In Transfiguration Class, after briefly discussing Animagus, Edward officially began teaching.
After half a class of theoretical instruction, Edward waved his wand to distribute matches to each student, then had them practice transfiguring the matches into needles.
By the end of the Transfiguration Class that morning, only a few students had successfully managed a partial Transfiguration of their matches.
Professor Edward was not surprised by this result, as Transfiguration could be said to be one of the most difficult of all subjects. Having a few successful Transfigurations already exceeded his expectations.
So, after assigning homework, he dismissed the students.
The first-year curriculum was relatively relaxed, with only Transfiguration in the morning.
The afternoon consisted of Charms Class and Herbology.
The Professor for Charms Class was Luke, who had previously been the Mayor of Hogsmeade, but now chose to retire, handing over his administrative duties to his successor, and came to the castle to apply for the position of Charms Class Professor.
In this regard, his decisive action left his old rival Ratch utterly dumbfounded, who then deeply lamented that he was not as good as Luke.
Luke did not possess the same lust for power as the Mayor of Bree. After becoming a Wizard, he had perhaps already made his choice in secret.
So, he cultivated a successor early on, and once the successor gained Luke's approval, he simply handed over most of the operations to the successor to manage.
He, on the other hand, spent most of his time learning more magic, only intervening when his successor encountered problems he couldn't handle.
As such, Luke's magical proficiency grew steadily, surpassing many Wizards, and he displayed great talent and strength in Charms.
Finally, after successfully applying for the position of Charms Class Professor, he resigned as Mayor and came to the castle to teach and study more profound magic.
In the afternoon's Charms Class, students from Phoenix House and Thunderbird House attended together.
Professor Luke, besides being the Charms Class Professor, was also the dean of Thunderbird House.
Professor Luke had a humorous tone and a relaxed class atmosphere, excelling at teaching through entertainment. While explaining dry Charms theory, he would always demonstrate beautiful Charms from time to time, keeping students focused throughout the entire class.
Even after class ended, students reluctantly left the classroom, eagerly discussing the magic Professor Luke had just demonstrated.
After Charms Class, the students quickly went downstairs, left the castle, and hurried to Greenhouse Number One.
The Greenhouse was located near Luke and Arwen's private garden, separated only by a tall, thick hedge.
Ever since deciding to establish a magic school, Luke had a hedge wall planted outside the garden.
Under the influence of magic, the hedge grew tall and dense, isolating the garden to prevent mischievous young Wizards from entering.
After all, besides the two precious trees, the white tree and the maolong tree, the garden contained many very rare flowers and plants that could not withstand the destruction of children.
Therefore, only Luke and Arwen, and those with their permission, could enter the garden.
Outside the garden, glass Greenhouses, numbered one to seven, were arranged in order, cultivating many magical plants.
Moreover, the higher the Greenhouse number, the more precious or dangerous the magical plants within.
The Herbology garden room originally established within Amon Sûl Tower became Luke's private medicinal garden, completely separate from the public nature of the Greenhouses.
These Greenhouses were all cared for by the Herbology Professor, Margales.
Margales was one of the Witches from the first Magic Crash Course. Due to her talent in Herbology, Luke took notice of her, and after graduation, she stayed in the castle to care for Luke's Herbology garden and the plants in the main garden.
Over the past decade, Margales's research and skill in Herbology advanced by leaps and bounds, even cultivating many magical plants.
She had also traveled far to Mirkwood, Fangorn Forest, and the Old Forest, and unexpectedly gained the friendship of the brown-robed Wizard Radagast, Wood Elves, and Ents, thereby acquiring many seeds.
She planted all these seeds in the Greenhouses and cultivated them.
She even successfully transplanted a Huorn Willow from Fangorn Forest and planted it in Greenhouse Number Seven.
This surprised Luke greatly at the time and made him value this Witch even more.
Therefore, when considering the Herbology Professor position, Luke immediately thought of this Witch without hesitation.
Margales was a plump, amiable Witch with brown hair and blue eyes, often displaying a bright smile. She wore a practical, dirt-resistant brown dress and a dusty hat.
She appeared gentle and kind, exuding a simple and honest aura, yet she possessed great ambition.
She not only attempted to cultivate more white trees and maolong trees to transform Weathertop into a forest of white trees and maolong trees, like the Golden Forest of Lothlórien, but even more beautiful.
Furthermore, due to her friendship with the Ents and considering the disappearance of the Entwives, the Ent race had lost the ability to reproduce.
So Margales attempted to use magical means to cultivate new Ent saplings, to find a way for the Ent race to reproduce.
Luke supported Margales in this endeavor, as finding a way for the Ent race to reproduce would undoubtedly earn the friendship of the Ents.
When the students from Phoenix House and Dragon House arrived at Greenhouse Number One together, Professor Margales was already waiting there.
