*January 1 1980*
"I can't believe it's already been a year," Kitty said as she gulped down her soda.
"Thanks to you, our work got easier," Fabian raised his glass.
The Order was having New Year's dinner at the Longbottom's villa. They all took a group photo on Alice's suggestion. Well, it's more like she forced them.
"When are you getting promoted?" Jacob asked.
"Three months and we'd be Hit wizards," Gideon grinned.
The Ministry filtered aurors based on their accomplishments in capturing the dark wizards and death eaters, and chose to promote them to Hit Wizards.
"I want to become a Hit Wizard too," Sirius pouted.
"It will take a year to become and auror and more experience to become a Hit wizard," James sighed.
"Wow... Look at you two sulking," Kitty rolled her eyes. "Atleast you're getting trained to be aurors ... officially."
"You're getting the action you love," Jacob added.
"Not anymore," Frank laughed.
James and Sirius groaned.
"What do you mean?" Lily asked.
"They're assigning us to boring cases," James sulked.
"Boring? You mean paperwork?" Kitty asked.
"No. Cold cases and other regular cases," Sirius pouted.
"You people have cold cases too?!" Kitty asked shocked.
"What do you mean 'you people'?!!" Sirius made a face.
"I thought just ...normal people have cold cases!" She replied.
"Normal people? What are we? Aliens?"
"Uh... Sort of... You're different from the major part of the world's population. Different abilities. Different physiologies. Different lives..."
"You both really love to bicker, don't you?" Jacob shook his head looking at Sirius and Kitty.
"We have to solve atleast 15 regular cases to get into the teams assigned especially for dark wizards," James said gulping his firewhiskey.
"What kind of regular cases?" Lily asked.
"Murders, thefts, illegal trades," James ticked off in air.
"Then that's easy though," Kitty shrugged. "You people have enough power to catch them. What's the big deal?"
"What's the big deal she asks!" Sirius scoffed.
"Come on!" She rolled her eyes. "You have suspects... You use Legilimency or truth serums. They confess and case close. You go on stake outs. You find the person, catch him or her. Make them confess. Case close."
They all stared at her.
"What?" She asked confused.
"This isn't muggle world, Kitty," Alice laughed.
"You cannot just use Legilimency and truth serums as you wish. It's invading people's privacy. It's the same as the polygraph tests by muggles. You need permission from the ministry."
"Seriously?!" She asked surprised.
"What do you mean seriously? How does Indian Ministry of Magic Works?" Fabian asked.
"I never really cared actually," She shrugged. "So you're telling me your investigations are almost as same as the muggle ones? But...but you guys don't have lawyers and all right?"
"Yeah... Attorneys, investigators...Wizengamot."
"Hmm," she nodded. "Well, then I'd love to offer my services for free...to you both," Kitty said slowly.
James raised his eyebrows. "Offer your services?"
"How, may I ask?" Sirius asked.
"You said your cases are almost like muggle ones. It won't be reeeaally that hard. Challenging yes. But not impossible," she replied.
" 'Almost like muggles ones'," Sirius stressed on 'almost'. "Wizards and witches are too clever. They don't leave traces."
"Muggles or wizards... Criminals make mistakes. All you need is to see and hear, where and what you should."
"You think people who gave up on cold cases because they couldn't see or hear where and what they should?" Gideon scoffed.
"Cold cases exist because people gave up on them... Maybe... because of politics or little evidence," She replied.
"Over confidence," Marlene scoffed.
"One gotta believe in themselves and their instincts," Kitty smirked.
"Easy for a seer to say," Frank laughed.
"Seer, my arse," Kitty laughed.
"Seems like you're calling aurors dumb," Frank said.
"I am not. Let's do this. Take me with you on your next case. I'd prefer a murder case. Not that I want someone dead. But ...murder cases are... more.. fresh and have better clues. In the meantime, give me a cold case."
"You're really boasting. Nevertheless, I'd give you a case we're working on," Sirius smirked.
"Which one?" Fabian asked.
"The Packaged Bodies."
Everyone collectively groaned.
Kitty looked confused. "What's wrong?"
"There are not enough clues to the case! Come on!" Alice rolled her eyes.
"Why? What's with the case? And what's with that weird name anyway?"
"It happened 4 years ago," Frank replied.
"In Jacob's Island," Jacob added.
"The murderer killed and wrapped the bodies neatly, and dumped them in dustbins," Alice added.
"At first they thought it was a muggle case. But further investigation revealed that it's a wizard's work," Jacob added.
"How?"
"The cause of death was asphyxia. But the marks on the body had traces of magic," he answered.
"How many victims?"
"Five."
Kitty nodded. "How about the MO?"
"MO?"
