Why Are You So Practiced at This?

To Fudge and Crouch, the matter of a Magic Carpet dealer was not a big deal.

Fudge's words were very insightful.

Since there are explicit regulations, the law must be respected... If we can't talk face-to-face, we have to discuss it privately.

If you can't even get full marks for this kind of understanding, then you're still a long way from saying, "Master, I've got it!"

Fudge wasn't going to bother giving such an idiot a backdoor.

But if the other party is smart and savvy...

Fudge wouldn't mind letting United Kingdom wizards, who are suffering from a lack of entertainment and deep-seated problems, use the Magic Carpet of the Arab world as soon as possible.

Of course, there will be an expensive cancellation fee.

As for whether he can seize the family transportation market, what does that have to do with him? He's just doing his job for money.

In this field, Fudge has an excellent reputation; it always gets things done for money, treats people with integrity, and never cheats anyone, young or old.

Everyone who's been through his back door gives him a thumbs up... except for Malfoy.

One more thing, it would be even better if Magic Carpet manufacturers could seize market share.

Disrupting the domestic transportation market, several major broom manufacturers had to rush to his door overnight, asking him to ban the sale of Magic Carpet.

If you can't outsell others, then ban it! Or, force the Magic Carpet manufacturer to sell its store at a low price and turn it into a United Kingdom enterprise.

If the Magic Carpet merchant had any sense, even if he were a shop from Mars, he'd have to kneel down quickly.

From any perspective, Fudge is guaranteed to make a profit and even gain a wave of support.

Crouch had no desire to deal with this businessman. Without Horace's introduction, how could the businessman have possibly contacted an official of his rank?

Although Crouch didn't become Minister for Magic, he was still the Director, and he had some prestige!

Moreover, he hates breaking the law and violating discipline more than anything else in his life!

There is no doubt that Horace received a considerable amount of benefits.

Crouch knew his teacher well.

In his youth, he enjoyed material pleasures and liked to associate with famous, successful, and powerful people.

Everyone stopped paying attention to the Magic Carpet vendor, Fudge continued to ask:

"Barty, have you seen where Ludo went? I've been looking for him."

This area is a complete mess. Niffler just stole something and knocked down the tent... Hey, Lucius, what are you doing?

Fudge suddenly waved his hand towards the distance.

Malfoy appeared to be taking a walk, accompanied by two large men— Crabbe and Goyle.

Beside them stood a gloomy wizard— Macnair. This wizard was responsible for slaughtering Magical Creatures that had committed crimes.

He was the executioner when Buckbeak was executed.

Hearing the shout, Malfoy looked up and saw Minister Fudge, forcing a slight smile onto his pale face.

He announced loudly, "I just heard on the way that Magical Creatures are attacking the camp. Someone's tent collapsed and a lot of things were lost."

There's no match right now, let's go watch and have some fun.

Fudge looked at him strangely and said loudly, "Some tents have indeed collapsed, but I'd better be prepared, Lucius."

"What?" Malfoy maintained his elegant smile.

Fudge, barely suppressing a laugh, said, "What collapsed was... your tent."

"..."

Malfoy hesitated for two seconds, then turned and ran.

Banana my foot! No wonder Weasley's laugh was so disgusting.

That old scheming man!

The youngest son has no **!

Fudge finally laughed out loud, but Crouch didn't; his face remained cold and expressionless.

"Oh dear, where did Ludo go?"

"He went to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, didn't you know?" Crouch said coldly.

"What happened?" Fudge asked in surprise. "Was he beaten up?"

I told him to tone it down. Last time, when Bulgaria fans were attacked, there were rumors that he was the one who instigated it.

Kingsley told me that several Bulgaria fans were planning to put him in a sack.

"No, Arthur just brought word that Bertha is seriously injured and has been taken to the hospital."

Crouch's eyes were gloomy as he glanced almost imperceptibly at William and Hermione.

"What? I... I didn't know about this." Fudge exclaimed in shock.

"I heard... it was Mr. Stark and Miss Granger who rescued Bertha in Albania," Crouch said softly.

"Really? What happened, William?" Fudge asked hurriedly.

"She must have encountered a black wizard in Albania; the security there has always been terrible."

Why would Bertha go to Albania?

"Ludo gave the Department of Magical Games and Sports a day off," Crouch sneered. "Cornelius, you didn't know about this either?"

Fudge was speechless; of course he knew.

Without his hint, how could that fool Ludo possibly give the Department of Magical Games and Sports a day off during their busiest time?

It was all just to make things difficult for Crouch.

But he certainly couldn't admit it, so he coughed a few times. "I don't know! Ludo! I'm going to visit them at St. Mungo's Hospital now."

He then turned his head and said, "William, you and Hermione should go back first."

I'll come see you later; I have something to ask you.

After Fudge finished speaking, he hurriedly left with his officials.

"Mr. Stark," Crouch glanced at Horace and suddenly said:

"Tonight, I would like to invite you and Miss Granger to my tent."

