Chapter 261 - 261
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The exam was both simple and complicated. To begin with, you had to perform a series of different types of transfigurations, but all according to classification and no improvisation. From non-living to non-living, from non-living to living. From living to non-living and from living to the living. It's a classic. Every self-respecting wizard learning transfiguration should be able to do it. The objects were chosen by Delphine. Hermione also shared a couple of ideas. Speed and quality of work were assessed.
The second part was a test of free transformation skills. This is already more difficult, although it would seem, what is the big deal - to change the material form? But the word "free" in transfiguration masters often causes a nervous tic because they do not use formulas but only will and imagination. Usually, it is very difficult because it takes a very high-quality discipline of mind to hold the images in the head. Also, you have to change them smoothly, making the object change shape smoothly from one to another, without jerks and "waves" on the surface.
The third part of the exam was a banal test of my strength. I was simply given a pile of identical stone cubes and given the following task: to transfigure a stone cube into a glass cube, increasing in size. Each glass cube should be a quarter larger than the previous one and so on in ascending order. Two seconds are allotted for each transformation. Since I, like Delphine, unlike most wizards, can increase the amount of magic in a much wider range, I was given a special potion that stabilizes emotions. As we have found out, it is emotions that stimulate a large production of magic, and concentration on the spell increases its density.
That's what I was doing. Hermione did the same, purely for fun. What can you say about the results of two hours of such manipulations? In terms of skills and powers, we are higher than the journeyman, but we do not reach the level of the master, although the master's skills are checked by more complex tests. Strength ... Well, I worked without Rowena's help, although for this, I had to ask her to forcibly turn off the capabilities of that neoplasm in my head because I already unconsciously use her resources, albeit far from full. Without Rowena's help, I am significantly superior to Hermione in strength, but again, not a master.
"How did you put such a powerful Protego Diabolica?" wondered Delphine after the exam.
"I have one trick for significant increasing the density and volume of magic."
"Trick? It's good. All wizards striving for self-improvement sooner or later find tricks just for themselves. If I correctly assessed the power of that spell, then with this trick, your powers are pretty well above the master's minimum."
"You have surpassed me here too ... Eh ..." Hermione sighed in mock despair.
"Don't worry," Lady Greengrass smiled at her. "Everyone finds their tricks. After all, magic is not only in the body but also here," Delphine tapped her head with her finger. "And you don't have a problem with that. You shouldn't be in a hurry, but you shouldn't give up either. After all, great wizards are not born — they become them."
After this exam and conversations, we began to fold our camp in the dungeon, packing up our things and packing the tent. When we were ready to leave the Chamber of Secrets, having checked everything and covered our tracks, just in case, I decided to ask a few questions.
"What are your plans for further training, Master?" I asked as we climbed the stairs of the second entrance to the Room.
"As you can see for yourself, Max, because of recent events, I need to adjust my plans. I was going to propose a couple of rather entertaining experiments at the beginning of the vacations to unlock your potential, but now... I guess we'll have to wait until early August. Anyway, I'll let you know in advance. In the meantime, you get a month off. Isn't that great? Oh, and shouldn't you solve all sorts of... problems?"
"Absolutely."
"What kind of problems?" Hermione immediately perked up as she walked up the narrow stairs behind me. "When did you have time to find more problems for yourself?"
"These are old problems, playing with different colors against the background of new ones."
"As Dean once said, 'Nothing is clear but very interesting.'"
We left the Chamber of Secrets under the spell of concealment and went about our business. Hermione wanted to finish one book in the Restricted Section and Lady Greengrass... Well, she doesn't notify me of her actions. I went to wander around the castle, though, and somewhere on the third floor, I took off my hiding spell, immediately catching Professor McGonagall's eye.
"Mr. Knight," the professor was unfailingly strict. "The headmaster wants to see you."
"Understood."
"Come on, I'll walk you to the door."