Inside the Greenhouse, expanded by the Undetectable Extension Charm, it was the size of a football field, and its temperature and environment were maintained by charms like the Permanent Warming Charm.
Since it was a place for first-year students, Greenhouse Number One primarily contained magical plants that were not too dangerous.
The most abundant plant cultivated there was the extensive patch of Dittany grown by Margales, which was also the subject of the students' first Herbology class.
Dittany has potent healing effects, and its sap can be used to make Dittany Essence, capable of healing most wounds.
Many Wizarding families now also cultivate Dittany Essence as a common household remedy.
However, in terms of yield, it naturally couldn't compare to Margales's Greenhouse, whose Dittany Essence was not only sold in the Diagon Alley market but also exported to other places, worth a fortune.
It could be said that Margales was an invisible millionaire, but her love for Herbology was so pure that she spent most of her time in the Greenhouse, cultivating various magical plants.
Moreover, Margales also applied her knowledge of Herbology to practical combat.
She successfully used the Killing Vine from Mirkwood, a dark vine plant mutated by dark power, to cultivate an even more potent devil's snare.
The devil's snare thrives in dark, damp environments and possesses snake-like tendrils that can tightly entwine anyone who approaches, strangling them to death. Even if a wild beast is accidentally caught, it cannot break free.
The only weakness of this devil's snare is its fear of light and fire.
However, this weakness was intentionally left by Margales, solely to ensure the plant had a vulnerability and did not become uncontrollable.
Nevertheless, Margales also cultivated a devil's snare that was impervious to sunlight and fire, with tough vines and no weaknesses, to serve as a protective tool.
The devil's snare cultivated by Margales had tendrils as hard as steel wire, which ordinary swords could not cut.
Moreover, it possessed strong vitality, capable of surviving for a period without rooting in soil, and could last even longer if fed water or other nutrients.
What was even more remarkable was that this was a bloodthirsty vine, capable of piercing enemies with its sharp thorns and then frantically sucking blood to make itself stronger. The more powerful the target it absorbed, the faster and more formidable the devil's snare grew.
This devil's snare was tamed by Margales and usually shrunk and hid within the hollow space of a bracelet, carried with her at all times.
But once danger was encountered, the devil's snare would quickly emerge from the bracelet, like a giant vine net, protecting its owner and simultaneously attacking enemies.
Therefore, with this devil's snare, Margales, who was always immersed in Herbology, possessed a true strength that should not be underestimated.
Returning to the greenhouse, when the students, covered in mud, walked out of the greenhouse door and returned to their dormitories to wash and change clothes, the day's classes ended.
The next day, the students of Phoenix House and Basilisk House attended Defense Against the Dark Arts Class together.
The Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor was Brog, the Leader of the Black Barbarians, who possessed talent in Dark Arts and defense. His strength was among the top tier of Wizards under Luke.
He not only possessed the Animagus forms of a falcon and a giant eagle but also, due to integrating the blood of a Gram, wielded absolute power over ice magic, directly developing the freezing spell, originally a living magic, into a more advanced ability.
With a flick of his wand, he could freeze everything, even incoming spells.
After Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, they went with the students of Dragon House to the greenhouse for Herbology.
In the afternoon, they attended History of Magic with Thunderbird House.
During History of Magic Class, the students watched with awe and excitement as the two Elf ladies arrived together.
The beautiful and gentle Lady Arwen, like the brightest star in the night sky, was mysterious and elegant, and due to her pregnancy, carried a maternal glow.
And the tall and beautiful Lady Galadriel, like the radiant moon, was the undisputed queen of the night sky. Her deep eyes were full of gentleness, yet penetrating, making people dare not look directly at her.
In the History of Magic Class, Arwen was the Professor, and Galadriel was the assistant.
They slowly recounted ancient history in their clear and graceful voices, making the otherwise dry and uninteresting History of Magic incredibly lively and captivating.
Especially Lady Galadriel, who was ancient, had been a participant in many ancient historical events.
So, as she spoke, influenced by the spiritual will she exuded, everyone felt as if they had returned to that period of history, personally witnessing the grand and magnificent ancient deeds.
When the bell for class dismissal rang, everyone came back to their senses and then left the classroom, filled with shock and excitement.
And those ancient histories were deeply etched into their minds through this astonishing teaching method.
On the third day, the students of Phoenix House studied Herbology in the morning, then Defense Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic in the afternoon, and Astronomy in the evening.
By Thursday, the students were excited because today was Flying Class.
Flying was an irresistible temptation for everyone. Not only were the young Wizards very excited, but even the little Elves were looking forward to it.
Brooms, as the flying tools of Wizards, were very popular in the territory, especially after the game of Quidditch spread from the castle, it became even more popular.
The Flying Class Professor was Gandalf. He looked elderly, but his movements were incredibly agile, and his flying skills were exceptionally powerful.
Gandalf's class was very free. After teaching flying techniques, he immediately let the students practice on their brooms.
