HP: IAM SHERLOCK HOLMES

"But Hagrid was expelled from school before, and they don't allow him to use magic..."

After thinking for a long while, Hermione finally found a suitable reason.

"Even without using magic, Hagrid's fighting ability is much stronger than you imagine, Hermione."

Sherlock wasn't lying.

That night in the Forbidden Forest, although Hagrid hadn't made a move, he had already witnessed Hagrid's combat stance.

Moreover, as a half-giant, Hagrid had inherited natural resistance to most magical attacks from his giant mother's bloodline, so in one-on-one situations, even Hogwarts professors might not necessarily be his match.

Except for individual dueling masters.

Seeing Sherlock speak so firmly, Hermione stopped insisting.

However, hearing that he might have to go off-campus with Hagrid to investigate the case next, and couldn't bring Hermione and Ron along, both felt very regretful.

What a great opportunity this was!

It was truly too disappointing!

"Hey, Holmes, so you're here!"

Just as they were sighing, a cheerful voice came over.

Then an averagely built strong man appeared in the three's line of sight.

Oliver Wood, a fifth-year Gryffindor student, Quidditch team captain, and a big boy who was very passionate about Quidditch.

He strode up to Sherlock: "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Sherlock's gaze swept over Wood, then under his surprised gaze, he spoke:

"No."

"What? What no?"

Wood was about to speak when Sherlock's sudden "No" completely confused him.

Not only Wood, but Hermione and Ron also looked at Sherlock with surprise, not understanding what he meant by this sudden statement.

"Aren't you here to ask me to replace Harry as Seeker? My answer is 'No.'"

"Why not... wait, I haven't said anything yet!"

Wood stared wide-eyed at Sherlock.

Hermione and Ron exchanged glances, also showing surprised expressions.

Hermione even remembered what Sherlock had once said to her.

"Having to stay silent for a quarter of an hour each time before suddenly revealing a friend's thoughts—such tricks are truly shallow."

Now it seemed Sherlock was absolutely right; he didn't need that long at all.

Sherlock's performance continued:

"In my view, this matter is rather obvious.

Your cuffs are stained with dust and grass fragments, the sweat stains on your collar aren't dry yet, and your shoe soles have the red sand unique to the Quidditch pitch—clearly you've just finished struggling in that kind of environment.

Perhaps you haven't noticed it yourself, but when you just walked toward me, you were frowning with pursed lips, your eyes full of worry, and you were unconsciously rubbing your hands while walking—these are all typical signs of anxiety.

Also, I saw a corner of crumpled parchment in your left pocket, with jagged tears from frequent folding at the edges, and several crosses marked on the visible part.

Based on this, I made a double deduction: you're not satisfied with today's tactical arrangements and training results. As for why you came to find me, it's simply that you want me to replace Harry in the match to change your current terrible situation.

I'm sorry, but my answer is no."

Wood: (ﾟДﾟ)

Compared to the shocked Wood, Hermione and Ron performed much better.

After all, they had seen this many times before.

After a brief shock, Wood immediately asked urgently: "Why?"

Compared to how Sherlock knew his question, he cared more about the answer to this question.

"Because I have more important matters."

Sherlock looked at Wood and said calmly, "Also, Mr. Wood, you're being too hasty.

Finding someone who has never participated in training to participate in an official match—this doesn't seem like something you would do."

"I know, I know, of course I know..."

Wood said somewhat dejectedly, "But we don't even have a substitute Seeker now, which means we have to play against Ravenclaw with one person short!"

"Then I'll tell you that even if I could participate in the match, Gryffindor's probability of failure would still be as high as eighty percent—Ravenclaw is not a weak team."

"Alright, alright, I was too impulsive..."

Seeing Wood leave looking dejected, Ron felt somewhat sympathetic:

"Sherlock, can't you really help? It's just a day or two—that case shouldn't matter, should it..."

"I already said that even if I participated, it still wouldn't change the result of failure.

Also, I don't think this case can afford to be delayed for a day or two."

Hearing this, Hermione's eyes immediately became sharp: "You mean..."

"Truth is often written in two languages—one is the lies carefully arranged by the murderer, the other is the silent cry of the dead."

Sherlock's words left both Hermione and Ron in silence.

"I'll help you!"

After a moment, Hermione spoke with a firm tone:

"Sherlock, didn't you say I have talent?

Although I can't act with you this time, I can definitely help you in other ways."

Ron not to be outdone: "Me too!"

