Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 592 Hermione is a femme fatale

Upon hearing Sherlock mention the Blasttail, Harry and Cedric's faces immediately darkened.

Every Hogwarts student above the third year has a deep impression of this magical creature, which Hagrid independently researched and hybridized.

As for the six warriors from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, they looked puzzled upon hearing this.

Hibiscus tilted her head and looked at Sherlock. What was a Blasttail? Why did thinking about him make her happy?
Bagman and Moody exchanged a glance, their eyes both flashing with surprise.

You guessed it?

Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes truly lived up to their reputations.

"So... besides the animals Professor Hagrid prepared, are there any other obstacles?"

Krum asked again.

"Of course, there are still some spells and traps that must be dispelled before we can continue..."

Sorry, I can't say too much, but it's something like that, you know what I mean.

Upon hearing Bagman's words, the young wizards all frowned.

Hagrid prepared animals, various spells, traps...

This means that after entering the maze, they not only have to find the correct path, but also overcome various obstacles along the way.

This stage can be considered the ultimate test of wisdom, strength, and teamwork.

Only Harry managed a wry smile.

Bagman just said that "Hagrid provided a 'huge' amount of animals," not just the blasting-tailed snail.

What kind of animal would Hagrid provide on such an occasion?

So hard to guess!

Anyway, Harry didn't find it fun at all.

It's obvious to anyone with a brain that after being suppressed for so long, he finally has a chance to freely express his preferences, so what will he do?

"What are you laughing at now, Potter?"

While he was pondering this, Moody turned to Harry and asked again.

“Uh… I’m also happy that Hagrid can help everyone,” Harry said somewhat awkwardly.

Moody gave him a few suspicious looks, but ultimately said nothing.

"Very good... If you have no problem, let's go back to the castle, okay? It's a bit cold here..."

As they all crossed the ever-growing low wall, Bagman hurried past Harry.

Harry felt a chill run down his spine, sensing that Bagman was about to offer to help him again.

As Sherlock said, the closer they got to the last project, the more anxious everyone became.

He didn't seek out Sherlock, nor Cedric, but only himself.

It's because he felt he was the easiest to talk to among the three.

Sure enough, the next moment, Bagman patted Harry on the shoulder:

Can I say something to you?

Huh, why is there an echo?

After saying that, Bagman turned around in surprise and saw Krum saying the same thing to Sherlock.

The two couldn't help but look at each other.

Such a coincidence?
As the two of them looked at each other in bewilderment, Harry also cast a questioning glance at Sherlock.

Sherlock gave him a knowing look, then left the stadium with Krum.

Krum did not head in the direction of Durmstrang's large ship, but instead went into the forest.

Don't you find it strange?

Seeing that Sherlock, who was following him, remained silent, Krum finally couldn't help but ask.

Why do I find this strange?

Aren't you surprised... that we took this route?

Krum pressed on, as they passed Hagrid's hut and the brightly lit Beauxbatons wagon.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Sherlock raised an eyebrow. “You don’t want anyone to overhear our conversation.”

Krum was taken aback upon hearing this.

Sherlock was absolutely right.

He stopped talking and continued to lead the way in silence.

Finally, the two arrived at a quiet clearing, some distance from the stables of Beauxbatons' horse.

Krum stopped in the shade of the tree and turned to look at Sherlock.

"I would like to know……"

He was about to speak with a stern face when Sherlock answered.

"Hermione and I are very good friends."

The secret of the golden egg in the second project was told to Delacour by me.

We're guaranteed to win the third project.

Krum was stunned.

He stared at Sherlock in astonishment, momentarily at a loss for words.

It took him a while to come to his senses. "You... how did you know..."

Krum's English pronunciation isn't very fluent, which causes him to stutter when he gets flustered.

"How...how did you know..."

"How was I supposed to know you were going to ask these questions? Isn't it obvious?"

Sherlock chuckled and quickly said, meeting Krum's shocked gaze:
"When you called me over, you acted all furtive."

