Chapter 175
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Bagman's mood had improved considerably, because not long ago, he had received a generous "gift."
He had long heard that certain ancient families had accumulated enormous wealth over generations. Today, he had finally seen it for himself.
Not long ago, he had accepted a bribe from Lucius Malfoy.
To be honest, when he received Lucius's invitation, he had been puzzled. His department had little connection with Lucius's work, and he could not think of any reason for the man to meet him.
What connection could the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures have with the Department of Magical Games and Sports? Teach magical beasts to play Quidditch?
But after their conversation, Bagman clearly understood Lucius's intentions.
Lucius wanted to bribe him.
Somehow, the man had learned that the Triwizard Tournament would be held again this year. Bagman happened to be responsible for matters related to the event and could access a great deal of information. Lucius hoped to use this advantage to help his son win the Triwizard Cup.
What an excellent deal.
Bagman was in high spirits because he possessed inside information.
For safety reasons, this year's tournament would only allow students sixth year and above to participate.
Lucius had told him that once his son entered the competition, Bagman only needed to provide small favors — such as revealing certain information.
But first, the boy had to be selected.
Bagman felt no guilt about the money he had "picked up for free." Since Lucius was so confident in his son, he would hardly lose face by asking for the money back if Draco was not chosen.
Bagman was very familiar with people like that. They cared deeply about appearances.
And even if he really had to cheat, he was confident he could do it flawlessly.
After all, he was a gambler. If you weren't caught, it wasn't cheating.
If Draco were selected, leaking some information would be easy.
Now Bagman was thinking about how to use the money.
Should he exchange it immediately to reduce his debts?
Or should he use it as gambling capital and try to win everything back?
Just as he was hesitating, he suddenly noticed someone blocking his path.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a boy. Slightly shorter than him, but tall for his age. Bagman stopped and looked carefully.
Platinum-blond hair. Thin lips.
The boy was staring at him with a strange expression.
At this moment, Bagman was already far from the crowded campsite. Compared to the noise and fluttering flags, this area was quiet and deserted.
Thick shrubs surrounded the path, and the tall trees, combined with heavy clouds, blocked most of the dim sunlight. Occasionally, a cold wind blew through, making him shiver.
"Terrible weather," he muttered, glancing up at the dense leaves overhead.
Then he turned back to the boy and adopted a relaxed expression.
He assumed the boy was a fan.
He was just about to take out a quill from his pocket and sign an autograph when the boy spoke.
"I don't think the money my father gave you is enough to cover your debts, is it, Mr. Bagman?" Draco said calmly.
Bagman's expression changed instantly.
"I believe you can tell from my father's attitude that he doesn't know about your situation," Draco continued. "Otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed so easily. After all, no one would trust the reputation of a gambler."
There was obvious mockery in his tone.
But Bagman did not get angry.
He stared blankly ahead. His body began to tremble.
He could not understand how the boy knew any of this.
Even Lucius didn't know.
As if reading his thoughts, Draco spoke again.
"I worked at Gringotts for a period of time. You've dealt with goblins before, haven't you? You should know their nature."
As he spoke, Draco took out several sheets of parchment covered in black writing and waved them in front of Bagman.
"They've been dissatisfied with you for a long time. I simply made a few inquiries and offered to help them resolve the issue. That's how I learned that the famous former Quidditch player, Mr. Bagman, is actually a habitual gambler — heavily in debt and forced to borrow money from wealthy goblins."
"That's impossible," Bagman said hoarsely. "They value their reputation above everything."
But the evidence was right in front of him.
The parchment Draco held contained the debt records he had signed at Gringotts.
"How did you get those?" Bagman asked, his voice dry, a hint of pleading creeping in.
"Through proper channels," Draco replied with a polite smile.
But to Bagman, that smile looked cold and unsettling.
"You owe quite a lot, Uncle Bagman. Or should I address you respectfully, since you're older?" Draco looked him up and down with faint contempt. Though his words sounded polite, there was no respect in his tone.
Cold sweat began to drip down Bagman's forehead.
His legs went weak, and he sank onto the grass.
"Since this was obtained through proper channels," Draco continued mildly, "that makes me your creditor. If you don't want your situation exposed, I hope you'll be willing to listen to a few of my modest suggestions."
Bagman's pupils shrank.
The corners of his mouth twitched repeatedly.
By the time Draco finished outlining his plan, Bagman's expression had changed several times.
"Are you certain?" he finally asked.
The gloom on his face had vanished, replaced by naked excitement.
If what Draco said was true, then this might be the biggest gamble of his life.