Harry Potter and the Ambitious Girl

Interlude: The Quidditch World Cup

Summer vacation.

A time when most students would be frolicking with friends or enjoying a much-anticipated trip back home.

Mirabelle Beresford, however, was neither engaging in such typical student activities nor relaxing. Instead, she was engrossed in something extraordinarily peculiar.

With a biology book in one hand, her gaze was fixed on a glass terrarium. Surrounding her were an array of beakers and flasks, and instead of her usual robes, she was clad in a white lab coat, complete with a pair of glasses perched on her nose.

Inside the terrarium were several toads, curiously engaged in a baffling act—they were incubating chicken eggs.

This odd behavior was, of course, a result of Mirabelle using the Imperius Curse to compel the toads. To an outside observer, the entire scene would have appeared utterly nonsensical.

"Um, my lady… What exactly is the purpose of all this…?"

A masked man standing nearby, Quirinus Quirrell, asked hesitantly.

Without a word, Mirabelle flipped through the pages of her book and handed it to Quirrell. The pages were filled with cases concerning basilisks.

"Once, there was a dark wizard in Greece called 'Rotten Harpo.' According to his research, if a chicken egg was incubated under a toad, it would hatch into a giant serpent with immense power.

This creature, unlike normal snakes, could kill or petrify others simply by being looked at. It was feared as the 'King of Serpents.'"

"W-What?! Surely you don't mean—?!"

"Exactly. Every egg in this terrarium is a basilisk egg."

Mirabelle reached into the glass case and picked up one of the eggs.

"However, creating a basilisk is no simple task. Certain conditions must be met for the egg to develop into one.

For instance, the egg must not come from a hen but a rooster. Moreover, the rooster must be exactly seven years old."

"A-a rooster? But roosters don't—"

"Yes, ordinarily, roosters don't lay eggs. That's why I had to use magic to alter their biology and force them to produce eggs."

Following detailed research, Mirabelle attempted to create basilisks according to the documented methods.

However, since roosters laying eggs was an impossible condition to meet naturally, she took matters into her own hands. Using magic, she subjected the roosters to drastic modifications, forcing them to lay eggs.

Incidentally, the altered "mother" (or "father"?) couldn't survive the harsh experiment and died shortly after laying the egg. Its body, however, ended up as Mirabelle's lunch—not that she gave it much thought.

"My lady, are you planning to mass-produce basilisks?"

"Indeed. The challenge is their lethal gaze, but that can be managed by training them to keep their eyes shut.

Fortunately, while basilisks lack pit organs, their sense of smell is sharp enough. Blocking their vision won't inconvenience them much."

She placed the egg back into the terrarium. The toads eagerly hopped onto it as if awaiting their turn to incubate.

"Make sure you wear glasses, too. If you die from looking into a newborn basilisk's eyes, it won't even be a funny story."

"Y-Yes… But are glasses enough to protect us? I've heard that Moaning Myrtle died from—"

"These are no ordinary glasses. They're magical devices I crafted as part of my alchemy practice.

They are enchanted with a blindfolding spell, which activates whenever they detect magical power, ensuring the wearer won't see anything dangerous."

As Mirabelle explained, her eyes drifted back to the eggs.

There was no sign of them hatching yet, nor was there any guarantee that they would produce basilisks.

For now, she continued making minor adjustments while waiting for results, striving to perfect the method of basilisk production.

As she worked, a rattling sound came from the fireplace.

It seemed she had a visitor.

"Quirrell, take care of this."

"Y-Yes!"

Leaving the basilisk eggs in Quirrell's hands, Mirabelle turned toward the fireplace.

Standing there was a familiar face—a young girl named Edith Reinagle.

Edith coughed and spluttered, seemingly unaccustomed to traveling by Floo Powder. She glanced around the manor's interior two or three times, her mouth slightly agape in a rather silly expression of awe.

"What are you gawking at, Reinagle?"

"Oh, M-Mirabelle! I was just… wow, this manor is incredible…"

For someone like Edith, who came from a modest background, the opulence of this villa was overwhelming.

Like a country bumpkin visiting the big city for the first time, her eyes darted around as she let out meaningless exclamations like "Wow!" and "Amazing!"

Mirabelle sighed at her antics and gestured for Edith to follow her to her room.

When they arrived at the room at the end of a long hallway, Edith once again froze, her eyes wide as she took in the lavish surroundings.

"Let's get started with some spell practice, shall we?"

"Y-Yeah!"

Edith clenched her fists, trying to psych herself up, but her attention quickly wavered when she spotted something unusual out of the corner of her eye.

On Mirabelle's desk was a pile of books. That in itself wasn't unusual, but these books had stationary, non-moving covers—just like Muggle books.

No, they were Muggle books. They were entirely devoid of the magical qualities typical of wizarding literature.

"Muggle books? Mirabelle, you read these too?"

"Yes. There's a lot to learn from them."

The books stacked on Mirabelle's desk were about various systems of governance throughout Muggle history: absolute monarchy, democracy, socialism.

Figures such as Hitler, Napoleon, and Oda Nobunaga filled the pages, with their successes and failures in ruling societies meticulously documented.

