Chapter 135

Chapter 135

“So that’s how it works…” Understanding dawned on Suer. When he opened his eyes, the figure in the mirror had become a black-and-white badger.

This form of Animagus Transfiguration required no wand because it had already left a brand within the wizard’s body. The wizard needed only to produce the desire to transform and use magic to activate that brand; after that, the change could take place at any time.

Under the influence of magic, every accessory on the wizard’s body also became a distinctive marking branded into the fur. The wand was one example.

An object with such powerful magical properties had to be set aside during the first Animagus transformation.

This was for safety. During the initial transformation, there could be no magical substance on the wizard’s person that might influence the process, apart from the wizard’s own magic.

Strangely enough, once the first transformation had been completed successfully, every later transformation could include the wand, regardless of the circumstances.

Suer rose onto his hind legs before the mirror and gazed at his new appearance in wonder.

Black-and-white fur, bright, spirited eyes and soft, rounded ears.

Yes, just as expected. Even as an animal, he was a handsome specimen.

He nodded in satisfaction, though the lack of wings and consequent inability to fly were something of a disappointment.

“Ah… er… ngh…” Suer opened his mouth and tried to speak. Although a complete sentence formed in his mind, all he could produce were a few monosyllabic sounds.

Then there were the claws. Suer extended the sharp talons hidden inside his padded paws and casually swept one across the frame of the mirror.

“Crash…” The wooden stand supporting the glass tore apart as though it were made of fragile paper. Deprived of its support, the mirror toppled to the floor and shattered into countless pieces.

Tsk. Those claws were almost too sharp. Suer stared in amazement at the talons gleaming with a cold light. If they struck flesh…

His eyes flickered. If he abruptly assumed his Animagus form in a future battle and slashed an opponent… Oh, the result would be most interesting.

He next tested whether he could cast magic in animal form. Naturally, he failed. This led him to suspect that Animagi could not use magic after transforming because all of it was being used to strengthen their bodies.

Suer could also feel clearly that, apart from retaining his human ability to think, all his other emotions seemed to have been weakened.

Hmm… Perhaps it was because he was not yet accustomed to his animal form, but Suer kept trying to stand upright and walk.

He attempted to move on all fours, yet a voice in his mind kept reminding him that he was human and ought to walk as a human did. The animal body’s instincts, meanwhile, insisted that running on all fours would be far faster.

It was a peculiar sensation… as though his soul had split in two. Both halves were Suer, yet they fought one another for control of the body.

Suer spent a long time in the Room of Requirement. When he finally returned to human form, his whole body went limp and he collapsed directly onto the floor.

It felt as though a couch potato who had not exercised in years had been forced to run ten kilometres to recover a stolen collectible.

Without his noticing, his magical reserves had dwindled to almost nothing.

“Hah… hah…” Suer lay on the floor, gasping for breath.

A voice had warned him moments earlier that if he did not change back soon, he might remain trapped in animal form forever.

Of course, this might simply be because he was still young and lacked sufficient magical reserves. It could also be because he was not yet accustomed to the Animagus transformation.
Once he grew older, he ought to be able to remain transformed for much longer. Suer remembered that Sirius had spent most of his time in Animagus form after escaping from prison.

He was due to meet Sirius next year. Perhaps there was something he could accomplish with his own Animagus form…

Oh, yes. There would also be the Dementor threat next year, which meant he needed far more practice with the Patronus Charm. The problem was that he could not use magic during the summer holiday…

Suer remained on the floor and thought for a long time. Only when he felt that his body had recovered somewhat did he rise and leave the Room of Requirement.

It was only then that he realised the sky had grown dark without his noticing.

Oh, no. He had missed dinner in the Great Hall.

…

The enthusiastic house-elves gave Suer a grand reception, especially after learning that he had missed dinner because he was “studying”.

They prepared a meal for him on the spot, allowing Suer to witness the food magic passed down from Hufflepuff herself.

He could not make head nor tail of the technique, but the food tasted as wonderful as ever.

No matter how many times Suer insisted that he had eaten enough, the house-elves continued bringing out one plate after another. In the end, he left the kitchen leaning against the wall for support.

Morn was not in the dormitory. He had probably darted off to another room to play wizard chess. Instead, the familiar figure of Fawkes rested on Morn’s bed, preening his feathers.

“Wait… hic… wait, Fawkes.” Suer held the doorframe and hiccupped. Fawkes had plainly come for a reason.

The old bee wanted to see him! But Suer had only just eaten his fill and wanted nothing more than a rest. Besides… Suer cast a malicious glance towards Fawkes’s…

Fawkes merely swept Suer with his narrow eyes and offered no opportunity at all. Familiar golden-red flames instantly enveloped Suer’s entire body.

This short-range Apparition was clearly not as smooth, fluid or comfortable as the last…

It felt like a drunk passenger travelling over a road that had only just been torn up for repairs.

“How did Fawkes know I wanted to pluck a tail feather? As expected, nothing that follows the old bee is simple…”

Dizzy and disoriented, Suer grabbed the back of a sofa in the headmaster’s office to keep from falling flat on his face.

When he looked up, he saw the old bee wearing dark blue night-robes dotted with stars.

“Phoenixes possess a natural ability to discern a wizard’s thoughts.” Dumbledore glanced towards Fawkes, who had returned to his perch after abducting Suer, and offered an explanation.

“Would you like a glass of sour fruit cordial? It is excellent for relieving the discomfort that follows Apparition.”

“That would be wonderful, if you do not mind.” Suer swallowed hard and forced back the food that had risen into his throat.

The word “sour” in its name was warning enough. The drink was far sharper than lemon. Suer’s entire body shuddered as his tongue and teeth faithfully relayed the taste to his brain.

Even so, the ice and intense sourness were remarkably effective at suppressing the urge to vomit. His stomach no longer felt quite so overfilled either. Did the fruit aid digestion as well?

Dumbledore sat on the sofa holding a steaming cup of pale golden honey water, his light-blue eyes resting gently on Suer.

“There are several matters I wish to discuss with you, Mr Bones.”