Chapter 738: The Dursleys
Chapter 738: The Dursleys
"Welcome to the midday news", a host with wire-framed glasses appeared on the TV screen. "A month ago, I thought the Quidditch World Cup was still in the next century, but in the blink of an eye, it's almost here."
"Many things have happened during this time. First, the figures of political leaders from various countries have been appearing on the island, and our reporters are clearly stretched thin."
"The Queen of Britain is staying at the British Palace on the island, but more politicians and celebrities have chosen to experience the magic inns. Prince Charles and Camilla quietly checked into an icy village that contrasts sharply with the current environment. Notably, the former Princess Diana is staying in the botanical garden on the other side of the island. She has been tirelessly promoting magical horticulture over the years and has a close friendship with Kettleburn, who was invited to the moon."
"The Piano Poet, François Cloutier, has just finished his concert. In an interview, he revealed that he won't perform for the next month, saying, 'A grand feast is right around the corner.' Cloutier has a deep connection with magic; since his hands healed, his masterpieces have been pouring out. Undoubtedly, magic is his muse."
"The Ancient Runes Association has released a new yearbook, expanding the original Ancient Runes rules to twenty-two."
"Some are concerned about the incoming storm. Our weather team was dispatched three days ago and managed to divert it, ensuring it will pass us by."
"The Selma Lake Monster from Norway is suffering from homesickness. Magizoologists Luna Lovegood and Rolf Scamander found the creature depressed due to the lack of a freshwater environment on the island. The Seawater Purification Department initially refused to provide a freshwater pool, but two days later, a spokesperson announced that the issue had been resolved. 'We are keeping it in a bathtub. The new problem is that it's a bit shy, especially of flat-faced, black-furred creatures.'"
"Red-haired dwarves from Brazil and Irish pixies clashed, followed by American Ilvermorny forest sprites brandishing small axes. The only silver lining is that their bows and arrows, which are reportedly toxic, were confiscated. Clearly, the island's acting manager is more focused on the millions of tourists and his daughter's birthday party. Someone suggested having House-elves from Future World Company supervise the unruly creatures, which might be a good idea but could lead to even more disastrous consequences."
"Early this morning, a small boat approached the floating island. On board was a burly man who knocked out more than half of the Fijian mascots, Dakuwaga, a shapeshifting creature that can transform between shark and humanoid forms, in the surrounding waters. His roars drew the attention of the island's patrol. He claimed to be the Hogwarts Care of Magical Creatures Professor and Keeper of the Forbidden Forest, accompanied by an elegant and tall woman. They were supposed to arrive a week ago but got lost due to a sudden storm..."
After a flurry of chatter, the host looked up. "Let's switch to the tourists on the island. Tus, can you hear me?"
The camera cut to an outdoor scene, where a middle-aged man appeared on the screen. His bald head, shiny like it had been waxed, gleamed in the sunlight, giving the impression of boundless energy and eloquence.
"Hello, Reed."
"I am currently at the Memorial Hall on the floating island. Inside, you can find well-documented magical history from around the world, making it one of the must-visit attractions. The hall is rich in books and various multimedia resources, and a quick tour can take two to three hours. There's also a free restaurant, but I doubt anyone would come in just for a free lunch. Notably, Mr. Heap and his colleagues and students occupy an entire exhibition floor—sir, may I interview you?"
Dudley stared blankly at the reporter, dropping the souvenir hat he was holding. "Pick me up from the ground! Kid", the hat shouted. Dudley wasn't as fat as he was when he was younger; although his middle school boxing training didn't make him an outstanding boxer or rugby player, it at least kept his weight in check.
"Listen, I'm not going to waste any more money... What's up, Dudley?" Vernon and Petunia approached. Vernon's mouth was greasy, and he was wiping it with a napkin. He froze when he saw the reporter and the camera.
"Are you together? A family?" The reporter's interested gaze moved from the hat on the ground to the Dursleys. "Great, no doubt you're all very interested in magic—"
"What?" Vernon's eyes widened as he barked, "Oh, cough, cough, cough, yes..." He mumbled, pulling Petunia and Dudley, preparing to leave, but the reporter had already handed the microphone to Dudley, who was closest. "Can you answer a few questions? It won't take long."
Dudley stammered, his eyes darting around, but the reporter said, "Fantastic."
"Where are you from?"
Dudley hesitated for a few seconds, mumbling, "Britain, I guess."
"Britain?" The reporter's eyes lit up. "I interviewed Andy Murray last week. He became the first British man to win 14 titles in the Open Era last year, but his form has been a bit off this year. He changed coaches and invited a former St. Mungo's Healer to join his team. He and his girlfriend are on the floating island—didn't notice? Not interested in tennis? What a shame, that report was one of my best, including his relationship with a controversial journalist."
