Duel Before School Starts

Professor McGonagall's words set everyone present murmuring.

Hogwarts' opening feast had always followed much the same routine: everyone entered the Great Hall and waited for the new students to arrive; the Sorting Hat sang, the students were sorted, the headmaster gave a speech, everyone ate their fill, the headmaster said a few more words, and it was over.

For centuries, Hogwarts' opening ceremony had basically proceeded this way. Of course, there might occasionally be introductions for new professors.

And now, with the growing number of new students, even the Sorting Ceremony had become rather rushed. Everyone looked forward to it ending as quickly as possible so they could fill their rumbling stomachs.

Another event? Wouldn't that mean they had to stay hungry even longer...

More importantly, what kind of event could they add?

Professor McGonagall swept her stern gaze across the Great Hall. She had always been immensely authoritative, and students were often even more afraid of her. Now that Professor McGonagall had become headmistress, everyone immediately fell silent.

"Last school year, we went through some cruel events..." Professor McGonagall's voice grew much lower, and many people lowered their heads.

"Our... our headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, left us forever in order to stop the infiltration and attacks of the dark forces." Barely audible sighs sounded throughout the hall.

"After that, Durmstrang, Europe's renowned School of Magic, also became a breeding ground for evil."

"Many of you may not yet know. Many may only have heard fragments of it. And more of you are new students, so perhaps you find it all confusing."

"But as Hogwarts' new headmistress, I must take responsibility for you—our current peace is only temporary. The other side of this world still conceals much darkness and malice. I urge all of you to pay more attention to your