The remainder of the summer vacation passed quickly.
The chaos at the World Cup was, of course, widely reported.
Though Rita Skeeter had been nearly canceled earlier by outraged readers, she left an enduring legacy for The Daily Prophet.
—That was her sensationalist style, which had become a trend among journalists and evolved into the "blush-inducing style."
"This article is genius—"
Ron spat as he browsed the front page of the newspaper:
"Heart-pounding! Dark Wizards mocked by Muggles, turned into clowns!"
"Shocking! They surrounded a Muggle couple, and it was all for this!"
"Can't bear to look! Playing with rubber toys in public!"
His brothers burst into laughter, but Percy remained stoic.
"I wish the paper would return to its original form," Percy said angrily. "Such a reputable newspaper stooping to this nonsense is a national disgrace. The Department of International Magical Cooperation will be ridiculed by other countries' ministries—"
"Give it a rest, Percy," Bill yawned. "At least the reports are entertaining..."
"It's already a mess," Percy snapped, clearly annoyed by his brother's remarks. "I feel like I'm firefighting—howlers everywhere. My desk is practically charcoal. All complaints about World Cup security—though Yu gave me a standard template, replying is still exhausting—"
At that moment, Mr. Weasley entered the living room, looking weary:
"It's tricky. Even though we've arrested many, we can't prove they're Death Eaters—"
"They insist they were just celebrating. After all, no one was injured, and no real spells were cast at the scene—"
"We can only charge them for violating the International Statute of Secrecy for their actions in front of Muggles."
Their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Weasley, who was busy preparing school supplies for Jane and the children.
Mrs. Weasley handed Jane a shimmering silver-green gown made of silky satin:
"Albus said he bought you a dress earlier... but he's sometimes too careless, only sending money and textbooks."
"He must never have raised children. At this age, they grow taller every day—"
Amid Jane's thanks, Ron loudly protested while holding his own gown:
"Why do I have to wear this thing? And Fred and George, they made so many Galleons—"
Jane followed his voice and saw him holding a maroon velvet robe with moldy-looking ruffles.
"If you have the guts, go make money like your brothers!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. "That's their startup capital for the shop. Besides, they didn't spend a single Knut of ours on textbooks or robes this year!"
Ron stubbornly retorted:
"Fine, but even if I have to go naked, stark naked, and jump off the tower, I won't let this touch my body!"
Jane sensed this might be a precursor to a classic "eat-your-words" moment.
"Fine, go naked then!" Mrs. Weasley shot back. "I hope I don't see your naked photo in The Daily Prophet. Something like 'Shocking! 14-year-old boy streaks at midnight!'"
Fred and George appeared on the stairs, winking at Jane.
She climbed up and found their room packed with fake wands.
"Ollivander would bow to you," she sincerely praised.
Fred laughed heartily, filling the room with cheerful energy:
"Our fake wands are famous! 'Playing with rubber toys in public,' free advertising!"
"Dad said he'd help us negotiate the transfer of a shop in Diagon Alley—if all goes well, our shop will be running next year!"
Jane calculated the Galleons she'd earn as dividends.
She sincerely wished their business great success.
...
The first day of school arrived quickly.
Jane boarded the train with her luggage as raindrops pattered against the glass windows.
She successfully found the compartment where Theodore was sitting—the quietest, most undisturbed spot in the carriage.
But his expression was far from good.
His eyes were bloodshot, his hair unusually draped over his forehead, seemingly hiding something.
In fact, Theodore had just had a heated argument with his father during the summer.
It was about some collective marches and protests—their views were completely at odds.
He had suffered brutal beatings... His Death Eater father had asserted his absolute authority in the household.
And declared that Theodore would never escape his shadow.
"Breaking free from one's environment... is a difficult thing."
After helping her stow her suitcase, Theodore suddenly uttered a cryptic remark.
Breaking free from the environment?
Jane's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't believe—
Her plan to drop out and move to the European continent had been exposed just like that?
But she wasn't worried that Theodore would ruin her plans. After all, they had shared a three-year friendship.
"Yes, since you already know..."
Jane sighed, deciding to share part of her thoughts with him:
"I know the ultimate outcome. Some things must be done."
She understood that leaving was the only way to bring about the correct ending.
Theodore listened quietly, his chaotic emotions gradually calming.
He understood that she knew the ultimate outcome and would use her foresight to change everything.
The Death Eaters were destined to self-destruct.
His stubborn father was walking on the edge of an abyss.
"Even if it means going against your family?" he asked.
Jane thought about her own differences with Dumbledore...
Over the past three years, their views had rarely aligned, seemingly always on separate tracks.
She had been trying to leave, while Dumbledore kept her firmly at school... always saying strange things...
"Even if he doesn't approve... I know it's hard, but I'm not his clone... I can't act entirely according to his thoughts."
She rubbed her temples, feeling a slight headache.
But Theodore's thoughts were gradually becoming clearer.
She was hinting to him that even if he faced his father's brutal beatings... even if their views were at odds...
No matter how difficult the road ahead, he had to follow his heart.
Just like her, even if her guardian Dumbledore didn't approve, she had to be herself.
He wasn't his father's clone... He had always had his own ideas... his inner guidance...
He thought he understood what he needed to do.
"Even though it's hard, I'll do my best to help you."
He promised solemnly.
Jane smiled sincerely.
She knew their three-year friendship was not to be underestimated. He was the first to offer to help her drop out!
Even though she didn't plan to involve him, the gesture truly touched her!
Feeling joyful, she couldn't help but share her latest gaming console with him.
It featured many new text-based games, adapted from classic stories like The Tales of Beedle the Bard and wizard-themed Muggle fairy tales...
Theodore cleverly hid the console as Draco's voice rang out loudly outside the door.
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