https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-620-Cheating-is-a-Tradition-in-the-Triwizard-Tournament-/13449358/
Chapter 621: Never Thought You'd Be This Kind of Person!
Chapter 621: Never Thought You’d Be This Kind of Person!
Ludo Bagman is the Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games and also one of the organizers and referees of the Triwizard Tournament.
With the other organizer, Barty Crouch, being absent from the castle for a long time, all the tournament affairs have been handed over to him.
This includes the method for the Champions to select their Dragons!
If Ludo Bagman were willing to help him cheat, Ivan could easily ensure that he draws Norbert during the selection.
Especially since Ludo Bagman is currently in deep debt, Ivan felt quite confident that he could persuade the Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games.
With this in mind, Ivan didn’t waste any time. After a quick lunch, he used the Marauder's Map to confirm Ludo Bagman’s location and successfully cornered him in a secluded, uninhabited area.
Ivan had expected to have to go through a lot of persuasion, using both threats and incentives to get Ludo Bagman to agree. However, the Head’s cooperation was completely unexpected.
"Want to pick a specific Dragon for the first task? Of course, no problem at all!" Ludo Bagman agreed without any hesitation after hearing Ivan’s request.
"If you need any other help, I can provide that too!"
At this point, Ludo Bagman cautiously looked around, ensuring no one was nearby before continuing.
"Mr. Bagman, I always thought you were a fair and impartial Judge!" Ivan looked at the Head with a strange expression, almost suspecting that this was some kind of setup. It was going too smoothly!
"Ah, yes, generally, that’s true!" Ludo Bagman’s expression turned somewhat awkward. "But I’ve had a bit of a small problem recently..."
"Small problem? I heard from George and Fred that you opened a betting pool at the Quidditch World Cup, and when the bets went south, you kept their money and haven’t returned it yet. Is that what you’re referring to?" Ivan asked, his tone filled with amusement as he looked at Ludo Bagman.
"That’s a misunderstanding, Hals... I didn’t keep their money; I’m just holding it in trust. Once things improve, I’ll return it to them!" Ludo Bagman coughed lightly, trying to explain.
Ivan didn’t believe a word of it. Before he could confirm why Ludo Bagman was being so accommodating, he didn’t dare accept his help. If Ludo Bagman were to turn on him during the tournament and expose his cheating, Ivan would be in a very difficult position!
Under Ivan’s persistent questioning, Ludo Bagman reluctantly revealed some information.
Ivan learned that during the Quidditch World Cup, Ludo Bagman had set up a betting pool, hoping to make a substantial profit from this golden opportunity.
However, the tournament had an unexpected outcome. The Irish Team narrowly defeated the Bulgarian Team, and the high odds combined with a few wealthy bettors left the Head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games nearly bankrupt, with a significant amount of debt still outstanding.
To cover this debt quickly, Ludo Bagman decided to take a huge gamble. He borrowed money, mortgaged his house, and bet all his funds on the Triwizard Tournament!
He bet that Ivan would win the Triwizard Cup and come in first in all three tasks!
Only such a high-stakes bet could provide the necessary returns to pay off his debts.
Of course, Ludo Bagman had some leverage. As an organizer of the Triwizard Tournament, he could use his position to give Ivan some assistance.
Initially, Ludo Bagman had planned to help Ivan covertly.
From the information he had gathered, Ivan was a young wizard with a strong sense of justice and propriety, someone who wouldn’t tolerate cheating.
So, Ludo Bagman had been hesitant to show any intention of helping, fearing that Ivan would reject it outright.
To his surprise, after some interaction, he realized that the rumors were off the mark!
I never would have thought you were this kind of person!
With this thought, Ludo Bagman's gaze toward Ivan became increasingly strange.
I never would have thought you were this kind of person! After learning some insider information, Ivan was also speechless.
A powerful figure from the Ministry of Magic, someone with real authority, turned out to be a gambler with no limits. He had accumulated debts from gambling and now planned to cover them with another big bet, even risking everything he owned!
However, this also put Ivan's previous doubts to rest. At least, when it came to winning the Triwizard Tournament, their goals were aligned.
While inwardly lamenting, Ivan maintained a facade of admiration and said, "I must say, you have a good eye this time, Mr. Bagman! Congratulations on making the right bet..."
"My judgment has always been excellent!" Ludo Bagman said with a beaming smile, having thoroughly reviewed all the reports on Ivan before making his decision.
Ludo Bagman then extended his hand and said, "So, let's wish for a pleasant collaboration?"
"A pleasant collaboration!" Ivan also smiled and shook hands with Ludo Bagman.
...
With the biggest problem resolved, Ivan finally relaxed. Later, he took the opportunity to sneak into the Forbidden Forest during his nap time using a Disillusionment Charm to familiarize and communicate with Norbert. He wanted the dragon to follow his cues the next day!
However, he accidentally made some noise halfway through, attracting several Dragon Keepers. Ivan didn't have time to confirm if Norbert had understood his instructions and had to leave the Forbidden Forest in a hurry.
In the afternoon, Ivan kept his promise and found an empty classroom with Harry and Hermione to continue practicing magic.
The Blinding Spell was much more challenging to cast than the Summoning Charm. The entire afternoon wasn't enough for Harry to master it, and he only managed to cast it barely by the time it was late at night.
It was nearly one in the morning, and Harry was exhausted, his magic reserves completely drained. He had no choice but to cancel further training and return to the Common Room with Ivan.
The two of them slowly opened the dormitory door and tiptoed to their beds, only to see a figure sitting by the window, lost in thought.
By the moonlight, Ivan quickly noticed that the figure was wearing an old spiral-patterned pajama.
"Ron?" Ivan confirmed the identity of the figure, but then wondered why Ron was sitting there at this hour.
"Are you waiting for us?" Ivan asked, frowning.
Harry almost laughed out loud, not understanding why Ivan would make such an absurd guess.
Of course, it wasn't entirely impossible. After all, the competition was tomorrow, and Ron might have come to mock them...
Under their gaze, Ron slowly turned around, his face showing a conflicted expression. He opened his mouth to say something, but the words seemed stuck in his throat, unable to come out.
Harry ignored him, tidying his bed and preparing to sleep.
"Are you ready for tomorrow's competition?" Ron suddenly asked after a moment of silence.
Harry paused in his actions, looking at Ron in surprise.
Ron's face immediately turned red. He realized his words sounded like he was giving in and quickly added in a sarcastic tone, "I'm waiting to see how you plan to defeat a dragon tomorrow!"
"You'll see!" After practicing the spell all day, cold and tired, Harry was in a bad mood. Hearing Ron's sarcastic tone, he grabbed a pillow from his bed and threw it forcefully at Ron's face.
Harry then discarded the pillow, pulled the curtains, and buried himself in the covers.
On the other side, Ivan had already climbed into bed during their argument. He didn't care about their bickering; after a busy day, all he wanted was a good rest.
He still had the first task tomorrow...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
