The original picture frame just turned into a door.
Kael held the doorknob... with a "click," the door opened.
Behind the door was a room the size of the Transfiguration Classroom, but there were far fewer people inside than in class.
Counting Professor McGonagall and Kael himself, there were exactly ten people... on average, only two people per grade could join Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration Club.
The disproportionate ratio showed how strict Professor McGonagall's selection criteria were.
As soon as Kael walked into the room, there was a warm round of applause... The person sitting on the outermost seat clapped the most enthusiastically.
"Cedric?"
Seeing who it was, Kael instinctively said, "Didn't you say you were going to the kitchen to get something to eat when you left the common room?"
"Uh... sorry, Kael."
Cedric scratched his head awkwardly and said, "Professor McGonagall told me not to tell you."
"Indeed, I asked him to keep it a secret... to prevent him from giving you any hints or clues."
Professor McGonagall said with a smile, "Finding the entrance to the club on your own is considered the first challenge.
Now it seems you've done well, go ahead and sit down."
Professor McGonagall pointed to an empty seat not far away.
The room had only one round table, and everyone sat around it, with one seat conveniently left open next to Cedric and Percy... Clearly reserved for Kael.
But when Kael walked over, he found only a short four-legged stool, which looked much like a small horse stool.
While everyone else sat in wide-backed chairs with velvet cushions.
And the surrounding eyes were dedicated to watching the fun.
Kael instantly understood, without thinking, that this must be the second challenge.
If his Transfiguration was not up to the mark, he would have to sit on the low four-legged stool and attend class with everyone else.
But naturally, that was not going to happen.
Kael took out his wand and gave it a light wave, and the original four-legged stool turned into a brand new velvet-backed chair, just like the others.
Once again, applause filled the room, and some upper-year students started introducing themselves to Kael.
This signified that they officially accepted Kael as a member of the club.
Among these people, there was only one third- or fourth-year student, namely Kael and Cedric.
The fifth years included two Slytherins and one Ravenclaw, though Kael did not know them.
In the sixth year, aside from Percy, there was also the Ravenclaw Prefect, Penelope Clearwater... She was the first to introduce herself to Kael.
All that was left was the seventh years.
...
After Kael sat down, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and everyone found a copy of "Today's Transfiguration" in front of them.
"I got an advance copy of the latest issue, and this will be the scope of our discussion today," said Professor McGonagall. "You can choose an article that interests you the most and share your thoughts."
"Okay, Professor McGonagall!" everyone said.
All that was left in the classroom was the sound of turning pages.
Unlike classes, the club focused more on students discussing and exchanging their understandings and views with each other.
And Professor McGonagall's role was to ensure everyone's thoughts were heading in the right direction and to give them a push when they got stuck.
The learning atmosphere in the room was intense, and the most heated discussions were among the fifth and sixth years, centered around Percy.
The article they chose was about multiple cross-species transfigurations, one of the hottest topics in Transfiguration research.
Percy offered many of his views and understandings, and he seemed to be planning to publish an article on the topic before graduating.
"Today's Transfiguration" has a Most Promising Newcomer Award for young wizards who haven't graduated from Hogwarts.
Percy was aiming for this.
As a professional academic journal, this award holds significant prestige, and winning it would greatly aid his chances of entering the Ministry of Magic after graduation.
...
When the Transfiguration Club ended, it was already eight in the evening.
After Professor McGonagall finished wrapping things up and answering some questions, everyone left the eighth-floor room and headed towards their respective common rooms.
"How do you feel..." asked Cedric on the way back.
"Very productive and efficient," Kael glanced at the several pieces of parchment in his hand, "If we could come once every day, it would be even better."
"Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't think so," Cedric laughed. "She doesn't have that much time."
"I know..."
The two of them walked all the way to the corridor leading to the kitchen.
Before entering the common room, Kael suddenly looked at Cedric and said seriously, "Mr. Digory, are you still planning to go to the kitchen for some food? I can wait for you."
"Hey, don't be like that."
Cedric's expression turned awkward, "It really was Professor McGonagall who asked me to keep it a secret, I had no choice.
Besides, I believed that the painting would not be difficult for you."
"I'm honored to have such a high evaluation from you," Kael shot him a glance, "But Professor McGonagall also said no wandering at night, yet you forgot about that when you followed us into the Forbidden Forest."
"That's different..." Cedric argued, "I was... watching over you guys, protecting you... from being caught by Filch."
"Do you even believe that?" Kael said irritably.
"Alright... I don't." Cedric sighed, "What if I treat you to Butter Beer, could you forget about this?"
Kael raised an eyebrow, "Are you trying to steal Fred and George's job?"
"Then what should I do?" Cedric asked helplessly.
"How about this..." Kael thought for a moment, "If you shout that the Wimbourne Wasps are the best Quidditch team, I'll forgive you."
"In your dreams!"
Cedric's face immediately changed, "Those brutes should be at the bottom of the league, they don't understand the art of Quidditch at all."
"In fact... the Wasps are ranked second in this year's league," Kael said with a smile. "The Chudley Cannons are at the bottom."
"That's just temporary..." Cedric said with utmost confidence, "I believe they can catch up and shine again as they did in the past!"
"If being at the bottom for thirty years can be considered 'temporary,' then maybe they really could catch up."
Kael shrugged, "Just maybe fifty years later... or even longer, a hundred years?"
"Ha, just wait and see... let's see who laughs last."
Cedric knocked on the wooden barrel with his wand and walked in without looking back.
...