CHAPTER 3: A hollow sense of reality
A/N: Welcome back, guys. Hope you had a great week. I saw Dr. Strange. It was good, not great. But we're not here to talk movies, though i wouldn't mind if we do. Hope you enjoy this chapter. I know some of you will have issues with it based on your comments.
So, without further ado...
Interior, Seventh Floor, St Mungo's - Day
Ting!
A split second after the sound the metal grill disappeared into thin air as the elevator came to a stop. Harry took a deep breath through his nose before opening his eyes and stepping out.
The grill came back into view, solid and tangible as ever before the lift zoomed backwards.
He stomped through the empty corridor, his feet creating an ominous echo with every step.
He reached the end of the corridor and turned right into a similar looking hallway. He saw Roman casually leaning against the wall chewing his nails near the end.
The young auror hastily pushed himself off the wall after he saw him approaching.
"Sir" he cleared his throat. "Everything alright"
"Mind your fucking business and open the damn door"
Roman's face went ash white in less than a second and his eyes turned comically wide. His mouth formed an 'o' and stayed like that until Harry looked up at him.
"The fuck you looking at, huh." he glared. "Open the fucking door!" his yell snapped Roman out of his shock who stumbled over his left foot to get the door open as quickly as humanly possible, stumbling a few times in his effort but finally managing it in the end.
He pushed the door and waited till Harry walked past him. He wiped the sweat that had formed on his forehead before following him inside.
The room was glinted in a purple haze from all four corners of the ceiling. A workbench covered the entire back wall with various cabinets and drawers. Wooden shelves covered the side walls, filled to the brim with numerous vials and potions.
A single bed was placed in the middle of the room with a light shining upon it. A lump of white blanket lay upon the bed.
Harry walked over to it and waved his hand from left to right. The blanket pooled to the ground, revealing in its wake a horrific site.
The body of Sebastian Witherfield. Disconnected in parts.
There was about a difference of an inch between his head and neck. Similarly, his feet were separated from his legs and lastly, all of his fingers and toes were placed in a jar in the space between his legs.
"Do you need an invitation"
Roman snapped his gaze towards Harry who was leaning over Roman's midriff where his skin was peeled off.
"Get the fuck over here and start examining" he pushed his glasses back over his nose as he straightened up.
"Y-yes s-sir" stammered Roman as he almost jogged over to the bed.
He fumbled with his wand as he took it out of his holster, dropping it to the ground in the process. "Sorry" he muttered, bending down and picking it up.
He chanced a look at Harry and instantly dropped his gaze. He sniffled and wiped his nose with the back of his hand before mumbling something in his mouth.
His wand produced a blue light as he held it up over the body and slowly swept it down from head to toe.
The door opened and in walked Draco. He closed the door but stayed rooted to the spot as he warily eyed Harry who didn't spare him a gaze.
A few seconds later he walked towards them and stopped next to Harry, his eyes roaming over the body before landing on Roman.
"Anything interesting yet, Roman" he asked.
Roman sniffled before answering. "No-nothing in particular, sir. But hopefully I'll find something soon"
Draco narrowed his eyes after hearing his voice crack. He lifted his gaze a little and noticed his eyes were filled up. He turned his head towards Harry and saw him shooting daggers with his head turned down.
A few seconds passed before Roman stopped the movement and brought his wand to his side. "After the-" he cleared his throat before trying again but didn't lift his gaze. "After the diagnosis I've come to the conclusion that the head was decapitated after the victim was killed. Based on the injuries and cuts, the victim suffered a prolonged period of torture."
"No shit!"
Roman gave a little jump before looking up at Harry.
"What the fuck is this, huh? This isn't a fuckin exam. I don't need a play-by-play protocol. Is that your brilliant diagnosis" he remarked sarcastically. "I could've told you the moment I laid my eyes on him"
"Harry, please-"
"You keep your fucking mouth shut!" He pointed his finger at Draco but still didn't face him.
"You, get the fuck out of here" he said to Roman. "I've had enough of you. Go shed your tears outside."
Roman's mouth opened in shock and he turned to Draco.
"Why are you looking at him? GET OUT!"
Roman scurried towards the exit and a moment later the slam of the door signaled his exit.
Silence.
"You need to reign it in" started Draco. "That was way out of line."
"Oh really" he arched an eyebrow as he finally turned towards him.
