Crouch was normal most of the time, except when Voldemort came up.
His frenzied adoration poured out constantly, in both his words and his expression.
Hermione forced an awkward smile and, after thanking him, prepared to turn and leave.
""Hermione, wait a moment."
Draco suddenly called after her. He leaned down and whispered a few words to the people around him before walking over to her.
"Mr. Crouch."
Once beside Hermione, Draco didn't speak to her right away. Instead, like an adult, he greeted Crouch before asking, "How much can I tell her about that matter?"
The question made Hermione curious. She turned to look at Crouch and found that he was looking at her, too.
"I can't judge that, Draco. I don't know what kind of relationship the master has with her, or how well she can keep a secret. You'll have to decide for yourself," Crouch said after some thought.
Draco wasn't satisfied with that answer. Frowning, he asked, "What would you choose, if you were in my place?"
"The master's secrets are paramount. That's my answer," Crouch said coldly, fixing Draco with a stern look.
Under that intensely oppressive gaze, Draco nodded and led Hermione to a private room nearby.
"What secret?" Hermione asked impatiently. She hadn't given Crouch's attitude a second thought.
As far as she was concerned, Crouch was brainwashed. There was no need to care what he thought.
"I can't tell you. But even without telling you about that matter, we can still discuss what I wanted to discuss."
Seeing the puzzled look on Hermione's face, Draco explained, "Not knowing that secret means you'll have less information to base your decisions on, but it doesn't mean you can't make a decision."
Hermione hesitated, then nodded for him to continue.
"I want to form an