Disclaimer- Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling and Warner Brothers, not
me!
*
Precious Stones By Hermione Starise
* Chapter Three: Garnet * AN: Thanks to:
Aurelius Spark: Your encouraging review is greatly appreciated.
sugar high: glad you liked, here's the next chapter you asked for!
Lily Michelle: I'm glad you like my stories! I have printed yours off to read, and I'll leave a review as soon as I get the chance.
The Elfin Child: Glad you liked, I like your madness! Tis a very good thing! Lol
Princess310889: glad you like it, here's the next chapter.
Elfin Princess: I'm glad you liked it! I will write some more Basilisk Dreams soon!
RonsInnerVoice- They will be brought together soon! Erm its R/H- most of my stuff is. Glad you liked it!
Killie: Thanks for pointing out the mistake, I read and reviewed your fic. It was great!
So here goes... *
Hermione stared round at the weary forensics team. They had all worked over night, frantically trying to discover the secrets of the note sent by 'Diamond', who although faceless was now her main suspect.
"You can get nothing from it?" Hermione almost pleaded.
"Sorry Hermione," Collin Creevy, the head of the team said shaking his head; defeated.
Hermione sighed and re-read the note for what seemed like the twentieth time.
"Dear Inspector Granger, Or should I say Miss 'Mione. I don't know how familiar would you like me to be? I see you've found the nice little mystery I set you with the Sapphire girl. Beautiful wasn't she? Oh dear, look at the time. Must dash, the boys get the next one. It has begun. Yours sincerely Diamond. "
"It's a typical crazed murderer's note," Serenity Taylor said, another member of the forensics team said.
"Yes but there's something different in it, what do you suppose it meant by the boys get the next one?" Jarred Brown, the pathologist who had gained an interest in the case after being the one to examine Sapphire's body.
"I think he means there is going to be another murder." Hermione said quietly.
"What?" Collin asked.
"Yes another murder!" Jarred said, "And some boys are going to discover it!"
"Who could that be though?" Peter Wood, another Forensics team member asked.
Hermione didn't answer. She didn't even want to think about that, but she had to, it was her job.
Hermione yawned, "Look," She said, "Go home and get some sleep. Maybe when you look at it with a refreshed mind it'll seem different."
There were mutters of agreement as one by one the forensics team left. Hermione found Colin Creevy hanging behind.
"What is it Colin?" She asked.
"You think it's them in the note don't you?" Colin said, "I could see it in your eyes."
"I have considered it," Hermione admitted.
"But?" Colin asked.
"He can't have known my connection with them." She replied.
"It's more commonly known than you let on," Colin said, "You're in some of the history books too you know!"
Hermione smiled, "Yeah I know."
"Go home, Inspector, you look tired." Colin said, concern filling his eyes.
Hermione scowled at this, it wasn't a normal 'you're tired' it was a remember your illness 'you're tired'. Hermione had blocked out that time in her memory but it was hard to keep it that way when people kept reminding her that it still hung over her.
"I'm fine!" She said, "Goodnight."
"Night Inspector."
*
It was not until the next day: supposedly Hermione's day off when the next body was found. It was Remus who owled her in the morning. He wrote:
Hermione, Another body. Seems connected to the Sapphire case. Could you come to Hogsmeade? I'll meet you in the Three Broomsticks. Remus
"So much for my day off." She muttered, dressing quickly. The sky outside was threatening snow so she put on as many layers as she could with immobilising herself.
She found the lovely warm purple investigative auror cloak that she had come to rely on for authority: without it not many people believed the skinny young woman was an Investigative Auror. She pulled the stripy scarf that Mrs Weasley had made her around her neck and pulled the cloak's hood up over her head, shielding her from the wind.
Living in Hogsmeade she didn't bother to apparate- even though the weather looked hostile and set out for the Three Broomsticks.
She arrived just as the first flakes of snow began to drop. Remus was waiting outside.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Another body." Remus said, shivering, "Found in one of the guest rooms here."
Hermione sighed, sometimes she hated her job.
"Ok, lead me to it."
When they arrived at the murder scene it was swarmed by the white suits of the forensics teams. Jarred the pathologist was crouching over the body.
The picture that hovered above the body was that off a young boy: no more than sixteen. He was small and quite skinny with mousy brown hair, not attractive to look at like Sapphire. His eyes were disturbing; they were a dark red colour. Like two shining garnets.
"Ah Hermione!" He said leaping up.
"What can you tell me?" She asked.
"Not much yet," Jarred replied, "But it seems to be the same as Sapphire."