"Yes. That kid-"
"I don't give a fuck about the kid!" He breathed heavily through his nose before continuing. "He's here to do a job and if he can't do that, I don't need him. I told you I can't babysit him. This isn't a fucking apprenticeship."
"I understand that but you didn't even give him a chance" retorted Draco, before letting out a long sigh as his eyes turned soft. "Look, we both know this has nothing to do with him so let's not pretend and fool ourselves. Your problem is with me and what happened downstairs"
Harry turned his head to the side and put his hands on his hips.
"Look, I'm sorry, alright. If I knew that was going to happen I wouldn't have-"
Harry's scoff halted his speech as he turned his gaze back towards him.
"I told you not to go"
"I had to!" exclaimed Draco. "You know she had to be notified. It wasn't going to be you so-"
Harry shook his head and locked eyes with him. His stare was hard and unwavering.
"I...I'm sorry, alright." Draco put a hand on his shoulder. "C'mon mate."
Harry ran a hand through his hair as Draco continued to plead with him with his eyes.
"Fine" he said after a while. "Bring him back." he walked past him and headed towards the door. "Give me five" he stated before leaving the room.
Interior, Men's Toilet, Seventh Floor, St. Mungo's - Day
He barged through the door and removed his robe, throwing it on the ground and headed for the shelf with rows of wash sink basins. He took out a small baggie from his trouser pocket. He clumsily ripped the plastic, splaying the white powder on the white marble shelf.
A frown came over his face when he put his hands back inside his pockets. He continued to search and every time came empty handed. Agitated, he let out an animalistic growl before punching the mirror.
A few seconds passed by as the room became accustomed to his heavy breathing before a cracking sound joined it. Followed by another, and another as small cracks started to appear all over the mirror his fist was still connected to. A stream of blood also started dripping down from his hand and down the glass.
His eyes landed on the robe through the mirror and he whipped his head around at it. In less than two steps he picked up his robe and searched through the inside pocket on the left side.
He turned back around just as a loud shattering sound bounced off the walls as the entire mirror hit the shelf. The sound reverberated for several seconds but he ignored it and went back to his previous spot.
He swept his hand to the left, sending every broken piece of glass to the floor where it smashed into even more smaller pieces.
Blood was now oozing from his hand before dropping in thick gulps on to the shelf. He folded the bloodied note into a tube before dropping to his knees. Placing one end at his nose and the other over the powder, he closed his eyes before snorting it all in.
Not a speck was left wasted.
His body had stopped shaking and his breathing slowly returned to normal from the loud wheezing noises that were coming out of his mouth.
His eyes remained closed as he gently laid his forehead against the counter.
"What are you doing?" Hermione stopped on the threshold, her hand still on the handle. A white towel was wrapped around her body. Another towel, much smaller, was bunched up over her head, keeping her wet hair in place.
"What does it look like." He pushed himself from where he was leaning against the bed post and took a step towards her, wearing nothing except an apron and holding a bowl of melted chocolate in his hand.
"Don't you dare!"
"Oh really"
"I'm warning you, Harry James Potter. You take one more step and I promise you it won't end well for you"
"And why's that"
"Because I'm going to inflict so much pain on you that-"
"But I like pain the pain you inflict upon me"
"I'm warning you...don't...I'm serious...Harry!" Her scream turned into a squeal as he pounced on her and shut the door with a little flick of his wrist, muffling her shrieks of laughter.
"DAD!"
He jolted up and, in his haste, stumbled back over his feet and landed on his back. He stared up at the ceiling, a hollow expression on his face.
Interior, Forensic room – Day
Draco and Rowan turned their attention towards the door as Harry walked in. Their eyes instantly went to his bloodied hand.
"What the-"
Harry looked down when he saw their faces. "Oh yeah, I tripped." He took out his wand and muttered a spell under his breath while holding the wand over his hand. The blood vanished in a matter of seconds but the injury remained.
The knuckle of his forefinger had a dent in it and a small piece of bone was sticking out from where a ghastly looking cut marked the skin just below the knuckle.
