NOVEL WEB Chapter 113: The Animagus Form
The sky had darkened, clouds rolling in as rain began to pour and lightning split across the heavens. But Cael was smiling. Tonight wasn't a night to hide indoors—it was the night he would finish what he started. If he succeeded, he would become an Animagus.
While most students huddled inside, the glow of common room fires flickering behind the castle's windows, Cael moved the other way. His cloak clung to his body, soaked through, boots sinking into the wet earth as he made his way toward the Black Lake.
The storm raged above him, but he hardly noticed. His heart was steady as he reached the old tree by the lakeshore—the place he had buried the container days ago. Kneeling in the mud, he dug into the soaked ground, fingers finding the hidden vial.
He whispered the words, ancient and vital: "Animagus Potentia Revelare."
Once.
Twice.
A third time.
The magic stirred around him as he pulled the container free. Rain trickled down his face, mixing with the dirt on his skin. Without hesitation, he brought the potion to his lips and swallowed.
The taste hit him hard—bitter, sharp, like raw lightning down his throat. His stomach twisted, his limbs tingled, his whole body buzzing with wild, unfamiliar energy.
He pressed his palm to the tree's rough bark, closing his eyes. To transform, he had to reach deep within—to find the hidden part of himself, the animal spirit that lived beneath his skin. The potion had unlocked the door. The storm, the night, the ritual—they would carry him the rest of the way.
The wind howled around him, rain pelting his robes, soaking him to the bone.
Cael slowed his breathing, focusing.
He muttered the final incantation under his breath, ancient words passed down through generations. His voice was nearly lost in the storm, but the magic pulsed beneath his skin, rising, building, twisting like a second heartbeat.
Lightning flashed overhead, lighting the lake in ghostly silver.
Suddenly, pain ripped through him. His bones shifted, joints cracked, his vision blurred at the edges. Cael dropped to his hands and knees, gasping for breath. His hands shrank, his nails blackened, sleek fur sprouted along his arms.
The ground tilted beneath him.
One moment, he was Cael—the next, he was low to the earth, paws pressed into the mud, sleek black fur clinging to his small frame.
It had worked.
The storm loomed huge above him, every sound sharp, every drop of rain, every crash of the lake's waves ringing clear in his ears. His tail flicked behind him, steady and sure.
Cael padded toward a puddle and peered into the glassy surface.
Two wide, electric blue eyes stared back. Sharp, curious, glowing faintly beneath the dripping branches.
A tiny, black cat.
A pleased sound slipped from his throat—a soft meow that barely rose above the rain. But it was enough.
He'd done it.
The transformation had worked. After the pain, the fear, the careful planning—he was finally an Animagus. A tiny, harmless, forgettable black cat. Perfect for sneaking through hallways, vanishing into shadows, slipping through locked doors without anyone suspecting a thing.
The ritual wasn't fully complete—he still had to master shifting back and forth—but the hardest part was done.
Under the stormy sky, beside the restless lake, Cael's small, sharp teeth glinted in a proud grin. His new form wasn't just cute—it was useful. A perfect tool for the plans ahead.
As he adjusted to his small body, a familiar voice echoed in his mind—his system.
"Congratulations, host, for completing the quest. Your reward will now be granted."
A soft chime followed:
Ding!
Quest: Learn Animagus Transformation by Year's End (Illegal Animagus Status)
Status: Completed
Reward: Aegis Vitae — Shield of Life
Type: Advanced Protective/Healing Magic
Category: Rare, Ancient White Magic
Effect:
— Shields the caster or another from deadly attacks for a short time
— Instantly heals minor wounds within the shield
— Strongly repels dark magic, especially curses and hexes
— Temporary — drains the caster's energy the longer it's active
Cael's small ears twitched as the information settled in his mind. A shield of life. Protection. Healing. A defense against dark magic.
Perfect.
Still grinning beneath the storm, the little black cat padded silently through the wet grass.