Transfiguration 1:1

Lesson One: Types of Transfiguration
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The door to the Transfiguration classroom stood wide open, with Leif leaning against the wall right next to it. He had thought carefully about what to do, deciding against waiting on his students inside of the room. Instead, he was stood outside. Greeting them with a warm smile in the hopes of calming any nerves they might have. They were first years, after all. This was another new room, new subject, new professor to get used to. A whole lot of things to get used to. Once he had a feeling they were all inside Leif stepped inside himself, leaving the door open just a crack to spare any latecomers of drawing full attention to themselves by having to open the creaky door.

"Welcome," He greeted his class as he strolled over to his desk, giving a small flick of his wand to lift a piece of chalk near the board before he turned around to face his students. "To Transfiguration." Leif smiled, trying not to grimace as the chalk made a terrible sound while underlining the term transfiguration on the blackboard behind him. "My name is Professor Leif Odegard and I will be your teacher for the next few years." He introduced himself. "Transfiguration is a very powerful branch of magic, capable of changing almost anything from one thing to another. Whether it be a quill into a spoon.." Leif explained, tapping one of the quills on his desk and turning it into a spoon as he spoke. "Or even a person into an animal." He finished with a slight grin, pointing his wand at the board behind him to make a list appear.

Types of Transfiguration Inanimate to Inanimate Inanimate to Animate Animate to Inanimate Animate to Animate Switching Conjuring Vanishing​

"Since I don't want to assume all of you know each and every term written on the board here, we'll start with some vocabulary. I'll try to make it quick as to not bore you, so make sure to pay attention and write along." Leif told his students, knowing kids their age had an attention span that generally didn't last more than thirty minutes. "Inanimate refers to something that isn't mobile nor living. It doesn't move, like a rock, a chair or even a building. Those are all inanimate. Animate, as you might've guessed, is the exact opposite. Anything living, moving. Like you and I, the owls up in the Owlery or the creatures in the lake." He explained, looking around to see if there were any faces that screamed confusion or perhaps excitement at his mention of the lake.

"Now let's combine those two. Inanimate to inanimate transfiguration simply means turning one non-living thing into another. Like how I turned that quill into a spoon. This is the easiest form of trasnfiguration, especially when you start with objects that are roughly the same size." Leif waved his wand at one of the books on his desk, turning it into a delicate silver box of similar size. "Inanimate to animate transfiguration," He waved his wand again, turning the cyan quill that had been sitting in an inkpot on his desk into a chirping bluebird, "You guessed it, turns a thing without live into something living. Don't be fooled though, while the creature looks alive it lacks a soul and isn't truly living. True life is something we cannot give." He finished explaining, waving his wand to turn the bird back into a quill which slowly floated towards the floor.

"If I had turned that bird into a different type of quill instead of using untransfiguration, that would've been an example of animate to inanimate transfiguration. For that type of transfiguration it's important to note that you don't kill a creature when you turn it into something inanimate, it's more like pressing pause on their life for a short time." Leif told them, picking up the quill and placing it back into the inkpot. "Finally," He continued, glancing at the clock to see time was almost up. Although some of his students' faces could've told him the same. "Animate to animate changes a living thing into another. Like a snail into a slug or a human into a toad, the latter being particularly populair in Muggle stories." He laughed. "Right, that's it for today. I know all of this theory can be tiring but it's important to understand what we're talking about before we'll be able to get out our wands and actually try to perform magic. You all did great today, though. See you next week!"

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[Elijah Edogawa]

Elijah sat quietly among his classmates, he hoped that he wouldn't have to deal with any of his family today, but he doubted he would be so lucky. He wasn't sure how he felt about a Professor trying to make things engaging and approachable mostly because he couldn't say he completely understood what that meant in terms of a lesson about turning something into something else, but he supposed he couldn't exactly fault the man either. He listened quietly and scrawled across his notes he'd made from his textbook earlier in the day, and late the night before. He wanted to make sure he didn't forget anything, but his note taking wasn't as good as it used to be since he had taken a break from it once he'd found out he was going to be attending HNZ and not Mohoutokoro. He knew the syllabus here wasn't going to be as difficult so he wasn't all that shocked to note his notes were more detailed than they would have been if he'd just taken it from the Professor's talking.​

Transfiguration Vocabulary Notes
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1. Inanimate to Inanimate: Transforming one non-living object into another.
   
   • Example: Quill to spoon, book to box.​
2. Inanimate to Animate: Turning a non-living object into a living creature.
   
   • Example: Quill to bird (though it lacks a true soul and isn't truly living).​
3. Animate to Inanimate: Transforming a living creature into a non-living object.
   
   • Example: Bird to quill.​
4. Animate to Animate: Changing one living creature into another.
   
