Director Henry nodded and smiled gently, "We already knew this from the application, and we fully understand."
The other professors also expressed their no objections, saying that being able to teach two such gifted students, even for only two months, was a rare joy for them.
Perhaps we can even learn from each other.
"Thank you, Dean and Professor," the two said again.
At this moment, the second female examiner on the right, wearing glasses, asked, "Do you know the location of the dormitory now?"
Draco and Hermione nodded.
"Then come and get your dorm keys."
The two candidates stepped forward, and the female examiner took out two cards from under the table and handed them to them. "These are dormitory keys. You can bind them by inputting magic power into them, and then use your mind to activate the cards to open the dormitory door. You can go back and rest first. Someone will inform you of the next steps after all the candidates have finished their interviews."
Draco and Hermione took the card in surprise, and when they touched it, they vaguely felt a faint flow of magic.
The card is about the size of a regular student ID card, with finely polished edges and a warm, silvery-white surface.
The card bears the names of the two individuals in the center, surrounded by several extremely subtle magical runes.
The two were surprised that even the school's opening ceremony was so unique; the school's teaching methods were truly distinctive.
The two carefully put away the cards, and Director Henry added, "Don't use wands for spellcasting while you're at school. Try to get used to Wandless Magic; this is the first step in learning."
"Understood, Dean," the two said in unison.
After thanking them again, the two turned and left the room.
As soon as the door opened, all the candidates waiting outside turned to look. The female teacher who had been calling roll followed behind, and when they saw the two of them come out together, everyone's expressions became uncontrollable.
When Draco and Hermione came out, Zara and the others, who knew them, were surprised but also happy for them.
The expressions of most of the other onlookers were quite varied.
Draco and Hermione glanced lightly at the back of the crowd, nodded to a few familiar faces, and after receiving their responses, they turned and slowly walked towards the dormitory building.
The female teacher watched the two students leave, and after a moment, she opened the roster again and called out the names of the next two candidates.
The tension between the two was greatly relieved, after all, there was the example of Draco and Hermione both passing the exam.
After the female teacher led the two candidates inside, the candidates erupted in excitement; those two had also passed!
This incident caused a bigger sensation than the previous two because it directly broke the unspoken rule that one person had to be eliminated.
Those who had previously harbored suspicions and doubts were now bewildered, unable to accept the reality before them.
Someone muttered to themselves, "They really passed? They're only fourteen..." Their voices were filled with disbelief.
A person nearby chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Isn't this a slap in the face for us? What are those who didn't pass supposed to think?"
"What are you thinking? You're just worrying about things that don't concern you. Those who didn't pass have already had their memories erased and been sent back to the world of the living."
"I admit I underestimated them before."
One of the people who had previously mocked him finally admitted defeat.
This immediately drew a backlash from his former supporters. "Don't think too highly of yourself; your admission is worthless."
Of course, some people were unconvinced, but everyone had passed the exam, so saying anything more was futile; they could only grumble inwardly.
Those few who had been gloating were now being slapped in the face. The smarter ones had already wisely lowered their heads and kept quiet, while the sullen ones could only mutter under their breath:
"I can't believe I actually passed."
"Even if you pass the interview, what then? The real challenges are yet to come, and passing doesn't guarantee you'll be able to sustain it in the long run."
"Yeah, it's just a talent test." Of course, they didn't dare to say anything sarcastic, so they could only use this kind of quiet self-consolation to maintain their last bit of pitiful self-esteem.
Those who were there to watch the spectacle thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the gloating party's humiliation, finding it incredibly amusing.
Regardless of the outcome, as long as there's drama to be had, that's fine.
Those who remained silent were secretly relieved that they hadn't been caught up in the drama. Now that the show was over, all that was left was the tedious routine, and most of them were turning their attention back to their upcoming exams.
Those who had previously favored Hermione and Draco were now basking in their success. A few outspoken individuals didn't hold back in mocking and retaliating against the previously arrogant and gloating individuals.
"Some people were convinced they would collapse, but now the facts are clear, and they've been proven wrong!"
"Yeah, why aren't you saying anything now?"
Most of the gloating individuals who were singled out turned their heads away with unpleasant expressions, choosing to remain silent, because continuing to argue was pointless and might only give others an opportunity to continue mocking them.
On her way to the dormitory, Hermione was visibly in a good mood, with a constant smile on her face and her steps were much lighter.
" Mr. Malfoy really thought of everything."
Draco also raised the corners of his mouth, looking smug, and said, "Of course, your husband's abilities go far beyond this."
"Here we go again... You're out of breath after I just complimented you a couple of times."
After speaking Hermione looked up and asked curiously, "I wonder what the dorms are like here?"
Draco followed her gaze; the building appeared exceptionally serene in the night. "You'll find out soon enough."
Soon, the two arrived at the dormitory building.
This is a building that stands in stark contrast to modern school buildings; it is a massive Gothic stone structure.
The dark gray granite walls are thick and weathered, with ivy climbing through the cracks, giving the impression of a long history.
The building is not tall, only four or five stories. Long, narrow vertical windows hang at intervals on the walls. Most of the windows let in dim yellow light, while a few are pitch black, like silent eyes.
Spires pierce the night sky, stone towers vie for height, there is no exquisite garden in front of the building, only a large expanse of gnarled old oak trees, their dense shade shrouding most of the wall in shadow.
The ground was paved with well-worn bluestone slabs.
Scattered moss grows in the cracks of the walkway.
Hermione stopped and turned to compare the brightly lit, sleek school buildings. "How come the dormitory building's modern architectural style is completely different from the school buildings?" she exclaimed in surprise. "Could it be that the school buildings were built later?"
Draco looked at the weathered oak door and nodded, saying, "I think so. Let's go in and take a look."