Today is another peaceful day for the whole of England.
But for the wizarding world in England.
Today is not so peaceful.
Early in the morning numerous owls flew to all parts of England with newspapers.
There wasn't any of the usual news in the newspapers.
This time it's all about Lucas Grindelwald and his shop.
Even the most unreliable newspaper "The Quibbler" had a picture of Lucas on the front page.
The difference is that it is exploring whether Lucas has a connection with mysterious creatures and some conspiracy theories.
As for the Daily Prophet, the official representative of the Ministry of Magic.
It took several pages to publish the news about Lucas.
The front page used a photo of Lucas and Fudge.
The content of the newspaper is a lot of hype about Lucas' 15 newly opened stores.
The rest are all praises for Minister Fudge's brilliance.
But what people talk about the most is the report content of the "Witch Weekly" magazine.
"Genius? Prodigy? Another Grindelwald!"
Such an eye-catching title immediately grabbed people's attention.
The report popularized Lucas' surname in detail.
Incidentally, it also helps people recall what another Grindelwald did decades ago.
Then, the reporter started to get to the point.
[According to the reporter's understanding, Mr. Grindelwald's performance at Hogwarts was excellent.
He is eloquent and talented, and he already possesses leadership qualities in the first year of school, which is so similar to his father.
Let us take a look at this grand opening ceremony, almost all the celebrities from the British magic circle attended.
It also includes the Ministry of Magic and the major pure-blood families. Does the reporter have reason to suspect that Mr. Grindelwald intends to imitate his father?]
Below these texts the reporter added a photo of Lucas chatting with members of the Alliance.
In the photo, it shows how they all appear respectful of him.
It's easy to make people think that Lucas is planning something evil when in fact, he was really just chatting with them.
The rest are basically conspiracy theories.
The reporter pointed out that Lucas was not as kind as he appeared.
It's almost like calling him a demon in human skin.
Unfortunately, in the wizarding world there aren't laws against libel.
Otherwise, Lucas would have gone to the Ministry of Magic to sue the stupid reporter (even if he got pretty close to the truth).
Turning the newspaper to the end, Lucas wanted to see who could write such an eye-catching report.
But when he saw the reporter's name, his expression was a little surprised but more relieved.
Rita Skeeter, I believe anyone who knows this name knows who she is.
Reporter for the Daily Prophet, illegal Animagus in the form of a water beetle.
It's precisely because of this that Rita Skeeter is always able to invade other people's privacy.
Lucas was surprised because she was obviously a reporter of the "Daily Prophet", but published the article in the "Witch Weekly" magazine.
But soon he figured out the key.
The Daily Prophet is, after all, the official newspaper of the Ministry of Magic.
How could it be possible for Rita Skeeter to talk nonsense at will without the support of the Ministry.
And, to think that she wrote the article.
Lucas was relieved, no one could make up so many stories except her.
[Congratulations to the host for obtaining a new achievement: household name; reward: 100 achievement points.]
The door was pushed open and Vinda along with Abernathy entered.
Seeing the magazine in the boy's hand, Vinda asked softly, "Do you want someone to deal with it?"
"No, people just read this for fun."
Lucas put it aside and turned to look at Abernathy.
"Uncle, welcome back!"
Abernathy is now fully recovered, even stronger than before.
When the two met again, they naturally had a lot to talk about.
But before that, Lucas picked up the "Witch Weekly" and handed it to Vinda.
"Although the reports don't matter, the person who wrote this article is a talented person. If you find her, she may be useful in the future."
"In addition, find a few members who seem to be well-educated, and let them work for the Daily Prophet."
"Newspapers are the fastest way for common wizards to learn about the magic world. With newspapers in hand, we can control public opinion in the magic world at any time."
Waiting for Vinda to leave the room.
Only then did Lucas turned to chat with Abernathy about the recent situation.
Vinda and Abernathy are special to him.
Not only did he grow up under the care of the two, even the first spell Lucas learned was taught by Abernathy.
So when he saw Abernathy hurt, Lucas was incredibly angry, angry enough to destroy the German Ministry of Magic.
…
(Greengrass Manor, Hampshire.)
Astoria Greengrass, 10 years old, was sitting in the garden sulking.
Such a grand ceremony yesterday, but the family actually forgot about her.
Just because she overslept!
"Astoria, how long are you going to be angry?"
Hearing the voice of her sister Daphne, Astoria snorted coldly and turned her head to the other side.
"Well, it was my fault, but look what I brought you."
Looking at the newspaper in front of her, Astoria showed doubts.
But when Daphne pointed to the magic photo on the front page. "This is Lucas Grindelwald."
