Twenty-One

Investigations Official and Unofficial

Ghosts who had not been seen since Halloween floated into the Great Hall halfway through lunch, chatting so noisily that it was hard for the students to actually concentrate on their food, let alone talk to the person sitting across from them without shouting.

"What are they all doing here? Why can't they go somewhere else?" Max Starling complained, holding his ears.

"Where else do you expect them to go?" Cain asked.

"I don't know. Down to the Memoriatorium or something like that… just not here," Max said.

"Don't let the Baron catch you saying that," Maurice advised. "You know what happens when someone to tells him to go away."

"Yes, he gets louder and even more obnoxious, although I'm not sure how they can be any more obnoxious than they are being right now," Max said.

"I think it must have something to do with the fact that Noah is in the tournament today," Maurice conjectured. "It's amazing that he's gotten this far."

"Think he'll win?" Max asked, but Maurice shook his head.

"No, he's been playing an inspiring game but it's not enough to win, especially on a borrowed deck," Maurice explained. "I'd say under normal circumstances, and taking into account who is playing, I would have guessed that Hope and Garvan would make it to the finals, but that's not going to happen now," he said, pointing to where Hope sat with her lunch pushed aside and her head on the table, eyes closed and oblivious to her surroundings. "They're both exhausted from this morning. Garvan went to take a nap, but I don't think it'll be enough."

"Chuck looks all right, though," Cain said.

"He'll definitely be competition, if he makes it all the way through without dropping as well. Personally, I think it's more likely that the final will come down to students who weren't in this morning's mayhem, and when you eliminate those, the strongest competition is Slytherin."

"You mean it's going to come down to us," Max said with enthusiasm.

"Yes, any of us, or possibly him," he added, glancing down the table at where Keir Box sat. Despite the fact he was closer to the end, he had been watching them quite carefully, and nodded with a smug smile on his face.

"Well, that's all right then," Max said cheerfully. "No doubt we'll all be bringing our A-game to the table."

It wasn't long after the Great Hall was rearranged and everyone was set up that Jennifer and Deacon Aldus walked in, both missing a step when they saw the amount of ghosts hovering above the tables expectedly.

"Interesting," Deacon said. "I did hear, of course, about Hogwarts' famous ghosts, but I must admit I wasn't expecting quite so many visible at the same time. Is this typical behavior?"

"Oh um… well, yes and no. I suppose it isn't all that typical, but it does happen during festive occasions, and to them this is very much like a party," Jennifer said distractedly, noticing that Icarus was hovering near the back along with the Fat Friar. They both appeared to be genuinely interested in the competition, while many of the other ghosts seemed to be more intent on simply socializing with one another. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll see if I can't get them to tone it down before the competition starts."

Deacon nodded politely as she excused herself, then gazed at the crowd searchingly, his eyes focusing in on what few others in the room could see. He watched with fascination, puzzling over it, until at last a familiar figure shadowed the light next to him.

"Good evening, Deacon. It has been a while."

Deacon looked up with a thin smile. It was, Peter Gamban knew, the warmest smile Deacon attempted.

"Good afternoon, Peter. I have been wondering if you were going to come over or not," Deacon admitted. "Especially considering that Auror Potter did everything but arrest me before he would allow me to step foot on the property."

"And yet you're here, I see," Peter observed.

"The Headmaster and his wife are complicated people," Deacon murmured. "I can't for the life of me figure them out. Not seven full months have past since the war ended… a war that was in part your father and my patron's doing… and yet here we stand in the very house of one of his most dangerous enemies, and for an event unlike any in the school's history. Are they such fools? Are they so self-assured of their power that they are convinced nothing will go wrong? And why put the students in such a position of danger?"

"I admit I've been wondering about that myself since that dragon incident," Peter murmured, glancing around. "Just as I wonder who is that much of a fool to put my son in danger with such a stunt."

