Chapter 170: Draco Malfoy
Phineas's statements were unfamiliar to Ron, who had been taught from childhood that learning dark magic was inherently wrong. They were also new to Harry, who knew nothing of the wizarding world, and even to Hermione, who had only read the mainstream accounts found in books.
So at this moment, they couldn't help but feel uncertain. Was Phineas right?
If he was, then the things their parents had said—or what they had read—might not be entirely true.
Seeing the doubt on their faces, Phineas smiled and said calmly,
"For you, right now, right is right and wrong is wrong. Black and white are clear and distinct—and that's a good thing. But you'll come to learn that between black and white, there's always something called grey. Now then, back to school matters."
"Hogwarts was founded by the four great wizards and witches: Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. I think you all know that."
Harry opened his mouth to admit that he didn't, but Phineas continued,
"Harry, you should read more. As a wizard, knowledge is always your most powerful tool."
He went on, "Each founder had a different idea of what kind of students to admit, and that's how the four Houses came to be. Gryffindor values bravery; Ravenclaw prefers those who seek knowledge and enjoy learning. Hermione, I think Ravenclaw might suit you better than Gryffindor."
"Slytherin looks for ambition—whether that means seeking power, influence, or simply the will to survive. Finally, Hufflepuff is the most inclusive. Their hallmark is loyalty, but their members can also be clever, courageous, and ambitious."
"Actually, everyone has traits from all four Houses. The Sorting Hat only places you in the one that best fits you at the time. So don't fall into the trap of thinking one House is superior to the others. That's a mistake."
Hermione nodded thoughtfully. Compared to Ron and Harry, who still looked uncertain, the clever girl had grasped the deeper meaning behind Phineas's words. Her broad reading and accumulated knowledge helped her understand the subtlety of his explanation.
She stood up and said,
"I think the train's about to arrive. You should change into your robes. Also, thank you very much for your teaching, Senior Black."
Phineas waved his hand with a warm smile.
"Just call me Phineas."
As Hermione left, Ron muttered,
"I don't care which House I'm sorted into, as long as it's not the same one as hers."
Harry looked at Phineas and asked,
"What House is Ron's family in? Are they all in Slytherin too?"
Ron quickly shook his head and answered for him.
"No, they're in Gryffindor—both my mum and dad were. If I'm not sorted into Gryffindor, I don't know what they'll think. I'd be okay with Ravenclaw, but I really hope I'm not put in Slytherin."
Harry frowned slightly.
"But... like Phineas said, there's nothing wrong with Slytherin."
Ron had no response. Even though Phineas had explained so much, he hadn't really absorbed it. Deep down, he still believed Slytherin was bad—a typical Gryffindor view.
Phineas shrugged.
"You should get changed."
Just as he was about to rise, the compartment door slid open again. This time, it wasn't Neville, but three boys entering. The one in front was smaller than the two behind him, with pale skin, sleek blond hair, and an air of arrogance.
"So it's true? Everyone on the train's saying Harry Potter is in this compartment. That's you, right?"
Phineas frowned and sat back, crossing one leg over the other and leaning into his seat, ready to watch.
Harry nodded.
"Yes, I'm Harry Potter."
A smirk spread across the boy's face.
"I'm Draco. Draco Malfoy. This is Crabbe, and that's Goyle."
At the name, Ron coughed to suppress a laugh. Phineas couldn't help shaking his head, amused. Draco's demeanor was that of a child trying too hard to act like an adult—awkward and a little ridiculous.
Draco turned to Ron, his tone sharp.
"You think my name's funny, don't you? I don't even need to ask who you are. Red hair, freckles, and more siblings than your family can feed—you're a Weasley."
He looked back at Harry.
"You'll soon learn that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to end up with the wrong sort. I can help you with that."
He held out his hand.
Harry didn't take it. Instead, he replied coolly.
But before he could finish, Phineas spoke up, his tone sharp.
"Draco Malfoy. Son of my cousin Narcissa and Lucius. I truly wonder what Lucius has been teaching you."
Only then did Draco notice the dark-haired young man sitting in the corner. At Phineas's words, Draco's expression turned stiff and pale.
"Who are you to speak like that?"
Phineas gave a cold chuckle.
"You should call me 'uncle,' draco. Frankly, I'm starting to question how Lucius raised you. Don't you know your behavior just now was disgraceful? Do you think your father would approve of you insulting someone so openly? Haven't you been taught that even if you dislike someone, you keep it to yourself?"
Draco froze, stunned. His face turned ashen.
"You… You're Phineas Black!"
At the mention of his name, even the usually slow Crabbe and Goyle went pale.
Unlike Draco, the Goyle and Crabbe families had directly opposed the House of Black before. They knew exactly what Phineas was capable of—he had nearly wiped the Flint family off the map. Their parents had warned them in no uncertain terms: do not provoke Phineas Black.
Draco's pale expression came from another reason—his father, Lucius, had told him before school began that Phineas would be watching him closely.
Just then, Harry finally spoke the words he'd meant to say earlier.
"I think I can decide for myself who to be friends with."
Draco had already lost face from Phineas's scolding. Now, being openly rejected by Harry made his anger bubble to the surface.