Old Friend

As dusk approached, the atmosphere in the camp gradually became livelier. Wizards began moving about more frequently, loudly discussing the Quidditch match.

When the sun vanished beyond the horizon, the impatient wizards abandoned their last pretenses of restraint, and signs of magic soon sprang up all over the camp.

After nightfall, Albert wandered through the camp with Nia. Every few steps, there was a hawker calling out their wares, their carts piled with all manner of strange souvenirs.

"Who do you think will win tonight?"

Catherine picked up a blue rose badge representing the United States and asked Albert, who was buying a hat beside her.

"Krum will catch the Golden Snitch and bring victory to Bulgaria."

Albert picked up a red hat and placed it on Nia's head. After examining her carefully, he nodded in satisfaction. Then he took a small red flag from the stall and gave it a couple of light waves. The lion's head on it let out a roar.

"Oh no, I think we bet on Team USA winning," Valeria muttered quietly.

"Then you're definitely going to lose money."

Isabelle and Katrina walked over, each holding a pair of Omnioculars. They handed two of them to Albert and Nia.

"You should have told me earlier." Valeria did not like losing money. She preferred the sense of security that winning brought her.

Still, she suspected that even if Albert had told her, Catherine would have bet on Team USA to win.

That woman could be this stubborn sometimes.

"It's fine. There's still a chance. Just remember to give me a share when the time comes," Albert joked.

"Then it's settled."

Their conversation left the nearby hawkers utterly bewildered.

Was this flirting?

"I want that one."

Nia quietly tugged Albert's sleeve and pointed at a plastic model