August smiled — looking at a dance floor was something that could bring him joy, and he was glad that Miss Adebayo agreed with him.

He nodded. "I was in Berlin," August said. He was hoping to create the impression that he had not gone to Germany in order to avoid embarrassment, and had come up with an entire cover story about it. "My ward was born there, and I thought it was valuable to spend time in the country of his birth before he goes to Hogwarts."

(Lysander had enjoyed Germany, but was born in Hogsmeade in the house he'd resumed living in — but August was hoping an elaborate cover story would also help people to believe that his ward was not his son.)

"Have you traveled much in Europe? I have heard your family is well-traveled," August allowed, with a small smile.