Transfiguration

One of the core classes of Gerhardt, transfiguration is one of the oldest classes that Gerhardt has. Although it isn't as vitally important in the lives of its students as compared to PADMA, transfiguration is still a useful skill to learn. It allows a wizard or witch to maintain a sense of civility in a survival situation, and it also allows for an increased chance of survival when there isn't any ample materials around.

Transfiguration has had several changes throughout the years since it was first taught in the magic schools of the world. The inclusion of pets in class assignments has been a student favorite since it allows them to have their animal with them at school. This also has led to several brand new breakthroughs in transfiguration including several new transfigurations that can be done to animals and people alike.

Professor Nikki Nero describes her transfiguration class as follows:

"Transfiguration is a complicated, yet fun subject to learn about. That doesn't mean that this is easy, I don't want to misguide you all. You have to master each transfiguration spell if you hope to be able to have it work. With the more beginner spells, it is possible for it to be performed even though you haven't completed it flawlessly. However, by your third year, if you haven't mastered it, you cannot accomplish the spell, and your grades will suffer. This means I expect all of you to put forth great effort into your studies. Do that, and your hard work will be rewarded."

Although having pets in class for lessons only lasts for the second and third years, all students have gotten used to having them around and bring them back for all of their remaining years which some teachers have complained about, and requested that it be removed from the transfiguration curriculum. Despite these rather poor complaints on behalf of the rest of the staff, the lessons involved in transfiguring animals are important in transfiguration overall.

Professor Mercy, Professor Nero's predecessor, when discussing transfiguration with her students, has this to say on her class:

"Transfiguration is a gift for wizards. It allows us to adapt our surroundings to meet our needs. The more transfiguration that you learn and perfect, the greater wizards and witches you will become. One of our founders was one of the greatest transfiguration witches in existence, and if you put forth the effort in this class, you just might get up to her level. I myself am still trying to reach her level, and that is the goal in my life before I pass on. I hope you all wish to have that as your goal as well. If so, then this class will be of great importance and joy n your lives."

Perhaps the most powerful transfiguration that has ever been created is the Spiritus Animalis spell and potion combination. Although it isn't technically a transfiguration, as it mixes several different magical disciplines and requires a high level of magical competence. Even though the class teaches this particular spell in the classroom, very few wizards and witches attempt to actually undergo this transformation. Those that do largely come from Gerhardt due to the sheer amount of super talented students that it has within its halls.