Huh? There's a magic school here.

Hogwarts' first Christmas arrived as scheduled, and the Great Hall was decorated with a festive atmosphere.

All the tables and chairs that were originally in the auditorium had disappeared, leaving only a long table and chairs in the middle that could seat about twenty people. The long table was covered with a tablecloth embroidered with the school emblem, and silver candlesticks were placed on it.

Various fruits, foods, and desserts were also displayed on elegant porcelain plates for everyone to take as they pleased; yes, today's food was kept there 24 hours a day.

A fireplace has appeared on the original stone wall, with charcoal burning inside to create an atmosphere.

Hagrid had already selected a tall pine tree in the Forbidden Forest yesterday morning to serve as a Christmas tree, which he then dragged into the Great Hall and placed there. The ornaments that adorned the pine tree were hung there by Beretta with the Levitation Charm, under Professor Flitwick's guidance.

Under the pine tree, there were also piles of various gifts, all of which were temporarily wrapped and used as props.

Magic candles still floated above the auditorium, while snowflakes drifted across the magic dome. However, the snowflakes gradually stopped as the weather outside changed, leaving only a full moon appearing and disappearing among the clouds.

As everyone sat together for dinner, the ghosts from the castle, not wanting to be left out, came to the inner hall to greet everyone.

It was Catherine's first time seeing a ghost, and she was initially startled. However, she didn't scream. Instead, she noticed that no one seemed surprised, and then she remembered that these were all Hogwarts' own people.

Happy times are always fleeting. Catherine had a wonderful Christmas at Hogwarts, completely immersed in the joy the magical world brought her these past few days.

Before leaving, Andres gifted her a set of wizard chess, which she placed in her office. When no one was around, the pieces would move around or fight each other on the bookshelf; when someone was present, they would stand quietly, observing everything that happened. This brought Catherine much joy in her spare time.

Before leaving, Catherine also asked Andres for her opinion. She hoped that Andres could attend the company's New Year's Eve dinner and meet the employees, otherwise everyone would think that she was the real boss.

Maintaining a degree of mystery in front of subordinates can help establish authority, but prolonged absence can easily lead to being looked down upon. Therefore, without hesitation, Andres agreed to her request, promising to attend on time.

The banquet was scheduled for the first night of the new year at the Dorchester Hotel in the Mayfair district. This nearly century-old hotel has witnessed many legendary stories, and has been endorsed by countless royalty, social elites, and world-renowned political figures.

Choosing this location also aligns with Magic Finance Investment Company's current status in the British financial sector. In the new year, Andres will not only be making appearances in front of employees but also meeting with some investors.

Therefore, Andres arrived in London early that day. Catherine took her on a tour of luxury stores, and Andres, like a puppet, let Catherine dress her up. Andres had only one request: simplicity and understated style, but no expense was necessary.

Therefore, Catherine provided him with a complete set of luxurious attire from head to toe, including watches and jewelry, which cost Andres millions of pounds. Finally, they arrived at the party in Catherine's luxury car, where Andres, as the host, accompanied Catherine to greet each guest.

Of course, today we don't see the kind of pretentious posturing and subsequent humiliation found in melodramatic novels. The true upper class doesn't openly display their emotions. Nor do we see nouveau riche thinking they're the best in the world.

Even two mortal enemies can only smile on the surface in public, while secretly wishing to kill each other's entire families. There's no way a rich kid would make enemies based on lust at first sight.

Once most of the people had arrived, the host began the evening's program. First, Catherine gave a brief overview of the company's history and then outlined her expectations for the year – a format consistent not only in China but globally.

Then she solemnly introduced the company's boss to everyone, Mr. Andres, Earl of Sky Island.

When Andres took the stage to speak, many of the company's employees and investors realized that he was the real boss behind Magic Financial Investment Company.

Then, recalling the news from a few months ago that Skye Island had been sold, everyone understood why Andres could afford to buy it. It turns out Andres is incredibly wealthy!

People only see what's in front of them and ignore the truth. The Earl of Sky Island should have existed first, then the magical financial investment company, but who cares? All they need to know is that Andres is extremely wealthy.

At this party, Andres met many bigwigs in the financial world and government officials, as well as some people who came hoping to attract investment. In short, he met a whole bunch of people of all kinds, but he quickly forgot about them.

After all, Andres and they were from two different worlds; money was no longer important to Andres. What mattered to Andres was how to use his influence to pave the way for the future integration of the Hogwarts magical world into the Muggle world.

Besides, many beautiful women slipped notes to Andres. After all, a wealthy, handsome, and single bachelor like Andres is a rare find. Who cares about saving face? Seizing the opportunity is what truly matters.

Fortunately, with Catherine by her side to protect her, most women didn't dare to be too presumptuous in front of her. After all, they were not on the same level, and those who were stopped could only secretly regret it.

However, Catherine couldn't stop some women, not to mention royal princesses, daughters and nieces of politicians, and many daughters of other large conglomerates.

Besides showcasing their power to the outside world, these cocktail parties also provide a platform for young people of the same social class to exchange ideas. Therefore, these important figures will intentionally or unintentionally bring their unmarried children to such parties.

If it works out, that would be great; even if it doesn't, it's still good to broaden one's horizons, right? The party lasted for more than three hours before everyone finally left satisfied.

Andres then asked Catherine to keep the company's management team behind for a small meeting in a hotel conference room.

"You are all senior executives in the company, and I'd like to take this opportunity to meet you all. Please don't be shy. I'm usually away from the company when I have important matters to attend to, so you can report anything to Catherine. As my authorized representative, she can handle all matters, big and small, in the company. Of course, if you have any issues that you can't handle yourself, you can also come to me. My influence is beyond your imagination."

Remember, I'm talking about anything! Anything you can't handle, you can come to me through Catherine! Finally, I think everyone has received their bonuses from last year. I promise you all that as long as you work hard, this year will only be more. Okay, if anyone didn't have enough fun, you can go back and play; all expenses tonight are covered by the company.”