Chapter 288: Transfiguration Club
The frame had transformed completely into a door. Kyle reached for the knob, and with a quiet "click," the door swung open. Inside was a room that resembled the usual Transfiguration classroom, though it felt more intimate with only a handful of people seated around.
Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle himself, there were exactly ten people present. On average, it seemed only two students per year were admitted to McGonagall's Transfiguration Club—a clear indication of the high standards she upheld for membership.
As Kyle stepped in, he was greeted by a round of applause, with one person in particular clapping the loudest from the back of the room.
"Cedric?" Kyle said in surprise as he recognized the student. "When you left the common room, didn't you say you were going to the kitchen to grab something to eat?"
"Er... sorry, Kyle," Cedric replied sheepishly, scratching his head. "Professor McGonagall asked me not to mention anything."
"It's true—I asked him to keep it a secret," Professor McGonagall confirmed with a smile. "I wanted to ensure you found the entrance on your own, as that's considered the first test. And it seems you've done well. Take a seat, won't you?"
She gestured toward an empty chair near the round table. Everyone sat around this single table, leaving an open spot between Cedric and Percy—clearly intended for Kyle.
As he walked over, Kyle noticed something curious: the spot reserved for him had only a small, low square stool, quite unlike the comfortable chairs with wide backs and plush velvet cushions that everyone else was seated in. The other club members were watching him with an amused curiosity, and Kyle instantly understood. This was the second test. If he couldn't perform a simple Transfiguration spell, he'd be stuck attending the session perched awkwardly on this low stool.
But Kyle wasn't about to let that happen. He took out his wand and gave it a deft wave. The small stool transformed into a brand-new velvet armchair, identical to the others.