Chapter 118: Chapter -117 The first password is—Fairness
Chapter 117.
The Ministry worker faced the angry parents, experiencing what it means to be 'hard to refute' and 'the target of criticism'.
their face, head, and clothes were drenched in sweat; evidently, they were someone pushed out by higher-ups to take the blame. However, not being able to solve the problem only escalated the conflict.
The wand tapped repeatedly on the pillar at platform nine and three-quarters with no response; it remained blocked. Even Mr. Weasley was at a loss, and the young-looking staff member seemed even less equipped to handle it. By the way, Mr. Weasley had hidden away before the others arrived. Otherwise, he would have had to take responsibility.
"A small issue, a small issue, just a little accident."
The other side grew increasingly anxious, but the more anxious they became, the less they could solve the problem.
"Is it really just a little accident, sir from the Ministry of Magic?" Dudley spoke up, and the moment his voice rose, the parents who had been arguing with the staff suddenly stopped, quietly waiting for him to continue, as if Dudley were their mainstay: "Firstly, we still don't know what's going on inside. Can you confirm whether there are little wizards stuck in there? Unable to get out or back, that sort?"
This statement startled the staff member and the others around; they had only focused on being unable to enter, not considering the possibility of an accident. If someone was trapped inside, it became increasingly terrifying to think about.
"You can't be the one to decide this. I think you should consult your superior and send more people to handle it, check first if anyone is trapped," Dudley added. "Before it causes a bigger accident."
The young staff member from the Ministry also realized the severity of the issue and didn't dare linger, immediately reaching out to contact his superior. Just sending someone to take the blame wouldn't cut it.
The efficiency of the Ministry significantly increased this time; a middle-aged man claiming to be a head of some office arrived in haste, the Ministry was also worried that wizards, especially young ones, might be in danger, and promptly arranged several wizards, even two Aurors and a St. Mungo's doctor.
This was all aimed at providing immediate assistance in case of an accident.
The middle-aged man had much more experience and authority than the young man from before; upon arrival, he stated that the Ministry would take responsibility for everyone present.
Right off the bat, he promised to send an additional train to Hogwarts, specifically to take the little wizards who missed it to Hogwarts, ensuring that this year's first-years wouldn't miss their enrollment ceremony."
The fully equipped squad quickly resolved the incident, and the passage to the Hogwarts Express was finally opened.
No little wizard was trapped inside the wall.
Hearing this outcome, the person in charge wiped the sweat from his forehead and gradually exhaled in relief.
If someone had indeed encountered an accident, Minister Fudge's desk would surely be piled high with screaming letters, and his position would definitely be at risk, possibly being transferred elsewhere, even to Azkaban.
He skillfully took out his card and handed it to Dudley, who had raised this hypothesis, indicating that he would definitely not be vague if he could help in the future.
Dudley simply took the card and put it in his pocket. He didn't take the other person's promise to heart; others would just mention it casually, and you would just listen without paying much attention; taking it seriously would mean trying too hard. Especially when it comes to officials' words, it's even less believable.
However, Dudley's easy control over the conversation caught the attention of many little wizard parents, especially the parents from Slytherin. By this time, the sky was gradually dimming, and it was estimated that the other little wizards who boarded the train normally had nearly arrived at the castle.
Soon, the newly added second Hogwarts Express slowly entered the platform. The little wizards who didn't catch the train cheered and rushed into the train.
There was no conversation on the way; Hogwarts had already arranged the reception staff upon receiving the news. They were indeed late, but luckily it wasn't too late, just in time for the end of the Sorting Ceremony.
This was mainly because some wizards had sent letters to Hogwarts in advance, so they waited for them for a while.
Today seemed a bit different. When Dudley arrived at the Slytherin table, all Slytherins from every grade stood up in unison and consciously made space for him until Dudley sat down before they would take their seats. Throughout the process, Dudley did not say a word, and the entire Slytherin acted as if it had been pre-rehearsed, very tacitly.
This scene caught the attention of the Hogwarts professors. However, from Headmaster Dumbledore to Professor Snape, they all silently maintained their composure. Gilderoy Lockhart, dressed like a peacock, intended to say something but was ignored by all the professors. It was unclear what this guy had done to make all the professors unwilling to deal with him.
When the banquet ended, Dumbledore, as usual, briefed with the shortest statements, only mentioning the disciplinary team at the end. "Oh, I'd like to add one thing. From today onwards, students in grades one to four will fall under the jurisdiction of the disciplinary team." Since there were no prefects from grades one to four, they would not be managed for the time being.
"Of course, the points for the disciplinary team will be calculated separately by its members." At this moment, next to the scoring hourglasses of the four houses, Dudley's newly created hourglass was still kept from the transfiguration process.
"Students interested can try challenging them; who knows, there might be surprises." At this point, Dumbledore playfully winked. Undoubtedly, he was stoking the flames.
As Dumbledore's words fell, Dudley clearly felt that apart from the Slytherin house, many little wizards from the other three houses were eager to cause a stir, especially Gryffindor. Competing with the four houses? That isn't impossible.
Although they were indeed at a numerical disadvantage, often, it's not just about numbers. Pressure leads to motivation.
"Of course, if anyone wants to join them, they just need to pass the test set by Dursley, the committee leader." Dumbledore's words made the originally calm Slytherin house start to stir, and of course, a small number from other houses, including Gryffindor, also showed interest.
Dudley noticed it was Percy, Ron's brother.
Old Dunghead! Is this a slap followed by a date? Interesting.
Thus, the new students' welcoming feast came to an end, and the little wizards from the four houses began to return to their respective common rooms one after another.
"Mr. Dursley, the password for the Slytherin common room should be set by you." The fifth-year prefect who had almost died at the hands of a troll approached Dudley and said respectfully. Oh, he should now be a sixth-year prefect.
Dudley nodded without refusing and directly announced, "Then, the first password is—Fairness."
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