"So is he the reason why they don't consider you a suspect in the attack?" Deacon inquired. Peter stared at him for a moment, then snorted softly.

"Thomas, Auror Potter, and the Headmaster are all very aware that my son's well being is my priority above all else, Deacon. I have always acted in his best interests first, and will continue to do so," Peter said firmly.

"Despite the fact you're still aiding and abetting an escaped criminal?" Deacon inquired.

"As are you," Peter retorted. "You wouldn't be here now if you didn't know where he was."

"On the contrary, I am here for my own personal reasons," Deacon said. "I do have them, whether you or anyone else believe that I am entitled to them or not. My obligations have little to do with my own agenda. Of course, I also need to do my job for the publishing company as well," he added with a thin smile. "I had better check in with the other judges."

"And I with the other parents," Peter agreed, wandering over to a small seating area and a bar where Sirius Black was busy handing out virgin Pumpkinhead Splinters, Sprite Smashers, and regular tea and coffee to the small group of parents who were there to try and make heads-or-tails over what was going on at the card tables. Harry, who was standing at the bar with an untouched Serpentbane punch, looked up with a speculating gaze at Peter, who had sat down beside Thomas. On the other side of Thomas sat Adam Hinge, who had an even more unpleasant expression than usual.

"Peter, you have anything for Adam's headache? I'd ask Jen-girl, but she's busy shooing away the cause of the problem," Thomas said, thumbing over to where his daughter and Professor Ravenclaw were attempting to get the more boisterous of ghosts to move to another room. Peter shook his head. "Where's that son of yours, Sirius?" Thomas called out, looking over at the bar.

"He already has his hands full keeping Peeves occupied, trust me," Sirius called back. "Another coffee, Mr. Gamban?"

"Thank you," Peter said.

"I'll get it," Harry volunteered, bringing the coffee over to where they were sitting and taking Peter's sickles before sitting down on the other side of him.

"Did we need something?" Peter asked suspiciously.

"Don't mind Harry, he just needed a breather after that long walk from the bar," Thomas explained. "So. Did you learn anything from Aldus?"

"I'm not sure what you mean. I simply said hello to the man. Is he too accused of some crime I need to make a statement for?" Peter snapped, glaring accusingly at Harry. Thomas nodded to Harry firmly.

"I think I'll run up to the hospital wing and see if Ginny will let me have a headache potion for Adam," Harry decided.

"Great idea," Thomas agreed. "Don't forget to leave the Mungo's money at the bar. I'd hate to have to book you for stealing."

"You would do it, too," Harry said flatly, dropping off Peter's drink money before wandering out.

"Sorry about that, Peter, you know what he's really after. He's on a man hunt and has a one track mind at the moment, despite how much time he has been spending at the Pavilions," Thomas said in a low voice. "I'm more concerned about getting to the bottom of that dragon business, and I know damn well you didn't go over there to talk about the weather."

"Aldus had the audacity of hinting that I might have done it," Peter muttered with irritation.

"He may have done that to keep you from questioning him further," Thomas pointed out.

"He was questioning the Headmaster's motivation for allowing me on property," Peter said, Thomas raising a brow at him. "I've seen that look on his face before, only it is usually directed at an item he's interested in. He tends to get fixated by something when it baffles him. Right now, I think he's baffled by the fact that the Headmaster allowed these games. Come to think of it, after that dragon incident, I'm wondering about it myself," he added in a mutter.

"The answer is quite simple. It's a fundraiser big enough that he can have more say in budgeting decisions," Thomas said.

"But someone is trying to take advantage of it!" Peter hissed.

"So what else is new?" Thomas shrugged. "I suppose he could call it off, but then what? Try to raise money simply by raising ticket prices on Quidditch and football games? No, crowds are security risks, he'd have to call those off too. I know… a post campaign… no, that won't work either. Someone might curse the mail, or maybe even take over all the Owls and sabotage it that way. It's happened before. While we're at it, I suppose we should just shut down the school. The devil knows this school isn't safe… enchanted items, statues, ghosts… not to mention the school artifacts, paintings, and one of a kind tomes… the text books aren't safe either, come to think of it. You know, you had Garvan tutored until he was eleven, maybe we'd all be better off doing the same until they've passed their NEWTs."

