Four

That night in Salem, Lucie looked across the table and said to Simon. "Have you decided yet what you're having?"

She had to smile, looking at him. They sat in an elegant old downtown restaurant, neither one of them looking as though they belonged there. She wore her usual jeans, baggy sweatshirt and Converse sneakers, he wore his bulky layers and long coat. The waiter had been giving them sidelong glances since they had arrived, especially at Simon's coat, but Simon's air of authority had deterred any questions or comments. The room was dimly lit with candles, and in the corner, a piano tinkled discreetly. It was soothing, and a bit romantic -- nice place for a date, she thought, although there was no thought of romance on her mind tonight.

"Well," Simon drawled, flipping open the leather-bound menu. "I'm thinking the cheeseburger platter, myself."

"Does a place like this even have such a thing? That's pretty lowbrow, you know." Lucie examined the menu, trying not to flinch at the prices. The meal was on MLE's nickel, not hers, but she had a feeling that she had perhaps better not make a habit of dining in restaurants like this. Simon might be able to get away with it, but Simon was a legend. She was just a rookie.

With a flourish, Simon began to read from the menu in his rough, oddly-accented voice. The effect was rather theatrical. "'Grilled to perfection, the finest ground beef capped with melted cheddar that has been aged for five years, and smothered with delicately-sauteed mushrooms, served on a lightly-toasted multigrain bread offering. Accompanied with crisped, golden potato wedges, seasoned and baked to mouthwatering standards.' Sounds like a cheeseburger platter to me." He looked up at the waiter, who was pouring water with a carefully-neutral expression on his face, and said, "I'll take one. Well-done. Oh," Simon leaned close to the man, and said, "And when I say well-done, I mean that I want it to crunch when I bite into it. If it doesn't break my front teeth, it's not cooked." He wiggled his bushy eyebrows.

Lucie stifled a giggle at the expression of horror on the poor waiter's face. "My God, that sounds good...make it double, but I don't want mine charred to a crisp. Well-done, though. Oh, and a side order of breaded shrimp." She smiled at the hovering waiter. "And may I have a Diet Coke to drink?"

"Certainly, madam. And for you, sir?" The waiter looked down his nose at Simon.

"Budweiser. Make sure it's cold. And don't bother us. We've got important issues to discuss." He flashed the Muggle version of his badge. "F.B.I." MLE officers all had Muggle-equivalent identification, to expedite matters when dealing with Muggles. Except in a few places, such as Salem, most Muggles had a bit of an issue with people waving around MLE badges. They tended not to believe in them, for one thing. So for that reason, it was much easier to pretend to be F.B.I. and R.C.M.P.

Lucie hid a smile as the waiter's attitude changed to grudging respect. "Yes, sir. Coming right up, sir."

"Thank you," Simon said, turning back to Lucie. "Comes in handy sometimes," he muttered, pocketing his badge and shield. "Got yours?"

"Yup." She pulled out her Canadian Law Enforcement identification, emblazoned with a cheerful, large red maple leaf emblem and the legend, " Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Special Services Division". She often thought that it sounded as though she was a receptionist, or custodian. "Although I don't use it as effectively as you do 'Rookie' just doesn't have the same ring to it, you know?"

"You'll get used to it." Simon nodded as the waiter politely deposited their drinks. "So. About this case."

"Yes," she said, examining her Diet Coke with interest. It was served in a long, thin glass, garnished with slices of lemon and lime skewered on a beautiful glass stick. She pulled the maraschino cherry off the end and nibbled on it, then squeezed the slices of fruit so that their juice dripped into the soda. The candles on the table caused dark red reflections in the liquid, making it look very pretty. In fact, it was certainly the most attractive glass of soda that she'd ever had. "What about it?"

"Are you going to get in touch with your uncle and grandfather?"

"I've already sent an owl to my uncle. Again, I'm not sure if it will reach him. They're in a tight situation at the moment." Not to mention others who are working with them, she reflected sadly. Her remaining family, her friends, all risking their lives in the fight against Voldemort. And she was here, safe in North America. Not that she'd had any real choice, though. Not after what Severus had done.

The thought still twisted her insides with bitterness and regret and worry. God, she worried about him. She had worried about him every day for four years now, had ruined potential new relationships over her continuing attachment to him. She sighed. She'd pretty much given up trying to put him behind her, and accepted that her feelings would just have to run their course. Build a bridge and get over it, kid, as Aberforth had often said to her during her childhood. Her eyes stung. She missed him. She missed them all.

