Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Again thank you to My WONDERFUL Alphas and Betas who helped me loads with my FIRST murder mystery! Q_Drew, Oftendisenchanted, Cbz
TW: mentions Scorpius's death, grief
Flashback - more dementor lessons
"You're not focusing!" Voldemort said to the Death Eater.
They were in an open field and dementors were hovering over them.
Since the time Voldemort extracted his only happy memory, The Deather had been feeling a little off his game as he had been trying so hard to control the Dementors.
His mind was open but was his sole open to the thought of controlling the Dementors?
It was then during their session that they finally made the progress they've been searching for. It was like Occlumency sessions all over again, he thought as he was staring up at the dementors.
"Yes! That's it! It's working!" The Dark Lord said.
"How The Dark Lord knew it was working, was beyond him. It looked as though the Dementors were regarding him with respect and was it adoration?
"Let's test this shall we?" Voldemort gleamed with joy. "We have a willing participant!" He said in a sarcastic manner.
Here lay before him was a random muggle scared for her life.
"Please don't!" The muggle squirmed.
The Death Eater had ignored her at that moment for he was focused on the task at hand.
"No concentrate by transmitting your thoughts through the Dementors!"
October 2, 2023
When Hermione woke, in that dazed half-asleep state, she almost had forgotten that she was not at her home. No. This wasn't her bed. This used to be Ginny's. Mrs. Weasley had left sometime during the night as she found that she had woken up alone.
As she gradually got up from the bed, she glanced at her surroundings; it was as if time stood still. Quidditch posters were everywhere, a visual reminder of Ginny's dream career. After Ginny and Harry's divorce, she finally had the chance to try out for the quidditch team Holyhead Harpies. There was no doubt that she would gain a spot on the team. It was a struggle at first due to being a single Mum; however, Harry stood up to the plate even though he became the Auror he'd always wanted to be. Eventually, Ginny found Luna whilst traveling with the quidditch team and they both found companionship and started dating.
As she arrived at the bathroom to freshen up, she remembered, unbidden, what had occurred the other day, and she started to hyperventilate. Christ! She was a year into being an investigator, and you'd think this would get a little easier. Certainly not when this murderer killed someone near and dear to her heart.
She heard the door open and close but didn't bother turning around since she was on her knees on the floor.
"I heard what happened," said a raspy familiar voice. "I brought the kids with us. They've been wanting their mummy." Ron whispered as he brought the two kids closer to her
"Oh honey," Hermione calmly said to her daughter. "You loved him very much, didn't you? Come here Hugo, give mummy a big hug."
As they hugged, Rose asked, "mummy, you'll find the bad man, right?"
She felt Ron's hand on her shoulder and she relaxed. Ron dropped his hand towards his side.
Hermione closed her eyes then opened them and stared into her sad child. "Mummy will find the bad man, don't you worry."
Inhaling and exhaling slowly, she turned around to face him. He looked even more worn out than she.
"You look terrible," Hermione muttered trying to lighten the mood.
Ron raised his right eyebrow then shoved his hands in his pockets. "Yeah well," he cleared his throat, then opened the door. "Breakfast is ready," he shrugged.
"You always think about food." She rolled her eyes at her joke, another attempt to forget about everything.
Ron ignored her remark and placed his hand on her shoulder again and then squeezed it. "Come on, let's take the kids with us down for breakfast."
At the reminder of the children, Hermione's hand started to shake and Ron knelt on the floor and grabbed her hands. "You're the best investigator out there, you do know that, right?" Ron said, rubbing her hands creating warmth. Why does everyone keep telling me that?
"Did Harry tell you to say that? He had already told me that," Hermione teased.
Ron shrugged his shoulders. "I don't need Harry to give me advice," he humphed. "I know you better than he does."
Hermione smiled softly and slowly stood up and began to walk to the dining room with Ron's help. At the room's entrance, she stopped dead in her tracks. Both Malfoy and Harry stood up at the same time. It was surreal to have Draco Malfoy at The Burrow, she couldn't help but glance at him with speculation. She was surprised and taken aback that Ron was okay with him being there. She wondered briefly again if something was going on between Malfoy and Harry. She set that thought aside later. Would I be surprised if the two of them were together? I'm more surprised by Malfoy being so out of his element here… a far cry from the Manor.
Before she could say anything, Mrs. Weasley walked in. "There you are Hermione, dear, we were waiting for you so that we can have breakfast before you go to Hogwarts. Come on kids let's get you both settled."
Hermione raised her right eyebrow at Mrs. Weasley, asking a question nonverbally.
"Remus told me of your arrangements, dear."
Hermione bit her lip and nodded. When she sat down, everyone took their seats.
She could feel Malfoy's eyes on her the entire time, and she tensed. In the corner of her eyes, she could see Harry looking worried. Breakfast was a silent affair, you could only hear the clinking of the forks and knives hitting their plates.