"For someone who came less than a second away from losing most of his family last year, you're been very flippant about this!" Peter hissed.

"It wasn't the first time," Thomas said somberly. "And I doubt it will be the last."

"And that is what I'm concerned most about. Why tempt fate? The next time it happens, your family's luck might run out."

"Why Peter, I didn't even know you cared," Thomas sneered.

"I care about how it'd impact Garvan if the Headmaster, half the staff, and his best friend were gone," Peter clarified angrily.

"Then I trust you will be more willing to help the Headmaster, Auror Potter and myself to track down which ex-member of Equinox is behind this… without your normal defensive stance and cordial dodges," Thomas concluded smoothly. Peter gave him a dirty look. "After all, it isn't as if you need worry about your father's reaction to helping us, is it? He doesn't seem to be a man who would tolerate even accidental involvement of his grandson in something like this. I know I wouldn't."

"Fine, I'll make further inquiries," Peter growled. "But for you, not Potter… and definitely not Clemmons."

"She's too busy working on a side project of hers to worry about what's going on here anyway," Thomas said, brushing it off with a wave. "Oh, here comes Potter with Adam's potion. That didn't take long, did it?" he called out as Harry approached.

"She threw it at me," Harry explained, handing it to Adam who grunted gratefully. "The hospital wing is packed because of the fort event this morning. It was exciting, though, wasn't it? The Willowbys and your son did a great job, Mr. Gamban," Harry added.

"They would have won the gold, had that Hufflepuff girl not had such a wicked throw. Kitane… I bet she'll make Chaser next year," Gamban said.

"I wouldn't doubt it," Harry said.

"Good afternoon, everyone," said a hollow voice, and Icarus floated up beside them. "Mr. Gamban, your son's game isn't going so well. He'll be hard pressed to make it to the next round. I believe this morning's games taxed him."

"I had better get over there," Peter said, immediately getting up.

"How is Maurice doing?" Thomas asked.

"He has a solid advantage at the moment, so I expect he'll make it to the next round. Unfortunately for Noah, I believe Cain will overtake him and make it to the next round as well. Adam, it is good to see you again! How ever did you manage to get a day off?" Icarus teased. "As captain of the prison guard, you're supposed to be there 24/7, aren't you?"

"I believe that honor goes to the Warden, although I'm sure he would like it if I did stay that long," Adam said dryly. "He works me to the bone as it is."

"Of course he does. I had it added to the Warden's contract. 'Make certain Hinge works to the bone.' It was on your contract when you signed it, wasn't it, Thomas?" Icarus said.

"It was," Thomas agreed. Adam stared at him.

"You bastards," Hinge scowled at them, handing the emptied bottle back to Harry.

"I'm sure the current Warden is easier on you than they were, Mr. Hinge," Harry said.

"Some people just don't know how to hold a grudge," Thomas grunted. "Feeling better, Adam?"

"My headache's gone, if that's what you mean," Adam said irritably.

"Good, then let's go over and see if we can make some sense out of that game," Thomas said. "Coming Harry?"

"Thanks, but I think I'll talk to Ick for a minute," Harry said.

"Masochist," Thomas accused him.

"It's the job," Harry explained. Thomas nodded in agreement before he and Hinge walked over to the tournament tables.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Harry?" Icarus asked.

"I wanted to talk to you about my current investigation. I thought you might like an update," Harry replied, glancing around at the crowd before casually walking towards the door.

"I can't say that I'm not curious, although I must admit that I don't understand why you would go to the effort of informing me," Icarus said.