"Modus operandi?! Killer profile? And.. What was the most puzzling detail?"
"Well," James frowned. "None of the victims were linked to each other. All of them were muggles."
"They worked at different places. Factory, grocery store, restuarant and book store. All of them were introverts and never messed with anyone. Home and work. That's all they ever did," Sirius added.
"And they were in their mid 20s, one was in 30s and the other one was in 50s," Frank added.
She sighed. "I need to see the file first. Clearly."
"Oh! Come on! Who'd be carrying case files with them?" Gideon got to his feet. "Who wants a refill?" He asked if anyone needed some firewhiskey.
"Uh... I would," Sirius raised his hand.
"Your bottle is full," Gideon raised his eyebrows.
"No. I mean..." Sirius got to his feet and went to get his jacket. He pulled out some papers.
"Don't tell —"
"That's right, Marlene. The case papers," he smirked and gave them to Kitty. "I made a mini copy for myself."
Kitty quickly took the papers from him and started reading the case and going through the photographs and evidence.
"Wow... We're clearly trying to solve a cold case on new years," Marlene tutted.
"I need something to write...a board ..perhaps," Kitty said not taking her eyes of the papers.
Frank conjured the board from his study.
Kitty quickly got up and wrote everything on the board with the help of the members.
"V1 is 33yr old female.
V2 is 57yr old male.
V3 is 23yr old female.
V4 is 29yr old female. She did not die. She's the only survivor and our witness.
V5 is 25yr old male.
They all are from Jacob's Island. But never knew one another. And all of them are muggles.
First murder happened on March 3rd.
Second on May 7th
Third on July 5th.
Fourth attempt on September 2nd and the
Fifth on November 5th.
Where is the map of that area the murders took place?"
"They are all different places," James levitated the map. "None of the places have an intersection or a common point. None of the victims used the same roads or alleys." James flicked his wand and the places where the bodies were discovered glowed.
"What about these family members?" Kitty asked.
Sirius stood beside her, writing on the board.
"V1 - husband and two kids.
V2 - single
V3 - mother.
V4 - mother and brother.
V5 - father and sister."
Quickly, everyone were immersed in the case. They were adding points and giving out suggestions.
"What about suspect interviews?" Kitty asked.
"We had ten suspects. Wizards and witches from Jacob's Island. But none of them are related to the victims in anyway. They all had alibis. They're all halfbloods and muggleborns..
"One of wizards works at the Ministry. One at the Prophet. A witch runs a small apothecary. Most of them have small jobs in Diagon Alley and some other places. The one who works at the Prophet reported that magic could be involved."
"The survivor," Kitty mumbled. "Her statement says she escaped from the house when the suspect wasn't there. You got nothing from her?"
"Hmmm," Sirius nodded. "But it's of no use. Her head was wrapped in a plastic cover and she passed out on the street. Fortunately someone heard her screaming and found her, right after she passed out."
"You've got her memory?"
"It gives nothing. Her memory was disoriented and all we could see is faint light," Alice replied.
"Faint light?"
"Street lights I guess," she shrugged.
"The only clue we got was that she said the place stank of sewer."
"Sewer?"
"We've searched the whole area. Nada."
They discussed all the possibilities but got stuck at places and found not many answers or options.
"I've to see the memory, visit the place and talk to the families and the witness," Kitty sighed.
"We're going tomorrow," James said.
"There are no open ends. The investigators who took up the case first were the best among the aurors," Fabian said.
"Why did you even take this case?" Gideon asked.
"Someone wrote the case code wrong," James glared at Sirius.
"It was a mistake! I said sorry!" Sirius pouted.
"Let's give it one last try?" Kitty said hopefully. "I always always always always wanted to be detective, investigator, auror whatever..."
"So...what now? You think you're some Sherlock Holmes?" Marlene scoffed.
"I wish I have that IQ," Kitty shrugged.
xxxxxxxxxx
The next few days, James, Sirius and Kitty visited the places where the crime took place, met the families of the victims, and talked to the sole witness. They collected the memory again from her and watched the previous memory and the new one multiple times. They talked all the suspects, both muggle and wizards. They even checked out other wizards and witches who lived around Jacob's Island.
"How's your investigation going, Sherlock?" Frank asked.
They had just finished their Order meeting.
"Something isn't adding up," she frowned.
"We told you," Fabian snorted.
"No...no... come on y'all... Gather around," she asked everyone.
"I'm not interested," Marlene grumbled.
"So, listen up. James and Sirius would brief you about what we did. Raise as many questions as you can. 90% of the case is done. We need questions to get answers."
"So," James took out a chart and levitated it. There were details written clearly on it, with photographs. "We've started the case from the beginning. We've talked to everyone involved and related. Even to the muggle police of that area. First of all, what's the first word that came to your mind when you heard about this case?"
