Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Preston walked among the desks, taking note of the students as they wrote down the properties of their items. "Good, good." He nodded, pleased at how descriptive they were.

"Those of you who are still writing, you'll have more time, but I could use everyone's attention." Preston reached into the box, extracting a child's dog toy. Placing it on the desk, he unholstered his wand.

"We're going to learn two spells today. Or, rather, we'll learn another use for a spell that returning students already know, and then a new spell. But the first is important so that you can fix any mistakes you make."

"Untransfiguration reverts a transfigured item back to its previous form. Last term, students learned the Reverto, pronounced re-VER-toe, would revert an item to a previous natural state - like a butterfly to a caterpillar. The SAME incantation, with a slightly different emphasis, will undo a transfiguration. Like so."

[spoiler]Preston tapped the toy, transfiguring it into a vase, decorated with the images of little dogs. "Pronounce the incantation, re-ver-TOE, with a light flourish of your wand, concentration on the form you want the item to return to."

"Reverto!" Preston flourished his wand, and the vase shrunk back down and into a child's toy.

"Now, it's much easier to revert something you transfigured in the first place, so we're going to give you some practice reverting things you didn't. That is why I've asked you to bring a personal item. I will be transfiguring your items into something else. I want you to take note of the new properties of the item. Even without knowing what spell I used, you should be able to think about what kind of changes occurred. Take careful notes of those properties and then picture in your mind the item changing back, focusing on each specific property. Concentrate on that image."

Preston picked up the box again, just in case some wanted to change their item. "I don't expect the younger students to be successful immediately. The strength of the original spell has a lot to do with how easy untransfiguration is. Keep at it. Don't be surprised if you get it part of the way but not entirely. Older students, fifth year and above, this should be easier for you, so I would like you to try the spell nonverbally. The concentration for that, coupled with the concentration should provide more of a challenge."

Preston tucked the box under his arm. "I'm going to come around and transfigure your items once you are done with your initial notes. If you would like to pick a new item because your item is too personal or valuable, please do."

ooc: I will let you know what your item has been changed into, but I leave the details to you. It's ok (and expected) that your character may have trouble with the spell, especially if they are younger. Points are awarded for participation/effort, not necessarily success.



Walking by, Preston tapped the hairtie, transfiguring it into a necklace.



With a tap, Miss Zabini-Riddle's scarf became a pillow.



Preston hesitated, unsure if this was an item she was willing to transfigure. With a tap, he transfigured it into a dinner plate. He could always change it back if there was trouble.



With a smile, Preston approached Miss Ballard. "You may also have a bit of a challenge should your item decide to... leave. It shoudl stay relatively calm, however." With a tap, the girl's bracelet was now a snake.



Walking by, Professor Kingsley tapped the bangle, transfiguring it into a rubberband.



"Take care with this, Mister Stern," he said with a smile. And like that, the comb was now a porcupine.



With a nod, acknowledging the switch from ring to watch, Preston transfigured the item into a doorknob.



Another tap, another item turned. This time, a stuffed toy.



Preston smiled. "Miss Flores, I'll need you to put it down for me to transfigure it." He was glad, however, to see her examining it so thoroughly.



Preston paused, having watched the girl take the locket off her neck. "Would you like an item from the box," he offered, holding it out to her.



With a swift tap, the bracelet had become a clock.



Raising an eye at the doodles on the paper, Preston tapped the sunglasses. Anyone for a game of frisbee?



Preston smiled, before transfiguring the small button into large toy muggle money.



Yet another tap, and the charm bracelet was now a dog collar.[/spoiler]



Stopping at a first year's desk, he smiled. "That's a very lovely ring. Are you sure you want me to change it? You can take a less valuable item out of the box, if you'd like."

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Waiting for her response, Preston looked about the room to see who else was ready. "Who else? Questions?"