HP: Supreme Potion Collector [Original Female Protagonist]

This time, Barty Crouch Jr. was without his wand. He couldn't summon the Dark Mark, nor could he counterattack with spells. Orli tightened her grip on her wand, steeling herself. He was a fully grown Death Eater... Orli felt the impulsive Gryffindor blood surging in her veins again, but now was not the time to hesitate.

The mountain path grew increasingly treacherous. Bushes and roots intertwined across the ground, turning every step into a stumbling challenge. Barty Crouch Jr. remained hidden under an Invisibility Charm, and Winky was such a small target. Luckily, their scuffles along the way left traces, and Orli could occasionally hear Winky's pleading and sobbing, which kept her on track.

The dense trees blocked Orli's view. She glanced back toward the campsite but saw nothing, and the noise had faded significantly. It seemed the chaos back there had been resolved. Disorganized footsteps echoed through the forest—it was the Ministry staff. Their wands sent spells flying in all directions, as if that might hit the dark wizard. A series of blinding flashes streaked past Orli, and she quickly ducked into a concealed spot. A wizard with short brown stubble fired scorching red beams from his wand, repeatedly striking an empty clearing ahead. A rustling sound came from that direction, then fell silent.

*Male Wizard:* "Looks like there's a big catch in these bushes!"

The wizard rushed forward, rummaging through the underbrush, and finally dragged the unconscious Winky out of the thorns.

*Female Witch:* "This is your 'big catch'?"

A nearby witch, dressed in a woolen dressing gown, chuckled. Together, they carried Winky toward another clearing.

*Dobby:* "Winky's been captured!"

Dobby's fingers tightened around Orli's palm.

*Orli:* "Dobby, follow Winky and see where they're taking her."

Orli took a deep breath and instructed.

Her palm suddenly felt empty as Dobby vanished, chasing after them. Now, the forest was left with only her and the elusive Barty hidden somewhere in the bushes. Old Barty Crouch would soon realize Winky had been captured and come looking for his son. Time was running out; she had to act quickly!

*Orli:* "Invisibility Cloak, come!"

Orli murmured softly, but it didn't work. She seemed too tense and had to repeat it in a clearer tone:

*Orli:* "Invisibility Cloak, come!"

With a faint swoosh, something semi-transparent was drawn into the air from the other side of the bushes and flew straight into Orli's hand. She quickly draped it over herself—it was much safer than relying on a Disillusionment Charm.

A man lying in deep unconsciousness sprawled where the Invisibility Cloak had come from. His skin was pale, slightly freckled, and his messy light blond hair was disheveled. This must be Barty Crouch Jr., who, along with Winky, had just been stunned.

*Orli:* "Petrificus Totalus!"

Orli raised her wand, watching as the man on the ground stiffened into immobility. Now, the next step…

*Orli:* "Diffin—"

Just as she was about to finish the incantation, a hand suddenly reached out from the shadows and yanked her arm. Her Diffindo spell shot toward a nearby tree stump, shattering it with a loud crack.

Severus Snape seemed to materialize out of thin air, his dark eyes glinting with a piercing coldness:

*Snape:* "Orli Waters! Were you just about to commit murder?!"

A flurry of footsteps echoed from afar, as if someone had been drawn by the noise.

*Orli:* "Professor, he's Barty Crouch Jr.! He must be killed!"

Orli didn't have time to explain further. Dealing with Barty was the most urgent task at hand.

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