"Uh... Weird?"
"Gross."
"Odd...?"
"Exactly, Alice. The killer is obsessed with "odd". Look at the ages of the victims and the months the murders took place. They're all odd numbers."
"It was already established by the aurors that took this case in the first place," Moody grunted as he walked in.
"Yeah, exactly that's where we went wrong," James said.
"What?" People asked confused.
"That's what the killer wants us to think," James replied.
"So, you're saying that maybe the killer was obsessed with odd numbers, but that was just a cover up?" Remus asked.
"Exactly," James answered. "We had ten suspects and they all had strong alibis. So, help me here please. Everyone, tell me what you you exactly did on your birthday 4 years ago? Think hard. Lily?"
"Uh," Lily frowned. "I woke up... Marlene and the girls wished me, and gave presents. Showered, had breakfast and attended classes. It was pretty much a normal day."
The rest of the members gave their answers.
"What does this have to do with the murders?" Gideon asked.
"Patience, dear friend," James smirked.
"We've talked to the victim's families and coworkers and friends. Went through victims' things. The survivor, she moved to a different place. In her initial statement, she said she heard sound of water and the place stank like sewer. So, the police and our aurors searched the places that were closer to stream or sewers and none of our suspects' places are closer to those areas. So, we were stuck. Even the muggle police conducted investigations based on the witness statements and the clues they had. Which were almost the same as ours. They searched the houses near sewers and most of the places we've searched. Especially the houses of single people. No clues. Nothing."
"Stop going in circles and come to the point," Moody grunted.
"Everyone ignored their personalities and behaviors. What kind of music they listened to and what books they've read," Kitty replied.
The room filled with murmurs.
"What does music and books have to do with murders?" Fabian asked confused.
"The victims, they were introverts. All of them. They kept to themselves and minded their own business," Sirius replied.
"Well, that's what introverts do," Gideon shrugged.
"There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," Sirius said. "These people aren't just introverts. They listened to sad music. And most of all, they have something else in common. They seemed to be fighting depression."
"Depression?" Jacob asked. "All of them?"
"All of them," Sirius nodded.
"So, you're telling us that the killer's targets were depressed people?" Moody asked. He looked interested.
"Exactly," Sirius nodded.
"How are you so sure that they're depressed? There is nothing mentioned about their medical ailments in the reports," Moody raised his eyebrows.
"Well, mental health is still frowned upon in this society," Kitty shrugged. "I mean who'd be going out declaring they're having mental issues? Do you know how people would treat them? Besides, you think those people could afford the treatment? And for your question, I've asked loads of questions. And their behavior says they're depressed. The witness, she is not doing well either. The trauma...you never get out of it."
"We've watched her memory multiple times and I think we found what they all missed," James smiled.
"What might that be?" Frank asked.
"In her memory," James waved his wand in air to explain clearly. "The faint light she saw, the street lights... They are the clues. The victim whose arms were tied and had a plastic bag tightened around her head, found her way out of the house and, fell on the ground. The air stank. She got up, ran straight. The lights from what we saw were on the left at first. She followed the faint light. She ran straight for about 15 to 20 minutes. And then she bumped into something, fell down, got up, and started running again. The point is...the direction of the light changed. She kept running, bumped into something again, and her memory faded. She passed out."
"So, you're saying, she ran back to the same place?" Remus asked.
"Yes," James nodded. "So, Kitty tried to help her remember the incident again, and we used ...a little Legilimency on her. The memory is distorted. The interesting part is, she ran into the killer."
There was collective "WHAT?!"s in the room.
"Yeah. The killer tried to kill her. Luckily for the victim, someone showed up and the killer vanished into thin air," James finished.
"Wait, so the killer never went for the victim again?" Jacob asked.
"No. Though they could, they didn't," Sirius answered.
"That's bothering," Lily commented. "Leaving a witness is never safe."
"Unless, you've Obliviated her," Remus frowned.
"Exactly," Sirius smiled. "And guess what? We've been searching the wrong area. That's why we never found the exact place."
"What do you mean wrong area?" Moody asked.
Sirius grinned. "The victim said that the air stank. So we decided to check the areas around all kinds of sewers. But the thing is, the ground stank. Not the air."
"What rubbish are you getting at?" Moody asked. He was getting confused and frustrated.
"The moment she got out of the house, she fell on the ground. She might have tripped on a manhole. Hence the smell," Sirius answered.
"So, we're all back to square one. I mean there are some hundreds of manholes in that area," Moody pointed out.
"True. But, we have some clues," Sirius answered. "There is another common thing among the victims. Besides their home and work place, they occasionally went to grocery, convenient stores, or cafes."
