Douglas wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin, picked up his glass, and leaned slightly to one side.
"Mr. Crouch."
His voice was quiet, but carried clearly across.
Barty Crouch sat stiffly upright, having barely touched the food on his plate. At the sound, he looked up, a barely perceptible hint of wariness and impatience in his eyes.
"Professor Holmes, is something the matter?"
"Nothing important." Douglas swirled the hot milk in his glass. "I just wanted to say that you look very tired."
Crouch's brow creased. He clearly disliked such an overly personal opening.
"There are many matters to attend to for the Triwizard Tournament," he answered stiffly.
"I understand." Douglas nodded. "But I hear you think very highly of Hogwarts's newly established Academic Affairs Office?"
At the mention of official business, Crouch's expression softened a little.
"Yes."
He straightened his back, a hint of approval in his tone.
"An efficient, rigorous organization is the foundation of maintaining order. Sirius Black has done very well in this regard."
"In particular..."
Crouch's gaze sharpened.
"I hear you also plan to invite officials from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to give lectures to the students?"
"That's right."
Douglas smiled.
"I believe it is essential for young wizards to learn the legal boundaries of the wizarding world early on."
"Absolutely essential!"
Crouch raised his voice, speaking with near-absolute conviction.
"Ignorance is no excuse. Rules must be obeyed. Professor Holmes, this idea of yours is absolutely correct."
Just then, Hagrid finally came in from the Entrance Hall.
He carefully skirted the dining tables and went straight to Madame Maxime's side, bending down to report quietly in his thunderous voice:
"Madame, those big fellows of yours are all settled in. I've given them the best oats and brandy. They look very