Last time Harry, Ron and Hermione went over the facts of their first mission as Aurors. Someone is murdering wizards and witches in manners most gruesome. It is up to our heroes to find some clue as who the killer is and how he or she is choosing the victims. On with the show!

Chapter 3: Common Factors

For the duration of their first day as Aurors, and most of the second day, Harry, Ron and Hermione went over the evidence collected from the five murder scenes. Yet despite the mountains of information collected, they couldn't find anything that could help them identify the killer.

By 5:30 p.m. on the second day our heroes still haven't figured out anything conclusive that could break the case open. "This is bloody ridiculous," said Ron, "Not one usable fingerprint, no hair samples, no skin or blood samples; it's like the killer is a ghost or a poltergeist."

"There's one or two things I've learned about the killer," said Hermione, "He or she is highly intelligent; that he or she is proficient enough to clean up after him or herself so as to not leave anything that could identify him or her."

"I've been over the information concerning the lives of the victims," said Harry, "And I haven't found one common factor between them: They're all different age groups, different heights, weights, eye color… The only thing that really marks them out is that the killer accused them of wasting their lives. I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with the killer somewhat; there are a lot of people who take life for granted, The Dursleys for example."

At this both Ron and Hermione laughed. Harry hoped that this would break the ice between them, yet his hope was in vain. "It's past quitting time," said Hermione, "And I promised my parents I'd be home for dinner, we're having French tonight."

"Enjoy," said Ron dully. Harry remembered that Ron doesn't enjoy French style cooking.

"Thanks," snapped Hermione as she walked out of the office, "I will." She slammed the door after her.

"What's with you two this time?" asked Harry.

"I don't know," said Ron, "Everything was going so well. Then we just started to drift apart and I don't know why.""

Ron sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Do you remember, Harry," said Ron as he stared at the ceiling, "When all we had to worry about was homework, the occasional monster and the regular threat on your life from V-Voldemort?"

"I remember," said Harry, "Time sure does fly when you're having fun."

"Yep," said Ron as he sat up, "Anyway, I feel we're missing something. The key to figuring out the identity of the killer is here, we just haven seen it yet. Let's go over the evidence again."

"We've been over the evidence at least ten times today," said Harry, "I lost count. We should start again tomorrow with fresh eyes and fresh minds."

"Since when did you start calling it quits on a mystery?" asked Ron. "Since I fell in love with your sister," said Harry as he stood up to leave, "Besides, I have a date with Ginny tonight at 7:15 sharp. She'll vivisect me if I'm late."

"Well the two of you have fun," said Ron, "I'm staying. The answer is here, I just need to look harder."

"Don't stay too long," said Harry as he walked out the door, "And make sure you get some sleep." With that, Harry left the office for his date with Ginny.

Three hours later Ron still hadn't made any progress. He leaned back in his chair, his hand covering his eyes because they were dry from looking at the evidence for so long. I'm missing the key to it all, he thought, I'm just not seeing it. He then went over the information on the lives of the victims. They were ordinary wizards and witches, leading lives that were normal for people who could use magic.

Just as Ron checked his watch, 8:03, he then noticed something that had in fact been starring at him all this time, something that linked the victims together. A few days before each victim was reported missing, they had each received a letter through the muggle post. The letters had no return address, and each letter had the words 'I'll be seeing you soon.'

A feeling of terrifying clarity hit Ron in the head like a sledgehammer. Hermione had received a letter with the exact same words the day before yesterday. He leapt out of his chair, nearly knocking the table over. Ron rushed to the wall where a purple crystal sat in a holder. This was the wizard equivalent of a phone. Ron picked up the crystal and used a spell that connected him to the muggle phone system. He then signaled the number he wanted to reach.

Two rings later a female voice picked up on the other end, "Granger residence?"

"Hello, Mrs. Granger," said Ron, desperately trying not to panic, "This is Ron Weasley."