"There are many cafes, grocery and convenient stores in that area. And who'd remember those occasional visits?" Marlene pointed out.
"True. But it's worth giving a try. We will do it tomorrow," Sirius shrugged.
"You're searching for a needle in a haystack," Marlene replied.
"Not really. 93% of the case is finished," Kitty replied. "Jake, I need your expertise here. The autopsy results. Is there anything different?"
"93? You said it was 90?" Gideon raised his eyebrows.
Kitty smirked.
Jacob went through the autopsy reports. Lily and Marlene joined him.
He frowned. "Wait a second," he said quickly flipping through the photographs. "The marks on their necks. Reason of death is asphyxia...caused due to strangulation. But... Victim 3, Heather Jones...the strangulation is different. All the other victims have faint finger marks but Jones...she doesn't. The method changed. It looks like it was a chokehold. Why chokehold when they were wearing dragonhide gloves to hide their fingerprints?"
"Why? Why would the killer kill others facing them and kill this person with a chokehold?" Moody asked.
"The MO changed," Kitty smiled.
"What are you smiling at?" Marlene put a disgusted face. "You really look like a psychopath right now."
"The MO had changed!!!" Kitty smiled, ignoring Marlene.
"She might've resisted," Alice shrugged.
"No. Magic can hold them down," Frank replied.
"Spit it out!" Jacob looked at Kitty.
"The killer didn't want to look into the girl's eyes or at her face when she was dying! The killer was emotionally attached to her!!"
"Ate you trying to say the killer probably loved her?" Remus arched an eyebrow.
The room fell silent for few seconds. They stared at her as if she'd grown a pair of heads.
"Potter," Moody cleared his throat and walked towards her. "Why would someone kill. No, strangle a person they're emotionally attached to? Someone they love?"
"You still don't get it?" Kitty looked around.
They didn't say a word. They kept staring at her.
"The motive," Kitty looked at them. "...Of the killer is to... free them from pain."
"Free them from pain."
"Free them from pain."
"Free them from pain."
Kitty, Jacob, Remus and Sirius said in unison. They shared quick glances.
"You read my mind," Kitty smiled. "The actual motive of the killer is to free people from pain. But at some point they fell for the victim or...maybe vice versa..."
"Interrogate the bloke that works at the Prophet. He was the the one who reported our folks are involved," Moody said. "He might know more than he actually says."
"Nah! He ain't the killer," Kitty waved her hand dismissively.
"How can you be so sure?" Frank asked.
"The guy's home, room and office are disorganized. Even he looks disorganized. The way he dresses up, walks and talks... Nah!" She shook her head.
"What? You can tell who is guilty just by the way they dress up, walk and talk?" Gideon laughed.
"You already have someone in your mind, don't you?" Remus looked straight into her eyes.
"Just a hunch," she frowned. "I need to check again. Something isn't adding up."
"You asked us all to recount what we did on our birthdays 4 years ago. I guess you already had someone in your mind when you asked that," Remus said.
Kitty nodded. "Three people. I've been testing this on people. No one clearly remembers what exactly happened 4 years ago on a particular day. But three of them looked suspicious. They recalled every single detail. Alibis can be made up. Wizards are involved, so it's more easy to make up alibis. But hey! We gotta keep our minds open for more possibilities. Let's see what happens tomorrow. Oh boy! I hope my hunch is right."
"Potter, you're going mostly based on your instincts. If you really solve this case..." Fabian trailed off.
"Instincts are good," Kitty stretched her hands. "Plus... We're reading behaviors. So... I'm sure we can solve this cold case. James and Black really read between lines. I don't know how the initial investigators missed few obvious things. Moody, these two kids are really good investigators."
"Hey! Who're you calling kids?" Sirius snapped his head at her.
"Shut up, teenager!" Kitty rolled her eyes.
"Oooohh... someone is bad at math," Sirius scoffed. "I'm 21, Pryde."
"I'm 21, Pryde," Kitty mimicked Sirius.
People around them groaned and started leaving as they both bickered.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
The aurors' office was bustling with rookie aurors and trainees. Murmurs all over. People got back to the office after hearing the news that they captured the killer of the infamous Packaged Bodies.
"You said the killer might've had an emotional connection with the victim!" Fabian looked confused as he walked into the room.
"Probably a romantic one. Like .. In love!" Gideon added.
The other aurous followed them into the room.
Kitty laughed. "Y'all...you should be more open minded. There is a term called homosexuality. It's where when someone fall in love with or gets sexually attracted to people of same sex."
The rest of the aurors shook their head as they looked at the killer in the interrogation room next to theirs, divided by a glass.
