I, Hogwarts Second Time Around.

Chapter 242 New Semester, Welcome to Hogwarts

"Open your eyes!"

"This is just a storm!"

Suddenly, they heard the roar of the sea.

Yes, it was just a storm.

A voice that dares to charge against fate and laugh loudly at the storm.

It stirred something deep within the young wizard's heart.

The heavy rain continued. But when the raindrops landed on the faces of the two young wizards, they turned into white smoke.

The dry heat made them feel warm all over.

It's like sunbathing.

Finally, the little wizards were able to open their eyes.

What they are about to see will be etched forever into the deepest part of their memory.

All I saw was...

The lake surface, which had been in the midst of a downpour, suddenly became calm.

On the mirror-like surface of the water, a phoenix soars.

It looked around and completely engulfed the flames.

Immediately, its entire body became even brighter.

On the small boat, Owen held his wand in his hand and looked up at the dark clouds in the sky.

That was the pure power of nature, the power of a tropical storm. It roared down like a giant whirlpool pressing against the lake.

Just looking at it, gazing up at it, is enough to send shivers down your spine.

But—that's what makes people's blood boil, isn't it? It's unconventional, that's what fights against the heavens.

With his power, the power of the wizard, and the power of humanity, can they change the world and bring about a new era?

Just thinking about it makes me curious, really curious!

The incantation he was chanting.

This is the Fiendish Curse that he modified.

Just as Dumbledore used many white magic spells to tame Fiendfyre and create the "Pulse of Fire".

Just as Grindelwald created the 'Fire Shield' by turning his will into reins and tightening the throat of Fiery Blaze.

Owen also incorporated his will, his guardian spirit, and ancient magic into this dark magic.

What he should call this curse—it doesn't matter.

Because from today onwards, people will sing his story, passing on this magic for generations to come.

Perhaps one day, history will turn the pages of his book.

I will definitely remember that.

It records that a phoenix once soared high above Hogwarts.

Fate whispered to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm'; the warrior whispered back, 'I am the storm'.

Finally—he suddenly raised his wand high—magic surged forth like a phoenix being lifted by a thread.

The pitch-black night ushered in the day of birth.

The earth was illuminated.

Not a single drop of rain fell from the sky.

High in the sky, the dense, dark clouds shattered.

Yes—it was blasted with a huge hole.

It looks like an eye.

Through that eye, the Milky Way cascaded down.

The beauty from the universe is intoxicating.

"."

Aura stared blankly.

His eyes were lifeless.

Whether it was her, Dennis on the ship, or the other young wizards.

Even Hagrid.

At this moment, they were all speechless.

Paying attention is the only thing they can do.

They watched as the remaining flames flowed downstream like fireworks, filling the sky with petals of fire.

At that moment, they seemed to see a powerful arrival from an ancient, legendary age of gods.

On the other side, a senior wizard walks along the main road.

They also noticed the sun suddenly shining over the lake.

"Rain? The rain has stopped?" Hannah reached out to the carriage window, and through the rising mist, she saw the stars twinkling.

"What happened?"

In another carriage, Ron opened the door.

Flaming petals fell close at hand.

This puzzled and alarmed him.

He probably guessed something.

"Could it be?" Harry murmured.

"That's impossible!" Hermione interrupted him. "No matter how powerful a wizard is, even Dumbledore never—" She suddenly stopped.

Because she wasn't sure, or perhaps, although reason told her that wizards couldn't possibly do these things, her emotional side believed that maybe that guy Owen really did have some way to stop the sky from crying.

Everyone felt heavy-hearted; the relaxed atmosphere from just moments before had vanished completely.

The sparks in the sky were like a signal, telling them that they were back at Hogwarts!

It's time to start rolling it up!

"Senior student?"

On the lake, petals fall into it and disappear.

Aura stared blankly at Owen's retreating figure.

My heart felt like it was being gripped by something!

"Hmm? How is it!"

"The torches are quite a sight, aren't they!" he said.

Then he laughed.

"Welcome—this is Hogwarts!"

"The place to embark on a new journey in life!"

------

Far off, before the ship had even docked.

Irving then saw a familiar professor standing in the dock.

She stood on the stone-paved shore floor, dressed in a dark green robe and wearing a tall, pointed hat, like a pine tree.

As the ship entered the dock, she immediately went forward.

"You did this?" Professor McGonagall stared intently at Owen through her square-framed glasses and asked earnestly.

"Obviously, Professor," Owen leaped onto the dock, then, without waiting for the others to disembark, began walking alone up the marble steps.

Like a hero.

No one called out to him, and Owen quickly disappeared down the dark stone steps.

Like the starry eye in the sky that opens and then slowly closes.

Are you kidding me? Why aren't you leaving? Are you going to get soaked in the rain?

The dark clouds in the sky were simply dispersed by the heat waves of his raging fire.

Soon, under the powerful influence of the cold vortex, the dark clouds will once again cover this land.

along the way.

Owen discovered that the castle had indeed been renovated.

It was useful for them to give them an early break last semester.

