"Counting the time, it was probably seven centuries ago."
After a moment of silence, she said, "Due to the influence of the era, Dark Magic was extremely prevalent at that time. Wizards were feverishly enamored with crafting Dark Arts Items possessing mystical powers; it had even become a trend... The notorious Hand of Glory and Crystal Skull are products from that period. You should know these two things."
Kael nodded.
The Hand of Glory is a mummified arm that, when a candle is inserted in the dark, only the holder can see the light.
As for the Crystal Skull... It was an item used for Divination, also the earliest version of the Crystal Ball. Of course, it served a greater purpose than the Crystal Ball, and its crafting method was even crueler; it is an item explicitly banned by the Ministry of Magic.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg. At the time, more Dark Arts Items were invented and improved upon. In such a situation, Hogwarts's predicament was extremely difficult, forced to face dual pressure from Dark Wizards and the Muggle society."
Another headmaster said, "Dark Wizards regarded them as heretics, trying everything to attack there and then spread their terrifying theories to students.
"Muggles, on the other hand, viewed them as accomplices of Dark Wizards, feeling extreme hatred. Once they discovered nearby children awakening magic, they would not hesitate to kill them."
Kael was silent. If it were indeed like that, Hogwarts would probably barely recruit anyone at the time.
After all, in the Magic Realm, Pure-Blood Wizards accounted for a very small portion; most were Half-Blood or came from Muggle families.
When they stopped attending school, Hogwarts would indeed be close to shutting down.
"Luckily, Rowena Ravenclaw seemed to have anticipated such a day." the headmaster continued, "So she left a book in the Headmaster's Office, containing ways to respond when Hogwarts faced dangers."
"So, that headmaster led Hogwarts safely through the crisis relying on the contents in the book?" Kael asked.
"Yes, strictly following the plan without allowing any mistakes."
"Though they succeeded in leading Hogwarts through the crisis, she gradually developed this current character... treating all matters related to Rowena Ravenclaw like iron rules."
"Understandable," Kael said, "Anyone would be the same in such a matter."
"What surprises me is that you didn't refute her." Armando said, "I thought you would reason with her."
"Why would I argue?" Kael chuckled, "She was right; I'm not the real headmaster, these things have nothing to do with me.
"Debating with her, even if I won, would just waste a bit of time and be useless; going along with what she says can at least keep things calm."
"So... you really plan to start an Alchemy Class at Hogwarts?" Phineas raised an eyebrow and asked.
"It's not me planning." Kael corrected, "I'm not the headmaster and lack that authority; it's merely an idea." Kael shook his head and said, "Alchemy is becoming increasingly important in other countries, and relevant items are growing; Hogwarts shouldn't lag too far behind."
"However, these all require the headmaster to make a decision. I am merely proposing an idea and the specific preparation work; if it passes, at least we will know what to do.
"Why, do you all oppose adding a new Alchemy Class?"
"I don't care." Phineas said, "After all, it's not related to me."
"I think adding a new subject is not a bad idea," Armando said, "The course arrangement at Hogwarts has been extended for a thousand years, a timely addition of some changes is good."
"It should be said that it is very necessary." Another permanent headmaster, Dilys Derwent said, "You all don't even see how far behind Hogwarts is now ranked in the International Wizarding School listing.
"Among eleven schools, we are ranked tenth, even Durmstrang, which has no headmaster, ranks higher than us; aren't you embarrassed?"
"It's not related to me, anyhow." Phineas immediately shifted the blame: "When I was headmaster, Hogwarts was still among the top; it's all Armando's fault."
"You damned liar!" Armando Dippet yelled, "It was when you were headmaster that Hogwarts rankings began to decline, and now you actually try to shirk the responsibility?"
"It's infuriating!" He turned around abruptly, somehow pulling out a giant 'Wolf Fang Club.'
"Stand still, let's properly discuss now, regarding the issue of school rankings."
"Stop... No, stop feet, don't come over, I warn you not to come over..." Phineas ran, his skilled movements stunned the headmasters witnessing this scene for the first time.
Are they... this lively now?
However, for Dilys Derwent, it was no longer surprising; she continued to look at Kael and said, "Your idea is good, but implementing it won't be easy."
"You mean that Headmaster Noelilde will oppose?"
"That's not important." Dilys shook her head, "We past headmasters have only the right to suggest, not the right to decide; as long as the current headmaster agrees, her opposition would be useless, at most simply not coming anymore, and that similarly doesn't have much impact. The difficulty I'm referring to is another situation."
"For example, the funding issue." She continued, "I also wanted to add a new Healing course back then; after all, Hogwarts only has Herbs and Magic Potion, but just those subjects aren't enough to become a qualified Healer.