   • Example: Snail to slug, human to toad.​

Elijah carefully reviewed his notes and homework before packing up his things. He made sure everything was neatly organized, feeling a sense of satisfaction with his work. He headed over to the Professor before he exited the class and handed over the essay he'd written in the morning at breakfast. Homework assignments at the beginning of term were common where he was from, and so he hoped the Professor didn't mind he had put in the effort to do one without being asked to do so. "Thanks for the lesson, Sensei."​

Essay on Ethical Considerations:

The practice of animate to inanimate transfiguration raises significant ethical questions. One major concern is the welfare of the creature being transformed. Even though the process is described as "pressing pause" on their life, there remains the issue of consent. A creature cannot agree to be transformed, making the act inherently invasive. Additionally, the transformation must be temporary and reversible, ensuring that the creature can return to its original state without harm. Wizards and witches must exercise caution and respect for all living beings, recognizing that the power to transform should be wielded responsibly and ethically.
source​

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[Ondine Physwick]

Ondine had a basic grasp on the theory of Transfiguration, but she was certainly happy to go over it again. The books in her library at home were ancient, anyway, and almost certainly out of date, much like everything else she knew so far, apparently. At least she’d have a good foundation for History. She took notes as Professor Odegard spoke, pausing to watch his practical demonstrations. Ma rarely did magic for fun any more - it was all practical, and mostly confined to the laboratory, where Ondine wasn’t allowed. She missed the little displays Ma used to put on before bedtime: a burst of bright-yellow birds, a blooming flower, a canopy of stars across the ceiling. Her memories were vague, but she remembered her sense of awe as if it were yesterday.

She stayed a few minutes later than the rest of the class, finishing up her notes. The lesson had ended much too soon for her liking, but she thanked Professor Odegard politely on her way out.

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[Eurydice Nightray]

After the disappointment that was the Charms lessons, Eurydice did not hold much hope that Transfiguration would be any better. Still, she had told herself that she was going to try her best to show up and stay in class. Today, she'd decided to leave behind Jonah. He could find his own way to class for today. Upon arriving, she sat beside Elijah but they hardly talked. That was fine with her, the two of them rarely got along. But today, he seemed like the better option compared to his twin.

The lesson, as Eurydice had come to expect, was boring. Lectures. Lectures. More lectures. And they were so monotone that she got bored easily. She'd started writing notes, but she hadn't gotten very far, having lost interest ages ago. The same could not be said for her ever-diligent cousin though. She wondered if he'd be willing to share his notes with her. She doubted it. But maybe he'd be willing to get paid to share his notes? That was certainly worth a shot. Looking at her half-written notes, she shrugged. If Eli wasn't willing to share his notes, Eury could always just read up on it. It would certainly be more productive than listening to the droning lesson. As soon as class ended, she'd have to try cornering Elijah to ask bribe him.​

Transfiguration Types:​

1. Inanimate to Inanimate - not alive/dead to same thing (quill -> spoon)
2. Inanimate to Animate - not alive to alive thing with no soul (sad)
3. Animate
4. 
   
5. 
   
6. 
   

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[Daiki Saito]

Daiki felt like all was right in the world again. He had his best friend back, he was at school and he was going to learn magic. He was eager for it, eager to have her at his side, eager to just learn easily. It would fine, magic wouldn’t be too difficult for him and he would have a good time. Daiki was ready for the day, he hadn’t checked his bag, just assumed he had what he needed and then headed out of the dorm room and to find Kairi to see if they would have the same classes so they could sit together.

Daiki walked into the transfiguration classroom and took a spot in the room. He glanced up at the professor as the man got started, and made sure to keep the spot next to him open for Kairi. The hufflepuff took down all the branches of magic as they appeared on the board. Nodding along to each as the professor then went into more detail about each of them. He thought transfiguration was going to be one of the more interesting classes. He wondered what transfiguration would be like when they actually got to do a spell, and when they learnt more about some of those latter branches. The lesson was eventually wrapped up and he packed up his things and headed out of the room.

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[Kairi Kennedy]

Kairi was feeling a lot more confident with her prospects at the school now. Somehow, she just felt like everything would be alright if Daiki was around. She was feeling a lot more comfortable now that she wasn't going to be alone here, with something of a little bit of a support system. She hummed, getting her things together before walking down to the common room. It seemed like Daiki had already left, so instead she walked down to class.

She spotted him quickly, and with a bright smile she walked up and sat with her best friend. She turned to the Professor, smiling at them and pulling out her things to take notes. Transfiguration seemed like a complicated subject, but she tried to follow along. She leant a little into Daiki, his warmth keeping her on track. Before she knew it they'd been dismissed. Blinking, she gathered up her things and hurried after Daiki, humming softly and thinking over what they'd learnt.