Without Hermione's knowledge, Rose got up from her chair and walked over to Malfoy. Hermione looked at the scene with horror. Rose tugged at his shirt. When Draco looked down at her, he was devoid of expression. Rose hid behind Malfoy's chair and nervously said. "I-I am s-sorry about Scorp. He-he was the best friend I ever had." She looked at him nervously then Malfoy did the unspeakable. He patted her shoulder with thanks. She scampered back to her chair.
At some point, Hermione had asked for a glass of water, and to her disbelief, Malfoy filled her glass. She blinked at him when he'd finished and stuttered a 'thank you.'
Hermione nodded awkwardly and stood. "Well, thank you, Mrs. Weasley, for breakfast, but I better get home and pack for Hogwarts. Can you take care of the kids while I am home?"
"But mummy!" Rose and Hugo rushed towards her and hugged her tightly.
"It's alright kids, you behave. Your daddy will be here while I find the bad man, alright?"
Both of the kids nodded reluctantly and let go of their mummy and rushed back to their daddy.
"Do you need the Ford?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"It's no problem, Mrs. Weasley, I'll just apparate back home."
Hermione started to leave when Mrs. Weasley walked over to Hermione and clasped Hermione's hands together. "How many times do I have to say to you?" She smiled. "You may call me Molly."
Hermione smiled weakly, nodded, and then walked over to the door. Before she opened it, Harry was behind her.
"Hermione?" Harry asked as she was about to turn the doorknob. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, things sorta happened so quickly. Draco and I - "
Hermione let go of the knob and smiled at Harry. She placed her hand on his shoulder, a show of approval. "I kind of figured something was happening between the two of you. Just know that you have my support. I was just surprised to see Malfoy at The Burrow."
Harry chuckled, "You should've seen his face when he first arrived. And Molly, let's just say they hashed things out."
All of a sudden, she hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy for the both of you. I am also glad that he has someone to lean on." She sniffed. "I can't imagine what the kids are going through. You should've seen her face when she saw me earlier. If I remembered correctly, Rose had a bit of a crush on him."
"So did Al," Harry whispered.
Hermione's eyes went wide. "Do you know if Scorpius knew?"
"I think so." Harry turned away and rubbed his forehead with frustration.
She let go of him to look him in the eyes. With her hands on both of his shoulders, she said sternly, "I will find the killer and when I do the Dementors will have him."
She heard someone whistle behind them and when she looked up, Malfoy and Ron were standing behind them.
"You are right, she is scary." It was the first time Malfoy spoke since breakfast.
Hermione rolled her eyes at the two of them. "I'll keep everyone posted via owl, if the matter is urgent I'll use the Headmaster's floo network."
The three of them nodded and only Harry and Ron waved goodbye to Hermione as she left.
—-
Hermione had seen Remus occasionally since after the war but hadn't gotten to know him personally. She's only ever been friendly with Teddy, Harry being his godfather, he'd watch him grow up, and so has she.
Now, Teddy is a Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts. He'd mastered Transfiguration at a young age, actually one of the youngest to master the subject.
As she arrived at the gate of Hogwarts, she jumped with surprise when she saw Remus standing there.
"Sorry to have startled you…Again," he muttered as he walked closer so she could get a good look at him.
"It's alright, I've been jumpy lately," Hermione managed to say as she was gripping her bag tightly.
They both glanced at each other for a brief moment until Remus grunted, "Right well, let's get you settled." He smiled softly.
The Hogwarts gate opened with a loud creak.
As they started walking back to the castle Hermione had a sudden urge to ask the question she always wanted to know: "What's it like being the Headmaster? Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, and Professor McGonagall all had a tough time, but they seemed to make it look easy."
Lupin chuckled and stayed silent until they arrived at his quarters. Before he said the password, he turned to face his former student. "It is a difficult task, and after Minerva retired, well, she begged me to take the position." He sighed. "It took some convincing because I only ever wanted to teach. But I couldn't teach and be a Headmaster, so I settled for being the Headmaster. Who would want a werewolf of a Headmaster, right?" He asked in a joking manner. "It seemed that almost all the parents were on board with me becoming the Headmaster, and Minerva made an offer I couldn't refuse. Ginger Newt." Once the password was said, the gargoyle moved to reveal the stairs and they started their way up the staircase.
"Almost all?" Hermione raised her right eyebrow. She couldn't help but be curious.
"Towards the beginning, I received hate mail, they said that the Headmaster shouldn't be a werewolf and that I wouldn't have the talent Albus Dumbledore had. Well, I proved them right didn't I?" He frowned.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Headmaster," she still couldn't get rid of saying his title just yet. "This could've happened with anyone, remember…" she winced. "Cedric?"
"I suppose," he sighed. "And it's Remus," he muttered with a soft smile.
Hermione blushed as they walked inside Remus' quarters, she was face to face with Professor Snape's portrait.
"Don't worry, he doesn't speak most of the time, the other times he just raises his eyebrow disapprovingly." Remus rolled his eyes.
She was still staring at Professor Snape's portrait. "Most of the - "
Hermione was interrupted by Professor Snape's portrait. "Staring is impolite, Miss. Granger," he snarled.
