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Chapter 577: The Headmasters' Wager (Second Update)
Chapter 577: The Headmasters' Wager (Second Update)
"Hmph, that's not necessarily true. My students aren't the type to make empty boasts. When he said he could win the Quidditch World Cup, he did it with ease!"
Snape's face darkened the moment he heard Karkaroff mocking Jerry. He retorted immediately, emphasizing the phrase "with ease."
Unlike Dumbledore, who had a good temper, Snape was not one to take insults to his students lightly, especially his favorite. Not using Sectumsempra was already a sign of restraint.
Karkaroff's eyes widened in anger at Snape's words, clearly irritated.
However, as a former Death Eater, Karkaroff was well aware of Snape's capabilities and refrained from further confrontation, managing to reply through gritted teeth:
"We'll see the truth soon enough."
At that moment, Ludo, the head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games, who couldn't resist the thrill of a bet, chimed in:
"Since we can't agree, why don't we make a small wager? Let's bet on whether Mr. Jerry Carmen can break the Age Line."
As a seasoned gambler, Ludo couldn't help himself whenever an opportunity arose.
Barty Crouch, the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, who was standing beside him, frowned:
"Ludo, this is not the time for it!"
Their mission was to ensure the Triwizard Tournament proceeded smoothly and safely, fostering friendly relations among the three schools.
Karkaroff and Snape were already at odds over their students, and Ludo's suggestion of a bet would only exacerbate the situation.
Regardless of the outcome, it could worsen the relationship between the two headmasters, which would be detrimental to their work.
"Haha, I was just making a suggestion, just a suggestion."
Ludo backed off immediately when Barty spoke, knowing that Barty's position in the Ministry of Magic was far higher than his own.
Had it not been for the fact that Barty's son was a Death Eater, Barty would have been the Minister instead of Fudge.
However, Karkaroff's eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint:
"I disagree with Mr. Crouch. Are Snape and I such petty people that we would hold a grudge over something like this? I think Mr. Bagman's idea is quite good."
Turning to Snape, he continued:
"Let's make it a bet of ten thousand Galleons that Mr. Carmen won't be able to break the Age Line."
Snape, being one of the wealthiest potion masters in the Magic World, was not one to pass up a sure win. If he agreed, he would win ten thousand Galleons. If he refused, Karkaroff would have the satisfaction of embarrassing him.
Snape didn't even look at Karkaroff, responding coldly:
"I'll bet twenty thousand Galleons!"
Karkaroff's heart skipped a beat. He had a nagging feeling that something was amiss, but upon closer thought, he was convinced that Snape was just bluffing.
The Age Line had been set up by five of them, including Dumbledore. Even if Jerry Carmen was considered the most talented Witch of his generation, the future Dumbledore, he was still only in his fourth year. How could he possibly break the Age Line?
"Twenty thousand, then twenty thousand!"
Karkaroff gritted his teeth and immediately followed the bet.
Twenty thousand Galleons was practically all his savings.
Although he was the headmaster of Durmstrang, the school's assets did not belong to him personally. When he stepped down, they would be handed over to the next headmaster.
Over the years, he had managed to save up around twenty thousand Galleons.
Upon hearing Snape and Karkaroff place a bet of twenty thousand Galleons, Ludo and Barty both sucked in a sharp breath. This wasn't just about pride; it was a bet of their entire savings.
"Mr. Dumbledore?"
Barty looked at Dumbledore, hoping he would intervene.
However, before he could finish speaking, Headmistress Maxime of Beauxbatons smiled and said:
"Alright, I'll chip in five thousand Galleons. I'll bet that Mr. Carmen won't be able to break the age line restriction!"
Although she had no grudge against Snape, this was a competition between the three schools. A small victory would help undermine Hogwarts' morale, and she couldn't miss this opportunity.
In the competition between the three schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons clearly didn't take each other seriously. What they feared most was Hogwarts, which had maintained its position as the top magical school for so many years.
"In that case, I'll also put in five thousand Galleons, betting that Mr. Carmen can break it. It might as well be a little retirement fund."
Dumbledore chuckled.
Seeing that even Dumbledore had joined in, Barty had no choice but to close his mouth in exasperation.
Ludo, who had intended to bet heavily on Karkaroff, hesitated when he saw Dumbledore placing a bet.
While everyone knew that Jerry couldn't possibly break the age line restriction, Dumbledore's bet made the outcome uncertain.
His years of gambling experience told him that it was best not to place a bet at this moment.
"I do have a way, but doing so might be against the rules. After all, the age line was set to reduce potential risks."
Jerry looked at the eager faces around him and pretended to be hesitant.
The Weasley Twins, upon hearing that Jerry had a way to break the age line restriction, immediately rushed over like a gust of wind.
"Jerry, you should know that the Goblet of Fire selects the most outstanding candidate from a large group to become the champion. Since it's the most outstanding, they are the most likely to win the Triwizard Cup. Their skills are undoubtedly top-notch.
So, I don't think there's any need to worry about the age restriction. And Jerry, as a member of the school, don't you want to help us win the Triwizard Cup?"
"Jerry, let us all try. Even if we don't get selected, at least we'll have had a chance!"
At this, Ron and all the other young wizards who were underage also pleaded with Jerry.
Jerry looked at everyone and sighed in mock frustration.
"Alright, then. Prepare slips of paper with your names and schools, and we'll give it a try!"
Hearing Jerry agree, everyone started excitedly looking for paper and pens.
Even Hermione, who had initially not planned to participate, couldn't resist preparing a slip of paper when she saw everyone else doing so.
Hermione thought that since Jerry was participating, the others probably wouldn't stand a chance. She decided to join in just to maintain the atmosphere.
(End of Chapter)
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