"Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down! Murcus, the merpeople's female chief, has given us a detailed account of everything that happened on the Lakebed. Based on that information, we will award each Champion a fair score out of fifty." Ludo Bagman's magically amplified voice suddenly rang out, instantly silencing the waves of noise in the stands.
"Miss Fleur Delacour, you demonstrated an excellent command of the Bubble-Head Charm, but you failed to rescue your hostage. Nevertheless, your courage and effort deserve recognition, so we have decided to award you twenty-five points."
"I should get zero. I didn't complete the task, after all." Pheobe shook her head gently, her silky long hair swaying with the movement.
"As for Harry Potter, Cedric Diggory, and Viktor Krum, the three of you returned almost simultaneously, and all brought your hostages back safely within the time limit. You will therefore each receive an impressive forty points!" At these words, the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students erupted into thunderous cheers.
"And as for Mr. Jerry Green," Ludo Bagman's voice rang out again, "he was the first Champion to return with his hostage, and he rescued two hostages single-handedly. Not only that, he returned to the Lakebed and rescued Miss Delacour from a Grindylow attack, so... Huh? What? One moment, Murcus, the merpeople's female chief, seems to have an objection! Sorry, I don't understand Mermish. Please be quiet!" Ludo Bagman waved his hand.
"So Mr. Green's final score is... forty-nine?!" Ludo Bagman looked incredulous, a note of doubt in his voice. "Wait, this must be a mistake. Why isn't it full marks? His performance was flawless!"
"I protest! This is absurd! Mr. Green may still be in first place, but you're deducting points just because those ugly brutes said a few words nobody could understand?"
Professor McGonagall hurried