In the following days, Vid was under Sirius's guidance, mastering the Animagus transformation.
The initial transformation felt like constipation, taking a long time to brew each time, and returning was equally difficult.
But after repeated practice, Vid could finally transform within seconds. However, he couldn't do it as naturally and swiftly as Sirius yet.
"Back in Azkaban, I relied on it to keep my mind clear."
Sirius said, "At that time, I would spend most of the day in animal form, so my proficiency was naturally different from a novice like you."
Vid's ability to maintain his consciousness was also increasing, but after testing, both grown wizards suggested that for now, he should not transform for more than half an hour each time, and he could try extending it by three minutes every month.
"Your animal form isn't much different from other peregrine falcons, I'm worried we might accidentally lose you."
Lupin seemed to joke, but his attitude was exceptionally serious.
Vid readily agreed, not wanting to spend his life as a confused bird living off other birds and wild rabbits.
After the Easter holidays ended, Vid bid farewell to Lupin and Sirius and returned to school.
Successfully completing the Animagus transformation, the Transfiguration course suddenly became more manageable. Vid abandoned spells but could still transform objects according to his will.
He began attempting Human Body Transfiguration, initially only changing the color of nails, hair, and eyebrows, then controlling their length. With proficiency, he would attempt transforming other body parts until he could change into the desired form without Polyjuice Potion.
Of course, the latter could only be achieved by extremely advanced Transfiguration. Besides natural Metamorphmagi, Vid only knew two people who could do it.
One was Grindelwald, who had been locked up for many years.
The other was Dumbledore, who had never demonstrated such a skill, but no one doubted his ability to reach that level.
The Maze challenge also ended during the holidays, but when Vid returned to school, he found that most students lacked the enthusiasm they had before. Most were sullen, and even fuming, only Slytherin students were particularly excited.
"Slytherin won the championship."
Michael said sullenly, "But they used despicable means! Blaiqi and those guys all brought powerful Magic Items, and Professor Snape even provided them with a bunch of Magic Potions!"
"But..." Theo hesitated, "The rules didn't say you couldn't bring Magic Items and Magic Potions, right? So they didn't break the rules, just exploited a loophole."
Michael said, heartbroken, "Theo, I'm speaking for you Hufflepuffs! Why are you dismantling my platform?"
"Oh," Theo was stunned, then lowered his head, "Sorry."
Michael was satisfied at this, starting to grumble indignantly about how despicable Slytherin was, and how shameless they were, and how they extravagantly used enlarged poppets to knock out opponents.
"Poppets?" Vid caught the key point and asked.
"Yes, your pet also participated." Fred said mysteriously.
They had high hopes of winning the championship, but were swept out early by a "Beast-Taming Legion."
Unexpectedly, the team that got second place this time was Hufflepuff, with the "champion seed team" Gryffindor in third.
Fourth place was also a Gryffindor team.
Places five, six, and seven were Slytherin, eighth was Gryffindor again, and it wasn't until ninth place that it was a Ravenclaw team.
It wasn't that Ravenclaw was really that bad, just that team formation wasn't limited to a single house, so several strong students from Ravenclaw were invited to other teams. As a result, when the final ranks came out, Ravenclaw students were the most dejected.
"What's the matter." Vid laughed, "When the weather warms up, we can organize another event. Uh... how about a challenge against the Ball Python?"
"Ball Python?" Everyone was stunned, and Harry couldn't help but ask, "Isn't that the ultimate BOSS? No one has been able to challenge that level yet!"
"At the current pace, Professor Flitwick predicts that by the latest early May, someone will be able to reach the core level." Vid said.
As the designer and originator of this event, no one doubted Vid's news. Immediately, everyone shifted their focus from their previous defeat to exciting discussions.
"I know of some Magic Potions specifically for dealing with such cold-blooded creatures, so we'll bring enough Magic Potions next time!" George said happily.
Their brothers were now selling all kinds of game merch, so they no longer worried about affording things.
"It's large in size, and its scales can resist most spells." Fred said, "We also need to learn some targeted spells, like the Eye Disease Spell..."
Harry listened for a while, then turned to discuss with Neville, "Does the Ball Python have any weaknesses?"
This, Neville actually knew.
He loved Herbology, and had read many books on flora and fauna, so after thinking about it for a moment, Neville said, "I remember it should be afraid of the cold... if the temperature is too low, it won't move much."
Harry immediately thought of the Atmospheri Charm he'd been studying halfway, but put aside because it was too difficult.
He silently pulled out an old notebook from the bookshelf.
Neville added, "The Ball Python has high temperature requirements, and too much heat is also unsuitable for its survival."
Padma asked, "So could Incendio also work against it?"
Neville frowned in hesitation, with a hint of reluctance.
Vid tapped the table, saying, "Attention, everyone, this Ball Python is actually Professor Kettleburn's pet. After this semester ends, it will leave the school with the professor."
"So..." Fred asked, "Are we not really supposed to take down this BOSS?"
Vid shook his head, saying, "In fact, by then, the professor will prohibit the use of damaging magic spells and Magic Items. Challengers will have to subdue it without causing injury, and also ensure they are not harmed by it."
Several Gryffindors wore questioning faces, feeling that the difficulty had suddenly increased multiplefold.
Vid leisurely added, "Although it's tough, you have about a month's time to prepare strategies. Are you still worried about losing to Slytherin?"
It turned out that people didn't hate injustice, but rather when the favoritism wasn't towards them.
Knowing they could prepare before Slytherin, even Hermione didn't say anything but immediately plunged into heated discussions.
Vid chuckled.
Facing the large yet docile Ball Python was just a rehearsal; the real challenge lay ahead!
Hopefully, those so elated now wouldn't be scared stiff when the time came.
Vid twirled the pen case in his hand, thinking to himself.