The Horcrux's Whereabouts

The Quidditch World Cup has ended.

Wizards all over the world are eagerly awaiting the Quidditch World Cup champion.

Ireland and Bulgaria haven't touched a trophy in a long time, so whoever wins will be crowned a new king and make history.

In fact, the Daily Prophet's frontline reporters had already relayed the news of Ireland's victory back to headquarters the moment Krum caught the Golden Snitch.

They even had the headline in mind: Ireland narrowly wins the championship, Bulgaria's dream shattered in England.

Judging from the title, one might assume that the two teams were evenly matched, with Bulgaria only narrowly losing.

But anyone who watched the game knows it was a complete stomp. Krum was the only saving grace.

I just can't write "crushing".

It might sound appealing, but its true value is diminished.

Why was the last Quidditch World Cup considered the most classic match of this century?

It's because they fought for five days and five nights!

Only those matches that last for several days and involve elements like outdoor activities, no horses, male-male encounters, friction, and broom-like vibrations will be repeatedly discussed by everyone.

Ideally, this would also include a few classic trash-talking lines, such as "You almost caught me off guard."

If there are father-son pairs among the team members... that would be even more exciting.

Once the buzz picks up, the newspaper will sell well.

A simple "crushing victory"... that's not the kind of competition people like.

It's all a trick!

Even the stories that happen off the field are the most popular parts of the show.

For example, with the GG item from Akali's Mystery Shop, Stark made a whopping five million Galleon...

Unfortunately, the newspaper was only half-printed when the boss immediately ordered a halt to printing and replaced the content overnight.

The newspapers, which were originally scheduled to be released in the morning, were forced to be delayed by a full two hours.

The headline changed from Ireland winning the championship to something even more sensational:

The Death Eaters Arrive! The Dark Trio of the Quidditch World Cup.

Coupled with a glittering black-and-white photograph featuring three Dark Mark... it has a distinctly romantic feel.

Rita, a veteran journalist and an industry benchmark, had already written a lengthy report even though she was in the United Kingdom and had just gotten off the plane.

Naturally, the criticism focused on the Ministry of Magic's panicked actions... the criminals not being caught... lax law enforcement... dark wizards going unpunished... bringing shame to the nation.

Rita's biggest criticism was directed at Minister Fudge himself, especially his two phrases: "No comment" and "You reporters run faster than anything!"

In fact, the entire report reads more like a personal eulogy for William.

The first half describes how bad the Ministry of Magic is, but then the tone shifts dramatically, starting with the phrase "God Stark" to flatter them.

They really went for it.

She meticulously described how William killed the lake monster alone, and also said that he rescued hundreds of wizards who had been kidnapped by Death Eaters.

Among them are celebrities such as Harry Potter and Krum.

At the end of her post, Rita even wrote a letter in blood, expressing her support for Stark becoming the new Minister for Magic.

"This is outrageous, Rita!" William threw down his newspaper. "What's she trying to do? Doesn't she think I'm causing enough trouble already?"

"I think it's written pretty well." Hermione picked up the newspaper and read it over several more times.

"Rita's writing is quite good; reading her articles is like seeing them with your own eyes."

Hermione blinked, pursed her lips, and said, "Although none of the descriptions are correct."

There is indeed no correct answer.

Much of the information about Rita is hearsay, which I then fill in with my own imagination.

How did William suffer such severe injuries while fighting the lake monster, and why did he refuse to retreat even at the cost of his life?

How come there are hundreds of kidnappers?

When William saw the kidnappers and discovered the torture they were undergoing... he couldn't help but shed tears!

Did William shed tears?

When William found Draco and discovered he was still alive, he even smiled happily.

Is this newspaper really talking about William?

"Okay, don't be angry anymore. I'll write her a letter warning her not to say anything more."

Hermione sat down next to William, reached out her fingers, and rubbed his furrowed brow.

"Minister Fudge is preparing to hold a press conference for the Ministry of Magic and has written you many letters. Are you really not going?" she asked.

William shook his head. "I'm not going. There's no need to go."

Today is the third day since the Quidditch World Cup ended.

Both logically and emotionally, the Ministry of Magic should hold a press conference to give the public an explanation.

We must not allow newspapers to smear us, otherwise it will cause widespread panic.

In the past few days, Fudge has invited William to come over more than once, he's practically begging him on his knees.

If William is able to attend the press conference and say a few kind words, Fudge will be under much less pressure.

But William refused outright, saying he was too busy.

He really couldn't be bothered with it anymore. He already had a ton of things to deal with, and he'd just said goodbye to a lot of friends. He was in a terrible mood.

