Part 2. Enjoy the Conclusion!

"He was what?" Severus exclaimed, his hold tightening on Harry seated in his lap.

"He's fine," Remus quickly assured, "obviously it was a failed attempt."

"I turned into Faolan," Harry said, smiling up at Severus. His father smiled back at him, raising an eyebrow.

"You did? That is quite impressive. I'm glad you're okay, son. Any news on the case?" Severus looked at Remus hopefully. He was sick of sitting in this large box of a cell all day. The stiff bed had made for a miserable awakening the next morning and the lack of room to move about did not help his aching muscles. At least they had allowed him to see Harry.

"I'm afraid not," Remus said, "but I have some suspicions myself. I personally am forbidden to work on the case as it directly relates to you, but I believe I may know a way around that."

"You don't think the other aurors are doing a good enough job?" Severus smirked knowingly.

"It's not that, I'm just . . ." Remus looked off to an empty corner. He sighed. "I could be wrong, but I just hate to see you in here and Harry so depressed. I will do everything in my power to get you out of here as soon as possible."

"Do you know I was interrogated?" Severus asked. "My arresting auror seemed to conclude that, as the youngest Potions Master in Britain, I was jealous of Miss Stark's success as the soon-to-be youngest Potions Mistress and ended her chances of fame before it could happen, restoring my title."

"That's ridiculous," Remus said.

"I agree. But with the evidence and lack of an alibi, that is the concocted story. And its enough to keep me here."

"You'll be free soon enough, Severus," Remus insisted.

"Daddy, can you read this to me?" Harry asked, holding up a book he had found in the kids' playroom of the Auror Department.

"The Cat in the Hat, huh?" Severus smiled. "I used to have my mother read this to me when I was younger."

"Really? This must be an old book."

"Excuse me? I'm not that old!"

Remus chuckled and stepped out of the room to give Severus some alone time with Harry. He frowned as a dog patronus galloped up to him and sat at his feet. The silvery creature asked, "What information can you share with me?"

Remus glanced around, making sure no one else was near enough to hear him. If anyone knew what he was up to, he could be suspended. But if he was right . . .

Harry cried into his pillow. He hadn't wanted to leave when the guard had walked in, ending his reading time with Daddy. He had fought tooth and nail with the guard as he was dragged out until Remus came and pushed the guard away, taking Harry into his arms. Harry still didn't want to leave Severus, but he put up less resistance with Remus.

Back at home, Remus had fed him dinner and helped him dress for bed two hours ago, but Harry had yet to even doze off. He wanted Severus. His poor Daddy was stuck in that teeny tiny room with no one and nothing but a thin blanket and a hard pillow. Harry kicked off his ow blanket and threw his pillow across the room. If his father couldn't have nice things, neither would he.

Carefully sliding out of bed and feeling his way through the dark, Harry pushed open his door and tiptoed down the hall. He paused at the top of the stairway when he heard voices, peering through the railing into the living room, catching glimpses of three men's backs.

"So far, we know we are looking for a blue-eyed man in a mask," Luke was saying. "That's all the kid could give us."

"None of our suspects have blue eyes," Frederick's voice said.

"I'm sure someone will turn up," Remus said. "Until then, Harry will stay at my side at all times. Period."

"Seems fair," Frederick said. Luke did not respond. It was silent for a few moments, and Harry strained to hear what they were saying. What about his father?

"I hate when children are the victims," Frederick said, "It makes this case so much more difficult. That girl had so much going for her."

"It is an honor that my wife continues to hold the title of youngest Potions Mistress," Luke began sadly, "for it is all I have left of her, yet she would have wanted to see that girl win it. It is a deep loss for me and Lizzie Mae."

Harry felt his lower lip pucker out. No one was talking about his Daddy. Angrily, he stomped back to his room loud enough to draw attention, then plopped face down on his bed. For several minutes there was nothing, no sound, no movements.

Then the door to his room opened and Remus stepped in, his wand lit to brighten the room. He picked up the pillow Harry had thrown.