Hogwarts has stood here for over a thousand years. Besides the main buildings, there are actually many broken corners and edges in the courtyard.

Especially this path leading to the dock, because few people walk on it, and ruins are everywhere.

On the way, you can even see some pointed towers.

The reason they were abandoned is unknown, but they must have been left undisturbed for at least several hundred years.

Now, the broken stone walls have been rebuilt, and the neglected spire has been given a new look.

Even the stone steps he walked on had been repaved, and both sides were planted with all kinds of flowers.

Enter the courtyard.

The statues of the four founders seem to have been reinforced, making them appear even taller.

The dilapidated fountain has also been renovated.

The pond was filled with all sorts of exotic flowers, and when Owen passed by, the yellow buds and trumpet-shaped blossoms seemed to sing.

He was very familiar with the melody.

The Hogwarts choir performed the Frog Chorus at Christmas.

Unfortunately, the money box he placed in front of the statue is gone.

It must have been that wretched old man Dumbledore who took it!

He's ashamed of him!

Hmph! ╭(╯^╰)╮

Enter the auditorium.

Sure enough—the banquet for the new semester was decorated extra special.

Hundreds of candles floated above the table, illuminating the gold plates and goblets.

The four long college tables were already filled with chattering students. At the top of the auditorium was a fifth table, where faculty members sat one on each side, facing their students.

It's much warmer here.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were already seated.

"Irving! Over here!" Justin stood up, waving his arms and shouting excitedly.

Owen walked over and sat down next to Hannah.

"It's amazing, the rain stopped when we got out of the car!" he said happily, seemingly considering it a sign of good luck. "There was a sudden light coming from the lakeside, did you see what it was?"

He faced Irving, his eyes gleaming with a clear sense of foolishness!

"It's your IQ, which is comparable to a black hole, that's gone to heaven!" Owen shook his head; he had given up hope on Justin's intellectual level.

Even if Merlin were to be resurrected, prying open his head would only cause him to shake his head, indicating that he was powerless to do anything.

About five minutes later.

The auditorium doors were pushed open.

Professor McGonagall led the new students in.

However, her expression was somewhat strange.

And Hagrid.

He looked like he had been wronged, his mouth twisted together.

Because the wand that Owen just used was definitely meant for him.

He said that what Irving taught others was black magic.

He said there would be professors teaching magic to young wizards.

Then, that guy immediately and deliberately cast a dark spell, a powerful and somewhat exaggerated dark spell, in front of everyone.

Look at those young wizards—the moment they stepped into Hogwarts, their eyes lit up as they searched for something.

Then, very quickly, their target appeared.

The next moment, everyone turned to look at Owen, who was sitting in the Hufflepuff seat.

This deeply hurt Hagrid.

He felt that his dignity as a professor had been seriously challenged.

Meanwhile, the other senior wizards in the hall were all silently pondering their next move.

Many of them saw Owen escorting the young wizard alongside Hagrid.

If Irving had done it back then—it seems like only he could have done it.

As for our protagonist, Irving focused his attention on the podium.

As before, Dumbledore sat on the platform with a smile on his face.

His flowing silver-white hair and beard shimmered in the candlelight, and his magnificent dark green robe was embroidered with many stars and moons.

He touched the tips of his two long, slender hands together, rested his chin on them, and gazed at the ceiling through his half-moon shaped glasses, as if wondering if the ceiling should also be renovated.

Beside him sat Professor Sprout, the Dean of Hufflepuff, her hat askew on her flowing gray hair, talking to Professor Sinister of the Astronomy Department.

On Professor Sinesta's other side sat Snape, the Potions teacher with a sallow face, hooked nose, and greasy hair.

Today—he didn't wash his hair again.

"We've changed Defense Against the Dark Arts professors again this year," Justin's voice rang out at the opportune moment.

"Sirius was a great teacher, why replace him!"

"And Professor Lupin has recovered, so why not invite him back?"

"You think they'll come back just because you invite them?" Owen rolled his eyes at the guy. "How can you be so shameless?"

"Didn't they know Defense Against the Dark Arts was cursed? None of the professors last a full year; those who stay longer are bound to run into trouble. Think about the previous Dark Arts professors—none of them had a good ending!"

Irving continued to look up at the podium, "I think it's good that each person teaches for six months; maybe that can offset the curse."

"But Professor Lupin only taught for six months!" Justin retorted.

He pointed out the errors in Irving's words, nitpicking, "Lockhart also taught for half a year."

"Other professors at the school—"

"Are you asking for a beating?!" Irving abruptly shifted his gaze from the podium to Justin, raising an eyebrow slightly. "How about I tighten it for you?"

"Uh—no need." Justin shrank back, quickly lowered his head, and stared at the silver platter in front of him as if it were filled with delicacies.

Meanwhile, the Sorting Ceremony had already begun.

The young wizards lined up, each waiting for Professor McGonagall to call their name.

A dozen minutes later.

The Sorting Ceremony finally ended with the shouts of Kevin Whitby being sorted into Hufflepuff.

Colin's younger brother, Dennis, successfully entered Gryffindor.