Logically, this usually means that the conversation involves sensitive topics, or that the speaker doesn't want others to know.

Based on your recent behavior, it's not hard to deduce that what you want to ask is related to her.

Although you rejected Hermione's invitation to the Christmas ball, you still paid close attention to her afterward.

As for the secret of the golden egg, Fleur Delacour is on Beauxbatons' side, and Beauxbatons' performance in the second project far exceeded expectations, which was clearly due to the correct interpretation of the golden egg puzzle.

Since I told Furong, and you know that I had contact with her, you will naturally connect the clues to the fact that I provided them.

As for the third project…

Sherlock paused, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable confidence:
"Based on the performance of the first two projects and the current points situation, Hogwarts has an absolute advantage."

As long as we avoid making careless mistakes, victory is inevitable.

Krum's initial shock was gradually replaced by a mixture of frustration and anger.

His dark face appeared even more somber in the dim light, his thick eyebrows furrowed tightly together.

Sherlock's analysis was frighteningly precise, almost completely dissecting his inner thoughts, leaving him with a stark sense of powerlessness.

"You... are too arrogant!"

Krum finally found his voice again, though it still had a heavy accent, but his tone was firmer:

"The game isn't over yet!"
Durmstrang will not admit defeat easily!
The maze... There are too many unknowns in the maze!
Hagrid's animals, those traps... you might not be the first to get the trophy!

He clenched his fists, his burly frame leaning slightly forward, exuding the imposing aura characteristic of Quidditch stars.

He tried to turn the tide with his momentum, to prove that he was not completely understood.

But he knew very well what was going on in his heart.

Compared to Sherlock's victory speech in the third project, what angered him more was his part about his relationship with Hermione. You and Hermione are friends?
only friends?

If that were the case, how could she possibly say, "I'm afraid Charlotte will misunderstand"?

Please don't treat others like fools.
To be honest, even Krum himself didn't understand why he had developed feelings for Hermione.

Judging solely by appearance, Hermione's outfit at the Christmas ball was stunning, but it still paled in comparison to Fleur, Cho Chang, and others.

Not to mention, there are plenty of beautiful women in Scandinavia.

But he was drawn to Hermione.

So when we hear Sherlock say that now, it's hard not to feel that he's getting the better deal and then acting innocent.

Sherlock looked at Krum calmly when he heard Krum's question, his eyes showing no emotion.

It was as if the other party's anger and declarations were just a gentle breeze brushing past my ear.

“The unknown is relative, Mr. Krum.”

Sherlock's voice remained clear and calm in the darkness:
"For those who are well-prepared, the unknown can be turned into an opportunity."

It becomes an obstacle for those who rely on luck or brute force.

Durmstrang's strength deserves respect, but..."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked directly into Krum's eyes:
"You are indeed lagging behind in terms of strategy and insight."

That's the source of my confidence that we're bound to win.

This is not arrogance, but a judgment based on facts.

Krum was speechless, stunned by Sherlock's almost cold confidence.

He opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but found that the other person's words were logically sound and unassailable.

His strength and Quidditch skills, which he was so proud of, did not seem to be a decisive advantage in this maze project.

Sherlock's wisdom and composure in controlling the overall situation made him feel immense pressure for the first time outside the arena.

A night breeze swept across the edge of the forbidden forest, bringing a cool breeze and the rustling of leaves.

The silence between the two lasted for a few seconds, and the atmosphere seemed somewhat stagnant.

Finally, Krum let out a heavy snort and abruptly turned around.

“We’ll see, Holmes,” he said, his voice low and resentful. “The labyrinth will tell.”

Having said that, he ignored Sherlock, strode off without looking back, and walked toward the Durmstrang ship. His imposing figure quickly disappeared into the thick night.

Sherlock stood there, watching the direction Krum had gone, his face expressionless.

Moonlight occasionally peeked through gaps in the clouds, illuminating his sharply defined profile.