"Hey, sport," Remus said, sitting next to Harry on the bed, returning the pillow to its place. "It's way past your bed time. Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"I can't sleep," Harry pouted, talking into his mattress.

"This is really hard on all of us," Remus said. "But you need to be strong for Daddy."

"What if he never leaves?" Harry cried as he sat up, rubbing at his cheek. "What if they keep him there forever?"

"They won't," Remus said. "I won't let that happen. He'll be out of there before you know it. Sooner than you think, really."

"You promise?"

"Yes," Remus nodded, "and to seal my promise, take this."

Remus handed Harry a small golden token. Harry studied the coin, running a finger along the ridged edge.

"Keep that with you at all times," Remus said. "It will bring you good luck. Hopefully, the kind that will help your father out of his cell."

"I would like that," Harry smiled.

Remus snorted, then said, "Remember, if you ever feel like you need some immediate luck, tap the token three times with your finger as hard as you can. Then wish for luck in your head. Think you can do that?"

Harry grinned and nodded at his uncle and hugged him. Remus tucked him back in bed, fixing the blanket around him. He kissed his nephew goodnight before stepping out of the room, closing the door behind him.

The next day, Remus and Harry arrived at the Auror department just in time to see a man being shoved into an interrogation room by two aurors, a woman following and shouting all the way.

"New suspect," Frederick informed, pausing next to Remus, "a potioneer visiting Hogwarts for a week. How convenient."

"What happened to your hand?" Remus asked, staring at the bandaged right hand.

Frederick shrugged and lowered his hand out of Remus's sight.

"Mrs. Johnson is really insistent her husband is not the killer," Frederik said, "Sent a few hexes our way. Auror Benninger had to confiscate her wand. I was an unfortunate victim."

Harry looked at the bandaged hand with a frown, only for Luke to walk between himself and Frederick.

Luke was frowning as he entered the connecting room with the mirror, Remus pulling Harry inside as well. The man had been moved into one of the rooms separated by the mirror, and he was talking a mile a minute, the lady next to him nodding and throwing words in. Luke sighed, accepting the file from Frederick and walking into the interrogation room. Remus and Harry sat in the offered chairs, a couple other Aurors standing by to watch.

"So, Mr. Dolus Johnson," Luke greeted.

"Master Johnson," the man, Dolus corrected.

"He's a Potions Master," the woman at his side said, "he needs to be addressed with the proper respect."

"And who are you?" Luke asked the lady.

"Sandra," Dolus said, gesturing to the lady.

"I'm his wife," Sandra said, "and my husband didn't kill anyone. He wouldn't hurt a fly. Unless he needs it for his potions but that's it."

"Ma'am," Luke started.

"Do not "ma'am" me. This is an outrage! You have the wrong man. The killer is still out there probably killing another innocent child because you lazy arses aren't doing your job."

"If you don't let me question your husband, I'll have you escorted out of this room," Luke said.

"Tell him, honey," Sandra said, crossing her arms.

"Look, I was at Hogwarts," Dolus said, "I had scheduled a date with Professor Snape to come in and speak to his Seventh Year Potions classes."

"Mm-hmm," Sandra agreed.

"You know," Dolus continued, "the one with the prodigy students. I did meet Miss Stark and we got talking about some of her ideas and let me just say now, they are great ideas, world changing potions that could really bring about a difference in medicine and . . ."

"Ideas better than anything you ever came up with," Luke said.

"It's not like that. I encouraged her to follow through on the ones she was unsure about. She was going to make history."

"And then you killed her to steal her ideas and take the fame and glory for yourself. Seems fitting for a Potions Master who hasn't really made much impact in the field yet. How long have you been at this?"

"I didn't hurt that girl. I left after the class."

"And where were you?"

"Well . . . I was . . . out"

"Out where?"

"Out . . . for lunch."

"You ate lunch that late in the afternoon? Dinner was just a few hours away, I'm sure."

"I was hungry."

"And where did you have lunch?"

"Err, somewhere in Hogsmeade. Hog's Head, I think."