"Damn it, Harry!" Draco rushed over to him. "What the hell did you do?" he winced seeing the injury up close. "Oh, that's nasty"
"Told you I fell"
Draco lifted an eyebrow at his statement. "Must have been one hell of a trip"
Harry's jaw slackened at his hidden meaning before he tore his gaze away. "It's nothing. C'mon, we've already wasted enough time here"
"You need to get that fixed, right now" Draco stopped him by the shoulder from moving. "I'd do it myself if I were any good with healing charms. But this is way above my skill"
"What skill" scoffed Harry, eliciting a chuckle from him.
He walked over to Roman who had his head ducked. "Mr. Empire" Roman lifted his gaze slowly, his hands were visibly shaking as he did so.
"Look" sighed Harry. "I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have said what I did but alas, you can't change the past as I've learnt." he paused, his gaze boring a hole on the shelf behind the young auror's head before he snapped it back to his face. "It's not a term I use very often, infact I don't remember the last time I said it but I think this situation warrants it so here it goes...I'm sorry"
Roman opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before finally finding his voice. "No need, Mr. Potter, sir." he chuckled nervously. "You were right actually; we don't have time for going by the basics and following the rulebook, which is what I was doing. I apologize for that but I promise to do better if you'll still consider me a part of this team"
Harry regarded him with a critical eye before finally nodding his head. "Go on then." he inclined his head towards the body.
They all walked over to the body with Draco and Harry standing on one side and Roman the other.
"Like I said earlier, the head was cut off after Mr. Witherfield was killed. Infact I'd say that almost half the cuts were made after his death. It's like the killer thought he was done with him, but wasn't. Something in him, or her, wouldn't let go of the rage."
"You think it could be a she?" asked Draco.
"I mean... we can't rule it out, I suppose" replied Roman, as he shifted his gaze towards Harry.
"We can't. Darkness doesn't care if you've got a dick hanging between your legs" said Harry, as he turned his gaze back to the body before looking up. "C'mon, we're done here"
Interior, First floor, St Mungo's - Day
They walked out of the elevator and headed down the hallway. It was an entirely different sight as the corridor was packed with people bustling about to their desired destination. They side stepped a group of kids who were having a jolly good time trying to get the water out of a vase with beautiful sunflowers in it.
One of the boys accidently hit the vase while doing an extravagant movement with his wand and it tilted on its axis for a few seconds before tipping over the edge and falling to its demise but before it made contact with the ground, the vase paused in mid-air, just inches from the ground before it levitated back to its original place.
The kids gasped loudly in amazement. One boy turned his head up just as Harry walked past him. His mouth opened in shock when he got a look at his scar.
Harry looked over his shoulder and shot him a wink.
Draco rolled his eyes but a small smile enveloped his lips when the boy's excited voice reached their ears as he started telling his friends what just happened.
"Always the charmer, right"
"You said it" smirked Harry.
They sidestepped a floating stretcher before continuing forward. "Oh shit" exclaimed Draco, as he stopped walking.
"What" asked Harry, facing him.
"I told Lily and Hermione that I would need to get their statements" he shrugged his shoulders. "I mean there is no point in leaving it for future since we're already here. Might as well get it done with"
"Excuse me sir" Harry looked over his shoulder to see a young nurse standing awkwardly. "Umm...I need to get through"
Harry realized he was standing in the middle and blocking the walkthrough. "Oh, sorry" he smiled apologetically as he stepped to the side.
"It's alright" she blushed crimson red as she hurled past him.
Harry turned his attention back to Draco and let out a long breath. "Fine. Go on then." he turned to Roman. "Roman, you accompany Auror Malfoy as well. It will save us more time."
"Yes sir" nodded Roman.
"I'm gonna check with the others." he said to Draco.
"Alright" Draco said, before turning around and walking the way they came from with Roman right beside him.
Harry took out the glass device from his robe pocket as he headed the other way. He turned around the corner and leaned against the wall. He brought the device to his mouth. "John RItkins"
The mirror started glowing blue after a few seconds as he dropped his head against the wall and closed his eyes.
"Sir"
He opened his eyes and turned his head down, seeing John's face staring at him through the mirror.
