Inside the Headmaster’s office at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall sat at the table, speaking incessantly about Lucien.
Opposite her sat an elderly man with silver hair and a beard, wearing half-moon spectacles, behind which were a pair of bright blue eyes.
Albus Dumbledore.
“…Perhaps he is the most talented child in Transfiguration I have ever seen.
He is also very studious, not at all mischievous like his peers…” After hearing Professor McGonagall’s description, Dumbledore chuckled: “Minerva, hearing you say that, this Lucien is indeed very talented, especially in Transfiguration.
It seems Hogwarts is about to welcome another exceptionally talented student.” Dumbledore was initially a little surprised, as he rrely saw Professor McGonagall speak at such length about a student, especially one who had not yet enrolled.
However, Dumbledore had lived for over a century and had taught at Hogwarts for many years, witnessing far too many so-called genius students.
Some shone brilliantly in their respective fields, while others eventually faded into obscurity.
Therefore, Dumbledore was not overly concerned about this child named Lucien.
Moreover, Harry would be enrolling this year; as the Chosen One from the prophecy, Dumbledore had focused most of his energy and attention on him.
With a light wave of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a plate of Cockroach Clusters and two cups of honey water.
Professor McGonagall was also a bit thirsty from speaking, so she picked up the honey water on the table and took a small sip.
But after just one sip, she frowned and set it down.
It was too sweet.
“Also, Albus, when I saw Lucien using Transfiguration, besides those conventional Transfigurations, he actually transfigured a Magical Creature—an Occamy—at the end.” Professor McGonagall leaned forward and asked Dumbledore, “Have you ever seen a similar Transfiguration?” Hearing Professor McGonagall’s question, Dumbledore withdrew his hand from the Cockroach Clusters and adjusted his spectacles instead.
His gaze suddenly became grave.
As someone who could be called a master in the field of Transfiguration, Dumbledore certainly understood what Professor McGonagall’s question implied.
Transfiguration could actually involve Magical Creatures?
Dumbledore had never seen such a thing either!
Those who can quickly master existing knowledge in the early stages and pioneer innovations later can be called geniuses.
But what about those who display unknown talents from the very beginning?
This might no longer fall into the category of genius.
Dumbledore’s expectations for Lucien shifted, and he had to re-evaluate.
“Minerva, please pay more attention to Lucien in the future.
Such a gifted student requires even more correct guidance.” Seeming to think of a certain student from the past, Dumbledore sighed softly.
“How about this: you write a letter to Lucien first, instructing him not to touch upon Magical Creature Transfiguration for now, and tell him it is very dangerous.” Professor McGonagall nodded solemnly.
Such an exceptionally talented child must not be allowed to fall into the danger of reckless experimentation.
Professor McGonagall even considered whether she should visit again to explain the related matters to Lucien in person.
— Greenwood Manor.
Lucien stood in his bedroom, holding his wand in his right hand and a copy of “Encyclopedia of Beginner Charms” in his left.
He pointed his wand at the pile of ceramic shards on the floor and flicked his wrist slightly.
“Reparo.” The shards automatically assembled into a complete teapot, the cracks gradually disappearing as if in reverse.
“Hmm, quite simple.
Next.” Lucien flipped through the book in his hand, learning new Charms.
After merging with Loki’s Mask, his talent for White Magic had also reached S-rank.
Learning such simple beginner Charms was naturally a breeze.
The teapot floated into the air, then had its surface stains cleaned, and then was summoned into Lucien’s hand…
“Bang, bang, bang—” Lucien turned his head toward the source of the sound.
Outside the window perched a snow-white owl, holding a letter in its beak.
Lucien did not walk over to help open the window; he simply pointed his wand at it.
“Alohomora.” The window opened in response, and the owl flapped its wings and flew in.
Lucien looked down at his wand and chuckled softly.
Magic is truly convenient.
A single wand can accomplish so many things.
He took the letter from the owl and opened it.
Seeing the signature, Lucien raised an eyebrow.
“Professor McGonagall?” “Lucien Greenwood: I have discussed this with Headmaster Dumbledore.
Lucien, you are quite exceptionally talented, especially in the field of Transfiguration.
Having purchased so many books, I trust you have already begun learning magical knowledge.
You have likely also experimented with Transfiguration, and I need to specifically warn you: do not attempt Magical Creature Transfiguration.
This behavior is extremely dangerous, and there is no clear precedent for it in the Wizarding World.
If you wish to learn more about Transfiguration, you can find me after you arrive at Hogwarts.
I originally intended to visit again to explain this to you in person, but there are many preparations to be made for the new school year.
However, I trust you are not a reckless or impulsive child and will not intentionally attempt dangerous behaviors.” The letter was not long, and Lucien finished reading it quickly.
Simply put, Magical Creature Transfiguration is very dangerous, and I shouldn’t attempt it casually.
No clear precedent?
A new direction for Transfiguration?
Lucien frowned.
He certainly had not forgotten that he had to repay the loan from the Loki’s Mask.
To master Transfiguration perfectly within a year, in addition to learning existing Transfiguration knowledge, he needed to pioneer and discover new fields of Transfiguration.
Professor McGonagall said she had discussed it with Dumbledore, which meant Dumbledore had not witnessed Magical Creature Transfiguration either.
That meant this could be considered an unknown field of Transfiguration; as long as he could study and complete it, he could meet the loan requirements.
But that Transfiguration, which ended up changing into a creature suspected to be an Occamy, was just my instinctive casting.
How could it involve such profound aspects…
Lucien had already finished reading “Guide to Rearing Magical Creatures.” He had gained a certain understanding of Magical Creatures and judged that the creature he had transfigured at Ollivander’s wand shop highly matched the appearance and body-changing characteristics of an Occamy.
Coupled with Professor McGonagall’s warning, Lucien’s conjecture was basically confirmed.
Raising his wand, Lucien listened to the faint, mischievous laughter emanating from within it.
Loki?
I now possess Loki’s magical talent, especially his talent for Transfiguration, which is already at the highest SSS-rank.
Therefore, that casting which transfigured a Magical Creature was most likely due to the influence of Loki’s talent.
Magical Creatures…
Lucien thought of the grotesque offspring of Loki in mythology: the giant wolf Fenrir, the world serpent Jörmungandr, and the eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
Could it be that these offspring were actually created by Loki using Transfiguration?