In the wizarding world, when people hear a boy's name is Harry Potter, they often first show a surprised expression, then look toward the little boy's forehead, searching for that lightning-bolt scar.
Harry had long since grown accustomed to this sequence of reactions.
So, when Ludo Bagman did the same thing, Harry wasn't surprised in the least.
Fortunately, Bagman's gaze didn't linger on his forehead for too long, because Mr. Weasley interrupted him.
"Well, now please allow me to introduce everyone—"
He paused, then said solemnly.
"This is Ludo Bagman!
You all know who he is, and it's thanks to him that we managed to get such good tickets—"
"Arthur, it was just a small favor, nothing really."
Bagman's face once again filled with smiles as he waved his hand, then asked with an eager expression.
"Want to make a bet on the match, Arthur?"
Everyone except Mr. Weasley, Mr. Bagman, and Percy looked at Sherlock in surprise.
He'd predicted it correctly again!
Ludo Bagman had actually suggested betting!
Just as Harry had long grown accustomed to the surprised expressions people showed when hearing his name, Sherlock was equally used to others' surprised expressions when his deductions proved correct.
So, at this moment, he was even more composed than Harry had been earlier.
Bagman made his yellow and black robes' pockets jingle, showing Mr. Weasley, they contained quite a few gold coins.
"I've already convinced Roddy Pontner to bet with me that Bulgaria will score the first goal.
I gave him very high odds because I consider Ireland's number three chaser to be the finest I've seen in years.
Little Agatha Timms has put up half the shares of her eel farm, betting the match will last a week."
"Oh... let me think..."
Mr. Weasley hesitated somewhat, but thinking that it was thanks to the other party's help that he'd gotten such good tickets, directly refusing would indeed be rather awkward. Finally, he said.
"Well... alright then... I'll put down one Galleon betting Ireland wins, okay?"
"One Galleon?"
Ludo Bagman seemed somewhat disappointed, clearly feeling Mr. Weasley's bet was a bit small.
However, he quickly regained his enthusiasm and turned his attention to the others, looking around as he said.
"Alright then, small bets for fun... so... does anyone else want to bet?"
"They're too young to gamble."
Mr. Weasley quickly said, "Molly wouldn't want—"
But before he could finish, Fred and George had already pulled out a large handful of money with lightning speed.
"We're putting up thirty-six Galleons, eighteen Sickles, and nine Knuts," Fred said.
"Betting Ireland wins—but Viktor Krum will catch the Golden Snitch," George said.
"Oh, and we're adding a fake wand," Fred added once more.
"Hey, what are you doing? Do you want to show Mr. Bagman those worthless things—"
Percy seemed to think this was somewhat embarrassing, and said to the twins in a low voice.
But Mr. Bagman didn't consider the fake wand worthless at all.
He took the wand from Fred's hand, and when he saw it squawk and turn into a rubber chicken, Mr. Bagman first froze, then burst into laughter.
"Excellent! Brilliant!
I haven't seen something so realistic in many years!
I'll buy it for five Galleons and include it in your bet!"
Percy was both surprised and dissatisfied, completely stunned.
He was surprised that something he'd always looked down on as worthless could be so valued by Bagman.
He was dissatisfied that this Ludo Bagman could be like this, not at all like a leader should be—compared to his department head Barty Crouch, the difference was like heaven and earth!
Having little sophistication, Percy stood there rigidly due to his dissatisfaction with Bagman, like a telephone pole.
However, neither Mr. Weasley nor Mr. Bagman noticed him. Mr. Weasley was frowning and saying.
"Boys, I don't want you gambling... I know this is all your savings... your mother—"
"Don't be such a spoilsport, Arthur!"
Before the Weasley twins could speak, Ludo Bagman had already said loudly, excitedly jingling the money in his pocket.
"They're old enough to know what they want!
You think Ireland will win, but Krum can catch the Golden Snitch?
Impossible, boys, that's completely impossible...
In that case, I can give you very high odds, come on..."
Ludo Bagman quickly pulled out a notebook and quill, scrawling down the twins' names.
Mr. Weasley could only watch helplessly from the side.
"Done."
George took the small strip of parchment Bagman handed him and tucked it into the front of his robes.
Having obtained a large sum in bets, Bagman became energetic again, turning to Mr. Weasley to discuss other matters.