Even the young Wizards in the territory had very little experience riding brooms, at most riding children's toy brooms that were no more than a meter off the ground.
So, after the fifty-odd students got on their brooms, it was complete chaos, flying everywhere.
Some shot up into the sky like rockets, screaming; some crashed directly into the castle wall; some plummeted from the sky to the ground... it was a scene of utter pandemonium.
But Gandalf, with his flexible and fast flying skills, caught each errant student in the air with one hand, saving them from the fate of breaking their necks.
The entire process was like dealing with a group of human-shaped 'Quaffle' balls.
Clearly, Gandalf was not only a master of broomstick flying but also equally skilled at Quidditch.
The students, after their initial panic and screams, slowly calmed down and began to try to control the broomsticks beneath them.
After all, they now had confidence, knowing that no matter what, Professor Gandalf would protect them.
So, the group of students completely let loose, pushing the limits, going for whatever was most dangerous.
Above the castle, screams and cheers were incessant.
Luke stood by the tower window, watching this scene outside, and couldn't help but click his tongue.
Although this method allowed students to familiarize themselves with and master flying skills faster, it was probably only Gandalf who would have the energy to handle so many children.
And looking at Gandalf's cheerful expression, he was clearly enjoying it.
In a blink of an eye, it was the second week.
The students had become accustomed to school life, and teaching proceeded systematically.
Moving staircases, talking portraits, patrolling armor, a vast library with flying magic books, self-writing quills... and the Thunderbird that often created a storm of rain and lightning to wash and irrigate the castle.
All these magical sights, in addition to their studies, filled the students with a desire to explore the castle.
And on the weekend of the second week, a lively event began.
Although it was only for first-year students, Gandalf, as the Flying Class Professor and Quidditch referee, officially formed the Quidditch teams for the four Houses.
Almost all students actively signed up, and even the little Elves didn't want to miss out.
A Quidditch team consists of seven players: 1 Keeper, 2 Beaters, 3 Chasers, and 1 Seeker.
For this lively Quidditch event, Luke also sponsored a Golden Snitch he personally made.
Moreover, building on the original Quidditch rules, Luke, to ensure teamwork and fairness, and also for the watchability of the game, made some adjustments.
To avoid situations like in the Harry Potter world, where Harry Potter caught the Golden Snitch and ended the game in just five minutes.
Luke simply reduced the value of the Golden Snitch from 150 points to 50 points, and the game could only end by catching the Snitch if the basic score difference between the two teams was greater than 50 points.
At the same time, the maximum game duration was limited to 120 minutes. When the time limit was reached, regardless of the score difference, the team currently holding the Golden Snitch immediately won; if no one had caught it, the team with the higher total score won.
This was to avoid 'tactical delays' and 'garbage time,' as well as games lasting several days and nights, or even a month.
To his knowledge, in the Harry Potter world, the longest recorded Quidditch match was three months.
He did not want to see such a situation happen.
Nor did he want Quidditch matches to become a personal show for the Seekers.
Soon, after the four Houses had all formed their Quidditch teams, the first Hogwarts campus Quidditch match slowly began.
The Quidditch matches played by first-year students, while lively, were essentially just a clash of amateurs.
Luke, who had just come down from the stands after watching the Quidditch match between Phoenix House and Basilisk House, silently thought that in a few years, when the school's student population grew, the level of play might become more enjoyable.
Of course, there were many outstanding performers, such as the elven children, who, with their naturally superior physical abilities, shone brightly in Quidditch.
Therefore, each House placed their elven teammates in the Seeker position, allowing them to be the first to catch the 50-point Golden Snitch, thereby widening the score gap between the two teams and securing the match point.
However, when every House's Seeker was an elf, catching the Golden Snitch became quite challenging.
Phoenix House's Seeker was Aranir, a Sindar Elf from Rivendell. His two roommates, Anlómir, a Dúnedain, and Adam Bailey, who lived in Amon Sul, were also selected for the Quidditch team.
Anlómir became a Beater; Adam Bailey became the Keeper and was also the captain of the Phoenix House team.
Although Adam Bailey's physical abilities couldn't compare to his two roommates, he not only understood Quidditch very well but was also skilled at organization and planning, so he unsurprisingly became the captain.
Speaking of other Houses' Seekers, for example, Basilisk House, which played against Phoenix House in the first match, had a Noldor Elf from Lothlórien as their Seeker.
Dragon House's Seeker was a Silvan Elf from Mirkwood.
Thunderbird House's Seeker was a Teleri Elf from Grey Havens.
It could be said that the Quidditch matches between the four Houses were not just about winning or losing for the Houses, but also a comparison between four elven races.
Therefore, none of the elves were willing to concede defeat, shedding their reserve and fiercely competing on the field without holding back.
Because of this, these Quidditch matches even spread among the elven communities, becoming one of the ways for different elven groups to engage in friendly exchanges.
