Seeing what others cannot is not a good thing.

Even in the magical world, few wizards consider seeing Thestrals a blessing—only those who have witnessed death can see them—this single description is enough to associate them with misfortune.

If Luna can see those creatures, there's only one reason... she has witnessed someone die.

Hermione Granger glanced at Luna, who looked calm, and Professor Apocalypse, who looked equally placid. She silently buried the question about Thestrals in her mind, while forcefully pinching Hannah Abbott's waist, quietly stopping the iron-headed girl from asking the stupid question that was about to come out of her mouth, planning to check the library for information later.

If that didn't work, she could ask Hagrid or Professor Kettleburn, the Care of Magical Creatures professor.

Except...

Hermione thoughtfully looked at Elena's back, frowning slightly.

As one of Elena's closest friends for most of the semester, Hermione knew the white-haired puffball too well. Even if Little Silly Hair didn't "rat," she could sense something was off from Elena's eyes and tone.

But why would Elena pretend not to see them when she clearly could?

"Don't just stand there daydreaming, Hermione."

Elena walked a little ahead, turned around, and looked at Hermione, who was still standing in place, saying helplessly.

"Unless you plan on letting Hannah freeze to death in front of you, you won't be able to see them even if you pop your eyeballs out."

"Ptooey, ptooey—Elena, you—achoo—" Hannah protested indignantly.

However, before Hannah could finish her sentence, her words were interrupted by her own sudden sneeze.

"Oh... okay," Hermione said quickly.

Then she and Hannah quickened their pace, hurried up the stone steps, and followed Elena and the others into the castle.

The Entrance Hall was lit red by torches, echoing with faint noise. They crossed the flagstone floor and walked towards the two doors on the right leading to the Great Hall. Inside was a sea of pointed black hats. Each House table was filled with students, beneath a starless, black ceiling that mirrored the sky they saw through the tall windows outside.

Candles floated above the tables, illuminating the silvery-white ghosts scattered throughout the hall, as well as the excited faces of the students. They were chatting excitedly in hushed tones, glancing at the staff table.

The once-spacious staff table now seemed somewhat crowded and narrow.

Even though the house-elves added extra tables on both sides, it was barely enough for the witches and wizards sitting at the table to be a little more comfortable – unlike the previous one-sided seating arrangement, the seats on both sides were arranged in a circular pattern.

In addition to Ministry of Magic officials and Dumbledore, there were many new faces.

"Oh," Grindelwald said softly, "it seems we are slightly late."

All of Hogwarts' official professors were present at the table, and Argus Filch, the caretaker, finally had his own seat in the corner. Even Professor Binns was in the hall.

Even Hogwarts' annual Opening Feast rarely had such complete attendance as today.

However, combined with the important decisions to be announced today and the identities of the wizards about to join the Hogwarts staff, the number of people in the hall was actually quite understated and simple. If it weren't for Dumbledore's strong opposition, the two Dark Lords had originally planned to invite some journalists as well.

After all... such an event could be considered a milestone in magical history.

Grindelwald strode to the empty seat reserved for him at the staff table.

Elena and the other young witches turned to the other side, heading separately towards their House tables.

As they walked through the back of the hall, many people turned to look at them. The students' gazes were mostly on the girls who went on the field trip—Elena and the others received the "Austrian Day Trip" reward, which was no secret at school. Many were eager to show off their skills in this year's final exams.

The gazes from the staff table, however, stopped on Grindelwald.

Many people had already learned in advance that tonight, in addition to announcing Hogwarts' new curriculum standards and introducing new professors, the most important thing was that two legendary wizards, almost like living fossils, would be returning to magical society.

And one of these two people was the old wizard now known as Otto Apocalypse.

Unlike his previous corner position, "Otto Apocalypse" was seated to Dumbledore's left today, while to Dumbledore's right was a frail-looking white-haired old man.

