"Kunlun Academy of Magic?"
Everyone was stunned, and even Lupin's eyes showed a trace of surprise.
For most Western Wizards, Asia's Kunlun Academy of Magic had always been shrouded in mystery, much like the myths and legends associated with its name.
The school had a long history and rarely interacted with the outside world; its existence was more akin to a distant legend.
For the first time, a subtle ripple appeared in Sagres's grey eyes.
He looked at the two students who claimed to be from Kunlun, his gaze carrying a hint of amusement.
"Kunlun..."
He repeated the name softly before asking in an even tone,
"Where exactly is your school located?"
He asked this because, during his travels, he had specifically searched for the academy. Yet after exploring the entire Kunlun mountain range, he had ultimately found nothing.
Such a failure was rare in his long career of exploration.
The young man named Ye looked surprised by Sagres's question and exchanged a glance with Xue beside him.
Xue appeared somewhat shy, but she still gathered her courage and replied in slightly more fluent English,
"We're very sorry, sir. The school is located in a secluded place, and it's very difficult for us to describe its exact location in words. We came to Britain this time because... we left without permission."
Ye quickly took over, displaying the enthusiasm of youth mixed with a trace of guilt.
"We heard that Hogwarts is about to host the Triwizard Tournament! It's unprecedented in scale, and many schools of magic are participating! We were so curious... we wanted to see it with our own eyes."
He paused, his voice becoming quieter.
"But our school has never participated in such events. So we could only sneak out and come here ourselves. We never expected that, shortly after arriving in Britain and asking for directions, we'd run into those werewolves..."
At that moment, several soft popping sounds echoed through the air.
Hummingbird appeared at the edge of the scorched earth, accompanied by several Wizards pulling a small, exquisitely crafted floating carriage.
It was a vehicle used by St Mungo's Hospital for the emergency transport of special patients.
"Your transport has arrived."
Sagres stopped pursuing the subject and addressed the five survivors.
"They will ensure that you receive proper treatment and care."
With the help of Tonks and Lupin, Elliot, Sophia, John Cronin, Ye, and Xue boarded the carriage one after another.
The carriage doors closed silently, and with a slight nod from Hummingbird, it transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the brightening sky.
...
By October, the air at Hogwarts already carried a sharp chill. The waters of the Black Lake appeared darker than ever, and a thin mist often shrouded the surrounding mountains.
Life within the Castle seemed to continue as normal. Students bustled between classrooms and the Great Hall, occupied with their studies and preparations for the approaching Halloween celebrations.
However, that calm was shattered the very next morning.
When the students entered the Great Hall for breakfast as usual, they discovered that a crowd had gathered around the large notice board, and the excited chatter almost lifted the roof.
A brand-new parchment, written in elegant cursive script, had been posted in the most prominent position:
[Announcement: Tournament of Seven Schools]
It is hereby announced that, on the evening of Halloween this year, the delegations from the seven participating schools of magic will arrive at Hogwarts, where a welcoming banquet will be held in the Great Hall.
The participating schools are as follows:
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic (France)
Durmstrang Institute (Scandinavia)
Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (North America)
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Britain)
Uagadou School of Magic (Africa)
Castelobruxo School of Magic (South America)
Mahoutokoro School of Magic (Oceania)
At that time, all staff and students are requested to maintain proper conduct and demonstrate the friendship and dignity of Hogwarts.
..
Headmaster's Office
"Seven! Merlin's saggy underpants! It's actually seven schools!"
Ron was the first to push his way through the crowd, his exclamation echoing through the Great Hall as he nearly spilled his pumpkin juice all over the floor.
"Uagadou! Is that the school where they don't use wands?" Harry's eyes widened, and he unconsciously leaned forward.
Seamus frowned, chewing vigorously on a piece of bread as though it would help him remember.
"I think so... But Castelobruxo? I don't remember hearing about that one at all."
"It's normal not to have heard of it," Ron said without turning around. "I haven't heard of half of these either."
Ginny, her bright red hair gleaming, leaned towards Harry and Ron and eagerly joined the discussion.
"Hey, did you know? I heard Ilvermorny has four Houses too! They're called something like... Thunderbird, Wampus, Horned Serpent, and Pukwudgie."
"Pukwudgie?"
Ron made a strange noise and pulled a face.
"Who'd want to be sorted into a House called Pukwudgie? That sounds awful."
"It's a magical creature, Ron."
Hermione's voice, carrying equal parts exasperation and authority, came from behind them.
She sat down with a thick book entitled A History of World Magical Education Systems clutched in her arms, clearly having done her research.
"Ilvermorny's four Houses are Thunderbird, representing the soul; Wampus, representing the body; Horned Serpent, representing the mind; and Pukwudgie, representing the heart. They symbolise four magical creatures from North America, not the pests that raid your garden."
"You already know all this, Hermione?" Harry asked, though he didn't sound particularly surprised.
"Of course," Hermione replied, tapping the book in front of her with a serious expression. "There's a brief introduction here..."
She was interrupted by a drawling voice.
"What a lively discussion, Weasley."
Malfoy strolled over with Goyle in tow.
"You're not already studying how to entertain our... rather diverse guests, are you? Especially that school that's supposed to practise wandless magic. Sounds rather primitive."
Ron rolled his eyes.
"We're in fourth year now. We'll be learning wandless magic soon enough. If you're so clever, don't bother learning it."
Malfoy opened his mouth to retort, but at that moment, a disturbance arose at the staff table.
Professor McGonagall stood and tapped her goblet with a spoon. The clear sound echoed throughout the Great Hall.
"Attention! All students, please pay attention!"
The noisy hall immediately fell silent.
"The specific regulations, restrictions, and selection procedures for the Triwizard Tournament champions will be announced during the Halloween feast, after all participating schools have arrived."
Professor McGonagall's stern gaze swept across the hall, lingering particularly on the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables.
"Until then, I expect every Hogwarts student to demonstrate proper conduct and good manners. Any behaviour that damages the school's reputation will be dealt with severely."
In short: don't embarrass me, or you'll answer to me.
___
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