Chapter 218: Always a Child
Chapter 218: Always a Child
Silke had complete trust in Sherlock, so even when he used a notorious dark magic alchemical item right in front of her, she didn't ask any questions.
But even though she didn't ask, Sherlock felt he needed to explain.
"This is something I scavenged from Bella's family vault. I've almost emptied the entire vault. I'm using it now because I've discovered someone."
He didn't turn his head but pointed with his right hand, which was hidden in front of him, toward the empty spot next to Winky.
Silke immediately understood what Sherlock meant.
The reason she and Sherlock first met was because he possessed a magic that could see through Invisibility Cloaks.
Clearly, he had detected something at that spot.
"Is it a Death Eater?" Silke's lips moved almost imperceptibly as she asked.
Sherlock didn't tell her who it was, but he nodded grimly.
"An old acquaintance. I'll go and catch up with him."
The match on the pitch had entered its most intense phase. The Irish team's offense was fierce, scoring points with the bludgers and pulling far ahead of the Bulgarian team.
But Sherlock wasn't in the mood to dwell on his previous prediction being wrong; the scales of victory were clearly tipping heavily in favor of the Irish team.
His attention remained focused on Barty Jr.
Throughout the match, Barty Jr. hadn't made a single move, his eyes lifeless as he stared at the pitch, as if watching a dull puppet show.
The match ultimately ended with the Irish team's victory, but the Bulgarian team's loss wasn't too disgraceful. Among the finalists, the only Bulgarian Seeker Sherlock recognized, Viktor Krum, managed to catch the Golden Snitch.
However, the significant score difference still prevented them from winning, with the final score being Irish team 170 to Bulgarian team 160.
Harry and Ron were ecstatic.
Everyone else thought they were celebrating the Irish team's championship, but Hermione, who was equally excited, knew the inside story.
After the match, both teams' players came to the top box to meet and shake hands with the two Ministry of Magic heads, and Fudge presented the Irish team's players with their awards.
The entire stadium resounded with the Irish national anthem, and the small goblins soared through the sky, showering gold coins, while the Bulgarian mascots, the veelas, looked dejected.
Winky left the top box immediately after the match ended. Sherlock could clearly sense that Barty Jr. had left with the house-elf.
He didn't follow right away. With the Hand of Glory's connection, he could sense Barty Jr. no matter where he went. Sherlock decided to let the line run longer.
One Barty Crouch Jr. wasn't enough to satisfy his appetite. He had a hunch that things were far more complicated than they seemed.
For Harry, the Quidditch World Cup trip was a joyous experience.
Not only did his favorite team win, but they also earned a substantial prize.
Balkman, the head of the Department of Magical Sports and Games, had no intention of reneging on the deal. He was merely amazed by their good fortune, even suspecting they might have taken a luck potion.
George and Fred were also very pleased. Although they hadn't placed a bet on the score, they had correctly predicted that the Bulgarian team would catch the Golden Snitch while the Irish team would win the match.
On their way back, Mr. Weasley specifically pleaded with them not to tell their mother about the betting, or none of them would be in for a good time.
The Weasley Twins certainly wouldn't do such a foolish thing. They were happily discussing how to use their winnings to launch a grand plan.
Harry, along with Charlie and Bill, continued to discuss the match, throwing out various Quidditch jargon. Sherlock could understand every word, but he had no idea what terms like "Wronski Feint" meant.
But he wasn't in the mood to figure it out at the moment.
Thanks to the Hand of Glory, Barty Jr. hadn't left the forest. He was still in the corner of the campsite where the Wizards had set up, as if it were his own camp.
Silke walked beside Sherlock, her head tilted back to gaze at the stars in the sky since they left the stadium.
Halfway to the camp, she suddenly fixed her gaze on a star and said, "Tonight will not be peaceful."
Sherlock's steps faltered. Silke's prophecy instantly reminded him of Barty Jr. He narrowed his eyes and then instructed her, "If anything unexpected happens, leave with the Weasley family."
Silke pressed her lips together without a word, continuing to walk silently.
Sherlock watched her back and reluctantly quickened his pace to catch up with her. "Listen, okay? You know my strength; I generally won't—"
"Shut up!" Silke rudely cut him off, a rare occurrence.
Sherlock didn't get angry. He just met her gaze, hidden beneath her ribbon, and finally sighed as he stroked her hair. "No matter what, you have to stay safe. I promised Eddie I'd take care of you."
This time, Silke didn't struggle to free herself from his hand. She just looked at him silently.
"You can't always treat me like a child."
With that, she turned and quickened her pace toward the tent, her steps fast and her hands clenched so tightly that they trembled.
Sherlock watched her silver-gray strands being lifted by the evening breeze, his eyes tracing the figure of the girl who once held a pinwheel in one hand and a lollipop in the other.
He looked up at the bright moon and murmured, "How can I not see you as that quiet, unsmiling, and vulnerable Amy?"
He shook his head and chuckled bitterly. "People are so sentimental."
He wasn't sure if he was mocking himself or someone else. Then, he didn't follow Silke and the Weasley family but quietly disappeared into the dark forest, heading in the direction he could clearly sense.
Around him, fans were singing the Irish national anthem, and many Wizards were dancing around campfires.
But Sherlock had no intention of stopping. He continued until the figure reappeared in his Control Magic.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
