If you are what you wear, you better dress for the role you want. A few fabulous, lucky people can do no wrong. Their looks are nothing short of perfection, complete with incredible matching accessories. But most people get tired of the same old look and would do anything to get a hot new item on their arm (dates included).
Then there are those with no imagination of their own. Those are the ones who beg, borrow, and ultimately steal. They are thieves who will go so far as to steal the shirt right off your back. Not to mention your outfit and then claim they wore it better. You see, appearances can be deceiving, especially when dressed to kill.
It's been said a person should always sleep with one eye open and never take anything for granted. You never know, your best friends might be your enemies in disguise. Clothes may make a statement, but costumes tell the story. And there are particular people who look just like everyone else on the outside. Except, really, they're complete maniacs underneath. The opposite is true too.
A disguise is a huge part of playing a character. It's almost as if your body soaks in what you're wearing. Little by little, you turn into something else. You become the part you're portraying. Just like polyjuice, it's incredible what a person can miss, even when it's right in front of their eyes.
The minute Marcus said Mulvaney's name, Hermione and Harry shared a look of discernment. It became clear that this whole thing led back to the uncaptured death eaters in polyjuice form. The irony is that polyjuice and a death eater are nothing more than a costume used for masking evil or nefarious purposes.
Monsters are real, and they look like anything normal. The thing about evil people is you can always trust them to do something wholly wretched and unthinkable. And that includes blending in and looking normal because evil has to appear like everything else for it to truly take root.
Then the problem becomes how to fight it because to fight evil, you have to understand it.
To the average thinking person, that proves difficult. What makes a heart turn black and devise wickedness is incomprehensible to those with compassion and mercy flowing through their veins. Evil is easy, but virtue is difficult. So, to fight monsters, you have to think like one. And that should be a piece of cake to the vanquisher of Voldemort, except in this matter, it wasn't.
You see, this particular case has too many variables that are far too horrid to imagine. It's uncomplicated thinking Voldemort is a character like some wicked villain straight out of a comic book. It's another to know firsthand that he devised curses that kill or maim. That's the same here.
It's one thing to think of Tin Man Tonics or Blazing Brews as relics from the past (or documented in books for posterity purposes). But it's entirely different knowing these things are real and out there waiting to wreak havoc on unsuspecting individuals. In truth, The Boy Who Lived twice thought he wouldn't have to reencounter this level of evil, and it made him tired. It would be nice to have a moment's peace, but wickedness never rests.
So while Harry was trying to think like a whacko, Hermione's thoughts led in a different direction. For her, this whole ordeal is like a giant game of catch me if you can. That's where the fun lies. All throughout her life, Hermione has loved playing games. Monopoly, Uno, Risk, Trivial Pursuit, the list goes on and on. She's the queen of board games. But her favorites are word games and thinking games, naturally. Although it's true she could improve at wizard chess, but checkers... oh, she loves checkers!
Hermione's up for playing any game where she can crush the opponent's mind. The truth is, a person shouldn't play games with a girl who can play them better. That's where ego-maniacal maniacs go wrong. They think they're better than everyone else, but they're not. Eventually, they slip up and make a mistake. In the process of the enemy making a mistake, the challenge lies in not giving up and not allowing them to defeat you- mentally or physically. Because the enemy has one goal, and that is to win at all costs.
You see, like an entertainer, a con artist misdirects suspicion. Ultimately that's what death eaters, polyjuicers, evil wizards, and wicked witches are... con artists. It's the oldest trick in the book. While everyone is watching a magician waiting for him to pull a rabbit out of the hat, he's actually sawing his assistant in half. You think he's doing one stunt when he's actually performing another. A sleight of hand.
The biggest reason why con artists get away with what they do is because of the victim. Their victims feel ashamed, mainly of their own gullibility or blindness. So, they go away quietly into the night. It's the essence of deception, and nothing is worse than self-deception- the fear of being fooled. Fear is the great opponent of logic. That is The Alchemist's greatest tool, capitalizing on that kind of fear. But make no mistake, any attack by an enemy is intentional.
