Cro couldn't stop smiling, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere in the train compartment. With just a few words, he had earned four gold chests! Truly, the protagonist trio from the original story never disappoints!
"Ron, you... Professor Dumbledore never said anything like that. How could you...?" Harry Potter said angrily, glaring at Ron.
"I didn't, I didn't mean that! It's him! He twisted my words; I never meant it that way!" Ron stammered, trying to explain himself but struggling to find the right words. He had, after all, said those things, and everyone had heard him. With no other way out, Ron pointed the blame back at Cro.
"Oh no, don't try to twist the facts. You're the one who said Slytherin is full of dark wizards, and you're the one who claimed that Gryffindor never produced any. You also brought up Dumbledore. We all heard it loud and clear. You said it, not me," Cro replied, spreading his hands.
Cassandra and Hermione nodded in agreement, standing by Cro's side and glaring at Ron.
[Detected intense resentment!]
[Reward: Gold Chest!]
"I... I... Harry, you know me. I didn't mean it that way!" Ron said desperately, tugging on Harry Potter's sleeve and looking at him with pleading eyes.
"Ron…" Harry Potter looked at him, feeling conflicted. After all, Ron was his friend. Even if what he said wasn't entirely right, it didn't mean he deserved such consequences. After a moment of hesitation, Harry turned to Cro.
"Cro, I know Ron's words were out of line, but I hope you can forgive him. Please don't report this to the Daily Prophet."
"I'll pay you for your trouble. Just let this matter drop. Please!" Harry bowed deeply.
"Harry… I'm sorry. It's my fault," Ron said, moved by Harry's gesture. Reluctantly, he apologized to Cro. If Cro reported what happened to the Daily Prophet, Ron would face public ridicule, not to mention what his parents might do to him.
"Alright, for Harry's sake, I'll let it go this time. But remember, don't make exaggerated statements like that in the future. I doubt Dumbledore would appreciate someone who's all talk," Cro said flatly, giving Ron a cold look.
"Since we're friends, I'll give you a tip. When you arrive at Hogwarts, that person will be watching you closely, trying to give you a hard time."
"As for why... well, they probably want to draw your attention. If you pay close attention to their emotions, you might just figure something out," Cro added with a cryptic smile.
Harry looked grateful, quickly pulling out a bulging pouch from his robe. "Here's 300 Galleons. I'm not sure if it's enough, but if it's not, I can always get more from Gringotts!"
"Harry, you—" Ron began, wide-eyed with shock. He wanted to protest, but Harry raised a hand to stop him.
Cro glanced dismissively at Ron before taking the pouch and casually tossing it to Hermione. "I'll take the money as payment for the information I gave you. Though, it's far from covering the risks I'm taking. After all, that person could put my life in danger."
Cro patted Harry on the shoulder, feigning a serious tone. "But as your friend, I can't just sit back and watch you be... mistreated. Just don't tell anyone I gave you this information, or else..."
Harry nodded gratefully. "Don't worry, I won't say a word, no matter what happens to me. I won't drag you into it! Let's go, Ron."
Reluctantly, Ron followed Harry out of the compartment, but not before casting a final glare at Cro.
[Detected intense gratitude!]
[Reward: Gold Chest!]
Harry Potter, the Savior, really is too kind! Cro thought to himself. He dug the pit, and Harry not only jumped in but gave him Galleons and chests along the way. What a perfect friend! Cro could only wish for a dozen more like him.
Excitedly, Cro began counting his haul. Thanks to the other first-year students in the compartment, he had already racked up an impressive number of chests. He now had a whopping 83 bronze chests, 25 silver chests, 17 gold chests, and even 1 diamond chest!
And all this just from a single train ride! How many more chests would he collect once his grand plan was set in motion?
Feeling very pleased with himself, Cro turned and playfully ruffled the hair of Hermione and Cassandra, snapping them out of their stunned silence.
"Our wealthy friend Harry just gave us 300 Galleons. So, what do you two want? I saw they're selling snacks on the train. Wait here, I'll go buy some," Cro said, stepping out of the compartment.
Left behind, Hermione and Cassandra exchanged awkward glances, their faces flushing red. They didn't even know why they were blushing, but they could feel their hearts racing uncontrollably.
[Detected intense embarrassment!]
[Reward: Gold Chest!]
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T/N:
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