Witch Elsie

As the group lingered near the entrance, a blonde witch standing nearby noticed them. Her gaze fell on Wade, paused for a moment, then she walked over with light, graceful steps.

"Mr. Wade Gray?"

The witch said, "All the judges are to take their seats at the Referee stand. Chairman Fontana asked me to escort you there. I'm Elsie Vanderbilt."

Elsie gave a slight nod, her movements smooth and natural, her posture straight. An earring at one side swayed gently, reflecting tiny, dazzling glints of light.

"Hello, Miss Vanderbilt." Wade asked, "Where will my companions be seated?"

"Just call me Elsie." The blonde witch said kindly, "Also, the chairman has reserved private boxes with the best view for all the judges' companions. They're in the front row of Section A, and your names are on the tables in the boxes."

"I'll take them there," Salina volunteered.

"Then I'll leave them to you, Miss Goldstein," Wade said.

Moody snorted. "...We're not children who'll get lost."

Before leaving, he reached out and pointed at Wade. "Kid, stay sharp once you get over there. Keep your eyes open and your ears pricked! If anything feels wrong, signal me immediately!"

Before setting off, they had discussed how to warn one another if danger arose, and what the different colors of sparks fired from their Wands would mean.

Though Wade felt there was an eighty percent chance Moody's precautions would never be needed, such thorough arrangements did make him feel a little safer.

He nodded. "Of course. I remember everything you told me."

"Hmph. You'd better." Moody grumbled, seemingly satisfied with Wade's answer, though his tense expression did not relax.

Lupin also patted Wade on the shoulder. Everything that needed to be said went unspoken.

The group then split up for the time being. Wade