"Oh yes," said Mrs. Granger, "Hermione's boyfriend. How are you?"

"I'm fine," said Ron, "I was wondering if Hermione was there?"

"She isn't," said Mrs. Granger, "We were expecting her home for dinner tonight, yet she never showed up. I guess she's so involved in her new job, she lost track of time."

"She left work just after 5:30," said Ron, "And she hasn't arrived home yet?"

"No," said Mrs. Granger, "I guess she's stuck in traffic."

Ron was severely tempted to shout 'Wizards aren't bothered with muggle traffic!' But panic was starting to take hold. "Well if she shows up," he said, "Tell her to stay inside. I'll explain everything later." With that he disconnected the call. He then used the crystal to call The Burrow. Mrs. Weasley answered.

"Is everything alright Ron?" asked Mrs. Weasley, "You sound troubled."

"If only I was just troubled," said Ron, "Mum, do you know where Harry is taking Ginny out? It's extremely important that I talk with him."

"I know which restaurant," said Mrs. Weasley, "I'll get the number." While his mother searched for the telephone number, Ron made a silent prayer that he could contact Harry and find Hermione before what he feared was happening is happening.

Meanwhile…

Harry sat across from Ginny, the low candlelight sparkling in her eyes. The evening had gone by perfectly. All that remained was for Harry to give Ginny the ring that was burning a hole in his pocket. "Now, Harry," said Ginny, "It's safe to assume that you haven't brought me to dinner at the most romantic restaurant in London just for the food."

"You're right," said Harry as he began to pull out the ring form his pocket, it's now or never he thought, "Ginny, will…"

But before Harry got any further, the waiter came over to the table. "Mr. Potter," said the waiter, "There's a phone call for you, a Mr. Weasley on the line."

Damn it! Thought Harry. "To be continued," he said to Ginny, "This won't take a minute."

"If this isn't the emergency to end all emergencies," said Ginny, "Then tell my brother that I said he's the world's biggest git, and that he shouldn't expect to wake up tomorrow with hair on his big head."

"I'll do that," said Harry as he headed to the restaurant phone. As he neared the phone, Harry had a distinct feeling that trouble was knocking on his door again. Despite his best efforts to live quietly and without running headlong into danger, trouble always found him.

"Ron," said Harry into the phone, "This had better be damn well important, or there's a few new hexes and jinxes I'm anxious to try out, and you might just make the perfect test subject."

"Well I'm sorry for interrupting your big moment with Ginny," said Ron, "But we're in a world of sh$t. I've found a common factor among the victims."

"You interrupted me for that!?" asked Harry, his rage slowly rising to the surface, "You called me just as I was about to ask your sister to marry me, just to say you've made some progress?! I hope you enjoy having just four limbs, because you're about to grow a few extra!"

"Just shut up and listen to me!" snapped Ron, "The common factor is that all the victims each received a letter just like the one Hermione got the day before yesterday. They all disappeared a few days after receiving the letter! And now I can't find Hermione!"

The reality of the situation hit Harry like ten tones of bricks. "Did you try her parent's place?" he asked.

"That's the first place I checked," said Ron, "I'm going to ask at other places she likes to go to, but I had to tell you first."

"You did the right thing," said Harry, "I'll be back at the office as soon as I can."

"I'm scared, mate," said Ron, "I'm scared that that madman has her."

"Don't say such things," said Harry, "We'll find her, I promise." Harry hung up and headed back to the table.

"Is everything alright, sir?" asked the waiter.

"Nothing to worry about," lied Harry, "But we'd like the check soon, if you please."

As Harry sat down at across from Ginny, a serious look of concern dawn on her face. "I know that look," said Ginny, "Something terrible has happened."

"Hermione's missing," said Harry, "And Ron thinks the killer who's been murdering witches and wizards over the past few weeks has taken her."

The end of chapter 3. Next chapter we find out what happened to Hermione. Reviews will be most graciously appreciated. See you next time!