I stood in the center of the brewing chamber, surrounded by the other four founders. The shelves were lined with rare herbs, enchanted crystals, and magical ingredients that—surprisingly—were easy to gather in this era. The system may have spoiled me with overpowered items, but even without it, we could handle this.
"I can't believe you actually invented this," Rowena said, her eyes wide as she examined the glowing potion in my cauldron. "A ritual that allows us to transform into animals… centuries ahead of its time."
I shrugged, trying to look modest, though I could feel the thrill bubbling in my chest. Of course I invented it. Who else could?
Salazar smirked, adjusting his sleeves as he peered at the formula. "I'll admit, this seems… dangerous. But exciting."
"Dangerous?" I said, lifting an eyebrow. "Salazar, everything we do is dangerous. That's why we're the best."
Helga giggled, mixing a golden powder into her cauldron. "I think it's beautiful. Imagine becoming something… graceful."
Godric rolled up his sleeves, grinning like a kid. "Well, I want something fierce. Something that screams Gryffindor!"
I smiled at that and turned back to my own potion. Luna—my student—would have loved to watch this, I thought. But this was strictly for us. I carefully directed the stirring, ensuring the magical energies intertwined properly. Salazar and I naturally took the lead; we were both skilled in potion work and magical precision. The others watched closely, adding minor ingredients at the right moments, but the real core of the brew was ours.
The room filled with a low hum, the magical energy in the air pulsing as the potions reached their final phase. Each of us could feel it vibrating through our veins—anticipation, power, potential.
"Alright," I said, lifting the potion. "Everyone ready? This is the moment."
The others nodded. Gryffindor's sword gleamed faintly on the table, Helga's eyes sparkled with excitement, Salazar's aura shimmered darkly, and Rowena's gaze was calm but full of curiosity.
We drank.
The effect was instantaneous. My body surged with energy as my senses sharpened, reflexes heightened, and I felt… lighter, faster, sharper. I looked down at myself and felt the magic twisting, reshaping, aligning with my essence.
I could feel the instinct of a predator coursing through me. Every movement became fluid, every breath deliberate. My cat-like reflexes synced with the transformation, and I knew I could dodge, strike, or leap with inhuman precision.
I looked to the others. They were changing too. Gryffindor roared in delight as feathers sprouted along his arms; Helga's form shimmered and became sleek and nimble; Salazar's eyes gleamed with a dangerous predatory light; and Rowena's elegance didn't falter—she simply became graceful in every sense.
"This… is incredible," Rowena breathed, landing silently on the floor in her new form.
"I told you it would be fun," I said, a grin spreading across my face. The ritual worked perfectly. We were the first people in history to perform this… and we had done it together.
The Founders' Beast Ritual had begun. And with it, Hogwarts was no longer just a school—it was a fortress of power, cunning, and magic unlike anything the world had ever seen.
And I couldn't wait to test out my new abilities.