Hogwarts.
Headmaster's Office.
"He invited you to the World Cup?"
Professor McGonagall looked at the letter spread open in Dumbledore's hand and asked loudly in surprise.
"Yes, McGonagall. He also reminded me to bring my wand."
Dumbledore nodded, taking his new wand from his waist at the same time.
"What is he planning to do? Good heavens, it's the Quidditch World Cup!"
McGonagall's voice was sharp, filled with both fear and anger.
Yes, she had every reason to be angry.
Professor Minerva McGonagall was a well-known Quidditch fan.
And every Quidditch fan understood how much the Quidditch World Cup meant.
"Calm down, McGonagall. I think he'll watch the match quietly before doing whatever he has planned."
Dumbledore poured her a drink, then straightened the purple cord tied in a bow around his beard before saying softly, "He's a sports fan. I don't know when he developed that interest, but I'm quite sure of it."
At Dumbledore's words, Professor McGonagall's expression softened a little, but then she grew angry again.
"Albus, you haven't understood the situation at all. I'm worried about you. He told you to bring your wand—don't you understand what that means?" McGonagall demanded.
Dumbledore's hand stopped in midair as he lifted his glass. He blinked twice and said in an almost inaudible murmur, "I thought you were only worried about Quidditch."
His voice was quiet, but just loud enough for Professor McGonagall to hear.
"Albus~~" McGonagall called, eyes wide, drawing out his name.
"All right, all right, I know. I'll prepare seriously, Minerva, but I'm not sure I can still beat him. Haha." Dumbledore laughed, as if he didn't care at all how the duel turned out.
"No, you have to beat him, Headmaster. You know that if you lose, all of England—"
"No."
Dumbledore lowered his glass