The dinner party quickly began. Howl, dragging his feet, arrived just in time, only heading downstairs after seeing the boats glide across the Black Lake.
In the Great Hall on the first floor, many children warmly greeted him. Howl glanced around and saw that most Professors were already at the head table.
He quickly walked forward. Passing Professor Flitwick, he raised his glass high: "Ah ha, Howl, you've finally arrived."
He actually wasn't very keen on Howl taking on this position, as he was worried something might happen to Howl.
After all, Professor Flitwick would be hard-pressed to find a friend so compatible and knowledgeable about magic.
As soon as he sat down, Severus turned his head.
"Jones, I'm very curious how I should interpret that sentence on the advanced class selection form."
"Oh, yes, I'm curious too. You know, our Dean needs to guide students in their course selection." Professor Flitwick, leaning over Snape, also looked at Howl curiously.
Speaking of which, Howl remembered. Professor McGonagall had previously asked him about the course selection criteria for the NEWTs advanced classes for sixth and seventh years.
Hogwarts students have two very important exams in their seven years.
The first is the OWLs, or Ordinary Wizarding Level exams, taken in the fifth year. Besides the six compulsory subjects, there are also six elective subjects, totaling twelve.
The second is the NEWTs, or Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, taken in the seventh year.
And between these two, the sixth and seventh years are two academic years where Hogwarts students have relatively more freedom but potentially heavier workloads.
Similar to university.
Although Howl felt… this was an insult to higher education.
After all, the Ministry of Magic's recruitment heavily valued the NEWTs exams, but the spell-casting ability of most people at the Ministry of Magic… Howl's quick assessment that day was… terrible!
The so-called Ultimate Wizarding Exam seemed to lack much substance, otherwise the Wizarding World wouldn't have stagnated for so many years.
Oh, not exactly stagnant. The Wolfsbane Potion was invented over twenty years ago.
That's all.
Given this, Howl did not want to be too strict with OWLs scores.
He didn't demand an O (Outstanding) like Snape, nor a lenient E (Exceeds Expectations) like most teachers.
Just an A (Acceptable).
This requirement was practically unheard of at Hogwarts.
You should know that OWLs can be retaken. That is to say, as long as one is willing to put in some effort, even the most foolish person can pass and then choose their courses.
According to Snape: "Putting such precious knowledge before a bunch of Trolls is a waste and an insult."
"Oh, of course." Howl nodded. "But I added another sentence, didn't I?"
"Those who wish to go higher and further, or those who wish to protect others, may come here to obtain the Aegis to withstand the cruel world."
Snape said dryly, seemingly displeased with such mystification.
Howl smiled: "We all know the Wizarding World isn't peaceful, and I came up with this statement because of Quirrell's fallen experience.
As long as a child wants to continue on the path of magic, I am willing to give them that shield. Just as Perseus obtained the Aegis when he embarked on his journey."
"So you're likening yourself to a god from Ancient Greece?" Snape looked at him.
"Don't nitpick so much, Severus." Howl shook his head and said, "I'm very humble."
After Howl finished explaining this, he changed the subject, looking at them both with interest: "By the way, I'm planning…"
Just as he was speaking, the Great Hall doors opened, and Professor McGonagall walked in, whispered something to Dumbledore, and then glanced at the three of them talking together.
The three could only stop, as the Sorting Ceremony was about to begin, and it would clearly be inappropriate for them to continue discussing there.
Soon, Professor McGonagall led the Little Wizards into the Great Hall, their faces a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Their attention was gradually diverted by the song of the Sorting Hat.
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