Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 126 Voldemort Don’t Stop Me From Studying
After listening to Sherlock's analysis of the cause of death, Peasgood thought for a moment and accepted this explanation.

But he then remembered something and said with a bitter look on his face:

"But even if we know they're faking the scene, it still won't help us find the murderer..."

Sherlock shook his head: "No, I should say it is still somewhat useful."

Peasgood looked at Sherlock in surprise, and Professor Flitwick also looked curious.

Sherlock said in a calm tone:

“I’m pretty good at on-site investigation, and I’ve observed every detail here.

For example, right now, I can provide you and the Greek Ministry of Magic with some clues."

He paced back and forth for a few steps, and after just a moment, he blurted out:

"The murderer was originally described as being approximately six feet tall, male, not particularly strong, ambidextrous, and using an eight-inch wand.

He came from a wealthy family and received a good education since childhood. He suffered from unfair treatment in his youth and has a serious revenge mentality.

He is usually strict with himself, conceited, sadistic, has no fixed place to live, and has an injury on his right hand.

Right now, I can only speculate on this, but it should be helpful to you."

As Sherlock continued speaking, Peasgood became more and more surprised. When he finished speaking, his eyes widened with disbelief.

"How, how is this possible? How on earth did you deduce this?"

“Observe, analyze, sort out, and deconstruct.”

Sherlock explained at twice his normal speaking speed:

"Judging from the footprints left by the murderer on the grass, the strides were large and the footprints were deep, which is consistent with the walking habits of a male.

Based on the length and pressure distribution of the footprints, I can roughly estimate the height to be six feet - I won't explain the specific method.

He wasn't considered physically strong because when he was faking the wound and setting up the scene, his movements were delicate but lacked strength.

For example, the traces of blood smearing are relatively gentle, without any splashing caused by excessive force. If it is an average strong man, the range and strength of the movement will be greater.

Of course, it can also be understood that he is meticulous and able to control himself.

However, considering that when dealing with a person who has been tortured for a long time, he can still make the other party scuffle and struggle instead of being subdued all at once, I prefer to believe that it is the former.

As for the dominant hand, it can be seen from the marks left on the body in different directions.

Let’s take the blood smear as an example. There are traces in different directions, from left to right and from right to left, which shows that the murderer’s hands can perform fine movements skillfully.

The length of the wand is calculated based on the intensity and range of the detected residual magic fluctuations.

Of course this is not accurate - but don't forget that our translator friend has seen him more than once.

Combining these inferences with the translator's description, it is not difficult to draw the conclusions I have made."

"Mr. Holmes, have you forgotten something?"

Looking at Sherlock's confident look and Professor Flitwick's admiring gaze, Peasgood wanted to question it for some reason.

Anyway, I have my reasons and evidence, and I'm not deliberately looking for trouble.

"Polyjuice Potion, it can change a person's appearance."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sherlock said:

"You're right, that's why I said 'original' height.

The resurrection potion can only change the appearance, but cannot change a person's behavior habits.

I have already taken into account the difference caused by the change in body shape.”

Losgood was stunned. Is this possible?

Professor Flitwick nodded thoughtfully. "What about family background and education?"

"Although time was tight, we still managed to arrange the scene, fabricate clues, and mislead those who came later.

The technique used to fake the wound was relatively precise and meticulous, leaving no messy traces of panic or tension at the scene, and everything was arranged in an orderly manner, which required good psychological quality and a calm mind.

Combined with the experiences of the translator who had met him several times, he was generous, dressed elegantly, and remained calm even when threatened. These qualities are usually possessed by people who grew up in a favorable environment and received a good education.

But this kind of person chose to do this series of events. Even when he was faking the death scene, he still unconsciously committed acts of revenge. The wounds can be seen here, here, and here.

Although he is a wizard, he prefers to use more primitive methods rather than magic to torture others.

So I guess he suffered a lot of unfair treatment or torture in his youth, and he has a strong revenge mentality.

People who often do this kind of thing know that compared to using magic spells to inflict pain from a distance, the feeling of hitting someone with real flesh is obviously more exciting."

"...Let's not talk about why you know this feeling."

The corners of Peasegood's mouth twitched, and his eyelids twitched. "There's absolutely no evidence for what you said. It's just your speculation!"

"I didn't say I had evidence, did I?"

Facing Peasegood's surprised gaze, Sherlock sighed, "This is just the most reasonable speculation at this stage. I suggest you focus on this when looking for someone."

Peasegood: "..."

What you said makes so much sense that I am speechless.

“However, it is certain that the murderer had an injury on his right hand.

Because there were obvious pauses in the wounds on several parts of the body and the muscles of the mouth were adhered, this indicated that he would tremble when doing fine movements.

Oh, by the way, the interpreter we rescued also said he was wearing a dragon-skin glove on his right hand, which also supports my inference."

