AN: I'm only choosing one Caster because in the Dark Age of Chivalry it's involving with the Arthurian Legends and the enemy is a Saber. I won't tell who the Saber is.
Ch 64 The Detective
Hermione, Ginny, Sigurd, Brynhildr, Ann, and Mary was waiting for the limo to pick them up after shopping for gifts for Ritsuka and Mashu's new baby. Draco, Daphne, Neville, Luna, and Draco's bodyguard Bradamante went to the toy store in Diagon Alley.
Hermione looks down at the present box she had the clerk wrap for her. She smiles at it, "I still can't believe that these are on sell."
"Indeed, we chose the right day to go here today," Sigurd said.
"Yes, this…gift I have chosen…for master's child…it's cute." Brynhildr looks down at the box.
"Heh, heh," Ginny chuckles. "My gift is better; I got the baby something that he or she won't resist!" Ginny proclaims holding her gift in one hand.
"Ginny, you should be careful with that gift," Mary said.
Ginny noticed what she's doing and quickly held the present properly in her hands. "Right sorry."
Ann laughs. "Ah, Ginny it's fine. Besides both, I and Rider chose the cutest outfit for the little master." The Rider proclaims.
"Isn't Rider the one who will make the clothes for the little one?" Sigurd asked.
"Yeah, but it's a costume for the baby," Ann said joyfully.
Ginny smiles shaking her head when she notices the limo coming from the corner. "I see Steve making a turn down the road." She points over to the black limousine.
"Right on time," Hermione said as the vehicle stops in front of them.
Steve steps out of the limo greeting them, "Hello all, hope your shopping is done." He said.
"Yes, we're done, Steve," Sigurd said to the driver.
"That's good, the Baby Shower is starting as we speak," Steve said.
"WAIT REALLY!" Ginny exclaims. " I can't believe they started without us." She cried.
"Let's go!" Hermione said entering the limo.
"Right, Rider let's get in!" Ginny said following Hermione. The Servants followed their wards as Steve enters the limousine and drove off back to the Outpost.
Draco, Daphne, Neville, Luna, and Bradamante walked back to the Outpost with a handful of presents. "You know something, I can't wait to see the baby," Daphne said happily.
"I know, babies are just the adorable creatures in the world!" Luna added.
"I swear these two," Bradmante said smiling at the girls.
"Lancer, didn't you share the same reaction when we're heading out shopping for the baby?" Draco asked his bodyguard.
The Paladin looks at his ward blushing furiously. "W-Well, Rider was the one who said the baby was a boy. He got it from Charlie." Bradmante said.
"You mean that girl with pink hair?" Neville asked. "Why did you call her he?"
Bradmante, Luna, Daphne, and Draco stop in their tracks. They all looked at Neville with shocked eyes. "Neville, are you that blind?" Draco asked.
"No, why? I can see that Rider is a girl." Neville said still sticking to what he said about Astolfo.
"N-Neville, Rider is a male," Luna stated.
Neville blinks at Luna. "Wait, WHAT!"
They all burst into laughter that Neville has fallen into Astolfo's trap. "I-I swear, Charlie would have a field day with this!" Bradmante said.
"B-B-But why is he dressed like that!" Neville stammers.
Daphne sighs after getting everything out of her system. "Neville, Rider likes to wear what he wore because he likes tricking people into thinking he's a girl."
"B-But why?" Neville said question his insanity.
"Don't know, I have known Rider for my whole life. I know he likes wearing those types of clothing." The Lancer patted Neville's back. "Best not to question it."
Neville looked at the Paladin who still shock from what he was told. "I-I'm in a loss."
Bradmante sighs. "Try not to think about it that much, Neville. I find it simple to accept the things Rider did on how they are."
Draco nodded along with the other girls. "Alright,"
"Now let's get going, master probably wondering where we are." The Lancer said heading back to the Outpost with the Wizards following suit.
Chaldea Britain Outpost February 21, 2024, 12:00 PM
The Britain Outpost is filled with joy with the director's newborn son. Everyone was able to get presents for the little one even the Servants. They have to clear the living room to fit everything so they won't clutter the halls.
"AWE look at this little one. He's such a doll." Peperoncino squeals joyfully as Romani hid in his father's chest.
