It had been a while since the new Wizard Card series hit the shelves.
As expected, it took the wizarding world by storm, sparking yet another frenzy of card collecting. A dedicated shop even opened in Diagon Alley just for Wizard Cards, and savvy witches and wizards sniffed out a business opportunity, launching a thriving secondhand card market.
This series' gimmick? Real-time linkage with actual British wizards. That meant any well-known wizard in England could end up in a card pack.
Picture it: you're commanding a deck featuring the most famous wizards in England. Young Dumbledore in your left hand, elderly Dumbledore in your right, smashing your opponent into the ground with unstoppable force.
The excitement swept through all of wizarding Britain. Soon, witches and wizards in France and Germany caught the fever, too. With the new card packs flying off the shelves, non-British wizards started clamoring for their own local legends to get the card treatment.
Under pressure from countless fans, Witch & Venom Publishing promised to fast-track a European Famous Wizards series within the next month.
Fans were thrilled to support a publisher that actually listened to them.
In reality, though, the European series was part of the plan from the start—they'd just rolled out the British version first.
"Mr. Dursley's designs are as flawless as ever," Carrow remarked, marveling at the steady stream of Galleons pouring into his pockets. He couldn't help but feel grateful for his decision three years ago to align himself with Dudley.
Who could've guessed that these little cards would rake in such massive profits? Carrow was counting money until his hands cramped.
The wizarding world's lack of entertainment options was to blame. When a hit like this came along, it was a goldmine. Quidditch, the old standby, wasn't much different—its profits were nearly on par with Wizard Cards.
Suppliers from all sorts of industries were already reaching out, hoping to collaborate with the Wizard Card brand. Even the makers of Chocolate Frogs—the original collectible in the wizarding world—wanted in.
"Young Master Richmond," a house-elf appeared before Carrow. It was one of the Carrow family's elves, speaking with utmost respect. "Mr. Victor and Mr. Dormam invite you to a dinner they're hosting tonight. Shall I decline on your behalf?"
Though Richmond Carrow was now head of the Carrow family, the previous head was still alive, so the house-elves still called him "Young Master" instead of "Master."
"Angus, tell them I'll be there on time," Carrow replied.
Angus was the house-elf's name.
"Yes, Young Master."
Victor Wilkes and Dormam Gaggeson were former Hogwarts students Dudley had helped place in the Ministry after graduation.
Carrow gazed toward the distant silhouette of Hogwarts.
Stick with Mr. Dursley, and wealth, power, and glory are yours for the taking.
---
Not long after, Witch & Venom Publishing dropped another bombshell.
The experimental "World's Greatest Wizard Card Tournament" held at Hogwarts had been a roaring success, showcasing the wizarding community's passion for the game. Naturally, plans for a second tournament were already in the works. This time, the grand prize was bumped up to 1,500 Galleons, with 500 Galleons for second place and smaller prizes for third through tenth.
Money talks, and 1,500 Galleons was no joke. Even the Daily Prophet's annual Galleon draw, which only happened once in a blue moon, was a mere 700 Galleons.
Suddenly, even wizards who'd never cared for Wizard Cards were paying attention.
After all, most wizards weren't exactly swimming in gold.
"Wanna play a round?" a fourth-year Hufflepuff asked his friend at Hogwarts. "I think I've got a shot at placing this time. My family's all for me joining in—there's no restriction on who can enter."
"Wait, let me open this pack first. My dad barely managed to snag it from Diagon Alley," his friend replied, waving a shiny new card pack.
The new series was so popular that you had to queue up to buy them, and purchases were limited to three packs per wizard. With demand far outstripping supply, many turned to the secondhand market.
Thus, the wizarding world's first scalpers were born.
Near the Wizard Card shop, you'd spot shady figures in black cloaks, skulking about, whispering to passersby, "Need cards? Unlimited supply."
"Please, please give me a Young Dumbledore," the Hufflepuff muttered, praying as he opened his pack. He slipped an old card underneath to steady his hand, then slowly peeled back the edge of the first card. His breath hitched, eyes squinting in anticipation.
"First card!"
Finally, the card was revealed.
"Lockhart! Ugh!"
He flung the card to the ground in frustration.
"Another useless Lockhart! That's my eighth one. Completely worthless."
"I'd bet this is the worst character card out there. Even a goblin's stronger."
Lockhart granting portrait rights? From Azkaban? Prisoners didn't get a say—or a cut of the profits. A few Galleons to the Ministry was enough to seal the deal.
The Ministry was more than happy to pocket the gold.
"Magical Creature Card—Goblin," the boy read, rolling his eyes at the second card. "Speak of the devil."
"Just give me any Dumbledore, I don't care which version!"
He jinxed himself with that one.
As expected, reverse psychology didn't work. The next few cards were duds, the best being a Devil's Snare.
One card left. Please be a good one!
His hands were sweaty, and the tension was contagious—his friend was on edge too.
He cracked the pack open just a sliver. A glint of gold.
A rare card.
He nearly shouted in excitement and ripped it open.
It was a character card he'd never seen before.
A strikingly handsome young wizard with an air of distinction, dressed in Hogwarts Slytherin robes. Unlike other character cards, this one had only a brief description:
Mysterious Senior Tom, graduated from Hogwarts in 1945.
"Tom? Who names a wizard something that boring? And who even is this guy?" the Hufflepuff said, baffled.
His friend was just as clueless.