"How did you know she was the killer?" an auror asked.
"The answer was there. We all just didn't read between the lines," Kitty shrugged.
"Would you care to enlighten us?"
"It's Potter and Black's case. They really worked their arses off. Ask them," she looked at James and Sirius who were interrogating the killer.
"She doesn't look like a killer," someone commented.
"She looks innocent. Are you sure she is the killer?"
"Looks can be misleading," Kitty sighed as she slightly rubbed her neck.
"You need to get that checked," Moody commented. "I want to see how your healer boyfriend would react," he shook his head.
Kitty grinned. "One cold case off their hands. And my first case," she shrugged.
"You've broken rules," Moody growled.
"Yeah, like we follow any," she whispered. "Come on! We've closed a case!"
"You aren't an auror and yet you got involved in solving a a serial murder case!"
"Why so moody, Moody? Cut some slack, count me in, I'll help you guys through cases."
"Forget about it," he walked away. "It's not your playground."
*few hours ago*
James, Sirius and Kitty went to get their killer.
They went to Heather's house, whom Kitty thought might have had an emotional connection with the killer.
"We'd like to look at her belongings again. Anything would do. Her books, or diary ...journal... anything," she asked Heather's mother.
They looked at her belongings and flipped through her books.
"Which one of you knows more about flowers?" Kitty asked them, flipping through Heather's notebook.
"I know about lilies," James smirked.
Kitty shook her head.
"I know," Sirius said rummaging through Heather's photo album.
"Flowers and their meanings?" She asked.
He nodded.
"Good, let's go have some fun," she said pocketing Heather's notebook.
"We can't take them in without solid evidence," James said.
"Unless they're death eaters," Sirius added.
"Yeah. We don't have any evidence."
Kitty sighed. She thought for a moment. "You got your cloak?"
James nodded.
"One of you try to stall them and the other one sneak in. Check if there is anything we could find. If we don't have an evidence, then it's plan B."
"You have a plan B?"
"Nooooot yet. We will improvise."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm plan B, Black. I'll use your eyes."
It didn't take them much time to rule out other suspects.
Sirius walked into the small apothecary cum cafe. He gave enough space to let James walk in. He looked around as he walked over to the counter.
"Hello?" He called out.
A very cheery looking woman appeared. "Oh, Mr. Black, you're back," she smiled.
"Hello, Miss Hudson," Sirius nodded.
"I thought the investigations were over?" Hudson asked.
"Not really. We're making some final checks," Sirius sighed.
Meanwhile James sneaked into the inner room.
"Rough day?" She asked.
"Don't even ask. Hey, can I get some tea? This headache is killing me."
"Sure. Grab a seat, please. Would you like some pie? I just took them out of the oven."
"Sure," Sirius replied taking a seat in the corner.
'I don't find anything odd, Pryde,' he mind linked Kitty.
'Look around. Look at those flowers and pictures. Sometimes the clues dance right infront of our eyes and we miss them,' she said.
'The flowers on the counter are Begonias... They symbolize caution, warning about misfortune, deep thinking.''Exactly. She is saying that aloud. Right in our faces.''And there is this pink carnation embroidered on her apron. Carnation symbolizes that they miss someone.''Sweet. Now, look more closely for more clues.''This place looks like well lit, insanely organized and —'
"Mr. Black," the woman walked over to him. "Your tea and pie. Hope you enjoy," she put the tray on the table.
"Uh...Miss Hudson. Hope you wouldn't mind having a few words?"
"Sure. There are no customers anyway."
"Uh...you're a Ravenclaw, right?"
"That's right," she grinned.
"Could you please try and remember something. Anything about those murders? Any clue would work," he asked with his pleading puppy eyes.
"I already told you everything I know, Mr Black. I've told the muggle police and the aurors everything I know."
"Haven't you seen anyone suspicious around this area?"
"This place screams poverty. People do all kinds of nonsense to live a normal life."
Sirius sighed. "I get it," he nodded. "Uh.. you said you've been living here for a long time, right?"
"My parents grew up here," she nodded.
"Oh," he nodded. "Are you married?"
"No," she chuckled.
"Oh. How long have you been running this store?"
"Mr. Black, I've already answered this questions to your colleague. My family has been running this store for years."
"Oh. Okay. Miss Hudson, I'd like to tell you that this case is important to us. Could you give us any clue? Any small clue? Do you have someone in your mind? Do you suspect anyone?
She looked into distance for few seconds. "No."
"Do you think there is any motive or just it was acted on impulse?"
"A motive? Could be. But none of them are related to one another, are they? So we can never guess the motive."
"Why do you think the killer stopped killing?"
She shook her head. "Haven't the foggiest."
