Chapter 459: Barty Crouch
From his polished clothes to his upright demeanor, Barty Crouch seemed worlds apart from the scruffy Ludo Bagman. Crouch's neatly trimmed beard, gleaming leather shoes, and immaculate suit gave him the appearance of a bank manager, or perhaps even someone higher up. Not even the most suspicious muggle—certainly not Uncle Vernon—would likely detect his magical identity.
Bagman, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the contrast. He poured himself a second cup of tea with Mr. Weasley, reclining comfortably on the grass without the slightest inclination to hurry to the Bulgarians. Crouch's frown deepened, his impatience clearly growing.
"Mr. Crouch," Percy said eagerly, rushing over with an awkward, exaggerated bow that made him look oddly hunched. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Ah, thank you, Weatherby," Crouch replied, glancing at Percy before shifting his gaze back to Bagman.
Fred and George nearly spilled their tea from laughing so hard.
"Poor Percy—Crouch speaks 200 languages but can't get his name right," Fred whispered to Kyle.
"Percy kept bragging all holiday about how much Crouch valued him..." George added, grinning. "Seems like that might've been wishful thinking."
"Bet he doesn't even know who Percy is!" Fred chuckled.
Percy's ears turned pink, and he busied himself with the teapot, clearly embarrassed.