strand of your own hair, a single teaspoon of dew collected from a location untouched by sunlight or humans for seven consecutive days, and the chrysalis of a Death's-Head Hawkmoth.

- Store the mixture in a quiet, dark place. Do not disturb it or expose it to sunlight until the next thunderstorm arrives.

3. While waiting for the thunderstorm, at sunrise and sunset each day, point your wand at your heart and recite the incantation.

4. The crystal vial must remain undisturbed and protected from sunlight, as any contamination from sunlight will result in catastrophic mutations.

- If you continue the ritual properly, you will eventually feel a second heartbeat when your wand touches your chest. This secondary heartbeat may be strong or faint, but you must not panic or alter your routine.

- The incantation must be recited exactly the correct number of times. Even a single mistake will require restarting the process.

5. When a lightning bolt splits the sky, you must immediately retrieve the crystal vial.

- If everything has been done correctly, the vial will contain a single mouthful of blood-red potion.

6. Immediately move to a wide and safe location where no one will see you. Point your wand at your heart, drink the potion, and recite the incantation.

- If the process succeeds, you will experience excruciating pain and an intense dual heartbeat. A vision of the animal you are about to transform into will appear in your mind.

- At this moment, you must remain mentally resolute. If your mind wavers, you will permanently become that animal, losing all human memory and intelligence.

- Many wizards who have mysteriously disappeared were actually victims of failed Animagus transformations, condemned to live as animals for the rest of their lives—some even hunted and eaten by Muggles."

"That really does sound difficult."

As George listened to Professor McGonagall's explanation, he couldn't help but sigh.

No wonder there were so few Animagi in the wizarding world. It wasn't just a matter of skill and determination—luck played a significant role as well. A single mistake meant starting over from the beginning.

The later steps were already complicated, but the very first one—keeping a Mandrake leaf in one's mouth for an entire month without speaking—was enough to deter most people.

Many wizards likely weren't just afraid of failing; they simply didn't want to dedicate so much time and effort to learning a transformation spell.

This also explained why James Potter, Sirius Black, and the others were incredibly fortunate to have succeeded on their first attempt.

"But for me, this won't be a problem."

That's right—George had already decided to undergo the Animagus transformation.

With the power of Dragon Crystal fused into his body, he had a hunch that his Animagus form might surpass the normal limits of this world. He might even be able to transform into a magical dragon—specifically, a Glau Dragon.

For him, holding a Mandrake leaf in his mouth wasn't an issue. He could still communicate telepathically without speaking.

If the night was cloudy, he could simply fly above the clouds to absorb the moonlight directly.

If there was no thunderstorm, he could summon one with ancient magic. He could control when the lightning and rain appeared.

As for willpower—his immense mental strength made that a non-issue.

Unlike ordinary wizards, George had no difficulty with the Animagus process. It was just time-consuming, and the only uncertainty was whether he could truly transform into a dragon.

"I'll head to the Mandrake greenhouse tonight and get a leaf to start."