"You didn't say anything about no lunch when you came home last night," Sandra asked, giving Dolus a strange look. "Whatever, my husband wouldn't kill a girl, we have two of our own."

"How sweet," Luke commented dryly. "But I will need to follow up on your alibi. Hog's Head, you say? Remember if your alibi doesn't match, you will be our prime suspect."

Dolus chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, you see," he began.

"Yes?" Luke waited patiently.

"I . . . err, I have an alibi – one that can be proven for sure, but I just . . ."

"If it can be proven, then you have nothing to worry about," Luke said, motioning for Frederick to enter the room. "I'll have my friend here head to the inn and confirm it now. Then you'll be free to go. But if he can't confirm it, then we have a nice cell waiting for you."

Dolus's eyes grew wide as Frederick pulled out his wand, prepared to apparate.

"Wait!" Dolus bit his lip and pulled at a strand of hair. "I wasn't at Hog's Head."

"No?" Luke waited.

"Then where were you?" Sandra asked. "You told me you were running errands, so just explain that to them. Oh, I know – our anniversary is in two days. He was probably buying me a gift, the usual right? Just tell them – I'll act surprised when you give it to me."

Luke raised his brows at Dolus expectantly. Dolus growled under his breath, his eyes flicking to Frederick then back to Luke.

"The truth," Luke encouraged. "So we can confirm it now. Whatever it is, you better spit it out soon, or we'll just arrest you now."

"I . . . I can't say," Dolus said.

"Very well," Luke said. He looked at Frederick. "Arrest him."

"No wait!" Dolus said, holding up his hands. "I was with Lilith White, she can confirm it."

Everyone froze, Sandra turning and giving Dolus a look.

"Lilith White?" she asked. "Who the bloody hell is Lilith?"

"She's just a . . . friend, honey, we were . . . having lunch. An old friend from school."

"An old friend, my ass! You – "

Remus quickly covered Harry's ears. Harry blinked as he watched another auror step into the room and remove Sandra from the room, the woman still shouting and raging, grabbing anything in reach and throwing it at Dolus. Frederick apparated away, possibly to confirm the alibi. Luke stepped out of the room, shaking his head as Dolus was left to wait for confirmation. Remus finally removed his hands away from Harry's ears.

"Unbelievable," Luke said. "At least we removed Mrs. Johnson before we had another homicide case on our hands."

"Everyone's a fraud," Remus remarked, staring at Dolus, "who can we trust anymore?"

Harry stared at the man as well, before whispering into Remus's ear, "He has blue eyes."

Remus blinked, looking at Luke, who had heard the boy's not so quiet whisper.

"Do you think he is the man who tried to kidnap you?" Luke asked.

Harry shrugged his shoulder. Somehow, he thought the voices just didn't match, but what would he know? He wasn't a very good special agent. He watched as Dolus leaned down on the table, covering his head with his arms in frustration and misery.

"You have to be sure," Remus said, frowning. "Are you?"

Harry gulped and shook his head. He wasn't sure.

"But you have observed that the man has blue eyes," Luke countered.

"But he's not sure," Remus said, "we can't just accuse him without concrete evidence and a positive ID by a witness. Harry isn't sure."

Luke seemed to bite his tongue but gave a sharp nod. Luke paced in front of the mirror a few times, checking on Dolus before turning with a smile. "Have either of you had lunch yet?"

Remus sighed as he waited for Harry to finish his egg salad sandwich, deciding not to engage in conversation with Luke. Luke seemed content chatting with Harry, talking about what a great help the boy had been. It took everything to keep from rolling his eyes.

A dog patronus peeking out from behind the food stand caught Remus's attention. The dog visibly huffed before walking out of the food court and down a hallway. Remus looked over at Luke, who was too busy entertaining Harry with some silly Muggle coin trick where the quarter appears from the person's ear. Harry was amazed and demanding to see the trick again.

"I need to run to the restroom," Remus announced. "Harry, do you need to go? Now would be the time."

"No, Uncle," Harry answered. "Again!"

