After returning from the Forbidden Forest, Oden Smith was even busier. Every day, he needed to set aside a lot of time to study the mysteries of nature affinity. Fortunately, the last time spent in the Forbidden Forest enhanced his physique. At the same time, whether he practiced the mind method of the Overton Taoist scripture or studied natural affinity, it was beneficial for his body to quickly eliminate fatigue. This allowed Oden Smith to have no physical problems.
Fortunately, after several days of research and comprehension, Oden finally started to understand the new knowledge of nature affinity. However, if he wanted to improve this ability after getting started, he needed to spend a lot of time understanding nature, as he couldn't improve his strength through surprise research like now.
After he was busy with these things, he found that in the common room and the auditorium, most of his classmates were discussing arrangements for the summer vacation. At this time, Oden realized that the days of this school year were completely over.
At noon on the last day of school, just as Oden and the Williams twins were agreeing on how to get in touch during the summer vacation, a group of owls broke into the common room and handed out the final grades to each student. Oden found that he was still the second in the grade, and Catholic, the school god, was first again.
However, Oden's report card this year was not the same as last year, as a thin letter was attached. After unfolding the letter, Oden saw what was written in emerald green ink:
Dear Mr. Oden Smith,
It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been offered the opportunity to exchange internships at the Castro Brusso School of Magic in South America.
Exchanges are scheduled to begin on September 1 for one term, with exchange students returning to Hogwarts after the Christmas break. We will be waiting for your owl to bring your reply letter and your guardian's signature by July 31st.
Vice Principal (Female) Sincerely, Minerva McGonagall
At the back was a list of items. In addition to the necessary textbooks and utensils, it was also indicated that the exchange activity required 200 Galleons.
What's the situation? Oden was a little puzzled by the letter. At this time, Catholic also came down the stairs on the other side of the girls' dormitory, holding an identical letter in her hand.
"Oden, have you received this letter too?" Catholic asked when she saw the letter unfolded in Oden's hand. "Do you know what's going on? I haven't seen anyone else receive the same letter at all, and I didn't know what it was when I asked a few seniors, so I thought about asking Professor McGonagall."
"Ask Professor McGonagall? That's a good idea." After speaking, Oden followed Catholic out of the common room to Professor McGonagall's office.
After arriving at the door of Professor McGonagall's office, Oden knocked gently on the door. Professor McGonagall's voice came from inside: "Please come in."
Pushing the door open, Oden saw Professor McGonagall sitting behind her desk and writing something. Soon, Professor McGonagall put down her pen, motioned Oden and Catholic to sit down, and then asked, "What's the matter with you?"
Oden took out the letter and asked, "I saw that only Catholic and I received this letter, so I wanted to ask what this exchange program is all about. We asked the seniors and got no information."
"Oh, so it is," Professor McGonagall took off her glasses and put them aside, then said, "This is a new international activity project launched by the Ministry of Magic this year. They hope to restore the international activities that were interrupted by the war more than ten years ago. Because this year is the first time for Hogwarts, we selected the top three students from each of the four grades who will not have major exams next year, and they will go to Brazil to participate in this exchange program."
After glancing at Oden and Catholic, who were listening carefully, Professor McGonagall continued: "I'm glad to see Gryffindor students participating in this activity. Of course, this activity is voluntary. The reason for giving you a month to consider is to allow you and your parents to communicate carefully before making a choice."
After listening to Professor McGonagall's explanation, Oden indicated that he had questions to ask. After getting permission from Professor McGonagall, Oden asked, "Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country. How do we communicate there? Also, our parents are not wizards, so they may not be able to judge this activity. Can you give us some advice?"
"The language problem is easy to solve. Since there are so many common languages in the magical world of South America, they adopt a bilingual system of Spanish and English. Professors and many students there can speak English, so you don't need to worry about communication problems. As for Spanish, try to learn some basic phrases on your own."
"As for advice," Professor McGonagall said after some thought, "I personally recommend you go. The level of teaching at Castro Brusso is not much worse than at Hogwarts. And for a wizard, having extensive knowledge is essential. Studying at another school with a different magical culture will be very beneficial to your growth."
"Thank you, Professor." After their doubts were answered, Oden and Catholic thanked Professor McGonagall and left the office.
At the year-end banquet in the evening, the food was still very rich. This year's Academy Cup was won by Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor lost by a single point because of the victory in the Quidditch match. But most of the academy was happy because they managed to beat Slytherin this year.
Only Catholic felt a little regret, but the displeasure in her heart was soon dispelled by the overall joyful atmosphere of the academy.
The next morning, the Hogwarts Express sent the students back to London on time. Oden, Catholic, Ginny, Neville, and the Williams twins crowded in a compartment, fully enjoying the last magical moments before the summer vacation.
Originally, Catholic was reading a book, but she soon joined the conversation. After learning that Oden and Catholic received the opportunity to exchange with Robbrush School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Williams twins seemed to recall something and said:
"We've heard about Castro Brusso School of Witchcraft and Wizardry years ago. It seems like our older brother Bill had a pen pal from there. Right, George?"
"Yeah, Fred, Bill's pen pal wanted an exchange trip, but our parents couldn't afford it. When Bill said he couldn't go, the pen pal got mad and sent him a cursed hat that wrinkled both his ears."
"Anyway, that school has unique advantages in magical plant studies, so it's a great opportunity to expand your knowledge," Fred concluded.
After that, everyone started chatting freely, and Ginny mysteriously revealed that Percy had a girlfriend. The twins looked excited at the news, and Oden bet they'd use this as an opportunity to tease Percy.
As the Hogwarts Express slowed and finally stopped, Oden and Catholic ran into Harry and Ron at the exit. As they said goodbye, Harry took out a small note with a number on it and handed it over: "Can you call me at the Dursleys during the summer? I can't stand talking only to Dudley for two months."
"No problem," Oden said, taking the note and putting it in his pocket. Then, they passed through the entrance and returned to the Muggle world.
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