"Snape knew both of them!"

"So did about hundred others!"

"He is a confirmed Death Eater!"

"Correction: He was accused of that, but he was cleared."

Duncan Riley opened his mouth to object but shut it. He glared at his partner. "You trust him too much, Gideon."

Gideon shrugged. "Perhaps."

"I still say he did it."

"Show me proof."

"He's a Death Eater. I don't need proof."

"That attitude is what makes us no different then them!" Gideon exploded. "And I will not have a partner who believes that! It clouds judgment and gets people killed. I need a partner who is patient and not eager for blood."

Duncan set his jaw and said nothing. He hated the way Gideon acted like he was Lord and Master of all. Gideon was a great Auror and no one doubted that but he was a pain in the ass to work with. Duncan ran his hand over his chin. He needed a shave. Gideon had been pushing him non-stop since they found Sara's body a week ago.

"I'm getting something to eat." Gideon said, grabbing his broom. He was tired and he was stressed. Duncan was just a kid and the air between them war too tense. "Listen Riley..."

"Bring me something from where you go." Duncan said coolly.

Gideon nodded and left, he hoped Duncan would calm down while he was gone.

Duncan was mid-way through his final report when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up and wondered why Gideon didn't just walk in. He stood to open the door then stopped. It was too late for callers. Maybe Gideon's paranoia was rubbing off on his because he drew his wand and walked towards the door. "Who is it?"

"The Piper."

"What?"

The man on the other side of the door laughed. "I was at Austin's and Smith's scenes. I have a few questions."

Duncan frowned and opened the door. He was annoyed with all the other Aurors trying to take his assignments, this one made the fourth.

"Call me Alexander Rouge." A cloak figured entered. "Actually I was looking for Gideon Mallory. I have information about those killings. They are linked to a teacher at Hogwarts."

Duncan felt his heart skip a beat. If he had information that connected Snape to the killings, Duncan could finally beat Gideon at his own game. The victory would be his alone. "I'm Gideon. Is this about Professor Snape?"

"Ah, I see the Ministry is on the right track."

"Hardly, they believe he is on our side. Just because he gave us information during the Dark Times."

"He clearly knows how to play the game on both sides doesn't he?"

"Exactly. He is only loyal to that girl child of his. She's why he started sharing info with us in the first place."

"Is that right? The child's name?"

"Kaiya Akemi Snape. Creative name no? Anyways, what is your information Mr. Rouge?" He said as he sat down at his desk to scribble some notes.

Alexander smiled thinly. "Actually. I'm not an informant. But I can tell you your future...you ask a question but die before the answer."

Duncan looked up. "What?"