So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 17 Finding the Path

 

'Crouch knows something,' Harry said.

 

'What?' asked Snape sharply.

 

'I don't know,' admitted Harry. 'It might be nothing but he kept going on about some mistake he made and he had to rectify it with Dumbledore immediately. He was acting really odd bouncing between lucidity one minute and talking to people who weren't there the next.'

 

Severus frowned, 'that sounds like a textbook of someone breaking free from long term exposure to the Imperius Curse.'

 

'He's being controlled?' asked Harry.

 

'Maybe,' replied Snape. 'Nevertheless we need to figure out what to do.'

 

'If Crouch does know anything about my father we need to know it,' Harry said.

 

'Before you're father attempts to kill you again,' Severus pointed out.

 

'Obliviate Bagman,' Harry said. 'Let him think that after he finished talking to me about what I should do in the tournament we went back up to Hogwarts where we parted ways. I told him that I was going to the kitchen for a snack as I was hungry. Dobby will vouch for me if asked and who would believe a school house elf capable of telling lies.'

 

'And Crouch?' asked Snape.

 

'You're a Legimens,' Harry replied.

 

'Indeed,' Severus said not telling Harry if he was willing to do so or not.

 

'If he knows any information about my father's location I need it,' replied Harry as though it was obvious which to him it was.

 

'There will be no way to hide the evidence of what I've done to his mind,' Severus said. 'Dumbledore knows my mental signature too well as he taught me Occlumency.'

 

Harry closed his eyes trying to think of what could be done about eliminating the evidence left behind but he could only think of one thing he could do which made him sick. Harry really didn't want to do it but he knew in war it would be inevitable. Harry just wanted to survive but with the enemies he had and their plans Harry knew that one day it would have to be done but Harry hadn't expected it to be so soon.

 

Harry took a deep breath knowing he would be sealing Crouch's fate when he spoke. Delaying Harry's decision wasn't going to help Crouch (or him any) but it was the only thing Harry could presently do. Harry didn't know when he had become this and he didn't really want to know.