However, in the wizarding world, no one would be foolish enough to judge a wizard based on appearance.

Especially when the other person's name was Nicolas Flamel.

"How is Quirinus doing?" Dumbledore turned his head and asked softly.

"Good, full of energy."

Grindelwald walked to Dumbledore's side, sat down, and grinned as he replied.

"Don't worry, Quirinus didn't reject your proposal. If all goes well, he should be able to leave the hospital next week and return to Hogwarts' classroom. Although he has temporarily lost something, I think it might not be a bad thing for the young man. After falling from the clouds, he can see many things he couldn't see before."

"Quirinus Quirrell? Is that the one you mentioned before..."

Nicolas Flamel was about to ask a question, but Dumbledore had already stood up at this time, so he stopped speaking.

Although Dumbledore was just a "young man" in his eyes, Nicolas Flamel did not forget that this legendary headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had single-handedly turned the tide of the war decades ago.

And what Flamel respected even more was that Dumbledore had devoted almost his entire life to education.

Even though he was the first creator of the Philosopher's Stone, when Albus Dumbledore stood up, all the wizards present unconsciously stopped talking and looked at the old man. Nicolas Flamel clearly realized that this kind of heartfelt respect was something that he and all wizards pursuing power could never achieve.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore said in a loud voice, opening his arms with a bright smile on his face, "Welcome! Welcome our returning students and friends to join us in witnessing and ushering in a new era for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Before we begin tonight's feast, I have a few things to announce."

"Many of these are extremely important and are closely related to everyone present. So I think it's best to make them clear before you enjoy the delicious meal and your brains become muddled..."

Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued.

"Our school has added several courses that were not previously available. This was decided jointly by the Ministry of Magic and the school - in order to allow the school to better undertake teaching and improve the comprehensive quality of all you ladies and gentlemen. Many of you should already know about this, such as Professor Lockhart's Grammar class and Professor Alexey's Mathematics class."

He paused slightly, giving Cornelius Fudge, who was not far away, a meaningful smile.

In order to persuade the school board and pure-blood families to agree to add "Muggle Studies," Cornelius Fudge, as the current Minister of Magic, played a very important role. Although Dumbledore had some reservations about the motivation.

It must be admitted that the effect of Galleons plus IOUs far exceeded Dumbledore's imagination.

Of course, perhaps there were some other more subtle factors in this.

"In addition to this," Dumbledore continued, "after a long period of discussion, Hogwarts is honored to be the first pilot school for the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards' education reform. Starting tonight, while maintaining the tradition of the original four Houses, we will conduct a more systematic division based on your grades - and the reorganization of classes."

Dumbledore added lightly, and the four House heads around him quietly exchanged glances.

"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will henceforth be divided into three departments: the Junior Department, composed of first and second years; the Intermediate Department, composed of third to fifth years; and the Senior Department, composed of sixth and seventh years and a few returning outstanding graduates. On the other hand, the school will enable a random class division model according to the actual situation of the grades and the number of students..."

"I must emphasize that this does not mean that Hogwarts has abandoned the tradition of the Houses. Under the new model, everyone in the same class still represents their respective Houses. Your outstanding performance will still earn points for your House, and of course, any violations will also deduct points from your House. However, in addition to the original House Cup reward, we will also select three outstanding classes every half semester as collective commendation."

Along with Dumbledore's voice, a rare commotion appeared in the hall.

Even the faces of the prefects, including Percy Weasley, showed similar blank expressions. If it weren't for Dumbledore's prestige, the students in the hall would have exploded long ago.

However, judging from the expression on Dumbledore's face and the serious expressions of the professors and Ministry of Magic officials present, they had learned about this in advance - and more importantly, according to Dumbledore's opening remarks just now, such a large-scale change seemed to be only one of the most important news items today.

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Sigh~ Congratulations to DWG for winning the championship. SN, keep it up, thanks for your hard work! We'll continue next year~ Go for it! Big lion!