Harry Potter: The Golden Viper-Chapter 716 - 0714 Meeting

Standing majestically upon the endless volcanic ash and ancient rocky cliffs, Edinburgh is a city, that possesses an almost supernatural power to calm even the most restless of hearts. No matter how fierce the external storms might rage or how turbulent the emotional undercurrents within a visitor's soul might churn, upon entering this city, they always transform into gentle, comfortable breezes and the softest, most soothing light rain that caresses rather than drenches.

As a world-renowned tourist destination in the Muggle world, Edinburgh City receives an endless, never-ceasing stream of Muggle travelers from every corner of the globe. Arthur's Seat, the magnificent ancient volcano that offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the entire city below, stands as a vital, unmissable stop for every Muggle visiting the area.

Under the misty rain, looking down from the high vantage point, one can observe how, from the very foot of the mountain to its peak, the climbing Muggles form an unbroken, thin stream of black dots.

The Muggles, with their guidebooks clutched tightly in gloved hands and cameras dangling from their necks, were solely focused on admiring the breathtaking, awe-inspiring scenery of this ancient city, also known as the "City of Literature" for its rich literary heritage.

They were completely unaware that just within arm's reach, wizards and witches were also holding their own magnificent "sporting event" that would have left these Muggles awestruck had they been able to witness it.

East of the Salisbury Crags, in a lush, green valley adjacent to the shimmering coastline where the North Sea meets the land, six tall hoops stood reaching toward the sky.

Unlike the persistently gloomy sky outside that seemed to rain at any moment, above the temporary Quidditch pitch huddled secretly in the valley was an enchanted, azure blue sky typical of the most perfect late spring day.

The magical canopy was artfully dotted with a few white clouds that drifted across the manufactured space. The warm sun hung in the southwest, casting a rich, golden glow upon the thousands of excited wizards gathered in the valley below.

Whoosh!

A sudden, thunderous eruption of cheers created a powerful gust of wind within the valley, the sound bouncing back and forth against the mountainsides, even fleetingly blowing away the illusory clouds from the enchanted sky above.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, ladies and gentlemen, the phenomenally talented Lector has caught the Golden Snitch with an absolutely spectacular diving catch, thus bringing this magnificent match to a dramatic conclusion!"

From the center of the high stands, the enthusiastic Ludo Bagman held his wand to his throat, his round face flushing a bright crimson with excitement and his thinning blond hair disheveled as he waved his free hand jovially.

"Simply brilliant, everyone! Absolutely magnificent! Both teams have performed spectacularly beyond all expectations today!

The disappointing defeat at last year's Quidditch World Cup clearly hasn't crushed Scotland's indomitable spirit—they've evidently found their exceptional form again at precisely the right moment! Judging by this thoroughly impressive, decisive victory, I firmly, wholeheartedly believe they'll create unimaginable miracles at the next Quidditch World Cup!"

Ludo paused for dramatic effect, letting the crowd's new cheers wash over him before continuing with equal passion.

"And facing such a world-class team, the determined lads from Skol's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover Club completely played their own distinctive style with admirable courage!

Did you notice, everyone? With their exceptionally talented Chasers executing remarkable formations, they twice managed to come within a mere thirty points of Scotland—no small feat against such formidable opponents! If they continue displaying such heart and skill, and make it to the top four in the European Cup this year, I wouldn't be surprised at all!"

The wild, jubilant cheers in the stadium had not yet begun to diminish in their intensity, but the victorious Scottish team players, having received the final installment of their promised sponsorship fees had already swiftly departed after briefly, perfunctorily entertaining some particularly persistent fans who had managed to circumvent the security measures.

"Thank you very much for your exceptional commentary, Mr. Bagman!!"

Ludo Bagman, the special guest commentator had returned to the lavishly decorated resting room behind the stands. There, he was receiving thanks from the exhibition match organizers, whose faces gleamed with satisfaction at the day's success.

The slightly balding but shrewd-looking organizer in charge took the opportunity while energetically shaking Ludo's hand to discreetly slip a heavy, clinking money pouch into his sleeve. Almost immediately, Ludo's already broad smile widened even further, becoming almost shining with pleasure.

"No need to thank me at all, my good man York!" Ludo said with dramatic modesty. "You know, as the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, my greatest, most cherished wish is to see our beloved country's Quidditch standards shine brilliantly and gloriously on the international stage like the beacon of excellence we know it can be!"