Ritsuka chuckles bouncing his son in his arms. "Thank you, Pepe, and your gift…it's great." Ritsuka smiles at the acting director of Chaldea.
"Well, of course, I had Da Vinci help me creating a tuxedo for this little darling." Peperoncino said.
"Master Peperoncino, I think you're scaring him," Ashwatthama said observing Romani embracing his master tightly.
Peperoncino took notice of the little one. "Oh my, I'm so sorry Romani. I didn't realize how close I was getting to you!" He said to the small child.
"It's fine Pepe, I'm sure you are just fascinated by him," Ritsuka said lifting the child in his arms.
"Um, Fujimaru. I have something for your son." Ritsuka turns to the hooded Caster holding a necklace in her hands.
"A necklace?" Ritsuka asked.
Caster of the Forbidden Forest nodded. "Yes, it was created by my Magecraft. It grants protection to anyone who wears it." She said.
In the other corner Nitocris, Scheherazade, Medea (Lily), and Queen of Sheba gritted their teeth for they have the same idea as Caster.
"Caster-san, I believe the other Casters have the same idea as you," Mashu said walking to them with Hinako walking beside her.
"Oh, I did not realize." Caster said.
"It's fine Caster, we appreciate your gifts," Ritsuka said.
"Fujimaru Qin Shi Huang sends his regards to you. He wants to be here, but the Japanese Branch is stocked with resumes for Mages applying to Chaldea." Hinako said.
"I'm surprised that the Japanese Mages are applying for a job here," Ritsuka said. "Are we really that popular?"
"You better believe it; you and your exploits are the talk of the century within the Mage's Association," Lucius said coming up to him.
"Well, I was just doing what needs to be done." He responded.
"Oh, Fujimaru." Hinako shows him a book about technology and inventions. "This here is mine and Qin Shi Huang's gift for Romani."
Ritsuka smiles, "I guess I have to wait until Romani is older to read this book to him." he jokes.
"Yes, I'm pretty sure Romani-kun can't understand the words we speak," Mashu added.
"We know, we just want for him to be prepared for the future," Hinako said. "I can tell he'll be something great when he's older."
"Just like his parents." Ashwatthama jokes.
The doors open to Kadoc and everyone else who went out getting presents for Romani. Ritsuka turns to Kadoc. "Kadoc, what took you so long?" He asked.
Kadoc lightly chuckles. "Well rearrange the security at Hogwarts isn't easy you know. I and Anastasia have a mobile for him."
Anastasia showed an ice made mobile with little Yagas hanging down. "I made it out of ice. This ice is unbreakable and non-meltable."
"If you put a light source it can project a myriad of colors." Kadoc continued.
"Wow, Kadoc-san I never knew you can make this," Mashu said impressed by the craftsmanship.
"Well, you got Ivan the Terrible sleeping in his gigantic bed you find I find it easier if we had a soft light in the room," Kadoc added.
"Thank you, Kadoc, Anastasia" Ritsuka said.
"Ms. Hermione, please leave your gifts in that room over there please." Charlotte points to the open door.
"Oh, right," Hermione said walking to the room with the others following her.
Upon entering the room they were all in shock at the mountain of gifts to Romani. "Just how many presents are in here?" Ginny was in awe at the number of gifts in a single room.
"Heh, I guess everyone already met the baby," Draco added.
"I wonder is our gifts are going to be noticed," Daphne said looking at her own present to the baby.
Neville looks at Daphne. "I'm sure Ritsuka and Mashu won't miss any presents." He said.
"Well, let's just put ours in the pile and head to the party," Ginny said placing her gift on the pile as did everyone else and went to join in the party.
"Ginny, there you are,"
"We've been waiting for you."
Ginny turn around to see her brothers walking towards her. "Fred, George, did you did all of this?" Ginny asked looking around the lobby with beautiful blue streamers and balloons for the baby.
"Yep,"
"With some help from,"
"Archer," the twins' motions to Sei Shōnagon who was having some punch with Murasaki.
"Huh, I can instantly tell that she did the decorations," Ginny said.
"Ginny, master is there with the other Preservers," Ann said.
"And he has his son with him."
"Son?" Ginny questioned.
"Ginny come on, blue decorations everywhere. Don't you know what gender goes with blue?" Hermione asked.
Ginny looks around the lobby and smacks her head. "I'm so stupid! Ritsuka and Mashu have a baby boy!"
"Took you long enough." Daphne jokes.
"Well, we just tell the gender of the baby when he or she is born," Ginny said. "You know what I mean, wizards and witches don't have baby showers. I only learned it from Professor Potter about it last year."
Daphne sighs. "Can't blame you for that, anyways want to meet the baby?"
"YEAH!" the two girls cheered.
Fred, George, Draco, and Neville sighs. "Want to check the party first before meeting the baby?" Neville asked.
"We already,"
"Met him and,"
"He's cute." The twins said.
"So want to join me looking around?" Neville asked.
"Sure!" the twins said in unison.
"You do that, I want to see the baby," Draco said walking off to Ritsuka
Ritsuka turns around to see Hermione and the other girls walking towards him with Draco following them. "Thank you for your gifts girls, Romani is definitely going to be spoiled." He jokes.
"Senpai, we must teach him value in things," Mashu said to her boyfriend.
"Hai, I was joking Mashu." Ritsuka smiles.
The girls blushed at how cute the couple is acting then froze when the baby turns his small head to them. "Oh…my," Hermione gawk at how adorable the baby is.
Ginny and Daphne bit their lips at Romani looking at them with his Sapphire eyes. "H-Hello, little one." Ginny waved at him.
Romani blinks and laughs in their presence. The girls had a heart attack at the laughter of the small child. "SO CUTE!" the three girls squeal.
Romani giggles at them squealing seeing it's humorous for the newborn. "GAH!" He cried happily.
Ritsuka and Mashu chuckle at their son pointing at the girls while he looks at them. "Ritsuka what's his name?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, what is it?" Daphne said getting all giddy.
Mashu looks at Ritsuka and nodded. She turns to the girls with a smile, "Romani, Romani Wodime Fujimaru." she said placing her hands on Romani's stomach patting it.
Romani patted on his mother's hand and laughs seeing he was ticklish on that spot.
"He was named after two people who sacrifice their lives for us," Ritsuka added.
Hermione felt the sadness from Ritsuka's words as a tear drops down her face. "You sure honored their names." She smiles softly.
She places her hands on her knees to see Romani's eyes on his level. "Hi Romani, I'm Hermione. It's nice to meet you," she said softly.
"I'm Luna, little Romani."
"And I'm Daphne."
The girls introduce themselves as Romani smiles at them. "HAH!" Romani claps his hands together happy to meet them.
"Heh, my great-grandson is going to be a lady killer when he's your age Ritsuka." Charlie walks up to them.
"Oho, please don't put that in my mind, Charlie." Ritsuka laughs.
Charlie smirks and kneels to his great grandson's level of sight. "Hello there, Romani. Grow up big and strong for your great-grandpa." He smiles at the child.
Romani looks back and forth between Charlie and Ritsuka wondering who's who. Romani tilts his head at both and sniffs. He blinks a few tears before crying on which one is his father.
Ritsuka acted quickly and held his son up to his face and smiles. "Hey, don't cry Romani. I'm here, I'm here. Don't worry," he said to him.
Romani stops crying and look at Ritsuka in the eyes. He smiles and places both hands on his cheeks. "DA!" he cheerfully cried.
"That's so adorable!" They all turn around to see Draco squealing as well.
"I never saw this side of you Draco." Ritsuka jokes.
Draco blinks before turning away. "W-Well, I don't like to show it sometimes." He said.
"That's our son for you," Narcissa said walking to Lucius with a cup of punch in her hand.
"Draco has a soft spot for cute things," Lucius said.
"Really, that's interesting," Ginny smirks at Draco.
"Father!" Draco blushed.
Ritsuka smiles before looking at everyone. "On the behalf of my son, I would like to thank every one of you for setting and attending this celebration on my son's birth."
"HERE, HERE!" Iskandar raised his cup along with everyone else.
The doors open to Lorelei walking in the Outpost. She saw Ritsuka and made her way to him. "Lorelei, I didn't expect you to attend today," Ritsuka said.
"I'm not staying for long, I need to speak to you in private," Lorelei said. "It's about one person during the trial."
Ritsuka nodded and hand over Romani to Mashu gently. Romani looks at his father going to another room with the strange woman that is not his mother. He whines for him to come back when Mashu starts bouncing him in her arms.
