Judy Crouch, Who Had No Right of Inheritance

Headmaster's Office

Minister Fudge became somewhat agitated upon hearing William and Hermione's words.

How could he not be excited?

When Fudge heard the news that his old friend Crouch had suddenly died, Fudge was heartbroken... so heartbroken that his mouth stretched to the back of his head.

Give him some makeup and dress him in women's clothing, and he can become a slit-mouthed woman.

It's understandable that Fudge would be so agitated.

After all, he and Crouch had a decades-long friendship.

Especially during those years when they were political rivals vying for the Minister for Magic, their relationship was extremely tense... well, let's just say it was irreconcilable.

Political enemies are all like that; they wish the other person would go out one day and be shot dead with Avada Kedavra.

Fudge was already getting ready to go to the banquet, and now you're telling him... it's an unjust death.

He was also told:

Barty Crouch Jr. Crouch. still alive?

Could Fudge not have known whether it was a justifiable death or not?

But can we say that?

The assassination of a high-ranking official... what does this mean?

The area under his rule is unstable!

Terrorist attack!

Last July and August, the Death Eaters attacked the Quidditch World Cup, and Fudge doesn't want another one to happen!

Therefore, the best explanation is that Crouch died of old age or illness.

They didn't die because of anyone's magic.

Not to mention the claim that Barty Crouch Jr. Crouch. is still alive... Fudge was the one who took his body from Azkaban back then!

Saying that Barty Crouch Jr.. is still alive is like suddenly telling him:

Voldemort is about to be resurrected... What a ridiculous joke!

Fudge didn't believe it, nor did he accept it!

"William, I don't see any connection, not at all!" Fudge retorted softly.

"Bertha was attacked by a dark wizard in Albania. Her poor memory is her own problem, and has nothing to do with any Memory Charm," Fudge argued.

"As for Barty Crouch Sr. imprisoning a Death Eaters, that's your speculation; you have no evidence whatsoever."

I know Barty; if there were Death Eaters, he would personally send them to Azkaban rather than keep them at home.

"But that Death Eaters is Crouch's son, so he won't send him in," Hermione reminded her.

"Hermione, you're still young, you haven't experienced that trial." Fudge forced a smile.

"Back then, Crouch himself sent his son to Azkaban, so he won't get his son out."

He's not that kind of person!

"But Mrs. Crouch would, she would plead with her husband..."

"I was the one who handled the warden's matter back then." Fudge stubbornly shook his head.

"Barty Crouch Jr. died less than a month later. I personally handled his body collection; there's no mistake!"

The main reason Fudge was unwilling to believe that Barty Crouch Jr.. was still alive was that he was the one who personally led the team to close the case back then.

Fudge, as a political rival, already held the upper hand at that time.

But he still wanted to kick Crouch while he was down, and wondered if he could find any more dirt on him after dealing with this matter.

If Barty Crouch Jr.. did indeed escape Azkaban, then he, as the one who dealt with him back then, also bears significant responsibility.

"That's because Mrs. Crouch took Polyjuice Potion and turned into Barty Crouch Jr.."

"Her body will naturally retain the appearance of Barty Crouch Jr. after she dies," William explained.

"Minister, so how do you think Barty Crouch died?" Moody asked in a gruff voice.

"I think it was a sudden death, Alastor," Fudge said. "Barty was too exhausted; he'd been looking for Ludo these past few days, so he died suddenly."

As for the wizard who appeared, he was most likely his old enemy.

Based on Barty's personal experience, this is quite possible, and I think you would agree—but the dark wizard was driven away by William.

He didn't even run into Crouch, did he?

Therefore, Crouch's death had nothing to do with him.

"Crouch is cursed," Hermione said seriously. "I recognized the spell, Minister. Are you questioning my judgment?"

"Oh no—of course... Hermione, you earned two badges, and no one questions your abilities." Fudge's voice was slightly embarrassed.

"Perhaps we should wait until the Auror has examined it before making a judgment."

However, you found him in the reeds, not far from Beauxbatons ' carriage.

Dumbledore, you know that woman's background, don't you?

"I think she is a very capable headmistress—and a very good dancer," Dumbledore said calmly.

"Dumbledore!" Fudge said angrily. "Don't you think you're taking her side because of Hagrid?"

