Suspended

Dumbledore's words held no edge, but Barty Crouch glanced at him, his expression uneasy.

"The Ministry of Magic has never interfered with teaching at Hogwarts... Your professors will discipline your students properly, won't they?"

Barty Crouch held the five students' Wands in his hand and raised them toward Dumbledore.

"Of course. I assure you that every professor at Hogwarts teaches our students according to the principles of justice," Dumbledore said to Barty Crouch, his arms folded and his expression kind. It sounded as though he was addressing everyone.

"So you taught them the righteous use of the Unforgivable Curses?" Karkaroff's thoroughly ill-timed voice rang out at the worst possible moment.

Even Ludo Bagman shot Karkaroff a hostile look. They had almost managed to let the matter blow over. Why did he have to open his mouth?

Sensing the atmosphere turn hostile, Karkaroff glanced around uneasily and shut his mouth.

"If an Unforgivable Curse could torture a Dark wizard guilty of every crime imaginable, I'd be happy to use one," Moody said quietly. He did not bare his teeth, but the ruthlessness in his expression made Karkaroff panic.

"You really are getting senile, Moody. There are no Dark wizards here. Could you please stop bringing up the Unforgivable Curses?" Ludo Bagman felt as though a giant hand had seized his heart. How had he ended up with these two troublemakers?

Eli watched the others, each with their own thoughts, and pursed his lips.

"All right, here are your Wands back." Barty Crouch held them out, but just as the five reached to take them, he suddenly drew his hand back.

Eli raised an eyebrow. Are you playing keep-away with me?

"You won't use magic like that again, will you?" Barty Crouch looked at them, the authority of the once-powerful Head of