bacchusnovels Chapter 436 Barty Crouch
Chapter 436 Barty Crouch
Chapter 436 Barty Crouch
"Whether it's creativity or tactics, they are actually an indispensable part of the game." Shawn, who had suddenly broken free from the memories of the past few days, finally spoke up, trying to smooth things over, "and this balance is precisely what makes Quidditch so appealing."
His answer made Hermione and Luna pause for a moment, nodding slightly, but they were not completely convinced.
“However,” Luna continued, her tone still light, but her eyes fixed on Sean, “I think the professor should appreciate creativity that transcends rules and frameworks more, shouldn’t he? I heard from Dad that in your 20th-year-old Charms thesis, you always tended to break traditional limitations and look for new possibilities.”
Ok.
If this is how Luna wants to help him, then it really is a good way.
Make Hermione feel threatened, thus prompting her to make a choice as soon as possible.
Hermione's expression stiffened; she was displeased with Luna's attempt to "win over" Sean.
She immediately retorted, "The professor pursues innovation in his research because he has a deep understanding of the theory, not just wild ideas. Without a solid foundation of knowledge, so-called 'creativity' is nothing but castles in the air."
“Sometimes, wild ideas are the best starting point for magic,” Luna countered. “No one has ever said that all magic has to work according to rules.”
"And no one has ever said that ignoring basic magic won't have serious consequences," Hermione replied firmly.
Seeing the tension between the two escalating to the point of near collapse, Sean coughed lightly and gestured for them to quiet down: "Hermione, Luna, both of your points are valid. But perhaps the allure of magic lies precisely in its ability to combine reason and emotion. After all, creativity and a solid theoretical foundation are not mutually exclusive; it is the combination of the two that truly allows magic to shine."
Hearing Sean's mediation, the two of them each took a step back, but they were still somewhat unconvinced.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny arrived just then, and Harry immediately sensed the subtle atmosphere on the scene.
He asked Ron in a low voice, "What are they arguing about?"
Ron shook his head, indicating that he didn't know.
However, with the arrival of the three, the conflict finally subsided.
Arthur was starting a fire nearby, gently tapping a pile of damp branches with his wand, trying to get them burning, but only a few wisps of thin smoke came out.
"This wet firewood is such a hassle," Arthur muttered, frowning. After several more attempts, the flames finally shot up with a "whoosh."
Seeing the small fire finally ignite, he clapped his hands in satisfaction and called out to the group, "The fire's lit! Time to eat!"
Everyone gathered around the fire and sat down, enjoying the steaming sausages and bread. The atmosphere finally became much more relaxed.
Just as everyone was enjoying their meal, a series of footsteps accompanied by light humming came from afar.
Looking up, they saw a short, stout man wearing a flashy yellow and black striped robe striding towards them.
He was holding a bag decorated with gold stripes, and had a nonchalant smile on his face.
It was Ludo Bagman, the head of the Magical Sports Department.
"Arthur! Friends!" Bagman waved as he approached, his face beaming with excitement. "Why are you all hiding here? It's quite a lively scene outside!"
"Ludo!" Arthur stood up in surprise and shook hands warmly with Bagman. "I never expected to run into you here!"
"Haha, I've run all over the camp, the atmosphere is fantastic!" Bagman said with a grin, his gaze sweeping over the group. "But, business as usual! Since we've run into you guys, even better! How about some small bets? To add a bit of excitement to the competition?"
"The stakes?" Ron immediately put down the sausage in his hand, his eyes lighting up.
His luck with gambling today is exceptionally good.
"That's right!" Bagman waved the bag in his hand, the contents making a pleasant metallic clinking sound. "Ireland or Bulgaria? Or, who do you think will get the first point? This is the best opportunity yet!"
Arthur smiled somewhat awkwardly: "Oh, Ludo, I think we should call it a day. The kids saved up their allowance for a whole year to participate in this competition."
"Don't rush, Arthur!" Bagman interrupted him, winking at Ron. "Young people, there's nothing wrong with playing a little betting. So, buddy?" he said, looking at Ron, "Which team do you favor?"
