Taking a Desperate Risk

With a loud bang, the five people who had been sitting at the judges' table appeared outside the arena. Their expressions were all grim; the students' reckless actions had clearly infuriated them.

"That was close. I thought I was going to die!"

Bagman patted his chest, still shaken, and glared unhappily at the culprit. No one had expected Karkaroff's "explanation" to directly provoke the dissatisfaction of every spectator, to the point that they started hurling Dark Curses at the judges' table.

"Dumbledore, is this how Hogwarts treats—" Karkaroff tried to seize the initiative, intending to pin the blame on Dumbledore.

"That's enough, Karkaroff."

Hearing cheers erupt from the stands, Madame Maxime impatiently cut him off. "I truly don't understand why you gave Anderson one point. Don't tell me it was because he's Muggle-born. And now look at this mess. How do you intend to clean it up?"

Karkaroff's face immediately darkened. He gave an unhappy snort, then turned and left.

"What a disgrace." Bagman watched Karkaroff's retreating back, unable to conceal his disgust. "I really don't understand why Durmstrang would choose someone like that as headmaster. No wonder Durmstrang has always had such a terrible reputation."

"Enough, Ludo. We should be considering how to resolve this now," Dumbledore said mildly.

"How do we resolve it? As long as Karkaroff isn't a judge, every problem will be solved." Bagman felt that Karkaroff ought to be kicked off the judging panel. What right did someone incapable of even basic impartiality and fairness have to be a judge? He was nothing but trouble. "Still, I've never seen Hogwarts students so united!"

"One can only say that Mr. Anderson possesses extraordinary charisma." Dumbledore turned to Crouch. "Bartie, how do you think this should be handled?"

"The competition must continue." Barty Crouch came back to