The next afternoon, after lunch, when Hagrid was hesitating whether to have an owl bring Sherlock a letter, he suddenly heard knocking at the door.

When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Sherlock.

"Sherlock! It's you? Come in quickly—I was just thinking about whether to come find you!"

Welcoming Sherlock into his hut and brewing him a cup of strong tea, Hagrid inquired with concern:

"How is it? Do you already have some leads?"

"Sort of. I did some work after returning yesterday—but there are some things I still need to consult you about."

"Me?"

Hagrid pointed at himself in surprise, looking incredulous.

"Don't joke, Sherlock. There's no way you need to consult me about problems!

You know perfectly well that my head isn't very bright..."

Before Hagrid could finish, Sherlock interrupted him: "I think you must often go to Knockturn Alley?"

"Of course! I'm planning to go there recently to find some medicine to drive away slugs—they're almost ruining all the school's cabbages..."

Hagrid's honest nature began to show itself again.

Sherlock had only started, and he poured out everything he knew.

After finishing, he rubbed his fan-like large hands with lingering interest, staring intently at Sherlock as if asking, "What else do you want to know?"

He completely forgot to ask how Sherlock knew about Knockturn Alley or how he could tell that he often went to Knockturn Alley.

Since Hagrid didn't ask, Sherlock naturally wouldn't explain.

He took out something and placed it on the table.

"This is the yew wood fragment left on Baskerville yesterday.

From the cutting angle, it shows a 15-degree diagonal grain pattern.

This is the unique technique of craftsmen from the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary, which corresponds perfectly with the Romanian dragon sculpture used as a Portkey.

Additionally, the fragments are mixed with some other substances. Professor Sprout said they are Icelandic lichen spores."

"What?!"

Hagrid wasn't interested in Romanian craftsmen or 15-degree angles.

But hearing the words "Icelandic lichen spores," he immediately examined them carefully.

"Merlin's stinking socks! It really is them—this stuff is rare in Britain."

"Professor Sprout said the same thing. She also told me I could find them in Knockturn Alley."

"Uh..."

Hagrid scratched his head as if thinking, then said somewhat hesitantly after a moment, "I seem to have some impression, but I can't remember the specifics clearly."

Seeing Sherlock's fixed gaze on him, he seemed a bit embarrassed: "No matter, I'll go there right away. It won't take much time to figure it out."

Seeing Hagrid about to stand up, Sherlock's hand pressed on his knee: "No rush."

He should have pressed the shoulder, but he couldn't reach it.

"Look at this too."

Sherlock said, taking out another piece of parchment:

"This is what our translator drew—his memory is indeed very good.

I consulted many materials and found that its arrangement is very close to the summer constellation Serpentarius.

We might be able to find the location where the Greek tycoon is imprisoned based on this."

"Hey, Sherlock! You're a genius!"

As soon as Sherlock finished speaking, Hagrid couldn't help but express sincere admiration.

However, Sherlock wasn't happy at all.

After all, he had always thought Astronomy was useless.

When looking for clues yesterday, he hadn't considered this direction at all.

Under such circumstances, he naturally took many detours, and it was still the knowledgeable Hermione who discovered this lead.

This also meant that from now on, his attitude toward this subject would have to change.

Astronomy was really useful for solving cases!

"Sherlock, can I go to Knockturn Alley now?"

"Not 'I,' but 'we.'"

"What, you're coming too!"

"Obviously."

"No, no, that's not a good place! Once other people see Hogwarts students there, it won't be good for you."

Hagrid shook his head repeatedly and patted his chest: "Just tell me what I should do, and I can go alone!"

"If my deduction is correct, then this Mr. Musgrave is most likely imprisoned there.

If it's just you alone... are you sure you can find clues without attracting others' attention?"

I'm not sure...

Hagrid felt somewhat guilty.

He was too self-aware.

"But being seen there still isn't a good thing for you..."

"It's fine, I can disguise myself."

"Charging gargoyles! Don't tell me you've even prepared Polyjuice Potion?"

Hagrid looked at Sherlock incredulously.

That was advanced Potions course content.

"Hagrid, disguise doesn't only rely on Polyjuice Potion."

Sherlock said, showing Hagrid a meaningful smile.

A quarter of an hour later, when Hagrid saw Sherlock disguised as a wizard, he was so surprised he could barely speak.

"Gluttonous gargoyle drains! Truly unbelievable—achieving this level without using Polyjuice Potion!"

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