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"The Blackwood family? James?"
As the current head of the Black family, Pallux Black had some knowledge of prestigious families.
Although he had never heard of James specifically, he vaguely recalled that in the ancient city of London, there were indeed quite a few pure-blood families with the surname Blackwood. Their lineage stretched back for centuries, and their inheritance was frighteningly long.
Besides, he knew Aberforth. Although Pallux had some grudges against him, he also recognized him as Dumbledore's younger brother.
Aberforth rarely left his shabby pub unless he was carrying out a commission from Dumbledore.
In other words, if Aberforth had personally come to pick up these two children, it must have been at Dumbledore's request.
Now, with Dumbledore's reputation growing, even the proudest pure-blood families were becoming less willing to openly challenge him.
So when Pallux considered that Dumbledore had sent his own brother to fetch these two children, he found himself believing Robert's words—at least 90% of them.
However, even though he sensed he might be wrong, as the head of a pure-blood family, he could not easily admit his mistake. Not when his wife and children were watching.
"Hmph… In that case, I look forward to meeting your elders," Pallux said in a proud tone.
But the moment those words left his lips, he realized that, in saying them, he had practically acknowledged Robert's story.
This should have been the moment he turned and left with dignity.
But he didn't expect—
Robert's eyes lit up. "Really? Then let's set a date! My uncle happens to be visiting me right now, and I've heard that he's not in the best mood… Perhaps sparring with a pure-blood wizard from the UK will cheer him up."
Pallux's face turned pale.
Though he was skilled in dueling, the idea of facing a wizard from an ancient lineage—one who apparently found joy in fighting—was not appealing. Such individuals were usually exceptionally talented in battle.
Pallux couldn't help but hesitate.
His children were still young. His wife was still young.
Moreover, how could a noble and elegant pure-blood wizard lower himself to the level of a reckless fighter?
"Haha, what a pity," Pallux said with an awkward laugh. "I'm quite busy these days. So much to handle. I suppose your uncle is lucky… otherwise… hehe…"
With that, Pallux quickly pulled his daughter toward the wall before Robert could say anything else.
As she was being dragged away, the girl shot Robert a fierce glare, her eyes filled with frustration.
Robert, however, was entirely indifferent. He even looked back at her with a hint of condescending pity.
It was as if he pitied her for being born into such a "humble" family.
As Robert had expected, his pitiful gaze nearly made the girl explode with anger.
However, before she could say anything, her father pulled her through the wall into Platform 9¾.
"Dad! You didn't actually believe what that guy said, did you?" the girl asked angrily as they stepped onto the platform.
"Walburga, do you think a Mudblood would have that kind of confidence?" Pallux replied sharply.
That boy looked even more like a pureblood than he did!
Walburga thought about Robert's demeanor just moments ago and had to admit—her father had a point.
But she simply couldn't accept it! When had she ever been looked down upon like that?
Fuming, she turned and pinched her brother hard. "Why didn't you speak up for me just now?"
"Why are you pinching me? I didn't even say anything!" Alphard groaned, completely caught off guard.
Irma, their mother, looked at her husband and couldn't help but comment, "You clearly don't have much to do lately… Could it be that you're afraid?"
"Afraid? Me?" Pallux huffed. "Ridiculous! I just… I just… Do you want me to behave like some reckless brute, Irma?"
Irma, seeing her husband's face turning red, decided to let the matter drop.
Outside Platform 9¾.
Only after the Black family disappeared did Robert drop the pure-blooded act he had been playing so perfectly.
When he turned around, he found Aberforth and Tom staring at him in disbelief.
Tom swallowed hard before asking, "Are you really from that… Blackwood family?"
Robert shrugged. "I was just messing around. Tom, you didn't actually believe that, did you?"
Tom blinked. "F-Fake?"
Robert had spoken with such confidence—his expression, his tone—everything about it had seemed utterly convincing.
And now he was saying it was all fake?
Robert clapped Tom on the shoulder. "I told you before—when you step out into the world, you create your own identity. Our records at the orphanage have been destroyed. I say I'm a pureblood—who can prove I'm not? Against someone as arrogant as that guy, you have to be even more arrogant. Of course, your skills need to keep up, or you'll get beaten up."
Tom frowned. "Aren't you afraid of being exposed? What if there really is a pure-blood family named Blackwood?"
"Blackwood is a common surname. In London alone, there are probably thousands with that name. And I never said which Blackwood family I was from. If they're capable, let them investigate." Robert smirked.
"You're unbelievable, Robert," Tom sighed.
Robert ran a hand over Nagini's smooth scales and spoke in a slow, deliberate tone. "I appreciate the compliment, Tom. But I don't like your choice of words."
Tom flinched and quickly corrected himself. "Ahem—I mean, you're really smart…"
As they spoke, neither noticed Aberforth's thoughtful expression.
In his mind, Robert's words might not have been entirely lies.
Aberforth decided he would write to his brother about this.
Dumbledore had always been curious about Robert's background.
And now, based on what Robert had said today, they might finally be able to infer something.
Platform 9¾ was bustling.
Hogwarts students and their families filled the space, saying their goodbyes.
By the time Robert and Tom boarded the Hogwarts Express, the Black family was nowhere to be seen.
Aberforth hurried off after escorting them onto the train.
Inside, the compartments were already crowded.
Luckily, Robert and Tom managed to find an empty private compartment.
After stowing his trunk, Robert settled by the window.
Uncharacteristically, Tom didn't sit down to read. Instead, he mumbled something to Robert before slipping out of the compartment.
Robert knew exactly what he was up to and let him go.
Meanwhile, he idly chatted with Nagini in Parseltongue.
Tom's eyes gleamed as he wandered down the train corridor.
Robert's words had stuck with him.
Tom planned to make some "friends"—and discuss their "family backgrounds."
After his encounter with the Black family, Tom now had a better understanding of how pure-blood families operated. He could identify them easily.
He moved from compartment to compartment, scanning the passengers.
Then, he stopped.
Inside one of the compartments were the two Black siblings.
Tom watched from behind the door.
Several other students were sitting with them. A blond-haired boy seemed to be talking to Walburga.
But she looked annoyed.
Tom smirked. Couldn't even handle a few words?
Back then, he—
He paused, remembering the times Robert had humiliated him.
His mood soured.
Just then, Walburga snapped, "None of your business, Malfoy! You're annoying me!"
Tom quickly stepped back, watching as the blond boy stormed out, clearly humiliated.
Tom stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Robert, meanwhile, was in his compartment, reading.
Nagini tapped the page with her tail, prompting him to turn it.
Just as he did, the door suddenly swung open.
A blond boy, flanked by several others, stormed in.
Robert glanced up.
And at that moment, he spotted a familiar figure hiding behind the door.
Tom.
Robert immediately understood.
And he smirked.
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