"What effort? I'm here and you're here, we happen to have a moment and it's convenient," Harry shrugged.

"Aurors make their own conveniences, Mr. Potter," Icarus said. Harry gazed at him thoughtfully.

"You know, everyone keeps telling me how lately you've been so sane it's scaring them. I think I understand what they mean now," Harry said evenly.

"Thank you, but I don't see what that has to do with this update of yours," Icarus prompted.

"I suppose I'll start with the fact that the Fisher Trap plant that got into the lake wasn't an accident. Bellamy runs the far side of the lake every morning for exercise, and he happened to notice that the plants just past the course had a strange growth spurt and wondered if there was a connection, so I had Ginger run some tests on it. There were some definite traces of growth potion in the soil, probably left over from someone throwing a small trap seedling in and pouring potion over it."

"Was the potion from the school?" Icarus asked quietly.

"There's no real way to tell, considering all that was left was residue, and diluted at that. To be honest, I can't rule anything out at this point, since anyone coming from the pavilions could have done it. We don't exactly strip search folks coming to the games; we simply look for magic and wands. If the growth potion had been stored in powdered form, I doubt it'd have shown up. Still, I also have to admit it'd have been much easier for someone from inside the castle to do it. One thing I noticed about both of these attacks that they seemed to be designed to cause mischief rather than actually kill someone. My guess is either it's some sort of diversion to hide something bigger or it's a political move to generate lots of parental and security complaints so that Snape would have to face a lot of unwanted heat. It wouldn't be the first time that happened."

"No, definitely not," Icarus agreed with a sigh. "Jennifer and the rest of the staff have been quite expedient at dealing with the situations that have cropped up and at putting everything back on track. Between her efforts, Thomas, and you, school security has never been tighter, regardless of the crowd. Knowing that their efforts have had little effect, perhaps whoever is behind this will get discouraged."

"And if they don't, the gargoyles will step in, won't they?" Harry said.

"God, I hope not," Icarus said somberly. Harry frowned.

"You mean that, don't you," Harry murmured.

"Of course I… what? Oh, don't tell me you think I'm behind that as well! How ironic that Severus expects me to have complete faith in his leadership and Jennifer's security decisions, but when it comes to returning that faith…"

"Wait! Wait, Ick, don't break down on me here, at least not yet," Harry protested. "They didn't say anything to me about you. In fact, the last time I asked about the situation with the gargoyles, Severus told me to concentrate on the man who was attacked and that he would take care of the matter with the gargoyles himself. He even told Thomas to stay out of it, which is why I came to the obvious conclusion that Severus sees it as an internal matter. The person responsible for the gargoyles running amuck is someone residing in the castle. And if that's true, I am willing to bet that you and Caprica know something about it, even if the students and staff don't."

"Harry, you of all people know that even with all the ghosts, paintings, and security that exists in this castle, there are still many ways to keep a secret. Even when one's not trying too hard it can be done; paintings are distracted, sleeping, or living out their scenes, and ghosts are often… well… we're an introverted bunch at heart. We don't know everything that goes on here," Icarus said. "I also think that if, as you say, the Headmaster asked you to leave the gargoyle matter to him, I probably shouldn't be discussing the matter with you, whether I know something or not. After all, I am still employed here, and since I lack anything better to do with my eternal damnation, I'd prefer to keep working here. Now if you don't mind, I would like to return to the game. I need to speak with Noah, for I believe his match should be nearly over by now."

Jennifer propped her head up on the table, watching as Ick floated through the wall wearing an irritable expression she hadn't seen in a while. He had had words with Harry, she mused distractedly, playing with her drink without any intention of actually drinking it. Andrew walked up to the main table with a list in his hand.

"Bored, Mother?" Andrew asked, glancing at the paper before recording the winners and losers on a blackboard.

"I've never been much for cards," Jennifer admitted.