"So no clues?" Hermione asked moaning.
"Not except this," He said passing her a silver object.
She put on her gloves and took it, when she saw what it was she gasped. It was a beautiful muggle pocket watch, there was a magnificent garnet encrusted on the front. On the back the word: garnet.
"What do you make of that then Hermione?" Remus asked.
"Definitely linked" She said, "I don't know what to think though. Can I speak to Madame Rosmerta?"
"She's downstairs," Collin said, looking up from where he was searching for clues.
"Right."
"Be gentle Hermione," Remus said, "She's pretty shaken up."
"Of course."
*
Hermione smiled kindly at Madame Rosmerta who sat before her, pale faced and shaking.
"So when did this boy, lets call him Garnet, arrive at the pub?" Hermione asked softly.
"He didn't," Madame Rosmerta said, "I haven't seen him before, ever!"
Hermione blanched, "You mean you didn't know he was there, he wasn't a guest?"
"No."
"Could he have been visiting a guest?" Hermione asked.
"No," Madame Rosmerta said with a small sob, "We haven't had any guests for a week or two now. People don't tend to visit Hogsmeade at this time of year, the weathers so bad!"
"Did you see him come into the pub?" Hermione pressed her trying to keep her own voice soft.
"No, I've never seen him before."
"He just appeared there then?"
"Yes, and what's more the room was locked and so was the window."
Hermione gasped and was unable to keep the soft, kind expression on her face as it flooded with confusion and uncertainty.
"Oh you will catch the monster who killed him won't you Inspector? It's just so horrid, that young boy dead like that!"
Hermione sighed, "I certainly hope I will."
*
Hermione retuned home after an exhausting day of investigations and promptly flopped onto the settee. She felt like crying. This case, the cases, the locket, the watch, Sapphire, Garnet. How were they connected and who was this Diamond?
It was all too much.
Lost in her own thoughts she did not at first hear the knocking on her door but her musings were interrupted when the knocking turned to frustrated knocking. Hermione jumped up from the settee where she had been sat and went to the door.
"Ginny!" She said, opening the door to the red-headed woman.
"What happened?" Ginny asked, you were supposed to be having dinner at the Burrow?"
Hermione groaned, she had completely forgotten, "I'm sorry! I should have sent you a note! There was another murder- obviously connected with the Sapphire case so no-one else could go so I had to, I'm so sorry, I've just been so busy." Hermione trailed off.
Ginny smiled, "Never mind. Mum will understand; we were worried that's all. It's not like you to forget."
"I know, I'm sorry. But someone needs to have a tight grip on this case." Hermione said.
"And have you? Got a tight grip I mean," Ginny asked.
"Well, as near to tight as I can hope to get with the non-existent evidence."
"You sure? You know Remus would give you time off whenever you wanted." Ginny said, trailing off when she saw the look of frustration that passed over Hermione's face.
"Oh not you as well!" Hermione shouted, angry, "I've had Collin on my case already! I can take care of myself. The illness is gone! I'm as healthy as any of you!"
Ginny bit her lip, "I'm sorry really Hermione, I. well you know.I."
"Worry?"
"Yes," She said lowering her eyes.
"I know you do," Hermione said more softly, "But you've got to let me forget about the illness, I'm happier, healthier than I ever was before!"
Hermione could see Ginny's uncertainty over this point in her eyes, but her friend let the subject drop and began cheerfully talking of a new article she was doing for the Daily Prophet.
*
"Harry! Ron!" Kathryn shouted, from the other side of the Auror's mess hall.
Barely even started their dinner, Harry and Ron unwilling stood up to cross the room.
"There's been another murder, and seems awfully like the Emerald case you found the other day!" Kathryn said.
Ron felt suddenly very sick, "But how?" He asked.
"Never mind that!" Kathy snapped, "I know you're not going to like this but a contact has told me the IAs have two similar cases on their hands and well it's about time you teamed up with the Inspector on this case."
Ron shook his head, "I can't do that! They are all such snobs! Old and doddery- get paid far too much for what they do and care nothing about the people they are working with!"
"I'm sorry I've got to make you do this- but if you pool your knowledge you might get a lead. I've contacted Remus and he says that you can meet her tomorrow morning in the IA headquarters meeting."
Her?" Harry asked.
Kathy suddenly looked very sheepish, "That's the other thing," She said, "This inspector is not doddery, old or a snob- she. well."
"Spit it out!" Ron demanded.
"Her name, well her name is. Hermione Granger." *
AN- Phew! Finished at last! Please review- I crave feed-back!
