Chapter 313: Crouch's Trail
Chapter 313: Crouch's Trail
Harry's current focus, of course, was not on whether Gryffindor had gained points because of him, but rather on Sherlock's attitude toward Snape.
"What about Snape, Professor? How should we handle him?"
Sherlock didn't say much to Harry, just waving a hand dismissively.
"Leave Snape to me. I haven't dismissed what you told me. I will handle it properly."
With this promise, Harry left the office feeling a bit more at ease. From past experience, Sherlock had always been reliable in handling such matters.
Once Harry was gone, Sherlock shook his head with a sigh.
Indeed, Harry was the true protagonist of this world, always getting involved in everything.
The communication between Snape and Karkaroff had been approved by Dumbledore. Snape's words were meant to make his allegiance seem more aligned with Voldemort's side.
This was to prevent Karkaroff from returning to the Death Eaters and compromising Snape's planned spy role.
Fortunately, Harry was not as reckless as he was in the original story. He knew that his mother's soul was within him and depended on him to survive. If he died, it wouldn't just be a matter of his own safety.
This was a definite good thing; otherwise, who knew what Harry might do if he secretly followed Snape.
After telling Sherlock everything he knew, Harry didn't dwell much on whether Snape would betray Dumbledore. The second task was approaching, and although he knew what it entailed, he still hadn't found a way to stay active underwater for a long time.
Even on the day before the competition, he spent the entire day in the library, searching for a spell that could help him, not even noticing that Ron and Hermione had been called away by Professor Mcgonagall and didn't return all day.
On the morning of the competition, he was still in the library. Just then, as Sherlock was about to invite Silke to the Great Hall for breakfast on a pleasant morning, an elderly woman's voice sounded beside him.
"Professor Forrest, Dumbledore has asked you to come to his office. The password is 'lemon drop.'"
The portrait delivering the message was Hogwarts' former Headmistress Dilys. If these portraits were dispatched, it usually meant something urgent.
Sherlock frowned, his original plans now on hold. He nodded in agreement.
"I'll be right there."
He then headed straight to Dumbledore's office, where only Dumbledore sat at his desk, his deep blue eyes contemplative.
Seeing Sherlock enter, Dumbledore spoke directly.
"Someone has spotted Barty Crouch near Dartmouth in Devon. The Ministry of Magic hasn't been informed yet. I want you to go there and check the situation."
Sherlock didn't immediately agree or refuse but asked,
"Is the person who spotted Crouch reliable?"
Dumbledore nodded.
"An old member of the Order of the Phoenix. After the Order dissolved, he stayed in Devon and runs a herb cultivation business. He informed me as soon as he discovered the issue, rather than notifying the Ministry."
Sherlock had no further objections, only looking at Dumbledore.
"So what outcome do you want? Even if Crouch appears, we can't be sure if it's a trap."
Dumbledore rubbed his thumbs together, silent for a few seconds before speaking softly.
"First and foremost, you must ensure your own safety. After all, you are also one of their targets. Then, try to bring Barty back safely. I'll have Fawkes accompany you. If you encounter any danger or confirm Barty's identity, have Fawkes use Apparition immediately."
As Dumbledore spoke, the Phoenix Fawkes, who had been preening on a golden perch, spread its fiery wings and landed on Sherlock's shoulder.
"Fawkes's Apparition magic is very special. With it, you can bypass almost all anti-Apparition wards. If you find yourself in a situation you can't handle, let it ensure your safety."
"I originally wanted Mad-Eye Moody to go, but the second task starts today, and he needs to keep an eye on Karkaroff. So this task falls to you."
With Dumbledore's thorough precautions, Sherlock had nothing to fear.
"I'll be careful, Professor Dumbledore."
Fawkes enveloped Sherlock in a golden-red glow, and they vanished from the Headmaster's Office.
At the same time, in a secluded corner of the riverside town of Dartmouth in Devon, Sherlock and Fawkes reappeared.
This Muggle town by the Dart River is a well-known tourist destination in Europe, with a small permanent population but a significant number of visitors.
Upon arriving, Sherlock's first task was to meet the Order of the Phoenix member who had contacted Dumbledore about Crouch's whereabouts.
A Wizard, especially one involved in cultivating magical herbs, would not choose a crowded area to live.
About two or three kilometers northeast of the town, they reached a secluded field where the Order of the Phoenix member, Edgar Taylor, resided.
The wooden house, similar to Hagrid's, was surrounded by several greenhouses.
These greenhouses, much like the Herbology classrooms at Hogwarts, were used to cultivate magical herbs.
The Wizard named Taylor was a tall, robust man who appeared to be of advanced age. He invited Sherlock into his house.
"I tell the Muggles that I'm growing and researching off-season vegetables to satisfy their curiosity, but most people in town think my business isn't doing well because they've never seen any large companies buying vegetables from me to sell."
"It's a clever excuse, but it will likely draw attention over time."
"You're right. That's why I'm planning to apply to the Ministry of Magic to set up a Muggle-Repelling Charm around my property."
They exchanged a few pleasantries before quickly getting to the point.
(End of Chapter)
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