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[Jonah Edogawa]

Jonah woke up late. It was a good thing perhaps that the Transfiguration classroom was only one floor above the Hufflepuff Common Room and that he did not have his sister's sense of direction. As it was, he'd arrived just as the professor said his welcome to the whole class. He'd had to sneak around to find the nearest empty seat, which sucked since it meant that he was not sitting next to either Eurydice or Eli. He supposed that was fine. As with all classes in the first week so far, Transfiguration was a total letdown. He'd brought his wand, but there was not a time for them to use it; instead, the professor was droning on and on and on and on. Jonah couldn't even be bothered to take notes. Which might be a little bad considering he'd have to ask either Eli or Eury if he ever wanted a set of notes. Since he wasn't optimistic about it, he'd just have to try to remember the lesson - which was not going great considering he'd spaced out sometime during the lecture (he was spacing out even now). By the time class ended, he'd barely remembered, which was what. Hopefully they wouldn't come up on the exams.​

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[Vikram Bakshi]

Vikram was prepared to begin his schooling. With his bag strategically packed and his uniform carefully pressed, he left the tower and walked to class. He wasn't the first one there, but he didn't mind, just taking a seat. He settled down, setting up his space the way he liked.

He turned his attention to the Professor.and listened to the man speak. He was enjoying this lesson, taking some solid notes from the lecture. He loved lessons like this. Eventually they were dismissed, and he spent a few minutes getting his notes sorted and back into his bag. He would need to make some friends in his house, he thought, hands in his pockets as he walked out alone.

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[Rhea Moss]

Of course, Rhea already knew this about Tranfiguration, because she used to read Rachel's book every now and then, but she just hadn't tried any of the spells she read about, because she knew very well that minors couldn't spell. Although she really wanted to, she couldn't wait to learn it all and try to become as good as the rest of her family. Therefore, she has carefully prepared colored inks with which to underline the important things, so as to do it correctly and not make any mistakes.

She took her place in the class, then she didn't have to wait long when the lesson started and the professor stood in front, told them what was waiting for them this year and then it was no surprise that they had to fill out a small test in this lesson too, but no problems. Rhea filled in, but she had no idea how correctly she would have answered, but at least she hoped that something would be right.

Types of Transfiguration
Notes:
Inanimate to Inanimate- NonLiving to NonLiving
Inanimate to Animate- NonLiving to Living
Animate to Inanimate- Living to NonLiving
Animate to Animate- Living to Living
Switching - of magically exchanging physical features between two targets.
Conjuring - was an advanced form and type of Transfiguration.
Vanishing - of vanishing objects i.e., causing object to cease to exist. Vanished objects went "into non-being, which is to say, everything.

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[Eoghan Blyth]

Eoghan wasn't looking forward to his next class. It was the first time he would see Lilith since their talk at the lake and the way things had been left were not ideal, even by his standards. He hadn't known for some time whether or not he was meant to say anything to her, or whether it was better for them both if he just left things as they were. He got what he wanted didn't he? Lilith was leaving him alone and he didn't have to worry anymore about someone trying to turn him into a new friend.

Therefore when his first transfiguration lesson came around, he surprised himself by sliding into the chair beside her. He didn't speak to her, didn't acknowledge her, didn't even look at her, but as Eoghan wrote notes throughout the class, his full attention to the vocabulary they were learning, he sat unmoving next to the Ravenclaw. When the class came to an end, he tucked the parchment he'd been writing on neatly inside his Transfiguration textbook, before hugging it to his chest. He'd debated apologising, but wouldn't that just start the cycle over again? Instead Eoghan left the room once more in silence, as though he'd been sat on his own after all.
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[Lilith Ilves]

Lilith walked into the Transfiguration class with her head held high. She had been conflicted with herself and who she thought was going to be her friend, but eventually she had decided to avoid what had happened at the lake. If he wanted to run from things and pretend, why wouldn't she as well. Besides she had done her part of trying to make the friendship work.

She felt her whole body tensing as the boy in question to her utter surprise sat next to her before the class had started, She was sure if he had decided to stay he'd stay as far from her as he possibly could. Not letting the irritating thoughts distract her she kept her eyes strictly on the professor and listened and clung to every word out of his mouth. No matter how hard she tried though, she couldn't help but observe what Eoghan was doing next to her.

By the end of the lesson she had written some flimsy notes, not entirely proud of her failing. Promising herself next lesson she would do better Lilith walked out of the class room giving the professor a small smile and a thank you.

