Rumble...
Just as Zheng Qing was considering how to get through the doorway guarded by the gargoyle without smashing it, the stone beast suddenly rose, hopped aside, and voluntarily revealed the slowly rotating staircase rising behind it.
The young wizard was greatly surprised.
"—Why are you letting me through now?"
"Because the Headmaster told me to let you in." The stone sculpture clearly seemed relieved as well.
Zheng Qing found that rather regrettable.
He had just thought of several more ideas—trying a Confundus Charm on the gargoyle, using Rewind Magic to discover what password the previous wizard entering the Headmaster's office had used, or perhaps casting the Imperius Curse, and so on.
But since there was an easier way, he naturally would not waste any more time.
After climbing a dozen or so steps up the spiraling staircase, Zheng Qing suddenly retreated, poking his head back out to look at the gargoyle by the door. "—So, we know each other now, right?"
The stone sculpture froze on the spot.
"—Good day, Professor Dumbledore. I am Zheng Qing, special assistant to the Ministry of Magic's Department of International Affairs... I have been ordered to bring several wizards from Borneo to visit Hogwarts... Sorry to disturb you."
Zheng Qing gave his introduction with perfect seriousness.
In the row of Picture Frames on the wall, generations of Hogwarts Headmasters lowered their heads to examine the young wizard who had just entered. They leaned together, whispering among themselves.
"—Exchanges between different cultures are an important means of magical development and progress. It is a good thing. Why would I feel disturbed? I can only be pleased."
The old wizard behind the desk smiled at the polite young man. After a pause, he changed the subject. "Student Zheng Qing, how does it feel