Lesson Four

Mutability and Connections

Objectives 

Mutability: 

• One must understand the concept of mutability before attempting transformation
• Mutability is the ability of an object to change shape and form, as no item is never truly stagnant 
• Examples: Carbon (coal) turning into diamonds, Rivers wearing away stones
• A common element in all natural mutations is time
• Even if in nature a chair will never become a bird, understanding the ability of a chair to change and the connection between chairs and birds
• We do not use magic to grand objects with the ability to change, but use it to tap into the pre-existing mutability of the target
• It is mutability that causes us to ask such questions as, "Why is a raven like a writing desk"
• Because it can produce a few notes, tho they are very flat; and it is never put with the wrong end in front

Universal Connection:

• Similarities will always remain
• They might be similar sizes, colour or texture, shape or purpose, state (solid, gas, liquid)
• They always exist and, in order to preform transfiguration spells, one must be able to creatively discover the similarities 

Matchstick Breakdown:

• Purpose: To create a flame from friction heat, but loses its essence after one used. 
• Essence: They come in all shapes and sizes, and are made from different woods or other materials, sizes and colours of tips. There are two types, '"safety" and "strike anywhere". The essence is determined by the purpose. 
• Molecular Makeup: The head of the match is made of phosphorus (combustible material) and lightweight, the wood soft and even-textured
• Touch: Very small and seemingly weightless, with life or signs of movement. This should be taken into consideration. 
• Sight: About 42 millimetres in length and very skinny, with a rectangular prism shape (elongated rectangular shape). The head is bright red and the surface slightly rough 
• Taste and Smell: A bit of an earth smell and the wood is earthy sweet. The tip is bitter, dry and dangerous when devoured 
• Sound: The match makes a small pop upon impact with another surface. Lighting a match sounds like a rough texture scraping across another rough surface. This shows the roughness and friction necessary for the match to fulfil its purpose. 

Needle Breakdown: 

• Purpose: To guide thread through fabric during the sewing process 
• Essence: That it fulfills its purpose until it is brittle enough to break, which can take many years
• Molecular Makeup: The needle is made of metal so densely packed it maintains its shaw easier than the matchstick. Said metal is probably high-carbon steel is extremely dense with a think layer of nickel (to prevent corrosion)
• Touch: The needle is very small, seemingly weightless (to us) and shows to signs of life or movement 
• Sight: The needle is about five and a half centimetres in length and slimmer than the match. The shape is similar to an elongated cylinder and tapers off into a cone-like tip. There is a small hole where the thread can be inserted into the needle at the head. The surface is silver and reflects the light well.
• Taste and Smell: There is no smell, but if you tasted the needle you would recognize a metallic flavour. 
• Sound: When dropped an another surface, it makes a lightly musical ting that comes as a result of the metal's close vibrations

Similarity Index:

• The similarity index is used once the essence is found
• The size, weight and vitality are all very similar and the values are both low
• Both are in solid states and find their essence in their purpose
• The differences are found in the molecular makeup, and slight variations in length and widths. Taste and smell to not count heavily against the similarity index as they are related to the molecular makeup
• Due to the similarities being more frequent and related to the essence of each that the differences, the similarity index is quite high which makes the transformation quite simple

Your Contribution:

• Wand power may not be something you can control, but factors into the transformation, making it easier or harder
• Having a "weaker" wand will require the spell caster to increase willpower and concentration
• Having a "weaker" and may help the mental growth and control of the spell caster
• Concentration must be applied to the similarities and differences. The higher you concentration, the easier it will be to push the transformation into effect
• For this transformation you will need to focus all your thoughts on what makes a needle a needle and leave the attributes of the match stick behind
• As willpower is the "push" needed to make the spell work, if you lack willpower then you can concentrate all day and nothing will happen
• Be sure you balance your amount of willpower and concentration otherwise your spell my fail or simply refuse to happen

The Object-to-Object Spell

• Unlike other branches of magic, each transformation spell has a broad range of possibilities, included incantation and wand movement 
• Incantation: Muto Inanimus "Moo-toe In-ah-knee-muss"
• Wand Movement: Flicking the wand downwards above the match and slowly drawing your wand up the wood before ending at the other end, beginning at the combustible end of the match. The start of the incantation if spoken during the downward flick and the remaining portion after the wand is drawn down the length of the object
• Concentration: Your concentration should intend of pulling all aspects of the needle into existence, starting from the combustible end 
• Visible Signs: There are no changes of colour or flashy lights (like charms). The transformation should be swift and smooth, if done correctly. The changes should begin as soon as the incantation is said and the resulting target will be apparent within a few seconds

What to Expect

During the first attempt at transformation, students have received:

• A silver match stick without the combustible head
• A needle, that, instead of a point, retains the combustible head
• A match still where the handle has tapered off so it resembles a wooden needle
• A wooden needle
• A metal match stick
• A shortened needle or extremely long match stick
• Do not be disheartened if you do not succeed the first time. You have plenty of time to master the spell and learn to balance concentration and willpower