The students in the Great Hall all heard the tapping and turned in unison toward the teachers' table, their gazes converging on Dumbledore.
"Another wonderful morning..." Dumbledore's voice carried a hint of delight, ringing clearly into every corner of the Great Hall as though he were whispering into the students' ears.
"Although quite some time has passed, I believe that last summer was a rather unforgettable one for many of you present."
His gaze slowly swept across the students' faces, and quite a few of them began whispering among themselves.
Those students who had personally experienced the "Paris Region Incident" nodded in shared reflection.
"Especially everything that happened in Paris, France..." Dumbledore's voice grew more solemn. "It showed us the miracles of magic, as well as the dangers brought by Dark wizards."
"Although the 'Paris Region Incident' was resolved perfectly, its emergence inevitably changed our lives..."
"This matter was of great importance, so I did not speak much of it at the start-of-term feast. I merely hoped that everyone could gradually come to terms with it through various channels."
"And now, I believe you should have realised... we have no choice but to step into an entirely new era!"
He raised his voice slightly. "An era that may no longer require the International Statute of Secrecy, an era in which magic is no longer a secret!"
Compared with students who had only just begun learning magic, Dumbledore's words clearly struck the professors, who had followed the International Statute of Secrecy for many years, far more deeply.
Even Sybill Trelawney, the Divination professor, reacted quite "normally" at that moment—though perhaps a little too intensely—
She clutched her forehead and panted repeatedly, her trembling voice muttering over and over, "My Eye of Heaven has become blurred!"
"Let me tell you a secret..."