Chapter 16 Some Family Symbols Are Mysterious
"Hi, Harry." Hagrid gave Harry a big smile, then inadvertently glanced at Abey in Aaron's arms, and his eyes immediately lit up.
Having raised so many magical creatures over the years, Hagrid still had good judgment; he was 100% certain that this 'cat,' dressed in clothes and looking overly cute, was definitely not simple.
"This first-year, your cat is quite adorable. May I hold him?"
Aaron had not yet responded, but Abey was shaking his head repeatedly.
Who are you? This dragon doesn't know you at all, so why should I let you hold him?
"Sorry, Abey is my family.
As you can see, I have to respect his opinion," Aaron said. He hadn't intended to let Hagrid see him anyway; not only was Hagrid's scruffy beard enough to scare little children, but the strange smell on his clothes was enough to make anyone keep their distance.
Furthermore, this Giant was the gamekeeper. While he might not be outstanding in other areas, he was exceptionally sensitive to animals. Aaron was only a first-year student now, and there was no need to reveal that he was raising a dragon.
"That's a real shame." Hagrid shrugged, not minding too much. After all, this first-year would be studying at Hogwarts for seven years, so there would be plenty of opportunities later.
"First-year students over here to the boats. Hurry, follow me."
Hagrid continued his work, and the first-year students followed him in succession, traversing a long, slippery path in the dark before arriving at the Black Lake.
Across the dark lake stood a colossal Castle built on a hillside, bristling with spires. Pale yellow lights streamed from various windows, adding a touch of mystery under the moonlight.
The first-years crossed by small boats, each capable of carrying only four people. Hagrid, being large, counted as four, so he had a boat all to himself.
Aaron, Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in one small boat, curiously and excitedly observing everything around them, occasionally exclaiming in awe.
The boats quickly docked. After confirming that no one was lost, Hagrid pointed to the stairs ahead. "You'll follow the stairs all the way up. Professor McGonagall will take care of things from here."
The first-years complied, and after ascending several steps, a Witch in a green robe and a black pointed hat stood waiting for them on the stair landing.
Her expression was not particularly pleasant, perhaps because she had been waiting for a long time.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. Soon, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates.
However, before you take your seats, you must be sorted into your respective Houses.
There are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
During your time at school, your House will be like your family. Good behavior earns points for your House, and any student who breaks school rules will lose points.
At the end of the year, the House with the most points wins the House Cup, which is a great honor."
Just then, a croaking sound came from in front of Professor McGonagall, and a plump boy among the first-years instantly widened his eyes upon hearing the familiar sound.
Neville often lost this toad. He lost it once before getting on the train and only found it with Hermione's help. Now that he was at Hogwarts, it was lost again, and he couldn't find it after searching for a long time.
Now it appeared right before his eyes; it would be a lie to say he wasn't excited.
But just as Neville was about to go over, the toad hopped onto his hand itself.
"Trevor." Neville joyfully hugged his toad. Although he didn't understand what had happened, it didn't diminish the joy of recovering what was lost.
Professor McGonagall, however, keenly noticed the black magic wand in Aaron's sleeve, and the corners of her mouth curved slightly upwards. She thought to herself that the school had recruited a talented Wizard this time.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin shortly. You had best tidy up your robes and faces, as it will be held in front of the entire school." After Professor McGonagall finished speaking, she left the group of first-years there.
Just then, a blonde boy looked at Harry and said curiously, "It seems what they were saying earlier is true. Harry Potterhas come to Hogwarts."
The first-years exchanged glances, particularly sensitive to the name Harry Potter.
The blonde boy looked at the two stout boys behind him, who stood like door gods, and introduced them to Harry Potter: "This is Crabbe, and this is Goyle."
"I'm Malfoy." The blonde boy walked up to Harry, as if afraid he wouldn't remember his name, and stated solemnly, "Draco Malfoy."
"Pfft!" Ron couldn't help but let out a snicker.
Malfoy glared angrily. "Do you find my name funny? I don't need to ask your name.
Red hair, hand-me-down robes—you must be a Weasley."
Ron pursed his lips, glaring angrily at Draco, but he ultimately didn't refute the blunt truth.
Malfoy looked at Harry. "You'll find that certain Wizardfamilies are simply superior, Potter.
You shouldn't make friends with the wrong sort. I can help you."
With that, Draco extended his right hand to Harry.
"I think I can tell the right sort from the wrong for myself, thank you," Harry said calmly.
Draco's face became somewhat unpleasant. Harry Potterhad actually rejected his friendship, and in front of so many people.
This was truly intolerable.
Just as he was about to say something, Aaron cleared his throat. "It's true that some Wizard families are indeed superior, but if your attitude when speaking were a little better, you might achieve different results."
Malfoy then turned his head to look at Aaron in the first-year group and said proudly, "Who are you? It's not your place to tell me what to do."
"Aaron!" Harry was a little anxious. Malfoy, no matter how he looked, was either a rich second-generation, or a powerful official's second-generation, or both, or even from many generations. What if Aaron stood up for him and got retaliated against?
Aaron ignored him. Instead, he extended his right hand and said with a smile, "Gaius, Aaron Gaius. Pleased to meet you."
"You're from the Gaius Family?" Malfoy's gaze narrowed slightly, and his arrogant demeanor instantly diminished.
"That's not important. What's important is my attitude and your response." Aaron smiled and gestured with his outstretched right hand.
Draco then, in a daze, shook Aaron's hand. "Pleased to meet you."
"That's better! Attitude is key when you want to make friends. You initially placed yourself in an unapproachable position.
Those who know might think you're making friends; those who don't might think you're recruiting servants!
In such a situation, few people would give you a pleasant look."
"Tha-thank you," Malfoy said awkwardly, as if uttering those two words was very difficult for him.
Ron's eyes widened as he watched this scene, and he quietly pulled Harry and himself a little further away from the two.
Although he had a slight liking for Aaron, the moment he interacted with Malfoy, that liking began to plummet.
Crabbe and Goyle exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. As Draco's cronies, they naturally knew how difficult it was to make him say the word 'thank you.'
Just then, Professor McGonagall walked over, looking somewhat surprised at the two who were 'friendly' shaking hands, but she quickly composed herself. "They're ready over there. Everyone, follow me!"
"Malfoy, is this Gaius Family very famous? I don't remember them being among the twenty-eight Pure-blood families!" Goyle asked, confused, as they walked.
"You wouldn't know. I only heard about them from my father," Draco said. "Pure-blood families represent noble bloodlines, except for certain families that disgrace the Pure-bloods, like the Weasley.
However, there are four Wizard families that represent mystery. Their existence cannot be measured by time; even in the vast sea of books, it's hard to find a single word about them.
Legend says they are always guarding something. Their reputation might not be prominent in the Wizarding World, but their heritage, connections, and influence are in no way inferior to the Pure-bloods.
As my father would say, you can never imagine what kind of trump cards these deeply hidden families possess.
You-Know-Who and the previous Dark Lord once sought the support of these families, but they were either rejected or couldn't be found.
The Gaius Family is one of these mysterious families. In short, if you can befriend them, do so. If not, then at least don't offend them."