"No suspense at all. The two young wizards recommended by Tonks are truly formidable."
From the stands, Hamish MacFarlane looked at Lewis and Shirella, who were surrounded by the other young wizards, and praised them.
"Have you made your decision?" Ludo Bagman asked Hamish.
"Yes. It's them. Although they're young, their abilities are exceptional. They work together seamlessly and possess excellent tactical awareness. Once they join the team, they won't need much training. They only need to build an understanding with the other players. With the limited time we have, I can't find anyone more suitable."
Hamish explained his decision to his superior.
"I told you, Hamish! Choosing them was absolutely the right decision!"
Ludo clapped his hands and laughed loudly, as though he were the one who had recommended Lewis in the first place.
Hamish was a decisive man. Once he made a decision, he acted immediately.
"Albus, you see, the matches will begin this summer. Could you let these two young wizards come back with me directly for training?"
Under the podium, Hamish asked Dumbledore.
"I'm sorry, Hamish. Although I'm the headmaster, I can't make decisions on behalf of the students. You should ask them what they think."
As he said this, a flicker passed through Dumbledore's eyes.
In fact, he naturally supported Lewis participating in the World Cup.
In his opinion, perhaps this would keep the boy from becoming too immersed in his research into Dark magic.
In the changing room, Lewis and Shirella met Hamish.
This was completely within Lewis's expectations. Ever since he had encountered Ludo Bagman yesterday, he knew this matter was practically settled.
His only concern had been that Hamish might develop a negative impression of him because Ludo had interfered without permission.
However, it seemed that the national team captain and coach was even more satisfied with him than he had expected.
"The World Cup will be held this summer, but the England team still has two vacant positions among its Chasers. So I'll get straight to the point, Mr. Green, Miss Rayenlun. I hope you can join the England team and represent England in the competition."
Hamish did not beat around the bush. He directly extended the invitation to the two of them.
Lewis agreed without hesitation.
Shirella glanced at him before nodding as well.
Opportunities were fleeting. When one presented itself, naturally, one had to seize it—there was no need for false modesty.
"I hope the two of you can temporarily put your studies aside and participate in our training."
Hamish's eyes were fixed intently on Lewis.
He had already realized that, between the two partners, the younger Lewis was actually the one making the decisions.
To his surprise, Lewis shook his head.
"Coach, I hope we can continue staying at Hogwarts and finish our studies. Shirella needs to prepare for her N.E.W.T.s, and I also have many things to take care of. I may not be able to leave school for long periods."
Hamish stared at him in astonishment.
He had never considered that Lewis would make such a decision.
Who would have thought that a young wizard would choose to remain at school and complete his studies rather than give up the opportunity to train alongside famous professional players?
Were young wizards these days really this hardworking?
"Hogwarts is quite far from where we'll be training. If you take the train to get there, you'll probably waste a considerable amount of time."
A sharp questioning look appeared in Hamish's eyes.
"You don't need to worry about that. We can both Apparate."
Lewis remained completely unaffected by the other man's imposing presence and answered calmly.
"Perhaps you should think about it again."
Hamish stood up and walked out.
"Aren't you worried about losing this opportunity?"
Professor Dumbledore looked at the young man before him and once again felt somewhat surprised.
"If they lose me, it will be their regret."
Lewis answered confidently.
When Ludo Bagman heard about this, he hurried to the common room.
First, he called Hamish outside and spoke with him for a while, seemingly trying to persuade him of something.
After Hamish nodded slightly, Ludo went to find Dumbledore.
"Albus, I have a request."
"Go ahead, Ludo."
"I hope the England national team can conduct its closed training sessions at Hogwarts."
Ludo Bagman said this after carefully considering the matter.
While testing Lewis yesterday, he had thoroughly inspected Hogwarts' Quidditch pitch.
The facilities here were excellent. Based on his experience, they were more than sufficient for ordinary training.
As for more advanced training equipment, it could be rearranged and installed. If necessary, he could even request funding from the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
After all, he was the department head himself. Getting the funding approved would not take much effort.
He had watched the entire match today.
In his eyes, even without that astonishing Green Man-Through maneuver, Lewis's abilities were already more than enough to shine at the World Cup.
The combination of Lewis and Shirella was not only his stepping stone toward Deputy Director Gianna's good graces, but also his ticket to making a fortune and recovering his losses.
Therefore, there was no way he could let the two of them leave.
Dumbledore looked at Lewis, then at Ludo Bagman, and agreed without hesitation.
"Of course, Ludo. Our Quidditch season has already ended, so the training grounds can be cleared for your use."
Dumbledore thought that if this opportunity could keep Lewis away from Dark magic, then it would be better than anything.
Dumbledore was becoming increasingly aware of just how exceptional this young wizard was.
His talent far surpassed that of his peers.
And Dumbledore had encountered two people like that before.
In the end, both of them had embraced the darkness.
"Thank you very much, Dumbledore."
Ludo repeatedly expressed his gratitude before turning around to find Hamish MacFarlane.
Before long, Hamish returned to the common room and looked at Lewis and Shirella with a complicated expression.
The World Cup team manager had never expected that these two young wizards would have such complicated connections behind them, enough to make the usually shrewd Ludo Bagman so eager to please them.
Fortunately, the two of them also possessed genuine talent.
Otherwise, he would have had a serious headache.
"Mr. Lewis Green, Miss Shirella Rayenlun, I now formally extend an invitation to you in my capacity as the general manager and coach of the England National Quidditch Team. Are you willing to become Chasers for the national team?"
"Of course."
"I'm willing."
Although the words were simple, a surge of excitement also welled up inside Lewis.
He looked at the girl beside him, Shirella, whose face was filled with the same excitement.
Being able to participate in a more important competition truly made one's blood race.
That was the charm of competitive sports.
"This is certainly something worth celebrating. Congratulations, Lewis and Shirella."
Ludo Bagman enthusiastically applauded.
"I hope the two of you can help your team achieve good results."
Dumbledore also patted Lewis on the shoulder and offered him encouragement.
The Ravenclaw players gathered around them to offer their congratulations.
Roger's jealous and envious gaze seemed almost capable of swallowing Lewis whole.
Participating in the World Cup had been his childhood dream.
Now, he could only watch Lewis and the others fulfill that dream in his place.
"Thank you, thank you, everyone."
Lewis and Shirella were both beaming.
There was no denying that, during such a joyful moment, having people to share it with and receive timely congratulations from them was an incredibly warm feeling.
"The official invitations will be delivered to you tomorrow," Hamish reminded them at the end.
"We've already discussed it. The Department of Magical Games and Sports will arrange accommodation for the other players in Hogsmeade. They'll only come over when training begins. Dumbledore, I'll have to trouble you."
Ludo thanked the headmaster once again before hurriedly taking his leave with Hamish.
They still had plenty of things to deal with and many people to contact.
Especially Hamish.
As the team manager, suddenly changing the training location meant that a great deal of coordination, communication, and organization would fall on his shoulders.
When a leader gives an order, the people beneath him have to run themselves ragged.
That was the same everywhere.
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