Hermione was very pleased to receive the praise.
She felt like she was finally seeing the results of the books she had been memorizing over the past two days.
She glanced at Argus with a rather smug look.
Professor Sprout, having finished teaching the basics, clapped her hands, gesturing for everyone to look over.
"Next, I'm going to teach you how to handle Bouncing Bulbs."
"If you don't want your hands to itch for days after getting splashed with the sap of the Bouncing Bulb, wear gloves!"
After everyone completed the task as instructed by the professor, Professor Sprout gave each of them a stalk of the plant.
"Well done, little wizards."
"Now, gently pick up the bottom of the Bouncing Bulb. Be careful, the Bouncing Bulb is very sensitive, and it may pop out of your hand if you use too much force."
Argus had encountered these plants quite a bit while grinding achievements in the past, so dealing with the Bouncing Bulb was a piece of cake.
It was different when it was Hermione's turn.
Although she had read many books, she never had any close contact with them.
Besides, how could something on paper compare to reality!
As soon as she grasped the Bouncing Bulb, she felt the object in her palm suddenly jump!
"Ah!"
Hermione screamed and almost threw the Bouncing Bulb she was holding.
"Don't be nervous, relax!"
Argus's voice appeared behind her.
His voice seemed to have a magical power, calming Hermione down without her even realizing it.
"Yes, gently, like you would a small animal."
"Put it in a flowerpot and cover it with soil."
With trembling hands, she placed the Bouncing Bulb into the flowerpot.
They could only breathe a sigh of relief after the soil was covered.
"Thank you, Argus!"
"You're welcome."
Hermione's eyes sparkled as she stared blankly at Argus.
She didn't know how much time had passed before she came to her senses.
Suddenly remembering something, she lowered her head and became somewhat dejected.
"Argus, am I stupid?"
"Because of what just happened?"
Hermione didn't refute, but lowered her head, which was considered an admission of Argus's words.
Argus chuckled and met her gaze.
"Hermione, everyone has things they're not good at."
"We cannot overlook her strengths because of some of her shortcomings."
"Don't forget, you are a learned, wise, and visionary Ravenclaw. When you encounter a problem, you should think about how to solve it, not worry about it."
"Besides, this is your first time taking a Herbology class, so it's normal to have no experience."
Argus's words of encouragement clearly had an effect.
Hermione's disappointment vanished, replaced by a smile.
"I understand, Argus!"
"I understand, wise little Ravenclaw witch. Could you please move your foot a bit?"
"Oh! Oh! I'm sorry!"
...
After the Herbology class.
Hermione and Parvati invited Argus to the library, but he politely declined both invitations.
Thinking about his confinement tonight, Argus decided to go and talk to Hagrid first.
After all, there were many dangerous and magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest.
Werewolves, hippogriffs, and Aragog, the eight-eyed giant spider that Hagrid secretly kept!
That thing was as dangerous as a dragon!
Given Hagrid's carefree nature, Argus was genuinely afraid that a single word from him would send him on patrol alone.
He arrived at Hagrid's Hut.
Outside the door was a huge pile of giant pumpkins.
Hagrid was mixing something in a wooden bucket.
To Argus, the enormous wooden barrel looked no different from a washbasin in Hagrid's hands.
Upon seeing Argus arrive, Hagrid put down what he was carrying.
He greeted Argus happily.
"Argus, you've come!"
"Come in and sit down. I heard from the professor that you don't need to worry about your solitary confinement tonight. I'll take good care of you."
"I'm relieved to hear that."
Argus followed Hagrid into the house.
Upon entering, he was stunned by Hagrid's luxurious furniture.
A blanket made of unicorn hair, and a chair made of holly wood.
There were also unicorn horns and broken branches from the Bowtruckle.
All sorts of precious materials were piled up in a corner like garbage.
This wasn't a hunting ground being guarded; it was clearly a gold mine!
Sensing the strange look in Argus's eyes, Hagrid mistakenly assumed that Argus was unhappy because his room was too dirty.
He scratched his head sheepishly.
"I'm sorry, I don't usually get many customers here, so it's a bit messy."
"Why don't you wait a moment while I pack up?"
"You've misunderstood, Hagrid. I just didn't expect you to have so many magical creature materials stockpiled here," Argus explained.
"I picked these up while patrolling the Forbidden Forest."
"These have been sitting here for a long time. If you want them, just let me know and I'll save some for you."
These materials might be precious to the average person, but for Hagrid, they were commonplace.
He didn't feel anything.
