Chapter 13 - Learning Transfiguration (1/2)
Neal was taken back as Dumbledore brought out an unexpected topic. Neal asked, ”what about my Transfiguration abilities? Aren't I doing great? well, not as good as Hermoine but still, I was better than the rest of the class, aren't I?”.
Prof. McGonagall replied, ”well, Slytherin, do you know the difference between Transfiguration and Transmutation?”. Neal replied, ”Transfiguration is just altering a thing's appearance by changing it's molecular structure whereas Transmutation is the conversion of one thing into another”.
Then Prof. McGonagall asked, ”good. Then, can you explain the exceptions of the Gamps law of Elemental Transfigurations?”. Although Neal doesn't get it why she was asking about the questions all of a sudden, he still answered it.
”Food cannot be created out of thin air. It has to be summoned from elsewhere. Although you can increase its size if an amount of food is present. However, water doesn't include in the food category.
Wands cannot be conjured by a witch or a wizard but can be manufactured by wandmakers like Ollivander, etc... however, a witch or wizard can make a wand for themselves if they are good enough like Salazar Slytherin.
Body parts can be changed in magical ways, but there are limits to what transfiguration can do. If your Bones get smashed, it's possible to regrow them back for growing children but if a part of an ȧduŀt who's body parts are mȧturėd get cursed or chopped off, you can't conjure them back. Although this one is still in debate for centuries.
Potion ingredients are never conjured and must be grown, gathered, or purchased. This must be why they are often bought at hefty prices in the shops and because of that, it's almost impossible for one to become a Potions master without a great family or school support.
And Lastly, Money. Gold. Real money cannot be conjured. Although it can be made by Alchemy, the price needed for it exceeds the value of the dėsɨrėd result. So, it is useless.
However, in the 14th century, an alchemist named Nicholas Flamel created a stone known as Philosophers stone which can transform any metal into pure gold and is also used to make Elixir of Life which doesn't make one immortal but increases their life span.
But using the stone to make Elixir of Life constantly can make one Immortal. Sir Flame and his wife were still alive even though more than 600 years had passed”.
Prof. McGonagall nodded, ”I guess you have done your homework perfectly. Five points to Slytherin. Ok. Here's the thing why you are here”.
She pulled a couple of needles and a silver snuff box which looks like it's been decorated with green stones over the top which made it very attractive. When she showed them to Neal, it struck him finally why they called him to the office.
He spoke in a surprise, ”Professor, did they change permanently and you can't untransfigure them?”. McGonagall replied, ”yes. But it isn't just that. Look at these carefully”. When he looked at his work, he spoke, ”they are alright, aren't they?”.
She sighed, ”I forgot that you are still a first-year. These Silver needles aren't just imitation of Silver needles, they are pure silver and these stones on snuff-box you have transfigured from mice, it is made of a pure real Emerald. Did you understand the issue, right now?”.
Neal was taken back in a shock, ”but how? I only used Transfiguration spells”. McGonagall replied, ”this is what we're wondering. You just made one of the exceptions of Gamp's law useless. Do you know it's consequences if the news reaches the ministry?”.
Neal replied, ”Wizardry currency system will be damaged. Goblins from the Gringotts bank will rebel as those greedy creatures have the monopoly on currency until now.
And who knows who will abduct me to make me their money machine as the ministry, just like governments back in muggle world must be corrupted. So, what should I do now, Professor?”.