Precious Stones By Hermione Starise
* Chapter Three: Garnet * AN: Thanks to:
Aurelius Spark: Your encouraging review is greatly appreciated.
sugar high: glad you liked, here's the next chapter you asked for!
Lily Michelle: I'm glad you like my stories! I have printed yours off to read, and I'll leave a review as soon as I get the chance.
The Elfin Child: Glad you liked, I like your madness! Tis a very good thing! Lol
Princess310889: glad you like it, here's the next chapter.
Elfin Princess: I'm glad you liked it! I will write some more Basilisk Dreams soon!
RonsInnerVoice- They will be brought together soon! Erm its R/H- most of my stuff is. Glad you liked it!
Killie: Thanks for pointing out the mistake, I read and reviewed your fic. It was great!
So here goes... *
Hermione stared round at the weary forensics team. They had all worked over night, frantically trying to discover the secrets of the note sent by 'Diamond', who although faceless was now her main suspect.
"You can get nothing from it?" Hermione almost pleaded.
"Sorry Hermione," Collin Creevy, the head of the team said shaking his head; defeated.
Hermione sighed and re-read the note for what seemed like the twentieth time.
"Dear Inspector Granger, Or should I say Miss 'Mione. I don't know how familiar would you like me to be? I see you've found the nice little mystery I set you with the Sapphire girl. Beautiful wasn't she? Oh dear, look at the time. Must dash, the boys get the next one. It has begun. Yours sincerely Diamond. "
"It's a typical crazed murderer's note," Serenity Taylor said, another member of the forensics team said.
"Yes but there's something different in it, what do you suppose it meant by the boys get the next one?" Jarred Brown, the pathologist who had gained an interest in the case after being the one to examine Sapphire's body.
"I think he means there is going to be another murder." Hermione said quietly.
"What?" Collin asked.
"Yes another murder!" Jarred said, "And some boys are going to discover it!"
"Who could that be though?" Peter Wood, another Forensics team member asked.
Hermione didn't answer. She didn't even want to think about that, but she had to, it was her job.
Hermione yawned, "Look," She said, "Go home and get some sleep. Maybe when you look at it with a refreshed mind it'll seem different."
There were mutters of agreement as one by one the forensics team left. Hermione found Colin Creevy hanging behind.
"What is it Colin?" She asked.
"You think it's them in the note don't you?" Colin said, "I could see it in your eyes."
"I have considered it," Hermione admitted.
"But?" Colin asked.
"He can't have known my connection with them." She replied.
"It's more commonly known than you let on," Colin said, "You're in some of the history books too you know!"
Hermione smiled, "Yeah I know."
"Go home, Inspector, you look tired." Colin said, concern filling his eyes.
Hermione scowled at this, it wasn't a normal 'you're tired' it was a remember your illness 'you're tired'. Hermione had blocked out that time in her memory but it was hard to keep it that way when people kept reminding her that it still hung over her.
"I'm fine!" She said, "Goodnight."
"Night Inspector."
*
It was not until the next day: supposedly Hermione's day off when the next body was found. It was Remus who owled her in the morning. He wrote:
Hermione, Another body. Seems connected to the Sapphire case. Could you come to Hogsmeade? I'll meet you in the Three Broomsticks. Remus
"So much for my day off." She muttered, dressing quickly. The sky outside was threatening snow so she put on as many layers as she could with immobilising herself.
She found the lovely warm purple investigative auror cloak that she had come to rely on for authority: without it not many people believed the skinny young woman was an Investigative Auror. She pulled the stripy scarf that Mrs Weasley had made her around her neck and pulled the cloak's hood up over her head, shielding her from the wind.
Living in Hogsmeade she didn't bother to apparate- even though the weather looked hostile and set out for the Three Broomsticks.
She arrived just as the first flakes of snow began to drop. Remus was waiting outside.
"What happened?" She asked.
"Another body." Remus said, shivering, "Found in one of the guest rooms here."
Hermione sighed, sometimes she hated her job.
"Ok, lead me to it."
When they arrived at the murder scene it was swarmed by the white suits of the forensics teams. Jarred the pathologist was crouching over the body.
The picture that hovered above the body was that off a young boy: no more than sixteen. He was small and quite skinny with mousy brown hair, not attractive to look at like Sapphire. His eyes were disturbing; they were a dark red colour. Like two shining garnets.
"Ah Hermione!" He said leaping up.
"What can you tell me?" She asked.
"Not much yet," Jarred replied, "But it seems to be the same as Sapphire."
