[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes":3,"chapter-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-471":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","HP: I AM SHERLOCK HOLMES",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1879961,2495,"Chapter 471: 0471 The Bet","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-471",471,"\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry had long since grown accustomed to this sequence of reactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, when Ludo Bagman did the same thing, Harry wasn't surprised in the least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Bagman's gaze didn't linger on his forehead for too long, because Mr. Weasley interrupted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, now please allow me to introduce everyone—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Ludo Bagman!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You all know who he is, and it's thanks to him that we managed to get such good tickets—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Arthur, it was just a small favor, nothing really.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bagman's face once again filled with smiles as he waved his hand, then asked with an eager expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Want to make a bet on the match, Arthur?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone except Mr. Weasley, Mr. Bagman, and Percy looked at Sherlock in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd predicted it correctly again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ludo Bagman had actually suggested betting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, at this moment, he was even more composed than Harry had been earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bagman made his yellow and black robes' pockets jingle, showing Mr. Weasley, they contained quite a few gold coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already convinced Roddy Pontner to bet with me that Bulgaria will score the first goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave him very high odds because I consider Ireland's number three chaser to be the finest I've seen in years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Agatha Timms has put up half the shares of her eel farm, betting the match will last a week.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh... let me think...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well... alright then... I'll put down one Galleon betting Ireland wins, okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One Galleon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ludo Bagman seemed somewhat disappointed, clearly feeling Mr. Weasley's bet was a bit small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he quickly regained his enthusiasm and turned his attention to the others, looking around as he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then, small bets for fun... so... does anyone else want to bet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're too young to gamble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Weasley quickly said, \"Molly wouldn't want—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could finish, Fred and George had already pulled out a large handful of money with lightning speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We're putting up thirty-six Galleons, eighteen Sickles, and nine Knuts,\" Fred said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Betting Ireland wins—but Viktor Krum will catch the Golden Snitch,\" George said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, and we're adding a fake wand,\" Fred added once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, what are you doing? Do you want to show Mr. Bagman those worthless things—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percy seemed to think this was somewhat embarrassing, and said to the twins in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Mr. Bagman didn't consider the fake wand worthless at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excellent! Brilliant!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I haven't seen something so realistic in many years!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'll buy it for five Galleons and include it in your bet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Percy was both surprised and dissatisfied, completely stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was surprised that something he'd always looked down on as worthless could be so valued by Bagman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having little sophistication, Percy stood there rigidly due to his dissatisfaction with Bagman, like a telephone pole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, neither Mr. Weasley nor Mr. Bagman noticed him. Mr. Weasley was frowning and saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boys, I don't want you gambling... I know this is all your savings... your mother—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't be such a spoilsport, Arthur!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Weasley twins could speak, Ludo Bagman had already said loudly, excitedly jingling the money in his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They're old enough to know what they want!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You think Ireland will win, but Krum can catch the Golden Snitch?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impossible, boys, that's completely impossible...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that case, I can give you very high odds, come on...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ludo Bagman quickly pulled out a notebook and quill, scrawling down the twins' names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Weasley could only watch helplessly from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>George took the small strip of parchment Bagman handed him and tucked it into the front of his robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having obtained a large sum in bets, Bagman became energetic again, turning to Mr. Weasley to discuss other matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Sherlock, do you think we can win?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After George got the slip of paper, he returned and showed it to everyone, then asked with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, no, no, first tell us how you knew he would suggest betting with us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he had already pointed out in advance that Mr. Bagman would actively propose betting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two questions are essentially the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sherlock's gaze calmly fell on Ludo Bagman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Notice how when he walks, his steps bounce—not entirely from happiness, but more from an irrepressible restlessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This restlessness isn't simple vitality, but body language brought on by long-term habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'd call it a kind of excited prelude unique to gamblers facing potential opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, he responded to Percy's enthusiastic self-introduction politely but perfunctorily—his attention had already slipped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This revealed that his core interest isn't at all in maintaining relationships with Ministry colleagues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he was setting up an emotional foundation for what he really wanted to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, when he was just talking with your father, his body maintained a slightly forward-leaning posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with his slightly rubbing fingers and the inadvertent brief pauses in his speech, all these actually prove he was preparing his opening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching this point, Sherlock suddenly stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was listening to the exciting part, and seeing Sherlock stop abruptly, they immediately became anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ron, with the most impatient personality, immediately urged. \"And then? Sherlock, keep going!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you just say these two questions are essentially the same thing?\" Fred also asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You still haven't said whether we'll actually win!\" George followed up with another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately, you'll win the bet, but the victory won't happen for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Sherlock's words, the Weasley twins were immediately stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of statement was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Sherlock didn't keep them in suspense and quickly provided an explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In fact, this former Quidditch star, current Ministry department head—his financial situation has long been precarious due to deep gambling addiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear of bankruptcy and the obsessive desire to constantly seek opportunities to turn things around have been carved into his instincts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sherlock shook his head as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why I said you'll win the bet, but the victory won't happen for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When this statement was finished, the Weasley twins were dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That can't be right? Mr. Bagman is a Ministry department head, how could he do such a dishonest thing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harry couldn't help saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dear Harry, you always think others are as kind as you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sherlock shook his head slightly. \"I can tell at a glance that Mr. Bagman has a gambling problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You know, to my eyes it's as obvious as a habitual thief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he's currently burdened with enormous debts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he won't admit this himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Quidditch World Cup has already become a money-making tool in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, defaulting on debts has nothing whatsoever to do with his status.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Sherlock's words, Fred stood up first. \"I'm going to get our money back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can you get it back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>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?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you really want it back, do it now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sherlock smiled slightly. \"With Mr. Weasley, his colleague, nearby, he'll still agree for the sake of appearances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he leaves here, it'll be completely impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Weasley twins quite trusted Sherlock's abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll go right now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fred immediately rushed over without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he found Ludo Bagman and explained his intention, Bagman, who had been excitedly chatting with Mr. Weasley, was immediately stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can read more than 40 chapters on:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>patreon.com\u002FMikeyMuse\u003C\u002Fp>",1554,"2026-06-10T06:27:24.274Z",1,"novelbin.me","e83d406dbdf6e2e90bb572ce90c9e0ca5c5860aab51644565b6331b28568d34c","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-472","hp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-chapter-470",637,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fhp-i-am-sherlock-holmes-cover.jpg"]