Summary: Muggleborne Homicide Detective Joan Benson has been with the Dallas Department of Magical Law Enforcement's Homicide Unit for four years. She's used to doing things her way. But even after six partners within the last four years, nothing could've prepared her for hot-blooded pureblood Heir of Slytherin, Alexandra Slytherin.

Alexandra, on the other hand, is trying to juggle a demanding boyfriend, new job, and the most challenging thing of all: being partnered with the most difficult detective in the DDMLE.

After a brief scare with a terrorist, both women find themselves growing closer. Alex beings to question her relationship with her boyfriend and her feelings for Joan. And Joan, the rock with a furry little problem who refuses to let anyone in, starts to feel her defenses slipping around Alex.

With a serial killing rapist on the loose and drug deals gone bad, both women struggle to understand their feelings while trying to keep their nearly flammable physical relationship in check.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Hunter's Way (based Joan is based off Tori). This is an AU story that takes place in America. Please don't flame me because of that. Also, this is FEMSLASH. Don't like? Don't read.

Also, the Second Wizarding War never happened, nor did the first. There are going to be character's from the books that make an subtle appearance here and there.

-Way of the Dream

Prologue

Joan hung up the phone and looked up as Black intercepted the young woman walking through. He flashed his most seductive smile but she dismissed him. Any woman was fair game as far as Black was concerned, whether they acknowledge him or not. She was about to turn away when the woman walked purposefully into the Lieutenant's office.

Joan let out a silent groan. Surely to God this wasn't her new partner. She leaned back in her chair and studied the woman. She was English, pureblood from the looks of. She was beautiful, an air of hidden mystery and confidence to her. Her blazer hung loosely from her shoulders, giving her a slight look. She was tall and built lean. She had piercing emerald green eyes and jet-black hair tied into a low ponytail, and her jaw was sharp and feminine, giving her a slightly stern, but warm look, reminding Joan of someone she couldn't quite place. Joan watched until she walked into the Lieutenant's office, then she slid her eyes to Black.

"Back off, Benson. She's out of your league," Black said from across the room with a bark-like laugh.

Joan gave him a humorless smile. "She looks as though she might have a brain cell or two. I believe she's obviously out of your league, Black."

The other detectives laughed at his expense and Sirius Black took his seat.

"Good one, Benson."

Joan's PoV:

Before this story really goes any further, I might as well introduce myself.

I'm Joan Benson, nineteen years old, and I work for the Dallas Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Homicide Unit. We basically investigated murder of magical-folk or those who we believed were murdered by magical folk or Homicides that spill over to the muggle realm or even muggle Homicides that spill into the magical realm. I might sound young, and I am, but as much as the DDMLE hates to admit it, I'm the best there is. I'm the youngest person to date to graduate from the Dallas Magical Law Enforcement Academy. I graduated top of my class in the academy and then proceeded to join the Homicide four years ago.

I've worked Homicide for four years and I've been through, what currently stands at six partners. Two've my partners have died in the line of duty (not my fault). Two've quit the force (obviously they couldn't handle Homicide). One's on permanent disability after being run over by an enchanted car (again, not my fault). And now the most recent statistic is going to be riding the desk the rest of his career due to limp sustained after breaking both of his legs (again, not my fault).

Now, let's begin, shall we?

Okay, this is my first story. Review, but don't be all that harsh, okay? I'll post when I can.

Also, Joan may sound young, but she's mature and extremely skilled at what she does, not to mention, she's of age in the Wizarding Realm. The DDMLE allows people into the Academy as young as fourteen, but no younger. So that's why Joan is as young as she is and doing what she does, as she entered at fourteen, graduated a year later, and then joined Homicide.

-Way of the Dream