Ron's face flushed red. He swallowed hard and exclaimed excitedly, "Ireland! I think Ireland will definitely win!"
Bagman laughed heartily and handed the bag to Ron: "Good lad! What are you betting on?"
Ron pulled out a small cloth bag containing only a few pitiful Galleons.
He hesitated for a moment, then put all the Galleons into Bagman's gold bag: "All in on Ireland!"
"Ron!" Hermione frowned, displeased with Ron's impulsive act. "This isn't necessarily a safe bet. How could you gamble all your money like that!"
"Don't say that, Hermione," Ron grinned. "I just believe in Ireland; their Chaser is unbeatable!"
"Good luck, kid!" Bagman laughed as he tossed Ron's money into his purse, then looked at Harry. "Harry, what about you? Want to give it a try?"
"Well... I think I'll pass." Harry shook his head, showing no interest in gambling.
"Where are you two?" Bagman then looked at George and Fred.
George and Fred exchanged a glance, somewhat tempted, but Sean quietly raised his hand to stop them.
This is a business that yields no profit.
Bagman had no intention of paying the bet, nor did he have the ability to do so.
George noticed Professor Phillips's action and, almost instantly, shrugged at Bagman: "Sorry, Mr. Bagman, it seems we shouldn't gamble. We have more important things to do."
Bagman's smile froze slightly, but quickly returned to normal.
He shrugged: "Young people are always a bit conservative, but that's okay, this competition will definitely open their eyes!"
Then, Bagman turned to Sean, a knowing smile on his face: "Professor Phillips, what about you? Want to try your luck?"
Sean smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone, "I think I'll just observe from the sidelines this time. However, thank you for your invitation, Mr. Bagman."
"Haha, whatever!" Bagman waved his hand, putting away the gold bag. "But seriously, this competition..."
I bet Bulgaria's Krum will catch the Golden Snitch, but Ireland will win by points. Remember me, this is a pro-level prediction!
"Bulgaria caught the thief, but Ireland won the match?" Ron looked puzzled. "That's unlikely!"
"Just you wait and see, lad." Bagman's smile widened. "Everything will be revealed when the match begins!"
As they were talking, a wizard suddenly appeared beside their campfire.
He stood in stark contrast to Ludo Bagman, who was lounging on the grass in his old Hornets jersey.
Barty Crouch was a man in his fifties, with a straight back and stiff movements. He wore a spotless, crisp suit and a tie. The part in the middle of his short gray hair was unnaturally straight, and his short beard looked as if it had been trimmed with a ruler.
"Sit down and sing for a bit, Buddy," Bagman said happily, patting the grass beside him.
Crouch showed little interest in Bagman's casual attitude. He stood ramrod straight, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present, his face bearing an undisguised seriousness and indifference.
"No need, Ludo, I have a lot of things to take care of." Crouch's tone was dry, as if he were forcing it out through gritted teeth. He nodded slightly, as if to greet Arthur and the others, "Weasley, children, good morning."
"Oh, Barty, you're too tense." Bagman waved his hand, beaming. "We're at the World Cup camp now, relax! Don't you think this is a time to enjoy yourself?"
Crouch frowned slightly and said in a cold, hard tone, "As the head of the International Magical Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Magic, my job is not just to enjoy myself, Ludo. I need to ensure everything goes smoothly—including security."
"That's precisely why I must ensure that nothing goes wrong." Crouch's tone was as stiff as ever, but when his gaze swept over Sean, he paused slightly, a subtle curiosity seemingly in his eyes.
"Professor Phillips," Crouch said calmly, his tone slightly more polite than when he spoke to Bagman, "I never expected to see you here. What are your thoughts on this match?"
Sean smiled slightly and replied politely, "Mr. Crouch, it's a pleasure to meet you. This competition is undoubtedly a grand event in the wizarding world. Both teams are very strong, and I think the result will be impressive."
Crouch nodded, seemingly satisfied with Sean's answer.
He turned and glanced at Arthur again, as if remembering something, and added, "Oh, right, there's something I've been wanting to tell you, Ali..."
