Chapter 281: Detective Hermione

Moody's words dumbfounded Fleur.

Now even an idiot could tell that Professor Moody wasn't a good person.

Fleur immediately stepped back, pointing her wand at Moody.

However, Hermione remained as calm as ever.

Moody's actions didn't faze her; she carefully observed his every move and explained.

"It's quite simple, really. From the way Krum attacked us just now, we could see that he was under the Imperius Curse.

The only ones who could use the Imperius Curse on him would either be intruders from outside the maze, trainers, or champions within the maze.

But this tournament is held at Hogwarts, and with Ministry officials present, and Dumbledore overseeing, it's impossible for anyone to intrude from outside.

And the champions wouldn't use the Imperius Curse. Therefore, only a few patrol members could be the culprits."

"Good analysis," Moody applauded sarcastically.

"After you graduate, you'll surely become an excellent Auror. But why do you suspect it's me?

Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Alaric all have the same suspicions, don't they?

Of course, you might think the boy is not suspicious."

"You're right, Alaric would never do such a thing," Hermione sneered.

"In fact, neither would Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, or you—Professor Moody—if you are indeed Moody."

This statement clearly surprised Moody; his confident expression froze.

"I've read Alastor Moody's files," Hermione continued confidently.

"Professor Moody himself is a seasoned Auror who has dedicated his life to fighting dark wizards.

He would never resort to using the Imperius Curse to make champions attack each other.

However, if it's someone disguised using Polyjuice Potion as Moody, that's a different story.

I also remember this school year, Professor Snape has complained several times about the theft of Boomslang skin from his office, suspecting Harry.

We all know Boomslang skin is an ingredient for Polyjuice Potion.

Furthermore, Barty Crouch went mad and came to Hogwarts, but when Snape took him to see Dumbledore, he was attacked and Crouch went missing.

At that time, I thought the killer was likely hiding within Hogwarts, and Crouch might have known something important.

His assailant might have attacked to silence him. So, now, I've connected all these dots."

"And what does that prove?" Moody frowned at Hermione.

"You haven't proven why it's fake Moody and not someone else."

"Because only you carry a flask and drink from it occasionally," Hermione said confidently.

"The three professors stay at Hogwarts all day, teaching classes. In such a scenario, you must constantly be under observation.

We all know Polyjuice Potion lasts only an hour, meaning the impostor must replenish it every hour.

Your flask is the perfect disguise.

Neither McGonagall nor Flitwick have the opportunity to replenish Polyjuice Potion at any time."

"Ah, what a sharp girl," Moody chuckled again, this time somewhat wickedly.

"Although I just said that, I have to say it again. Your analysis is excellent, meticulous, almost seeing through me.

You'll definitely become an outstanding Auror in the future—if you have one—Avada Kedavra!"

As Moody spoke, he suddenly cast the Killing Curse at Hermione.

A ghastly green light, filled with despair, shot towards Hermione.

Although prepared, facing Moody's attack made Hermione tense immediately.

She believed that the wizard impersonating Moody must be a powerful dark wizard, his Killing Curse far stronger than Krum's Cruciatus Curse just now.

She reacted swiftly, about to cast a spell to block it, but someone was faster than her.

In a flash, a familiar figure appeared in front of Hermione and Fleur.

"Protego!"

A red light emitted from the figure's wand, colliding accurately with the green light.

After a brief struggle, a massive explosion erupted between the figure and Moody.

However, the Killing Curse was indeed blocked.

Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Only now did they finally see who this person was.

It was one of the four patrol members mentioned earlier, the man both Hermione and Fleur admired—Alaric.

"Sorry for appearing only now," Alaric smiled slightly, looking at Hermione.

"I was so engrossed in listening to your brilliant analysis that I lost track of time.

I apologize for startling you. You're not angry with me, are you?"

"N-no... it's fine. We... we're not angry with you."

Hermione, who just moments ago was confidently analyzing and calmly facing a formidable opponent, now looked like a shy girl in front of Alaric, seeming somewhat bashful.

Fleur, on the other hand, was even more overwhelmed.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Alaric with a mixture of anxiety and gratitude, almost wanting to throw herself into his arms.

However, both girls managed to restrain their emotions.

Shortly after, the girls noticed that Alaric was holding two unconscious figures—one tall, one short, one male, one female.

Upon closer inspection, they were Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick.

"This guy not only controlled Krum with the Imperius Curse but also secretly stunned two professors from behind. Luckily, Harry is unharmed," Alaric noticed their gaze and explained.

"I thought your RPG game could continue for a while longer, so I prepared a powerful boss ahead for you."

At this point, the fake Moody, who felt insulted because Alaric had been ignoring him and talking to the girls, was about to erupt in anger.

However, he was suddenly intrigued by Alaric's words.

"The boss you mentioned... is..." he couldn't help but ask.

"You mean that one," Alaric smirked mischievously, explaining.

"A boss refers to the final and strongest monster in a game level, usually guarding the ultimate reward of the level, much stronger than the preceding minions."

"Stronger... than... minions," fake Moody smirked.

"Damn... you'll pay for this."

Without another word, he turned into black smoke and swiftly drifted away.

"???"

Both girls looked confused at the spot where fake Moody had been standing.

They were ready to support Alaric in case a big battle broke out between him and fake Moody, but the opponent suddenly fled after hearing Alaric's words.

"Could it be... his target was Harry!" Hermione suddenly blurted out, surprising Alaric.

"You... got it again," Alaric sighed.

"Just as that guy said earlier, if you want to be an Auror in the future, you'll definitely be the best."

"What... what are you talking about?" Fleur was still puzzled beside them.

She felt she was too slow; her brain couldn't keep up with their train of thought—even though she was the top student at Beauxbatons.

Well, wizards are generally not good at logical thinking, but that happens to be Hermione's strength.

"It's like this," Hermione explained to Fleur, "that person impersonating Moody didn't do it on a whim.

According to the time when Snape's Boomslang skin was stolen, he likely impersonated Moody for half the school year, maybe even the whole year.

This must have been a premeditated act, so Fake Moody must have had his purpose.

Just now, when Alaric mentioned Harry was unharmed and the powerful final boss, Fake Moody immediately left.

Obviously, Fake Moody hurried away to help Harry deal with the final boss.

His goal is Harry, and he probably wants Harry to win the Triwizard Tournament and touch the championship trophy.

It's said that touching the championship trophy will teleport the champion to the winner's podium—a trophy is a key, meaning if they tampered with it, they want to take Harry away."

...Girl, you must have been Sherlock Holmes in your past life, right?

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