The Kind Hufflepuff

Chapter 61: Oscausi

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The Kind Hufflepuff - Year Three

Chapter Sixty- One: Oscausi

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Greta and John practically dragged their fellow Hufflepuff into the Transfiguration classroom as she refused to walk and they each had grabbed an arm and pulled her through the doors. "But Greta," Cali whined, pouting dramatically as she finally sat down in her seat. 

She chose to ignore the familiar cat that sat on top of the desk at the front of the room, though her bowtruckle seemed to be concerned by the creature as it climbed down her shirt and onto the table, stretching it's small body to get a better look at the cat. "Don't worry," Cali cooed quietly to the bowtruckle, "That's an Animagus."

Right on cue, the cat began to slowly transform into the Transfiguration Professor - Minerva McGonagall causing the bowtruckle to fall backwards in surprise, clearly not having believed Cali before it zoomed back to Cali's shoulder as quickly as possible, protecting itself in her hair as Minerva McGonagall watched the interaction. "I believe..." The professor began, catching the attention of the rest of the classroom, "that Miss. Higgs will actually be a productive student in this classroom today."

"Well if you didn't-" Cali began to argue but died off as Minerva held up her wand.

"Ocausi," and just like that, Cali's mouth was welded her shut, her hands coming up to investigate her mouth that was no longer there as Cali slumped back into her chair, crossing her arms as she glared at the professor. McGonagall, meanwhile, seemed a bit too pleased with herself before she began to address the rest of the classroom. Everybody had grown silent with the exchange, even the four Gryffindor boys that were sitting in the back of the classroom watched the interaction in silence.

"Miss. Higgs was correct in claiming that my cat form was an Animagus, though that was of no surprise considering you guys watched my form only a few years," McGonagall began, slowly walking around the classroom. "Can anyone tell me what an Animagus actually is?"

Cali would have been able to answer the question, though she didn't considering the charm was still preventing her from speaking as Lily Evans raised her hand instead. "Yes, Miss. Evans?"

"Hello Professor," Lily greeted politely, "An Animagus is considered to be incredibly advanced Transfiguration magic that grants the ability to turn into an animal. However, it is only one animal and unlike werewolves, they do not lose mental faculty during the transformation and it is at will rather than during the full moon."

"Correct," McGonagall nodded. "5 points to Gryffindor." 

"As Miss. Evans stated, becoming an Animagus is considered to be advanced Transfiguration magic. There are not a lot of people who chose to make the attempt to become an Animagus themselves as there is not a lot of practical use outside of concealment," McGonagall continued. "However, I made the choice to become an Animagus due to my desire to continue my transfiguration studies."

Sirius Black raised his hand, and McGonagall called onto him after a few moments. "Yes?"

"Is it hard to become an Animagus?"

"It can be," McGonagall confirmed. "The process is long and has to be done under incredibly specific circumstances. However, I managed to do it when I was 17. The School of Uagadou, a wizarding school in Japan, specializes in Transfiguration magic and many students that attend there become Animagus' before they are 14."

James Potter raised his hand this time, "Is it legal?"

"It is," McGonagall nodded shortly. "However, you are expected to register with the Ministry of Magic when you have achieved with your transformation. This is done primarily due to the fact that choosing to become an Animagus is typically done to commit less than favorable acts."

Sirius Black raised his hand this time, and McGonagall narrowed her eyes in suspicion as she gestured for him to speak. "Thank you Professor," he nodded shortly before asking, "Can it protect you against Werewolves?" Nobody noticed how all three of his friends dragged him to his seat, the scarred boy hissing in his ear in frustration as McGonagall sighed.

"Animals are not effected by werewolf attacks," McGonagall replied carefully. "When you are in your animal form, you can not become a werewolf however you can be seriously injured."

Cali turned towards the group, her eyes narrowed in suspicion before Greta grabbed her attention, sending her a questioning look but she simply shrugged in response, choosing not to say anything as Peter Pettigrew raised his hand next. "Yes, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"How do you become an Animagus?" McGonagall sighed, exasperated.

"It is a long process, revolving around very specific events that would need to happen in a specific order. There are books out there with instructions, though I do not believe there are any in the library here at Hogwarts..." McGonagall trailed off, clearly thinking about something. "I had personally been trained by Albus Dumbledore, though he is not an Animagus himself."

It wasn't long before the class had come to an end, and with a quick wave of her wand, Cali Higgs was able to speak once more who immediately watched as the four Gryffindor's escaped the classroom. "I need to talk to those idiots."