Harry Potter—a legendary masterpiece in the movie world of his previous life. When the original script was first completed, it was rumored to have been escorted by both military and police, showing just how much attention the IP drew at the time.
Back then, every actor in the UK dreamed of getting a part in Harry Potter. However, in its later years, the franchise also fell victim to political correctness, and even its author was "canceled." Before Edward crossed over, he heard they were planning to reboot the series with a more gender-diverse and LGBTQ-inclusive cast.
Good thing he transmigrated early. Otherwise, it might have been even more terrifying than seeing that certain weird weirdSnow White.
After arriving in Motostoke, Edward began thinking—maybe he could bring this classic film series into this world. And naturally, the most iconic setting of the franchise, Hogwarts, would need to be carefully considered. That's why he asked Zoroark to help scout for a castle that met his criteria.
Surprisingly, one did exist—and it wasn't even that expensive.
As for whether the purchase would be worth it? Edward was confident it would be. After filming concluded, he could turn the castle into a Hogwarts-themed amusement park and still make a profit.
Besides, the company still had a massive cash reserve, and he didn't even need to ask his father for money.
"Go ahead and buy it. Have it renovated, but don't alter too much—I need it to retain its original charm," Edward decided. However, for this Harry Potter film, Edward only planned to write the script and oversee the production. He wouldn't direct it—he was already spread too thin.
As for the script, Edward had the entire series memorized—from The Philosopher's Stone to The Deathly Hallows. He would start by writing The Philosopher's Stone and then leave it to the company to handle production. He'd simply keep an eye on things from time to time.
And since the original series already featured magical creatures, it would be perfect to replace them with Pokémon. Who's to say there couldn't even be a few Pokémon wizards?
Just imagining a Gardevoir dressed in a wizard's robe casting Avada Kedavra made Edward grin in amusement.
But that was a plan for later. For now, Edward planned to focus on Sherlock Holmes. While filming began, he would take the time to write the first Harry Potter movie script. If the film adaptation of The Philosopher's Stone did well at the box office, he'd continue the series. If not, it would be no big loss.
Still, Edward was very confident. A globally recognized and beloved story like Harry Potter would surely maintain its charm—even across dimensions.
With his "Immersive Audio" and other passive skills, he might even deliver a more vivid and immersive magical world to his audience.
"Understood, Boss," Zoroark responded before heading off to finalize the purchase, while Edward called in his employees to begin renovating and furnishing the apartment for Sherlock Holmes.
Holmes was an eccentric—this wasn't just stated outright in the story, but shown subtly through his dialogue and behavior. That's why the setting and décor of his apartment needed to reflect that too.
After overseeing things for a while, Edward was called away—there was a guest waiting for him.
"Director Edward!"
It was someone familiar—familiar because Edward had seen him on television before. The man's cloak was covered in sponsor logos and was highly recognizable.
"Champion Leon?" Edward blinked in surprise. Although he knew Leon was the Champion of Galar, he hadn't expected to run into him here of all places.
It's like knowing who the U.S. President is—you wouldn't expect him to make a cameo in your film shoot.
…Oh wait, that one guy who actually won re-election did make a cameo in Home Alone 2, and even offered up his own hotel for the shoot.
"Director Edward, are you filming a movie here in Motostoke?" Leon asked excitedly, eyes sparkling as he took in the busy film crew.
"Yes, we're planning a shoot here," Edward nodded. Looking at Leon, a few ideas popped into his head. He remembered that Leon had dabbled in film and TV acting. To be more precise, Leon would act in anything—movies, shows, commercials, even store openings—if the price was right.
Among all the Champions, Leon was probably the most enthusiastic about making money.
"Champion Leon, may I ask what brings you here?" Edward asked, testing the waters.
"Could I do a cameo?" Leon asked with a bright smile.
Edward considered it for a moment, then nodded. A guest appearance wouldn't hurt—and it would definitely boost Sherlock Holmes' visibility in the Galar region. Plus, "guest appearance" implied it would be free. Who wouldn't want to piggyback on Leon's popularity for free?
Edward decided to let Leon play the bus driver who first picks up Holmes and Moriarty before their mental chess match begins.
After setting a date for filming with Leon, Edward went back to directing the renovation of Holmes' apartment. By afternoon, Zoroark returned, now holding the deed to the castle.
"Boss, I've also found the Pikachu and Malamar actors. But according to League regulations, they'll need a health check at the hospital before filming can begin." Zoroark handed over the deed and added the update.
Edward had no objections, and followed Zoroark to the hospital. According to League rules, all Pokémon participating in film or TV productions had to pass a medical examination to ensure they were healthy.
As for the employees of Ghost Film Pictures, they received health checkups every six months—a small company perk Edward had introduced.
When they arrived at the Pokémon Center Hospital, Edward finally met the actors: a rather chubby, endearing Pikachu, and a Malamar.
While Zoroark guided them through the medical check-up process, Edward took a seat on the waiting bench and began observing the surroundings.
"Doctor, what is XYY syndrome?" A pregnant woman tugged anxiously on the doctor's sleeve. Her voice caught Edward's attention.
He raised an eyebrow. XYY syndrome? He hadn't expected this condition to exist in the Pokémon world too.
"Naturally, XYY syndrome refers to when a fetus carries an extra Y chromosome. Children with this condition may grow taller than average and have learning difficulties or slightly lower IQ, but not all individuals experience this. And the theory that XYY equals criminal behavior is complete nonsense," said Nurse Joy, gently reassuring the woman.
Around 1965, a foreign scientist studying patients with criminal records in a Scottish mental institution proposed that the so-called "super male gene" was prevalent among offenders. Later, another person published similar claims.
However, the scientific community broadly rejected these findings. After all, if your entire study sample consists of convicted criminals, of course the "criminal rate" is going to be 100%.
After rigorous validation and years of longitudinal studies, the idea that XYY = born criminal was disproven. In modern medicine, XYY syndrome is considered a congenital physical and mental condition—not an inevitable path to criminal behavior.
…
Author's Note: I came across a discussion about XYY syndrome in a group chat, where someone said kids with the gene were destined to become criminals. I figured I'd take this opportunity to clear up the misconception while writing the story.
(End of Chapter)