Marvel Hogwarts Wizard

Chapter 573: “The Head’s Gamble”

Well, thats not necessarily true. My student is not one to make empty boasts. He claimed he could win the Quidditch World Cup before and did so with ease! Snape retorted when he heard Karkaroff taunting Jerry. His tone turned icy as he emphasized the word easy.

Snape, unlike Dumbledore, was not one to passively tolerate ridicule aimed at his students, and he particularly favored Jerry.

He restrained himself from resorting to outright aggression.

Karkaroff, on the other hand, was clearly irritated by Snapes words, although his time as a Death Eater had taught him to respect Snapes abilities. He kept his retort succinct, acknowledging, The truth will reveal itself in due time.

At that moment, Ludo Bagman, head of the Department of Sports and Games at the Ministry of Magic, chimed in unexpectedly, suggesting, Since theres no consensus, why not make a small wager? Lets bet on whether Mr. Jerry Carmen can break the age limit.

Considering his background as a gambler, Ludo just cant skip out an opportunity to earn Galleons through gambling.

What started as a provocative joke from Ludo will soon turn out to be one of the greatest bets of all time in which the participants of what looks like a simple bet consists of large names such as Headmaster and Headmistress or named wizarding school.

Barty Crouch, the head of the International Cooperation Department, standing beside Ludo, frowned and expressed his reservations, saying, Ludo, this might not be the right time. Their main task was to ensure a friendly and safe completion of the Triwizard Tournament in collaboration with the three schools.

Karkaroff, however, appeared uninterested in Crouchs concerns, even rolling his eyes. He spoke up, I disagree with Mr. Crouchs reservations. Headmaster Snape and I are not the sort to hold grudges over such matters. Mr. Bagmans suggestion is a fine one. He turned to Snape and added, Ill wager 10,000 gold Galleons that Mr. Carmen cannot break the age limit.

After concluding his remark, he observed Snapes expression.

Silently wishing for him to not take the bet so he could gain some face or hear excuses coming from Snapes mouth.

Snape, being a famously affluent potion master, was not one to back down from a sure-win proposition. He calmly responded, I bet 20,000 Galleons.

The amount of wealth Snape has amassed throughout his career could be a considerable amount not to count with his time teaching at Hogwarts.

Karkaroff was taken aback but decided to match Snapes high stakes with gritted teeth, saying, Twenty thousand it is!

Karkaroffs extravagant wager of 20,000 gold Galleons represented his entire wealth, an impressive sum for anyone in the wizarding world.

The Durmstrang headmasters financial situation was unique; even though he held a prestigious position, the schools assets did not constitute his private property. In the event of his resignation, those assets would be transferred to the next principal.

Over the years, Karkaroff had diligently amassed his wealth, accumulating nearly 20,000 gold Galleons through a variety of means.

Compared to Snapes wealth, Karkaroff is betting with his lifeline here, wishing for Jerry to not pass the line and winning the bet against Snape.

Upon hearing Snape and Karkaroffs staggering bets, Ludo and Barty gasped in amazement.

Mr. Dumbledore, are you not going to stop this? Ludo plead with a baffled expression.

The sum was indeed astounding, and Ludo couldnt help but seek Dumbledores intervention, his eyes imploring the wise former Headmaster.

However, their hopes were quickly dashed when Maxim, the headmistress of Beauxbatons, decided to enter the wager.

I will bet against Mr. Carmen for 5.000 Galleons as well. Lets see how much his names worth. Is his name worth of the peoples praise? Maxime remarked with a laugh after putting her bet and turning her head to see how Dumbledore would react.

Maxim put 5,000 gold Galleons on the line, not out of any personal animosity toward Snape or Karkaroff, but to strengthen Beauxbatons position in the ongoing competition among the three schools.

It was a small investment that could potentially enhance Beauxbatons standing and weaken Hogwarts dominance.

Their eyes were now pointed toward a direction. Even Karkaroff couldnt help but shift his gaze momentarily to see how Dumbledore would react.

Well, what can I do besides betting on one of my proud students name as well? Put 5.000 Galleons under my name as well, please! I am pretty sure Mr. Carmen can pass through the barrier, so this would be an easy 5.000 Galleons to add to my pension!

Dumbledore, always one to embrace the excitement, laughed heartily and joined the bet. He added 5,000 gold Galleons to the pot in favor of Jerry failing to break the age limit.

Dumbledores participation left Barty with no option but to remain silent.

Other than Snape, the people there could clearly see something different in how these two Professors of Hogwarts treated Jerrys name with unusual praise.

As Dumbledore joined, Ludo, who had contemplated betting on Karkaroffs side, now hesitated, thrown off balance by the unpredictability of the situation.

The collective bets had brought uncertainty to the outcome, and Ludo felt it prudent to abstain from further wagers.

Under the many eyes of others, the pressure was slowly starting to get into Jerry.

Each of their stares was filled with expectations; they simply couldnt wait to see what Jerry would do at this moment.

I do have a plan, one that stays well within the boundaries of the rules. The age line is in place to mitigate potential risks.

Jerrys words resonated through the eager crowd as he maintained an air of feigned hesitation. Meanwhile, the Weasley twins, not wanting to miss out on the intriguing possibility that Jerry could bypass the age restriction, hurried over, his excitement evident.

Jerry, you need to understand that the Goblet of Fire seeks the very best among many to become a champion. The chosen individuals are expected to possess remarkable strength and skill. So, I dont believe we should be concerned about the age limit. As a proud member of our school, wouldnt you want to secure a top-three finish for us?

Weasleys persuasive words were met with approval from Ron and the other young wizards nearby. Their collective request tugged at Jerrys heart.

With a resigned smile beneath his cool facade, Jerry finally conceded, Alright, lets do it. Prepare a slip with your name and school well attempt this together.

A surge of excitement swept through the group as they eagerly searched for paper and pens. Even Hermione, originally uninterested in participating, found herself unable to resist the infectious enthusiasm. After all, if Jerry was ready to take on the challenge, it was an opportunity to partake in the excitement.