When everyone turned to look at him, Wentworth stiffened. Fortunately, after Rosier had coached him before the start of term, he quickly put on an impeccable smile and bowed to the crowd.
Dumbledore spoke up beside him and explained, "The young man with me is Wentworth, one of Hogwarts' new students this year—and the child of an old friend of mine!"
At Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth's smile grew even brighter, but inwardly he could only scoff.
Dumbledore really is worthy of someone who defeated two Dark Lords. He lies without batting an eye! An old friend's child? If my parents hadn't died so young, I might almost have believed him!
But the others took Dumbledore at his word, and their smiles toward Wentworth grew even warmer.
Lucius Malfoy was especially eager. He even invited Wentworth to visit Malfoy Manor after tonight's match, but Wentworth turned him down, saying that term had already begun.
What Wentworth was really thinking was, Oh, give it a rest. Your son's no angel, and neither are you! We'd better not see each other again. At least for the next few years, let's avoid running into each other!
Chatting as they went, the group made their way into the venue. Before long, Wentworth followed Dumbledore up to the VIP stand at the Quidditch Pitch.
Standing in the stands and watching the cheering crowds wave their flags and shout encouragement, Wentworth—who had never been especially interested in Quidditch—found himself swept up in the atmosphere. He began to feel a little curious about this sport unique to wizards.
Just then, with a deafening boom, countless streamers rained down from above. A presenter hurried to the center of the pitch, followed by two people carrying a box, which they set down at his feet.
The presenter faced the stadium, packed