HP: Card System

Each student received a matchstick, and the classroom was soon filled with eager—yet mostly clueless—attempts at Transfiguration.

Most first-years had barely any control over their magic, and even with spells, their casting was shaky at best. But Transfiguration? It didn't rely just on words; it required focus, willpower, and a sharp mental image.

The results were... mixed.

Some students waved their wands dramatically, expecting instant success—only for their matches to remain unchanged. Others managed something, but not quite what they were aiming for.

BOOM!

A small explosion burst from Seamus' desk, sending a puff of smoke into the air. When it cleared, his matchstick had been reduced to nothing but ash.

The sudden bang jolted Anzu, who had been dozing off nearby. The bird let out a startled squawk. "Caw! I wasn't asleep, I swear!"

Ted hurriedly waved Ansu away before Professor McGonagall could notice. The last thing he needed was a lecture about unregistered magical creatures in class.

He sighed, glancing at Seamus' scorched eyebrows.

'That guy is definitely born to be a fire mage or something.'

Hermione, watching from across the table, pursed her lips. "Professor McGonagall was right. Transfiguration is dangerous."

Ted smirked. "Maybe the real danger is Seamus."

Meanwhile, those with natural talent started making progress. Hermione's matchstick began to wobble and soften, like it was melting into a new shape. It stretched slightly—only to suddenly snap back to normal a moment later.

Ted was doing a little better. His match flickered, grew thinner, and almost turned metallic—before it, too, reverted.

Professor McGonagall strode through the classroom, her sharp gaze sweeping over the students. "Focus," she instructed. "You must visualize the change. Magic is power, but Transfiguration requires precision and intent. Feel the change. Will it to happen."

The students kept trying.

By the time class was nearly over, Ted finally managed to alter his matchstick into... a wooden toothpick.

Ding!

Quest Completed: [Transfiguration Apprentice (White)]Reward: 150 XP.

Professor McGonagall picked up the wooden needle, inspecting it closely before shifting her gaze to Ted. He sat up straighter, trying to look as disciplined as possible.

"Well done. Ravenclaw earns five points."

Ted exhaled in relief. Finally! A win!

McGonagall's gaze then landed on Hermione's match. It had transformed into... a pointy wooden nail. Not quite a needle, but a step in the right direction.

"Two points to Ravenclaw," she declared.

_______________________

Ding! New Quest Triggered: [House Model Student (Blue)]

As a student, it is your duty to earn points for your house and bring glory to Ravenclaw!

Goal: Earn 100 points for Ravenclaw in your first year.

Progress: 5/100.

Reward: 300 XP,

Random Card.

_______________________

Ted nearly choked. One hundred points?! Did they think he was the chosen one or something?!

First, he was losing points. Now, he had to earn them back. This system was messing with his head.

By the time class ended, most students had zero progress. Unlike what some books suggested, Transfiguration wasn't something you could master in a single lesson.

Hermione's progress was actually slower than in the original story. But considering how strict McGonagall was being, maybe this version of Hogwarts had upped the difficulty.

As expected, McGonagall assigned an eight-inch essay on the fundamentals of Transfiguration.

She also instructed everyone to keep practicing outside of class. Their progress would be reviewed next time.

By now, everyone's arms were aching from waving their wands for two hours straight.

Ron groaned as he packed up his things. "I think my matchstick is defective. It didn't change at all."

Harley held up hers with a blank look. "Mine just flipped over."

Jerry's expression was even more pitiful. "My match rolled around the table like it was trying to escape. If I roll it any faster, it's gonna ignite itself at this point."

Neville, meanwhile, sat in silent defeat. His match hadn't moved a single inch all class.

With the morning lessons finally over, everyone trudged into the Great Hall for lunch.

The enchanted ceiling above bathed the room in warm daylight, giving the illusion of an outdoor picnic.

While the others waited for food to appear, Hermione refused to put her book down. She kept flipping through A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration like she was preparing for war.

Ron and Jerry cautiously scooted away from her. "I swear, her determination terrifies me," Ron muttered.

Hermione glanced up at him with a sharp look.