"John. Everything going smooth"
"As butter, sir" chuckled RItkins. "We have interviewed everyone that saw Ritkins hanging from the clocktower. Turns out it was only five people. A man by the name of Harrison Woodard reported the crime. He runs a local café shop near the clocktower, says he's the first person out in the streets every morning. His statement matches the one he gave to the patrol team early morning when they transported the body to Mungo's. Nothing of importance, sir"
"What about before that? Merlin's got a few pub spots and if memory serves me correct and it almost always does in these cases, they open till midnight. Surely some pisshead was scuttling back to home during that time"
"Right you are, sir. As per your order we did use Legilemens to check where they were last night. Only on adults mind you. Luckily that left us with just over one hundred and forty people. So, it didn't take that long. There were a couple of boozers hanging about that time but they could hardly see two feet ahead of them forget about a hundred feet up"
"Did anyone complain about Legilemes"
"There were a few whiners but when we told them where the order came from, they immediately shut up"
"Good" nodded Harry.
"All in all, this was a bust, sir. Hopefully, the hit team had better luck"
"Yeah, we'll see. But they won't be done soon. The guest list at the ceremony were around a hundred and fifty, I believe, and that's not taking into account the waiters and all that"
"Right you are, sir. Further orders, sir"
"Get back to HQ and start searching through Witherfield's whereabouts since he came out of his self-imposed exile. I want to know every function he attended, every campaign he was at, every restaurant he visited."
"Shouldn't be that hard. A figure like him always ends up on the front page the next day even if it was just taking their dog out for a walk"
"Alright then"
"What about you, sir, if you don't mind me asking"
"I'm heading to his den before going over to his ex"
"Okay sir."
"Alright then"
"Merlin's tits, sir"
"Merlin's tits"
John's face disappeared, leaving the mirror once again void of any image. Harry put it back inside his pocket and pushed himself off the wall.
"Oh lord!" he snapped his gaze to the recipient of the voice. An elderly healer with a concerned gaze was staring right at his hand. "You must get that fixed, dear"
He dropped his gaze to his injured hand before snapping back to hers. "Oh, that's nothing. Don't worry about it" he tried to walk past her but she stepped in his path.
"Where do you think you're going?" she said sternly.
"Umm...I believe that door leads to the world outside the confines of this building"
Her eyes narrowed at his snipy remark.
"Don't get smart with me, Mr. Potter. You won't be stepping into the outside world until I say so"
Harry arched an eyebrow. "Is that right"
"Yes. I've never let a man, woman or child in my care leave until I've patched them up and I'll be damned if you'll be the first one"
"But I'm not in your care" said Harry very slowly.
"Well now you are, so come one. Chup chup" she patted him on the cheek before turning around and walking, leaving Harry staring at her with a slight astonished expression.
Beaufort Gardens, Knightsbridge, London – Day
Harry was standing on the footpath, facing a beautiful, Victorian style townhouse with a terrace garden. The entire street was packed with rows of identical buildings lined next to each other. Behind him, the road was bustling with vibrant energy as people went about their daily business.
Across the road on the opposite side was a huge shopping district with restaurants and café's spread all around.
He took out a fag from a silver metal case and stuck it between his lips, putting the case back between his pocket. He brought his now fully healed right hand next to the blunt and snapped his fingers, lighting the cigarette and taking a long drag. The smoke wafted through his nose as he exhaled slowly.
He fished out a small piece of paper from his trouser pocket and opened it.
Witherfield Manor
He folded the paper back and put it inside his pocket. He looked back up and saw a red door appear as the entrance to the house instead of the mahogany brown that had been there before.
He opened the gate to the steel gate fence and walked towards the door. He climbed the small staircase before reaching the door. He turned the handle and walked inside.
Witherfield Manor – Day
He stepped out of the shadow and once again was basked in the morning sunlight. He turned around and saw the door hidden underneath a brick alcove. His gaze panned from left to right, eyes roaming over the 10 ft tall brick fence that ran along the entire south side and covered the perimeter of the property.
He turned back around and took a moment to let his eyes wander over the beautiful sight before him. It was truly astonishing. A cobbled path separated long stretches of beautifully maintained garden with flowers of every kind outlining the edges. A fountain rested right in the middle of the pathway. It was circular in design with a stone fish hanging in mid-air right above the basin, water cascading down from its eyes.
Trees, over 20 ft tall with purple petals ran along the boundary on either side, hiding the brick fence from view.
The manor itself was enormous in stature, made entirely out of stone with a Palladian design.
Harry took another puff of the cigarette before he started making his way forward.
He reached the door and knocked before dropping the puff to the ground and stomping it underneath his shoe.
