He heard someone call him.
A flash of impatience crossed Mr. Crouch's face.
He was about to turn and leave, but then he caught sight of Ethan in the crowd.
It had been a summer since they last met.
The young man who had stirred up a storm in the Wizarding World had grown taller.
Like a sapling that had absorbed ample nutrients, he was growing every moment.
Compared to Ethan's reputation, his appearance held no power; in fact, it could even be described as "gentle and harmless."
His black curly hair was smoothly combed over his head, black as ebony. His skin was a little too pale. But that only accentuated the artistic vibe that young girls liked.
His figure was tall and slender, and his fully developed features were exceptionally handsome, making him stand out in a crowd—or perhaps it was because he was holding a black umbrella on a sunny day and wearing all black.
Like he was attending a funeral… His own son used to be as spirited as Ethan— No, he couldn't think like that!
Crouch closed his eyes. That person was no longer his son. It was too rude to compare Ethan to an evil Death Eater.
After a pause, Crouch slightly tilted his head and said to his house-elf, Winky: "Take him to the top box and monitor him constantly!"
Winky shivered at the word "top." But she still nodded vigorously and faithfully. She walked toward the stands with the "nothing" beside her.
On the other side, seeing Mr. Crouch "called over" by him, Percy trembled with excitement.
This summer, he had started an internship at the Ministry of Magic. His superior was the esteemed Mr. Crouch!
Percy smugly glanced at his brothers. In his heart, a pathetic thick barrier had already formed between him and these "worthless fellows."
Percy: "Mr. Crouch! You—"
Before he could finish his sentence, he saw Mr. Crouch, whom he had been eagerly anticipating, walk directly past him. He came before Ethan. He bowed his head and said, "Mr. Vincent, I've long heard your name."
Percy:
Percy's smile froze on his face. He stared wide-eyed in disbelief!
I'm your department member! Why are you looking for Ethan?!
Oh, Ethan is a distinguished guest of the entire Ministry of Magic. Then it's fine.
Hearing the mocking laughter from his brothers, Percy's face gradually turned tomato red.
Ethan nodded. Suddenly, he turned his head, unexpectedly meeting Percy's eager gaze: "I should become a Prefect this year. Please guide me, Student President."
Percy:
Boom!
A bolt from the blue!
Me? Working with Ethan?
Percy suddenly felt disoriented; Mr. Crouch no longer mattered.
Crouch: "…Mr. Vincent, regarding the Goblet of Fire proposal you submitted, the relevant person in charge would like to discuss it with you in detail." "I wonder if you have time now?"
Ethan withdrew his gaze. He curved his lips. A deep, dark glint flashed in his cobalt blue eyes: "Of course. Before everything begins, I have plenty of time."
He turned his head and winked at Luna. "See you at the match."
With that, he held up his black umbrella. Like a moving shadow, he left with Mr. Crouch.
"…See you at the match."
Luna repeated the sentence. Those playful cobalt blue eyes seemed to shoot a tiny, sharp arrow. It pierced her heart. Making her suddenly feel a tingling sensation in her chest.
Hmm~
Ethan was like an older brother, after all.
The reason other organizers of the Goblet of Fire sought Ethan was simple.
"—Mr. Vincent, the content in your proposal about the troublesome parts of the Goblet of Fire… isn't it too difficult?!"
They just wanted to inspire the wizards' challenging spirit. They didn't actually want to kill the contestants!!
If they followed Ethan's proposal, they wouldn't have so many mothers.
Ludo Bagman, the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, who had previously organized the Labyrinth Exploration Challenge, was even more tearful, trembling like a sieve.
He was too naive. He thought banning Ethan would be enough. He didn't expect that a few years later, Ethan would directly evolve into one of the event organizers!!
Ethan raised an eyebrow and slowly said: "What? Do you have an opinion?"
If you have an opinion, go tell the Minister for Magic.
Bagman stiffened, stammering, "Uh—well, anyway, we understand… we'll discuss it further."
Although he said that, barring any surprises, this outrageous proposal would not be approved, even by the Minister.
After all, peacetime had arrived. What "training to face the storm" was simply nonsense. Wasn't it?
The Quidditch World Cup began. The Quidditch World Cup ended. Ireland won. But Viktor Krum of the Bulgarian team caught the Golden Snitch.
Ethan sat in the Minister's box, slumped in his chair, leaning his head idly on Luna's shoulder. Listening to the overwhelming cheers, he yawned. He murmured, "When will the pleasant screams and wonderful pain cover this land…?"
Ron stopped cheering, exclaiming in horror: "I hope never—wait! Merlin! Did Krum just wave at you?!"
Ethan yawned again: "Just a defeated opponent…" Ron's eyes almost popped out. He swallowed, tugging at Ethan's sleeve. He pleaded with immense admiration: "Please… Can you help me get an autograph from Krum? Please, Ethan, I'll do anything…"
Ethan glanced at Ron. This younger brother of the Weasley family was growing increasingly clumsy. Every rosy freckle revealed an "eat well, drink well" attitude toward life. He was also the only one of the trio who hadn't joined his glorious Enlightenment Society.
Ethan then glanced at Harry and Hermione beside him. The latter two, although starting at the same point as Ron, had, after the "baptism" of the society, already shown a hint of composure and maturity in their brows.
:: Even if Lord Voldemort was suppressed by his "Mr. Lamp."
But the more Ethan learned, the higher he advanced, the more he could feel the unknown existence above the firmament.
Just as Mr. Black had said, "destiny." Destiny—or rather, in the "original work."
Werewolves should not be cured, and Sirius should embark on a path of escape with a false accusation. And when he changed all of this, for a moment, Ethan perceived a gaze cast down from the firmament.
If he hadn't been promoted to "Seer" in advance, Ethan didn't know if he would also become like Mr. Black. Neither human nor ghost.
Ethan would not fear, just as art would not compromise for worldly things.
The Goblet of Fire would have an important turning point— —Cedric's death. It would usher in Lord Voldemort's resurgence.
—No! I'll show Lord Voldemort whose "rise" this truly is!
A small flame of struggle ignited in the depths of Ethan's eyes.
To cope with the real challenges of the future, no one could be left behind. And how could a kind and enthusiastic person like himself not help the brave Ron from the original work?
Ron just needed an opportunity.
Ethan: "I recall you haven't joined my Enlightenment Society yet, have you?"
Hearing this, Ron flinched. He lowered his head and said self-deprecatingly, "Come on, you know your society only accepts the coolest people… I'll just quietly eat my chicken leg."
However, if Ethan listened to people, he would be human.
Immediately after, he handed Ron a black umbrella—the same umbrella he had been carrying all day.
Ethan: "Here, it's part of my unfinished creation. You'll use it."
Meeting Ron's confused gaze, Ethan grinned a mysterious smile: "A little advice for you:" "Tonight, don't sleep too soundly."
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