For a long time at Hogwarts, the Seeker position was almost always held by an elf from that House.
After all, although Luke had significantly weakened the role of the Seeker, it was still a very crucial member of the team.
As long as the Golden Snitch could be caught, a 50-point lead could be established.
Even before catching the Golden Snitch, if a 50-point lead had already been established, securing the match point, the Snitch could be caught to end the game early.
Therefore, elves, with their strong physique and agile movements, were very suitable for the Seeker position.
Of course, the Seeker position was not exclusively for elves; later, there were also exceptionally talented young Wizards who, with their superb flying skills, surpassed the elves and became their House team's Seeker.
After graduation, they even became professional Quidditch athletes, becoming sought-after Quidditch stars.
The school's Quidditch matches followed a round-robin system, held once a month.
By the time all the Houses had played their matches, the time had already reached May of the following year, which was 2962.
As the end of the term approached, they officially entered the exam revision week.
There was a one-week New Year's holiday in between, starting from the last day of December 2961 until returning to school on January 7th of the New Year, which was considered the winter break.
Because the New Year's holiday coincided with the hobbit's Yule, Yule is the last day of one year and the first day of the next in the hobbit calendar, equivalent to New Year's, and a six-day Yule season would be held.
So gradually, this New Year's holiday came to be known as Yule.
During Yule, students left the school and returned to their homes. Besides reuniting with their families, they excitedly recounted their school life and showcased the magic they had learned.
As these students returned home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry also spread throughout various regions and factions of Middle-earth.
Many children eagerly hoped to receive an acceptance letter from Hogwarts and then go to that magical school to learn magic.
And the parents of these children also hoped that their children would have such an opportunity.
King of Rohan, Thengel, who had a good relationship with Luke, had a son, Théoden, in 2948, who was now thirteen years old.
This Théoden was the future King of Rohan during the War of the Ring, once controlled by Saruman, later freed by Gandalf, and finally died in battle.
King Thengel deeply loved his only son and personally wrote to Luke, asking if Théoden could come to Hogwarts to learn magic.
But it was clear that Théoden was just a normal human with no magic talent, so Luke could only politely decline and explain the reason.
Time came to June.
After a week of intense final exams, the first-year students finally relaxed completely.
At the end-of-year feast, the candlelight was bright, and the starry sky on the ceiling glittered.
Students from the four Houses sat at four long tables, their before filled with various sumptuous delicacies.
The Professors sat at the Professors' table at the front, enjoying dinner and conversing with each other.
After nearly a year of getting to know each other, the Professors had all gained a certain understanding of one another.
headmaster Luke, sitting in the central position, was leaning over, showing concern for his heavily pregnant wife, Arwen.
The other Professors and students around them were already accustomed to this sight.
Professor Luke of Charms, Professor Brog of Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Edward of Transfiguration were discussing a certain magic knowledge together.
Professor Margales of Herbology, also a Witch, was laughing and chatting intimately with Madam Amanda from the infirmary.
And Professor Elensys of Potions was also eating and chatting with Professor Alpha of Astronomy.
Gandalf was also saying something to Lady Galadriel, making Lady Galadriel laugh heartily, emitting pleasant laughter.
This scene made the students below, who witnessed it, unable to help but be captivated.
When everyone had finished eating, Luke stood up, his voice not loud but it reached every corner of the Great Hall.
Amidst the students' anticipation, Luke announced the scores for each House in turn.
To Luke's satisfaction and relief, these students had generally performed well throughout the academic year, with no issues such as night wandering, fighting, or other violations of school rules.
Therefore, the House points for the four Houses had almost no significant difference; it was merely a matter of how many academic credits were earned normally.
Ultimately, Phoenix House, with a slight advantage, surpassed the other Houses and won this year's House Cup.
And in addition to the honor, Luke was very generous in providing material rewards, awarding 100 Galleons to the House that won the House Cup.
Although not a large sum, it greatly excited the students of Phoenix House, who immediately cheered.
The students from the other Houses also looked at Phoenix House with great envy and secretly resolved to win the House Cup next year.
Professor Edward, the dean of Phoenix House, also showed a rare smile on his stern face, accepting the envious congratulations from the other deans.
Luke also happily waved his hand, changing the decorations in the Great Hall to the emblem of Phoenix House. The gold and red pattern, embroidered with a soaring Phoenix, was visible everywhere in the Great Hall.
For the next academic year, the Great Hall would maintain this arrangement as proof of winning the House Cup.
Only when another House won the House Cup would the decorations in the Great Hall change to that House's colors and emblem.
Gandalf looked at the Great Hall filled with a joyful atmosphere and innocent children, a smile never leaving his face.
He cheerfully said to Galadriel beside him, "This is truly wonderful, isn't it, Lady?"
Galadriel was also infected by the atmosphere, her smile bright, and the light around her became very soft. She nodded slightly, "This is a joy I haven't seen anywhere else, so carefree and full of vitality. Even the Blessed Realm cannot compare at this moment."