The newspaper in her hand suddenly disappeared.
Astoria looked at the boy in the photo and said excitedly: "So this is the chief my sister often talks about."
"I really want to grow up to be 11 soon, so that I can go to Hogwarts to go to school, but unfortunately I have to wait another year." (T/N: different fandoms have different birthdates for Astoria, some say she was born in 1981 and others in 1982, this fanfic follows the later)
The girl had just finished speaking when she suddenly raised the newspaper to signal to her sister excitedly.
"Look, he has Gold hair and Blue eyes just like you."
Seeing the excited appearance of her sister, Daphne slapped her forehead, she knew that she should not have talked about the school to this girl.
…
(The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole.)
Ron Weasley woke up this morning feeling malice from all directions.
Be it his parents or siblings, they are all talking about yesterday's opening ceremony.
Naturally, the name Lucas Grindelwald also pops up from time to time.
"Harry, I heard that you are in the same class. How is Mr. Grindelwald in school?"
Of course Harry was telling the truth about how amazing he is.
This made Molly Weasley appreciate Lucas even more.
"Oh Merlin, Mr. Grindelwald gave our family such an expensive gift, should I knit him a sweater this Christmas?"
"In this case, I need to start preparing in advance."
Seeing that his family members seem to be possessed by demons, Ron Weasley said helplessly: "Mom, don't waste your efforts in vain, that guy Lucas won't like it."
"Ronald Weasley, you have to learn to be grateful, you know? I heard that you always troubled Mr. Grindelwald at Hogwarts, didn't you?"
Seeing his mother's serious face, Ron immediately sat down in his seat and had breakfast, stuffing his mouth with a sullen face.
"Hmph!" Molly snorted and continued, "I don't expect you to be like Mr. Grindelwald."
"But at least you should get A's (acceptable) and not two D's (dreadful) and a T (troll)"
After Molly finished speaking, the others immediately laughed.
The twins' ridicule is not concealed at all.
Ron rolled his eyes angrily, and turned to look beside him.
"Hey Ginny, what are you doing?"
Hearing Ron yell, Ginny immediately put the Daily Prophet away.
"Nothing, I'm full!"
Looking at his younger sister who hurried upstairs, Ron looked at the others puzzled.
Obviously, nobody wants to answer the oblivious Weasley.
…
(Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.)
Dumbledore sat in the Headmaster's office looking at the newspaper in his hand, not knowing what to think about it.
Just then, Professor Snape walked in.
"This is your potion for this month. Let me remind you again, Headmaster, if you don't stop eating so many sweets, it may not be as simple as a toothache."
Professor Snape left right after speaking.
Before reaching the stairs, he heard Dumbledore's inquiry behind him.
"Severus, what did Lucas talk to you about yesterday?"
"It's nothing, he made a deal with me, asking me to provide five bottles of high-grade potions to his potion shop every month, and one bottle of Felix Felicis every six months."
"And you agreed?"
"Of course!" Snape nodded.
"I will decide the type of potion, as long as it is a high-grade potion, I have no reason to refuse such excellent conditions and generous rewards."
"Well, thank you Severus!"
After making sure that Dumbledore had nothing else to ask, Professor Snape turned and left the headmaster's room.
…
(8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London.)
Hermione threw the Witch Weekly magazine on the ground angrily.
"That's bullshit, Lucas isn't like that! Rita Skeeter? How can someone like that deserve to be a reporter?"
The little witch hated this reporter who dared to slander her Lucas.
She even swore that if she met her in the future, she would have a serious discussion with her.
The two might be fated to be on opposite sides.
In the original book, Hermione and Rita Skeeter were enemies.
Unexpectedly, even with the butterfly named Lucas, the future relationship between the two still does not seem to have changed.
Even, it seems that Hermione came to hate Rita even earlier than originally.
Ignoring the Witch Weekly, Hermione picked up the Daily Prophet again
Looking at the high-spirited teenager in the moving photograph.
Her face was full of pride!
"Honey, we're leaving for the airport. If we're late, we might be late for our flight to France!"
"Got it mom!"
Hermione put the newspaper in the suitcase, then dragged it out of her room.
Muggle travel is really troublesome, neither the levitation spell nor the shrinking spell can be used.
The little witch suddenly felt that magic was so convenient and practical.
Hours later, the Grangers walked out of the airport with their daughter.
Looking at the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance the three smiled happily.
At this time, Hermione heard an extremely familiar voice coming not far from the three of them.
"Uncle, Aunt, Hermione, what a coincidence!"
They looked at the blond boy walking towards them and the Granger adults immediately set their sights on their daughter.
At this moment, Hermione was completely stunned!
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