Chapter 1: A Call to Action
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the eighth floor of the main tower of the castle, the headmaster's office.
This is a spacious and beautiful square room with some strange utensils on the table shaped like spindles.
Despite it being summer, the fire in the room still blazes brightly.
In the center of the room stood an elderly man with a long silver beard, the headmaster of Hogwarts, recognized as the greatest contemporary wizard in the magical world, Albus Dumbledore.
In front of him was a large table with claw-shaped legs, and behind the table, there was a shelf, on which rested a worn and pointed wizard hat.
"Dumbledore, what do you think about this year's letter?"
The hat twisted, and a wide opening appeared at the edge of the hat, emitting a mouth-like sound.
"It's a beautiful song, I think the students will love it."
Dumbledore applauded appreciatively, and his silver beard swayed to the rhythm.
"Oh, besides that, there is another important matter regarding Harry Potter's branch..."
Dumbledore paused, raised his index finger, was about to say something, and suddenly stopped his voice and looked back.
The fire in the fireplace behind him burst, making a crackling sound, and a slightly reproachful female voice was heard.
"Professor Dumbledore, I hope that the important matters you mention in the owl letter do not refer to discussing letters with the branch hat. You know it's not easy to send opening warning letters to nearly a thousand students."
A tall witch with dark hair in an emerald green robe leaned and emerged from the fireplace.
Her dark hair was tightly pulled back into a bun, and her lips were tight, her expression slightly impatient. It seemed she had been dealing with some difficult matters before.
Minerva McGonagall, professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts, head of Gryffindor house, and deputy headmistress of the magic school.
"Of course not. I just thought you might need some help with this year's first-year student admission notice. Perhaps a bit of raspberry jam first?"
Dumbledore turned and smiled softly, handing Professor McGonagall a small bottle less than two inches tall, filled with red jam.
"No, thank you."
Professor McGonagall responded coldly, evidently thinking that the small bottle of raspberry jam would not solve her problem.
"No doubt, according to magical feedback, over twenty letters sent to Harry through the owl were intercepted by the Dursleys. However, as long as Harry does not open the envelope himself, the magical quill will automatically repeat the writing and delivery; the family will yield to the truth sooner or later."
Dumbledore blinked swiftly with his blue eyes. "In that case, I'll take care of notifying Harry. Hagrid will also act as a temporary messenger when necessary."
"Hagrid? Well, it seems you have already decided, you always have your reasons."
McGonagall frowned, snorting disdainfully, and continued, "If that's the case, just write it in the owl letter. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed in person?"
"Yes."
Dumbledore's blue eyes gleamed behind the half-moon spectacles; he took a slightly crumpled note from the table and handed it to Professor McGonagall, speaking slowly.
"In fact, this first-year student, apart from Harry, has not received a letter from any other child. Exactly, according to the owl inventory results from Filch, all the owls flying towards her residence have disappeared."
"The lost owl? Do you mean...?"
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, somewhat puzzled.
"I don't know. But based on the extent of magical disturbances reported by the Ministry of Magic, the magical power within her has reached a critical value. If she continues to lack guidance, she might become a squib."
Dumbledore shook his head and responded with a serious expression, then looked slightly apologetic at Professor McGonagall.
"I'm sorry, this situation with the girl really should have been taken care of by me. But the situation on Harry's side, you know. So, I may need to trouble you to visit her in person."
"We all understand that person's influence is still present."
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips and shrugged helplessly to convey her understanding, "Besides, as the deputy headmistress, it is also my responsibility. What is the girl's name?"
"Elena, Elena Caslana, that's the name she gave herself, and she currently lives in a Muggle orphanage in the Scottish Highlands."
Dumbledore held a gaze over the bridge of his crooked nose and added, "Yes, pay attention to the method of communication. If I recall correctly, she has Muggle blood, which can be a bit complicated."