Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 225 Holmes's Fate

In any case, Hermione never expected that the Christmas present she prepared would cause a conflict with someone else.

Without a doubt, Gemma, like herself, was someone who knew Sherlock very well.

At this moment, an idea irresistibly surfaced in Hermione's mind:

It was me, it was me first, I was clearly here first!

But who can blame this?
If I hadn't acted petulantly last year and had simply given this gift, none of this would have happened.

Now, however, they've become the ones who came first but arrived last... If anyone's to blame, it's themselves.

Hermione was very unhappy.

The good news is that Sherlock didn't notice this.

The bad news is that Sherlock doesn't care at all what gift she gives him.

Seeing Sherlock's state, Hermione made up her mind to get revenge later!

Although she hasn't directly clashed with Gemma yet, Hermione has already been fired up.

Putting that matter out of her mind, Hermione immediately asked the question that had been bothering her:

"Has there been any progress on the escape room issue in the last couple of days?"

“No,” Sherlock said crisply.

Hearing Sherlock's words, Hermione couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

Are we just supposed to watch helplessly as monsters attack again and again until Dumbledore returns, unable to do anything about it?
Just as she was feeling regretful about this, she suddenly noticed that Mycroft Holmes, who had just entered the house, greeted her family, and then ran to the side, was slowly approaching with a black umbrella in hand and a faint smile on his lips.

Sherlock had his back to Mycroft, so he didn't notice his brother approaching.

He noticed Hermione's dejected look and, quite unusually, offered an explanation:

"Strictly speaking, I have actually deduced some things."

But emotions interfere with my judgment of facts, and also...

Making inferences without evidence is always a dangerous thing.

"Oh? My dear brother is actually waiting for 'evidence'? How touching."

Upon hearing this, Sherlock immediately frowned and turned away.

Mycroft tapped the floor lightly with the tip of his black umbrella, staring at Sherlock with a half-smile, and said:
"Your little savior's... special language talent, doesn't it remind you of something?"

Hermione was stunned when she heard Mycroft's words.

How could he know?
Although she already knew from Harry and Ron's statements that Sherlock had an older brother with stronger observation and reasoning abilities than him, this was still a bit too exaggerated, wasn't it?

Having merely overheard their conversation, he was able to join in without any hindrance.

She didn't understand, but Sherlock immediately realized.

He immediately showed an impatient look: "Mycroft, have you been peeking at my case notes again?"

again?
Hermione discovered the blind spot.

In other words, Mycroft did this more than once?
However, having read Sherlock's case notes explains why he is so familiar with this matter.

“My dear brother, I must admit, the invisible ink and the special quill pen that your red-haired friend gave you are very useful.”

However, the fact that a notebook with numerous signs of being flipped through is completely empty is enough to tell the story.

Besides, you placed the reagent that can display writing in such a conspicuous place.

"That's because I didn't expect you to be so bored and despicable as to go out of your way to secretly read your own brother's case notes."

Sherlock said coldly.

Hermione covered her mouth in surprise.

The last time I saw Sherlock speak like this was when he angrily confronted Dumbledore.

I never expected him to be so ruthless towards his own brother.

Mycroft then turned to Hermione, “Don’t be surprised, Miss Granger. Please forgive my brother, but most of the time he is a gentleman.”

Hermione: ((*)ゞ→→

What is this nonsense?

Upon hearing this, Sherlock replied without any hesitation:
“Mycroft, don’t flaunt your politician’s fake smile in front of my friends, and stop using your diplomatic-sounding jargon—speak plainly, or go and discuss tea with your mother.”

Hermione: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

Okay, I was careless.

Sherlock's mouth is truly... there's no limit to how venomous it can get.

Mycroft, however, was used to his brother's way of speaking. He lightly flicked non-existent dust from his suit lapel and said in a calm and unhurried tone:

"Based on the existing evidence, it is indeed difficult to deduce the truth about the locked room, but I want to ask you, why do you deliberately ignore the voices that your savior friend heard?"

According to him, he heard the sound twice, the first time in a professor's office.

The second time was precisely at the crime scene—or rather, it was that sound that led him there.

But both times, only he could hear that sound. Was it really just a coincidence?

"Mr. Holmes, do you mean..."

Hermione suddenly stood up straight, her eyes sparkling. With Mycroft's prompting, she had grasped the crux of the problem.