"That's not really surprising. Most card games either involve lying or guarding your emotions so that your opponent can't guess what you're going to do next," Andrew chuckled. "Looks like we're down to Slytherin for the semi-final round."

"You mean Charles the Third didn't even make it?" Jennifer asked with surprise.

"He was so tired that he accidentally made an atrocious mistake that he had no hope recovering from. He played the Miss Young card in the lower catacombs when he had no other staff there," Andrew said.

"And why is that bad?" Jennifer asked as she waved at Corey, who had just walked over to them.

"Because you can't use any of the Miss Young's abilities in a school room marked below ground level unless there's another character card present. In short, she's completely useless alone. If he'd have started her in one of his other rooms, he probably would have won, because once she's on the board, he can move her into a lower room as long as there is a character in an adjacent room. Then she can pass through it to the other side without the penalty," Andrew explained. Jennifer stared at him, bewildered and yet feeling a tad strange as well.

"What a very peculiar rule," Jennifer said.

"I think it's there to make up for the fact that she has one of the highest magic values in the game," Andrew said, sitting down and glancing at the rulebook.

"Actually, it has to do with the character in the book," Corey said with a chuckle, sitting on the table beside her. "Miss Young is claustrophobic. She's known for passing out at random times… typically so that the Meglomaniacs Club have to jump in and take over in any situation a teacher would get in the way," Corey explained. "What usually happens is the club tries to save the day and ends up getting into trouble, and she wakes up and charges in at the last moment to save them."

"Why does that give me a very odd sort of feeling," Jennifer frowned.

"You mean the feeling it might have been based on you?" Corey prompted. Jennifer thought about it then shook it off.

"I suppose it was a silly notion. It's a made-up story," Jennifer said, feeling rather embarrassed about even thinking of it.

"Oh? You'd change your mind if you read anything about Professor Frumpet," Corey said, Jennifer gazing at him curiously. "Actually, his last name is Frump, but all the students call him Frumpet behind his back so it rhymes with crumpet. He's crass and mean and always doing everything in his power to stop the Meglomaniacs Club from taking over the school. I really like him," he added cheerfully. Jennifer squinted. "Ten minutes enough of a break before the next round, Mr. Aldus?" Jennifer turned around to see the wizard had come up to glance at the board.

"Yes, it makes it easier to start on the hour. Down to four, are we? And all Slytherin, I see," he said. Jennifer gazed at him curiously. He was an outsider to the school, and yet something about the way he said that made her wonder if he saw the significance to that.

"Yes… Starling, Craw, Hinge, and Box," Andrew said. "It's not surprising that they made it considering how many times I've caught them talking about that series. I was thinking it was going to be one of them versus one of the Willowbys, since they're all caught up on the series too."

"It was that snow fort contest that did them in," Corey said with a shrug. "Maybe next time they shouldn't be on the same day."

"Next time?" Jennifer repeated in horror, and then realized from his expression that he had said that just to see how she would react. "Very funny, Corey."

"It was, a bit," Corey admitted with amusement. "I wonder what's gotten Myrtle upset?"

Jennifer focused in on where Myrtle was crying at Noah, who had stayed to watch the last rounds. They spoke for a moment or two before Noah hurriedly floated over to them.

"Professor Craw?" Noah said. "I don't know what's really going on, but Myrtle's very upset. She's convinced that someone just tried to break into the Memoriatorium."

"What?" Jennifer blinked, getting up. "I had better go down there."

"Wait, what about backup in case she's right?" Andrew asked.

"Well, you can't go, you're helping with the event. Actually, I think it'd be best if I asked Sirius. His tunnel is right next to it, so it may simply be one of his crew that has her put off," Jennifer said.

"I'll relieve him at the drink counter, then," Corey said immediately. Several people, including Thomas and Harry, watched with interest as Jennifer hurried over to the drink stand and then left with Sirius. Harry frowned, glancing at Thomas, who merely shrugged it off then tried to concentrate on Maurice's game. Harry walked over to Andrew.