"Hmm?" William and Hermione exchanged a glance.

The two men had no connection with Crouch, so why would he suddenly invite them?

"As you may already know, Dumbledore discussed the Triwizard Tournament."

Crouch explained, "But the Goblet of Fire of Fire for selecting Champion is still with you. I need to discuss this with you."

William nodded slightly.

Crouch left, followed by the Egypt Magic Carpet merchant, who seemed ready to continue their conversation.

William watched Crouch's retreating figure without speaking, deep in thought.

The Goblet of Fire is something that can be easily handed over to any subordinate; it won't even take a minute.

Why bother making a special trip to meet in private?

The Strange Crouch.

Hermione shook William's hand, indicating that the old man was still watching them.

From the moment they appeared, Horace made no attempt to hide his stare at them.

He had been staring at it for ten minutes straight without blinking, as if he were looking at a priceless treasure.

Won't your eyes get dry if you don't blink for so long?

"Professor Slughorn, if there's nothing else, we'll be leaving now," William said politely.

"You know me?" The old man's eyes lit up.

"Of course I know you. Professor Dumbledore has mentioned you more than once, saying that the time he spent working with you was... joyful and unforgettable."

William made up a story off the top of his head.

Dumbledore only mentioned that Horace was overjoyed after Voldemort's death... He sensed that this colleague might have shared dark secrets with Tom.

To investigate the number of Horcrux, the headmaster started with Horace.

"Oh, boy, you're not being honest. That's not something Albus would say," Horace laughed.

"However, we are indeed old colleagues and old friends."

Horace was quite old and a bit overweight, but he was very well-maintained, just like Dumbledore... a refined old man.

However, his baldness detracts significantly from his good looks.

Even Horace, Potions Master, couldn't cure baldness... Indeed, baldness is a terminal illness no matter where you are.

It's also a killer of good looks for middle-aged and elderly men.

No wonder Professor Snape never washed his hair; after all, his hairline had been receding year by year.

He's afraid of losing his hair!

Baldness is the only thing that could threaten his good looks!

Horace continued, "Nice to meet you both. My name is Horace. I have long admired you both and have wanted to meet you for a long time."

I wrote many letters to Albus, asking him to bring you to my Christmas party, but he refused every time.

Horace's eyes seemed to be shining.

"Please forgive me, as a teacher, for having a fanatical obsession with cultivating outstanding students."

He was quite regretful that he retired too early and missed out on these two students.

Based on the information Horace has gathered over the years, William is undoubtedly the most outstanding young wizard he has ever seen.

Even Tom wasn't that outstanding back then.

"Then you can come back to teach. I believe Professor Dumbledore will always have a place reserved for you," William said softly.

"Defence Against Dark Magic?" Horace muttered. "He did invite me this year... so many people died, and he still invited me."

That old fox!

Dumbledore certainly knows how to choose people. Did he really appoint Horace, the Potions Master, as Defence Against Dark Magic?

It seems that Dumbledore Snape a little more than Horace.

"I think we can go to my tent and have a drink?" Horace suggested. "I can tell you something interesting."

For example, Albus used to be a great lewd writer; he was best at writing sonnets.

I've kept quite a few manuscripts, intending to sell them for a high price after he dies... well, after he retires.

"I'm sorry, Professor," William declined.

We need to go find our tent now.

"I'm away for a while, and I think my parents, and Hermione's parents, are waiting for me."

Horace was somewhat disappointed.

"Child, I'm hosting a banquet tonight, and many celebrities will be attending... Will you come?"

"We'll see, sir," William said with a smile.

The three slowly walked away, and after they had gone some distance, Hermione asked in a low voice:

"William, Professor Dumbledore, haven't you always wanted to ask me about something?" Hermione asked doubtfully, "Why don't you go with such a good opportunity?"

William looked at Hermione, patted her head, and said:

"You have to learn to play hard to get... Believe it or not, the less I care, the more Horace's heart aches like a cat's claws."

I probably won't be able to sleep when I get home tonight.

We need to give him hope, to make him feel that he's just a little short.

But it keeps him in suspense, making him want it but unable to have it.

If we agree immediately, he won't find it surprising, and it will be even harder to get what we want.

William was adept at this kind of thing. He just had to learn from the goddess and act like a simp.

Horace's weakness is obvious; manipulating him won't be easy.

He turned to Neville behind him and said, "Remember, Neville, this is how you pursue girls too. You must learn it well."

Neville nodded hastily. Was this why William was so popular?

He realized that, upon reflection, this was exactly how his pet, Trevor, treated him!

He frequently disappeared without a trace, only to suddenly reappear when he thought he had vanished.

Neville needs to study this carefully and prepare to... use a strategy of feigned indifference towards Professor Snape.

If I can win over the professor, Potions Class will be much easier from now on.

Hermione seemed lost in thought as well, then suddenly asked, "William, why are you so skilled at this?"

"..."

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