"Don't worry," Luke said, pulling out another sickle for the trick, "I'll watch him. You shouldn't be long."

"Right," Remus nodded before taking off after the dog. He discreetly turned down the opposite hall from the restrooms. He spotted the dog waiting for him at the end of the hall, a dead end it turned out.

"What did you find out, Sirius?" Remus asked.

"Your man was a hard search," the dog spoke, "I looked into Luke Lancaster, but all I got was some perfect record of his work in the French department and the transfer papers. I had to look deeper, so I searched recent obituaries for a Lizzie Mae. I found an Elizabeth Mae Lancer, survived by her husband, Luke Lancer. Luke Lancer was an auror, but three years ago he was charged with auror misconduct but disappeared right before his hearing. He's been on the run since, changing his name, his appearance, his identity. Those records and transfer papers are fake. I believe his friend, Auror Frederick Smith played a role in helping him get to the British Auror Department."

"But why?" Remus pushed. "For what?"

"Isn't it obvious?" the dog sneezed, "So he could kill Miss Stark and keep his wife's title for himself. It's all he has left as far as honor in his name. He came to this department to stay on top of the case. He framed Severus, he set up every misleading connection, he's the mastermind. He did his research, but he missed one detail."

"Which was . . .?"

"Harry. He didn't do a thorough enough research to find out that Severus had a son. And Harry witnessed the murder. I bet he set up that kidnapping – him and his friend. You need to get Harry as far away from him as possible. You found my fraudulent auror. And he's a dangerous man."

"I left him alone with Harry!" Remus gasped. "I need to get to him fast."

"Remus, behind you!" the dog barked frantically.

Remus spun around and was struck with a hard object. He fell to the ground, the last thing he saw was the dog leaping away.

Harry rested his head in his palm, his elbow digging in the table. Where was Remus? Did he get lost on the way to the restroom? It had to have been a half hour at this point. Maybe he should go find him.

"Should I go look for Uncle Remus?" Harry asked Luke.

Just as the last word left his lip, a rolled parchment appeared near Luke and the man read the words before staring long and hard at Harry. Luke slowly smiled.

"This is . . ." Luke glanced at the letter and back at Harry, "From Uncle Remus. He says he has a treat for you in the . . . Nap Room."

"The nap room?" Harry frowned. "There's a nap room here?"

"Of course," Luke laughed. "Everyone needs a nape sometimes, even us adults."

"That's what Daddy says," Harry made a face.

"And your father is right," Luke said, standing. "Come, I will take you to the Nap Room."

Harry jumped out of his seat and followed after Luke, eager to see the treat Remus had for him. Luke lead him down a long hall where Aurors were moving about, chatting with each other or leading babbling characters to different rooms. They turned down an empty hall, the silence striking Harry as odd after where they had just come from. Must be quiet for the nap room, Harry thought.

Three more quiet halls later, Harry frowned, unnerved by how empty and dark the halls were becoming. He stopped following, Luke quickly noticing.

"Where's Uncle Remus?" Harry demanded. "Where's the nap room?"

"We're almost here, don't worry," Luke said, pulling out a gold pocket watch, silver initials striking a memory recall in his brain: EML.

Harry's eyes widened as he stared at the watch, everything suddenly making since. Luke had said his wife's name was Lizzie Mae – Lizzie was short for Elizabeth. Elizabeth Mae Lancaster, it must be. Harry remembered all Luke's talk about his wife being the youngest Potions Mistress in a century, and how he liked that she still had that title. He recalled how Luke had commented on his great concealment abilities, and he had been the only other one in his father's quarters within twenty-four hours (Harry knew he had heard someone) that could have tampered with everything. Harry rembered how persistent the man was with how much information Harry remembered. He also recollected the stare the man had given him when he had first opened the door to the auror, and also how Frederick had been surprised to see Luke that day. Frederick – he had blue eyes! And his bandaged hand – he had scratched the man as Faolan. And Remus's voice echoed in his head: "Everyone's a fraud. Who can we trust anymore?"