"Might I borrow your office? I want to see if that model of the gargoyle has returned inside your miniature castle," Harry asked.

"Sure, let me know if you notice anything," Andrew agreed. "Password is triple-decker liverwurst club sandwich with capers. Can you remember that?"

"Remember it? I'm horrified by the thought of it," Harry said with a grimace before slipping out the back door.

Sirius was only too happy to tag along but doubted that any of his team was involved.

"Sundays are normally their day off, and we're far enough along that there's no reason for them to work today," Sirius explained. "Not to mention the fact that this side of the tunnel is completely finished. We've even finished most of the tunnel under the lake, except for needing a few extra water seals…"

"Please don't remind me that tunnel goes under the lake. Bad enough it's underground at all," Jennifer protested.

"Most tunnels are," Sirius said with an amused smile. "The point is that I doubt they'd even hear an echo of our work now that we're so far out."

"Well, something has gotten her worked up," Jennifer said.

"She could just be trying to get attention again," Sirius said, following her down the stairs to the dungeons. But when she stopped at the bottom, he peered past her to see that the lake gargoyle stood in front of the Memoriatorium door with its arms folded. "Or she might actually have a point," he admitted.

"Lovely. I wondered when he'd show up. Better down here than in the middle of the Great Hall, I suppose," Jennifer said with exasperation.

"You probably shouldn't have said that," Sirius warned, taking out his wand as a precaution as Jennifer carefully tried to see around the gargoyle.

"The door looks in tact," Jennifer said, murmuring a spell. "Even the seal on it seems to be strong. But if everything is fine, what is he doing here?"

"Maybe it's the gargoyle's presence that Myrtle had a problem with? There's normally not a gargoyle in front of this door, after all," Sirius said.

"True. Maybe we should check the closer dungeons to make sure everything is secure," Jennifer decided. "You can check your tunnel, I'll check Potions and my office, and then we'll meet up in the hall and check the cistern access together."

"Sounds reasonable," Sirius agreed. "And it should keep you from getting too heavy-headed if I'm around down there."

"Did you have to say that? Now I'm thinking about that Miss Young thing again," Jennifer said with annoyance as she turned to go to her classroom.

The classroom itself seemed in order, but she double-checked everything just in case, from the individual projects in the cubicles to the windows and the latches on all the cages.

"Glen, have you seen anyone enter here since I've been in here last?" Jennifer asked the painting guarding her office.

"The Headmaster, Madame Weasley, and Mr. Carnegie, Professor Craw," Witolf said.

"Anyone other than staff?"

"No, Professor," Witolf said.

She opened the door to her office (it swung inward now… part of the security improvements Severus had put in two years before) and stepped just inside, glancing around. Her eyes went to the mantle with a frown. The Severus portrait was guarding the Headmaster's Study now, and she hadn't thought of getting a replacement. Sighing at her oversight, she then glanced over to see the potion vault was slightly ajar. But that wasn't all that surprising, considering who Witolf said had been in there. Ginny was often in and out to get supplies for the hospital wing – especially of late - and was often in a hurry. John, also, tended to not shut it all of the way when his hands were full. Opening it and giving a cursory inspection to make sure everything seemed in place, she then inspected the rest of her office, waving her wand as a precaution to see if there was anything out of place. As she finished her sweep and was just about to put her wand away, she caught a blue glowing line out of the corner of her eye and turned around in surprise, focusing her wand on where she had seen it. To her surprise, the magic residue was glowing in the tiny cracks between the doorframe and door that lead out to the balcony.

"What is that?" she murmured out loud, scanning the door itself before slowly opening it, her wand still at the ready.

A dark, looming figure blocked the sun from getting in. She was so startled that she nearly cast at it, until she realized what she was seeing was the back of a stone figure. It was Atrocious; its arms folded as if daring any outsiders to pass.