He didn't have to wait long as a few seconds later the door opened and an elderly gentleman greeted him with a warm smile. His eyes turned wide for a millisecond before he schooled his features back to normal.
"Mr. Potter, I wasn't aware that you were headlining the case" he said.
"Believe me I didn't either until a few hours ago" replied Harry, as he brushed past him.
He closed the door before following Harry inside.
Interior, Witherfield Manor – Day
"Well, it's good I say. If anyone can make sense of this atrocity, it's you" he stopped next to him as Harry looked around.
The interior seemed even larger and more grandiose than seemed possible from the outside.
"Shall I take your robe, sir"
Harry dropped his gaze down to him and shook his head. "No, I don't plan on staying for lunch"
"Very well" he chuckled.
"You're the butler, I presume"
"Yes sir. Rodney Marsh. Been with Mr. Witherfield for more than fifty years"
"Hmm" he hummed, as he once again roamed his eyes all around him. "I want every person in the lobby in five minutes"
"Well, that'll just be me, sir"
Harry snapped his gaze back to him and arched an eyebrow. "Why's that"
"Well," he cleared his throat before continuing. "I gave both Twinkie and Dylan the leave. They were both very close with Mr. Witherfield and took the news pretty hard. So, I didn't see-"
"Call them now" his tone didn't leave room for any objection.
"Very well, sir"
He turned on his heel and took a couple of steps.
"Are those the only two"
He turned around before answering him. "Yes sir. Mr. Witherfield didn't trust many, but the ones he did were nothing less than family to him. Believe me these halls weren't always so quiet. There was a time when even the walls made sounds. But then the children grew up and made their own ways, taking the excitement that only children can bring with them."
He paused and let out a long sigh.
"But the joy still remained that is until Mrs. Witherfield, well Ms. Turner I should say now, left." There was a deep sadness to his voice by the time he finished. He lifted his gaze back to Harry and smiled but even that lacked the same energy when he greeted him first.
"I'll be with you in a few. Please make yourself comfortable"
Harry nodded as he turned back around and walked.
Lobby – Day
He was sitting on the couch, resting his head back with his eyes closed. His legs were spread wide and his left arm was dangling from the back while the other rested between his legs.
"Dad"
"Hmm"
"Can we go to Dripko's park, tomorrow"
"I'm not sure-"
"Mr. Potter!"
His eyes snapped open as he jumped off the couch and in less than a second had his wand in his hand and pointing forward at Rodney.
A loud gasp made him realize of the other two occupants standing beside Rodney. He turned his gaze down at the elf before lifting it towards the man standing on her right. He was big of stature, close to six and half feet tall and muscular in shape.
"Didn't mean to startle you, sir" he snapped his gaze back to Rodney who had a nervous smile on his face. "But I tried calling you a handful of times and you weren't waking"
Harry put his hand up. "It's alright. I'm sorry for pointing my wand, didn't mean to scare you" he wiped the sweat off his forehead as it started trailing down.
He breathed deeply before slowly letting it out.
"Alright then" he clapped his hands before gesturing for them to take a seat. "Please"
They all sat down except the elf, who remained standing.
"Take a seat, miss"
A sharp gasp escaped simultaneously from both the elf's mouth and the butler, who sputtered as if he couldn't believe what he just heard.
Harry trained his gaze towards him as he finally found his voice. "Mr. Potter...you're embarrassing her, sir" he dropped his voice as he leaned closer to him.
Harry arched an eyebrow at him before looking at the elf. "I'm not sure what you mean" he said, shifting his gaze back to him.
He chuckled awkwardly before saying. "Surely you do, sir. I mean Twinkie can't sit next to us. You know she won't accept that and it's not her place"
Harry eyed him for a moment before catching sight of Twinkie nervously rubbing her hands together. He let out a derisive scoff as he shook his head. "And here I was thinking every member of the family should be treated equally, no matter their gender or race." His tone was dripped in scorn as he lifted his gaze.
Rodneys face turned white and he dropped his gaze, ashamed.
Harry faced Twinkie and patted the seat next to him. "Take a seat, please. Standing for long periods of time won't do your legs any good, and you need all the rest you can get since you do all the work around here"
Twinkie's face turned pink as she walked towards the sofa and shyly sat on the edge.
"Don't worry, miss. I don't bite" he chuckled.
A smile came over the elf's face as she turned to face him.