"What is your insight on this case and the killer? Why don't you just throw in your Ravenclaw smartness?"
"I really didn't think about it much. But I was surprised when they said one of us were behind this. Who would expect?!"
"Exactly. Especially the part where the killer was sloppy. The sloppiness made us realize it wasn't a muggle's work."
She nodded slowly. "I agree. If you ask me, maybe the killer has a motive."
"And...why do you think the killer didn't go after the escaped victim?"
"Their family moved out of this place right after that incident," she shrugged. "Maybe the killer was sure the victim couldn't identity their killer. Who knows? There are loads of guesses."
"That's what I thought," Sirius flipped through his notebook. "I don't think not many people moved from this place either. But there are quite some missing cases. Do you want to hear my theory?" He looked at her straight into he eyes.
"Sure," she nodded eagerly.
"Maybe he just got scared. Too scared to kill anymore because he got sloppy with his third murder and realised he couldn't do it anymore. The fifth one might've been difficult and he realized he couldn't do it anymore. He just —"
"You keep saying he. Why?" She raised her eyebrows.
Sirius looked at her confused. "You think it's a woman?"
She shrugged. "I think women are capable of killing too."
"True," he nodded. "Could be a she too. Miss Hudson, you've been living here for years. How is this community?"
"It's alright. It doesn't look as fancy as other communities. But people try to make things work."
"You're a muggleborn right? How did your parents react when they heard you were a witch?"
"They were surprised."
"You're a single daughter?"
"That's right."
"How was your childhood?"
There was a slight pause. "Normal. Nothing interesting. You can't expect anything grand from this community." She got to her feet. "Ummm... If you're done talking, I've got some things to do."
"Sure, no problem. Thank you."
James arrived by then.
Sirius paid for his tea and pie and walked to the door. "Heather!" Sirius exclaimed.
Hudson froze for a few seconds.
Sirius turned to her. "Those flowers on the desk... I don't know what they are but they look fresh... Is there a florist around here?"
"What?" Hudson managed to get after a few seconds.
"A florist? My girlfriend likes Heathers. Says it's her birth flower. So I want to give something that is made of Heathers or something."
"They are Begonias. I grow these myself," she replied. "No, we don't have a florist around here."
"Alright then," he nodded. "Thank you."
He walked out of the store along with James. They met up with Kitty.
"So? You find anything?" Sirius asked James.
"Nothing suspicious," James shook his head. "So, what's your plan?"
"I donno. But... Now that you've riled her up, she might make her move. Let's start our plan B. I'm going in. Keep your eyes and ears open."
"You look nervous. Scared, Pryde?" Sirius smirked.
"I'm trying to cry and look depressed."
"Try to look depressed? You don't actually have to try... with that face. You're a natural."
"Shut up, Black. Make some changes to my appearance. Any tiny resemblance to Heather would be more appreciated."
"Transfiguration wouldn't hold out longer," James shook his head.
"I knew this would come. Here, I nicked some polyjuice potion for you," Sirius took out a small hip flask from his pocket.
"Who am I going to be?" Kitty asked.
"Some latina I met at the pub," he smirked.
Kitty made a disgusting face. "Am I supposed to drink something that has a part of them? Along with some other insects?" She gagged.
"Majority of potions are made of some living thing," James smirked. "Do you want me to tell me every ingredient of your regular potions?"
"Please," Kitty closed her eyes. "No."
"Don't worry. Her hair looked fresh and washed. I know you. So, I wouldn't take anything unhygienic. Drink up," Sirius laughed.
"Unhygienic," Kitty scrunched her nose and took a swig of polyjuice potion. She gagged. Tears filled her eyes. "Ittsss diisssgggusssttiinnggg." She felt her body change.
"Wow, you look fiiinnneee," Sirius whistled.
"Wanna die?" Kitty growled. "I'm never gonna drink polyjuice again."
"Go on. We don't have much time. Drink this from time to time," James said.
Kitty walked into that cafe. Her eyes were red and puffy.
"Hey! Do you... Do you have something for a headache?" She asked Hudson, who was at the counter.
"Sure. Please take a seat. I'll get you some tea," she smiled. "I'll get you something to make you feel good."
"I don't wanna feel good," Kitty mumbled and went to take a corner table.
People came in and went. Kitty sat there at the corner table, crying most of the time. It was getting dark.
"You alright?" Hudson came to her with a chocolate cake.
Kitty didn't say a word. She just stared at her hands. Hudson sat on the chair infront of her.
"Is everything alright, dear?" She asked calmly.
Kitty shook her head.
"You can talk to me," Hudson whispered. "You've been here for almost three hours and you're still crying."
"I'd ...I'd leave if that's a problem. I don't wanna be a problem to you too," Kitty wiped her tears.
