The mastermind behind Hogwarts

Chapter 306 The Joint Education Program Launches!

Dumbledore then devoted the rest of his time to the Sorting Ceremony.

The Sorting Hat seemed to have pressed a button called "excitement," talking incessantly to every freshman.

Professor McGonagall, with a dark expression, put the Sorting Hat on the freshman's head, then took it off before the hat could finish speaking.

With such a fast hand speed, a few minutes later, it was finally the last freshman's turn. Penelope craned her neck and looked around excitedly.

"Autumn Zhang!"

Professor McGonagall read out the name of the last new student, her expression softening slightly, and handed the hat to Zhang Qiu, who was walking towards her.

Professor McGonagall was one of the few people who knew about the secret talks between the Zhang family and Dumbledore.

Cho Zhang put on the Sorting Hat, sat up straight in the chair, and the hat couldn't wait to speak: "With a very good mind and flexible thinking, you would definitely be an outstanding Ravenclaw!"

Ravenclaw?

Although she wasn't assigned to Moriarty's Slytherin, Cho Chang thought it was pretty good.

Who says getting close to Moriarty means you'll be assigned to Slytherin?

Zhang Qiu remembered that both Grandpa Zhang Ye and her father had said that the primary purpose of coming to Hogwarts was to learn magic, and getting close to Moriarty was just a side effect.

The truth that the Zhang family needs to investigate should never fall on the shoulders of an 11-year-old girl!

Cho Zhang accepted the Sorting decision without any burden, took off her hat and casually placed it on the chair, then walked unhurriedly toward the Ravenclaw table.

The eaglets gave a warm round of applause to welcome the new student, and Penelope waved her arm: "Choo, over here!"

At the same time, Professor McGonagall left with the Sorting Hat, and the Sorting Ceremony ended, which usually caused quite a stir at this time.

However, today the young wizards all looked at Dumbledore; they had not forgotten the headmaster's decision.

The White Wizard stood up and said loudly, "Good children, I know you are starving, but allow me to say a few more words."

Because some changes have occurred this year, I think you need to know.

The students became serious and listened attentively.

Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction and smiled slightly: "First of all, I must say that in the Quidditch World Cup that ended a few months ago, our Hogwarts' Mr. Moriarty Slytherin led the British team to victory!"

Therefore, I will award him the School's Special Contribution Award in recognition of his contributions to Hogwarts.

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the hall. The news of Moriarty leading his team to victory had spread throughout Europe, and every young wizard knew about it.

Students from Muggle families also learned the general situation through their peers' explanations.

The enthusiastic atmosphere persisted for a long time, until Dumbledore had to summon Fawkes, whose cry brought everyone to a quiet.

"I know you're just as excited as I am. I'm even thinking of throwing a party at school, but we can wait..."

Dumbledore smiled at Moriarty, leaving Moriarty somewhat bewildered.

"I originally wanted to keep it a secret from you and give you a surprise, but Minister Fouché has just taken office and is extremely busy, so I think it's the best choice for me to tell you myself."

Dumbledore's smile widened. "In recognition of Moriarty's contributions to Great Britain."

The Ministry of Magic, Wizengamor, and the Order of Merlin have unanimously decided to award Moriarty Slytherin the Order of Merlin, Second Class!

The investiture ceremony will be held in October, and Hogwarts can throw a huge party then!

"Ohhhh!!!"

The atmosphere suddenly became lively.

The young wizards stood up, clapped excitedly, and shouted Moriarty's name.

The little snakes wanted to raise a toast to Moriarty to celebrate the greater glory he had brought to the Slytherin.

"The World Cup victory happened during the summer vacation. I thought the principal wouldn't give us extra points, but unexpectedly, the professor was awarded an honor!"

Jericho's voice was loud, echoing across the Snake Head's desk.

Duwein heard this, and although he thought awarding medals was lame, he had heard of Merlin's name. He stared at Moriarty, seemingly lost in thought.

Moriarty was somewhat surprised. He hadn't thought about the Order of Merlin or anything like that; the mention of Merlin conjured up images of two enormous figures lewdly hovering in the air...

Let's not talk about it!

Moriarty smiled and nodded to everyone, and after the atmosphere eased, Dumbledore spoke again.

"Then the second thing is, as I just mentioned, our Minister of Magic has become Mr. Cornelius Fudge."

When it comes to the Ministry of Magic, Dumbledore is much more official, and the young wizards become serious again.