"Romani, you want to have a look around with mommy?" Mashu asked her son. He blinks at her then claps his hands wanting to go with her.
"Alright, let's go!" Mashu said taking him around the lobby.
The three Crypters smile at the mother and son pair going off around the lobby. "Just look at her. All grown up." Peperoncino said.
"Yeah, I'm happy for her," Kadoc said.
"Same here," Hinako said.
"You guys know here before Ritsuka?" Ginny asked them.
They all look at each other and laughs. "Well, it's a long story…"
Ritsuka looked at Lorelei who stood before him. "Now what is it you want to talk about Lorelei?" he asked.
"You're aware that Alastor Moody is really Bartley Crouch Jr in a disguise correct?" Lorelei asked.
"Yes, Merlin told me personally," Ritsuka stated.
"Then we're on the same page then," Lorelei said.
"Yes," Ritsuka responded. "If Moody was really Bartley Crouch Jr. then he must be hiding the real Alastor Moody somewhere in the school."
"How can you tell?" She asked.
"Merlin said he used Pollyjucie potions to disguise himself as Moody," Ritsuka said. "If you need to use a Pollyjuice potion then you need the person you need close by to stay hidden."
"What are you saying?" Lorelei asked.
"I'm saying this is a mystery on our hands and who better to solve mysteries none other then." Ritsuka trails off waiting for the director to answer.
"Holmes," she smiles.
"Exactly."
"Say his name and the devil shall appear." Holmes walks in their conversation already knowing what to do,
Ritsuka looks at Holmes. "I take it you know what to do?"
"Yes, Mr. Fujimaru I'm aware. Though I need an assistant to help me." The Ruler said.
Ritsuka nodded. "I know the perfect candidate."
Hermione was enjoying herself Hinako telling her about her first day at Chaldea. "Wow, Hinako that was interesting for me to hear." She said. "I hope my first day is like you."
"Everyone has a different experience in their jobs, expect the unexpected Hermione," Hinako said.
"I think I understand," Hermione nodded.
"That's good to hear." She smiles.
Hermione continues talking to her then stopped when she sees Ruler walking to her. "Ruler is there something you need?" she asked the Ruler.
"Yes, Ms. Granger Mr. Fujimaru wants me to investigate something at Hogwarts. I need assistance in this investigation." Holmes said.
"Me?" Hermione asked.
"Yes you, now come along this will be a quick investigation." Holmes started to walk off to the doors.
"Oh, wait a moment Ruler!" Hermione said jumping off the couch before inclining her head to Hinako. "It's a pleasure to meet you Hinako."
The Assassin nodded. "Yes, me as well Hermione. I wish you luck on your investigation." She said.
"Ms. Granger, are you coming?" Holmes called out to her.
"Yes, coming Ruler!" Hermione ran to the Servant.
After a quick ride to the school by a black Subaru BRZ, they recently got they arrived at Hogwarts. They parked right next to the entrance of the school where two men in white came up to them.
One of them knocks on the window of the driver's seat. "Identification please." He said sternly.
Holmes rolled down the window and smiles at the Chaldean solider. "Gregory, it's so good to see you," he said to him.
"Lord Ruler, it's an honor to meet you again." The Chaldean solider greeted him.
"Yes, can you two guard this car? We'll be here for a second." Holmes said.
"Of course, my lord." The other Chaldean solider said.
Both Hermione and Holmes got out of the car and went inside the gate. Hermione looks around to see more Chaldean soldiers posted at the courtyard and the main entrance of the school. "Things have changed."
"Indeed it has, Ms. Granger," Holmes said entering the school.
Once inside students were protesting with signs saying 'NO CHANGE!' and 'MUGGLES DON"T BELONG HERE!' by Pureblood Slytherins and few Gryffindors students.
"Hermione!" A voice called for her.
Hermione turns around to see Astoria, Parvati, Cho Chang, and Fleur rushing over to her. "Parvati, what's happening?"
"Things are going south ever since the Valkyries came," Parvati said.
"Valkyries? You mean the Lancers that patrol Chaldea?" Hermione said remembering what Brynhildr told her about her and her sisters.
"Wait, you know who they are!?" Cho said surprised.