While the upper echelons of the wizarding world often dismissed Muggle history as irrelevant, Mirabelle thought otherwise. Muggles, unable to rely on magic, were forced to innovate, adapt, and continuously evolve.

They had no means to reclaim what was lost, so they sought efficiency and solutions through intellect and effort.

This relentless drive to progress, even at great sacrifice, was something Mirabelle believed the stagnant magical world desperately needed.

The wizarding world, on the other hand, had been at a standstill for ages.

The insistence on preserving pure-blood lineages led to repeated inbreeding, elevating the incompetent while stifling progress.

Most pure-blood families were now so interrelated that it was clear their numbers had dwindled to the point of collapse.

It was absurd. Without the inclusion of Muggle-borns, the wizarding world would have gone extinct long ago, yet many continued to ignore this fact.

Rather than striving for progress, they clung to a self-imposed stagnation. Even Voldemort seemed intent on dragging them further into regression.

...Someone needed to break this vicious cycle.

"Hmm, Muggle books, huh… Oh, what's this? Something's tucked in here."

"Ah, it's just a ticket I was using as a bookmark."

Curious, Edith pulled the paper out of the book.

It read: "Quidditch World Cup Semifinals: Japan vs. Ireland."

"What?! That's an invitation to the Quidditch World Cup!"

"Indeed. What of it? Are you interested?"

"Of course I am! I lined up at the shop for tickets, but I couldn't get any…"

Quidditch World Cup tickets were highly coveted in the wizarding world.

People like Edith, desperate to attend, were everywhere. On the flip side, there were families like the Beresfords, who received invitations but showed little interest in attending.

"Hmm… In that case, shall we go?"

"What?"

"You want to see it, don't you?"

Mirabelle wasn't particularly excited about the World Cup herself.

However, she didn't dislike it either. If Edith wanted to go, Mirabelle figured it could be a decent way to pass the time.

At her suggestion, Edith nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with joy.

"Alright!"

"Then let's get going. If I recall, the event is today."

Practicing magic could wait until tomorrow.

The basilisk situation had been settled, leaving the rest in Quirrell's capable hands. Mirabelle snapped her fingers, and moments later, a maid entered the room.

Her name was Mary, Mirabelle's personal maid brought from the manor. With ash-blonde hair tied neatly at her back and a doll-like appearance, Mary was the epitome of grace.

"Mary, dress her in something that won't raise suspicions if seen by Muggles. I'll leave the design to you."

"Understood."

"Huh? Wait, what?"

Ignoring Edith's confusion, Mary grabbed her and whisked her away without a word of protest.

Once they were gone, Mirabelle removed her white robe and opened her closet. She pulled out a black hoodie and jeans, snapping her fingers again.

In an instant, her outfit changed, and her previously worn robes were neatly hung on a hanger.

"My lady, it's done."

"Good work... Hah, I thought she'd shine if polished, and indeed she does."

Edith, now lightly made up, was dressed in a white docking dress. Her hair was neatly styled, giving her an air of refined elegance.

Though a bit embarrassed, she glanced down timidly. Mirabelle placed a hand on her shoulder and addressed Mary.

"We're off. Take care of things while I'm gone."

"Of course, my lady. Have a safe trip."

Mary bowed gracefully as Mirabelle activated Apparition, instantly teleporting herself and Edith to Japan.

They didn't appear in the middle of a city but deep within a secluded forest where tonight's game was set to take place.

While the magic community made efforts to remain inconspicuous, many wizards still wore robes in public—over 60% of them, in fact.

As a result, the unfortunate Muggles who stumbled upon them often had their memories erased.

The stadium's entrance presented a peculiar scene.

One gate was crowded with Western wizards, all jostling to enter as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the other gate had a line of East Asian wizards—likely Japanese—patiently waiting in an orderly queue.

Eager to get into the stadium, Edith couldn't understand the patience of the latter group.

"...What's with that? Why are they doing that?"

"The Japanese are well-known for forming orderly queues at every opportunity, whether they're Muggles or wizards."

"Huh... It's kind of impressive, in a way."

After presenting their tickets to the staff at the gate, Mirabelle and Edith were guided to their assigned seats.

They were situated high up in the stands, providing a clear view of the entire match.

To pass the time before the game started, they bought magical binoculars—capable of rewinding and slow motion—and snacks.

Finally, the teams began to enter the stadium, and the crowd erupted with excitement.

*"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the 422nd Quidditch World Cup, Round Three!

Tonight's semifinal match features Japan versus Ireland!

First, let's introduce the mascots for Team Ireland!"*

The voice of Ludo Bagman, head of the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Games and Sports, boomed through the stadium.

Two comets, glittering green and gold, shot into the arena, circling it before flying toward opposite goalposts.

A rainbow bridge appeared between the two comets, eliciting awe from the crowd.

The display continued, with the comets creating a giant shamrock in the sky before unleashing a downpour of golden coins.

Some spectators scrambled to collect the coins, but Mirabelle grabbed Edith's shoulder.

"They're fake. They'll disappear soon enough."