"Let me rephrase that, I don't bite elves. Never set well with my taste buds, you know"
She stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. His own lips parted into a wide grin as he watched her try and fail to control her laughter.
"Good, now we can get started" he said after her laughter subsided. He shifted a little and eyed Dylan, who had been supporting a neutral expression the entire time.
"Dylan, is that right"
"Yes sir" he answered in a gruff voice.
"Bodyguard?"
"Aye sir"
"Hmm" he scratched the bridge of his nose. "Alright, I'm going to set some things straight with you all before I begin" he looked at everyone before continuing. "I don't trust any of you. At this moment all of you are a suspect. So, the best way to cut your name of that list is to let me see inside your head and after we get that out of the way, we can have a talk if I deem necessary."
Everyone bore different expressions by the time he finished.
Twinkie was staring up at him with curious eyes while Dylan remained his impassive self. Rodney, on the other hand appeared rather flush by the statement.
"Don't worry, Mr. Marsh, I promise not to spy into your dirty little vault" he smirked. Rodney's cheeks turned even red if possible. "I just want to know where all of you were last night and maybe your last few interactions with Mr. Witherfield. Now, that shouldn't be a problem should it."
"No master" spoke Twinkie.
"Call me, Harry, please. I insist" he said to her before facing Dylan. "What do you say"
"Got no problem. Anything to help with the investigation"
"Good man"
"Mr. Marsh?"
Rodney cleared his throat before nodding his head. "Fine, sir"
"Good, now remember. I've been trained in the art of occlumency and legilemency from the age of thirteen so I would know if you're tempering with your memories and that would not bode well for you. Furthermore, if you somehow do manage to deceive me and I find out later that what you showed me doesn't match with whatever evidence I do come in possession of...than that would just make me very, very angry"
He waited until all three nodded their head before continuing. "Now, I'll give you a couple of minutes to relax your minds"
A few minutes later Harry shifted in his seat and faced Twinkie.
"Ready, Twinkie"
"Ready" she squared her shoulders.
"Alright then...Legilemens"
Twinkie let out a loud yawn as she stretched in her bed.
She apparated into the manor's kitchen.
She was climbing the staircase.
She knocked on the door. "Come in"
She laid the tray on Mr. Witherfeild's lap.
"Thank you, Twinkie"
She gave a little bow before leaving the room.
She was in the living room, cleaning.
She was in a much smaller room, cleaning.
She was on the balcony, cleaning the windows.
She was in the kitchen, preparing lunch.
"Twinkie! I can't find my gloves"
She handed Mr. Witherfield his leather gloves before he stepped inside the floo chamber.
"Safe travels, master" she bowed, before he was enveloped in green flames.
Harry blinked his eyes as he broke the connection. Twinkie, who had her eyes shut the entire time, finally opened them.
"Thank you, Twinkie, you may go. If I have any need for you in the future, I'll let you know"
"Thank you, mast-Harry"
"Fast learner, I like it" he smiled, making her blush. "If you don't mind me asking, do you mind telling me how old are you"
"Seventeen"
"Same as my daughter. And how long have you had this job. It is a job, right?" he inclined his head.
"Yes, yes, it is"
"Good"
"It will be two years in June"
"Hmm. Okay, you may go"
She did a little bow before turning around and walking out of the room.
Harry turned to Rodney who was eyeing Harry with a contemplative look on his face.
"Mr. Marsh, whenever you're ready, sir"
The butler sat upright and brought his knees together. "Ready, sir"
Harry narrowed his eyes before whispering "Legilemens"
Rodney was tying his laces as he sat on the edge of the bed.
He was in an office room, reading through a bunch of mail.
"You have a meeting with Mr. Andrews day after tomorrow sir" he said to Witherfield as he handed him his coat.
He was waving his wand over the back garden, watering the plants.
He was sitting in the dining room, reading the paper while drinking tea.
"Any guess what time you will be back, sir" he asked Witherfield who was searching around for something.
"You know how these things go, Rodney. It all depends on how much they want to highlight the guest of honor. Frankly, I don't give a damn. My interests, as you know are purely political"
"Right sir"
"Twinkie! I can't find my gloves"
He stepped out of the floo and dusted off the soot. He looked up after hearing the clinking of heels and a smile came over his face when a woman came into view. She had silvery white hair and was wearing a purple gown.