Those deep eyes reflected the twinkling lights shining through the distant castle windows, calm and undisturbed, as if the brief confrontation had never happened.

He gently straightened his collar, which was being blown by the wind, turned around, and began to walk slowly and deliberately toward Hogwarts Castle.

In the darkness of the night, his figure appeared exceptionally upright and composed.

When Sherlock returned to the common room, Harry was already back.

He was telling Hermione and Ron about what had just happened.

Ludo Bagman approached him, intending to continue helping him.

However, Harry rejected him again for the same reason as before.

However, Bagman seemed more flustered this time than before.

“I guess the fairies put too much pressure on him,” Ron guessed. “Paying back debts is a matter of course.”

Hermione sighed, "It's ridiculous. The goblins who should be dealing with the Department of Magical Creatures Control are getting involved with the Department of Sports and Pedagogy of the Ministry of Magic, and for such an absurd reason."

"What, you're worrying about those annoying little devils again?"

Ron looked at Hermione, "Trying to start another SPUG or something—the Ugly Goblin Protection Association?"

“Shut up, Ronald,” Hermione said sarcastically. “Goblins don’t need protection—didn’t you hear what Professor Binns said about the goblin rebellion?”

"Didn't hear you." Harry and Ron answered at the same time, like elementary school students being called on by their teacher.

"Then listen carefully, they are very good at dealing with wizards."

They are very clever—unlike house-elves who don't know how to protect their rights.

"Ouch!" Ron exclaimed, staring at the doorway.

Sherlock walked in.

"Why did you come back?"

Ron said hurriedly:
"Sigh, if I had known Krum would be looking for you, I should have asked you to get me an autograph."

I was originally planning to have Hermione get it for me—but she absolutely refused to deal with Krum anymore…

"Hey, what are you doing?"

Ron turned to look at Hermione, puzzled, after she kicked him under the table.

Harry couldn't help but sigh, thinking to himself that Hermione was eager to get far away from Krum, and she still said such things in front of Sherlock, she deserved it!
However, wanting to maintain their friendship, Harry quickly asked:

"Sherlock, what does Krum want from you? Is it like Delacour, wanting your help?"

He asked that question to try and change the subject.

Hermes gave Harry a very emotional look.

Good sisters!
Sherlock sat down, took out his flat bottle from his pocket, took a sip, and briefly recounted his meeting with Krum.

"What? Krum came to you to talk about this?"

Harry truly hadn't expected this outcome.

He had assumed that Krum had called Sherlock away alone to discuss something serious.

"Looks like he hasn't given up on Hermione yet..."

Ron shook his head and said, grabbing a cookie and stuffing it into his mouth, adding indistinctly, "...She really is a femme fatale!"

For some reason, even after dinner, Ron still felt waves of hunger at night.

So every day in the auditorium, people would eat and take things with them.

"Ron!"

Hermione's voice was clearly displeased.

Her cheeks flushed slightly. She glared at Ron first, then looked at Sherlock with some nervousness.

"Why are you staring at me? I didn't say anything wrong."

Ron is the type to forget a lesson quickly; after swallowing the cookie, he retorted confidently:

"He was so angry and embarrassed at Sherlock, it's obvious!"
He must think Sherlock is with you…

"Ronald!"

Hermione's voice rose a few decibels, carrying a warning tone, and her cheeks flushed even more.

Sherlock seemed not to have heard the second half of Ron's sentence, and said calmly:
"Krum's reaction was expected."

He needs time to process reality and reassess Durmstrang's strategy in the maze.

Anger and resentment can cloud judgment, which is not necessarily a bad thing for us.

Harry nodded thoughtfully.

Hearing that Sherlock didn't delve into the topic further, he breathed a long sigh of relief.

Although she had already decisively rejected Krum, she didn't expect him to still be persistent and seek out Sherlock alone.

Fortunately, Sherlock did not misunderstand.

(End of this chapter)