Then she turned to Gandalf, a smile in her eyes, "So this is why you choose to stay at Hogwarts, Mithrandir? As a wanderer, not even Rivendell or Lothlórien could hold your steps, but now you are willing to stop here. It truly surprises me."
Gandalf laughed heartily, his eyes kindly watching the freely laughing children below, and said softly:
"These children are the hope for the future. I see infinite possibilities in them. If Luke has something that makes me admire him, it's not his whimsical creations, but the establishment of this school of magic and the admission of these children.
He has spread magic to these children, including Wizards, Dúnedain, and Elves, and there may be more in the future. When they grow up, they will become a powerful force against dark evil.
I have already foreseen the arrival of a golden age of magic! Perhaps by then, even if Sauron gains power, he and his dark forces will not be a threat at all."
Galadriel heard his words and nodded in agreement, the light of wisdom flickering in her deep eyes, as if she had already foreseen such a grand occasion.
But then a hint of worry appeared between her brows, and she said in a condensed voice, "But it is imperative to ensure the spiritual safety of these children, and not give Sauron any opportunity to corrupt them, to prevent any child from being lured into darkness!"
How powerful the Númenor Empire was in the past, driving Sauron and his dark forces back step by step, even capturing Sauron alive.
But in the end, it was seduced, corrupted, and fell by Sauron, leading to the downfall of the Númenor Empire.
Sauron's greatest power has never been his combat ability, but his words and ability to corrupt minds.
And as Hogwarts grows stronger and cultivates more and more Wizards, it will inevitably attract Sauron's attention.
If he finds an opportunity to seduce and corrupt these Wizards, that is definitely a result no one wants to see.
Gandalf obviously also knew Galadriel's worries, so he nodded and said, "Lady's worries are not unfounded, so this is also one of the reasons why I choose to stay here. I believe that with the power of narya, it is enough to protect the castle from being touched by dark forces."
Then he looked at Luke, his eyes full of admiration and trust, "And we can also trust Luke. He has already created many miracles, and I believe he has already considered this."
Galadriel also followed Gandalf's gaze and saw Luke taking care of Arwen, her eyes softening a bit.
At this moment, Luke, who was holding milk in a golden cup and persuading his wife to drink more, had no idea that Gandalf and Galadriel were talking about him.
Arwen has been pregnant for more than two years, and according to the Elven gestation period, the baby will be born around the next semester, which is March next year.
Because she was carrying twins, Arwen's belly was already very large. Although Arwen's steps were still light, Luke was extremely careful with every step she took, fearing she might bump into something.
At Luke's persuasion, Arwen finally gave up her plan to continue teaching next academic year, entrusting her grandmother Galadriel to substitute.
When Elves are pregnant, the baby in the womb absorbs nutrients and magic from the mother, which can cause the mother to become weak.
And Arwen is carrying twins, which puts even greater pressure on the mother.
So Elrond had long prepared plenty of potions and nutritional supplements to prevent his daughter from feeling uncomfortable and weak.
At the same time, Mrs. Amanda, who is best at healing magic, stayed in the castle all day long to check on Arwen's health at any time.
And Luke was even more nervous. To nourish Arwen, he specially took out the meat of a Gram and then entrusted Galadriel to invite the best Elven chef from Lothlórien to prepare delicacies.
He also used the golden cup, which is used for healing and nourishment, as Arwen's daily cup.
The golden cup can make the liquid in the cup full of magic and vitality. Luke specifically used it to hold Ent drink and Araw Cattle milk to ensure Arwen's health.
Under such meticulous care and maintenance, Arwen has not felt any discomfort from pregnancy so far, except for feeling a bit bloated in her belly.
----
With the end of the year-end banquet, this academic year was completely over.
Early the next morning, students left the castle one after another and took carriages down to Hogsmeade.
Parents who received the news had been waiting for a long time. Many students who hadn't seen their parents for a long time eagerly jumped out of the carriage and rushed into their parents' arms upon seeing them.
After saying goodbye to friends and classmates, they returned to their respective homes.
Now, every student's home has a fireplace, so they can go home directly through the Floo Network, which is very convenient.
Or if they want to choose a different mode of transportation, they can also take the knight bus.
As long as there is a place name, they can take the knight bus to any place, even places not covered by the Floo Network.
And students like Adam Bailey, who live in Amon Sul, even saved the floo powder and simply walked home along familiar paths.
Some didn't even go home, first running to Diagon Alley to buy some magic snacks, or playing with other friends until dark before returning home.
And the natural result of this was seeing their parents with dark faces upon returning home and receiving a good dose of 'loving education'.
And Hogwarts Castle, after all the students left, became quiet again.
Most Professors left the school to spend the summer vacation at home.
Even Gandalf began his wanderings, riding his steed Shadowfax, traveling from place to place, and would not return until the beginning of the next semester at least.
