Once upon a time, there lived a wizard named Little Handsome and his beautiful wife, Little Beauty.
Little Handsome was a man as free as the wind—forever chasing adventure, forever wandering, savoring a life unbound by rules or walls.
One day, as he had so many times before, Little Handsome bade his wife farewell and set out, curiosity and excitement brimming in his heart as he sought out the unknown. But this journey was different. He strayed into a place thick with danger and mystery, and there, he became hopelessly lost. After countless trials and close brushes with death, he finally clawed his way free—but not without paying a terrible price.
Shaken to his core, he realized at last what truly mattered most: his wife, Little Beauty.
Without hesitation, he raced home, traveling day and night, desperate to see her again. But when he finally arrived, breathless and exhausted, he was stunned to find another version of himself living happily with his wife—sharing simple joys, basking in ordinary happiness.
Only then did Little Handsome understand: he had died long ago. The devil from that mysterious place had taken his body, slipped into his life, spent his money, kissed his wife, walked his dog. And Little Handsome himself? He was nothing but a wandering ghost.
That was where the story in the book ended.
"So, you're saying… if that really is Professor Swenton, maybe his body's been taken over by something?" Qin Yu asked, glancing at Hermione as he finished reading.
"Mm-hmm, that's what I was thinking," Hermione nodded. "The main character in this story is a lot like Professor Swenton—both loved to travel, and after their adventures, they both seemed… changed."
"You think maybe, on his last expedition, Swenton ran into something dangerous—something we can't even imagine?" Qin Yu said thoughtfully.
"Exactly! You said yourself he went missing for ages. If he really was out exploring, maybe something happened to him out there!" Hermione replied, her voice earnest.
Qin Yu gazed into her bright, clear eyes, silent for a long moment.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, leaning closer until their faces were nearly touching, her big eyes locked on his.
Unable to resist, Qin Yu reached out and gently pinched the little witch's smooth chin, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "You know, I think you've got a real knack for detective work—sharp mind, quick thinking."
So, Luna, Fleur… you two might as well give up on me!
"Of course! I'm Monsieur Poirot's star pupil!" Hermione declared, puffing up with pride.
Her spirits soared at having her theory recognized by Qin Yu.
But then Qin Yu sighed, his expression clouding.
"I kind of hope you're right—if that's the case, whatever this man's done, it wouldn't really be Swenton's fault. But if you are right… it means Swenton might be in real danger. So, honestly, I hope you're wrong."
"Don't worry, and don't overthink it," Hermione said quickly, squeezing his hand in hers, warmth and comfort radiating from her touch. "I was just guessing—just happened to read this story, that's all."
Feeling her care, Qin Yu smiled, giving her soft hand a gentle squeeze. "I know you're just suggesting a possibility. The truth might be something else entirely. Don't worry, I won't get stuck on it. We'll just treat it as an interesting story, nothing more."
"Exactly!" Hermione nodded, relieved.
Then she grew serious again. "But you know, even without all the connections, I think this story is a warning for everyone."
"Oh? And what warning did you get from it, my dear Miss Granger?" Qin Yu teased, seeing she was trying to shift his thoughts away from worry—and playing along.
"It's simple: treasure the people around you. Don't always be chasing after adventure and the unknown," Hermione said, her tone gentle but meaningful.
As she spoke, she squinted at Qin Yu, making her meaning perfectly clear: Settle down, don't keep running off and disappearing, try staying home for once!
Qin Yu caught her drift immediately. He took her small hand, bent down, and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it, answering solemnly, "If I had a beautiful wife, I'd never just wander off like that. I'd stay home every day, right by her side."
That's right—being a stay-at-home husband, living off his wife, had always been Qin Yu's secret dream!
Why the kiss? Hermione blinked, flustered and a little annoyed, but mostly shy, unable to find the right words.
Still, she couldn't help but imagine herself in the scenario he'd described.
"Hmph, I don't need you hanging around all day…" she muttered, but halfway through, she caught herself, yanked her hand from his, and shot to her feet. Without looking back, she strode toward the stairs, calling out in a forcedly casual tone, "Come on, let's go! If we don't leave now, we'll get home late!"
Watching Hermione make her flustered escape, Qin Yu felt a surge of hope and happiness for the future.
I mean, the Minister for Magic's salary must be pretty decent, right? Should be more than enough to support a perfectly useless husband…
With these random thoughts swirling in his head, Qin Yu gathered his things and followed her downstairs.
They paid for their books at the register, picked up their altered robes from the tailor, and stopped by the "Wizard Hat Patisserie" to buy its signature wizard-hat-shaped mousse cakes. They ate them together on a bench outside, making quick work of lunch.
Afterwards, they bought a few more cakes to take home, then retraced their steps back.
As for what happened after they got home—how the Grangers raved about the cakes, how Qin Yu and Hermione spent the rest of their afternoon—those are stories for another time.
…
That very same day, on the far side of the world in New York City.
Night had fallen. In an ancient building, the thriving G.A. organization was holding a small celebration—a toast to their latest victory.
As the leader, Abernathy was busy clinking glasses with everyone.
When the mood reached its peak, wizards and witches alike spilled onto the dance floor, each showing off their own unique moves.
Their dancing reflected the diversity of the organization.
The largest group was the original Brazilian followers who had risen alongside Abernathy—the so-called "Brazilian Faction." Many had once roamed the wild rainforests of South America, and their dancing was wild and rhythmic, led by Little John, who was now locked in a close, energetic dance with a tattooed, bronze-skinned witch.
The second group consisted of those who'd joined after the Brazilian base was established—a motley crew: some admirers of the old Dark Lord Gellert Grindelwald, some parasites, some ambitious talents. This group was loosely organized, but they all gravitated toward Ian Stanley, whose fists were the hardest and whose reputation for ruthlessness was unmatched.
The rest were new North American recruits, mostly from the lower rungs of society, brought in by various means. The older factions had done much of the recruiting, naturally folding some of these newcomers into their own circles.
As the saying goes: "Within the party, there are no factions; outside, there's every kind of oddity."
Abernathy understood these divisions well. He trusted his original brothers the most; the rest, he found hard to control.
Especially that ever-active Ian Stanley.
"Still troubled by this?" a low, rumbling voice murmured in his ear.
Abernathy turned to the speaker, unbothered that his worries had been so easily seen through. He knew this man was a true sage—nothing escaped those wise eyes.
"He did work at Hogwarts, and the headmaster there is the most formidable wizard of our age," Abernathy admitted, voicing his real concern.
"It doesn't matter," the other replied, his tone deep and unhurried. "I've told you before—only by uniting every like-minded wizard can we achieve our goal."
"Because our goal is both great and difficult," Abernathy said, unconsciously straightening his back.
"Exactly. Remember that." The man nodded approvingly.
"I'm sorry, teacher. I still lack resolve and wisdom—I have so much left to learn."
"No matter. I'll remain by your side, until our cause is won."
"Teacher, meeting you has been my greatest fortune."
"And I, too, am lucky to have found you."
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