Chapter 301: Plans After the Holiday
Chapter 301: Plans After the Holiday
Sherlock silently continued sipping the black tea from his cup, not interrupting him.
Mad-Eye Moody continued in a cold voice.
"During the fight against the Dark Lord, the Aurors of the Ministry of Magic developed a wealth of methods to identify the Imperius Curse. But after just a few years of peace, most of the younger generation in the Ministry has already forgotten these techniques."
Sherlock gently touched the warm teacup in his hand.
"Is there any way to confirm the Imperius Curse?"
"No!" Mad-Eye Moody said decisively, "The power of the Imperius Curse lies in the fact that you can't tell whether a wizard's actions are voluntary or not."
"After the Dark Lord's downfall, many former Death Eaters used this as an excuse to evade their crimes. It wasn't just that the Ministry of Magic didn't want to pursue their wrongdoings; the Imperius Curse is genuinely very difficult to prove."
Sherlock turned to look at Mad-Eye Moody.
"What should we do about Crouch now? If we have strong evidence that he is under the Imperius Curse, should we just leave him be?"
Mad-Eye Moody's expression turned cold.
"Previously, I disagreed with your unconventional methods because if Crouch turned out to be fine, it would have a significant impact on you. But now that we have confirmed that there is a major issue with Crouch, it would be unreasonable to do nothing."
Sherlock stared at the empty teacup for a few seconds, then stood up from the long table.
"Let's go. We need to inform Dumbledore and let him make the final decision."
Mad-Eye Moody stood up with him, and they silently left the Great Hall, heading straight to Dumbledore's office.
Even on Christmas Day, no matter how busy, Dumbledore would stay at Hogwarts. This place was like his home.
After passing the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance, Sherlock and Mad-Eye Moody walked in together.
When they arrived, Dumbledore was leaning back in his chair, leisurely eating freshly baked cookies. After all, today was the most important holiday for British wizards, and this was the only time he could relax.
"Oh, Sherlock and Alastor, you've come at the right time. Would you like to try some of these sweets? I find them quite delicious."
The old headmaster seemed in a good mood and smiled warmly, inviting them to sit down.
Sherlock and Mad-Eye Moody didn't waste time on pleasantries and immediately got to the point about Crouch's issue.
"Throwing Harry's name into the Goblet of Fire to make him a contestant, luring Sherlock into the Forbidden Forest, and using a dragon to try to kill him—there's a high probability that these actions were taken by Crouch while under the Imperius Curse."
Mad-Eye Moody's face was serious as he summarized.
"I had Kingsley and Tonks observe Crouch's behavior at the Ministry of Magic recently, and they confirmed Sherlock's suspicions. He is very problematic. Even if it's not the Imperius Curse, he is definitely hiding something else."
As Sherlock and Mad-Eye Moody described Crouch's various abnormal behaviors, Dumbledore's expression gradually became more serious. Finally, he placed his hands together on his desk and sat up straight.
"If something like this really happened, it would be truly regrettable."
He remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking.
"Previously, Sherlock discovered that Crouch's son, Barty Jr., was still alive and had been hidden away by Crouch. I could understand that as a father's love for his child. But if he has now done something like this, even under the control of the Imperius Curse, it is simply unacceptable."
Sherlock looked at him and asked calmly.
"So, what should we do next? Or do we do nothing?"
Dumbledore, with his hands crossed, gently rubbed his thumbs together. His gaze was deep, and his blue eyes, unobstructed by glasses, seemed to be bottomless.
He did not answer Sherlock's question immediately but instead turned to Mad-Eye Moody.
"Alastor, what do you think Fudge would do if the Ministry of Magic found out about this?"
Mad-Eye Moody frowned, carefully considering Dumbledore's question.
"He would be delighted, because as long as Crouch is in the Ministry, even if he no longer poses a threat to Fudge's position, he remains an irritating thorn in his side."
"However, given his character, he would likely publicize this incident throughout the Wizarding World, ruining Crouch's reputation completely. But he would not be keen on pursuing Crouch's arrest. It would serve him no benefit, and if Crouch were to reveal anything, it would be truly problematic for Fudge."
He analyzed the current Minister of Magic's character thoroughly. According to Sherlock's understanding of Fudge, there was an 80% chance that he would act as Mad-Eye Moody predicted.
"But that is not the outcome we want", Dumbledore said softly. "Letting a former staunch opponent of Voldemort be disgraced without obtaining any valuable information is meaningless for the situation."
Sherlock and Mad-Eye Moody exchanged a glance, both sensing a deeper meaning in Dumbledore's words.
"Tonight is Christmas, a day of celebration. It is not suitable for violent confrontations", Dumbledore said calmly. "Besides, Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard Tournament Ball, an event that hasn't been held for centuries. You shouldn't miss it."
"So, if you are willing, let's postpone the arrest of Crouch until after Christmas. At 12:01 AM on December 26th. This might delay your rest a bit, but I will take full responsibility for any consequences from the Ministry of Magic."
Hearing Dumbledore's stance, Sherlock's face broke into a smile.
"I usually stay up late, and the early hours of the morning are when I am most alert."
Mad-Eye Moody sighed and lightly pounded his lower back.
"Late nights are not good for an old man's health, but fortunately, my back can hold out for a couple more days."
Dumbledore uncrossed his hands and looked at Sherlock and Mad-Eye Moody.
"Because my goals in the Wizarding World are too conspicuous, I cannot join you. Kingsley and Tonks are still serving in the Auror Office and cannot act privately. You must be cautious. If Crouch is under the Imperius Curse, the person who reinforces it daily is likely still in his home. If you notice anything amiss, do not act rashly. Return and report to me, and I will arrange for support."
(End of Chapter)
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