Sherlock scoffed, "Mycroft, I know what you're trying to say, but it's far too arbitrary." "It's not that I'm too arbitrary, it's that you're indecisive."

Mycroft looked at his brother with regret in his eyes, "Maybe in a few years, you won't be like this now."

When your savior friend demonstrates his ability to communicate with reptiles in the Duel Club—oh, you seem to call it reptilian speech.

My dear brother, you should have made that assumption back then.

Of course, you have already made a deduction, but you feel that there is still a lack of sufficient evidence to support it.

But evidence... have you forgotten even the fundamental principle of making bold assumptions and carefully verifying them?

This time, Sherlock did not refute it.

"I understand, so the monster in the locked room is related to snakes!"

Sherlock remained silent, but Hermione exclaimed excitedly:

"That's the symbol of Slytherin! So only Harry can... Sherlock, we have to tell Dumbledore about this right away!"

"There's no need for that. Mycroft's advice always sounds like government paperwork—correct but annoying."

At this point, Sherlock also stood up, giving Mycroft a sharp look:
"However... the words and sounds of the crawling creature do indeed point to a snake. Based on this alone, it is indeed possible to temporarily set aside everything else and work towards this goal."

As Mycroft stated, when Harry did not frequently demonstrate his ability to communicate with snakes in the Dueling Club, Sherlock had already deduced that the monster in the Chamber of Secrets was related to snakes.

However, for some reason, he did not pursue this direction further.

But now it seems he was being overly cautious.

Seeing that his proud younger brother had finally acknowledged his help, Mycroft smiled with satisfaction.

"It's truly heartening that you're finally willing to make a bold assumption."

After saying this, he nodded slightly to Hermione:
“Miss Granger, remember to remind my brother—arrogance is certainly wrong, but being too cautious is also not good for your current situation.”

After saying that, he picked up the black umbrella and left.

then……

Just as Sherlock had predicted, he actually went and joined Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Granger's discussion.

The faint sounds coming from the speakers confirmed that they were indeed discussing tea and snacks, and the three of them seemed to be getting along very well.

Hermione looked away with a hint of helplessness, crossing her arms and staring at Sherlock:
"The brotherly bond in your Sherlock Holmes family is rather twisted... but he was a great help!"

Sherlock said calmly, "Mycroft is always like this, just enjoying being 'one step ahead of me'."

Once school starts, we can verify his reasoning based on official documents.

If it's wrong, I'll send his treasured dessert recipe to the troll.

After saying that, he walked towards his bedroom.

Hermione quickly jogged to catch up, muttering with a hint of exasperation, "...You two are even harder to understand than Parsley!"

The remaining five people in the room all seemed to be busy, but some of their attention was always focused on Sherlock and Hermione, the young couple.

Seeing the two of them run into Sherlock's room one after the other, everyone except Mr. Granger smiled with relief.

As for Mr. Granger, he could only feel helpless.

And so, Christmas 1992 passed by uneventfully.

A few days later, the brand new year of 1993 arrived as scheduled.

Compared to last year, Mycroft returned home earlier this Christmas holiday, but only stayed for a few days before leaving again after the New Year.

Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Holmes knew what he was going to do.

The two had already received a secret order from the Queen's government when Mycroft entered university.

To sum it up, your eldest son is already mine, so don't ask questions you shouldn't!

This is precisely why Mrs. Holmes has been so worried about Mycroft.

Although he was young, he was already being given important responsibilities by the government, which seemed like a very honorable thing.

But from a mother's perspective, she would rather her son be an ordinary person who never has to face danger.

This is the exact opposite of Mr. Holmes.

Tanan Holmes, as a father, has always respected his children's choices and supported them in choosing their own paths in the future.

This is also the fundamental reason why Sherlock was still able to seduce his wife even though he had to go to school in the distant Scottish Highlands.

Sherlock spent the last few days of his vacation in a relaxed and comfortable manner.

However, this kind of life was a bit boring for him, who liked to seek thrills.

But considering that he probably won't be going home for Easter, Christmas becomes the only holiday outside of summer vacation where he can reunite with his family.

Even if he finds the holiday boring, he is willing to spend time with his parents.

Sherlock had a vague premonition that once he came of age, he probably wouldn't have much time left to spend with them.

While it might be called a premonition, it's actually quite evident from Mycroft's current state.

Once I reach adulthood, I certainly won't go into politics like Mycroft.

However, the time spent with family may be very limited.

This is probably Sherlock Holmes's destiny.

(End of this chapter)