This is What Ravenclaw Looks Like

Senior Nelly was a good person.

That was the conclusion Andrew reached after several days of meeting and working together — his experiment had gone better than expected each time, and none of it would've been possible without the kind upperclassman.

Of course, some credit also went to his now rudimentary transfiguration system — magic wasn't all that magical. Its development had followed a traceable path rather than just being the result of wizards snapping their fingers and wishing things into existence.

After devoting nearly eighty hours — essentially all his free time for two weeks — to researching the Bubble-Head Charm in every way he could think of, Andrew had finally gained a solid understanding of how the spell worked.

It summoned air from the surrounding area at the point of casting and used magical energy to weave it together. The air forming the charm continuously replenished the internal gaseous layer while removing exhaled carbon dioxide. The transparent outer shell was formed by a magically compressed barrier — and it was this that played the most important role.

It could withstand powerful magical attacks (with the help of Nelly casting the Shield Charm for safety), and Andrew had tried many ways to break it — only a few of which actually worked. In practice, the charm effectively kept out non-harmful external environments and even had some decent insulation properties.

Compared to understanding how it worked, replicating it was faster — thanks to his improving transfiguration. It didn't take long for him to grasp how to compress and reshape air into new materials.

Shaping it and mimicking its function wasn't hard — the real challenge was in the compression.

Transforming an object's structure to that level was difficult. After trying for a while, Andrew had to accept that unless he gained a deeper understanding of transfiguration or grew older and developed stronger magical power, his version of the Bubble-Head Charm could only reach about a third of the original's strength.

"That's incredible... using Transfiguration to replicate the Bubble-Head Charm…"Nelly was trying his best to comfort Andrew — especially since he had been paid more than double the agreed amount. All this effort, and Andrew had only produced this?

"It's not that impressive," Andrew replied, staring at the thin head-bubble floating around Nelly's face, "but it's pretty great.""It didn't fully meet my expectations, but it's still a success. It's been a pleasure working with you, Senior Nelly."

Andrew let out a breath and extended his hand. The handshake was full of genuine satisfaction.

From nothing, he had proved that transfiguration could be extended to mimic other spells — and that replication was possible. That was already huge. And he now had a fully usable version of the Bubble-Head Charm.

The original spell lasted at least two hours. Andrew's mimic version lasted just over thirty minutes — but that was enough for escape or survival. Plus, the spell wasn't weak — he was. With more magical growth or deeper understanding of transfiguration, surpassing the original would be just a matter of time.

"Here's today's payment."Andrew handed over two gold Galleons.

"Huh? This—"

"Because it was such a success. This is a small way of sharing my joy. Also, we might collaborate on other spells in the future — depending on that one class…"

Andrew trailed off before naming the professor — it was one of those names.

'Say that name again and someone's going to die…'

Nelly screamed inwardly, but the two sparkling Galleons in his hand quickly silenced him.

"Then, here's to future cooperation."

"Yes. See you, Senior Nelly."

With the transfiguration version complete, Andrew finally let go of his obsession with this particular charm and returned to the library to resume his regular transfiguration studies.

He wanted to master the relevant theory completely — and then present this spell as a research achievement to Professor McGonagall. Partly to prove he hadn't slacked off, and partly in hopes that she might help improve it.

Which mattered more? He wasn't sure. What mattered was making sure this technique, within his knowledge system, was as refined as possible.

But whether it was coincidence or fate, as soon as he ended his intense experimental streak, a bunch of stuff happened all at once.

The Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match arrived without Andrew even noticing — Professor McGonagall became too busy managing and encouraging her house team to spare time for anything else.

Andrew's club began holding daily meetings again — his notes even included codes reminding him to ask certain questions or complete certain tasks.

Professor Snape, due to an injury that left him limping, had started taking out his frustration on everyone — even Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were now targets. Andrew had to dedicate more time to preparing for Potions.

His roommate Bell had finally gotten official approval to join the house team, and now their dorm had a standing agreement to do flying practice on weekends — unavoidable social interaction.

…

Everything came crashing in, ruining Andrew's carefully made schedules and leaving his plans in disarray.

But there was no choice. Time marched on. After adjusting to the chaos, Bell suddenly invited him along:

"Quidditch match! Gryffindor vs. Slytherin! Let's go early to get good seats!"

…

'Might as well go. If Gryffindor wins, I can visit Professor McGonagall in good spirits and show her my results. If they lose… I'll wait a bit longer.'

And just like that, the Gryffindor house team gained an unexpected new supporter.

Andrew only realized how much he had underestimated the power of Quidditch after arriving at the stadium.

Basically the entire school had shown up.

'Typical outsider's mistake — underestimating the magical world.''Good thing I at least knew something about Quidditch, or I'd be completely out of the loop.'

Even the Ravenclaw stands, which Andrew had hoped would be quieter, were packed full. Despite arriving on time, there weren't any good spots left.

What was even more ridiculous was that some normally hostile clubs were sitting side-by-side without fighting — not even verbally. They didn't talk to each other, but that was already incredibly rare.

'Dumbledore didn't come… but Professor McGonagall did.''Utter madness… please let Gryffindor win!'

Andrew realized, to his dismay, that he had joined the madness too.

T/N: For twenty chapters ahead on all my fics become a P@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle