Putting It Back

Chapter 21 – Australia

In the Land-down-under, Ron and Hermione were having trouble finding Wendell and Monica Wilkins, also known as her parents. They eventually turned to the help of the local office of the Australian Federal Police.

The officer helping them typed in the names into the computer's database. Without much of a word, he asked them to stay as he left the room.

Ron gave Hermione a quizzical look. Quietly she replied, "You're right. This isn't normal. I think they know something."

Ron reached for his wand, but she shook her head. "It's not that bad… yet."

The officer returned ushering in a detective into the room. He started to introduce them, "Detective Blankenship, this is…"

The detective merrily smile and interrupted the officer. "I know who they are." He looked around the room, and asked Ron, "Where's Mr. Potter?"

Ron shared a look with Hermione before he replied, "Harry stayed behind to handle some personal business."

The officer pointed at the computer screen to get the detective's attention. "They were inquiring on the Wilkins and I saw this note in the file."

Detective Blankenship rolled his eyes back in his head as he remembered the case and the implications of two wizards in front of him.

Hermione's eyes went wide and asked in a panic, "You know where they are? What's wrong?"

The detective was still sorting out the facts in his mind, so the officer explained, "They were found dead four months ago with no sign of injury." Pointing to the detective he mockingly rolled his eyes and added, "He thinks that they died by abra kadabra." He grinned believing that they too would find it ridiculous.

Unfortunately, he was wrong. Hermione burst out in tears. She collapsed in Ron's arms. Her body heaved in racking sobs. Ron could do nothing but hold and console her.

Irritated, the detective motioned the officer to step out of the room. The detective waited for minutes till she started to gather her composure once more. Handing her a tissue, he explained, "The Death Eaters must have tracked them here. They were kept alive for a month during the holidays, probably in hopes that you would come to see them."

Hermione sniffled, "I wanted to, but we couldn't. How did they track them down here?"

In sympathy, he gave them a sad look. "Psychics are wizards who can use their magic to track people using a personal belonging. That is how I know of the wizarding world, I'm married to a witch who helps me solve crimes using her psychic powers."

She let out a moan, "If I only continued to take divination, I could have foreseen and prevented this." She continued to cry.

Ron spoke quietly, "Hermione, it's alright. There probably wasn't much you could do for them. You couldn't have taken every course at school. No one would expect you to know everything."

"I've failed them, Ron," she cried.

Ron hugged her tight. "You did your best to protect them. Harry and I both agreed that your plan was brilliant. If you keep blaming yourself for your parents' death, I'll have to start calling you Harry."

It worked. Amongst her sniffles, she couldn't help but let out a small giggle at the comment.