Using a wand as a handheld curio was just the sort of eccentric thing Klein would do.
After inspecting the wands, Old Mr. Ollivander nodded to Bagman. The head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games cleared his throat and announced in a loud voice,
"Very good, there's nothing wrong with your wands. Now, let's head outside. The banquet is about to begin."
The Halloween Banquet was an important occasion for the three "Champions" to make their debut.
Besides the students and staff from the three schools, many members of the press had squeezed in as well, eagerly waiting to take pictures and conduct interviews.
At this, Klein remained perfectly composed.
Fleur was calm, too.
Only Krum kept shaking his head, like a frightened little rabbit.
"What's the matter, Player Krum?"
Bagman looked at Krum in confusion.
"Mister Bagman, can I withdraw? I think Durmstrang has plenty of other outstanding students who could serve as a 'Champion.'"
Krum didn't know whether there was a condition in this world called "Grindelwald phobia."
But he thought there probably was.
Otherwise, why was he so terrified of competing against Klein on the same stage?
He couldn't win.
He'd tried before, and lost miserably.
He didn't want to suffer that humiliation a second time.
"Well..."
Bagman was at a loss.
But in the end, he shook his head firmly.
"The Goblet of Fire's choice is final. You can withdraw during the competition, but you can't withdraw before it begins.
"Besides, Headmaster Karkaroff wouldn't agree to it."
Those words extinguished the last spark of hope in Krum's heart. He clutched his head in misery.
If only he hadn't tossed that scrap of paper into the Goblet of Fire on a whim...
"All right, let's go make your debut. You're the stars of the evening."