The Most Important Treasure

Professor Karkaroff and Madame Maxime exchanged a glance, but before the officials from the British Ministry of Magic, both remained cautiously silent and offered no response.

Their concerns were easy to understand. First, the Triwizard Tournament tasks required the champions to face them entirely on their own. Neither the headmasters nor the professors of the schools should interfere. Under such circumstances, admitting that they knew the champions' progress in deciphering the clue would seem suspicious.

Second, they were not sure how far the other champions had progressed. Revealing crucial information would be no different from helping their competitors.

"Oh, don't worry, everyone—"

This situation had long been anticipated, Ludo said with a smile.

"From the moment you entered this office until the competition begins, you will not be allowed to meet privately with the champions or students from your respective schools. In other words, as of this moment, the deciphering for the second task is completely over. What comes next is for the champions to complete the corresponding challenge according to the Golden Egg's clue."

"If that is the case—"

Karkaroff's eyes were full of distrust for everyone present. He had no desire whatsoever to reveal Krum's progress in deciphering the clue, merely putting on a sickeningly sweet smile.

"If the deciphering is already over, Mr. Bagman, then there is no need for us to reveal anything, is there? Besides, I truly do not know how far Viktor has gotten. To be honest, I am quite worried. You all know that the boy's talents lie in athletics. He is not particularly skilled at games like deciphering clues. Perhaps he is the only champion who still has not figured out what he is supposed to do."

No one else wished to pay attention to Karkaroff's affected little speech. Only Moody made