Chapter One
Footsteps echoed through the empty hall as Elizabeth ascended the staircase, a pile of books under her arm. She reached the third floor and pushed the pile of junk boxes to the side, stepping over Nana Nutenheim's sleeping cat, Child, and continued up. She could hear Hilde and her group talking amongst themselves on the next floor. She ducked her head and dug in her pockets for her flat key.
"...I made the deal. Good deal I think. Ain't nuffin' wrong wiff it, just gotta run a few things for Carter. S'like we're the new Bonnie and Clyde, y'know?"
They were gathered a few doors down from her place and fell silent when they saw her come up the stairs. At Hilde's signal they all dispersed, her included. She headed towards her own place, a few doors down from Elizabeth. She lived in the smallest flat on the floor with her older brother, who also happened to be a dealer. Funky smells were always wafting from their door and the wallpaper around it was peeling more than everywhere else. As Hilde passed her by she smiled deviously and watched Elizabeth twist her key before disappearing. Elizabeth quickly pushed into her own flat and locked the door behind her, her wand itching in her boot. She still recalled Hilde's offer.
When she was safely locked behind her door, she let out a deep sigh and set down her pile of books on the wobbly entrance table and removed her coat. All of the lights were out except for in the kitchen, where some leftovers had been set on the counter for her. She ran her hands through her long hair and took a seat on one of the stools.
"You know, I didn't think you'd get here until tomorrow," she said when she felt him staring at her from the safety of the dark living room. She smiled a little and broke the yoke of her fried egg. "Sitting in the dark is a little weird, you know?"
Behind her she heard him stand and make his way up to her. She stood and they exchanged a hug before they both sat back down. "I didn't want to leave the light on. Your mum and Madison went to bed a little bit ago and I wanted to wait up for you."
She scraped some of the egg yolk off the plate with her toast. "Why are you here so early anyways?"
"Madison invited me," he shrugged. "Said she wanted to talk to me about magic before you 'stole me again for another year'." He smiled a little to himself.
Elizabeth gave him a look but he wasn't paying attention. She finished her meager meal and set about washing her dishes. "When did you get here?"
"Around noon." He eyed her as she washed her dishes without magic. "I was going to take your mum and Madison out for lunch but your mum insisted on staying here, so Madison and I went instead. We were going to stop by the bookstore to say hi, but we lost track of time and Madison had to pick up the kids from school or something like that. Said she got paid to watch them for a few hours. She only got home an hour or two before you."
"Where'd you take her?"
"That little cafe you two are always talking about." He waved his hand. "Good food I suppose. But it was strange to be around all these muggles. Dad says it's good for me to see what it's like out here. Personally I think it's a little strange. Fascinating and all, but strange."
She laughed and turned to look at him. "You know I've missed you James."
He smiled. "Of course you have. I'm a delight."
"And so humble too."
His smile only grew wider as he tipped his eyebrow at her. "I've missed you too." He adjusted himself on the chair and crossed his arms. "So tell me, how's life been this summer?"
"Quite good really," she said resting her elbows against the counter. "Mum got a pay raise at the call centre so we got a bit of a break this summer. Madison started up with her babysitting job too. As for me, I've been picking up some extra time at the bookstore now that Mrs. Albrich's husband is out of the hospital. I've saved quite a lot of money up this year. I'm really excited to go to Diagon Alley."
"I would hope so. George really wants to see you. And the whole gang is coming out this year too. Bill and Fleur are bringing Dominique and Louis. Victoire and Teddy will be making an appearance as well which certainly makes things fun," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
A smile graced her face and she closed her eyes. "I've missed them. Have they decided to get married yet? Or are they still procrastinating?"
"Procrastinating," he laughed. "But I expect it'll happen soon."
"Hmm," she murmured as she stretched her arms up and yawned. "I'd really like to talk more James but I'm so tired. I really need to get to bed if I'm going to wake up early tomorrow and pack."
He nodded his head happily at her. "You go ahead Elizabeth. Madison set me up a bed out here on the couch so don't worry about me. You get some sleep."
"Thanks."
She made her way to the room she shared with Madison and changed into some clean pajamas. She set her wand on her bedside table and climbed under the covers, falling quickly into a deep, dream-filled sleep.
A/N: So this is the very first chapter of my Hogwarts Murder Mystery rewrite. I'm keeping the original story posted as well, but will probably take it down once I've caught up with the original story line. For those of you who have read the original some things will probably change in this storyline (and hopefully the writing is a little better, I'm working more on my showing not telling). I'm not sure how often I will be able to update this story since I am a full time student and work full time as well, but my personal goal is to complete this part of the story by the end of the summer. Ideally I'd like to update once a week, though I'll probably start by posting a few chapters at a time just to get it out there so people read it. Please take the time to leave a review if you like it and give me any feedback you think is appropriate. Thanks for reading!
- Chumett