"Harry," Luke's questioned, "are you okay?"

Harry was sure his face was as white as a ghost. He slowly backed away.

"Harry."

Feeling the pressure of fear increase in his chest, making it hard to breathe, he turned and ran back down the hall, screaming. Hands caught him and covered his mouth and a loud crack sounded in his ears. He was yanked through apparition and fell harshly on a hard, stone floor. He took shaky, deep breaths as he looked around the dark, damp room. It reminded him of a dungeon one would see in a show of knights and castles on TV. There was no furniture, but a staircase led out of the room.

"I can't believe I'm letting you use my house for this," Frederick said, stepping into view, his wand levitating an unconscious figure into the room. "I also can't believe I had to knock this guy out."

Uncle Remus! Harry watched as his uncle was laid next to him, and he crawled over to the man, staring down at the large bruise forming on his temple.

"This is not what my cellar was intended for," the man continued.

"I know," Luke said, pacing.

"You can't keep them here forever," Frederick walked over to Harry, summoning a chair and some rope. Harry scooted away from the man, tears welling in his eyes. He stared at the still bandaged hand and then glanced up into the blue eyes. His lips trembled. Frederick sighed. "Sorry, kid, it's for your own good."

"Go away," Harry cried. But Frederick didn't listen. He yanked Harry to his feet and pushed him in the chair, wrapping the rope around him, tying it in a knot the back.

"No one will suspect you," Luke said. "You are a good man with a clean record."

"Yeah, but with a terrible friend who's using me for his own personal agenda."

"Look, I didn't think this would get so complicated."

"It's murder! Did you think it would be easy? Are you not even the slightest bit guilty for your actions and now this?" Frederick motioned to Harry. "He's just a kid."

"That will need to be disposed of," Luke finished. "And Auror Lupin."

Frederick was silent for a long moment, just staring at Luke. He started shaking his head.

"No," he said. "You can't dispose of the boy."

"We need to."

"No! I won't let you do that." Frederick pulled out his wand and pointed it at Luke. "I can't. I've been your friend since first year, Luke. And in the time I've know you, I've helped you cheat on tests, helped you with fraud, injustice, wrongful convictions. I've even helped you commit murder unknowingly, for Merlin's sake! But I draw the line here. I will not let you kill another child. Not this time. I'm gong to have to turn you in. Even if it brings me down with you."

Luke's eyes hardened as he stared at his friend, shaking his head. "That's shame, Fred, really. Truly a shame."

Faster than Frederick could blink, Luke had his wand out and a jet of green light struck the man. Harry jumped as Frederick hit the ground with a loud, sickening crack. Harry's hand brushed against something hard in his pocket. It was the token Remus had given him. Harry looked at Remus's unconscious body, Frederick's lifeless one, then Luke's angry pacing one.

"Remember, if you ever feel like you need some immediate luck, tap the token three times with your finger as hard as you can." Remus's words echoed in his head.

Harry swallowed dryly before wiggling his hand uncomfortably against the rope strapped around him. He managed to snake his hand into his pocket, grab the token, and slip it out of his pocket. He gripped it tightly in his fist as he watch Luke kneel by Frederick's body, dragging a hand down his face. Luke looked at Harry.

"See what you made me do?" he growled, standing up.

"If you had just been a good damn kid and stayed with a babysitter or something, none of this would be happening." Luke approached Harry angrily, every vein in his head visible and throbbing. Harry gave the man a fearful look as Luke towered over him. "If you just hadn't seen . . ." Luke glared at Harry, shaking his head and sighing. "Maybe some duct tape and a river," Luke muttered aloud, "you and your uncle."

Harry took in a sharp breath. Luke walked to a different corner, summoning a map and marking different places. Harry was unnerved to see several red x's on the map already. He quickly settled his token in his lap and adjusted his hand, so he could tap the token.

One tap.

Two taps.

"What are you doing?" Luke snapped, nearly jogging over to Harry and reaching for the coin.