"Did you send an owl to your grandfather?"

"Not much point," she said, sipping her drink. It was as delicious as it was pretty. Something about the fruit juice, she suspected. "He'd just get Uncle Albus to read it to him, anyway. I'm not sure if he can't read, or he just won't read. There's no getting Aberforth to do something if he doesn't want to do it." Lucie grinned. "Remind me to tell you about him, sometime. He's a character." She took another sip. "My God, this is good."

"Mmm," agreed Simon, taking a long drink of beer. "So I propose that we investigate the scene of the crime first. Then talk to Caroline Skyland, and then do a bit of research. Grindelwald...Grindelwald...that name is familiar. Damned familiar."

"It is, isn't it?" Lucie smiled at the waiter as he expertly served their cheeseburger platters. They smelled incredible. After he had departed, she continued. "I took a quick peek through the archives before we left CMLE. There's only one reference to Lazerus Grindelwald: British dark wizard, born 1843, died 1945. I'm not sure if it's the same guy, though. I mean, if he's a dark wizard, what's he doing posing in a photo with my uncle? And they were all smiles, all buddy-buddy. I can't see that, not if he's a dark wizard." She rubbed her eyes tiredly. "I wish I'd paid a bit more attention in History of Magic class, because I am positive that I've heard his name in a scholastic context."

"Maybe he wasn't a dark wizard when the photo was taken. And lighten up on the big words. 'Scholastic context', come on, now. Don't be pretentious, rookie." Simon winked at her, and took a huge bite of his burger, closing his eyes in ecstasy. Lucie couldn't hear it crunch, but he seemed to be enjoying it anyway.

"Hmmm, true. It's a possibility. Uncle Albus never did tell me anything about him. Just that he was an old friend, and that...that he 'belonged to yesterday'." Lucie said, ignoring the 'rookie' comment. She tasted her own burger, and sighed. "This is good, I was starved."

"Me too." They ate in silence for a few moments. Then, Simon asked, with a little grin, "So. What's a nice girl like you doing in a career like this?"

"I've always wanted to be an auror," she shrugged, smirking back at him. "Just decided to do it over here instead."

"Your file says that you're from Canada originally."

"Yes, yes I am. My parents died when I was nine. Albus and Aberforth are my only living relatives, so I was sent to live with Aberforth. He runs a tavern in Hogsmeade -- The Hog's Head. I lived with him in the summer, and went to Hogwart's the rest of the year. Although I got to stay with Aberforth on weekends. Basically, he and Albus were like parents to me." She smiled sadly. "I miss them like crazy."

"When did you move back to Canada? And why?" Simon signalled for another beer, then turned his attention back to Lucie.

"Four years ago." She averted her eyes, then looked back at Simon and said, "What about you? You're almost a legend -- how did you get started out?"

Simon gracefully accepted the change in topic, and began to talk about his schooling and his career. They talked until late in the night, after which they returned to their hotel rooms and rested up for the next day.

The next morning, they met in the hotel's coffee shop.

"Sleep well?" Simon asked. He looked as though he'd not slept a wink. There were dark pouches under his eyes, and his skin had a greyish tone.

"Not too bad," Lucie replied. She sipped her soda and nibbled on a doughnut. Simon was sipping his third cup of coffee, having inhaled his first two. "Did some thinking. Waste of time, though."

"Yeah, me too." He yawned. "I can't seem to find anything more about this Grindelwald."

"Well, maybe we should Apparate over to the Ministry of Magic. Maybe they've got some more information there."

"Yeah, maybe," Simon said, glancing idly around the bustling shop. "We need to talk to Caroline, too, and -- what is that?"

"What's what?" Lucie looked up at him. Simon was frowning, staring at her chest -- so she thought, and felt a jolt of heat colour her face. She hadn't faced sexual harrassment since the Academy, and was not about to tolerate it now, no matter how much of a legend Simon was. "Do you mind?", she said, glaring at him.

"Is that your wand?" He pried her hooded sweatshirt open a bit, to expose her inner wand pocket.

Ah, damn, she thought. I was hoping he wouldn't notice that. "Yeah," she said, pulling her jacket closed and glancing around. "Yeah, I'm not -- "

"Have you got your ring?"

"Yeah, yeah...uh, right here..." Lucie pulled her pewter MLE ring out of her jeans pocket. "I don't wear it much..."

"What the hell? You're a trained MLE officer! What the hell do you mean, you don't wear it much?"

