Like I said, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Dobby's Polka-Dotted Sock

Chapter Two

It was a week later that the two new guests arrived, and though they were clearly of British origin, they were the strangest yet. Harry was called along with the other champions to a meeting with the judges. Snape and Moody showed up as well, perhaps inviting themselves, Harry thought. This was dispelled, however, when one of the new men spoke.

"It appears as though we are all reconvened." He had dark hair and eyes, which seemed to take in everyone and everything at once. They rested on Harry a moment, then away.

"I'm afraid the Minister is unable to make it, but as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Headmaster of Hogwarts I welcome you on his behalf, Mr.—"

"Sherlock Holmes, Chief Warlock," he interrupted, "this is my partner, Dr. John Watson." The man in question, slightly taller and with fairer hair, shook hands with Dumbledore and introductions proceeded.

"Alastor," said Holmes.

"Ah, Sherlock, how've you been holding up?"

"Very well, my good man. I must admit, Mr. Potter," and here those sharp, intelligent eyes were turned on him again, "I was pleasantly surprised when Madam Bones called me on your request. I have not worked a case involving magicals in a quite a while, not since…" he trailed off, looking to Mr. Crouch who Harry now noticed seemed rather uncomfortable. Dr. Watson cut in, shooting what could be called a warning look at his companion.

"What Holmes means to say is he'll get right to work on this case and we'll all know who did this soon enough." This set most of the adults off yelling accusations again, but they were cut off by a loud bang of Mr. Holmes' cane.

"Right," he said, perfectly calm and lighting a pipe. "Before speaking to any of you I will of course need to examine the Goblet, Age Line, and the paper with Mr. Potter's name. Headmaster?"

"Of course, Mr. Holmes. Everyone, you are dismissed."

Harry exited behind the three men and happened to overhear Mr. Holmes.

"Hoodwinked magical artifacts, ex-Aurors and Death Eaters, rumors of Riddle's return, and a revived deadly tournament, eh? The game's afoot, Watson."

OoO

"Former Death Eaters?" Ron asked later in the common room. They and Hermione were the only ones still awake due to the mysterious request in Sirius' letter that Harry had received that morning.

"That's what he said. He was telling the other one."

"What are they like?" Hermione asked, clearly interested in the strangers themselves. "You know, I'm pretty sure I've heard of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson in the Muggle paper. They're quite good at solving cases."

"Well they can't be Muggles, they wouldn't be able to be here," Harry reasoned, "though I didn't see either of their wands. But, they dressed just as old fashioned as anyone else, without the robes. And Mr. Holmes knew Moody."

"Maybe they're Squibs, like Filch," Ron suggested. "But anyway, former Death Eaters! I wonder who? I bet it's Snape—and Karkaroff, too!"

"Oh Ronald," Hermione started in a scolding tone, "just because you don't like Snape and Karkaroff's from Durmstrang—"

"Actually, Hermione, Ron hit the nail right on the head," said Sirius' head from the fire. All three jumped and Hermione gave a stifled shriek.

"Sirius!" Harry hissed, getting down in front of the fireplace. "How did you—"

"I'm borrowing this house's Floo connection; came back to England as soon as I could—and don't scold me, Harry, I know what I'm doing. Besides," the ex-convict continued earnestly, "your safety is much more important than mine. So Holmes and the good doctor have made their return, huh?" He asked, changing topic.

"Wait, you know of them?" Harry asked.

"Oh yeah, those two worked pretty closely with the Aurors when I was there during the war. He's brilliant, Holmes. Tracked down what happened to your uncles, Ron, along with loads of other stuff.

"Yes, a little too brilliant; he started snooping around Crouch, probably knew about Barty Jr. long before the rest of us. But Crouch all but banned him from the Ministry. Course, the others realized what a mistake that was soon after, but by then it was too late. Both Holmes and Watson are muggleborn; as far as I know, they just continued their practice in the Muggle world."

"Barty Jr.?" Hermione questioned, having held onto to that piece of information.

"Crouch's son. He turned out to be a Death Eater, but was caught and brought to Azkaban after me. Holmes was onto him long before that, I'm sure everyone sees that now. But Crouch didn't appreciate him poking around. After he and Watson were kicked out was when the Bartermius Crouch Reign of Terror began. They were rounding up Death Eaters and suspected Death Eaters and charging them with anything, then throwing them in prison. His son being caught ruined his career, that's why he's stuck in the Department of Transportation or whatever office he's wallowing in. Barty Jr. got a trial though, unlike me."

"What?" All three friends exclaimed, loud as they dared.

"I didn't get a trial. Sometimes I wonder if things would have turned out differently if Holmes had still been around. Some of them, like Malfoy and Karkaroff, wouldn't have gotten off by paying bribes or giving names. And Dumbledore would probably have had to explain what makes him trust Snivellus so much to keep him out of Azkaban."

Ha! I was right!" Ron said triumphantly, smirking in Hermione's direction.

"Yes, I suppose," she admitted, pursing her lips.

"It was good seeing and speaking to you three, but I need to get moving," Sirius said at last. "Harry, stay safe, and keep together. Trust Sherlock Holmes; he's odd, but always right. Stick with Mad-Eye, too, brilliant Auror." And with that, his godfather's face was gone from the flames.

"We should get to bed," Hermione said decisively, and the three departed for their dormitories. But Harry couldn't help but wonder as he drifted off to sleep, would things be different for Sirius, and him, if Sherlock Holmes had never left?

Short, but it's the best stopping point. I've got one more chapter pre-written for you all, and then I'll have to work from there. I hope you're enjoying the story, and please review!