New Romantics | Hermione Granger Book IV

|20| Chapter Twenty

T W E N T Y 

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A/N: Probably the most important chapter in the grand scheme of things for this series in the long run

{I never do these aha. I'll probably delete this A/N eventually, just wanted to let people know. But to anyone reading - let me know what you think at the moment if you want to. advice, feedback, constructive crisitcism, favrorite ocs, favorite book thus so far -I'd love to know! :)}

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It was with a small sense of satisfaction that Saffron watched Winky being dropped to Mr.Crouch's feet. He was so quick to accuse them and now it had escalated that his own house-elf had been caught on the crime scene. Obviously, Winky hadn't been the one to cast the spell but Saffron knew that at least Mr. Crouch might have gotten kicked off his high horse. The man was in a state of shock as he stared down at Winky.

"This - cannot - be," he insisted. "No -"

With that, he hurried over to where Winky had been found to investigate further.

"No point, Mr. Crouch," Amos called after him. "There's no one else there." Once Mr. Crouch was gone, Amos said: "Bit embarrassing, Barty Crouch's house-elf....wait until Rita Skeeter gets her hands on this,"

"Well, it comes as no surprise to me," Sage commented, narrowing her eyes down at Winky. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and very few trees are as messy as that of the Crouches. We all know this,"

Again, there was some meaning behind the words that was unbeknownst to Saffron at the very least.

Seconds later, Ludo Bagman apparated right next to Amos. He was still very frantic and confused as he was when they saw him in the woods earlier. He started to walk aimlessly and walked over Winky in the process.

"The Dark Mark!" he panted before letting out a small squeak. "Who did it? Did you get them? Barty! What's going on?"

"Where have you been, Barty?" Bagman then asked when Mr.Crouch returned. "Why weren't you at the match? Your elf was saving you a seat too - gulping gargoyles!" He had just noticed Winky, in spite of the fact that he had just walked over her. "What happened to her?"

"I have been busy, Ludo," said Mr. Crouch swiftly. "And my elf has been stunned."

"Stunned? By you lot, you mean? But why -?" Bagman spluttered, looking from the Dark Mark, to Winky and then to Mr. Crouch. A look of realisation suddenly became etched upon his sweaty face. "No! Winky? No! Winky? Conjure the Dark Mark? She wouldn't know how! She'd need a wand, for a start!"

"And she had one," said Amos, holding the wand up. "I found her holding one, Ludo. If it's all right with you, Mr. Crouch, I think we should hear what she's got to say for herself."

Crouch didn't answer. Nevertheless, Amos revived Winky who sat up shakily, her beady brown eyes looking around the place in confusion. Saffron couldn't help but feel sorry for the creature. She wrapped her hands over her knees, clutching them against her torso and rocked nervously. Upon seeing the Dark Mark, she started to cry fearfully.

"Elf!" said Amos, taking on Mr. Crouch's tone of voice. "Do you know who I am? I'm a member of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures! As you see, elf, the Dark Mark was conjured here a short while ago and you were discovered moments later, right beneath it! An explanation, if you please!"