"Be nice to the young lady, a student has just been murdered," Professor Dumbledore's portrait said pointedly at Professor Snape.
Remus sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Before I show you to your side of the quarters," he said while slipping a folder off his desk, "Here is a list of suspects I thought you should take a look at. I don't know if Harry told you I had compiled it," he said nervously. "I took the liberty to make a dossier of everyone I could think of that may be responsible. I had to do something to take my mind off Scorpius… I had to feel useful." He muttered.
Hermione smiled softly and nodded. She placed her hand on his shoulder gently, "We will find the killer, Remus. This helps me loads and it's a step in the right direction. My kids," she started to say and sniffed. "Scorpius meant the world to them, and me. Malfoy would drop him off during the school breaks and play with my kids ." She started tearing up a bit. "Oh, Remus! The kids must be so distraught!"
Remus inched closer to her and gently placed his forehead against hers without thinking. He repeated her own words earlier. "We will find the killer."
"How…Touching," the familiar voice drawled in a bored tone. The two jumped and backed away from each other. Hermione blushed.
"Honestly Severus, they were having a touching moment by comforting each other in a time of great need and you had to interrupt them," Portrait Dumbledore scolded.
Remus rolled his eyes, "Okay, okay, I know when we aren't wanted," He paused then clasped his hand against her back to guide her towards their quarters.
The quarters that Remus led Hermione to was a nice cozy little guest quarter. There were a few bookshelves that she wanted to check out but knew it wasn't the time to. She sat on the nearest lounge chair and looked up at him expectantly.
Remus cleared his throat, "I hope these quarters are to your liking?"
"Oh! It's lovely, Remus!" She smiled softly as she stood and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for helping me with my…Er project."
When Hermione let go Remus gave her the folder and opened it. Her eyes went wide as she saw a familiar face. The folder dropped to the floor and she started to uncontrollably blink. "Bellatrix Lestrange?! I thought Molly killed her!" Her hand started to shake again.
Remus knelt to pick up all the papers and the folder that fell on the floor. When he stood up, he walked over to Hermione and placed a gentle hand on her arm. "We will discuss this tomorrow. I'll have one of the elves bring you supper," he muttered softly as they walked towards the guest quarters.
Once inside, Hermione climbed onto the bed with great difficulty. Remus placed the folder on the desk and glanced at her. They both shared a new look, and she couldn't pinpoint what it was.
"I am sure with your brains and my being the Headmaster here, we will both be able to solve this investigation," he cleared his throat. "I mean it in the best way possible, that I would love to help you," Remus urged.
As he was about to walk out of the room, it was Hermione's turn to clear her throat. "Thank you for, erm, partaking in this investigation…." She paused for a moment. "I normally work alone, you see, and I needed someone that I knew and worked with in Hogwarts." She shrugged.
"Think nothing of it, Hermione." He smiled softly. "Good night." He bowed his head and then left her alone sitting on the bed.
She kept on looking at the folder that was placed on her desk. After what seemed like forever, she relented and walked over to the desk, picked up the folder, and sat back down on the bed.
With the folder now opened, all the papers of potential suspects were spread out. When she saw Delores Umbridge on the list, her eyes bulged out, she didn't think Delores Umbridge was still alive either. As she read through her dossier her thirst for revenge stuck out to Hermione. During the time of the war, she was on the inside in the Ministry, helping out Voldemort's cause. On top of all that, she also infamously hated kids, and even creatures like werewolves, vampires, and trolls/half-giants.
Some of the suspects were familiar to her like Barty Crouch Junior, and then she stopped at one particular piece of paper.
Antony Dolohov was staring back at her with his evil smirk. Her eyes narrowed at the notes from Remus, even though he was a traitorous murderous bastard, she thought he'd do his murders by himself. She remembered her fifth year at the hall of prophecies. The result was a nasty dark magic scar that still hurts from time to time.
At some point in the night, an elf named Zentha had brought her a meal of finger sandwiches. She finished in one sitting and placed the empty plate on the desk.
She returned to Bellatrix Lestrange after filling her belly. Hermione stared at her photo, the manic cackling witch sent chills down her spine. Bellatrix cruelly enjoyed torturing her captures. She'd probably do the killing herself too. She shivered at that thought.
Frenier Greyback was the next one. The werewolf looked back at her with a menacing look. The note attached said that he's been looking to recruit more werewolves. He believed that werewolves belonged to their kind and can't live amongst humans.
The picture of Ludo Bagman was a look of innocence, but sometimes you can't be so sure. In the note, it said that he was sent to Azkaban for a short period, but cleared of all charges due to his Quidditch fame. The rest had said that he had a friend who was a Death Eater who went by the name of Agustus Rookwood, however, he supposedly didn't know that Agustus was a Death Eater.
"Interesting," Hermione muttered.
Lastly, Barty Crouch Junior's file was pretty slim. There was no additional note beside the record that he mysteriously survived the dementor's kiss and went crazy because of it.
As she gathered all the papers in the folder, she suddenly became tired and placed the folder back on the desk. Hermione walked back to the bed and gradually went to sleep.