Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 578 Sirius's Reasoning

I believe someone tried to prevent Moody from coming to Hogwarts, said Sirius, It must have been the Death Eaters or vampires, and Karkaroff could have been involved. I'm not entirely certain... Knowing Karkaroff, unless he's certain Voldemort is strong enough to protect him, he won't rush back to his side.

He sat on the decaying step of the Shrieking Shack, furrowing his brow and pondering.

But it's undeniable that the Death Eaters and the vampires are more active than usual. There's Voldemort behind these things. They must know that, Sirius continued. They must be planning something during the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts. That's why they tried to stop Moody because they knew it would be much harder with him around. And no one will investigate it thoroughly; Mad-Eye has heard intruders a bit too often. But that doesn't mean he can't still detect what's real. Moody was the finest Auror the Ministry has ever had.

Sirius's reasoning was truly astute, but unfortunately, he wasn't aware of Barty Crouch Jr. Or more precisely, he didn't believe Barty Crouch Jr. was still alive.

Evan had mentioned it before, but Sirius and Mr. Weasley, who were present at the time, thought it was just Evan's imagination.

Moody, the only one who believed Evan was right, had already been attacked and locked in a trunk.

Of course, none of this mattered. What truly mattered to Evan was what Sirius had said about the activities of vampires abroad. These matters had slipped from Evan's control and were unfolding in an unpredictable direction.

For a moment, no one spoke; everyone was digesting what Sirius had just conveyed.

Gabrielle also stayed silent, her little face marked with worries. She sat next to Hermione, silently listening to these eerie discussions.

At present, Evan and the others assured Gabrielle wouldn't reveal the secret, and she could stay with them.

Sirius, do you mean? Hermione spoke slowly, Was it Karkaroff or some Death Eater or vampire who infiltrated Hogwarts and put Ron's name in the Goblet of Fire?

For now, that's what I think, yes! Sirius nodded.

Why would they do that?! Ron straightened up, like a cat with its tail stepped on, and exclaimed angrily, What's the point of making me champion and then letting the dragon kill me?

Clearly, their target is Harry or Evan, Sirius remarked, They probably want to kill Harry, avenge Voldemort, or achieve other objectives. As for Evan, Voldemort likely seeks his Philosopher's Stone!

I'm the one who became a champion! I'm the one who will face the dragon! Ron shouted. Not both of them!

He looked at Harry and Evan and then back at Sirius. He couldn't believe he had become a champion and had to face the fire-breathing dragon because someone wanted something to do with Harry and Evan.

The exact reason is unknown. It's all speculation. Evan and Harry have been under Dumbledore's watch and other professors. It was challenging for the person lurking in the shadows to start with them, Sirius explained, But it was much easier to put your name in the Goblet of Fire. There's definitely something brewing in the tournament, involving the two of them.

Upon hearing Sirius's reminder, Evan suddenly thought that the second task would require the champion to compete for what he holds dearest.

He wasn't concerned for himself, but if Ron chose Harry...

What unfolded underwater during the second task wasn't easy.

I am more inclined to think they would go after Harry rather than Evan, Sirius turned his head, looking at Harry with concern, You're not yet strong enough. If someone wants to kill you and make it look like an accident, then this tournament is a prime opportunity.

It truly is a seamless plan! Harry smiled wryly.

Ron also gasped and sat down dejectedly. Sirius's words were crystal clear. If there were any mishaps, then he would be buried with them. Or maybe there wouldn't be much hassle; he probably wouldn't even get past the dragon and would soon be torn apart.

If that's the case, what do these people intend to do? Hermione inquired. She was more composed than Harry and Ron.

"I don't know!" Sirius shook his head and continued. "Be cautious of strangers around you, especially Karkaroff's champion and Durmstrang's. If anything happens, go to Dumbledore or Moody."

He shot Gabrielle a suspicious glance and quickly looked away.

"Yes, Sirius, you should tell me how to face those fire-breathing dragons!" Ron suddenly interjected.

"Indeed... these dragons," Sirius said, "There is a way to deal with them. Don't be tempted to try a Stunning Spell. Dragons are strong and too magically powerful to be knocked out by a single Stunner; you need about seven or eight wizards at once to overcome a dragon."

"Great!" said Ron, "How can I have the magic of seven or eight people?"

"Of course you can't, but you can do it alone," Sirius said. "There is a way, and a simple spell is all you need. Aim for their eyes and use the Conjunctivitus Curse, Ron, that is their weakness."

"Conjunctivitus Curse?!" Ron exclaimed hastily, "Evan taught me that, but I haven't mastered it yet. The spell is very difficult. So, if I master this spell, can I face the dragon?"

"It will only cause a temporary loss of sight. The eyes are the most vulnerable part of the dragon's body," Sirius waved his hand. "It's far from defeating or killing them entirely, but it's enough for you to fulfill the assigned tasks."

They then discussed the Conjunctivitus Curse for a while, and Evan personally demonstrated it several times.

Ron seemed to view this as a lifeline and studied very earnestly.

Yet, the outcome was disastrous as he was unsuccessful. The magic was too challenging for him.

And Evan suspected that even if Ron learned the spell, it would be a matter of whether he had the courage to use it.

Faced with the fearsome dragon, he might be directly paralyzed by fear.

"Your movements are too stiff, Ron, and you're not reciting the spell fast enough," Evan pointed out Ron's mistake, "Your wand-waving stance is incorrect, your right hand is a bit low."

While Evan, Hermione, and Gabrielle urged Ron to practice the Conjunctivitus Curse, Sirius was also teaching Harry.

He believed that the ultimate target of this incident was Harry and, of course, he needed to become stronger as soon as possible.