"As the older students know, I have always opposed Hogwarts students' involvement in politics. I have never mentioned the Ministry of Magic's policies and arrangements at the school in the past, but our Minister Fudge passed a resolution this year."

"That's the Joint Education Program!" Dumbledore said, glancing subtly at Moriarty.

Moriarty remembered that the joint education plan was proposed to the Twenty-Eight Holy Ones at Malfoy Manor during his summer vacation after first grade.

It seems that, just as Fudge said, the joint education program was launched as soon as he took office.

Hmm, not bad, not bad. Fudge is quite well-behaved, so we won't change him. Let Fudge sit in that seat for a while longer.

Whispers filled the auditorium; the students were still somewhat unfamiliar with the joint education program.

Even if a few older students understood the literal meaning, they still found it difficult to grasp the deeper meaning behind it.

Dumbledore offered a brilliant explanation: "Simply put, once this plan is implemented, there will be student exchange programs, and events similar to the Triwizard Tournament will become more and more common."

"Exchange student?"

"The Triumvirate Tournament!"

The students gasped in surprise, and the auditorium instantly resembled a bustling market.

But Dumbledore seemed to know how to quiet the students down.

He said, "There's someone more qualified to speak on this than I am; let's hear what he has to say!"

The students fell silent instantly, and almost everyone looked at Moriarty, thinking that Moriarty was the one!

"Wow, this is the first time I've stood up and not heard any cheers."

Lockhart's voice rang out from the professor's seat, and the students turned around to see Lockhart standing up with a smile!

"Mr. Lockhart, are you the person that Headmaster Dumbledore mentioned?" Charlie asked loudly.

"I know Mr. Moriarty is very popular, but I didn't expect you to question me, which really hurts me." Lockhart pretended to cry, which made some of the girls laugh.

"Well then, I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Gilderoy Lockhart, a renowned European author, bestselling novelist, and six-time winner of The Wizarding Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award..."

Upon hearing this, Moriarty exclaimed, "Good heavens!"

When he first met Lockhart, she had only won the Charming Smile Award three times. Now she has won it six times. It seems Lockhart is indeed a model!

Lockhart habitually introduced himself with his titles, then, as if dropping a bombshell, announced: "...The Ministry of Magic's newly appointed Joint Education Ambassador and Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, this is me, Gilderoy Lockhart!"

Wow~

The young wizards stood up and applauded for the glamorous title.

Lockhart listened with great enjoyment for a while, then said, "My dear friends, my dear Hogwarts, I want to say, I'm back!"

"This time, I return with the friendship of the American Ivory Morney School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I will impart to you all the knowledge I have acquired throughout my life, as well as the countless experiences I have used to combat dark magic!"

The students cheered loudly; Lockhart's image in the book was so lofty that everyone believed it without a doubt.

Not to mention Lockhart wiped out the Quinlan family last year—that's what many wizards believe.

Many of the young wizards present cast malicious glances at Duveen.

"Look, Mr. Lockhart is here to be our professor! He's a vampire nemesis! He'll make that little vampire look better!"

Duwein seemed not to hear, and just stared intently at Lockhart.

Princess Sophie writhed restlessly at Duveen's feet, knowing that her master had made a pact with Dumbledore.

One clause in the agreement stated that one must not have conflicts with the professor and must obey the professor's orders.

Otherwise, his master would have already rushed up and taught Lockhart a lesson.

Lockhart was unaware of the thoughts of Master Vantor; he continued to loudly display his abilities, though he had not forgotten his mission.

"Listen up, friends, as Headmaster Dumbledore said, the United Education Program is slowly unfolding this year."

The Hogwarts administration, the Ministry of Magic, and the twelve school board members have tentatively agreed on a plan to invite students from other magic schools to Hogwarts for magical exchanges!

I brought back the Ivermony School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the United States, while our esteemed Professors Nicolas Flamel and Perenelle brought back the friendship of Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from France.

As Lockhart spoke, he bowed in respect to Nicolas Flamel and his wife.

Moriarty noticed that Nicolas Flamel and his wife looked indifferent, their eyes mostly fixed on Duveen.

Considering that the two elderly people have lived for over six hundred years, they may have had some connection with the Vanjo vampires.

After Lockhart paid his respects, he cleared his throat and said loudly, "So that's how it is. In the coming semester, we will most likely be studying with young wizards from America and France, and who knows, we might even hold an event together."

(End of this chapter)