This was undoubtedly the longest week all the teachers and students at Hogwarts had ever spent. Almost every student could think of nothing but the impending arrival of the six other magic schools.
Everyone was curious about what magic schools in other countries were like, and what sort of students they produced.
The professors disliked this state of affairs, but they were powerless to change it. They could only hope the week would end soon.
At last, Friday arrived.
According to the arrangements, the teachers and students from the six schools would arrive between roughly four and six, then go straight to the feast.
The school had canceled the entire afternoon's classes in the hope that the young wizards would be looking their best. But having waited so long for this, they still arrived early at the Quidditch pitch in front of the castle, waiting for the students from the six magic schools to arrive.
Professor McGonagall had originally wanted the young wizards to line up, to show that they were taking the occasion more seriously. Dumbledore, however, clearly had a different opinion:
"I imagine our guests would rather see our sincere welcome than a display resembling an inspection. What do you think, Professor McGonagall?"
"If you insist, Albus." Professor McGonagall nodded. On matters of principle, she would argue her case with Dumbledore. But there was no need over a small matter like this.
And so the young wizards stood in loose clusters in front of the castle, chatting with one another as they waited expectantly.
The school had been discussing the six schools for an entire week. This really was a major development, and the vast majority of students marveled at the influence of the International Confederation of Wizards, which had managed to organize such a grand event across