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[Demi Zephyr]

Demi wasn't sure yet which subject she was going to enjoy the most, so she was just trying to make sure she attended them all and that she put as much effort into each one as she could. Following the Ravenclaws into their first Transfiguration lesson, Demi took a seat next to Ondine, pulling out her parchment ready to take some notes. She didn't mind theory, but wasn't as interesting as a practical lesson. She had to wonder too how humane this was - turning creatures into other creatures, she was sure her mom wouldn't have approved of such practices. It couldn't be comfortable for the animals and surely there were some guidelines to whether or not certain animals were allowed, otherwise what was stopping anyone from turning a dragon into a spoon and slipping it into the school? At the end of the lesson, having already decided she would refuse to work on any animals if they given the chance to, she packed up her things and left the room.
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[Nox Walden-Cade]

Nox approached the Transfiguration classroom, noticing the warm smile of Professor Odegard greeting the students at the door. The welcoming gesture helped ease some of his first-day nerves. As he found a seat and settled in, he watched the professor begin the lesson with a flick of his wand, capturing the attention of the entire class.

Professor Odegard’s introduction to Transfiguration was interesting, especially when he demonstrated turning a quill into a spoon. Nox eagerly wrote down the terms and definitions, making sure to keep up with the explanations of inanimate and animate transfiguration. The demonstration of turning a quill into a bluebird was particularly captivating, and Nox found himself more interested in the subject than he initially expected. The professor’s explanations were clear, and Nox appreciated the logical progression from simple to more complex forms of transfiguration. By the end of the lesson, he felt he had a solid understanding of the basic concepts and was looking forward to the practical aspects of the subject.

As the class ended, Nox packed up his things, feeling excited about the upcoming lessons. He appreciated Professor Odegard’s engaging teaching style and was eager to see what other magical transformations they would learn about in the future.

 

[Forrest Kaster]

Forrest Kaster stepped into the Transfiguration classroom, his eyes wide with curiosity. As he took a seat, he couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement. Transfiguration sounded fascinating, and he was eager to learn. He listened intently to Professor Odegard’s introduction, watching in awe as the quill transformed into a spoon.

Forrest scribbled down the terms and their explanations in his notebook, his handwriting neat and precise. The concept of changing objects and creatures intrigued him, and he found himself particularly fascinated by the animate to inanimate transfiguration.

When Professor Odegard mentioned the creatures in the lake, Forrest's mind wandered briefly to the fantastic plants that might grow around it. He was already thinking of ways to explore the area and study the plants there.

As the lesson concluded, Forrest felt a sense of accomplishment. He had absorbed a lot of information and was looking forward to the practical lessons. With a bright smile, he packed his things and left the classroom, already imagining the incredible transfigurations he would perform in the future.

 

[Samael Styx]

Hufflepuff was not a bad house. Samael Styx did not mind it. He knew that his oldest brother was sorted in it, as was his son. Samael knew that no one would suspect a Hufflepuff from being mean or bad in general. It was the perfect cover. Did no one else realize that? Samael was told how to act, think, and behave. He worked hard to be obedient to his family. They would be proud of him one way or another. Hades and Anastasia might have had their favorites, but he knew that he might not be one of them. He would have to change that. Somehow. He glanced around at his dorm to see that some were heading out. Right, he had classes. He needed to do well. He hauled his bag over his shoulder and followed after his roommates, hoping that they would not lead him astray.

Samael walked in the Transfiguration classroom and found his seat. Professor Odegard introduced himself to the first years. They were going over different subjects of Transfiguration, which he knew that they would not be able to cover everything in one lesson. There was just too much. He knew this for a fact. Samael took some notes over the parts that they went over. The first one seemed easy enough since they did not have to imagine bringing something to life. By the time the lesson was over, he had a large amount of writing going on. Some of it was not even, but he did try. Samael got up and left the classroom, knowing that he would need to continue the notes the next time they were in Transfiguration.​

 

[Cleo Huynh]

Cleo had trouble finding the Transfiguration classroom and arrived a little late. Mumbling a hurried apology to the professor, she slipped through the door and found a seat. Transfiguration sounded like one of the more interesting classes to her and she could tell from the name alone roughly what kind of stuff they'd be learning. She watched the demonstration in amazement and quickly took out her notebook so she could write down some notes. Cleo took extra care in writing down her notes neatly as she copied down what was on the board and anything that stuck out to her. She found the principles of animate vs inanimate to be interesting and was a little disappointed when the class ended. But, she was glad she hadn't found this class overwhelming compared to the others.

 

[Susie Lagowski]

Susie swung her bag under the first vacant desk she came across and sat down. A little birdie had told her that the first year of Transfiguration classes at Hogwarts were pretty dull, so she wasn't expecting much, though she supposed she ought to at least pay attention to the theory. She hadn't decided yet if it was going to help or hinder her that Professor Odegard was so cute; she would either absorb everything he said, or get so distracted staring at him that she forgot to listen to a word that came out of his mouth. By the end of the first lesson, she discovered the answer was B. Definitely B. This was not good.