He let out a pleasant sigh as his raked her form. "You look ravishing, my sweet"
Harry broke the contact.
Rodney's face was burning red with embarrassment as he had his head ducked.
Harry turned to Dylan. "Step out for a few minutes"
Dylan's gaze shifted between them a couple of times before he nodded his head and got up. Harry turned back to Rodney once he was out of the room.
"Did he know"
Rodney shook his head.
"I'm sure you understand what this looks like."
Rodney finally lifted his tear-filled gaze. "I swear this has nothing to do-"
"I'm sure it doesn't." Harry cut him off. "But Rodney, this gives you a motive and I can't just glaze over this"
"But-"
"Look" emphasized Harry. "I couldn't give a less fuck about your little affair, alright. If I don't find anything related to the case, I promise no one would hear about this, at least not from me."
A few moments later Rodney nodded his head with a somber expression. "Very well"
"Thank you. You can block anything else you want. I just want to see your interactions with her. Mind you I'll be doing the same to her so your memories better match"
Rodney nodded before Harry said. "Legilemens"
Rodney was staring out the window at the woman sitting on a chair in the back garden.
He sat a tray filled with biscuits and tea at the small table.
"Thank you, Rodney"
"My pleasure, maam" smiled Rodney.
Rodney was walking through the hallway when a gust of wind made him turn his head towards the open door. He walked inside the room and headed for the balcony window which was open. He shut the window and was in the middle of closing the curtains when a surprised squeal made him whip his head around.
"Aah!"
"Oh, Mrs. Witherfield, I'm so sorry" he immediately turned his head around as his face turned beet red. Her towel dropped to the floor as she jumped and was hastily wrapping it around her body. "I just came to close the window, maam. The weather outside-"
"Rodney, it's fine" she stopped his babbling and let out a chuckle. "Merlin, we're acting like teenagers, aren't we"
He let out a nervous laugh, his back still facing her.
"You can turn around now, Rodney. I swear I'm decent" there was mirth in her voice.
"Right" he cleared his throat before turning around and lifting his gaze at her. She had an eyebrow arched and a little smirk was playing at her lips.
He smiled shyly before storming out of the room.
He closed the door to the laundry and turned around, coming face to face with her. He jumped a little at the close intrusion and took a step back. "Oh, Mrs. Witherfield! You scared me"
"Well then I succeeded because that was certainly my attention" she joked.
He let out a nervous chuckle as he scratched the back of his neck.
He let out a gulp as he stopped next to the door. The sound of the shower running was coming from the other side.
"Mrs. Witherfield" he shouted, knocking on the door. "Twinkie was busy so I brought your dress. I'll just leave it on the bed"
His eyes turned wide when he heard the shower stop. He was in such a shock that he didn't hear the sound of the door opening, nor did he pay attention when a hand reached out and pulled him inside.
"Oh, Rodney!" she moaned, writhing on top of him as he sucked her right nipple while thrusting up into her.
They were lying in bed together with her arm draped over his chest and her head resting on his shoulder. Both their bodies were covered in sweat.
"This can't happen again" she murmured.
"You're right"
Rodney's entire body tensed when he she trailed a finger up his leg. He flicked his eyes towards Mr. Witherfield, who was unaware of his predicament as he took another bite of his chicken.
He dropped his gaze down at her as he backed away and in doing so hit the leg of the table.
Mr. Witherfield looked at him. "Everything alright, Rodney"
"Y-yes sir" he squeaked, as she chuckled behind her hand and winked at him.
"I thought you said we weren't doing this again" he panted, as he dropped on his back while she laid on top of him.
"I know. But it's hard to resist because you're such a good fuck"
They were kissing behind a wall. "You have to break up with him" he murmured.
"I know" she whispered, stealing another kiss.
"I'm serious, Lisa"
She sighed, dropping her head to his chest.
"Fine"
"I did it. I broke it off" he looked up from the paper, surprise written all over his face. He got up from the chair and brought her in a hug.
"When are you going to quit"
"Just let the dust settle in for a while. After this election is over, I'll give in my resignation"
"Okay. I'm taking up the house my mother left me so...it'll be just me...alone...waiting for you" she started trailing kisses down his chin as he chuckled.
A slew of other images from their times together appeared in his head before he finally broke the contact.
