"Transfiguration is a branch of magic that focuses on the alteration of the form or appearance of an object, via the alteration of the object's molecular structure. So that is why each of the objects I created were still made from wax, since I was not changing the molecular structure of the candle." Hermione explains.

"Transfiguration is a very systematic, exact magical discipline, working best for the scientifically-inclined mind." She continues to explain. "So there are many witches and wizards in my world who not excel at the spell."

"We even use a magical formula to figure out how we want to transfigure an object. The intended transformation (t) is directly influenced by bodyweight (a), viciousness (v), wand power (w), concentration (c) and a fifth unknown variable (Z)." She explains the math behind the magic, figuring that he would appreciate it, just as the other Jims do.