"Uh, yes Ritsuka told me back at the Outpost," Hermione said.
They look at each other before turning back to her. "So that's why you and the others are gone. You've been staying with Ritsuka Fujimaru."
"Y-Yes, I have. I learned a lot from the people that work for him." Hermione said.
"Well that's great for you all, Hermione," Astoria said.
"Yes, you eight are lucky to be vith Monsieur Fujimaru," Fleur said. "I have contacted my fazzer in France and he zaid that Monsieur Fujimaru is a person that you can learn vrom."
"Ms. Delacour is correct. Mr. Fujimaru has learned so many life lessons from the people he met on his journey." Holmes said. "I might suggest a class about it to him when we get back."
"Anyways, what's going on here?" Hermione asked.
Parvati sighs. "A protest, there's a lot of people here who don't like the new changes here. Especially those who support Charles."
"Wow, that doesn't sound good." Hermione said.
"Well it's not for them, for us we're fine by the changes," Astoria said.
"But vor zee others zaying zat Monsieur Fujimaru plan zhis from zee zart." Fleur said. "And zat he's doing zis because of jealousy of Charles."
"Well it's not true, he's here to retrieve something that should not exist in the first place," Holmes said.
"I heard from my father in the Ministry that Lord Fujimaru's mission is to retrieve the thing that distorted humanity. He's been doing this for years." Astoria said.
"THAT'S A LIE!" A Gryffindor exclaims. "No one can do that! It's not possible!"
"It is possible and Lord Fujimaru proves it!" A supporter of Ritsuka said.
"SHUT UP!" A Slytherin said.
"NO, YOU SHUT UP!" Another supporter yelled back.
"THAT's ENOUGH!" they all turn around to the new Headmistress of Hogwarts walking in the scene. "I want every student back to your respected places or detention for a month!" McGonagall warns the students.
The students walk off to their respective places. McGonagall walks over to Hermione and Ruler. "Ms. Granger where were you doing the past weeks? You have missed a lot of your classes."
Hermione sighs and looks at the new Headmistress of Hogwarts in her eyes. "Professor McGonagall, I have decided to work for Ritsuka Fujimaru. Fred, George, Neville, Luna, Ginny, Draco, and Daphne have decided to help Ritsuka."
McGonagall closes her eyes and nods. "Very well Ms. Granger. Though I will miss your dedication to learn here, I do hope this path you all are choosing will teach you lessons that Hogwarts cannot."
"Professor," Hermione said.
Holmes places his hands on her shoulders. "Don't worry, Headmistress we'll take care of your students. That you have my word."
"I do hope you keep to it, Ruler." The Headmistress said. "Now if you excuse me I need to calm another crowd of students at the Quidditch field. " She said walking off.
"Well that went well," Cho said.
"We better get to class, it's good to see you, Hermione," Parvati said. "And by the way, I love those clothes you're wearing." She said.
"Yes, it looks nice on you. Au revoir," Fleur waved back at her.
The girls went off to their respective classes leaving both Chaldeans alone. Hermione turns to Ruler after they left. "So what now Ruler?"
"Now, now you will take me where Alastor Moody teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts," Holmes said. "We can solve this mystery quicker where he keeps his valuables."
Hermione understood what he was saying, "Alright, follow me to the DADA classroom. Though I wonder if classes are taking place now." She said.
"I doubt it, Hogwarts staff doesn't have enough teachers here to substitute the original instructor," Holmes said. "Right now the room is baren with nobody around."
They walk in the halls of the school until they reach the DADA classroom. To Holmes's deduction, the room wasn't touch since the impostor of Moody went on the raid.
"You're right, Ruler. This is a baren room." Hermione said.
Holmes puff a smoke. "I'm never wrong, now Ms. Granger looks around this room that is out of place." He said.
Hermione nodded walking off to look for anything suspicious. Holmes did the same for at least a good thirty minutes of rechecking the spots they searched already.
Hermione was behind the blackboard checking if there's any hidden messages or clues behind it. She then looks over to the DADA office and walks over to it. "Ruler, I didn't find anything here. We should move to the office."
Holmes looks over to his assistant and nodded. "Yes, I too didn't find anything in this classroom." He said. "I will join you, probably there's something in there."