Peasgood still had a lot to say, but at this moment, Professor Flitwick's expression changed.

"I detected a magical fluctuation, it should be someone from the Ministry of Magic.

I do not wish to see them—Holmes, is there anything else you can do for me?”

"No, I've said what I need to say."

Sherlock shook his head and looked at Peasegood. "Also, sir, please don't tell anyone else about my inference. Just say it's the result of your own thinking." "Ah, why?"

"Do as Holmes says!"

After Professor Flitwick said this, he disappeared with Sherlock.

As soon as the two disappeared, a series of beeping and popping sounds were heard, and then seven or eight people appeared on the grass.

The man in the lead, wearing a green bowler hat, was none other than Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister of Magic.

Seeing this scene, Peasgood was shocked. It seemed that the higher-ups took this matter very seriously!
Cornelius Fudge's eyes swept across the scene with obvious disgust.

"What's the situation now?"

A strong man beside him immediately replied, "It's been confirmed. The deceased is a member of the Musgrave family of Athens, killed by that John James with a knife..."

"I don't think so, Dawlish. I think he died of poison."

"Peasegood, you are only responsible for erasing the memories of those Muggles. Don't question the decision of an Auror casually!"

"I'm not just questioning, I have sufficient evidence."

Peasegood paced a few steps on the grass, then began to explain in the surprised eyes of the Ministry of Magic officials:
"First, if the deceased was truly stabbed in the chest, blood would have splattered due to the beating of the heart and the violent movements of the body during the struggle..."

While Peasegood was analyzing the reasoning process for the Ministry of Magic officials, Flitwick had already returned to Hogsmeade with Sherlock.

Because they appeared right in front of the Three Broomsticks, the two did not return to Hogwarts immediately, but went straight into the bar.

Professor Flitwick knew Madam Rosmerta well, and the two greeted each other cordially.

"A sherry soda with ice and conch—"

"Good professor."

"Well!"

Professor Flitwick uttered an incomprehensible exclamation and smacked his lips.

Today is not the weekend, and there are no Hogwarts students in Hogsmeade.

So the popular Madam Rosmerta was not so busy. She glanced at Sherlock next to Professor Flitwick:

"Is it the same lemonade as last time?"

Just last time, she had learned from Hagrid that Sherlock was a first-year student.

Unexpectedly, in just a few days, Sherlock came again, still with Professor Flitwick.

This kind of unruly thing happened again and again, which made her curious.

Unfortunately, Professor Flitwick and Sherlock are not Hagrid and will not tell them why they are here.

This inevitably made her feel a little regretful.

A few minutes later, Sherlock, holding a large, foaming mug of hot butterbeer, sat down at a small table alongside Professor Flitwick, who was holding his own complicated drink.

"Holmes, what do you think?"

"The Athenian's death was a complete accident."

Sherlock took a sip and said calmly, "Judging from the current situation, even if the British and Greek Ministries of Magic work together, it will be difficult to catch the murderer.

To him, the Athenians were both a hope and a burden—without the burden, the race went more smoothly.”

Professor Flitwick sighed, "It's a good thing we rescued that Greek guy, otherwise Hagrid would have been very sad."

As an elder, Professor Flitwick has been through many battles and has seen a lot.

Seeing that Sherlock was in a bad mood, he reached out and patted his shoulder.

"After all, the wizarding world is different from the Muggle world. Being able to combine Muggle skills with magical knowledge is already quite remarkable!
Although you have a strong learning ability, you were born in a Muggle family after all. Even if you don't learn magic, accepting this world is a huge project for you.

But you are only in the first grade now, and you are already good enough.

Not to mention me, even Professor Dumbledore might not have performed as well as you when he was your age."

At this, Professor Flitwick couldn't help but chuckle.

“That flying spell is so beautiful!
You know, Sherlock, when I designed the level, I never thought you would solve it this way."

As the professor of Charms, Flitwick became visibly excited when talking about spells.

"I think you can improve on this aspect, such as the movements when casting magic...

Oh, if only you had been sorted into Ravenclaw!"

Sherlock and Professor Flitwick chatted for a long time in the Three Broomsticks, and only left after drinking three large glasses of beer.

Of course he understood Professor Flitwick's intention.

At this point, the case is considered closed.

However, not only has the murderer not been caught, but his true identity is still unknown.

Only Hagrid couldn't understand why John Smith was a fake name.

But as Professor Flitwick said, he is young and weak now, and his understanding of the magical world is limited.

In this case, it is already very good to be able to achieve this level.

But Sherlock was not satisfied.

The lesson this case taught him is - learn, and you must learn!
Including astronomy, which was previously thrown aside, needs to be picked up again.

Because it's really useful in solving cases.

No one can stop you from learning.

Not even Voldemort!

(End of this chapter)