Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 28 - Kiss, Kiss, Fall in Love

Some time had passed.

The Transfiguration classroom buzzed with the low hum of chatter as the fourth-year students filed in, taking their seats and pulling out their textbooks and wands. Professor McGonagall stood at the front of the room, her stern yet kind eyes surveying her class. The students quickly quieted down, sensing the start of the lesson. "Good morning, everyone," Professor McGonagall began, her voice clear and authoritative. "Today, we will be learning about Partial Vanishment. Can anyone tell me what Partial Vanishment involves?"

Sue Li's hand shot up immediately. McGonagall nodded at her, signalling for her to speak.

"Partial Vanishment is the process of making part of an object or creature disappear while leaving the rest intact," Sue explained, her voice confident.

"Excellent, Miss Li," McGonagall replied. "Five points to Ravenclaw. Now, Partial Vanishment is a highly useful and advanced skill. It requires precision and concentration. Today, you will be attempting to vanish the tails of these newts." With a flick of her wand, small cages appeared on each student's desk, each containing a lively newt with a long, twitching tail.

"Remember, focus on the tail and visualize it vanishing. Keep the rest of the newt intact. This exercise will test your control over your magic. You may begin," McGonagall instructed, pacing the rows of desks as she observed her students.

The classroom filled with the sound of muttered incantations and the flicking of wands. Hannah Abbott, a Hufflepuff student, bit her lip in concentration as she pointed her wand at the newt's tail. "Evanesco," she whispered, her brow furrowed with focus.

To her delight, the newt's tail began to shimmer and then disappeared completely. Hannah gasped in surprise and joy. "Professor, I did it!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.

Professor McGonagall walked over and inspected the newt. "Well done, Miss Abbott. Ten points to Hufflepuff," she said, a rare smile appearing on her face.

Nearby, Ron Weasley was frowning at his newt, his wand shaking slightly in his hand. He glanced at Hercules and Draco, both of them had already succeeded, earning Slytherin ten points each. Taking a deep breath, Ron steadied himself and said, "Evanesco!"

The newt's tail vanished smoothly, leaving the rest of the creature unharmed. Ron's face broke into a wide grin. "I did it! I actually did it!"

"Good job, Ron!" Lavender Brown said, clapping her hands from the seat behind.

Professor McGonagall approached, her eyes gleaming with approval. "Excellent work, Mr. Weasley. Five points to Gryffindor."

Meanwhile, Lavender Brown, a Gryffindor pureblood, was struggling with her newt. She had tried the spell multiple times, but the tail remained stubbornly attached. Her frustration was evident as she muttered the incantation again, but with no success.

Seeing her distress, Parvati Patil leaned over and whispered, "Don't worry, Lavender. You'll get it." But Lavender sulked, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's no use. I can't do it," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Professor McGonagall noticed Lavender's frustration and approached her desk. "Miss Brown, remember that Transfiguration requires patience and practice. Do not be discouraged by initial failures. Keep trying." Lavender nodded, though her expression remained sullen. She stared at her newt, feeling the weight of the task ahead.

As the class continued, more students experienced varying degrees of success and failure. The room was filled with a mixture of cheers and groans, but Professor McGonagall remained a steady presence, offering guidance and encouragement. "Remember, class, Partial Vanishment is an advanced skill. It will take time to master," McGonagall said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Do not lose heart. Each attempt brings you closer to success."