After the Quidditch World Cup ended, William led everyone away from the camp and to his home in the Ottery St Catchpole.

But Phoebe and Gabrielle only stayed one night and returned to France the next day.

Madame Maxime demanded that all students leave.

She felt that United Kingdom was too dangerous...

Okay, the truth is, she thought William was really weird.

Not long after the Venice incident, the Quidditch World Cup followed suit with its own problems.

She suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, as if she weren't wearing pants.

Maxime is now almost reluctant to participate in the Triwizard Tournament.

Nicolas returned to his estate; Newt also went home, as he would soon be going back to United States and planned to take Tina with him.

Trene stayed for only two days before hastily leaving to find her gondola.

Muggle newspapers reported that a submarine had been spotted in the English Channel.

They believe it is a nuclear submarine, that France is provoking trouble, and are calling for sanctions against France.

Trene broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly went to find her boat.

If this were to lead to a war between the two countries, that would be going too far.

Out of curiosity, Anne followed her.

Finally, as people came and went, only William and Hermione remained in the house, spending the last moments of their summer vacation.

The two discussed the newspaper for a while, Hermione was about to make dinner when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," William said, putting down his newspaper and looking up.

A witch entered, dressed in a magnificent purple gown, with wine-red eyes and long, silver hair cascading down her shoulders in wavy curls.

William was stunned for a moment.

It's rare... Professor Babbling finally doesn't have William's handsome face.

She looked around the house curiously; this was her first time here.

The house was small and the decorations were so-so, but it was surprisingly cozy.

It feels like a home.

"Professor, it's been a long time... What would you like to drink?" Hermione stood up and asked warmly, like a hostess.

"Whiskey bar." Professor Babbling, her elegant dress billowing, walked gracefully to the sofa and sat down.

"I have some here, here you go." William took a bottle of wine from the Safety Watch.

Professor Babbling snapped her fingers, and the bottle automatically poured wine into the glass.

"This wine is not bad, it's just a bit young." She sniffed it.

William rolled his eyes. This was the wine he used to lure the Abraxan, so of course it was relatively new.

However, with dragon's blood added, it's sure to suit the tastes of Babbling, that vampire Goblin.

"I'm leaving," Babbling said, taking a sip.

William hummed in agreement, not particularly surprised.

Her current public identity is that of a Ancient Runes professor at Ilvermorny. Since the school is returning to United States, she will definitely be going back with it.

Of course, Newt, Tina, and Picquery also went back with them.

"One of the Dark Mark from that day was released by me," Professor Babbling said softly.

"Tom saw someone casting the Dark Mark, so he had me cast it too, just to join in the fun."

William was prepared for this and wasn't particularly surprised.

But what she said next surprised William.

Tom may have to stay in the United Kingdom for a while longer... Be careful.

"He's going to stay?"

Professor Babbling said softly, "I helped him capture a wizard. He's possessing the wizard and has been away from the camp quite often."

Judging from his expression, he seems to be searching for something.

"Looking for Horcrux?" William raised an eyebrow.

Otherwise, there's really no way to explain Little Tom's behavior.

"Who knows?" Babbling licked her unusually bright red lips, tilted her head, and stared into William's eyes.

"That's your job, Dumbledore's job. I'm just responsible for providing intelligence."

The woman touched her lips, which were as red as fresh blood, with her finger.

"One more thing... I cast a secret spell on that captured wizard, one that only vampires can sense."

"Based on the fluctuations of that magic, Little Tom has been wandering around a certain area of the sea recently."

William nodded with a serious expression.

"Professor Dumbledore and I will go and check it out."

Seeing Professor Babbling suddenly frown, he quickly asked, "Is there anything else, Professor?"

She looked around and said, "Prepare a room for me, decorated and furnished like my office."

If I have nothing to do in the future, I might sleep here for a night.

William and Hermione exchanged a glance, both momentarily stunned.

What a strange request.

Glancing at their bewildered faces, Professor Babbling's mood improved, and she began to savor the wine more, the lingering taste of dragon's blood on her tongue.

"Oh, by the way, Hermione, I'll be sleeping in your room tonight."

You're getting more and more beautiful; it's like a beautiful flower stuck in dragon dung.

"..."

(Please vote for this post, everyone!)

Thank you so much to "snz" for the generous donation of 10,000 coins!

Chapter 29 is due.

Sorry for the late update. I fell asleep last night, the air conditioner was on a low setting, and I didn't cover myself with a blanket. I caught a cold this morning and have been feeling dizzy all day.

I'll definitely be updating more this month, but I have exams on the 8th and I've been studying lately, so updates won't be as consistent after school starts.

(Sorry again)