https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-679-When-Did-My-Marauder-s-Map-Become-Common-Knowledge-/13453076/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-681-It-Was-All-a-Misunderstanding-/13453078/
Chapter 680: Wait, Is That True? How Could I Not Know?
Chapter 680: Wait, Is That True? How Could I Not Know?
Listening to Dumbledore's words, Ivan nodded.
Without seeing the actual item, it was impossible to be 100% certain that the wards could bypass the Marauder's Map's detection, even if Voldemort was an Alchemical Master.
So Voldemort must have found something in Peter Pettigrew's memories.
"By the way, Professors, how did you and Hermione avoid the Marauder's Map? Or were you already in that Chamber before I arrived?" Ivan asked, his curiosity piqued.
Dumbledore had no intention of keeping it a secret and explained immediately.
"Before the end of last year's term, I inquired about the Marauder's Map from Sirius Black. He specifically mentioned an intriguing Name Magic used in its creation. I spent some time deciphering it and found a way to temporarily hide names."
"Actually, we were following you all evening... but Professor Dumbledore was worried that Mad-Eye Moody's magical eye might see through us, so we didn't get too close", Hermione added.
Ivan's lips twitched slightly. He had been so focused on tracking Mad-Eye Moody that he hadn't realized someone was following him.
As for Dumbledore cracking the Marauder's Map's magic, Ivan wasn't surprised. After all, it was just a powerful magical item, and with key information from its creator, Sirius Black, it was no challenge for a master like Dumbledore.
He even suspected that Voldemort could create a spell to temporarily block the Marauder's Map, but Barty Jr. lacked the skill to use it, or perhaps it wasn't necessary.
After all, a nameless Mad-Eye Moody was just as suspicious. Unless Voldemort could change names, it was more reliable to control the real Mad-Eye Moody with the Imperius Curse.
"Alright, I don't think this is the time to discuss that", Dumbledore interrupted, turning to Mad-Eye Moody. "Alastor, you haven't told us Voldemort's plan yet..."
"Voldemort needs me to bring Harry to him", Mad-Eye Moody said.
"Through the Triwizard Cup?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes!" Mad-Eye Moody nodded. "Barty Jr. ordered me to cast a Confundus Charm on the Triwizard Cup to alter the rules of the tournament, increasing the number of participating schools to four. The fourth school only had one participant, ensuring that Harry would become a Champion!"
"But how do you plan to bring Harry to the Dark Lord?" Hermione was genuinely puzzled. She had thought the Dark Lord intended to use the dragon and the mermaid to eliminate Harry.
Mad-Eye Moody continued, "During the third task, the Champions will enter a maze to find the Triwizard Cup. Barty Jr. plans to turn the Cup into a Portkey, allowing us to bypass Hogwarts' protective charms."
"Moreover, it will be during the competition, so there won't be immediate concern about anyone tracing the magic..."
"My job is to ensure that Harry wins the competition and is the first to grab the Portkey!"
Mad-Eye Moody spoke in a rush, his throat dry. He picked up the water glass on the table and took a large gulp, giving Ivan, Hermione, and Dumbledore time to process the information.
"Then they must not have anticipated Hals' sudden participation. Based on the results of the first two tasks, Harry's chances of winning were slim. I suspect you altered your plan midway, didn't you?" Dumbledore asked thoughtfully.
"Indeed, this was far beyond Barty Jr.'s expectations, as the Triwizard Cup prohibits underage wizards from participating. However, the situation is still manageable since Harry is only the second contestant. All we need to do is eliminate the first place winner."
Mad-Eye Moody glanced at Ivan, his meaning clear.
"No wonder you said you would eventually lead me here", Ivan muttered to himself.
There was one thing that puzzled Ivan, though. Barty Jr. was clearly prepared to die alongside him, but who would complete Voldemort's mission if he were to die?
Ivan voiced his curiosity.
"I'm not entirely sure about that", Mad-Eye Moody shook his head, then speculated.
"However, Barty Jr. could have lured you to the scene the day before the competition. That way, he could place the Portkey in the maze first. Even if he dies, Harry would still have a high chance of winning the Triwizard Cup."
Ivan thought about it and found it reasonable. Due to the unique nature of the Triwizard Cup and the suddenness of the event, the competition would continue even if he went missing on the day of the event.
As for the risks... any last-minute changes would inherently be more dangerous.
"By the way, Professor Mad-Eye Moody, I have one last question. Since you were under Barty Jr.'s Imperius Curse, why did you still take me along to investigate and expose Mr. Crouch?" Ivan asked, genuinely puzzled. This was something he had been wondering about all along.
"Of course, it was to dispel your suspicions about me", Mad-Eye Moody raised an eyebrow and stared at Ivan with an odd look. He continued after Ivan, feeling uncomfortable, was about to ask.
"Your perceptiveness is truly remarkable, Hals! Barty Jr. controlled me and managed to fool everyone at Hogwarts, even Albus never doubted me. But you were the exception! You started suspecting me from the very first time we met, didn't you?"
Dumbledore and Hermione, hearing this, also turned to look at Ivan, equally puzzled.
Under the scrutiny of everyone's gaze, Ivan shrugged and replied calmly.
"I've already explained this to you, Professors. It's because the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts Professors all had issues, which made me suspicious of you as well. Additionally, I was curious why you were wandering around the castle late at night on the first day of school."
Mad-Eye Moody nodded, understanding now. On that first night, he had indeed gone to the Kitchen to have the house-elves prepare a meal for Barty Crouch Jr. Ivan must have seen his movements on the Marauder's Map while staying up late.
"No wonder you followed me that night... Barty Jr. must have guessed you discovered something and wanted to keep you occupied by leading your attention to Crouch", Mad-Eye Moody mumbled.
Wait, what? Ivan was confused. Apart from tonight, when had he ever followed Mad-Eye Moody?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report