Chapter 18 : Lessons

                                    

                                          
The fourth-year Transfiguration class with Gryffindors and Ravenclaws was in full swing. The air was filled with the familiar scent of parchment and ink, mixed with the slight metallic tang of the enchanted materials used in their lessons. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the room, her sharp eyes surveying the students as she explained their task for the day , "Today, we will be working on cross-species switches. This is a complex spell that requires precision and control. Pair up and begin with the instructions on the board."
Harry Potter paired with Hermione Granger, as always. The two shared a look of confidence. As McGonagall waved her wand, the instructions appeared on the blackboard:
1. Focus on the incantation: Transmutare Speciei.
2. Visualize the transformation in your mind.
3. Channel your magic through your wand.
Harry glanced at Hermione, and then at the small mouse on his desk. Without a word, he pointed his wand at the creature and whispered, "Transmutare Speciei." In an instant, the mouse morphed into a beautiful, white dove. The change was smooth, and Harry barely took couple of seconds to do it. Hermione followed suit, her movements just as fluid and precise. Her mouse transformed into a beautiful, vibrant butterfly. She smiled at Harry, who returned her grin.
McGonagall walked around the classroom, observing the pairs. When she reached Harry and Hermione, she nodded approvingly. "Well done, Potter, Granger. As expected. 10 points for Gryffindor for completing the transfiguration first, successfully."
The rest of the class struggled with the spell, some managing partial transformations, and some did complete the transfiguration, while others could only change minor features. 
Ron Weasley, partnered with Neville Longbottom, managed to turn his mouse into something resembling a furry ball with wings, that was more like a furry snitch, but a little bigger in size, much to their mutual frustration. The ball of fluff squeaked indignantly and tried to take off, flapping its crooked, ineffective wings.
Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan were faring no better. Seamus, known for his tendency to cause explosions, had somehow managed to create a creature that was half-mouse, half-toad, which croaked and scurried around their desk in a rather disconcerting manner. Dean laughed so hard that he accidentally knocked over an ink bottle, which spilled on the half-mouse toad that squeaked and croaked which produced a funny sound. This added more to their chaos.
As the lesson continued, the room filled with various animal noises and the occasional exclamation of frustration. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil giggled as their attempts resulted in a mouse with butterfly wings that fluttered around their heads. 
Finally, as the lesson came towards the end, McGonagall clapped her hands for attention. "Students class dismissed. Gryffindors, please gather in the common room. I have an important announcement." The Gryffindors hurried to their common room, curiosity buzzing among them. Once everyone was assembled, McGonagall stood before them, her expression a mix of sternness and excitement.
"Students, as you know, the Triwizard Tournament is being hosted at Hogwarts this year. As part of the festivities, there will be a Yule Ball, a tradition that dates back centuries." She paused, letting the news sink in. A murmur of excitement spread through the room. McGonagall continued, "The Yule Ball will be held on Christmas Eve and is open to all students in their fourth year and above."
A chorus of groans erupted from the third years, who looked thoroughly disappointed. McGonagall allowed herself a small smile at their reaction. "However, if a fourth-year or older student wishes to invite a younger student, they may do so. But, you must submit your partner's name to me in advance."