Almost every country that participated in the Quidditch World Cup had a stadium large enough to hold spectators from all over the world. The 1994 Quidditch World Cup was held in England. To make the venue capable of accommodating one hundred thousand spectators, Ministry of Magic employees had begun work a year in advance.
Fudge had wanted to use the grand event to dilute the negative impact of Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban, but the Death Eater unrest after the match ruined his plans. Since then, security for the Quidditch World Cup had become much stricter. The 2006 World Cup was to be held in France. According to France's wizarding newspaper, Arcanus, in view of the various rights movements that had recently become increasingly active, the French Ministry of Magic would expand recruitment for Aurors and security personnel this year in preparation for next year's event.
Pomona set down the newspaper and looked at the weather vane atop the manor in the distance. It was spinning rapidly.
She was now in the Loire Valley, not far from Paris. There was a saying that to experience the full charm of France, one only needed to visit two places: Paris and the Loire Valley. Paris represented France's romantic, avant-garde side, while the Loire Valley was its tranquil, classical backyard. Small hills lined both banks of the river, and ancient castles lay hidden among lush trees, mysterious and secluded, like something from one of Monet's paintings.
This winery belonged to the Malfoy family. Lucius had entrusted the winery's operation and management to several Muggles, while the manor served as a temporary residence during trips and was usually almost empty. Now Pomona, Severus, Felix, Fiona, Kreacher, and the injured Cockroach Cluster were all staying there.
Under Felix's guidance, the Basilisk Saturn had left the