As soon as Erwin said this, the entire compartment fell silent.
Malfoy stared at Erwin with a completely blank expression, his eyes filled with utter incomprehension. His walnut-sized brain genuinely could not figure out what Erwin meant.
True, when he heard that Erwin didn't come from a Pure-blood family, he had indeed intended to make trouble. But heavens be witness, he never actually planned to hurl direct insults. After all, the upbringing he had received since childhood taught him to speak differently depending on whom he faced. For instance, when dealing with someone like a Weasley, he could hurl insults freely because, in Malfoy's eyes, he was far more noble than a Weasley.
Yet Erwin, standing right before him, made Malfoy unable to feel that way at all. The aura about Erwin was simply too extraordinary—even more noble, it felt, than anyone from the Pure-blood families he knew.
As a result, before his words could even leave his mouth, he was sent flying straight through the air.
Nearby, Ron and Harry Potter, who were peeking in, were also somewhat surprised by what Erwin had said. Ron had just been scolded by Erwin and humiliated by Malfoy, so in his view, neither of them was a good person.
Harry Potter, however, held the exact opposite view at this moment. Perhaps it was due to a preconceived notion: Erwin had helped him, and he didn't like Malfoy to begin with. Watching Erwin put Malfoy in his place subconsciously made him feel favorably disposed toward Erwin.
Erwin knew nothing of this at the moment; had he known, he would certainly have cursed his bad luck. The Savior and all that—wasn't that pure misfortune?
Crabbe and Goyle, the two henchmen, hurried to Malfoy's side and helped him up.
The look Malfoy cast at Erwin was a mix of resentment and fear. After all, the boy had never been beaten since childhood, nor had he ever encountered someone like Erwin who struck out for no apparent reason.
That's right: in Malfoy's view, Erwin was the sort of unreasonable person who lashed out without any justification whatsoever.
Seeing the aggrieved and resentful look in Malfoy's eyes, Erwin raised an eyebrow slightly. "What? You look like you still want to curse at me!"
As he spoke, Erwin gave the wand in his hand a slight flick.
At this sight, Malfoy was instantly terrified. "No! I don't! I didn't mean that at all!"
Malfoy was truly frightened. If the target had no weapon in hand, the Disarming Charm would send them flying directly through the air. For reference, see that unfortunate Death Eater whom Hermione blasted away in the original book. Though not fatal, hitting the floor hurt like hell.
Erwin let out an "oh" and said, "Then why aren't you leaving?"
Malfoy froze for a moment, then turned and bolted with his two henchmen. His speed was something else, as if he had a dog snapping at his heels.
After the three of them left, the onlookers and students watching the commotion gradually dispersed as well.
Erwin yawned. Figuring the time, it should still be another two or three hours before they reached Hogwarts. Just as he was planning to head back inside to rest, an Asian girl walked toward him.
"A brilliant Accio and Disarming Charm! Are you really not from a Pure-blood family? Your magic is far too practiced!"
Erwin shook his head. "I'm not! I just practiced a bit before the term started!"
The Asian girl extended her hand. "Such astonishing talent! My name is Cho Chang. Of course, following Western naming customs, they all call me Chang Cho!"
The corners of Erwin's mouth ticked upward. As expected, it was her—the only Asian character to appear in the original work, and not even the film version at that. Judging by her appearance, she must be the book version of Cho Chang.
Erwin guessed that this world was a fusion of the novels and the movies. As for the reason, it was probably due to some irresistible special setting!
Erwin gently shook Cho Chang's hand. "Hello, my name is Erwin. It's very nice to meet you, Cho Chang!"
He spoke this sentence in Chinese.
Cho Chang blinked in surprise and exclaimed, "You actually speak Daxia!"
Erwin nodded. "Daxia is a very mysterious and ancient land. In my view, it is the most beautiful country in the world, as well as the greatest—without exception!"
Cho Chang nodded in agreement. "I feel the exact same way. I truly hope you get sorted into Ravenclaw! We're bound to get along wonderfully!"
Erwin smiled. "Perhaps!"
Just then, one of Cho Chang's classmates called out to her.
Cho Chang said, "If you get the chance, you're welcome to visit Daxia! I have to go first!"
Erwin nodded. "Alright! Thank you for the invitation, I'll definitely go. By then, I'll have to trouble you to be my tour guide."
Cho Chang smiled. "With your level of Daxia, you won't need a tour guide!"
With that, Cho Chang trotted away.
Watching her retreating figure, Erwin couldn't help muttering to himself that youth was truly full of vitality.
"Was that Daxia you were speaking just now?"
Erwin turned his head and saw that Miss Granger was still standing nearby. Also lingering in the spot was the timid Mr. Neville Longbottom!
Erwin nodded. "Yes, Daxia. All right, now that the toad has been found, I'm going back to rest."
Hermione said, "I saw your compartment only has one person in it, and I don't feel like walking all the way back. Do you mind if I join you?"
Erwin replied, "If you can keep quiet, be my guest."
With that, Erwin walked straight into the compartment. Hermione didn't mind and looked toward Neville standing nearby.
"Neville! Are you coming with us, or are you heading back to your compartment?"
Neville stammered, "I'd better go back! I—I'm a bit afraid of that gentleman!"
Hermione didn't push him further. She nodded and said, "Alright! Then you'd better keep a close eye on your toad! If you have the misfortune of losing it again, there won't be a second Mr. Erwin to use the Accio spell to find it for you!"
Neville nodded hastily.
Little did Hermione know that her words were as good as blessed. The saga of Trevor the toad going missing was only just beginning, and the grand production of "Where is the Toad That Spanned Hogwarts" was about to officially open.
After Neville left, Hermione walked straight into the compartment. Erwin was resting.
Hermione began, "Was that the Accio spell you used earlier? I've read about it in books! But isn't that a spell you only learn in the third year? And the Disarming Charm, isn't that second-year magic? Why were you able to cast them, and so proficiently at that?"
Erwin felt his head buzzing; he was already regretting letting Hermione share his compartment. He had forgotten that besides being a know-it-all, Miss Granger was also an endlessly curious chatterbox—a prime representative of someone who would chase a question to the bitter end.
Seeing that Erwin didn't answer, Hermione asked in bewilderment, "Are you asleep? Why aren't you saying anything? Did I disturb you?"
Erwin's face grew even darker. *Very well, Miss Hermione Granger, you truly live up to your reputation.*
With a sigh of resignation, Erwin opened his eyes and said, "First of all, I had someone teach me those spells. Secondly, Miss, I hope you can recall what I said before you stepped into this compartment."