Luke, who suddenly became quiet, was a bit unaccustomed to it, but soon his attention was focused on the pregnant Arwen.
Now Arwen was in the late stage of pregnancy, and during this critical period, Luke was not planning to do anything else, only focusing on taking care of his wife.
----
Mordor, Barad-dûr.
A white-robed phantom came into the tower, bowing and kneeling before the shadow, "Master, what are your commands?"
Sauron looked at the respectful white-robed ghost in front of him, satisfaction flashing in his red eyes, and then commanded:
"Saruman, I give you a chance to avenge yourself. You are to infiltrate Hogwarts Castle:
First, inquire about the whereabouts of the one ring. Even if the ring is not in Luke's hands, it must be related to him.
Second, seize the Philosopher's Stone when the opportunity arises. The Philosopher's Stone can reshape a body. If you can get the Philosopher's Stone, you can be resurrected and regain your power!
Third, I will give you a ring of power. You are to secretly corrupt and deprave those Wizards, especially the young Wizards. I want Luke to experience the pain of being betrayed by the Wizards he painstakingly cultivated!"
Upon hearing Luke's name, the white-robed ghost, Saruman, showed endless venom and hatred in his eyes.
Although he was now completely controlled by Sauron and had become his servant, he still remembered being killed by Luke and harbored a deep hatred for Luke.
But upon hearing Sauron's demands, he still hesitated, "Master, Hogwarts is Luke's lair. There are many magic spells protecting it, and Luke is by no means an ordinary person. I fear I will be discovered as soon as I get close..."
Sauron waved his hand, interrupting what he was about to say, "You don't have to worry about that. I have already devised a method for you, guaranteeing that even if you stand in front of him, you will not be discovered at all!"
Saruman was surprised to hear this and looked up, "Master, what method do you have?"
Sauron was confident, his gaze piercing through the tower, looking towards the west, his eyes filled with calculation and conspiracy.
"As far as I know, Luke established a school of magic specifically for children with magical talent. Now those children have just finished their studies and returned, and in two months, Hogwarts will reopen.
I need you to find a child, possess him, and disguise yourself as a student to enter the castle..."
In July, countless Great Snowy Owls flew out from the castle, heading to various parts of Middle-earth.
Besides the shopping lists for students entering their second year, there were also acceptance letters for new students for the upcoming academic year.
Under the expectant gazes of countless children across the land, the white owls, like messengers of fortune, delivered long-awaited letters.
And this time, the number of admitted students was even greater than the previous academic year.
Among them, in addition to the young Wizards from Luke's territory, and Elves from various regions, and the Dúnedain from the North, there were also several Dúnedain children from the South within Gondor.
The nobles and royalty within Gondor, like the Northern Dúnedain, were descendants of the ancient Númenóreans.
However, after intermarrying with other races, their bloodline gradually diluted, and their lifespans became similar to ordinary people.
But there were occasional individuals whose Númenórean bloodline reverted to its ancestral state, such as the children who received acceptance letters this time; because they possessed magic talent, they were recorded by the accepting quill and the book of admittance.
The fact that children from his own country received acceptance letters from Hogwarts made Ecthelion II, the Regent of Gondor, very happy; he even personally met these children and their parents.
The Regent of Gondor, of course, had long known about Hogwarts admitting students to learn magic.
However, what he deeply regretted was that his son, Denethor II, was already an adult and did not meet the age requirements for admission.
The Regent's family, as direct descendants of the Númenóreans, possessed a noble bloodline second only to the royal family. Although their lifespan was shortened due to intermarriage with other races, they still inherited the abilities of the Númenóreans.
For example, Denethor II's sons, Boromir and Faramir, both possessed precognitive abilities. Before the War of the Ring broke out, they had vague visions and information related to the Ring through prophetic dreams.
And Denethor II, as their father, also possessed magical abilities, so he had long ago gone to a wand shop in Diagon Alley to purchase a suitable wand and all the magic books from the bookstore.
Regent Ecthelion II, being very wealthy, spent a considerable sum to specifically hire a Wizard who graduated from a Magic Crash Course to guide his son Denethor in some magic.
Although he didn't learn it particularly well, Denethor at least mastered some ordinary magic, barely reaching the level of a common Wizard.
Of course, if he wanted to learn more profound and advanced magic, there was no other way unless he could go to Hogwarts to study.
However, Denethor was already very satisfied, as magic was just a hobby, and he didn't have more time and energy to delve into it.
Because he was the son of the Regent of Gondor, he was destined to inherit the position of Regent in the future, and what he needed to learn was how to govern the fate of a country.
Returning to the main topic, once all students received their letters from Hogwarts, time quickly moved to August.
New student families living far away all came to Diagon Alley through the Portkey included with the acceptance letter to purchase their school supplies.
