11

Chapter 11: The First Game with Dumbledore

Augustus's words successfully shifted everyone's focus to Ron.

Everyone realized that Mr. Weasley, who had been accusing Draco of theft, had unwittingly made himself the center of attention.

Ron, caught in the act, avoided eye contact and was no longer as arrogant as before.

"I didn't say anything wrong. Why should I apologize?" he protested.

"Who knows if Trevor wasn't secretly hidden by Malfoy?"

"Are you crazy? Draco's been slandering you all along. How could he send someone else to hide Trevor?" Daphne retorted sharply.

As Draco's sister-in-law, Daphne was from one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families—the Greengrass family. She had known Draco since childhood, and without Augustus's intervention, she would have taken action herself.

Now, Ron was left speechless and could only look to his two brothers and Harry Potter for support.

Fred and George, not the type to blindly support their family, recognized the situation for what it was. Even though the Weasley family was often at odds with the Malfoys, they wouldn't just side with Ron if he was in the wrong.

Harry, who had reservations about Draco from the start, was too soft-hearted to fully believe Ron's accusations.

Without Harry's support, Ron's face turned red with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," Ron muttered, turning to retreat to the carriage.

"Alright, everyone. The matter is resolved. Look at the time—it's almost time to arrive at Hogwarts. Head back and change quickly."

"Just make sure you don't enter the wrong carriage!"

Augustus's comment elicited a round of friendly laughter. While Augustus had previously appeared elegant and authoritative, he now seemed more approachable.

Hermione nudged Augustus with her elbow, signaling him not to follow the Weasley twins' example.

"Draco, go back to the carriage with Pansy and the others. I need to talk to Harry for a moment."

When Augustus noticed Neville standing with Harry, a bold idea struck him.

What if he could convince Harry Potter to be sorted into Slytherin?

Since arriving in this world, Augustus had realized that events were not set in stone. For instance, his father, Gellert Grindelwald, had made significant changes. The disappearance of Trevor was another example of how things could shift.

Given this, persuading Harry to join Slytherin wasn't out of the question. It could complicate things for Dumbledore and keep Harry under Augustus's watchful eye.

The opportunity was ripe for action.

...

Once the crowd dispersed, Harry approached Augustus with Neville, looking despondent.

"Augustus, am I really that bad?"

"Hagrid said I must be a Gryffindor, but... I don't even have the courage to stand up for my friends."

"I... I..." Harry struggled for words.

"Look at me, Harry!" Augustus said gently.

"There's never just one type of courage. Facing yourself honestly is also a form of bravery."

"Besides, Hogwarts has more than one house. Other houses might suit you just as well."

"For instance, Mr. Longbottom."

When Neville heard his name, he looked up, puzzled.

"Mr. Longbottom corrected his mistakes and faced them honestly. That's the courage of Gryffindor. But he's also sincere and upright, which reflects the loyalty of Hufflepuff."

"As a member of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, he also embodies the pure bloodline of Slytherin."

"So, you're saying I have traits of more than one house?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Of course!"

"But... but Hagrid and Ron both say Gryffindor is the best house."

Augustus simply smiled.

"There is no 'best' house—only the one that suits you best."

"Gryffindor is known for bravery and daring, but that doesn't make it perfect."

"For instance, Mr. Weasley's bravery in accusing Draco to help Neville was typical Gryffindor courage."

"But he didn't fully understand the situation and judged Draco based on his own biases."

"This led to wrongful accusations and congestion in the corridor, inconveniencing many others."

Augustus's conversational skills were adept. By using relevant examples, he resonated with Harry's experiences, making his points more impactful.

Harry fell silent. Augustus's words rang true. Even though Ron had acted with good intentions, Harry sensed something amiss.

Had Augustus not intervened, Draco would have been wrongly accused, potentially losing Harry's friendship.

"Augustus, which house do you think I should join?"

Harry looked to Augustus for guidance.

"If you're unsure about Gryffindor, Slytherin might be a good option."

Harry hesitated. "Slytherin..."

"What about me? What about me?" Hermione interrupted eagerly.

"You have the courage to challenge the status quo and a deep thirst for knowledge. Both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw could be suitable for you."

"I don't want to go to Gryffindor!" Hermione said, recalling Ron's earlier arrogance, which soured her opinion.

Neville was also uncertain. Previously, he had looked forward to Gryffindor, but the recent events made him reconsider.

Compared to the troublemaking Gryffindors, the more easy-going Hufflepuff might be a better fit for him.

...

Ding!

With the sound of the train whistle, the Hogwarts Express arrived at the station.

In the dark of night, the old station appeared almost antique.

Through the starlight, the majestic castle loomed in the distance.

Even Augustus felt a thrill. This was Hogwarts—the iconic setting of Harry Potter.

The real-life scene was far more breathtaking than the movies.

"First-year students, gather here!"

"Hurry up, little ones, don't be shy!"

Hagrid's deep voice rang out, and his enormous figure was particularly noticeable among the young wizards.

"Hagrid!"

Augustus joined Hermione in approaching Hagrid.

Hagrid's face lit up with a relieved smile upon seeing Augustus.

"Augustus, it's good you're here. Help me gather the first-year students."

"They're quite unruly and keep running around."

"Of course."

Augustus took out his wand and cast an amplification charm.

"Sonorous!"

He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the surrounding students.

"First-year students, please line up in two rows—boys on the left, girls on the right."

"Follow Mr. Hagrid to Hogwarts Castle."