Chapter 635 Bagman And The Goblins
"My sister mentioned she would go swimming in the lake recently," said Gabrielle, glancing at Krum, who had plunged into the lake. "It's strange... she never used to do that before... is there something in the lake?"
"Who knows!"
Upon hearing Gabrielle's words, Hermione looked thoughtfully at Krum and felt as if she had grasped something.
It was odd for two champions to consecutively run towards the lake for a winter swim.
"Do you think the second task will have something to do with the lake... making the champions dive into the lake?" she said.
"Absolutely impossible," Ron stated bluntly. "They won't let us in there... unless they are crazy!"
"The cold is one thing, but there's still the giant squid in the lake!"
Evan helped convince Hermione. Harry and Ron weren't even considering that place.
They ignored Hermione's speculation, and everyone's attention quickly shifted elsewhere.
Evan was going to meet Sirius, who would help him practice Apparition. Though Evan trusted them all, this matter was illegal in itself, and the fewer people who knew, the better.
Therefore, when they arrived at Hogsmeade, they split up!
Colin accompanied Gabrielle and Ginny to the Honeydukes candy shop. Gabrielle had recently gifted these sweets as Christmas presents to her Beauxbatons classmates, and they had been well-loved. This time, she was going to buy many sweets to take home with them.
As for Ron, he had a lunch date with Lavender, but it wasn't time yet.
Half an hour before the appointment with Sirius, Harry suggested visiting the Three Broomsticks.
The bar was as crowded as ever, and they ordered four butterbeers from Madam Rosmerta and found a corner.
"Look... doesn't he ever go to the office?" Hermione whispered, nudging Evan.
She pointed to the mirror behind the bar, and Evan saw Ludo Bagman reflected, sitting in a shadowy corner with a group of goblins. Bagman was speaking very rapidly in a low voice with the goblins, all of them with arms crossed, looking rather menacing, occasionally shaking their heads.
Each time the goblins shook their heads, Bagman's face turned ugly.
"It's a bit odd," Harry remarked, observing Bagman in the mirror. "Think about it, today is the weekend. There is no Triwizard Tournament event, hence, no judging to do. Why is he here?"
Bagman looked tense again and glanced around, as if looking for a way to escape.
Then, his eyes lit up upon spotting Ron seated in the corner.
He approached, murmured a few words to the goblins, and subtly pointed at the four of them.
The goblins narrowed their dark eyes and gazed at Ron silently, then nodded.
"Deal, wait a moment. I'll talk to the lad!" said Bagman, his youthful smile back. He rose and hastened over to Ron.
"Boys, I didn't expect to run into you here. What a coincidence! How have you been lately?!" he said, moving closer to Ron. "Ron, could I have a brief private chat?"
"Well, of course!" Ron looked puzzled at Bagman and followed him along the bar to the far end of Madam Rosmerta.
They were there for more than a minute, and Ron's expression seemed a bit surprised, then a flicker of joy crossed his face.
Evan took a sip of butterbeer. It seemed Bagman must have made a wager with the goblins to clear his debts. He had wagered everything on Ron and bet that he could win the Triwizard Tournament. Then all his gambling debts would be settled.
Bagman was disclosing the secret of the Golden Egg to Ron, and Ron had accepted his help.
As a judge and head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, he was actually breaking the rules.
Deception was indeed a tradition in the Triwizard Tournament.
"What are they talking about?" Hermione asked, taking a sip of butterbeer. "Those goblins don't seem very friendly!"
"Probably about the task," Evan replied, pulling out a densely filled scroll from his sleeve.
He didn't mind this and was going to use this time to review the key points of Apparition.
"Apparition looks great and easy to use," Harry said, gazing intently at Evan's scroll. "I also want Sirius to help me pass the exam, so I don't have to wait until adulthood."
"No, Harry," exclaimed Hermione, surprised. "It's illegal and very dangerous to do so. Due to Apparition failures, many people lose their lives every year. You don't have as much power as Evan. You can't fully master this spell..."
"I know... I'm just talking!" said Harry.
As Hermione mentioned, Apparition was not a game.
Mistakes in its usage often resulted in limb separation and even death. That's why there was a test to Apparate at the Ministry of Magic.
Evan had experienced Apparition many times, but he was still nervous about using this spell for the first time.
The quill in his hand kept writing and drawing on the parchment, pointing out the key points.
There are two ways to use Apparition: one for fast long-distance transport, and another for quickly changing position in a duel. Although the spells are the same, the amount of magic consumed and the skill employed are not.
Harry and Hermione leaned in together, observing what Evan had written to learn more details.
On the other hand, Ron's conversation with Bagman was quickly interrupted as Fred and George appeared at that moment.
Just as they entered the tavern, they saw Bagman at the bar.
"Hello, Mr. Bagman," said Fred cheerfully. "May we invite you for a drink?"
"Well... no," said Bagman, patting Ron on the shoulder. "No, thank you, boys..."
Fred and George seemed just as disappointed as Bagman, ready to say something else to regain their money.
"Well, I must be off," he said. "A pleasure seeing you all. Good luck, Ron, and do not forget what I told you."
He hurried out of the tavern. All the goblins slid off their chairs and followed him. Fred and George hesitated and followed suit.
"What did he want?" Harry asked as soon as Ron sat down.
"Nothing!" Ron shook his head and did not mention what Bagman had told him.
He was hesitant to try this method, though it sounded ridiculous; he had no other choice!