After inviting Argus to sit down, he excitedly took out his signature rock-skin cake and placed it on the table.
He poured another cup of strong tea.
"These are rock-skin cakes I made, I guarantee you'll love them!"
"Try it!"
Argus lost his grip and accidentally dropped it onto the table.
It just so happened to hit the plate.
Click!
The plate shattered with a crack, but the rock-skin cake remained unscathed.
It made a clanging sound.
The air fell silent instantly.
Argus's mouth twitched.
Are you sure it's not that they don't like it, or that they can't chew it?
Under Hagrid's regretful gaze, Argus shook his head frantically in refusal.
Looking at the scattered magical creature materials, he suddenly remembered something and asked.
"By the way, Hagrid, what do you usually do with the things you bring back from the Forbidden Forest?"
"I keep some for myself, and I'll sell the rest to Diagon Alley."
"But you know, those purebloods in Diagon Alley are all vampires."
"Except for some specialized ranches, the purchase prices are frighteningly low."
Hagrid was very unhappy about the topic and kept complaining.
Argus's eyes lit up.
"Hagrid, I have a suggestion you might want to consider!"
"If you have any materials in the future, you can sell them to me directly."
"I will buy them all at market price!"
What do you think?
Argus had always known that replacing Diagon Alley was not something that could be accomplished simply by a few potions shops and clothing stores.
A large number of diverse stores were needed.
Magical creature materials had always been a popular trade among wizards.
If he could get Hagrid on board, the acolytes would have a stable supply of goods.
Even if Argus and Dumbledore broke off relations in the future and could no longer trade with Hagrid.
The goods he received in the previous transaction would be real!
Moreover, Argus's break with Dumbledore would not occur for at least several years.
This period of time would be enough for him to develop new sources of goods.
As he spoke, he kept observing Hagrid's expression, trying to discern his thoughts.
He thought Hagrid would hesitate, but his reaction was unexpectedly excited.
He hugged Argus tightly.
"Argus, you've done me a huge favor!"
"You have no idea how much the prices are driven down every time I go to sell materials!"
"It's less than half the market price!"
Of course!
Argus thought to himself.
People will take advantage of you because you seem to be bad at talking!
Try using Hogwarts' name to your advantage.
Who dares!
However, he did not tell Hagrid these words.
He replied with a smile, "Don't worry, I definitely won't deliberately try to lower the price."
"Of course! We're friends!"
"At such a high price, wouldn't you...?"
Hagrid hesitated, feeling that he had gotten a great deal out of Argus.
He felt a little uneasy.
"No, there's no shortage of supply for magical creature materials. At most, we'll just make a little less profit."
Argus's words were simply bullying an honest person.
The materials Hagrid possessed were all top-quality, exceptionally valuable, and practically unavailable!
Even if the market price was doubled, there were still plenty of people willing to buy it!
If the wizards of Diagon Alley hadn't been so certain that he wouldn't haggle, they certainly wouldn't have dared to offer such a low price.
Fortunately, Hagrid wasn't very bright; he was already dizzy just hearing that everything would be bought at market price.
"That's good!"
Hagrid breathed a sigh of relief.
His simple and honest nature made him feel that he had taken a huge advantage over Argus.
After discussing the specific transaction time and quantity with Argus, he insisted on having him stay for lunch before letting Argus return to his dormitory.
He spent the afternoon with Hermione in the library.
As dusk fell, Argus ate a quick bite in the lobby, then took a few fried fish from the table and went to Filch's office.
The door was unlocked, and the inside was empty.
Only one cat was lying on the table.
"Filch really doesn't know how to raise cats at all!"
"He raised such a fine cat to be skinny and wiry, and her fur is all matted."
Argus stepped forward, took out the fried fish that he had prepared in the hall, and placed it in front of Mrs. Norris.
"Hello, Mrs. Norris, it's nice to see you again."
Mrs. Norris jumped off the table and stared at Argus for a long time.
Hesitantly, she picked up the small fried fish.
"Scourgify!"
Argus used magic to remove the stains from Mrs. Norris's body.
He gently stroked her back with his hand.
Realizing that Argus meant no harm, Mrs. Norris stopped struggling and began to eat the fried fish without any hesitation.
She ate slowly!
"Nobody's going to take it from you!"
When facing non-hostile individuals, whether in public or in private, Argus never hesitated to show his goodwill.
Even if it was just a cat.
Just as he was enjoying petting the cat, an angry voice came from afar.
"Get away! What have you done to my Mrs. Norris!"