"No. No...no... You're not a problem at all. What's going on?"
"I just want it to end. I want everything to end. I can't do this anymore," she cried.
"Hey... Shhussshh... It's okay. It's okay. I'll help you calm down. I'll get you some tea to calm you down. Eat this chocolate cake. I just baked it."
After a while Kitty calmed down. Hudson came back with some hot tea.
"I've never seen you. Where are you from?" Hudson asked.
"Not from here," Kitty sniffled. "I've been wandering since last night because I don't know where to go and what to do. I've been walking all over the place and ended up here."
"Why? What's wrong? You can talk to me?"
"I just don't wanna live anymore," Kitty cried. "I've been struggling for years and no one can understand me. I've been through a lot and I can't do anymore...," Kitty said all kinds of sob stories she could come up with.
"It's okay. It's going to be okay. Do you have a place to stay?"
"No. Do you know any place where I could stay? Cheaper would be better."
Hudson smiled. "You can crash on my sofa if you'd like."
"No, I don't want to be a burden to you and your family."
"No. I live alone. It won't be a burden. You can crash at my place. We can think about what to do next tomorrow." Hudson persuaded Kitty into stay the night at her place.
A half hour later, Kitty was in Hudson's living room. Her eyes were bloodshot. She kept her act up.
"Do you live here alone?" She asked Hudson.
"Yes. Make yourself home. I'll get you a blanket."
"Wow, you're house looks so... neat and in order," Kitty looked around.
"Is your favorite color purple? Your walls and decor are purple. Even your cafe has all shades of purple theme —"
She couldn't finish her sentence. Before she knew, she was on the floor, trying hard to get off the plastic bad tightened around her head.
"Incarcerous," Hudson whispered.
The next second, Kitty was wriggling on the floor, bound.
"Ssshhh... everything is going to be okay. Calm down."
Kitty tried to scream.
"Silenco," Hudson mumbled. "It's going to be okay. Calm down. You wanted it to be over. And I'm helping you." The creepiest smile crept on her face. The look in her eyes were insane. All the fake warmth she had been masking her original personality disappeared.
Kitty was losing consciousness when the door blasted open.
"Expelliarmus!" James' voice was full of rage. Another flash and Hudson was sent flying into the wall, bound and gagged.
Sirius ran over to Kitty and freed her.
"Diffindo! Pryde!!! You alright? It's okay. Breathe..breathe..."
It took Kitty about five long minutes to get back to normal. "You're late!" She hit him on his chest.
"You said we should catch her in the act," Sirius mumbled.
"Yeah. That means before I die! I almost died."
"This lunatic has high security on her doors and windows."
"Iris Hudson, we're from the Department of magical law enforcement. You're under arrest for the attempt to murder of Katherine Potter and brutally murdering four other muggles. Youdonot have tosayanything. But, it may harm your defence if youdonot mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Wizengamot. Anything youdo saymay be given in evidence," James read Hudson her rights and they all disapparated to the Ministry.
Back in the interrogation room, James and Sirius started grilling Hudson.
She sat in silence for most of the time.
"Miss Hudson, you murdered innocent muggles, wrapped them in plastic bags and dumped them in the alleys. Do you deny?" James asked sternly.
"And when you found out you were at risk of getting caught, you changed your MO. The escape of your fourth victim hit you hard, didn't it?" Sirius asked.
"You did not just murder four people but more."
"We also found some interesting things at your place," Sirius added.
Hudson narrowed her eyes.
Sirius smirked. "Your flower pots. You thought we wouldn't notice?"
Hudson shifted in her chair.
"You killed 8 more people, turned them to ashes and grew flowers in those pots. How pathetic of you," Sirius growled.
"You even killed your parents," James added. "You can't escape, Hudson. Not anymore. We've got all the evidence to send you to Azkaban. Have fun there."
James got to his feet, glared at her for a moment, and walked out of the door.
Sirius kept staring at her. "You could've just asked for help."
"You think I need help?!" She scoffed. "I gave them peace," she sneered.
"You convince yourself with that," he got up to leave.
"How? How did you know it was me?" She looked straight into his eyes.
"The clues were all over the place. And Heather," Sirius leaned in closer to her. "She really was starting to find hope and you just killed her. Shame on you. Good luck with your trial." Saying that, he walked out of the room.
"You broke about 10 rules, provoked the suspect and put a fellow witch in danger!" Barty Crouch yelled.
"Uh... Mr. Crouch. It was my idea. I —"
"Miss Potter! That was foolish of you to get involved in the Ministry business and go unarmed into suspect's home!" Crouch yelled.
"Well, look on the bright side. We've got the killer, didn't we? And no one is harmed!" Kitty tried to reason.
