Ryan and the other young wizards sat at the long table, their expressions blank as they awaited instructions. Professor Sprout waved her wand, causing a piece of parchment and a quill to appear before each student.
"The professors have informed you that self-study in Spanish is required. Let's assess your progress with a test," she announced.
Ryan, having been engrossed in magical studies, hadn't dedicated time to language learning. Fortunately, his previous experiences in the Fallout World had implanted Spanish into his memory. As a result, he effortlessly secured the top score in the language test.
After collecting the exam papers, Professor Sprout used her wand to levitate a blackboard into view, preparing to provide a supplementary lesson.
Ryan had anticipated that the study tour would involve classes in Castro Brusso and self-study of Hogwarts textbooks. He hadn't expected additional subjects to cover.
For instance, during the train journey, they were to learn about etiquette, common herbs and their uses in the Amazon region, and unique attack magic prevalent in South America.
"Attack magic? Isn't this an academic exchange?" Ryan pondered. While understanding etiquette and magical plants made sense, the inclusion of attack magic suggested potential confrontations.
Observing the students' confusion, Professor Kettleburn tapped his wooden leg with his wand and addressed them, "You are all top students across various grades. Strength is a vital aspect of the wizarding world. Our headmaster, Dumbledore, being the most powerful white wizard, is a significant reason for our school's esteemed reputation."
He continued, "It's inevitable that we'll engage in exchanges with students from other schools during our visit. Therefore, I'll teach you self-protection techniques. Lastly, I urge you to set aside inter-house differences and unite for this event."
Ryan recalled that Professor Kettleburn, like Hagrid, had a penchant for dangerous magical creatures, often leading to trouble. Having survived numerous encounters, his combat abilities likely rivaled those of elite Aurors. His presence as a team leader indicated that the exchange might not be entirely peaceful.
After the initial class, the students had a quick meal. Though not as delightful as Hogwarts fare, it surpassed the box lunches Ryan remembered from his previous life. For a travel meal, it was commendable.
Post-meal, Professor Sprout consulted the driver and informed the students that they would arrive at Castro Brusso by the following evening.
Given the short journey, both professors aimed to impart as much knowledge as possible. By 9:30 p.m., the students were visibly exhausted.
Once classes concluded, the professors retired to their rooms. A sixth-year Slytherin girl, identifiable by her prefect badge, stood up and addressed the students.
"I understand our house isn't always favored, and we might not be fond of other houses. However, representing Hogwarts requires unity. Let's set aside our differences and showcase our excellence to the Castro Brusso students."
Her speech brought a hush over the carriage. A Ravenclaw sixth-year stepped forward, shook her hand, and affirmed, "You're right. Let's do this together." Others followed suit, displaying solidarity.
Unbeknownst to the students, Professors Sprout and Kettleburn observed from a concealed spot, their expressions filled with pride.
Clearly, inter-school exchanges weren't solely about academics but also competitions. To succeed, students from the four houses began to unite, marking a promising start.
This unity was facilitated by the fact that the participating pure-blood students hailed from relatively marginal families in the wizarding world, lacking strong prejudices. This made collaboration smoother than anticipated.
Though long-distance travel in the wizarding world was often enjoyable, the students found this journey monotonous. The scenery was unchanging, studies were relentless, and meals lacked the touch of house-elves.
Fortunately, the journey was brief. The next day, when the lounge's wall clock played music, Professor Sprout instructed everyone to don their gowns, signaling their imminent arrival.
Ryan wore a navy-blue dress robe. As he exited his room, he noticed Hermione stepping out of the adjacent room, her goose-yellow robe giving her a radiant appearance.
In the common room, Professor Sprout, clad in a brown silk robe, called out, "Form two lines by grade and follow Professor Kettleburn and me. Ensure your attire is in order."
She then summoned Ewoyn and a fifth-year Slytherin boy, handing each a silver instrument unfamiliar to Ryan. They were to present these gifts to Principal Castro Brusso after the professors' salutations.
Even in the magical world, exchanging gifts mirrored Muggle traditions. Professor Sprout had chosen representatives who upheld Hogwarts' image.
Ten minutes later, as impatience grew, the train gradually halted, followed by a sensation of weightlessness. After a few moments of slight turbulence, the carriage came to a complete stop.
They had arrived at Castro Brusso.
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