He smacked his lips, slightly disappointed by the Dursleys' reaction but quickly recovered. "Okay, okay, let's continue... Since you're from Britain, you must have visited the third floor of the Memorial Hall, right? That's the highlight."
"Um..."
"Who are you interested in? The two Grand Sorcerers, or the current Headmistress Mcgonagall, who spearheaded the exchange student program among the eleven magical schools? The mysterious and controversial Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and the Divination professor, or the other pair—the incredibly large Charms professor and the Care of Magical Creatures professor? The Giant Keeper, the influential Potions professor, and the Herbology professor who returned after serving as an Auror—"
Dudley strained to think of something to say, but he couldn't find a way to interject.
"Of course, I imagine you might be more interested in another group who have profoundly influenced our lives—The Weasley brothers, the most popular magical merchants who have spread mischief to over seventy countries; the Diggorys, who have made significant contributions in healthcare and charity; Mr. Malfoy, the head of the first Wizard-Muggle joint hospital, who oversees the operations of thousands of branches of 'Future World' and manages a research team of two thousand people—"
"Harry Potter", Dudley said.
"Harry Potter!" the reporter exclaimed dramatically, clearly having saved this name for the moment. "Yes, this name has been mentioned repeatedly, and the public is watching him closely. He is also quite legendary, playing a crucial role in the downfall of a Dark Lord, I believe Voldemort? I apologize, I'm not very familiar with foreign names... It's said that during the darkest times, his name couldn't even be spoken, and he was referred to as the Dark Lord... He killed many people, including the Potters' parents—"
Petunia's expression was strange, and Vernon clutched her hand tightly.
"But all of this is in the 'Harry Potter' movies, ha ha. I remember the memorial hall used some movie clips because some people were reluctant to make their photos public." The reporter sighed a bit. "I wonder how Mr. Potter gets along with his Muggle relatives? You know, people generally consider his aunt and uncle to be hopeless, but they have some hope for his cousin, who seems to have a weight problem..."
"Hopeless" Vernon's face turned a deep purple, and Aunt Petunia's lips were tightly pressed together, her eyes flashing with a hint of panic.
"I think—uh, we get along well", Dudley finally managed to say, the first time he had been able to respond smoothly during the interview. "Their kids play together, and they sit and watch matches, drinking beer—boxing, football, Quidditch... and they discuss Chocolate Frog Cards. Felix Hepworth and Gellert Grindelwald are the hardest to collect, while Ron Weasley is practically flooding the market..." He rambled on, and Vernon, who had been grumbling, stood frozen in place, looking just as shocked as Petunia.
The reporter was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "That's a great idea." He turned to the camera, jokingly saying, "To the film creators, if you're considering a sequel to meet fan demand, you might want to take notes." He then handed the microphone to Vernon. "Sir, I see you've been eager to speak, almost desperate—"
Vernon suddenly clenched his purple fists, and the reporter took a step back, shrinking.
"Desperate? Yes!" he shouted, spittle flying. "I'm happy! I love magic, and my whole family loves magic! Are you satisfied...?"
The camera cut from the memorial hall to the studio. "Thank you, Tuss, for that live report", the host adjusted his glasses and calmly said. "Next, we'll show a series of celebrity clips, where they warmly wish the World Cup opening ceremony success."
In front of the TV, Ron asked Harry:
"Do you really drink beer and watch matches together? And discuss Chocolate Frog Cards?"
Harry shrugged.
"Alright", Ron grumbled. "I have two Grindelwalds, but don't expect me to trade them with him."
The two entered the meeting room, and Harry took a deep breath, looking at the familiar faces of over a hundred people. He felt like he was back at school, but the situation was far more complex now.
Fred and George Weasley winked at each other, took off their black top hats, and said, "Hail the noble island lord." They were wearing brown suits with yellow stripes and colorful polka-dot ties, looking quite comical.
"Oh, stop it", Percy said. But the brief interruption helped Harry calm down. His gaze slowly moved across the room, taking in Sirius, Madam Bones, Lupin, Tonks, Hagrid, Professor Mcgonagall, the Weasley couple, Ginny, and especially Dobby... They all looked at Harry with warm, trusting eyes, and a warm feeling welled up inside him.
He reached out and tapped the wall behind him, and the crowd gasped as a giant map, seamlessly integrated into the wall, slowly appeared, revealing the outline of the floating island and the surrounding thousand square kilometers. The ink marks on the map moved around, showing various activities.
"The situation is as follows..." Harry began.
"Where's Hermione?" Percy's wife, Penelope, whispered to Luna, who replied cheerfully, "The Grangers are here."
Penelope looked surprised.
"Proven fact", Fred whispered, "even the greatest wizard can't escape the pressure from in-laws. I wish I were there to liven up the atmosphere... I personally think Professor Hep isn't very good at telling jokes."
"Felix has a good sense of humor", Luna said fairly.
(End of Chapter)
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