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"The applications of Transfiguration in actual combat are numerous, such as altering the battle environment or directly transfiguring the enemy," Professor McGonagall said, striding quickly through the castle corridor.
Devon followed behind, jogging to catch up.
"But the most common, and also the most difficult application, is Animating Statues," she continued.
"If you want this kind of Transfiguration to be effective in combat, it requires years of accumulation — and not just in magical knowledge," she added meaningfully.
As she spoke, Professor McGonagall arrived at a wall on the second floor of the castle. She gently touched an unlit wall sconce. Instantly, the wall in front of them vanished, revealing a low, narrow secret passage.
Devon was stunned by the sudden appearance of the hidden passage.
This passage wasn't mentioned in the original books.
Nor did he expect Professor McGonagall to know of its existence.
It seemed exploring Hogwarts was truly a long and arduous task.
The two entered the cramped passage.
Professor McGonagall had to bend down to fit through, while Devon, being shorter, walked easily.
"The so-called accumulation is also reflected in your preparation of transfiguration materials," McGonagall explained as they moved forward.
"You can't expect a bed quilt to possess powerful combat capabilities simply because you used Transfiguration magic on it."
She turned her head and smiled.
"Of course, if you have abundant magical power, then the quality of your materials becomes less critical."
Devon nodded slightly, though he remained a bit skeptical.
He had heard rumors among the Slytherins that Goyle's quilt, after only a week, emitted an unbearably terrifying odor.
Living with him, some claimed, was like enduring the Cruciatus Curse daily.
As a beam of light appeared ahead, Devon felt a sudden sense of enlightenment.
"We're here," said Professor McGonagall.
She raised her wand and waved it.
"Lumos Solem!"
The entire chamber ahead lit up with a soft, blue-white light.
The size of the chamber was astonishing — it was at least as large as ten classrooms combined.
The height was even more staggering.
The towering dome rose so high that Devon couldn't even see the top clearly.
It was hard to imagine such a massive structure hidden inside Hogwarts Castle.
Devon couldn't help but mentally complain about the castle's bizarre architecture.
Exploring Hogwarts was like trying to navigate a shifting labyrinth.
The ancient stone walls were engraved with complex runes, and dozens of niches of varying sizes were carved into the chamber walls.
Each niche held a lifelike statue.
These statues were diverse in shape and style, many wielding weapons — longswords, bows and arrows, spears — and some even riding stone horses, resembling a medieval knightly order quietly guarding this hidden place.
"These statues were created by generations of headmasters and powerful wizards over hundreds of years, using special enchanted stones to defend Hogwarts against potential threats," McGonagall explained, her voice echoing through the vast hall.
"Each statue is made from special stone — durable, malleable, and highly resistant to most spells.
Even if a first-year like you used your strongest attack spell, you would, at best, knock a little dust off their surface."
"So," she concluded, "I will use them to demonstrate the application of Transfiguration in combat."
As she spoke, Professor McGonagall waved her wand at one of the walls and chanted a long, complex incantation.
The chamber trembled slightly.
Then, with another flick of her wand, she cried out:
"Stone Guardians, Arise!"
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
As Professor McGonagall waved her wand, the statues seemed to awaken, their stone bodies trembling subtly.
They lined up neatly, moving with heavy, deliberate steps.
Each step kicked up clouds of dust — but strangely, the dust didn't spread wildly.
Instead, it shimmered like tiny specks of light before gently dissipating, leaving the floor spotless.
[Ding!]
[New spell has been added to the library!]
Devon stood to the side, watching everything in amazement.
Though he had read about McGonagall and Dumbledore animating statues in the books, seeing it firsthand was an entirely different experience.
It was like witnessing Hogwarts summon an entire stone army!
"No wonder Ron was so good at wizard's chess," Devon muttered inwardly.
"This family fortune is ridiculous."
He glanced at the system notification confirming his new spell.
"Now, let's see their actual combat capabilities," McGonagall said.
She waved her wand again and recited another complex incantation before finally commanding:
"Stone Guardians, Protect us!"
Instantly, the statues sprang into action.
Some wielded longswords.
Others carried massive shields.
They formed tight, organized defensive formations across the chamber.
Devon could feel the powerful magical energy radiating from them.
McGonagall turned to look at him.
Seeing the shock and awe on Devon's face, she smiled with satisfaction.
Another of her goals today was to subtly discourage Devon from pursuing Transfiguration too seriously.
While Devon's talent in the subject was above average among young wizards, it wasn't exceptional.
He was far more gifted in Charms and Potions.
Students like Devon appeared every year: bright, capable, but not truly destined for Transfiguration mastery.
Thus, McGonagall hoped to gently steer him toward his real strengths.
"Devon, now it's your turn," she said encouragingly.
"Try casting the spell on one of the statues."
Before Devon could move, McGonagall raised her wand solemnly.
"Of course, before that, there is a small but necessary ritual," she said.
"In the name of Hogwarts, I bestow upon you the title of Knight.
May you remember today's oath: be loyal and brave, defend justice, and protect the weak."
She gently touched Devon's right shoulder with her wand.
"With my power, I give you courage."
Then she touched his left shoulder.
"With my wisdom, I give you judgment."
Every word was spoken with deep seriousness, as if each touch imbued him with real strength and wisdom.
Finally, McGonagall smiled warmly.
"Now, Devon Alexander, you are a knight recognized by Hogwarts."
Devon stood there, confused, patting himself as if expecting some visible change.
Nothing seemed different.
"This ritual is necessary," McGonagall explained.
"Only those who are willing to become protectors of the castle and students can command the castle's protective magic."
"Don't worry about failing," she added gently.
"This is a learning process."
Of course, she didn't actually expect him to succeed.
Even she had only mastered the spell after an entire day of practice — and that was under Dumbledore's guidance.
It had taken nearly a week to fully control the statues.
Although Devon's spellcasting talent was impressive, his grasp of Transfiguration structure was still imperfect.
Naturally, the spell would fail — or so she thought.
Encouraged by McGonagall's words, Devon nodded.
He mentally rehearsed the spell again, slowly exhaled, and walked forward towards one of the stone guardians.
He raised his wand.
He chanted the complex incantation, his voice steady.
Finally, he pointed his wand at the statue and called out:
"Stone Guardians, Arise!"
McGonagall watched approvingly.
Devon's pronunciation and wand movement were excellent.
"His talent with spells is truly remarkable," she thought.
"If he studied under Professor Flitwick, he could definitely achieve great things."
But then—
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
The stone guardian Devon was pointing at trembled...
and then stepped neatly out of its niche!
McGonagall's face froze in shock.
"Ah?! What's going on?!"
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