"So, Sherlock, do you think we can win?"
After George got the slip of paper, he returned and showed it to everyone, then asked with a grin.
"No, no, no, first tell us how you knew he would suggest betting with us!"
As soon as Fred said this, the others also looked at Sherlock, wanting to hear what the detective of the magic school had to say.
After all, he had already pointed out in advance that Mr. Bagman would actively propose betting.
"These two questions are essentially the same thing."
Sherlock's gaze calmly fell on Ludo Bagman.
This tall former Quidditch star was cheerfully chatting with Mr. Weasley, his round blue eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm, his ruddy cheeks appearing even fuller in the firelight.
His signature golden-blonde short hair clung tightly to his round head, while his tight Quidditch robes outlined his portly stomach, revealing the relaxed state after a glorious athletic career.
"Notice how when he walks, his steps bounce—not entirely from happiness, but more from an irrepressible restlessness.
This restlessness isn't simple vitality, but body language brought on by long-term habit.
I'd call it a kind of excited prelude unique to gamblers facing potential opportunities.
Just now, he responded to Percy's enthusiastic self-introduction politely but perfunctorily—his attention had already slipped away.
This revealed that his core interest isn't at all in maintaining relationships with Ministry colleagues.
When he laughed and praised our campsite and bonfire for being well-organized, that overly exaggerated tone and briefly lingering gaze showed this was more like a pleasantry that needed to end quickly, rather than genuine appreciation.
In fact, he was setting up an emotional foundation for what he really wanted to do.
Also, when he was just talking with your father, his body maintained a slightly forward-leaning posture.
Combined with his slightly rubbing fingers and the inadvertent brief pauses in his speech, all these actually prove he was preparing his opening."
Reaching this point, Sherlock suddenly stopped.
Everyone was listening to the exciting part, and seeing Sherlock stop abruptly, they immediately became anxious.
Ron, with the most impatient personality, immediately urged. "And then? Sherlock, keep going!"
"Didn't you just say these two questions are essentially the same thing?" Fred also asked.
"You still haven't said whether we'll actually win!" George followed up with another question.
"Unfortunately, you'll win the bet, but the victory won't happen for you."
???
Hearing Sherlock's words, the Weasley twins were immediately stunned.
What kind of statement was that?
Fortunately, Sherlock didn't keep them in suspense and quickly provided an explanation.
"In fact, this former Quidditch star, current Ministry department head—his financial situation has long been precarious due to deep gambling addiction.
The fear of bankruptcy and the obsessive desire to constantly seek opportunities to turn things around have been carved into his instincts.
This is quite easy to see—in such an informal temporary campsite, facing a group of inexperienced young people, he could still suggest a small bet for fun..."
Sherlock shook his head as he spoke.
"That's why I said you'll win the bet, but the victory won't happen for you.
Because judging from the high odds he just gave you, even if you win, he'll be unable to pay you what you're owed."
When this statement was finished, the Weasley twins were dumbfounded.
"That can't be right? Mr. Bagman is a Ministry department head, how could he do such a dishonest thing?"
Harry couldn't help saying.
"Dear Harry, you always think others are as kind as you are."
Sherlock shook his head slightly. "I can tell at a glance that Mr. Bagman has a gambling problem.
You know, to my eyes it's as obvious as a habitual thief.
Moreover, he's currently burdened with enormous debts.
Of course, he won't admit this himself.
This Quidditch World Cup has already become a money-making tool in his eyes.
So, defaulting on debts has nothing whatsoever to do with his status."
After hearing Sherlock's words, Fred stood up first. "I'm going to get our money back!"
"Can you get it back?"
Hermione couldn't help saying. "If he's really the kind of person Sherlock described, meat that's already in his mouth is unlikely to be spit out, right?"
"If you really want it back, do it now."
Sherlock smiled slightly. "With Mr. Weasley, his colleague, nearby, he'll still agree for the sake of appearances.
Once he leaves here, it'll be completely impossible!"
The Weasley twins quite trusted Sherlock's abilities.
"I'll go right now!"
Fred immediately rushed over without another word.
When he found Ludo Bagman and explained his intention, Bagman, who had been excitedly chatting with Mr. Weasley, was immediately stunned.
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