The older students, who had already advanced to their second year, wisely avoided the day new students came to Diagon Alley. Then, either by meeting up with classmates or with their parents, they came to Diagon Alley to buy their second-year textbooks and other school supplies.
After a bustling August, time quickly arrived at September 1st.
New students and older students all gathered in Hogsmeade. After bidding farewell to their parents, they successively boarded the carriages.
The second-year students, seeing these new students, felt as if they were seeing their past selves. Feeling like seniors, they actively helped these nervous and awkward new students.
Under the setting sun, carriages filled with people orderly passed over the bridge, heading towards the castle.
The carriages entered the castle and stopped outside the main gate.
"First-year new students, please come this way!" Professor Edward, the Deputy headmaster who had been waiting, shouted loudly.
The bewildered new students, hearing the voice, awkwardly gathered, following the Professor's arrangements.
As for the second-year students, upon seeing Professor Edward, they immediately became well-behaved, quickly running into the Great Hall, fearing that the Professor might notice them.
"Phew, you scared me to death! Professor Edward's serious demeanor is really terrifying!" Adam Bailey, with an exaggerated expression of having narrowly escaped death, plopped down onto a seat in Phoenix House.
His roommates and good friends, the Elf Aranir and the Dúnedain Anlómir, couldn't help but laugh at his cat-seeing-mouse-like appearance.
"Professor Edward is serious, but it's not enough to make you this scared, is it?" Anlómir said, a little amused.
Adam Bailey slumped onto the table, weakly saying, "Your Transfiguration grades are excellent, so naturally, you don't have to fear Professor Edward. But I only got an A (Pass) in Transfiguration last semester, how can I not be scared?"
Not to mention Professor Edward was also the dean of their House.
It was like a struggling student seeing their homeroom teacher, only able to silently pray that the Professor wouldn't notice him.
Of course, Adam Bailey wasn't a struggling student in the true sense; apart from Transfiguration, his achievements in other subjects were either O (Outstanding) or E (Exceeds Expectations).
But in Transfiguration, his performance was indescribable.
For example, during the final exam last semester, Professor Edward asked him to transform a mouse into a snuffbox.
The result was that the mouse successfully transformed into an exquisite snuff bottle.
But at the same time, all the surrounding objects also transformed into countless mice.
This caused a mouse infestation in Professor Edward's office.
Most of the mice were successfully caught by Professor Edward and transformed back to their original forms, but some mice ran directly out of the office, scaring the students waiting in line for the exam, who screamed loudly. Finally, a few also disappeared without a trace, having burrowed into some hole.
This accidental incident caused Professor Edward to lose a shoe, a teacup, and a pocket watch, making him so angry that he heavily wrote an "A" on Adam Bailey's report card.
This incident also became a laughingstock at the school.
As the second-year students successively arrived at the Great Hall, the Professors also took their seats.
Once everyone was present, the closed Great Hall doors opened once again.
Professor Edward led the way, and the first-year new students, like ducklings chasing their mother, followed closely behind him in two rows, their faces a mixture of nervousness and awe as they looked at everything inside the Great Hall.
Both the Professors and the second-year students watched these new students, awaiting the Sorting Ceremony.
There were more new students this time than last year, a total of 124 people.
After the Sorting Hat sang a newly composed song, the Sorting Ceremony officially began.
Whenever a new student was sorted into a different House, the corresponding House erupted in a burst of enthusiastic applause.
Once the Sorting was complete, Luke once again briefly explained the Precautions (important points), then announced the start of the feast.
Only half a year remained until Arwen's delivery, so Luke's attention was mostly focused on Arwen by his side.
But just as he was concerned about Arwen, he suddenly acutely sensed a malicious gaze.
He immediately turned to trace that malicious gaze but only saw the students below, and the gaze had vanished without a trace, as if it had only been an illusion.
"What's wrong, Luke?" Arwen noticed Luke's abnormality, and seeing his furrowed brows, she asked with concern.
Seeing his wife's concerned gaze and her bulging belly, Luke's eyes flashed, and he reverted to a gentle expression.
He shook his head and said jokingly, "It's nothing, I just feel like a student is secretly watching me. It's probably some little guy who worships me."
Arwen looked at her narcissistic husband and let go of her doubts, amused as she placed his favorite Dragon Steak on his plate.
"Thank you, my dear!" Luke said with a grin to Arwen, then buried himself in his meal, but quietly activated his Legilimency talent completely.
Suddenly, all sorts of noisy thoughts flooded his mind, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.
Luke continued to eat, but his mental energy was highly concentrated as he painstakingly listened and distinguished every student's thoughts, trying to find anything unusual.
As time passed, the thoughts he heard showed no abnormalities; they were all the various ideas of children, chirping countless times louder than their spoken words.
Luke withdrew his Legilimency, his expression still unchanged, but the solemnity and depth in his eyes were almost overflowing.
However, due to his head-down eating posture, no one noticed.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Luke stood up, waved his wand, and a ribbon sparkling with words shot out, floating in mid-air.