York nodded repeatedly, his head bobbing like a well-trained house-elf, "Under your tireless efforts and visionary leadership, I wholeheartedly believe we'll claim the Quidditch World Cup sooner rather than later, Mr. Bagman—" He allowed his voice to trail off meaningfully.

After a carefully calculated pause, York looked at Ludo with visibly expectant eyes, "If you could possibly find the time in your busy schedule to attend the celebratory banquet this evening—"

"Oh, I'm afraid that simply won't be possible, my dear York—" Ludo interjected with regret, patting his increasingly prominent belly with a regretful expression.

"You know, of course, since Barty finally saw sense and wisely started learning to take things easier due to his declining health, much of the complex, demanding Triwizard Tournament work has unfortunately fallen on my already overburdened shoulders. I absolutely must return to the department tonight to handle some pressing matters of importance, and tomorrow I have other promising young people eagerly waiting for me to offer them my personal encouragement and guidance!"

"Completely understandable, of course—a distinguished gentleman of your stature is always busy with matters of great importance —" York replied smoothly, though inwardly grumbled several words about Bagman's transparent excuses.

Nevertheless, he respectfully picked up Bagman's briefcase, maintaining the appearance of respect expected when dealing with a Ministry official of Ludo's rank.

Emerging from the exclusive VIP passage of the arena, carefully watching York's retreating figure walk back into the shadows of the torch-lit tunnel, the perpetually smiling Ludo suddenly dropped his carefully maintained cheerful expression like a heavy cloak. He looked left and right with exaggerated caution, and after thoroughly ensuring no one was within sight, eagerly shook out the weighty money pouch from his sleeve.

Clink-clink-clink—

The gleaming Galleons poured into his waiting palm, reflecting a dazzlingly mesmerizing golden light in the setting sun. Scooping up a handful of the heavy gold coins, Ludo appeared even more genuinely energetic and vigorous than when he had been commentating the match at its most exciting moments.

After hastily stuffing the bulging money pouch into his briefcase, safeguarding it with multiple latches, Ludo hummed a light, cheerful tune that showed his excellent mood. He carefully pressed down the slightly tattered brim of his round black hat, ensuring it sat at a jolly angle, and set off with a spring in his step toward the specially designated open platform outside the arena.

This area had been specifically prepared for wizards to Apparate, arrive by Portkey, or use the Floo Network to travel to their various destinations across the magical world.

There weren't many people on the platform set up on the mountainside; most spectators were still enthusiastically watching the post-match special flying skills demonstration. But something seemed wrong with the fireplaces in the stone walls, which were unusually burping thick black smoke into the evening air.

Several stressed-looking staff members in maintenance robes were conducting emergency repairs, their wands emitting sparks as they worked anxiously to restore service. Ludo tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning the lengthy row of fireplaces to find one that might still be operational, when suddenly—

Tap—

Without warning, someone patted him on the shoulder. Ludo turned around in startled surprise to find an ethereal black leather glove floating mysteriously in midair, gesturing to him.

After several bewildered, confused seconds during which he wondered if he'd had perhaps too many celebratory drinks, Ludo gradually realized the glove was indicating a specific direction. Raising his hand to shield his eyes from the glare of the setting sun, he vaguely saw a dark, hazy figure standing silhouetted against the golden light on the higher mountaintop, waving his arms at him.

"Hmm—"

While he was hesitating, the black glove had already moved in front of him, making an inviting gesture.

"Very well, let's see who it is—" Ludo muttered to himself, curiosity overcoming his initial caution.

Ludo shrugged indifferently and extended his hand to grasp the leather glove. Then his figure disappeared in a rapidly spinning apparition.

"Your commentary is still as passionate and colorful as ever, Ludo—" commented a familiar voice as Ludo's world stopped spinning.

When that young face bathed in the warm golden glow of the evening sunlight came clearly into view, Ludo's mouth fell open in silent astonishment. His eyes, which had been squinting against the brisk mountain breeze, slowly widened to their fullest extent, and his entire being sank into tremendous, undisguised astonishment at the unexpected encounter.

"Aha!"

Suddenly, Ludo's momentarily frozen expression melted away like ice in summer. He exclaimed happily, seeming to bounce energetically on his toes as if his feet had unexpectedly hit invisible springs, and impulsively jumped forward in front of Bryan. With characteristic lack of restraint, he slapped Bryan's shoulder heavily in greeting.

"What an absolutely delightful surprise, Bryan, my old friend! Nothing of importance happening at Hogwarts these days? You actually found the time to come all this way to watch our humble little match.