Blushing furiously, Lucie slipped the ring on. She had never gotten used to wandless magic -- in North America, witches and wizards were trained to use enhancement rings from their earliest school years. A wand was a liability, something that could be easily lost or damaged. In MLE, the loss of a wand could get someone killed. Therefore, it was mandatory to use enhancement rings, which worked much like a wand, but required greater effort on the part of the user. She had barely passed her qualification exams at the MLE Academy on enhancement ring use, and had been instructed to do extra work to catch up to the other students. Lucie, however, had never managed to find the time, and continued to use her wand when needed. She'd managed to never get caught. Across the table, Simon glared at her.

"Use the ring, DeGrace. I don't want to put my ass on the line with some half-qualified detective. Keep your wand in case you need the backup, for God's sake, but I damn well mean it, use your ring and get good at it and fast! You could get someone killed with that wand, you know."

"Yes, sir," she said, still blushing. He was in charge of the case, after all. Neither one spoke again until they had finished their breakfast; then, they rose and walked down the street to the Salem Institute. Simon strode several paces ahead of her, his manner frosty. But she had to admit that he was right. It was her responsibility to work on her skills, and she'd neglected this most vital one. My own damned fault, she thought, disgusted. I deserved that.

Once they arrived, they went to the reception desk, and were escorted to the office of Headmaster Dingwell. She was not in her office right at the moment, though, so they sat down and waited for her in silence. Lucie kept stealing timid glances at Simon, who ignored her -- she wished that he would say something, break the ice, so that she could try to smooth things over. But he remained silent, and his grim face and set jaw discouraged her from speaking up. Oh, don't let him be the grudgy, petty type, she prayed anxiously. They make dangerous partners...

"Ma'am," said Simon, rising as the door opened and a lovely, older woman walked in. Charlotte Dingwell had a charmingly plump, grandmotherly look to her that didn't fool Simon or Lucie one bit. One did not rise to the position of Headmaster by being a sweet old lady. Her dark blue robes swirled gracefully around her.

"Simon," she smiled, her pretty face dimpling. "Simon Nigel-Nickerson. You rascal! How have you been? I haven't seen you since you graduated -- although I've certainly heard enough about you!"

"Yes, ma'am. And none of it good, I hope." He bowed over her hand; then, with a wink and grin, he resumed his seat. Next to him, Lucie stood and offered her hand.

"Good morning, Headmaster. I'm Detective Lucie DeGrace, with the CMLE. We're here to investigate the disappearances of Olsen Carter and David Garrett. And we'd also like to speak to Caroline Skyland, if that would be possible."

"Of course, Detective. How is your uncle? I haven't spoken to Albus in a few weeks now." Dingwell gazed at Lucie with an expression of concern on her face. "I realize that he is quite busy with the resistance movement over there."

"Yes, ma'am." Lucie sighed. "I haven't heard from him, either. It's a worrying situation. I will let you know, though, as soon as I hear from him."

"Thank you. I would appreciate that. May I offer you both refreshments?" She glanced questioningly at Simon, who smiled and shook his head.

"Thank you, ma'am, but if it's all the same to you, we'd like to get started."

"You were always so impatient, Simon." Charlotte smiled at him, and winked at Lucie. "Well, the fastest seeker gets the snitch, as I've always heard. Did you want to speak to Caroline first? Only she's having her breakfast right now. I've just been to see her."

"It can wait, Headmaster. How about we check out the scene of the crime, so to speak?" Simon rose, and Lucie followed suit.

"Yes, of course. You know where it is? It has been cordoned off."

"Excellent. We can manage on our own, and if you'll excuse us, ma'am, we'll get started immediately. When we've finished investigating, we'll return here, if that's all right with you?"

"Fine by me, Simon. If you two need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

At the door, Lucie paused and turned. "Actually, Ms. Dingwell, there is something we do need. Access to any historical documents that you may have here at the school."

"Certainly, dear. What is it you will be looking for?" Charlotte Dingwell began to make some notes on a pad of paper.

"Anything to do with a Lazerus Grindelwald, ma'am. A wizard who lived from the mid-eighteen hundreds, and died in 1945. And any other wizards by the name of Grindelwald, within the last -- say, two hundred years."

"Grindelwald?" Charlotte's hand shook, and she dropped her pen. She stared up at Simon and Lucie with an expression of shock on her plump face. "Grindelwald? Do you think that he has anything to do with all of this?" Her face went pale. "You think this is the Lazerus whom Caroline spoke of?"

