A Massive Public Humiliation

Albert took the ice cream from the vendor, pulled out some Galleons from his pocket to pay for six cones, then turned to ask the girls beside him, "Do you want to buy anything else?"

They exchanged looks and shook their heads, indicating that there was nothing else they wanted for the moment.

"The match should be starting soon." Catherine, who had just checked her pocket watch, reminded them, "We should head toward the stadium. The queues will be very long later."

"Please lead the way." Albert nodded at Catherine, took Nia's hand, and quietly reminded her, "If anything feels wrong later, tell me immediately. And don't get separated from me. Don't let go of my hand either."

"Okay."

Nia answered softly, lowering her head as she silently ate her ice cream.

Watching this, Katrina sometimes had the illusion that those two were the real couple. But once she remembered that Nia was a Muggle, it was not hard to guess why Albert was so nervous and refused to let her leave his sight.

Eating their ice cream, the group followed Catherine toward the forest at a leisurely pace. By the time they reached its edge, they found that quite a few spectators had had the same idea. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people milled about nearby. Laughter and shouts blended into one continuous roar, and feverish excitement spread through every spectator.

"Albert, so it really is you." Sirius approached with Harry and the others, smiling as he greeted Albert.

"Yeah, I thought I'd get into the stadium early. I didn't expect there to be so many people here." Albert sounded helpless.

"Yeah, everyone had the same thought. Queuing is just too annoying. By the way, who do you think will win today?" Sirius casually found a topic.

"Bulgaria," Albert answered