Chapter 89 - 89. what now (2/2)

”Well, Barty knows the rule book back to front,” said Bagman, beaming and turning back to Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, as though the matter was now closed.”Well, shall we crack on, then?” he said, rubbing his hands together and smiling around the room. ”Got to give our champions their instructions, haven't we? Barty, want to do the honors?”

Mr. Crouch seemed to come out of a deep reverie.

”Yes,” he said, ”instructions. Yes. . . the first task. . . ”

He moved forward into the firelight. Close up, Ryan thought he looked ill. There were dark shadows beneath his eyes and a thin, papery look about his wrinkled skin that had not been there at the Quidditch World Cup.”The first task is designed to test your daring,” he told Harry, Ryan, Fleur, and Viktor, ”so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard. . . very important. . . .

”The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges.

”The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests. ”Mr. Crouch turned to look at Dumbledore.

”I think that's all, is it, Albus?”

”I think so,” said Dumbledore, who was looking at Mr. Crouch with mild concern. ”Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?”

”No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry,” said Mr. Crouch. ”It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment. . . . I've left young Weatherby in charge. . . . Very enthusiastic. . . a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told. . . ”

”You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?” said Dumbledore.

”Come on, Barry, I'm staying!” said Bagman brightly. ”It's all happening at Hogwarts now, you know, much more exciting here than at the office!”

”I think not, Ludo,” said Crouch with a touch of his old impatience.

”Professor Karkaroff – Madame Maxime – a nightcap?” said Dumbledore.