"Get your neck treated first!" Crouch snapped. "Now," he narrowed his eyes. "How did you find out it was her? I heard you helped them solve the case?"
"Purple," Kitty replied.
"Purple?" Crouch asked confused.
"Why don't you let Potter and Black do the briefing to everyone who're anxiously waiting outside to know the whole story?" Kitty smiled.
He stared at her for a moment. "Very well then. I hope it's worth my time."
Moments later, James and Sirius were briefing the case to the trainees, rookies and the aurors.
"We first rounded off to three suspects," James said. "The one who works at the Ministry, one at the Prophet and Hudson. It's because they recalled every single thing that happened on that day. It was odd."
"We first thought Watson, who worked at the Prophet could be the one. He was the one who reported the case to the Ministry too. And his reasons for being there at that place didn't make any sense. He sounded like a potential suspect. But turns out, he was just having an illicit affair and was trying to hide that fact," Sirius explained.
"We then studied the MO of the victims and the killer. The killer was meticulous. Left no traces for anyone to get. So, we came to a conclusion that the killer might have an OCD for symmetry and orderliness by the way she wrapped the bodies and placed them at certain angles."
"Hudson's home and shop are mentally in symmetry and order. So was Wilson, the Ministry worker."
"How did you conclude it was Hudson and not Wilson? He was a suspect too. His story seemed more fishy," Alice asked.
"Wilson didn't seem like one. He was hiding something and we don't know what that is yet," James replied.
"But what gave out Hudson was...well, first of all she was too cheery and happy," Sirius shrugged.
"Cheery and happy? That was the reason?" Fabian scoffed.
"And the colour purple," James added.
"Bollocks," Barty barked. "A color and her personality?"
"Hear us out," Sirius said. "The killers victims were all people who had same condition as her. Depression. She thought she was giving them peace by killing them. Hudson is suffering from mental illness. She is a muggleborn. Her father was an alcoholic and her mother had depression too. She was vile and cruel to her. Hudson faced abuse since her childhood. She wanted to escape but she couldn't. So she had this bitterness hidden in her. She finally came to Hogwarts, learnt everything. Was one of the brightest students. But still she couldn't run away from it. So she stayed there taking care of her mother and their store. She started a small apothecary in their cafe."
"Now, what about purple?" Frank asked.
"Purple is the color of the LGBT community. She was a lesbian," James answered. "And so was Heather. We've gone through Heather's belongings. Her notebooks and pictures. Her room was decorated in purple. She had mostly purple clothes. And her name, she wrote H as the symbol Lambda, which was also the symbol of gay and lesbian community. She wrote small poems and dreew flowers in her notes. They all seemed to address one person. The person who was the same as her and started to grow some feeling for her."
"Hudson's MO changed when she killed Heather. The reason why she got sloppy with the fourth victim. And then we guess she was sloppy with the fifth victim too, so she changed her MO. She started killing people and turning them to ashes and grew flowers in the pots, and each flower was different. When I interviewed her for the last time, I dropped words to provoke her. She got annoyed when I said I thought a man was the killer. She got angry when I called the killer sloppy. She couldn't accept it. Her disposition changed when I talked about her childhood. And there was a Begonia on her table and a pink carnation on her apron. Which screams danger and missing someone. And when I mentioned Heathers, she froze for a moment. There was that look in her eyes. Terrified and guilt. The reason why she never dated anyone in her life. Her cafe and home have purple decor which suggests she was a lesbian too."
"How were other victims related to Hudson?" Moody asked.
"Her tea," Kitty replied. "The apothecary has magical potions too. Her cafe is famous for refreshing tea and ...bakery. The magical properties make people feel refreshed and happy. So... We assume the victims might've visited that place."
"So, you all based your case on some preposterous assumptions and theories?" Barty barked. "And Miss Potter what in the bloody hell were you doing at her place disguised as someone else and almost got killed?"
"Like you said, all we had was theories and our instincts. We had no evidence. So, we had to produce an evidence. So... I became the bait," she shrugged.
"This is madness!!!" Barty yelled. "You could've died!"
"I didn't. I had backup! This is case closed, Mr. Crouch. Come on! Don't tell me you aren't impressed. We caught a killer that no one was able to catch for years. She wouldn't have stopped. She would have killed more people!"
"Shut up," James and Sirius mumbled.
Barty Crouch glared at her. "Potter! Black! Get the paperwork done by tomorrow morning. Miss Potter, get your neck treated first," he said and walked out of the room.
"Yes, sir!" James and Sirius said in unison.
"You're going to have an earful from Jay," Alice said in a singsong voice.
She wasn't wrong.
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*AN: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to favourite this book for updates.