This Ministry of Magic employee, facing the aggressive parents, truly experienced what it meant to be "speechless in defense" and "targeted by thousands."
His face, head, and body were soaked in sweat—clearly someone pushed forward by his superiors to take the blame. However, being unable to solve the problem only created greater conflicts. His wand tapped the Platform Nine and Three-Quarters pillar several times with no reaction—what was blocked remained blocked.
Even Mr. Weasley was at a loss, so this employee who looked like he'd just graduated had even less hope. Incidentally, Mr. Weasley had hidden before the other arrived. Otherwise, he would have become the person in charge.
"Small problem, small problem—just a minor accident."
The employee became increasingly anxious, but the more anxious he became, the less he could solve the problem.
"Is it really a minor accident, sir from the Ministry?"
Dudley spoke up proactively. The moment his voice rang out, the parents who had been arguing with the employee all stopped and quietly waited for his continuation, as if Dudley were their backbone: "First, we still don't know the situation inside. Can you confirm whether any young wizards are trapped inside? The kind who can't get out or come back?"
This statement startled both the employee and everyone around. They'd all been focused on not being able to get in themselves, without thinking there might be accidents. The thought of people trapped inside became more terrifying the more they considered it.
"You can't make decisions about this... I think you should consult your superiors, send more people to handle this, and first check if anyone is trapped."
Finally, Dudley added: "Before it causes an even bigger accident."
This young Ministry employee also realized the seriousness of the problem. Not daring to delay further, he immediately went to contact his superiors.
Trying to dismiss this matter by finding some random scapegoat? That definitely wouldn't work.
This time the Ministry's efficiency improved significantly. A middle-aged man claiming to be a director appeared with his team. The Ministry was also worried about wizards, especially young wizards, having accidents, so they immediately arranged for several wizards, even two Aurors and a St. Mungo's healer.
This was so that if accidents really occurred, they could provide immediate treatment.
This middle-aged man had much more experience and authority than the young person. As soon as he arrived, he stated that the Ministry would be responsible for everyone present.
He immediately promised to run another Hogwarts Express specifically to send these young wizards who missed the train to Hogwarts, guaranteeing it wouldn't delay this year's first-year enrollment ceremony.
The well-equipped team quickly solved this accident. The passage to the Hogwarts Express was finally cleared. No wizards were trapped.
Hearing this result, the person in charge wiped the sweat from his forehead and slowly sighed in relief. If someone had really been hurt, Minister Fudge's desk would definitely be piled with Howlers immediately, and his position would absolutely be finished—he'd be transferred elsewhere, or even sent to Azkaban.
Very skillfully pulling out his business card, he handed it to Dudley, who had proposed this hypothesis, stating that if there was anything he could help with in the future, he absolutely wouldn't hesitate.
Dudley just casually took the card and put it in his pocket. He didn't take the other's promise to heart. When others just mention something casually, you should just listen casually—taking it seriously would be losing.
Especially politicians' words... those definitely couldn't be taken seriously.
However, Dudley's performance in easily controlling the conversation did win the attention of many young wizard parents, especially Slytherin parents.
By now the sky was gradually darkening. The other young wizards who had normally boarded the train had probably reached the castle.
Soon, the additional second Hogwarts Express slowly entered the platform. The young wizards who had missed the train cheered and poured into the carriages.
The journey was uneventful. Hogwarts, having received the news, had already arranged reception personnel. They were indeed late, but fortunately not too late—they barely caught the end of the Sorting Ceremony.
Mainly because a wizard had sent a letter to Hogwarts in advance, so they had waited for them for a while.
Today seemed somewhat different. When Dudley arrived at the Slytherin table, all Slytherins regardless of year, stood up in unison and very consciously made space for him alone. Only after Dudley sat down would they sit.
Throughout this entire process, Dudley said nothing. The entire Slytherin House acted as if they had rehearsed it beforehand—very coordinated.
This scene caught the attention of the Hogwarts faculty. However, from Headmaster Dumbledore down to Head of House Snape, they all very tactfully remained silent.
Lockhart, dressed like a peacock in full display, seemed to plan to say something, but was ignored by all the professors. Who knows what this guy had done to make all the faculty unwilling to acknowledge him.
When the feast ended, Dumbledore made his usual brief announcements, only mentioning the Disciplinary Squad at the end.
"Oh yes, I should add that starting today, years one through four fall under Disciplinary Squad jurisdiction."
Since years one through four had no prefects, they couldn't be managed otherwise.
"Of course... the Disciplinary Squad's points will be calculated separately by Disciplinary Squad members."
At this time, beside the four House hourglasses, the new hourglass Dudley had created with transmutation circles was still preserved.
"Students who are interested can try challenging them—there might be surprises."
Here Dumbledore playfully winked. Definitely stirring up trouble—absolutely stirring up trouble.
As Dumbledore's words fell, Dudley clearly felt that except for Slytherin House, quite a few young wizards from the other three Houses were getting restless, especially Gryffindor.
Competing with four Houses together? That wasn't impossible. They were indeed at a numerical disadvantage, but many times having more people wasn't necessarily useful. Pressure creates motivation.
"Of course... if anyone wants to join them... they just need to pass Captain Dursley's test."
Dumbledore's statement made even the previously calm Slytherin House start getting restless, along with some from other Houses. Even Gryffindor had interested parties—Dudley saw Percy, Ron's brother.
Old Dumbledore... Is this giving a slap and then offering a sweet date? Interesting.
The new student welcome feast ended this way. Young wizards from the four Houses began returning to their respective common rooms.
"Mr. Dursley, you should set the Slytherin common room password."
The sixth-year prefect who had nearly died at the troll's hands came before Dudley and said respectfully. Oh, he should be a seventh-year now.
Dudley nodded without declining, directly announcing: "Then... the first password is—Justice."