This Alchemist is playing games and leaving clues behind in the form of the crown of thorns. It's all about putting the pieces together, searching for more clues, and looking for missteps. There's nothing more satisfying to Hermione than going in for the kill when an opponent has made an error. Most narcissistic opponents think they can't make blunders, but they do.
At the heart of the matter, these types of people are emotional creatures. They can't control their emotions and act out of them, letting feelings run wild. They're very retaliatory and deliberate. Everything is hinged on torturing those they feel have done them an injustice at some point in their life. In doing so, you realize these people are great at giving a good performance, mesmerizing their audience, and holding them captive. And that's what they do, hold people captive to their emotions, whims, and abuse. That is what makes them seriously unhinged.
Those facts are valid in the case of The Alchemist. In fact, it's all in the details. General impressions are unimportant. Never trust them, but concentrate on the details because the truth lies there, waiting to be discovered. They create the bigger picture. So, who better to look at each component than a witch who's detailed herself? What's the point of being brainy if you can't prove it? The essential contributing factor to Hermione's involvement is that this Alchemist will provide a certain thrill that has been lacking of late.
Research, observation, and puzzle pieces are wonders for her mind because crime is common, but logic is rare. Being able to use her brain to aid others is rarer still. This frame of thinking gave birth to some of her favorite book heroes and heroines. Mainly Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, and Hercule Peroit. Mystery novels are a beloved bedtime reading for her, besides the romantic dramas in the likes of Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre. The bookish witch has devoured, And Then There Were None, Murder on the Orient Express, Crooked House, and The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Like any good mystery, all the secrets aren't given up at once. They unfold. As in the days at Hogwarts, it's up to Hermione to help Harry unfold them all. And so she asked her auror friend for the files once again. He came to Marcus's chateau bearing copies of the reports. That's how the living room transformed into a situation room the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple would be proud to have.
As papers were strewn about and important notes hung on walls, connections began to be made. Problems began to seem more minor. For every problem, there is a simple solution. While Hermione pondered over the facts and details, she made memos that sent Harry on investigative outings. The first outing started with Sheridan Mulvaney, Rick's wife.
The messy-haired auoror learned from the quidditch star's wife that her husband had a shirt from his locker go missing. Rick and Sheridan thought little of it at the time, as clothing will sometimes go misplaced during quidditch travel. At other times pieces will get mixed up with teammates. Not a big deal.
It was during their conversation that Rick, himself, came home. After being a bit star-struck, Harry got down to questioning the famous player. The man told the auror much of the same that his wife did. However, knowing that someone polyjuiced themself as Mulvaney sent chills down the athlete's back and his wife into a fit of tears. It led to a round of detailed questioning, whereby Harry realized Rick Mulvaney was an excellent mentor to Marcus and the man truly was clueless about the polyjuice.
Harry took the information back to Hermione, who added it to the growing pile of notes she'd been making. That gave birth to the auror going on more journies. By the end of the week, the duo had eliminated several suspects and gained more questions than answers. Although both were pleased that they would not have to reencounter someone like Dolohov. That death eater had been marked off the list quickly because this type of crime is not his style. Though Dolohov is intentional in his conquests, he focuses more on spellwork and its purposes. No, this case is centered squarely on potions.
But the thought occurred to Hermione that even though Dolohov was not a suspect, they could use the man's knowledge. That left an ache in her chest and a few chills down her spine. The last place the Russian was supposedly sighted had been Latvia. However, reports say the wizard may be a professor at Ilvermorny. How the despicable man was able to gain a professional spot at the school is beyond any rational thought. It just goes to show how some people are great con artists, and others are great at being conned.
Reluctantly, Harry decided to visit the magical American school in order to check out the information on Dolohov. Interestingly, Adrian Pucey was tagging along as an assistant and possible Dark Crime Auror. Pucey had reapplied for the auror program and was finally accepted after a very long wait. The guy had more than earned his due. He made it through basic training in a matter of weeks and was assigned to Auror Stephens, but his passion lies in dark crimes. So, when Harry asked if he wanted to assist him with this case, Pucey said a very vocal, "Hell yes." He'd be able to get a feel for dark crimes and help Marcus simultaneously. It's a win-win and a no-brainer.
While Harry and Adrian traveled to America, Hermione put aside the investigating in favor of her fiance. Marcus had been released from the hospital and into her care. It was decided that he would take a leave of absence from quidditch since he's been the target of The Alchemist not once but twice. And oh, how the enraged chaser railed at Potter and Pucey for daring to say what they did. He only calmed down once Mulvaney came by to visit.
Hermione had been there for that drop-in, and to say it was awkward would be an understatement. At first, it was like that awkward moment when you can't understand what someone is saying after they've repeated it four times. Except this was silence, total silence, and stares- lots of stares. So, the lone witch in the room opted for a safe conversation starter. "How are Sheridan and the kids? I miss seeing them," she asked.
If that didn't work, Hermione had no idea what to do next. Luckily it did the trick because the older man began talking about his family and the new things his youngest son was into. It even garnered a laugh from Marcus, and that was when the petite witch knew everything would be alright. By the time Mulvaney left, the warmhearted friendship between the two men had been restored. So much so that Marcus asked his mentor's opinion about the leave of absence.
Mulvaney told him, "I think you should take it. Whoever this criminal is impersonated me just to get close to you. They caused your broom to wreck and you to be laid out in the hospital. That's no laughing matter, Mate. If your injuries were more severe, you might not be here amongst the living. You can always come back at the tail-end of the season. There's lots of playing left, then. And don't worry about your stats. You're still the top chaser, but what's more important- stats or your life?"
Hermione wanted to hug the man. That's everything Harry and Adrian tried to tell him, although with much less finesse than Rick. The two athletes embraced, and Mulvaney promised to be back again. When he left, Marcus turned to his witch, "What's your opinion on this? You've been very quiet, especially since you're not shy about voicing your thoughts. I thought you'd be wrestling me or ready to tie me up by now."
She narrowed her shrewd eyes at him. Then remarked, "Just for that, I'm not bringing you a greasy hamburger and chips from that place in London we love so much."
Marcus chuckled and held his arms open. Despite the comment, Hermione fell into them. "I was only joking, but I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter," he explained.
Her hand sneaked under his grey t-shirt and drew circles on his hairy chest. They held each other for a beat until she had the courage to say, "I think you should take the leave as suggested. Like Rick said, quidditch will be there when you return, but you might not be if you come back to play so quickly. I don't think you realize, Marcus, what it was like seeing the man you love fall from the sky and land in a twisted, mangled heap."
Her breath shuddered, and though she tried hard not to cry, it couldn't be helped. The memories of the day played in her mind like a nightmare that wouldn't end. Marcus's hand ran soothingly over her back. He knew that affected her in a way he could relate to because when he had seen her laid out from the curse to the chest in the Department of Mysteries, it almost killed him. But, "That's the thing with relationships, especially those involving life-long commitments like marriage. The ones that matter have one thing in common: weathering the hills and valleys life throws at you. There are moments when I wish I could go back in time and take all the sadness away; this is one of those times. But I suppose that if I did that, the happiness would also be gone."
Hermione hmmed in response. Marcus continued talking. "The past is in the past for a good reason, and we should learn from it. If it's over, it's over. You shouldn't let it screw up the rest of your life. I refuse to let this accident or this Alchemist mess up my life because I have a lot to live for. I have a lot going for me, including you and our upcoming marriage. So, I'll do as suggested and take a leave of absence. Although I warn you, I may go stir-crazy before the end."
Hermione sat up and looked him in the eyes. "I know this will sound ironic coming from me, but you've got to know when to be lazy. It's a benefit if done right," she noted.
Marcus laughed a deep rich laugh, and it warmed her to the soul. When he spoke, he stated, "That is funny coming from you. But you're right. I should take this time for what it is and enjoy the respite while I can."
His witch snuggled back into his embrace. As they lay there, he thought about many things. The past has gone, and the future hasn't started yet, but the present is where life is. It's all a person really has, and it's worth living and focusing on. He survived a horrible ordeal and was given the gift of living. It made Marcus realize the future is not guaranteed, despite how much Professor Trelawney would argue otherwise.
This new appreciation began the moment he woke up differently and moody. He's prone to crying now; it's troubling for a guy who never cries. The healers say it's normal to have bouts of moodiness after a concussion. Ain't that the truth, because his disposition constantly changes throughout the day.
They're always at opposite ends of the spectrum, either angry or weepy. There's no in-between. Marcus's moods don't swing. They bounce, swivel, rebound, pivot, kick, jump, skip, run, crawl, and strike. He needs a sign to hang around his neck that says Caution: Mood Swings In Progress. But the crying part... that just sucks.
He's never been a huge crier. Now he's a weepy crybaby. In fact, just this morning, he grew so frustrated with lying in bed that he started crying. Hermione, bless her, handles his moods perfectly. She's been so patient and comforting. She has yet to get tired of his drama. He owes her big time.
Today at home, he's starting a cardio regimen for thirty minutes daily. This regimen begins with a ride on a stationary bike. Before leaving Mungos, Healer Tomlinson explained, "Exercise for thirty minutes daily will increase your chances of healing properly."
Which is precisely what he wants- to heal properly and quickly, so he doesn't have to lie around going nuts. Healer Tomlinson continued by saying, "A stationary bike, or an elliptical machine, is ideal for getting your blood pumping without making any head damage worse."
Before leaving the hospital, that got him thinking, which he's not supposed to do. But he did anyway. Cardio, nothing too strenuous, blood pumping, heart rate up, healing... And that was when another kind of exercise popped into his mind. He took one look at his fiance, who was still listening to the doctor like the good girl she's known to be. Quality time with Hermione could be a helpful thing- a helpful, healing thing.
As soon as the healer left, he told her as much. However, she had point-blank stated, "No. You don't need to engage in anything overly taxing. And if somehow you threw your head back or bumped it, I'd never forgive myself. It would ruin sex for a while." She effectively threw cold water on that idea. That's when his crying had started again.
No TV, over-thinking, no quidditch, or quality time with his witch, nothing. It's all a big ball of suck! Then Marcus became besieged by tears. Tears, lots of tears, were shed before leaving. He wept out words that sounded like, "But I want to have fun. All I can do is lie around and eat crappy food with no salt." Then he started crying over the lack of salt.
Hermione, who wanted to laugh but didn't, declared, "I'm glad you have no salt. The way you shake it on everything, you're cruising for high blood pressure."
Her words were not comforting. It did not help the crying fit because her wizard started crying over the fact he was crying. "I hate crying! I HATE crying in front of people cause I feel weak. I want to tell myself to be quiet! But I can't. And what if I'm now a habitual crier? What if this is the new me, and I'm a crybaby, and it won't ever change? That sucks so hard," he sobbed.
Hermione was genuinely torn between laughing and feeling sorry for him. The healer told her this would eventually go away and to be patient with him. She remembers her mother's words about patience which were, "Patience is a sign of love. Anyone can say I love you, but not everyone can be patient and prove it's true." So, Hermione waits. She waits for his crying and angry moods to pass and all the emotional rollercoasters in between. That's how Marcus's mother found them- him weeping and her holding him through it.
So, as Marcus now lay in their bedroom at home, he couldn't help it when the tears began to fall again. And Hermione, steady as always, loved him through it. Once her fiance fell asleep for a nap, she picked up a notepad from the night table. Back downstairs in the investigative HQ, she reread some notes. Something stood out that hadn't before, and that was when the witch rubbed her temples.
To follow the lead her notes might provide, Hermione would have to do something unthinkable. It would call for a colossal humbling of herself, and like Marcus's tears, it would suck so hard. And that is because she would need to go to the one place she vowed never to go to again. Oh, Merlin! Why did it have to be him? Anyone but the Devil in disguise! Anyone but Lucius Malfoy.