"The Quidditch World Cup?" John mused, holding the letter from Fleur in his hands. He suddenly remembered the tickets he had received from Barty Crouch. "Andre!" A loud commotion echoed from downstairs, likely the result of Uncle Andre's latest mishap with Mrs. Wick. Since returning from a trip to the United States, John had noticed Mrs. Wick's newfound passion for cooking, fueled by a cookbook from a renowned chef. Despite Uncle Andre's attempts to assist, his efforts often ended in disaster.
Meanwhile, Watson Wick was nearing the resolution of his business affairs, though rumors about the Wick family were swirling in London's underground. The power dynamics in London were shifting, and Watson found himself at the center of attention, much to his dismay. Uncle Seryozha's solution was simple: a glass of vodka to drown the worries. Amidst this turmoil, a gypsy leader sought Watson's help for his son, implicated in a high-profile murder. The situation was complicated, with unseen forces at play, highlighting the precariousness of life in their world.
Amidst these concerns, John's focus was elsewhere, particularly on the advertising opportunities presented by the upcoming Quidditch World Cup. Utilizing his connections, he secured an advertising slot from Barty Crouch, aiming to leverage the event for the Johnny Silver Hand store. The local Ministry of Magic was in disarray, with the Minister's position vacant, placing additional pressure on Crouch to use the event to bolster his standing.
John's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop at advertising. He summoned Tang Mi to discuss setting up a betting pool for the Quidditch World Cup, confident in their ability to predict the outcome and profit from the venture. With the Irish team poised for victory, the potential earnings were astronomical, given the event's popularity.
To manage the betting pool, John entrusted Tang Mi, who approached the Department of Magical Sports with a proposal. Their strategy was to operate openly yet discreetly, sharing profits to avoid unnecessary complications. Ludo Bagman, the director of the department and a known gambler, expressed interest in the venture, hinting at the possibility of discounts for officials.
As John navigated these ventures, the narrative shifted to Peter's daring escape. The details of his breakout were meticulously planned, showcasing his cunning and desperation to evade capture. The chapter concluded with Peter's successful escape, leaving readers to ponder the implications of his newfound freedom.
This chapter weaves together multiple storylines, from the Wick family's underworld dealings to John's entrepreneurial ventures and Peter's prison break. The narrative captures the complexity of their lives, marked by ambition, loyalty, and the constant shadow of danger. Tang Mi returned with news, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern. "He's still insistent on it," he reported, shaking his head. "He was once the top player for the Wimbourne Hornets, and now, it seems he could outdrink a wine barrel."
John, intrigued by Tang Mi's tone, probed further. "You knew him?"
After a moment's hesitation, Tang Mi admitted, "I was a big fan of the Wimbourne Hornets. Back then, I played Quidditch alongside Ozzy and Lippi while working at the Ministry of Magic." Reflecting on his past brought a touch of melancholy to his voice. If it weren't for the werewolf attack, he might still be climbing the ranks at the Ministry. During his recent visit there, he had reunited with his old friends, Ozzy Heard and Lippi Kerber, who seemed to have made little progress in their careers, a fact that made Tang Mi sigh with a mix of relief and regret.
John, who had been reviewing a Ministry document, advised without looking up, "You should catch up with your friends. There's no need to hide anymore, is there?"
Tang Mi, caught off guard by the suggestion, took a moment to process it. John, noticing Tang Mi's hesitation, couldn't help but comment, "You haven't seen them all day, have you?" Tang Mi's embarrassed reaction, scratching his head and blushing, made him look like a bashful young man.
Before stepping into the fireplace to leave, John reassured Tang Mi, "I don't mind you having your own friends. It's important to maintain personal relationships. I'm not one to micromanage." With that, he vanished in a burst of blue flame.
Tang Mi was left pondering his past and the close bond he once shared with his friends before his life took an unexpected turn. Determined to reconnect, he left the Silver Hand Johnny store, ignoring the calls of his colleagues. On a whim, he stopped by a flower shop and awkwardly purchased a bouquet, telling himself it was only appropriate to bring a gift after such a long absence.
...
Meanwhile, Dudley Dursley had been on a mission to lose weight, often seen jogging around Privet Drive with a determination that suggested he was being chased. John had noticed the change in the Dursleys' behavior towards Harry, attributing it partly to the intimidating presence of his "uncles." The Dursleys now treated Harry with a newfound respect, with Uncle Vernon occasionally apologizing after a reflexive shout and Aunt Petunia even buying clothes for Harry, actions that seemed almost out of character for them.
Harry's living conditions had improved significantly; his room was no longer locked, and he didn't have to hide while doing his homework. However, Dudley's diet meant that Harry, too, was subjected to a vegetable-heavy diet, much to his dismay. In his letters to friends, Harry expressed a longing for more palatable food, provided it could be kept secret from Dudley, who had developed a habit of sleepwalking to the kitchen in search of snacks, only to find the refrigerator disappointingly empty.
Dudley had considered visiting John for a culinary reprieve but was haunted by a childhood incident involving John's magic tricks, which left him terrified of pencils. This fear was so profound that Dudley had nightmares about it and even sought comfort by sleeping in his parents' room for a week.
Harry, meanwhile, found solace in writing to Sirius, his godfather, sharing updates and seeking advice. The bond between them grew stronger with each letter, providing Harry with a sense of family and support that he cherished deeply. Harry always had a lot to share, and for this reason, Hedwig, who was once plump, had become noticeably slimmer. Basil, on the other hand, found great amusement in standing by the window, casting disdainful looks at Hedwig as she tirelessly flew about. If not for the barrier the window provided, the two snowy owls would undoubtedly engage in a fierce battle.
As Harry eagerly anticipated his birthday, it arrived right on schedule, bringing with it four large cakes from Hagrid, Hermione, Ron, and Sirius. It was a day filled with joy for Harry. However, the atmosphere shifted when John, holding a copy of the "Daily Prophet," fell into a somber silence. The headline that caught his attention read, "The Ministry Loses Peter Pettigrew."
John raised his eyes to meet Pierce's, who spoke with a hint of fear in his voice, "Peter Pettigrew disappeared just one week after being sent to Azkaban."
"It escaped, as expected of a rat," John commented dryly, setting the newspaper aside without any visible emotion. He pondered the situation, realizing he should have anticipated this. If Sirius could escape Azkaban, it stood to reason that Pettigrew could as well. The news, while unsettling, was not entirely surprising, casting a shadow over what had been a day of celebration.
_________
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https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge