Chapter 300: Imperius Curse
Chapter 300: Imperius Curse
If Harry and the others knew that Silke had already given Sherlock a "precaution" early in the morning, they would be grateful beyond measure.
Ever since they discovered Sherlock's Jinxed Mouth talent, they had developed a habit.
They would never spend too much time with Sherlock during Christmas!
So, early in the morning, Harry and the others tried to avoid Sherlock's path as much as possible.
Fortunately, Sherlock did not wander around the castle that day. After breakfast, he stayed in the Great Hall, helping Flitwick set up the scenes and decorations for the evening's ball.
Silke had nothing to do that day, so she sat at the long table on the dais, propping her head with one hand, quietly watching Sherlock and Flitwick decorate.
"We need some golden decorations."
Flitwick, standing on a tall stool, waved his wand at the wreath hanging on the wall.
In the next moment, countless sparkling lights appeared around the wreath, adding a different hue.
Sherlock also lightly tapped his wand, creating silver lights to complement the gold.
"By the way, Professor Flitwick, are you going to attend tonight's ball?"
As a Ravenclaw graduate, even though Sherlock had become a professor, he still addressed Flitwick as "Professor", a small detail he always paid attention to.
Flitwick, with a smile, was climbing down the tall stool with Sherlock's help.
"Of course I will! It's a rare event, and these old bones need some exercise."
As he spoke, Flitwick glanced at Silke, who was intently watching them, particularly Sherlock, and teased in a low voice.
"Are you really not planning to dance at the ball today? Wasn't what you said the other day just an excuse to reject that young girl?"
Sherlock looked helpless.
"You're so old, and yet you still love gossip. I really can't dance."
Flitwick laughed heartily.
"Don't make excuses, Sherlock. Not being able to dance isn't an obstacle. Using it as an excuse just makes you seem pretentious."
Sherlock scowled.
"Why are you saying this too?"
"If others have told you the same thing, it means they see right through you", Flitwick said with a wink.
Sherlock remained silent, helping to levitate the tall stool to another wreath to make it easier for Flitwick to cast spells.
It was a quiet morning, and most students were outside playing in the snow or skating on the Black Lake. In the Great Hall, besides Sherlock and Flitwick setting up the decorations and Silke, there were only a few Astronomy professors, including Sinistra, and Muggle Studies professor Burbage, who were chatting by the warm fireplace.
They seemed to be discussing something interesting, and when they saw Silke, they laughed and waved her over, inviting her to join them.
Silke hesitated for a moment but eventually left the long table and sat down with the two female teachers, engaging in their conversation.
Sherlock saw this and a look of relief crossed his face. He had always hoped that Silke would interact more with others and change her solitary nature.
At that moment, Hagrid walked in, carrying a Fir Tree.
As soon as he entered, he called out to Flitwick.
"This is the largest and most suitable Fir Tree I could find. Any bigger, and the Great Hall wouldn't be able to fit it."
The Fir Tree on his shoulder was indeed quite large, and even Hagrid, who was over three meters tall, looked delicate holding it.
Clearly, Hagrid had used a Shrinking Charm on such a thick tree; otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to carry it so easily.
Flitwick was very pleased with this year's Christmas tree. He directed Hagrid to place the tree in an appropriate spot, then stood in front of it, planning how to decorate it.
Sherlock clapped his hands and sat down at one of the long tables in the Great Hall. A steaming cup of Black Tea promptly appeared in front of him.
The house-elves of the castle were well aware of his preferences and knew exactly what to prepare for him during his breaks.
Sherlock picked up the cup of Black Tea and took a sip. Just then, a slightly hunched figure sat down beside him.
Mad-Eye Moody sat down, and a cup of apple cider appeared in front of him.
"Oh, thank you."
He picked up the apple cider, muttered a word of thanks, and took a large sip before speaking to Sherlock.
"Karkaroff has been quite well-behaved since arriving at Hogwarts. Apart from favoring his own school's student during the first task, he hasn't done anything out of line."
Sherlock, holding the warm cup of Black Tea with both hands, said calmly.
"His background is too obvious to hide. I don't think he would do anything out of line, especially with Dumbledore specifically inviting you this year. This is a clear indication of a stance."
Mad-Eye Moody didn't say much more. Initially, he had been more suspicious of Karkaroff, but the current situation seemed to support Sherlock's assessment more accurately.
"Kingsley and Tonks have been closely monitoring Crouch ever since they received my letter. They have indeed noticed some unusual behavior."
Mad-Eye Moody said gravely.
"Kingsley contacted me via Floo Powder yesterday. He said Crouch's work performance has changed significantly. He spends very little time at the Ministry of Magic, often stays at home, and even when he is at the Ministry, he seems very listless."
"According to Crouch's assistant, Percy Weasley, Crouch is ill, which is why he is frequently absent from his post."
After listening to Mad-Eye Moody, Sherlock narrowed his eyes.
"Based on your years of experience as an Auror, do you think his condition really looks like an illness?"
Mad-Eye Moody fell silent for a moment.
He was a veteran Auror, and Crouch had been his most reliable superior during Voldemort's most rampant period. The current situation made it difficult for him to make a decision.
However, Mad-Eye Moody was never one to be indecisive or overly sentimental.
His voice hoarse and tone cold, he said,
"His condition doesn't look like an illness. It looks more like he's under the Imperius Curse!"
(End of Chapter)
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