"We suspect so, Headmaster," Lucie said, gently. "Anything at all could be of help to us. Any information at all."

They turned to go, and as they walked away, Lucie was sure that she heard the old woman mutter, "Grindelwald -- oh, dear. Oh, oh, dear..."

xxx

"That certainly got a reaction out of her," Lucie commented as she and Simon made their way to the woods out back. "Think she knows who Grindelwald is?"

"Certainly sounded like it." Simon's voice was dry. "I went to school to Charlotte Dingwell for eight years, and believe you me, it takes a lot to rattle her. You did it in five seconds flat. I'm impressed."

Lucie grinned up at him, accepting the proverbial olive branch, as they ducked under the purple velvet ropes cordonning off the crime scene. "Cool. Well, tell you what. After we talk to Caroline Skyland, how about I hit the books and you talk to your old teacher? See what we can come up with."

"Good thinking, Detective," he said kindly. They stood there for a moment, admiring the pretty surroundings. Hundreds of beech, pine and poplar trees made for an attractive little glen, and shafts of golden sunlight dappled the forest in warm beams of light. The heat brought out the woodsy smells. Lucie drew a deep, appreciative breath -- as exciting as moving to Toronto was, she was an outdoor girl at heart, and she missed Cape Breton enormously. Here, surrounded by crisp green foliage and ferns, she felt a sense of peace that she hadn't felt ever since she had received the news of her promotion.

Beside her, Simon was also breathing deeply, his eyes closed and a small smile on his face. "Ah, that's the stuff," he said softly, with satisfaction. "I've missed it here. See," he pointed to a cheerfully-bubbling stream, with well-worn stone benches set alongside. "See that second bench? From the big oak tree? I used to snooze out there, right on that bench, on hot sunny days. See how the sunlight hits that one particular bench?"

Lucie grinned. "Nice spot."

"Yeah, it was." He grinned. "Mind you, I got woken up more than a few times with bird droppings in my hair..."

Lucie laughed, and looked around again. "It's going to be hard to detect signs of magic here -- the place will be full of them, even though it's the summer session, and there aren't a whole lot of students around. You know they'll have been hanging out in here every chance they got. I would've, if I attended here."

"Yeah -- well, according to what I've read of Caroline's statement, the disappearance took place right over...here..." Far more agile than Lucie would have suspected him to be, Simon leapt over a fallen log and strode over to a vine-covered mound. It appeared to be a slate outcropping. "See the luminen berries? That's what Caroline was reaching for."

"Yes, I see them." Lucie stood on tiptoe; Simon steadied her elbow, as she leaned around him to peer at the rare little berries, dark and mysterious as a moonlit night. Dark moonlight, Severus had always called them. They blended in with the slate rock, and only their pearlescent sheen gave them away. Satisfied, she stood back and put her hands on her hips. "Kind of weird here in these woods, wouldn't you say? Different from what I'm used to."

"What do you mean?" Simon said absently, exploring the slate surface with his fingertips. Every now and then, he'd pause to brush some dirt or debris away.

"Well, it's so quiet. I've grown up running around in the woods, and I've never heard a forest so quiet as this. Mind you, most of my teenaged years were spent in the Forbidden Forest, and trust me, it's never quiet in there. I used to hang around with this Centaur -- nice enough guy, but he never shut up, and -- "

"Quiet!"

Lucie turned to look at Simon, who had turned away from the slate outcropping to stare at her. "What?", she whispered.

"You're right," he whispered back, looking around wildly. "It is quiet -- too damned quiet! And can you feel that?"

"What?" But she realized what he meant. In her ring. A trembling, or a vibration. Wide-eyed, she reached in her sweater to touch her wand, and found that it was also vibrating. She looked back at Simon. "There's some powerful magic happening," she said softly. He nodded assent, then motioned for her to move.

"Come on -- let's get back. I don't want to be right in the middle of --" He broke off as a flash of blue light illuminated the clearing. "Come on! Get back! NOW!"

"Yes, sir!", she cried earnestly, and turned to run -- only she tripped over something, something that had not been behind her a moment ago -- and then she felt something engulf her. With a weaker flash of light -- pale blue, she noted -- and a roaring, rushing wind, Lucie felt herself being pulled...away...

Just a quick flash before she was sucked into -- whatever it was -- Lucie heard Simon scream her name, and she caught the barest glimpse of what she had tripped over. She gasped as she recognized the person's face from the photo that she had been shown.

David Garrett. His body.

Then the maelstrom took her, and she knew no more.