"What are you doing out here? Did someone try to break into my office?" " Jennifer asked. But that gargoyle hadn't been charmed to speak, and it was probably just as well; the Ravenclaw statue did enough talking for all of them. Frowning at the fading glow around the door, Jennifer shut it tight and locked it, hexing it for good measure before hurrying out to meet Sirius in the hallway.

"Did you run into anything odd?" Jennifer asked immediately.

"Everything seemed to be secure," Sirius admitted. "If anything, it was oddly normal. Even that snake statue was back where it was supposed to be."

"What?" Jennifer said in surprise, stepping around him to look in and see Sashassin in front of the hidden doorway, hissing enthusiastically when he saw her. "What is he doing here?"

"I don't know. I just assumed Severus must have reset them all again," Sirius said. "I take it that's not the case."

"Sashassin has been at the Pavilions or the Quidditch Pitch since the games started. It's the first time I've seen him in here since the reset," Jennifer murmured. "What do you suppose it means?"

"Perhaps it means whoever is moving them is now in the castle," Sirius suggested. Jennifer frowned at that.

"Or something else is," Jennifer said.

"Vague, but possible," Sirius agreed. "To the cistern?"

"Yes, but let's make it quick. I would feel a lot better if I could keep an eye on things in the Great Hall," Jennifer said, opening the door.

"Quick but thorough. I can do that," Sirius agreed, following her down the stairs.

By the time they were down a level, a large black dog passed her and took the lead. Picking up a familiar scent, the dog hurried straight ahead, slowing when he came up behind a man standing with his hands folded and staring at what appeared to be the lake gargoyle, who was guarding the door to the cistern.

"Hey, Padfoot," said Harry.

"Harry, what are you doing down here?" Jennifer asked with exasperation.

"I played a hunch and checked Andrew's model," Harry said. "The cistern isn't really complete on the map, just an empty space placed under the lower dungeons with a stairwell, but the figure was in that space so I came down to see if it was here. I'm thinking that perhaps he just moved here, and considering that the stairs is right next to the Memoritorium entrance, it may be what upset Myrtle."

"Actually, this gargoyle was just in front of the door before we started looking around," Jennifer explained, inspecting it. "Maybe there really was someone in the area that doesn't belong. There are two other gargoyles in the area that weren't here this morning: Sashsassin at the tunnel and Atrocious on the Perch, just in front of my office door. I doubt any of them were moved by chance. There was a reason behind it, but I haven't seen anything out of place."

"Maybe their presence stopped someone or something," Harry said. "Why don't you head back up to the Great Hall until the event is over? I had better let Severus know about it then I need to get back to the Pavilions. I know I said I'd stay out of it, but I admit I'll be interested to see if Sashassin returns tonight."

Maurice glanced up thoughtfully when his sister and Sirius returned and took their places. Then he noticed that Mr. Aldus was giving them the same, speculative look before returning his attention to the final match between Starling and Hinge.

"Must not have been anything to it. Maybe Myrtle was just wigging out again," Keir whispered to Maurice.

"Maybe. But they were gone for a long time," Maurice whispered back, but noticed that Aldus was frowning at them in disapproval and quieted down. He glanced over his shoulder towards the back of the Great Hall where Severus stood just inside the door. Their eyes met only for a moment before the Headmaster then turned and stepped back out. No one else had seemed to notice; not even Jennifer, who was busy speaking with Sirius, Anna, and Corey near the drink booth. Up to something, Maurice decided, but he knew that now wasn't the time to investigate that.

"I need to go. I'll see you in the common room," he murmured to Keir.

"But the contest! You're to get the bronze!" Keir protested.

"Can't be helped, it seems. Duty calls," Maurice explained, and slipped away. Keir Box watched as Maurice slipped out the back, shaking his head.

"I'm so glad I wasn't born in their family. Too much responsibility for me," Keir said to himself before catching Aldus' stern gaze and turning his attention back to the match.