Man of Archives

Chapter 39

Holding a master class on Transfiguration turned out to be an engaging experience. I found myself enjoying the opportunity to stand in front of an audience and speak on a subject I'm passionate about. The fact that the topic was Transfiguration only enhanced my satisfaction.

The attendees were students from Ilvermorny, along with adult wizards who were either masters of Transfiguration or aspiring to be. A few wizards with expertise in other disciplines were present, but they were in the minority.

During conversations with fellow masters, I gained fascinating insights into their research and preferred areas of Transfiguration. Sharing my own thoughts with them provided me with a fresh perspective on certain issues, one I hadn't previously considered.

The final day featured lively magical debates on the nature of transforming bodies into objects and even phenomena. Afterward, there was a grand banquet, which I also attended.

"Well, that's the end of the master class," Vasily drawled as we saw off the last wizard. "What did you think?"

"Not bad at all," I replied. "I thought it would be worse."

"Heh," Vasily chuckled. "No, the guild and the headmaster planned everything perfectly. Nothing went off-script. Everything was carefully thought out."

"Well, that's great," I nodded. "I didn't want to worry about that too. But enough about me... what did you think of the master class?"

"You know, I thought you'd cover some basic topics, but I was wrong," he said slowly. "Even I found your take on certain areas of Transfiguration interesting. I won't say I agreed with everything, but it wasn't my master class."

"I tried to make it interesting and valuable for everyone," I said. "If someone took something meaningful from it, I'll be happy."

"Gentlemen," Ilvermorny's headmistress addressed us, "I'd like to congratulate you on the successful completion of the master class."

"Great work," I nodded to her. "It would've been much harder without your help."

"Oh, it's nothing," she waved it off. "I enjoy organizing these events. And the fact that the students were able to attend something like this is thanks to you."

"I'm sure many of them didn't understand half of what was discussed."

"Half is too generous," she chuckled. "I think barely one-twentieth understood. Most of the topics were well beyond school level."

The small gathering, held just for the three of us, continued in a calm, friendly atmosphere.

"Timothy," the headmistress addressed me, "what are your plans for the future?"

"Well," I stretched the word as I thought. "I'm heading to Las Vegas. Need to make a few purchases."

"And after that?"

"Then I'm going to Forks, and from there, Halifax," I revealed my plans.

"And after Halifax?"

"From there, I'll head home, to England," I smiled. "I should be back by mid-summer."

"You're not planning to stay with us?" she asked, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I'm sure you'd find plenty to do."

"I'm not ready to settle on another continent just yet," I replied calmly. "Maybe in the future... but not now."

"I understand," she nodded.

"Well then, let's drink to future meetings!" Vasily exclaimed, raising his glass. We drank a light local alcohol, which I must say, was of good quality and surprisingly delicious.