Seeing the Great Hall fall into silence, Ethan offered comfort: "Don't worry. To better suit the magical level of young wizards, after conducting field inspections with the professors, I've made some adjustments to the castle's layout."
At this point, the professors on the platform had twitching mouths, as if recalling some unpleasant memories, each showing expressions of pain.
Professor Quirrell, rest in peace.
Ethan continued reassuringly: "All the living armour has been replaced with training dummy models, and the scythe blades have been changed to swinging hammers. At most you'll get a concussion rather than actually being cut in half."
Everyone stared at him: "..." Doesn't seem much better...
Ethan's smile was gentle, like a spring breeze, as if he genuinely believed he'd made tremendous concessions and was safeguarding the students' safety.
"The dragon at the castle's peak has also been safely relocated to the Forbidden Forest, with professional caretakers. This means that in our future Care of Magical Creatures classes, we'll be able to see a real dragon!"
At these words, except for those like Hermione who worshipped blindly and some who were genuinely interested in dragons, most students showed expressions of terror. Especially the upper-year students in third year and above, whose expressions looked like they'd seen "jumping into hell's lava" written in next term's curriculum.
Care of Magical Creatures class using a real dragon as teaching material?! What kind of Spartan training was this! Even Durmstrang, famous for dark magic and harsh teaching, would have to bow in defeat!
Some cast pleading looks toward Headmaster Dumbledore, but he seemed determined to make Hogwarts the "number one" school in Europe, smiling without saying a word.
Hermione analyzed rationally: "Obviously, the great and kind Ethan Vincent is leading all the school's students to progress and fight against the evil You-Know-Who!"
Ron muttered: "Excellent. When You-Know-Who really returns, he'll be delighted to discover Hogwarts has lost half its students."
Harry nodded in agreement. Though he was somewhat interested in Ethan's ideas and eager to try, he didn't think he could really clear Sen Castle. After all, there was no "power of love" in there, only trials.
Just as Harry was thinking this, he heard Ethan say: "I see hesitation on your faces, I see retreat. Don't underestimate yourselves, everyone, because there's already one student who has successfully cleared Sen Castle! That's the first-year Gryffindor student... Harry Potter!"
"Clang!" The silver fork in Harry's hand dropped onto his plate with a crisp sound.
What?! Harry suspected he'd misheard, staring at Ethan in bewilderment. However, that introductory gesture of an outstretched palm and the attention of all teachers and students indicated he hadn't misheard.
Ron was shocked: "Mate?! When did you sneak off to tackle the challenge alone?!"
Harry panicked: "I... I don't know either..."
Hermione puffed out her cheeks indignantly like an angry chipmunk: "You actually sneaked off without us! People really can't be judged by appearances!"
Harry stared helplessly: "..." Harry racked his brains and suddenly remembered the painted door he'd pushed open beneath the trapdoor. Did that count as clearing it?
Harry looked up and met Ethan's gaze. Ethan winked at him mischievously, as if saying: No need to thank me, friend.
"..." Harry would rather not have this honour.
With Harry as precedent, the atmosphere in the Great Hall changed.
"Even the saviour Harry Potter actively joined Ethan's club, proving this club must be very righteous!"
"Maybe we should try too... it might not be that difficult."
"Haha, Ethan wouldn't actually hurt students, would he? He's just trying to motivate people... right?"
At the Gryffindor table, the Weasley twins exchanged glances, extremely excited, wishing they could go on the adventure immediately. Hufflepuff's Cedric also clenched his fists determinedly, thinking: After being defeated by Ethan in the challenge, this time he would prove himself! Ethan, wait for me!
Slytherin was mostly silent, with only Malfoy clicking his tongue secretly. He hadn't expected that annoying "Potter" to steal the position of Ethan's closest follower. That position could only belong to him, Draco Malfoy! The Malfoy family would never be inferior to anyone!
Ethan looked at the hotly discussing Great Hall, feeling like he saw lamps lighting up throughout Hogwarts. Though still weak, they would surely bring new vitality to the wizarding world in the future!
