Chapter 537: Tata the House-Elf
Ludo Bagman had been speaking with Krum for about ten minutes. When he finally returned to the main bar, his expression was dark, and he muttered curses under his breath, clearly frustrated by the conversation. Without lingering, he hurried out of The Three Broomsticks, the fierce-looking goblins trailing after him.
Fred and George, who had been watching with rapt attention, opted not to follow Bagman and the goblins—likely deterred by the goblins' intimidating demeanor. Instead, they leaned in closer to discuss the scene with growing interest.
"Why do you think Bagman wanted to talk to Krum?" Fred asked.
"Could it have something to do with the Triwizard Tournament?" George speculated. "Bagman's one of the referees, so he'd have insider information. That includes what the Second Task is."
"Do you think he's leaking information to Krum?" Fred suggested, his tone conspiratorial.
"I doubt it," Cedric interjected, frowning slightly. "Referees helping Champions cheat is strictly forbidden. Bagman's the Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sports—he'd know better than to risk his career over something like that. If word got out, it'd ruin him."
"I know," Fred said, "but you have to admit it looks suspicious. Meeting with a Champion in private, away from everyone else? That's not exactly normal behavior."
"Krum probably rejected whatever he was offering," Cho chimed in thoughtfully. "You saw Bagman's face when he came back—he looked like he'd swallowed a bottle of Skele-Gro."
"Or he could've been acting," Cedric said, his tone slightly clipped. "Maybe they already had a deal, and the whole scene was just for show."
Kyle glanced at Cedric, raising an eyebrow. There was something in his tone that didn't quite sit right. If jealousy had a scent, Cedric might as well have been drenched in it.
Fred and George seemed to catch on as well. The twins exchanged a mischievous look and leaned closer to Cedric.