The Great Hall quieted as Dumbledore approached the Goblet of Fire. Karkaroff leaned forward, hungrily watching the dancing blue flames, his features tight with expectation.
There were no guarantees. He'd prepared Viktor for championship, but there were, in the end, no guarantees. If the Goblet chose someone else...Volmer, or (Merlin forbid) that insufferable Poliakoff...
A jet of red flame spurted from the Goblet.
"The champion for Durmstrang..."
Choose Viktor, choose Viktor, choose—
"...Viktor Krum!"
Karkaroff applauded heartily, making it a point to be heard over the tumult.
"Bravo, Viktor! Knew you had it in you!"
Inwardly he sighed, relieved.