"Haha... oh."

Though initially tempted, Edith avoided making a fool of herself and felt relieved. Watching others desperately scramble for the coins, only to likely face disappointment later, left her feeling a little sorry for them.

"And now, let's welcome the mascots for Team Japan!"

Ireland's mascot display had been spectacular, raising expectations for Japan's entry.

But as if to subvert those expectations entirely, a group of young girls walked onto the field.

Each wore a charming kimono and smiled radiantly, their innocence undeniably endearing—but the whole scene exuded an unsettlingly suspicious vibe.

"What on earth is that?"

"That's the Japanese team's mascot, the Zashiki-warashi. A spirit that resides in a house and brings happiness... Basically, it's like a Japanese version of a house-elf."

This "seriously, what is this?" kind of mascot sparks mixed opinions worldwide but has a passionate fan base in certain circles. When other countries' players saw it, they reportedly said in unison, "The Japanese are insane. They're living in the future," in a tone of exasperation. Hearing this, Edith couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"And now, let's move on to the player introductions! Everyone, give them a big round of applause!

For the Irish National Team: Connolly! Ryan! Troy! Mullet! Moran! Quigley!

And last but not least, LYNCH!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the players entered one by one on their broomsticks and lined up. Every broom was a Firebolt, making both riders and brooms top-tier.

"Introducing the Japanese Team!

Taro! Masato! Hayato! Renji! Sasuke! Satoshi! And... TAKESHI!"

The Japanese team, smaller in stature compared to the Irish, entered and stood in a line. As they did, the Quaffle, Bludgers, and Golden Snitch were released onto the pitch, signaling the start of the match.

"And now! The game begins!"

In the next instant, Edith completely lost sight of the players' movements.

Fast! They were unbelievably fast!

The Chasers passed the Quaffle so quickly it was impossible to tell who had it. The Beaters struck the Bludgers at such absurd speeds that they seemed to leave afterimages as they shot back and forth. The balls no longer targeted players but became almost random projectiles, causing chuckles from spectators.

Meanwhile, Seekers Takeshi and Lynch engaged in a fierce aerial dogfight, maintaining razor-thin margins as they chased the Snitch.

It was a far cry from the matches Edith had seen at school. The intensity was on a completely different level.

Quidditch matches, however, tend to fall into one of two patterns: either drawn-out battles or lightning-fast finishes. This match was the latter. The fact that both Seekers were already in motion was proof.

Each team's Beaters targeted the opposing Seekers with Bludgers. But the Seekers spun mid-air and evaded them without losing speed, their eyes locked on the Snitch.

Simultaneously, they reached out for it—

"…!"

Holding her breath, Edith fixed her gaze on the players. That's when the Irish team's Lynch launched himself off his broom!

It was a reckless move that could easily end with him failing to grab the Snitch and crashing to the ground. It was an act of sheer determination for victory.

Lynch collided with the ground, rolled to absorb the impact, and slowly stood up. Raising his right arm with the Snitch clenched tightly in his hand, he let out a triumphant roar.

The crowd rose to its feet, erupting into a deafening cheer. Edith found herself standing and shouting along with them.

Meanwhile, the defeated Japanese team pounded the ground in frustration, tears streaming down their faces. Then, as if gripped by madness, they set their brooms ablaze.

"Wait! What are they doing?!"

"Oh, you didn't know? The Japanese team is famous for burning their brooms on the spot after losing a match."

"That's terrifying!"

It's likely a reflection of the uniquely Japanese concept of seppuku, or ritual sacrifice.

That said, it's often criticized as a waste of materials, yet the Japanese team shows no signs of abandoning the practice. Watching this strange ritual, Edith muttered, "Japanese people are so weird..."

"…So, what did you think? Did you make some good memories?"

As the match ended and the crowd began trickling out, Mirabel turned to Edith and asked.

Edith replied with a satisfied smile. Today had been fun—truly fun. Watching a match with a friend, experiencing the fierce competition of the professional world firsthand...

"Yes, absolutely! I'll never forget today!"

"That's good to hear. The more happy memories you have, the better for creating a Patronus."

At Mirabel's casual remark, Edith's eyes widened. She finally understood why Mirabel had brought her here.

"Wait… Was this part of learning Patronus magic?"

"Of course. Do you think I'd waste time on mere entertainment?"

Mirabel's sly grin left Edith chuckling in exasperation.

"I see. No wonder you were being so kind..."

Still, when she thought about how even this outing was a part of her magical training, it all made sense.

"Honestly, you're…"

"Starting tomorrow, we'll train hard. Be prepared."

With that, Mirabel stood up. It seemed she was ready to Disapparate and head back.

Feeling the weight of Mirabel's hand on her shoulder, Edith smiled and said,

"Mirabel."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you."

"…"

Mirabel closed her eyes, her expression unreadable, and slightly curled the corners of her lips. Without a word, she activated Disapparation.

As the pull of the spell enveloped her, Edith thought to herself,

Tomorrow, I'll surely be able to create an even stronger Patronus than before.

Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon

https://patreon.com/Glimmer09