During these years at Hogwarts, he needed to give them many trials and careful nurturing. Only by becoming accustomed to challenges would they not be frightened when they left Hogwarts and faced the evil Voldemort. He was truly well-intentioned. Another day of doing good deeds.
Ethan curved his lips, unable to help feeling moved by his own kindness and selfless dedication. He was full of anticipation for next term's club recruitment and talent cultivation plan.
In the Great Hall's blue and bronze decorations, under the soaring eagles, students soon immersed themselves in a sea of food, and the atmosphere became lively again.
Professor Flitwick, who hadn't won the House Cup in ages, was so excited he bounced around, shaking hands with each professor. Even Professor Snape, whose championship streak had been broken, showed little emotion. After all, his opponent was that Ethan Vincent. A once-in-a-century magical genius and formidable opponent... losing wasn't shameful.
The end-of-term feast concluded in a lively atmosphere. As if in the blink of an eye, everyone's wardrobes were empty and everything was packed in trunks.
Neville's toad was found by Hermione using "Accio Toad", and successfully casting this spell made the little girl beam with joy. Led by Hagrid across the Black Lake (and stopping Ethan's plan to "provoke the giant squid for a thrilling Black Lake adventure"), the group arrived at the opposite shore nervously but ultimately safely, boarding the deep red Hogwarts Express.
Ethan occupied a compartment alone, looking at the rapidly passing scenery outside the window and thinking about summer vacation plans.
Could he visit Professor Snape's house, who also lived on Spinner's End? Maybe he could share the interesting idea of turning "Spinner's End" into something more... literal.
Luna said she would come pick him up, but he couldn't keep living at someone else's house. Luna would be happy to, but Mr. Lovegood would have a breakdown.
Hmm, maybe he could buy a house in the wizarding village, though the residents there were all too shy and might not accept outsiders.
Once he left Hogwarts, all food, clothing, and expenses would come out of his own pocket. He needed to plan carefully.
"I can't rely on selling trinkets like little Tom after all," Ethan sighed.
"It's just a pity that kindred spirits are rare, and few can appreciate my art. Otherwise, one painting could sell for thousands or tens of thousands of Galleons..."
"A good student's summer vacation should involve social practice to enhance one's experience. The Daily Prophet has a commission column with quite lucrative rewards. I can look for opportunities then. With my abilities, I'd definitely get perfect reviews."
Thinking about this, Ethan's mood became cheerful again. His mind was full of things he wanted to do, wishing he could get off the train right now and start his grand plans.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious room filled with golden portraits of himself, Gilderoy Lockhart stroked his golden curls, gazing at the Daily Prophet spread before him.
It read: BEWARE! Summer Vacation Arrives! Dangerous Individual Flows from Hogwarts into the World, Could Be Right Beside You!
The reporting journalist was Rita Skeeter. On the other side lay a clipped article... the front page after Ethan participated in the challenge.
"An emerging celebrity, Ethan Vincent... he must be my fan too!"
Lockhart grinned confidently, admiring his white, even teeth in the mirror. He quickly picked up his pen and wrote:
"Dear Mr. Ethan Vincent, don't be surprised, don't doubt it. Yes! You've received a letter from the famous me... Gilderoy Lockhart!
"I've noticed your recently risen fame. I imagine you might be troubled or perhaps pleased with yourself. Oh, I have so much experience with this.
"I invite you... yes, I personally invite you to join me in handling a dangerous dark magic incident. Perhaps you've already seen the commission published in the Daily Prophet.
"Don't be afraid! With me here, I'll make sure you return in one piece."
After finishing, Gilderoy Lockhart held up the letter to admire it, sprayed it with rich violet perfume, and nodded with satisfaction.
He was about to become Hogwarts' new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Although Headmaster Dumbledore had expressly forbidden him from contacting the famous saviour Harry, he hadn't said anything about contacting Ethan.
Though when he made this request, Dumbledore's expression seemed a bit strange... but that was surely because he worried that Ethan's confidence would be shaken upon meeting such a formidable person like himself!
"Ethan Vincent... you seem to be my next excellent material."
Gilderoy Lockhart murmured, watching the letter fly away with the owl, his lips curving into a smug and calculating smile.