Chapter 12: The Iron Hat King is born!

Long before the train arrived, many new students had already noticed the strong and elegant Argus. Unconsciously, they followed his instructions, quietly forming two lines.

Led by Draco and Pansy, the pure-bloods were even more compliant. Traditionally, these pure-blood young wizards were the most troublesome. Now, they were completely won over by Argus, not only refraining from giving Hagrid any trouble but also helping him maintain order.

"If only you could always help me gather the first-years," Hagrid sighed.

He had been doing this job for many years, and today was the first time he had managed to gather all the new students so effortlessly. They even formed neat lines!

In the past, just getting them together was an achievement. It always felt like herding sheep, rushing them to Hogwarts Castle just to complete the task.

Under Hagrid's guidance, everyone reached the dock and boarded the small boats heading to the castle. Gentle ripples spread across the serene lake, and through the light of the torches, they could see mysterious creatures swimming beneath the water.

Hermione, startled by the splashing water, let out a small yelp.

"Argus, what's that!"

"Giant Squid. It's mentioned in 'Hogwarts: A History.' Don't be scared."

"What about that?"

"That's a giant octopus. It's not very obvious now, but on sunny days, they sunbathe by the lake. You can even touch their tentacles."

"Hogwarts is even more magnificent than I imagined! Argus, look, is that a tower?"

Hermione kept exclaiming and pointing at various directions, asking Argus non-stop. Despite being a future Minister of Magic, at this moment, she was just an eleven-year-old girl experiencing the magical world for the first time. She had an instinctive dependence on the boy beside her.

Splash!

The sound of water rippling filled the air as Argus and the others disembarked from the boats, walked through a narrow passage, and headed towards the Hogwarts.

[Congratulations to the host for entering Hogwarts School for the first time. Achievement unlocked: Hogwarts Newcomer]

[Achievement points awarded: 50]

'You get reward points just after you arrive, that's great!'

'The plot will officially begin, so you can't just take them randomly?'

Argus thought to himself, feeling pleased as he unknowingly arrived inside the castle.

At the entrance of the Great Hall stood a woman in a dark green robe and a black witch's hat, waiting for them. Her demeanor was very similar to Vinda Rosier's, marked by a kind of elegance shaped by time. The difference was that Vinda had an inherent nobility, while the woman before them seemed more stern.

"Welcome to Hogwarts!"

"In a moment, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates," the woman began. "But before you take your seats, you must first be sorted into your houses."

Professor McGonagall's gentle voice continued to introduce the small wizards in front of her.

"The four houses are Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. During your time here, your house will be like your family. Good behavior will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose points."

"At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup."

Professor McGonagall muttered softly after speaking.

"This year's young wizards are quite well-behaved, unlike previous years, which were always a mess."

"This time, Argus helped me! Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to manage so many people!"

Hagrid came over, patting Argus on the shoulder, and introduced him to Professor McGonagall.

"Thank you, Mr. Argus. You've saved me a lot of trouble," Professor McGonagall said, looking at Argus with appreciation.

Argus smiled humbly, "It's not just my effort; it's the result of all the young wizards working together."

"A humble child. I really hope you'll be sorted into Gryffindor. With you there, it would certainly be much quieter."

Professor McGonagall said this, then noticed Argus's position.

He was standing in the center, subtly surrounded by Draco, Pansy, Theodore, and others.

She couldn't help but sigh and shake her head.

"But it looks like... you have a greater chance of being sorted into Slytherin."

"Evil Slytherin!" Ron muttered, drawing angry glares from many.

Professor McGonagall frowned slightly and spoke loudly.

"Everyone, get ready and follow me inside!"

As the large door slowly opened, a lavish dining hall with a distinctly British style appeared before them.

Rows of long tables were filled with students from various houses.

The professors' seats were relatively far away, and Argus immediately noticed the white-haired, white-bearded old man sitting in the center!

Old Bumblebee, Dumbledore!

The main culprit behind his father's self-imprisonment in Nurmengard!

"Argus, look at this sky. It's the ceiling enchanted to look like the sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History!"

Hermione looked around in amazement, her eyes full of wonder.

"Hermione, what you need to consider now is which house you'll be in."

"You'll have plenty of time to look at the ceilings!"

Argus replied calmly. Right now, his mind was preoccupied with the plans he had set in motion on the train.

Through his conversation with Harry on the train, he was certain that Hermione would no longer end up in Gryffindor as she did in the original story.

Given his understanding of Neville, it was also unlikely that Neville would continue to choose Gryffindor.

The only one he needed to pay attention to was Harry!

Dumbledore, that old coot, had acted too early, leaving a deep impression of Gryffindor on Harry. Even Argus couldn't guarantee that Harry would firmly refuse.

"Please wait here for a moment. Before the ceremony begins, Professor Dumbledore has a few words to say to everyone."

Professor McGonagall stood on the high platform, stepping aside to reveal Dumbledore in the center.

Argus couldn't control his gaze and stared directly at him.

The Level 7 Occlumency subconsciously activated!

Dumbledore did the same, having noticed him the moment he entered.

When Argus's name first appeared in the Book of Admittance, Dumbledore had hesitated for a long time before deciding to send the owl.

He had thought Argus would choose Durmstrang.

Who would've thought...

The same white blond hair, the same blue eyes, the same aura of being revered, it reminded Dumbledore of an old acquaintance.

"Professor Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledore?"

McGonagall noticed Dumbledore's distraction and gently reminded him.

"Apologies, young wizards, please forgive an old man's lapse in attention."

"I have a few start-of-term notices to announce."

Dumbledore stood up, his gaze moving away from Argus.

"First-year students, please note that entering the Forbidden Forest is strictly prohibited. Additionally, Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is also out of bounds."

"If you do not wish to suffer a most painful death, do not go there."

"Thank you!"

Then the old hat talked and sang for some time.

"Students, when I call your name, please step forward!"

Professor McGonagall took out a parchment and stood behind the Sorting Hat, calling out the first name.

"Hannah Abbott!"

Argus shifted his gaze forward.

A blonde girl walked to the stool and put on the Sorting Hat.

"Hufflepuff!"

The Sorting Hat shouted, and the Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers.

Argus's mind was immediately filled with a system notification.

[Congratulations to the host for witnessing the first student being sorted, earning the achievement: The Birth of the Iron Hat King]

[Achievement Point Reward: 50]

_____