Bashir is being provocative; he wants to talk to you about your regulations regarding the embargo on flying carpets.
Yese sighed heavily, his expression somewhat helpless.
"The flying carpet issue again?" He shook his head, looking weary. "I've spoken to Ali Bashir countless times. The Ministry of Magic has long established that the flying carpet is classified as a 'Muggle artifact,' but he just won't accept it. He always finds a roundabout way to challenge the embargo; it's a real headache."
Crouch responded coldly, "He won't give up easily. This time, he has formally lodged a protest with the International Department of Magical Cooperation, hoping to reconsider the legality of the flying carpet embargo."
Arthur's brow furrowed even more: "If he succeeds, those flying carpets will appear in every Muggle market. This is not only a major threat to the secrecy of the magical world, but it will also trigger a series of consequences beyond our control."
Crouch nodded, his tone remaining unchanged: "I agree, Arthur. But we need to provide more convincing evidence to make the International Magical Federation realize the seriousness of the matter. Otherwise, this could become a dispute over the boundaries between Muggle crafts and magical artifacts."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were standing nearby, weren't particularly interested in the seemingly complicated political issue of the "flying carpet embargo," but they could tell from Arthur's expression that the matter was thorny.
Hermione, however, frowned thoughtfully, seemingly trying to understand the logic behind it.
"Speaking of flying carpets—" Luna suddenly began, her voice light and airy, as if she had just returned to reality from another world, "Dad said that the Ghosts of the Wind like to rest on ancient flying carpets. He thinks this might be their most important habitat."
These words caused a brief pause in the atmosphere. Crouch's expression remained as serious as ever, but a hint of doubt was clearly visible in his eyes.
He didn't know how to respond to this seemingly absurd topic.
Arthur quickly changed the subject: "Anyway, I will continue to stay in touch with the Ministry of Magic and try to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Mr. Crouch, thank you for your reminder."
Crouch nodded, then turned to Sean: "Professor Phillips, I've heard that you teach Muggle Studies at Hogwarts and are quite knowledgeable about these Muggle matters. If the opportunity arises, I'd like to exchange views with you on these issues. Some of your perspectives might offer a fresh angle on the flying carpet embargo controversy."
Sean smiled gently and replied politely, "Of course, Mr. Crouch. I'd be happy to participate in the discussion and offer any assistance regarding the secrecy of the magical world."
Crouch seemed quite satisfied with Sean's answer, and his tense expression relaxed slightly. He nodded gently, glanced at his pocket watch, and said, "I have some official business to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. I hope everyone enjoys the match."
"Thank you, Mr. Crouch," Arthur said politely.
Crouch nodded and turned around without hesitation. A few seconds later, his figure disappeared with a soft "snap" and Apparated away.
Bagman looked at the spot where Crouch had disappeared, shook his head, and said with a lazy smile, "Barty is always so serious. I bet even in the last minute of a game, he'd be worrying about work rather than enjoying the excitement."
Arthur sighed. "He certainly has his responsibilities. The work of the International Magical Cooperation Division is not as easy as that of the Magical Sports Division."
Bagman laughed heartily, patting his stomach. "Easy? Arthur, let me tell you, organizing this World Cup is no easy task! But—" his voice suddenly took on a hint of excited elation, "some fun is always worthwhile, isn't it?"
As he spoke, he winked at Ron, seemingly implying that he could still place some "bets".
Hermione noticed this and immediately nudged Ron's arm with her elbow, whispering a warning, "Stop thinking about it!"
"I didn't mean to," Ron said stubbornly, but his eyes couldn't help but follow the gold bag dangling in Bagman's hand.
"Alright," Arthur clapped his hands, calling to everyone, "it's about time to head to the entrance, the competition is about to begin! We can't miss a single moment."
Everyone quickly packed their things, stood up, and followed Arthur toward the entrance.
The noise from the camp grew louder and louder, and an exciting atmosphere filled the air, with everyone's face showing anticipation.
Harry's gaze swept once more toward the towering stadium in the distance, his heart pounding with each step—a match he would never forget was finally about to begin.