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Chapter 417: Fudge in a Panic!!
Using the magical camera, Darren clearly saw Barty Crouch escorting his son away from the stadium.
Barty Crouch Jr. had escaped once before…
So how did he end up back in his father's hands again?
Did he sneak out on his own?
Darren was surprised.
It seemed the loyal Death Eaters still weren't completely brainless.
But after being imprisoned for so many years, it was only natural that Crouch Jr. had become reckless and impatient.
"Alright, kids! Time to go inside!"
Mr. Weasley shouted excitedly.
Everyone's faces lit up as they followed him eagerly.
The stadium was enormous.
According to Mr. Weasley, it could hold over 100,000 people.
To prepare for this World Cup, the Ministry of Magic had spent a full year relocating Muggles and clearing land to construct such a massive venue.
"First-class tickets!"
The witch at the entrance checked their tickets and smiled.
"Top-floor private box, straight inside and up the stairs!"
They hurried inside.
When they entered the box—
"Dobby!"
Harry suddenly exclaimed.
Darren followed Harry's gaze.
A house-elf was sitting inside the box.
"He looks exactly like Dobby," Harry whispered.
The elf stood up in shock.
"Oh! Sir knows Dobby? My name is Flash!"
The elf stared at Harry's forehead—then screamed:
"YOU'RE HARRY POTTER!"
Harry immediately waved his hands.
"N-No, sorry! I thought you were someone else! I just knew a house-elf named Dobby… I was mistaken!"
At the mention of Dobby, Flash's expression darkened.
"I know Dobby! That traitor was thrown out by his master! Now he talks about 'freedom' all day—disgusting!
I've never seen such a disgraceful house-elf!
He betrayed his owner!
May he die horribly!!"
Harry and Darren both stiffened.
This conversation was getting uncomfortable very quickly.
Darren quietly sat down, pretending not to hear anything.
Soon, wizards began entering the box one after another.
The first to arrive was an elderly wizard.
Just as he walked in and spotted Darren, his eyes lit up.
"Oh! Mr. Darrenport, isn't it?
I admire your Squib-to-Wizard potion immensely!
I still have several questions I'd like to ask you—"
Darren internally screamed.
He just wanted to sit quietly and watch the match…
But as a little Holy Father, refusal was not in his nature.
So he endured it.
The old wizard asked one question after another.
Darren answered carefully and completely.
Thankfully, the system supplied knowledge automatically.
Otherwise, he would have been exposed on the spot.
Soon more wizards joined the discussion.
Not only did they ask about the Squib transformation potion…
Even his improved Wolfsbane Potion became the subject of questioning.
Darren was practically being examined like an exhibit.
Then a loud voice interrupted:
"What are you all doing gathered here—ah! President Kent?!"
Cornelius Fudge had arrived.
He originally looked irritated—
Until one familiar face made him freeze.
Then another.
And another.
Finally, his eyes landed on Darren.
Annoyance flashed across Fudge's face.
Every time he met this boy, trouble followed.
But the moment he noticed the old wizard beside Darren—
His expression changed instantly.
He rushed over with exaggerated politeness.
"P-President… I never expected you to be here!"
President?
Darren blinked.
President of what?
But he kept his polite smile.
"Good evening, Minister Fudge."
The old wizard smiled gently.
"Oh, we won't cause you any inconvenience, Minister. If this is inappropriate, we'll leave immediately."
Fudge nearly had a heart attack.
He waved his hands rapidly.
"No, no! How could that be?!
If you'd like, I can arrange a private box for academic discussion!"
The flattery was unbelievable.
After the "president" declined, Fudge immediately left—
Taking a large group of Ministry officials with him.
The entire box suddenly felt much emptier.
The old wizard looked at Darren apologetically.
"Forgive the disturbance.
Let me introduce myself properly.
I am Rupert Yarman, President of the Wizarding World Union.
It is a pleasure to meet you."
Darren's scalp tingled.
Wizarding World Union?
Wasn't that basically the magical United Nations?
"No wonder Fudge folded like paper," Darren thought.
Rupert Yarman placed a key in Darren's hand.
"This is an honor granted by the Union.
Thank you for what you have done for the Squib community."
With that, he departed.
Mr. Weasley rushed over excitedly.
He stared at the key in Darren's hand, stunned.
"Oh my God…
That's a Union Seat Key!
Darren, you've received official recognition from the Wizarding World Union!
The Minister of Magic—
Whether in Britain or any country—
Must be approved by them.
Without their recognition…
A minister isn't considered legitimate."
Darren stared at the key.
So that's why Fudge acted like he'd seen a ghost.
This thing was terrifyingly powerful.
Darren carefully pocketed the key.
Then, with a worried expression, he looked at Mr. Weasley.
"Mr. Weasley…
If I keep this, will it affect you?
Will Minister Fudge give you trouble?
If this causes you any harm…
Please tell me immediately.
I'd give this key to you without hesitation.
You and Mrs. Weasley are family to me.
I don't want anyone to suffer because of me anymore."
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding, Father Value +100]
[Ding...]
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