Oh, tell me, are you perhaps a fan of the Scotland national team, or were you supporting the gutsy underdogs from Skol's club? They put up quite a magnificent fight, wouldn't you agree?"

Ludo inquired with genuine curiosity, his face covered in seemingly naive smiles.

But inwardly, beneath the jovial exterior he showed, he felt an increasing sense of unease spreading through his stomach. He didn't know if the perceptive Bryan had observed him counting his newly acquired money moments ago.

Officially, according to the story he had crafted for the Ministry records, he had magnanimously accepted the invitation to commentate the exhibition match purely to support domestic Quidditch development and raise the profile of the sport, but everyone within the Quidditch community privately understood that participating in such relatively minor activities would definitely involve substantial under-the-table appreciation from the grateful organizers.

However, this arrangement was certainly not something to be openly acknowledged or discussed in public—the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports traveling so far from London to personally commentate a relatively low-profile match for a few gold galleons would seriously damage the Ministry's dignity and his own professional reputation.

"I've always firmly believed that work isn't everything in life, and occasionally one needs some entertainment and change for balance, Ludo—" Bryan replied with a knowing smile.

He understood perfectly well why Ludo's eyes were shifting nervously from side to side, but had no immediate intention of exposing him. Instead, he beckoned invitingly to Ludo and began strolling casually down a narrow, winding path along the ridge, carved out by generations of Muggle climbers over many decades.

Bryan's relaxed, unhurried demeanor made Ludo increasingly uncomfortable and anxious, uncertain about why Bryan had gone to such lengths to arrange this private meeting, as it was certainly not for idle chat about Quidditch strategies or Ministry gossip.

Taking off his hat and clutching it nervously in his hands, Ludo quickly caught up, falling in step beside Bryan as they walked the path.

"How are things at the Ministry lately, Ludo?" Bryan asked in a casual tone.

"Oh!" Ludo immediately perked up, as if he had been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to speak, "Although I don't much appreciate Barty's excessively rigid, by-the-book working style, I must say the department truly needs a shrewd and capable person like him to manage day-to-day operations effectively.

Cornelius is only interested in attending glamorous cocktail parties and securing his political position, and that nasty woman Dolores spends all her time scheming how to plant her people in various departments to gain more influence and power. I don't care for these complicated political intrigues, so I've cleverly escaped for some well-deserved peace and quiet whenever possible!"

"You're the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Ludo—" Bryan chuckled, speaking in a conversational tone,

"Barty is quite seriously ill and, doesn't look like he'll be physically able to manage work responsibilities for some time. Haven't you considered using this appropriate period to demonstrate your abilities and gradually gain more political support among the Ministry?" He suggested, watching Ludo's reaction carefully from the corner of his eye.

"Oh, I'm absolutely not cut out for that sort of things, and besides, that silly, power-hungry woman Dolores is determined to take over from Cornelius—I certainly don't want to place myself directly in her sights!" Ludo replied immediately with frankness.

Only after the words had impulsively flown from his mouth did his brain slowly catch up with his tongue, and he looked suspiciously at Bryan's face, "Why, Bryan, are you perhaps looking for a position at the Ministry too?"

Bryan cast a helpless glance at Ludo. Everyone in the Ministry's upper echelons knew he was on good terms with Amelia Bones, and it was almost universally accepted as inevitable that he would eventually succeed Dumbledore in the future.

Only the oblivious Ludo would ask such a question. However, having confirmed that this fellow's brain was still as muddled and politically naive as ever, Bryan actually felt somewhat relieved.

"Like you, Ludo—" Bryan said flatly, "I'm not particularly cut out for that either."

Ludo made a regretful clicking sound with his tongue, shaking his head slightly. He genuinely felt that in certain ways, Bryan was quite to his personal liking, and besides, he was known to have good relations with those cunning, merciless goblins of Gringotts.

If Bryan ever seriously wanted to become Minister for Magic, he would definitely support him wholeheartedly—as long as, of course, if Bryan helped him clear the gambling debts he had accumulated with the goblins during his recent unfortunate losing streak.

"By the way—" Bryan said abruptly, cutting through Ludo's thoughts.

As if possessing some ability to read Ludo's greedy mind, Bryan paused in his steps before a slowly drifting thin cloud that partially obscured the spectacular view. He fixed his gaze on Ludo, looking at him with a somewhat teasing yet knowing expression.

"How much money have you borrowed from the goblins lately, Ludo?"

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