They weren't all harmless—if you could say Hagrid wasn't dangerous, then there was his obsession with giant monsters—"

"I trust Madame Maxime as much as I trust Hagrid," Dumbledore replied calmly. "I think it's more likely that you're prejudiced, Cornelius."

"Then it could be Karkaroff. Don't forget, he's a Death Eaters! His ship is right there in the Black Lake!" Fudge insisted.

Hermione was about to say something when William tugged at her hand, gave her a reassuring look, and then said:

"In fact, I have a method that easily proves that there is no problem with my deductions, just like Hermione's."

"William, I know you're smart and capable," Fudge said, frowning.

"Because of what happened at last year's Quidditch World Cup, I've already applied for the Order of Merlin, First Class for you."

So, shall we just leave it at that?

Just then, the door was pushed open. Professor Snape walked in, followed by a girl.

"Severus, what brings you here?" Dumbledore asked, puzzled.

"Didn't you send me? You also asked me to bring Judy Crouch?"

Snape's face suddenly darkened, and he glared fiercely at William.

It was Shidake just came to deliver a message, saying that the principal wants Judy Crouch to go to his office.

It seems he was clearly "falsely conveying the imperial edict"!

"It was just to save time, Professor Snape," William said with an apologetic smile.

Looking at the smile on William's face, Snape really wanted to deduct 500 points from Ravenclaw's score.

But I couldn't resist.

There's plenty of time in the future, huh!

Judy Crouch, wearing a blue nightgown with a thick robe over it, looked at the many people in the room with some confusion.

This was her first time entering the Headmaster's Office.

"Judy, I need you to help me summon Winky... yes, the House-elf from your uncle's house," William said.

"No, I can't... That's not my House-elf," Judy said, somewhat confused. "I can't command Winky."

"It's alright, just give it a try," William said.

He made no mention of the death of her uncle Barty Crouch.

I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it if I say it suddenly.

Let's talk to her about this later.

"Okay." Judy shrugged and said loudly, "Winky, come out."

But there was no response.

"Alright, my demonstration is over." William smiled. "Professor Snape, you may send her back now."

"..."

Snape's face grew even darker.

So you asked me to deliver this, only said one sentence, stayed for less than thirty seconds, and then ordered me to send it back?

Are you kidding me?!

"Go, Severus, and protect Miss Crouch," Dumbledore said.

Snape left reluctantly, giving William one last glare before he went.

"Is this it? Is this your evidence?" Fudge asked impatiently.

What does this prove?

"That says a lot." Hermione managed to hold back, managing not to utter the word "idiot."

Dumbledore, while Moody looked at William with admiration, secretly thinking, "This kid... is really smart!"

Fudge was the only one still completely confused; he was like a silly Troll who had squeezed into a group of wizards.

Or rather, an exceptionally intelligent wizard!

"Can someone explain this to me?!" he said angrily.

William said softly:

The Crouch family is an old, Pure-blood families.

To protect the family's wealth and prevent it from falling into the hands of anyone other than Crouch, they will be bound by Ancient Magic.

William paused, then continued, "Crouch died suddenly and couldn't have left a will."

If Barty Crouch Jr.. had died long ago, Crouch would have had no descendants.

Therefore, according to blood relations, the inheritance will automatically transfer to Judy Crouch's name.

Judy's father fought Death Eaters and died when she was born.

In other words, all the male members of the Crouch family are dead, so the inheritance will definitely go to Judy.

After all, she is Crouch's niece.

"House-elf are also part of the legacy, but now Judy is trying to call for Winky, but without success."

This means she didn't inherit Winky; another Crouch inherited it.

William squinted at Fudge and said, "Who has a higher right to the inheritance than Judy? It can only be Crouch's son— Barty Crouch Jr..

This is actually quite easy to understand.

For example, the Black family.

Sirius has been removed from the family tree.

If Regulus hadn't died, he should have inherited the family fortune according to the will.

However, Regulus died before Sirius, so the will became invalid and the inheritance became statutory.

Intestate succession is not based on the wishes of the deceased, but on blood relations.

If Sirius were to die suddenly one day without having made a will beforehand, the Black family's estate would certainly be inherited by the three Black sisters.

Dumbledore applauded. "Brilliant reasoning! The evidence couldn't be clearer."

Fudge looked at William and Hermione, remaining silent.

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