Ron immediately looked away. "Nothing! Keep studying! You're doing great!"

Jerry cast Neville a pleading look. 'Help me. I'm about to be crushed under the weight of her ambition.'

Seeing the tension rise, Ted sighed and put away his own notes. "Look, there's a time for studying, and there's a time for eating. Do the right thing at the right time."

Ron nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Study while studying, eat while eating!"

Ted rolled his eyes. "That's... literally what I just said."

As soon as Hermione set her textbook down and picked up her knife and fork, Harley smirked. "See? A top student only listens to someone better than them."

Hermione had a habit of lecturing others, but luckily, Ted had managed to curb it before she went on a full-blown knowledge spree.

Lunch was as hearty as ever—pies, roasted pork, beef, lamb, chicken, sausages, warm bread, and vegetable soup. While not as grand as the school's famous feasts, it was still enough to satisfy any hungry student.

Just as Ted was about to take a bite, two figures slid into place beside him—one on the left, one on the right. Identical red-haired grins loomed over him.

The Weasley twins.

"Please, allow us to introduce ourselves~" one of them declared theatrically.

"He's George," the other continued, "and I'm Fred."

Ted put his spoon down and gave them a knowing look. "Got it."

They both leaned in closer, as if sharing classified information. George whispered dramatically, "We heard a rumor. Is it true? Did you pet the cat that Professor McGonagall transformed into?"

Harley blinked. "Wait—Professor McGonagall can turn into a cat?"

Fred nodded. "Yep! She's an Animagus."

George added, "A silver-backed tabby British Shorthair, to be exact. And let me tell you, when she leaps off the podium and transforms back into her human self—boom! Instant fear factor."

Freddie chuckled. "It's her way of letting every first-year know: You are not prepared. We were just as shocked when we saw it!"

The twins exchanged a glance, then clapped Ted on the shoulders in unison. "But you, my friend? You're a true warrior."

That afternoon, Ravenclaw and Slytherin shared their Charms class.

Hogwarts' schedule seemed deliberately designed to ensure students from different houses interacted often. Classes were paired up, making sure no one remained in their own house bubble for too long.

The Charms classroom, located on the fourth floor, had an amphitheater-style layout, with bookshelves crammed full of dusty tomes, making the room look pleasantly chaotic.

Professor Filius Flitwick stood at the front, barely visible behind his desk. A short man with possible goblin ancestry, he was not only Ravenclaw's head of house but also a former dueling champion. Given his size, he had a natural advantage—his opponents probably had a hard time aiming spells at him.

During roll call, Flitwick reached Neville's name and became so excited that he lost his balance—falling off the stack of books he had been standing on. The students stifled their laughter as he quickly dusted himself off, unfazed.

"Alright, class! Please turn to the first chapter of The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1." Flitwick's voice was high-pitched but carried well across the room. "Let's begin by discussing the fundamental principles of magic."

Magic was a peculiar thing. Everyone had their own theories, shaped by personal experience and study. However, at its core, it boiled down to two key elements: magical energy and willpower.

"Think of magic as a thread," Flitwick explained, "and willpower as the loom. When woven together, they create spells."

Wands, gestures, and incantations all existed to help wizards channel their magic more effectively. Some of the most powerful spells had originally been discovered by accident—wizards experimenting or reacting instinctively in the heat of the moment. Once the effect was observed, a proper incantation and gesture were developed, allowing others to replicate it.

"Now, let's begin with our first spell: the Wand-Lighting Charm. Can anyone tell me the incantation?"

Ted's hand shot up. "Lumos!"

"Excellent! And perfect pronunciation! Five points to Ravenclaw!" Flitwick beamed.

_______________________

Ding! New Quest Triggered: [Good Student (Blue)]

There's nothing more awkward than complete silence when a professor asks a question. Step up and answer!

Goal: Correctly answer 100 questions in class.

Progress: 1/100.

Reward: 500 XP, Random Card.

_______________________

Ted nearly grinned. No time limit? Perfect! If the challenge had required 100 answers within his first year, that would've been downright cruel.

He glanced sideways.

His only real competition? Hermione.

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