When Robert's name was called, the Little Badgers immediately erupted into the most enthusiastic applause he had ever received. After all, he had been in detention for three full weeks. Yet, as they applauded, none of them pressured him.
Hannah, Susan, and the other girls who were close to Robert quietly approached him, concern etched on their faces.
"Robert," Hannah said gently,
"You missed three weeks of classes."
"Don't put pressure on yourself," added Susan.
"Your Transfiguration will always be the best in our hearts."
Robert smiled faintly, gratitude shining in his eyes. He looked at the Little Badgers and said with quiet confidence,
"Don't worry. This year, not only will we win the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup, but Hufflepuff will also take first place in Transfiguration."
The sheer certainty in his words made the Little Badgers erupt in deafening applause again.
Hermione, who had been watching, felt a sudden wave of nervousness. She was even more anxious than she had been during her own stage performance. Could Robert have truly mastered Tollerman Transformation? Even Professor McGonagall's eyes showed a hint of surprise and uncertainty.
Tollerman Transformation was far more difficult than Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration. It required extremely high Magic Perception, a level of magical talent most first-year Little Wizards had not yet developed. Precocious students with deliberate training might manage it, like Hermione. But Robert's innate talent had never been considered exceptional, and he had spent three weeks in detention. Without guidance, mastering Tollerman Transformation seemed almost impossible.
Still, Professor McGonagall applauded, her expression full of expectation. She was not narrow-minded. Although Hermione belonged to her own house, Robert was her student too. If he could achieve something remarkable in Transfiguration, she would be genuinely happy.
At that moment, Robert held his wand and waved it lightly. His movements were calm, flowing with grace. Immediately, the match before him was enveloped in a cloud of earthy yellow smoke. The smoke condensed and transformed into a tiny Little Badger, nearly identical to Hufflepuff's emblem.
The miniature Badger landed on the desk with a bewildered look. Gasps of amazement erupted from both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students. Hannah, Susan, and the other Hufflepuff girls reached out instinctively, touching the Badger. Its texture was indistinguishable from a real creature.
"It's alive?!" someone whispered.
Hermione's face froze in shock. This feat went beyond ordinary Gamp's Law Transfiguration. Robert's skill surpassed what she could achieve. Professor McGonagall, too, could hardly contain her astonishment. Robert's grasp of elemental transfiguration had strengthened far beyond his previous demonstrations.
She recalled the Serpensortia gift Lucius Malfoy had given him. It was clear Robert had not wasted the three weeks of detention. He hadn't just mastered Serpensortia; he had delved into its underlying principles. The level of maturity and diligence at his age was extraordinary. Achieving this degree of mastery in elemental transfiguration was more challenging than Hermione mastering both Gamp's Law and Tollerman Transformation simultaneously.
Yet Robert's performance wasn't over. Although he had barely started learning Tollerman Transformation, after two days of intense practice and countless shadow translocations, he had grasped its principles intuitively. The foundation laid by his Transfiguration studies, coupled with his recent experiences, meant Robert's skill now rivaled his mastery of elemental transfiguration.
On the system panel, the word "Transfiguration" glowed a rich, almost tangible bronze. If his Magic Perception weren't limited, Robert's mastery might already shimmer with silver flecks, hinting at Platinum Grade.
Hermione's previous display of Tollerman Transformation had been remarkable, especially for a first-year Little Wizard. But to Robert, it was merely commendable, not extraordinary.
With another graceful movement, Robert waved his wand. The Little Badger dissolved into smoke, then coalesced into shadow, finally transforming back into a simple match. The innovation of transforming the creature into shadow amazed Professor McGonagall, who rewarded him with thirty House Cup points.
She then addressed the class.
"Hermione Granger and Robert Sprout," she announced, "your performances are so excellent that you are exempt from this year's Transfiguration final exam. You do not need to attend the remaining classes. Everyone else must continue, though some—Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones—will not need to submit short essays, provided they prepare properly for the exam."
As for the Gryffindor students, McGonagall's gaze hardened. "Your essay word count is doubled!"