"So no clues?" Hermione asked moaning.
"Not except this," He said passing her a silver object.
She put on her gloves and took it, when she saw what it was she gasped. It was a beautiful muggle pocket watch, there was a magnificent garnet encrusted on the front. On the back the word: garnet.
"What do you make of that then Hermione?" Remus asked.
"Definitely linked" She said, "I don't know what to think though. Can I speak to Madame Rosmerta?"
"She's downstairs," Collin said, looking up from where he was searching for clues.
"Right."
"Be gentle Hermione," Remus said, "She's pretty shaken up."
"Of course."
*
Hermione smiled kindly at Madame Rosmerta who sat before her, pale faced and shaking.
"So when did this boy, lets call him Garnet, arrive at the pub?" Hermione asked softly.
"He didn't," Madame Rosmerta said, "I haven't seen him before, ever!"
Hermione blanched, "You mean you didn't know he was there, he wasn't a guest?"
"No."
"Could he have been visiting a guest?" Hermione asked.
"No," Madame Rosmerta said with a small sob, "We haven't had any guests for a week or two now. People don't tend to visit Hogsmeade at this time of year, the weathers so bad!"
"Did you see him come into the pub?" Hermione pressed her trying to keep her own voice soft.
"No, I've never seen him before."
"He just appeared there then?"
"Yes, and what's more the room was locked and so was the window."
Hermione gasped and was unable to keep the soft, kind expression on her face as it flooded with confusion and uncertainty.
"Oh you will catch the monster who killed him won't you Inspector? It's just so horrid, that young boy dead like that!"
Hermione sighed, "I certainly hope I will."
*
Hermione retuned home after an exhausting day of investigations and promptly flopped onto the settee. She felt like crying. This case, the cases, the locket, the watch, Sapphire, Garnet. How were they connected and who was this Diamond?
It was all too much.
Lost in her own thoughts she did not at first hear the knocking on her door but her musings were interrupted when the knocking turned to frustrated knocking. Hermione jumped up from the settee where she had been sat and went to the door.
"Ginny!" She said, opening the door to the red-headed woman.
"What happened?" Ginny asked, you were supposed to be having dinner at the Burrow?"
Hermione groaned, she had completely forgotten, "I'm sorry! I should have sent you a note! There was another murder- obviously connected with the Sapphire case so no-one else could go so I had to, I'm so sorry, I've just been so busy." Hermione trailed off.
Ginny smiled, "Never mind. Mum will understand; we were worried that's all. It's not like you to forget."
"I know, I'm sorry. But someone needs to have a tight grip on this case." Hermione said.
"And have you? Got a tight grip I mean," Ginny asked.
"Well, as near to tight as I can hope to get with the non-existent evidence."
"You sure? You know Remus would give you time off whenever you wanted." Ginny said, trailing off when she saw the look of frustration that passed over Hermione's face.
"Oh not you as well!" Hermione shouted, angry, "I've had Collin on my case already! I can take care of myself. The illness is gone! I'm as healthy as any of you!"
Ginny bit her lip, "I'm sorry really Hermione, I. well you know.I."
"Worry?"
"Yes," She said lowering her eyes.
"I know you do," Hermione said more softly, "But you've got to let me forget about the illness, I'm happier, healthier than I ever was before!"
Hermione could see Ginny's uncertainty over this point in her eyes, but her friend let the subject drop and began cheerfully talking of a new article she was doing for the Daily Prophet.
*
"Harry! Ron!" Kathryn shouted, from the other side of the Auror's mess hall.
Barely even started their dinner, Harry and Ron unwilling stood up to cross the room.
"There's been another murder, and seems awfully like the Emerald case you found the other day!" Kathryn said.
Ron felt suddenly very sick, "But how?" He asked.
"Never mind that!" Kathy snapped, "I know you're not going to like this but a contact has told me the IAs have two similar cases on their hands and well it's about time you teamed up with the Inspector on this case."
Ron shook his head, "I can't do that! They are all such snobs! Old and doddery- get paid far too much for what they do and care nothing about the people they are working with!"
"I'm sorry I've got to make you do this- but if you pool your knowledge you might get a lead. I've contacted Remus and he says that you can meet her tomorrow morning in the IA headquarters meeting."
Her?" Harry asked.
Kathy suddenly looked very sheepish, "That's the other thing," She said, "This inspector is not doddery, old or a snob- she. well."
"Spit it out!" Ron demanded.
"Her name, well her name is. Hermione Granger." *
AN- Phew! Finished at last! Please review- I crave feed-back!