Time passed quickly.
Once Professor McGonagall saw that every student had finished reading the paper, she waved her wand.
The wand gave a series of soft crackling sounds, drawing everyone’s attention.
“I see that all of you have finished reading the paper.”
Professor McGonagall lowered her wand.
“We will now begin an open discussion.
Everyone is free to share their thoughts on the paper.”
“It’s highly imaginative, Professor.”
Angelina spoke first while looking at her notebook.
Scott saw that the page was already covered with words written in messy handwriting.
“It’s a bold and interesting idea.” Angelina shook her head.
“But I have to say that Mr Weasley’s idea might be too fanciful.”
She drew several circles in her notebook with her quill.
“Although I have only examined it theoretically, I can’t seem to find any possibility of making the idea work.”
Professor McGonagall merely nodded after hearing her opinion and did not comment.
“Does anyone have a different view from Miss Johnson?”
“I would like to share my opinion, Professor.”
Scott looked over and saw Percy Weasley stand up.
“Go ahead, Mr Weasley.” Professor McGonagall gestured for him to speak.
“I’m not saying this because Bill is my brother, but I don’t think the idea described in this paper is completely impossible.”
Percy then listed several pieces of evidence mentioned in the paper.
“The mysterious Egyptian magical world contains a great deal of ancient magical knowledge unfamiliar to us.
Although we cannot verify the conjecture with our present knowledge of magic, it is quite possible that the ancient Egyptians once achieved it.”
Scott was surprised again as he watched Percy.
He could tell that Percy greatly admired his eldest brother.
Considering Percy’s personality, that showed just how impressive Bill Weasley truly was.
“Mm.”
Professor McGonagall nodded again and gestured for Percy to sit down.
“Anyone else?” Her gaze moved across the other students in the classroom.
The other members of the Transfiguration Club then stood up one by one to give their opinions.
Most of them said much the same as Angelina.
They believed the conjecture in the paper was interesting and gave them some inspiration, but they also believed it would remain nothing more than a conjecture. Visit novelping dot com for the full chapter.
Even the few students who expressed a different opinion merely agreed with Percy.
They believed that such magic might indeed have existed in ancient times, but also thought that it was impossible to reproduce in the modern age, after so much ancient magic had been lost.
“I think the conjecture described in this paper is, in effect, an attempt to use Transfiguration in place of alchemy.”
Cedric was speaking confidently.
“The idea is to use Ancient Runes and Charms alongside Transfiguration to increase its effects.
Although this is not completely impossible under strict theoretical reasoning, I think the difficulty involved would be beyond any wizard.”
“We all know that even combining two simple spells is enough to defeat most wizards.”
“Combining different systems of magic, such as Transfiguration, Charms and Ancient Runes, would be far more difficult.
I think the difficulty alone would be enough to make anyone despair.”
He raised his notebook and showed everyone the densely written pages.
“I have only listed the magical knowledge that would theoretically be required to achieve this conjecture.
Of course, this is only what I have been able to think of.” He spoke helplessly.
“I don’t even know how the remaining parts might be accomplished.”
He lowered the notebook.
“To be honest, this alone already frightens me.” He looked up at Professor McGonagall again.
“Even if we assume that every theoretical problem were solved, I don’t think anyone would be able to perform it successfully in practice.”
“Perhaps Merlin could manage it?” he joked at last, then laughed.
The corners of Professor McGonagall’s mouth rose as well.
She nodded to Cedric, then looked at Scott.
“You are the last one.
What are your thoughts, Mr Trollope?”
“I’m interested in both the paper and its author, Professor.”
Scott stood up and smiled.
“I intend to write to Mr Weasley, the author.” He turned to look at Percy.
“There are five Weasleys in Gryffindor now; any one of you will do.
I hope someone will introduce me.”
Many people in the classroom laughed.
Even Percy smiled and gave Scott a gesture to show that it would be no problem.
“I believe you are supposed to give your opinion on the paper, Mr Trollope,” Professor McGonagall said, “not announce your plans to pursue its author.”
Everyone immediately burst out laughing.
“Er…”
Her reply had completely silenced him.
“All right.”
After the laughter died down, Scott continued.
“To be honest, I have had an idea similar to the one in this paper before.”
Several jeers immediately sounded around the classroom.
Scott ignored them.
“Of course, mine was only a fantasy without any real evidence.”
“That is why I became so excited when I saw this paper.
Mr Weasley’s paper is at least much better than my daydreams.
He has provided some supporting evidence.”
Scott paused.
“The magical creations left inside the ancient Egyptian pyramids could not theoretically have been produced so seamlessly through alchemy.
But in theory, perfect Transfiguration might achieve such a result.”
A powerful emotion appeared in his eyes as he spoke, a greed and hunger for knowledge.
“I understand your excitement at finding something that interests you, Mr Trollope.” The smile had disappeared from Professor McGonagall’s face.
“I suggest that you use other people’s papers to broaden your knowledge and gain inspiration.
I do not think becoming obsessed with this subject would be good for you.”
She no longer wished to hear Scott continue, so she pressed her palm down, signalling for him to sit.
“Yes, Professor.”
Scott obediently closed his mouth and sat down.
The discussion of the paper ended there.
Professor McGonagall then began teaching the members of the Transfiguration Club several useful techniques for performing Transfiguration.
Scott quickly put the paper aside and listened carefully.
When the club meeting ended that day, Professor McGonagall asked Scott to remain behind.
(End of Chapter)
…
T/N :
Feed me Power Stones to keep me motivated.
This translation is pure volunteer work, so every bit of support helps me continue.
I plan to post about 50 chapters, and then start posting according to the schedule
(2 chp/day).