Harry had jumped at the question and the token slid, but he caught it in his hand before it could fall. One more hard tap. Harry adjusted the coin on his lap and gave it one last tap just as Luke reached him.

Three taps.

Luke snatched the coin away, watching as it began glowing in a gold hue. Luke's eyes widened, then he glared at Harry before raising his wand at the child. Harry whimpered and scrunched his eyes shut.

Nothing happened however, and Harry heard the angry growls and snarls of a dog. He opened an eye.

A large dog was furiously attacking Luke, pinning the man to the ground and wrestling for the wand. Harry blinked. The dog looked like Uncle Sirius's patronus. He smiled, and his smile grew as he heard a loud groan from Remus. He looked over at his uncle, who was slowly pushing himself up into a sitting position. The man moaned and rubbed his head, wincing. His eyes scanned the room before falling on Harry, then on the patronus attacking Luke.

"Harry!" Remus jumped to his feet, wobbling on his feet for a second, then ran to Harry. "You did it, you used the token. That's a good boy."

Remus untied Harry and picked him up, Harry crying from relief. A loud yelp caught Remus's attention, and he watched as Luke kicked the dog aside and looked directly at Remus and Harry. He raised his wand.

"Expelliarmus!" Another voice shouted, sending Luke crashing into the wall, knocking him out, while the wand flew over to Sirius's outstretched hand.

"Sirius, oh thank Merlin," Remus said, holding Harry tighter in relief.

"Good thinking with that tracker device," Sirius said, entering the room and rubbing Harry's back before pulling his friend into a hug. "I was able to apparate straight here. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Harry, on the other hand, might have some trauma to work through."

Harry sniffed into Remus's shoulder, shaking like a leaf. He didn't quite understand everything that had happened. He just wanted to go home and hug his Daddy. He wanted to be far away from this house as possible.

"He's witnessed a lot," Sirius said. "But nothing a little Mind Healing couldn't fix. He's young and a good candidate for a full recovery."

"Let's get Severus out of that cell," Remus said, "and take Harry home."

"I'm calling for back up now," Sirius said. "This man will be spending the rest of his sorry life in prison."

"Daddy come dance with me!" Harry happily exclaimed. Severus smiled at his son dressed in an adorable suit and tie. A week had passed since Luke Lancer had been captured and charged with several murders, among other things, and Severus had been freed from his cell and declared innocent. He had been devastated to learn of everything Harry had gone through, and the boy could not sleep alone for several days, but after three trips with a Mind Healer, Harry seemed to be coming to terms with the events of Victoria Stark's murder. Tonight, Severus was glad to have a distraction from all that.

It was Petunia's vow renewal ceremony, which Harry had impatiently sat through. The reception was more exciting for the boy, with all the music.

"Come on!" Harry tugged on his hands to lead Severus out to the dance floor, jumping and hopping around to the upbeat music. Severus shook his head, refusing to jump around like his son. "Dance!" the brat insisted.

"I don't think so," Severus said, "this isn't my type of music."

Harry stuck a tongue out and Severus copied him.

"It's my type of music!" Sirius said, jumping over to Harry and copying the boy's jumping and side hopping. Severus rolled his eyes. That man would have tears in his suit by midnight.

"How are you feeling, Severus?" Remus asked, walking over with a couple drinks in hand, offering one to Severus.

"Much better," Severus said, taking a sip. "And Harry is doing better as well. He actually slept in his own bed last night. For the whole night. I stayed with him until he fell asleep, of course. Again, thank you for everything you did. You and Sirius."

"What are friends for?" Remus said. "And family."

"Not for burying people, that's for sure," Sirius said, joining the two when the music stopped, becoming a slower song. Severus smirked and gave his drink back to Severus, walking up to a now still Harry.

"This is more my style," Severus informed his son, taking Harry's hands and leading him in a slow dance.

Harry managed to step up onto his father's shoes, allowing his dad to do all the work as he smiled up at him. Severus smiled back before kissing Harry's cheek, whispering in the boy's ear, "Love you."

"Love you, too, Daddy."

Well, how was that for a murder mystery?