The Elemental Magic Academy had already completed its construction, with all the decorations finished.
One couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship of the dwarves. In less than half a month, they had built a stadium-like academy capable of housing five hundred people, resembling a Roman amphitheater.
At this moment, Callister had arrived at the Elemental Magic Academy, inspecting the place he had personally helped build.
It was a semicircular Roman-style arena, or rather, you could call it a grand theater.
This place had a field the size of a football pitch. Callister referred to it as the training ground.
When studying Elemental Magic, it wasn't enough to just learn the theory; one had to be able to release the magic. Therefore, a spacious venue was necessary.
The Elemental Magic Academy was semi-enclosed, with the building standing at a height of thirty meters, enough to accommodate these young wizards for flying and combat training.
The ceiling of the academy, as per Callister's design, could open and close.
On clear days, it would open to the sky.
On rainy or cold days, the ceiling could be closed.
Callister stood in front of the academy, a smile forming on his face as he raised his wand. Magic surged as he whispered, "Light of Hope!"
A beam of light shot out from his wand, floating in the air and forming a small sun that illuminated every corner of the Elemental Magic Academy.
"Spirit of the Wind, surround me!" Another incantation followed, and Callister's figure drifted like the wind, floating above the training ground, looking down at the entire academy.
With his wand raised, he continuously cast spell after spell, each one filled with immense power that blanketed the entire Elemental Magic Academy.
Beams of light and energy flickered in the air above the academy.
Professor McGonagall, sensing the surge of magical energy, immediately left her desk and approached the window, gazing out at the academy.
Snape, who had just exited the basement, also looked toward the Elemental Magic Academy, feeling the massive magical forces radiating from it, his eyes wide with shock.
"No wonder Professor Callister created the Elemental Magic Academy. Such power—he could easily compare to the Headmaster," Snape muttered.
Not far from the academy, a figure lurked in the shadows, half hidden behind a tree, watching the academy. Close by, three other figures stood.
"Harry, that's a huge magical disturbance!" Ron exclaimed, feeling the powerful energy and witnessing the flashing lights.
"It looks like the Elemental Magic Academy that's still under construction," Hermione observed, scrutinizing the academy with a serious expression.
"Do you think someone's fighting inside?" Ron whispered suddenly.
Harry and Hermione exchanged surprised glances before nodding in agreement. "We highly suspect it."
"It's also possible that someone is deliberately sabotaging the academy to prevent us from learning Elemental Magic," Hermione seemed to have thought of something and suddenly spoke up.
"Why would they do that?" Harry asked, puzzled.
Hermione's expression turned serious as she said, "Haven't you noticed how strange Professor Quirrell has been lately?"
"What does that have to do with the Elemental Magic Academy?" Ron asked, confused.
Hermione shot a glance at Harry and Ron, then began analyzing seriously, "Think about it. Professor Quirrell teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts, but how does he teach it?"
"It's a joke! Fred and George could prank Professor Quirrell with snowballs. Oh, his Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons are worse than us learning on our own."
"Professor Callister's Elemental Magic is so incredible and powerful. If you had to choose, whose class would you take?"
Harry and Ron nodded immediately, replying in unison, "No doubt, we'd choose Professor Callister's class!"
"Why do your actions match up so perfectly?" Hermione gave Harry and Ron a disapproving look.
"That's not the point. What do you think will happen next?" Ron patted Harry on the shoulder proudly and then turned to Hermione.
"Do you think Professor Quirrell will accept this?" Hermione shrugged, spreading her hands.
"Do you even have to think about it?" Seeing Ron lost in thought, Hermione thought he was being too slow and said, "Professor Quirrell doesn't want Professor Callister to take his job, so he'll sabotage the Elemental Magic Academy!"
"Good, Harry, you're much smarter than Ron," Hermione gave Harry a thumbs up, smiling.
Ron, displeased that Hermione praised Harry and downplayed him, pouted and muttered, "You haven't discovered my talents yet."
"Your talents? Oh, you mean in playing magical chess. What else can you do?" Hermione mercilessly shot him down.
Ron instinctively clutched his chest, feeling heartbroken. How could the lovely Hermione dismiss his intelligence and talents?
"So, is Professor Quirrell really sabotaging the Elemental Magic Academy?" Harry asked with concern.
"Quite possibly. We must stop him!" Hermione said gravely.
"But can we take on Professor Quirrell?" Ron hesitated.
Hermione pulled out her wand, glaring at Ron as she said, "Fred and George can mess with Professor Quirrell. Do you think we can't?"
With that, Hermione straightened up and walked ahead confidently. Harry smiled and followed her.
Ron rubbed the back of his head, still puzzled.
"How is this the same?" he thought to himself. "Fred and George are advanced wizards, but we're still only beginner wizards."
Despite his confusion, Ron quickly caught up with Hermione and Harry.
"Hey, you should wait for me. I'm an Earth Element Wizard; I can protect you."
Ron found a good excuse to rejoin the trio.
Hermione huffed and ignored him.
Harry gave Ron a smile and said, "Ron, you're too much of a coward."
"No, I'm just afraid of spiders," Ron said, his face slightly red, trying to act casual as he spoke in a serious tone.
Hermione, walking ahead, suddenly turned around and cruelly remarked, "Then you're a coward. A coward who can't even cast a Levitation Charm."
When Harry Potter and his friends neared the Elemental Magic Academy, they didn't notice a figure lurking behind them, watching their every move.
The person quietly followed behind them, getting closer to the academy.
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR GUYS!