Argus's words successfully diverted everyone's attention to Ron.
Only then did everyone realize that Mr. Weasley, who had been calling everyone a thief, had arrived unnoticed at the carriage door.
When Ron was discovered, his eyes darted around, completely unlike his previous arrogant demeanor.
"I didn't say anything wrong, why should I apologize!"
"Who knows if Trevor wasn't secretly hidden there by someone Malfoy sent!"
"Are you out of your mind? Draco has been slandering you all the whole time, he doesn't have time to send anyone else over there!"
Daphne wasn't going to tolerate him and immediately retorted.
Daphne was one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.
She and Draco had known each other since childhood, and if it weren't for Argus being there to keep things in check, they would have already made a move!
Now Ron was completely speechless and could only turn to his two older brothers and Harry Potter for help.
Fred and George weren't the type to defend their brother when he was clearly in the wrong, especially when right and wrong were so obvious.
Even if the Weasley family and the Malfoys were at odds, they would not try to distort the truth.
Needless to say, Harry was another story!
He never really wanted to believe Draco would do such a thing, but he was too easily swayed and believed whatever others told him.
Without the support of his friends—including the Boy Who Lived—Ron's face turned bright red.
He whispered, "I'm sorry!"
He turned around and crawled into the carriage.
"Alright everyone, the matter is resolved. Judging by the time, we should be arriving at Hogwarts soon. Let's hurry back and change our clothes."
"The premise is that you don't go to the wrong carriage!"
Argus's words drew a burst of good-natured laughter from the crowd.
If Argus's image had been elegant and powerful just now, it now held a touch more amiability.
Hermione nudged Argus hard with her elbow, signaling him not to follow the Weasley twins' bad example.
"Draco, you go back to the carriage with Pansy and the others. I have something to say to Harry."
When Argus saw Neville next to Harry, a bold idea suddenly popped into his head.
How about we try to trick Harry Potter into joining Slytherin?
Since he came into this world, he had discovered more than once that the progress of the world was not set in stone.
Take his father, Grindelwald, for example.
Or take today's case of the disappearance of Trevor.
Following this trend, it wasn't impossible that Harry could be sorted into Slytherin!
It didn't matter what impact it had on the world, the main thing was that it could cause trouble for Dumbledore!
Moreover, keeping Harry under his nose made it easier to secretly outmaneuver Dumbledore.
Let's do it!
...
After the crowd dispersed, Harry, accompanied by Neville, arrived at Argus, looking utterly dejected.
"Argus, am I really that bad?"
"Hagrid said I must be Gryffindor, but... but I don't even have the courage to defend my friend."
"I...I..."
"Look at me, Harry!" Argus's tone was as gentle as ever.
"Courage is never just one kind; being honest with yourself is also a kind of courage."
"Furthermore, Hogwarts has more than just Gryffindor; other houses may not be unsuitable for you."
"For example, Mr. Longbottom."
When Argus mentioned him, Neville looked up in confusion.
"Mr. Longbottom's willingness to admit and correct his mistakes is a sign of Gryffindor's courage, but his sincerity towards his friends and his integrity are also signs of Hufflepuff's loyalty."
"As one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, he was a pure-blood wizard, of Slytherin blood."
"You mean I have more than one house trait?" Harry asked hastily.
"Certainly!"
"But... but Hagrid and Ron both say that Gryffindor is the best house."
Argus simply smiled slightly.
"There is never the best house, only the house that is best suited to you."
"Gryffindor is brave and fearless, but that doesn't mean it's perfect."
"Just like today, Mr. Weasley, who bravely stood up to accuse Draco in order to help Neville, is a classic example of Gryffindor courage."
"But it cannot be denied that he did not understand what happened and judged Draco to be the murderer based solely on his personal preferences."
"The consequences were obvious. Not only was Draco wronged, but the passageway was also congested, and many people who wanted to go back to their carriages couldn't get back."
Argus was very skilled at using conversation techniques, and he was more likely to touch the hearts of others by using examples.
Importantly, this example had just happened to Harry; it was his personal experience.
It's easier to evoke his feelings!
The order of speech was also a key point for Argus.
Ron was Harry's friend, and directly belittling him could easily provoke Harry's resentment, making things much harder.
On the contrary, the effect of first praising and then criticizing was much better.
Harry fell silent.
Undeniably, Argus was telling the truth; he had a bad feeling when Ron accused Draco.
Unfortunately, his inferiority complex, which he developed from childhood, prevented him from standing up and refuting it on the spot.
If it weren't for Argus's arrival, Draco would definitely have been wrongly accused!
He would also completely lose Draco as a friend.
"Argus, which house do you think I should choose?"
Harry looked up and pleaded with Argus.
"If you don't want to choose Gryffindor, Slytherin might be a good option."
Harry hesitated: "Slytherin...?"
"What about me? What about me?!" Hermione asked hastily.
"You dare to point out the world's mistakes and have a yearning and pursuit of knowledge. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw would be a good fit for you."
"I don't want to go to Gryffindor!" The mere mention of Gryffindor reminded Hermione of Ron's smug demeanor.
My goodwill towards them vanished instantly!
Neville was also somewhat hesitant; before the disappearance of Trevor, he had also longed for Gryffindor.
But now, he hesitated!
The easygoing Hufflepuff might be a better fit for him than the troublemaking Gryffindor.
...
Beep beep!
With the sound of a train whistle, the Hogwarts Express arrived at the station.
Under the pitch-black night, the old station looked like a relic from the last century.
Gazing at the magnificent castle in the distance through the starlight.
Even Argus couldn't help but feel a little excited.
This is Hogwarts! The most iconic building from Harry Potter!
The real scene looks far more stunning than the movie.
"First-year students, come here!"
"Hurry up, little ones, don't be shy!"
Hagrid's deep voice rang out, and his massive body stood out among the group of young wizards.
"Hagrid!"
Argus, followed by Hermione, came before Hagrid.
Upon seeing Argus, Hagrid's face immediately lit up with a relieved smile.
"Argus, you're here just in time. Come and help me gather the first-year wizards."
"They were so disobedient, they were always running around."
"No problem."
Argus took out his wand and pointed it at his throat.
"Sonorus"
He coughed lightly twice, instantly attracting the attention of the surrounding students.
"First-year students, please come over here and line up in two rows, with boys on the left and girls on the right."
"Follow us to Hogwarts Castle, led by Mr. Hagrid."