Wyrmwood Academy was a prestigious magic school hidden from the outside world. Teenage boys and girls alike attended in order to study magic and hone their craft. Every student had a familial tie to magic in some shape or form but none were as significant as that of Mason Thorne.
Mason came from a long line of powerful warlocks with strong connections to the school. He always worked extra hard to excel in his studies in order to live up to his family’s legacy. He was loyal to a fault, which led to disdain from some of his peers for being a bit of teachers pet. He was the school “golden boy.” Attractive, skilled, popular, you name it!
Today he was heading to his favorite spell casting class taught by Professor Cobalt, a teacher who had been around since his great grandfather attended the academy.
“For your assignment you will all need perfect transformation magic.” The old man lectured.
The entire class let out a sigh. Transformation magic was known to be extremely fickle and difficult to perfect. It was also considered “over to top” and “not worth the effort” since many common glamours or Illusion spells pulled off a somewhat similar effect with less effort and a much lower margin for error.
“It can be to an animal, another person, or even a mythological creature, if your up to the challenge that is. Now I understand this is a difficult art so transforming Individual parts and characteristics is also acceptable, however, you will need to prove that it took real effort. No “I made my eyes blue instead of brown” or “changed my hair length/color” nonsense.”
The class continued to groan while Mason listened attentively.
“Your spells must also be 100% reversible with no lingering effects. You must be able to reverse them within the span of one week. It takes a lot of power to perform a proper transformation spell, as they do not simply “wear off” with time. A week is should be long enough for you to regain the strength you need to undo it. Make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew! That being said, I know at least some of you will exceed my expectations.” Cobalt said, clearly referring to his star pupil Mason.
After class, Mason spent the passing period with his friends, Isaac and Vince. They all knew each other pretty well but Isaac was always excitable and hasty while Vince was more reserved and critical.
“What are you planning to do for Cobalts test?” Isaac excitedly asked Mason.
“I’m not sure yet. I just know that it would need to be something to impress Professor Cobalt.”
“What about a dragon!”
Vince scoffed at Isaac’s idea. “He can’t be a dragon Isaac, he’d be stuck like that all week.”
“So? I heard the school has a magic stable for those studying animal transformations. Come to think of it, I should just go full animal and get a week off my studies!”
“Yeah as if you could pull that off Isaac, much less reverse it. I hear one bloke messed up and spent a month as a donkey at those stables.”
“Yikes. Maybe I’ll hold off on that plan. But Mason would do it, right Mason? Are you doing a dragon?!”
“That sounds neat but I like to surprise the professors. I’m honestly scared that something as grand as a dragon would be too predictable.”
“Why not just turn into a centaur and just get the perfect grade? It’s a magical creature so Cobalt would be impressed. And it’s half human so technically half the work.”
“That would be a fun experience. But I’m pretty sure my family has spent a week or more as any beast known to man. and Yes Isaac, including a dragon.”
“Well let us know when you figure it out Mr. perfect. I think I’ll look into an animal trait I might like having!”
“You should try monkey, you act just as obnoxious as one.” Vince remarked.
“Oh yeah, a certain monkey part might be a good idea!” Isaac quickly waved goodbye as sprinted to his next class.
Vince rolled his eyes. “If he goes full ape I’m not cleaning up after him.” Then promptly headed to his respective class.
As the Mason returned to his dorm room to grab some books he saw a familiar face. A boy from his class, what was his name? Wendall Hughs! Mason then got the perfect idea...