Does the Curse Really Exist?

Had wild Thestrals settled down in the Forbidden Forest? Or had Newt's side reached a conclusion?

Either way, it was good news for Hogwarts students. More students could be transported at once, so they would not have to stand waiting in the rain for so long.

For people like Manus, who had arrived early enough, there was no need to wait. Still, seeing so many Thestral carriages meant they no longer had to rush so much, which was also a good thing.

Walking across the grass in this weather, one careless quick step might send someone straight into the mud. Even if they could clean themselves with a spell, it would still feel awful.

"Ah, time really does pass quickly. In the blink of an eye, we're already in our third year at Hogwarts."

Bellows wiped the condensation from the window with his hand, revealing the castle's somewhat hazy outline amid the rain and mist, looming indistinctly beneath halos of lamplight.

"I wonder who this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor will be?"

Hearing Bellows say that, Manus felt both amused and curious.

What sort of changes would this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor bring?

Back in his first year, Manus had dealt with nearly all the hidden dangers within the school. During the first half of his second year, he had thoroughly mapped out every secret passage and concealed door throughout the castle.

At this point, unless someone who already belonged at the school caused trouble, the only way Hogwarts could become unsettled again was if the newly replaced Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had a problem—as happened every year.

"Anyway, whoever it is will probably only teach us for one year. As long as the quality of the lessons is fine, that's enough."

"Huh?