Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 474 Winky, The House-elf

On the right side of the stands, almost at eye level for everyone, there was a gigantic blackboard. Golden writings swiftly slid as if an invisible giant's hand was scribbling on the board and then erasing it again.

It was broadcasting announcements to the audience.

The Bluebottle Broom: A Broom for the Whole Family! Secure, reliable, and with an Anti-Theft Bell!

Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Stain Remover: Pain-free; Spotless!

Wizard Wear Gladrags - London, Paris, Hogsmeade...

"Look, it's the Hogwarts logo!" Harry suddenly exclaimed.

Following the Wizard Wear Gladrags advertisement, four animals appeared on the massive blackboard: the golden lion on a red background, the copper eagle on a blue background, the black badger on a yellow background, and the silver snake on a green background.

They moved from all sides toward the center and finally converged to form a complete shield.

The shield was emblazoned on the paper, with the letters under "Hogwarts Magic" shining.

It was like a ribbon around the shield.

"God, what did I just witness? Was that truly an advertisement for Hogwarts Magic?!"

Everyone turned to look at Evan, their excited faces filled with disbelief.

They hadn't expected to see an advertisement for Hogwarts Magic at the World Cup level.

This was utterly world-class and beyond everyone's imagination.

The advertising was highly effective, and in just a few seconds, all the attending wizards who had never heard of the newspaper were now informed about it.

This meant that Hogwarts Magic would no longer be confined to Hogwarts and the British wizarding world. The newspaper had gone global just like that!

Those familiar with the newspaper's creation process and its rapid rise would definitely exclaim that this was a business miracle.

"Evan, how did you come up with advertising at the World Cup?" said Fred.

"This idea is absolutely fantastic!" added George.

"The image we just saw is the most thrilling and impactful thing I've ever seen!" Harry also said excitedly.

"To advertise at the World Cup, how many Galleons did it cost?" Ron asked.

"You should ask Hermione about these matters. She and Professor Lupin arranged this advertisement," Evan smiled and said, "I just wrote to Professor Dumbledore asking for advice, and he allowed us to use the Hogwarts logo."

All eyes turned to Hermione, who looked shy but very proud.

Months ago, the Ministry of Magic started seeking sponsors for advertisements for the World Cup finals.

Evan, Hermione, and Professor Lupin deemed it an excellent promotional opportunity, especially during the newspaper's rapid expansion phase.

This favored their brand building and public awareness.

Despite its high cost, this advertising achieved unprecedented success.

After the Hogwarts School logo appeared, the entire stadium immediately erupted in a wave of celebration and joy.

All Hogwarts students and alumni were cheering excitedly, as if they were at home, until the ad vanished. Wizards from other countries were discussing and inquiring about Hogwarts, the ancient School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Evan's newspaper.

A few minutes later, they turned their gaze away from the sign.

So far, there were still no more people in the box besides them. They were the first to arrive, except for a tiny creature sitting in the second seat from the end of the row behind them.

The creature, with legs so short that they protruded in front of it on the chair, wore a dishcloth wrapped like a robe and had its face hidden between its hands.

This was a house-elf.

"How can there be a house-elf here?" Ron asked curiously.

Evan's gaze also shifted to the back of the box, noticing it for the first time.

Unsurprisingly, Bartemius Crouch Jr. was sitting next to the house-elf.

He was under magical control, and if Evan tried to remove the invisibility cloak, he could be caught.

But given the current situation, this did not benefit him at all, nor did it align with Evan and Dumbledore's plans.

Capturing Bartemius Crouch Jr. beforehand would have little effect other than ruining his father, Barty Crouch.

With the help of vampires, Voldemort's resurrection was almost inevitable.

Even without the assistance of Barty Crouch Jr., they were planning new schemes, which would be even more problematic.

Instead, it was preferable to let events unfold in the direction Evan knew, so they could be easily controlled.

Voldemort needed to be allowed to use Harry's blood to resurrect, which was the only known way to defeat him completely.

Considering these factors, Evan did not move easily, he simply observed the house-elf and the empty seat beside him.

Just as everyone turned their attention to Winky, the tiny creature looked up.

She stretched her fingers, revealing a pair of huge brown eyes and a nose the exact size and shape of a large tomato.

"I'm sorry, Winky just overheard someone mention the name of Mr. Evan Mason," the elf squeaked. Her voice was a tiny trembling chirp.

Her gaze wandered over them and finally settled on Evan accurately.

"Yes, you must be Mr. Evan Mason. Winky knows you and has seen your photos in the newspaper!" the elf squealed. She shielded her face with her hands, as if blinded by the light, although the VIP Box was not very bright.

Seeing Evan nod, she shouted excitedly.

"First, sir, my name is Winky!" She said excitedly, looking astonished. "Dobby talks about you all the time. He spoke your name all day. He gave him a job, gave him a new life."

"Do you know Dobby?" Harry asked, surprised.

Upon hearing the question, Winky's eyes moved towards Harry.

Her dark brown eyes widened as plates as they landed on Harry's scar. "God, you must be Harry Potter!"

Everyone looked at the house-elf with interest, but it was unexpected that she knew everyone present.

"Winky heard Dobby say that you and Mr. Mason freed Dobby, also defeated that man," Winky lowered her hands slightly, "Mr. Harry is as great as Mr. Mason, but without disrespect, I'm not sure if he did Dobby a favor."

Why? Harry asked, surprised.

"Freedom is getting to Dobby's head, thinking about pleasure, sir, this is an unrealistic idea!" Winky said, lowering her hands again. "It's disgraceful for a house-elf. He even wants to be paid. Fortunately, Mr. Mason took him in. Otherwise, Winky really doesn't know what he would have become. I once told him that if he kept causing trouble like this, he would soon be arrested by the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, like some common goblin."