Hermione walks on the stairs to the office and opens the door. She looks inside to see a clutter of items everywhere; it would take them at least a few hours. "This place is a mess! We can't find anything in here. It would take us a few more hours to get this mess sorted."
Holmes walks pass by her. "Ms. Granger, there's a reason why Mr. Fujimaru chose me to take on this case and not Mr. Velvet." He said.
"Huh?" Hermione was confused about what he was saying.
A sound of a clock tick echoes in the room. "It's quite simple, my friend."
A golden light appears under the Ruler revealing a large sphere. Holmes dismisses his pipe and cane as he sat and folding his legs on the sphere.
"What the heck!" Hermione exclaims surprised to see the sphere. She was more surprised when the sphere steams open to seven large magnifying glasses. A light shined from within the mechanism projecting the light through the seven magnifying glasses.
Holmes closes his eyes then folds his hands together.
"Elementary,"
The light shines over a large chest that was covered by a black sheet and some papers.
"My Dear." Holmes opens his olive-green eyes that twinkles.
The light somehow clears the stuff that was covering the chest. Hermione looks at the Ruler dismissing the sphere. "Ms. Granger that chest over there is the one we're looking for." He said walking towards him.
"Ruler, what was that?" Hermione asked.
Holmes smirks towards her. "My Noble Phantasm, it's an Anti-unit and Anti-World Noble Phantasm. This allows me to solve mysteries at a much quicker rate." He said.
"Elementary my dear? Is it a reference of the detective Sherlock Holmes's catchphrase in the books?" Hermione asked.
"A bit more than that Ms. Granger, I believe you are aware that Heroes of folklore and myths can be Servants correct?" Holmes asked her.
"Yes, Sigurd is one of them," Hermione said.
"Correct, so why not fictional characters?" Holmes said hinting her of his true name. "Like what Sir. Sigurd said, folklore Heroes and Villains, can be Servants as long humanity believes in them. The concept happens involving fictional characters as well,"
Hermione blinks remembering that night with Sigurd and Ritsuka explaining the topic to her. She gasps really hard after it hit her. "Y-Y-Y-YOU'RE S-S-S-SHERLOCK HO-LMES AREN'T YOU!"
Holmes smiles at her. "Indeed I am, Ms. Granger. I'm the great detective of Baker Street. The one who solved many mysteries on the streets of London." He turns around giving a bow to her. "I'm Sherlock Holmes, Servant of my master Ritsuka Fujimaru under the Ruler Class." He reintroduces himself.
Holmes smirks at her. "It's a pleasure to properly meet you, Ms. Granger."
"Oh…my…god, I have so many questions for you!" Hermione said franticly. "Like how is it you're here? What is it like for you to solve all those mysteries in your books? When did you meet Ritsuka? Does he know who you are? Of course, he knows who you are, YOU'RE the actual SHERLOCK HOLMES!" She was laughing hysterically.
"I'm glad that you're aware of who I am Ms. Granger," Holmes said. "However we still have a mystery to solve here. If you don't mind, care to open this chest?" he motions to the chest.
Hermione blinks. "R-Right, (Oh my god! I'm solving a case with Sherlock Holmes! EEEEE! Thank you, God!)" she squeals.
"Ms. Granger?" Holmes said.
"Oh, sorry." Hermione took out her wand and walks to the chest. She aims her wand at the lock and shouts. "Alohomora!"
The spell hits the lock falling off its hinges. Holmes went over and opens it peering inside the chest.
Hermione walks over to peer what's inside only to be surprised by Alastor Moody in his undergarments. "Who are you?"
"Alastor Moody, I presume?" Holmes asked.
"That's me. Did Dumbledore sent you to find me?" The real Moody asked.
Holmes and Hermione looked at each other, they return their attention to Moody. "We will catch you up with everything, Professor," Hermione said.
Holmes looks at Hermione. "Ms. Granger, I ask you to bring Headmistress McGonagall here. She needs to know about this."
Hermione nodded and went off to fetch the Headmistress.
"Hey, can I at least have my clothes back?" Moody asked the Ruler.
"In due time, Mr. Moody," Holmes responded.
AN: Next Chapter is probably the start of the Third Task, I'm not sure of it yet but it might take longer to upload. This book is close to ending, I will upload a teaser for the next book at the end. Please Leave a Review.