"Now, everyone, please sing the school song in your favorite tune," Luke said happily, "Ready, sing!"
Then, to the Professors' anticipation or exasperation, everyone sang the school song loudly in different tunes.
Especially the second-year students, who were considered old hands, some of the most lively ones belted out the song, as if competing to see who had the loudest voice, directly drowning out the voices of all the other students.
Luke watched them with amusement and did not stop them.
For a moment, chaotic magical sounds and various tunes filled the entire Great Hall, causing the statues and portraits on the surrounding walls to clutch their ears in agony.
Some Professors had even cast the Muffliato Charm in advance to block out the noise.
As each student sang the school song, an invisible connection formed between the castle and the students, deepening continuously.
At the same time, the students' emotional energy and overflowing magic gathered towards a certain part of the castle.
Luke directed with his wand while his gaze swept over the students below.
As the master of the castle, he could clearly feel the connection between the students and the castle. This connection not only allowed the castle to protect the students to a certain extent but also served as a form of supervision and restriction, ensuring they would not do anything to harm the castle.
Luke carefully felt and distinguished the students' connections with the castle, but even after the school song ended, he still found no abnormalities.
Seeing this, Luke did nothing more.
Just as he was about to announce the end of the feast, he suddenly felt a violent magical fluctuation emanating from the castle.
This fluctuation was felt not only by Luke but also by the students.
It was as if the entire castle was vibrating, emitting a low hum.
Outside the castle, the Thunderbird on the maolong tree let out a thunderous eagle cry, flying away from its nest with electric flashes, circling continuously above the castle.
The magical night scene on the ceiling became filled with thunderclouds, flashing with electricity, and even lightning struck down, carrying a smell of ozone.
Even Dragon Smaug, sleeping beneath the castle, opened his eyes and let out an earth-shattering roar.
"Is it an earthquake?"
"I heard a roar from underground. Is that the roar of a Dragon?"
...The students were all startled by the sudden commotion, and the Professors were no less so.
Only Gandalf and Galadriel remained calm, though they also showed surprise.
"Quiet!" Luke looked at the noisy and panicked students, his voice thundering throughout the Great Hall, silencing everyone, who then looked at him expectantly.
"headmaster, has something happened?" Professor Edward asked with a worried expression, clearly puzzled by the sudden commotion.
The other Professors also looked at Luke, hoping he could clear up their confusion.
Luke's face also held a hint of surprise and joy. He smiled and reassured them, "Everyone, don't worry. There was a small incident with the castle just now, but it's a good thing. We have a companion who can't wait to meet everyone."
A companion? Everyone showed expressions of surprise and doubt.
The next second, Luke said to everyone, "Everyone, please raise your wands!"
Regardless of their confusion, the students all raised their wands.
The Professors also raised their wands.
Then Luke waved his wand, releasing a wisp of silver thread that drilled into the clouds on the ceiling. The clouds immediately glowed silver, as if an invisible attractive force had been generated. From all the raised wands, wisps of silver thread involuntarily floated out, all converging into the clouds.
Everyone showed shocked expressions at this sight.
Especially the first-year new students who had just enrolled; many of them hadn't even learned magic yet, and now they had passively cast a spell they didn't even know about!
And Gandalf and Galadriel, seeing this, simultaneously raised their hands. The rings on their fingers, visible only to them, shimmered with light, also releasing vast magical power.
On the ceiling, the clouds were tinged with a silver glow, becoming mysterious and full of magic.
Finally, the clouds dissipated, and a figure condensed within the silver light.
It was a ghostly presence, yet more real than a ghost, and unlike the greyish appearance of ghosts, he had color.
He was short, about the height of a hobbit, with a broad face, a wide mouth, and round, bright eyes. His hair and eyes were black, and his skin was pale. He wore brightly colored clothes, a tie, a pointed nightcap, and clown shoes.
He looked comical and lively, especially his constantly darting eyes, which exuded a restless demeanor.
He saw the students below, his eyes darted around, and he let out a strange shriek before immediately flying down, darting over the students' heads, startling them into covering their heads and crouching down.
He grabbed a handful of students' hats, tossing them around in mid-air, emitting a cackling laugh.
The students below stared in shock at the mischievous fellow, their faces full of disbelief.
"What is that? Is it a ghost?"
A student asked in alarm.
Just as he was about to continue playing with the students, Luke above him loudly stopped him, "Alright, Peeves, no mischief!"
Hearing Luke's words, the "ghost's" actions paused, and then he turned and floated in front of Luke.
He looked at Luke, instinctively feeling a sense of closeness. His round, black eyes scrutinized him, and he tilted his head, "Peeves? Is that my name?"
Then, without waiting for Luke's reply, he happily bounced and skipped in mid-air, amusing himself.
"Haha, Peeves, I like this name! From now on, I am the great Mr. Peeves!"