Meanwhile, the little witch named Aura entered Ravenclaw.

Professor McGonagall picked up the Sorting Hat and the stool and took them away.

Then Professor Dumbledore slowly stood up, smiling at all the students, and opened his arms in a welcoming gesture.

"I only have two words to say to you," his deep voice echoed in the auditorium, "Eat!"

The next second, the empty plates in front of everyone were suddenly magically filled with food.

Each little wizard began to eat heartily.

"You're really lucky." This was the ghost of Hufflepuff Academy, the fat monk who crawled out from underground.

"What's wrong?" asked Cedric, who had taken over as Hufflepuff prefect.

However, in this academy, everyone is willing to listen to Owen. (They have no choice but to listen. In a magical sense.)

However, Cedric was not troubled; on the contrary, he was happy to see this, because with Irving around, he hardly had to worry about anything.

In any case, if something happens, Professor Sprout will always go to Irving first.

With him around, I feel much more relaxed.

They can focus all their energy on Quidditch—although Hufflepuff won the House Cup three years in a row, they never won Quidditch.

He had forgotten when Hufflepuff last won Quidditch; it must have been more than twenty years ago.

“It’s Pee-Pee, of course,” said the fat monk. “He wanted to attend that banquet—and you all know his past—which left a bad impression, so we held a ghost meeting. I advocated giving him a chance, but Blood Man Barrow firmly disagreed.”

Bloody Barrow is a ghost of Slytherin House, a thin, taciturn phantom.

His body was covered in silvery bloodstains, a testament to the horrific experience he had before his death.

He is the most powerful of all the ghosts, and at Hogwarts, only he can truly control Peeves.

"He caused a huge scene in the kitchen because of this, and you almost didn't get any food."

"Ha—he'll be in trouble soon." Owen took a bite of his tender steak, picked up his wine glass, and sipped his pumpkin juice.

"That's right, he's going to be in trouble."

As everyone knows, Peeves' happy days were over after the young wizards at Hogwarts learned the Patronus Charm.

In other words, the little wizards were all away, and he was ruling the mountain, bullying the kitchen elves. Now that the little wizards have all returned, especially the Hufflepuffs, they dare to lay a hand on their cooks.

Tomorrow, let Pikachu experience what it felt like when a Dementor was vaporized by a Patronus last semester!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The heavy rain outside the window finally started again.

Raindrops pounded against the tall, dark windows.

Another clap of thunder boomed, rattling the glass windows, and a bolt of lightning flashed across the gloomy ceiling, illuminating the golden plate.

The remaining food on the plate disappeared.

At this point, Dumbledore stood up again, ready to speak.

The buzzing in the hall suddenly stopped, and only the sounds of the wind and rain could be heard.

"Alright!" Dumbledore smiled at everyone. "Now that we've all eaten and drunk our fill, I must once again ask your attention that I have a few announcements to make!"

"First, Mr. Filch, the doorman, wanted me to tell everyone."

As he spoke, he picked up a long parchment scroll from the table, but after only glancing at it, he put it down again. "This year, several more items have been added to the list of prohibited items in the castle: the screaming squirrel, the toothed frisbee, and the combo dart."

"The entire list comprises approximately 437 items and can be found in Mr. Filch's office. Anyone interested can check it out."

It was quite obvious that Dumbledore's lips twitched slightly as he said this.

Four hundred and thirty-seven prank products, most of which were Weasley's inventions.

Upon hearing the names Screaming Ball, Toothed Saucer, and Combo Darts, George and Fred immediately stood up.

They waved their arms in greeting to the young wizards around them.

Then she gracefully bowed to everyone.

"Ahem—alright, second rule." Dumbledore gave the twins a somewhat approving look, then continued, "As before, I must remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest over there is off-limits to students, and Hogsmeade Village is off-limits to students below the fourth year. Yes, the fourth year."

"???"

"This is not fair!" cried a young wizard from Gryffindor.

He was Ginny's classmate and had just entered the third grade.

"I'm very sorry," Dumbledore said solemnly. "Because of what happened last year, Hogsmeade Village has just been renovated, and many wizards have moved away from there. Hogsmeade Village may not be as prosperous as it used to be."

The old headmaster's voice was very calm, but the young wizards sitting below could all detect a hint of sadness in it.

Yes, compared to the deaths and injuries of the Aurors, the wizards of Hogsmeade were the real victims.

Many of the young wizard's acquaintances were buried forever in the valley.

The atmosphere in the auditorium instantly became somewhat somber.

Dumbledore noticed this and then continued, "The third thing I regret to inform you is that the House Cup Quidditch match will not be held this year."

"What?" The young wizards looked at Dumbledore in surprise.

Justin looked at Cedric, hoping to get the reason from him.

However, Cedric also looked surprised, knowing that the other party, as the captain of Hufflepuff Quidditch, was also kept in the dark.

"This is because a large event will begin in October and continue throughout the school year, taking up a lot of the teachers' time and energy. But I believe you will all enjoy it very much. I am very pleased to announce that this year at Hogwarts..."

(End of this chapter)