Chapter 169 "Butterfly Effect"

Upon hearing Cassandra's words, Wentworth sensed a possible misunderstanding. Just as he was about to clarify, Cassandra tucked away her book and addressed Wentworth and Cedric, "Gentlemen, this lady is going to change her clothes. Would you two care to step out?"

Respecting Cassandra's request, Wentworth and Cedric exited the compartment, allowing the others to change into their Hogwarts robes.

As Wentworth was adjusting his attire, he intended to explain to Cassandra that the story he shared earlier had no specific significance.

However, before he could do so, the train's whistle blew, and Hagrid's voice echoed, "Alright, first years, follow me! Don't be shy. Come this way!"

At that moment, Harry approached with Draco and Ron. Harry gestured towards Wentworth and introduced him to Ron, "This is Wentworth, the one I mentioned." Harry introduced to Ron, "And Wentworth, this is Ron, Ron Weasley!"

Even without Harry's introduction, Wentworth recognized Ron by his distinctive red hair.

Looking at Wentworth with admiration, Ron greeted him, "Hello, senior! I've heard about you—you're the youngest Seeker at Hogwarts and have even played in the Quidditch World Cup final! I'd love to get some advice from you in the future!"

"All the first years, I repeat, all the first years! Do not try to separate away from your mates; do not go off into another place without the guidance of other senior students or under my surveillance. Now, come here and get into a line!" At that moment, Hagrid's booming voice echoed once more, urging the Hogwarts first-years to make their way promptly.

"Oh, shoot! Let's go, we'll get left behind!" Ron unconsciously called to Draco.

The testament to the start of their friendship begins here; Ron, who was already accepting Draco's presence, had unconsciously regarded Draco as a close acquaintance based on their earlier banter. Because of the usual kinds of stuff his twin older brother has been pulling on him, Draco's banter is mere child's play for him.

Draco on the other hand, he never had this kind of interaction and never expected people to talk back to him in a vulgar manner. Considering how every single kid around him was meant as a way to establish a relationship with the Malfoy family rather than being there to act as his real friend.

"The last one arriving will be a sore loser! How about you help your family a bit and be a winner this time around, Weasley?" Draco taunted with a sly smile.

"Oh, it's on!" Ron replied as he ran off into the distance.

Draco followed soon after, waving goodbye to Wentworth.

Ron and Draco quickly bid farewell to Wentworth, then turned and disembarked from the Hogwarts Express.

However, Harry purposely lingered behind.

As he passed by Wentworth, Harry asked in a hushed tone, "Wentworth, do you think I'll be sorted into that house?"

Wentworth pondered, "Considering the old man's favorable disposition for you—you can practically take your pick among the four houses! Just as long as you don't end up in Hufflepuff. I've toiled to earn those points, and I don't want them deducted by you! What's the point of Hogwarts' point deduction if it's merely a hollow threat?" He thought inside his heart.

Responding kindly to Harry, Wentworth said, "I think Slytherin and Gryffindor would suit you well. Slytherin can aid you on the path to success (after all, the head of the house is your mother's loyal admirer), and Gryffindor is also a good fit—both your parents hailed from Gryffindor."

Upon hearing Wentworth's advice, Harry sank into deep contemplation for a moment.

But just then, Hagrid's voice resounded once again, urging those freshmen yet to disembark to hasten their arrival. "Last call to all the first years! This is the last call before we head straight to Hogwarts with or without you!"

"I guess this is goodbye for now! See you later, Wentworth!" With Hagrid's call echoing, Harry bid a quick farewell to Wentworth and hastened towards the direction of Hagrid's voice.

Shortly after Harry Potter departed, Cassandra and Cedric approached together. Curiously observing Harry's retreating figure, Cedric inquired, "What's the connection between those kids just now? They seemed oddly familiar with you."

Wentworth smiled wryly, "I told you, during the holidays, I only did two things: raising animals and taking care of children. Do you think I was joking with you?"

As the trio disembarked from the train, Wentworth gestured towards Harry standing in the rear and explained, "The last one is the renowned Harry Potter. The red-haired lad on the left is Ron Weasley, a member of the Weasley family, and the one on Harry's right is Draco Malfoy, a Malfoy scion. Draco and Hagrid joined us to celebrate Harry's birthday at my house yesterday!"

Cedric responded with nonchalant nodding. Having spent significant time with the Alliance's leader, he had grown accustomed to the peculiarities of that world. The introduction, at most, seemed somewhat novel to Cedric.

On the other hand, Cassandra's eyes brightened gradually with each detail in Wentworth's explanation. Glancing at Wentworth beside her, Cassandra contemplated, "Wentworth, you claimed you didn't want to build your influence at Hogwarts? Look at the individuals you've chosen—either from ancient wizarding families or bearing immense potential. Since there are tasks inconvenient for you to undertake, let me assist you!"

At that moment, Green approached from behind and chimed in, "Let's go, Wentworth. This year, we won't be taking the boat to Hogwarts. Any guesses on how we'll get there?"

"By night carriage," Wentworth responded without hesitation.

Green was momentarily taken aback and inquired, "How did you know? Did Cedric already inform you?"

Cedric, who was standing nearby, only shrugged at Green's words, indicating that he hadn't shared that detail with Wentworth.

Wentworth retorted, "Just kidding. Don't forget that I'm destined to become a prophet in the future!" He said with a smile.

Meanwhile, under Hagrid's guidance, the Hogwarts freshmen gathered by the Black Lake. Hagrid pointed towards the boats on the lake and asked, "Each boat can hold four people. Who wants to go first?"

Students exchanged glances, hesitating, and no one stepped forward immediately.

In the end, Hermione took the lead towards the boats.

Passing by Harry, she extended an invitation, "Want to join me?"

Harry was momentarily surprised, then nervously nodded, agreeing, and followed Hermione.

As soon as Harry departs, only Ron and Draco remain. They exchanged glances and simultaneously remarked to each other, "Pathetic, what a coward!"

Later, the two followed Harry towards the boat. As the boat glided across the dark black lake, the four of them felt a tinge of nervousness.

To break the silence, Draco spoke first, "Harry, have you thought about it? Join Slytherin! I'm definitely going for Slytherin. We can stick together all day. Don't worry; my dad is a trustee at Hogwarts. No one would dare to bully us!"

After his persuasion, Draco shot Ron a triumphant look, and even the initial tension dissipated.

Draco's repeated invitations stirred Harry's emotions. Moreover, there was a subtle inner voice in Harry's head suggesting, "Go to Slytherin, where you can become the best wizard ever!"

Witnessing Draco's persistence, Ron grew increasingly agitated. Unable to contain himself, he blurted out, "Harry, no matter which house you end up in, just not Slytherin!"

Upon hearing Ron's plea, Draco was ready to scoff, but Harry beat him to the question, "Why, Ron?"

Ron pointed at Harry's forehead and declared, "Because the person who gave you that scar on your forehead was from the Slytherin House!"