The Gryffindors groaned, while Robert felt a wave of relief. No more classes, no short essays—his free time would increase dramatically, allowing him to focus on his other plans, particularly cultivating fields.
Professor McGonagall began to critique the other students' Transfiguration. Robert, however, knew he wouldn't be called upon and could visit her office later with any questions. With a polite farewell, he left amidst the envious gazes of his peers.
Hermione hesitated before rising. She glanced at Professor McGonagall, who noticed her and waved her aside. Once outside, she asked softly, "Professor, may I ask something?"
Hermione's face was troubled. "I don't understand. At my Muggle school, I always came first. In every competition, I won. But here, despite my effort and clever methods, I cannot surpass Robert. The gap keeps widening. How… how am I falling behind? Is my talent truly worse than his?"
Professor McGonagall was silent for a long moment, then spoke with a bitter smile. "Hermione, do not use this to evaluate students, and tell no one—it is a serious matter. Robert's innate talent is far below yours. In fact, it is far below that of most Hogwarts students. At first, all professors regretted this. Such a diligent child, yet seemingly destined to struggle with magic. Honestly, we did not expect him to master Transfiguration at all."
Hermione's eyes widened. "Really? Robert's talent barely met Hogwarts' standards? How… how is this possible?"
McGonagall's gaze followed Robert, already departed. "It was his effort and suffering, beyond what words can describe. Every step cost him immensely. I cannot imagine the trials he endured."
Hermione felt as though a weight had been dropped on her chest. But determination replaced shock. "If Robert can do it, then so can I. I simply haven't worked hard enough. I must utilize every moment." She quickened her pace toward the library, unwilling to be left behind.
Professor McGonagall watched, concern flickering across her features. "Time-Turners are not for first-years," she murmured. She returned to the classroom, resuming her guidance.
Meanwhile, Robert headed to Professor Sprout's office. His request to cultivate fields had already been submitted to the Ministry of Magic. Given the contract witnessed by Dumbledore himself, there should be no resistance. Now he had to decide which magical crops to plant once the fields were prepared.
He considered the newly cultivated fields. Even with fertilization potions, the soil's fertility was far less than that of the Greenhouse. Growing plants with Silver Grade rewards seemed unlikely. Bronze Level plants might survive, but his priority was Black Iron Grade crops. These needed to be resilient, self-sufficient to some extent, and not easily affected by pests, reducing daily maintenance.
Robert also considered his Magic Perception Enhancement, which would take time to reach Platinum Grade. Most charms, including Transfiguration, were currently bottlenecked by his Magic Perception. To advance efficiently, he needed more resources—and Trolls would help. Trolls required enormous amounts of food. Although capable of hunting, their meals would slow the Goldfish Vine's growth. Hence, the fields should ideally grow crops to feed the Trolls.
Upon entering Professor Sprout's office, Robert was astonished. The walls were lined with countless compartments, each containing a bag of seeds and detailed introductions. A letter from Sprout lay on the desk:
"Dear Robert,
I know you are planning to cultivate fields. I have prepared seed samples that can be supplied in large quantities. Take your time choosing. Just let me know what you wish to plant."
Robert was moved. The effort required to prepare such an extensive collection in just two days was immense. He took a deep breath, resolving to act decisively.
This year's Quidditch Cup and House Cup must remain with Hufflepuff. And Antonin Dolohov, a source of great danger, must be eliminated. For this, Robert needed strength approaching Snape's, ensuring a direct confrontation could end decisively with his tactics fully deployed.
Before that, though, trees must be planted. Slowly, methodically, Robert examined each seed, weighing its rewards and potential. Some were peculiar—Leaping Root for jumping enhancement, Bubble-Stem for Bubblehead Charm—but Robert sought utility for his larger plans.
Hours passed, night deepened, and finally, his gaze fell upon a wrinkled, oddly scented seed. His eyes lit with purpose. At last, he had found the beginning of a new path.
For more chapters
patreon.com/Ben479