Old Friend

As dusk drew near, the atmosphere in the campsite gradually grew 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 pretense of restraint, and signs of magic soon sprang up throughout the campsite.

After nightfall, Albert wandered around the campsite with Nia. Every few steps, vendors hawked their wares from little carts laden with all kinds 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 it 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 the United States to win," Valeria muttered softly.

"Then you'll definitely lose money."

Isobel and Katrina walked over, each holding a pair of Binoculars. They handed one pair each to Albert and Nia.

"You should have told me earlier." Valeria disliked 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 the United States to win.

That woman could be unbelievably stubborn sometimes.

"It's fine, there's still a chance. Just remember to split the money with me when the time comes," Albert joked.

"Then it's settled."

Their conversation left the nearby vendors utterly baffled.

Was this how people flirted?

"I want that one."

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