He took his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes before putting them back on. "Can you think of anyone who would do this to Mr. Witherfield. Did he have any enemies, people he didn't like. Had there been any previous attacks on his life?"
It took a moment for Rodney to come out of his shock. He cleared his throat before answering. "No sir, Mr. Witherfield didn't go out much. It wasn't until recently that he started making public appearances"
"Do you know why that is?"
"No sir"
"Hmm. You can leave, Mr. Marsh. You're free, for now. If Ms. Turner's memories match with yours, we got no drama here"
Rodney nodded while averting his gaze before he got up and started making his way towards the exit.
"Mr. Marsh" he turned around before Harry continued. "There is no need to be ashamed. Heck, if I perform half as well in your age, I'll consider myself not to be a failure" he finished with a teasing smirk.
Rodney's face turned red in a matter of seconds as he stormed out of the room.
Harry chuckled to himself and shook his head. A few seconds later Dylan walked back into the room and took his previous seat.
"What's your full name, Dylan"
"Roberts sir, Dylan Roberts"
"Very well then, Mr. Roberts. When you're ready"
Dylan closed his eyes before giving a single nod. "Ready"
"Legilimens"
Dylan removed his arm from around a woman. She was sleeping on her stomach with her head turned the other way. She had straight blonde hair.
He entered through the red door and walked the pathway towards the manor.
"Good morning, sir" he greeted Mr. Witherfield as he came down the stairs.
"Morning, Dylan"
"What time are we leaving today, sir"
"Around six"
He was smoking a pipe as he leaned against the pillar.
He was walking behind Mr. Witherfield as he took his dogs out for a walk.
Dylan was waiting with his hands folded in front of him as Mr. Witherfield stepped out of the floo.
He stood near the back of the hall in the corner as Hermione got up on the stage holding onto Rowan's arm.
He was filling his plate like everyone else when someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around to see it was Mr. Witherfield.
"Dylan, you can leave after you've eaten. I'm going to stay a little longer"
"Thats fine, sir. I have no problem waiting. You go ahead and take as much time you need"
"No, no" Mr. Witherfield held his hand up. "You've done enough. You go and enjoy your evening. Plus, it's not like I need any protection here" he waved his arms around.
Dylan looked around at the people around him. Everyone had a smile on their face and seemed to be having a great time.
"You sure, sir" he said, focusing his gaze back on him.
"Yes. Some old friends have seduced me into a game of chess while we drink and chat about our glory days" he chuckled.
Dylan smiled. "As you wish, sir"
Mr. Witherfield stuck his hand out and Dylan shook it with a firm grip.
A frown creased over Harry's forehead before his eyes snapped open.
"Why did you intrude? I wasn't finished yet" he said in a stern voice.
Dylan rubbed his forehead as he answered. "You don't need to know what happened after. It's private. I gave you what you needed" he looked up at him before continuing. "Look, I'm willing to be held under veritaserum if that's what it will take you to believe me that I had nothing do with it"
"There are loopholes around veritaserum. For all I know you have vial of Opio stashed in your apartment."
"I assure you I do not." he gritted out, glaring at him. "Look Mr. Potter, I was an auror myself once, alright. I took an oath just like you and you can check my record if you like. 10 years in the force, never a black stamp. We may not all accomplish or reach the level you did but that doesn't make what we do any less"
"I didn't say that'
"Good, because it isn't. I pride myself on my skill, my professionalism, my commitment to my job and my loyalty"
"What about telling the truth" Harry paused. "You're hiding something and I'm not leaving until I find out what it is"
"I don't know what you are talking about"
"Sure, you do. Now, I can only think of two options. Either, you are ashamed that you didn't figure out in time that that wasn't Mr. Witherfield who told you to leave or you did and are infact lying. Which is it, Mr. Roberts"
"How did you know" Dylan's voice was etched in surprise. "You couldn't have known about the gloves"
"No, that just confirmed it. I've always been attuned to voices. A slight difference and I can tell. Plus, his robes seemed a little worn out for someone who just went to the toilet. His face was flushed and he was constantly rubbing his right forefinger with his thumb. Add to that the gloves, the article of clothing he forgot to take. I'm sure he realized his mistake later"
"But why would he talk to me"
Harry shrugged his shoulder. "Multiple reasons. Mainly, he couldn't apparate out of the building which meant that his plan was to hide the real Mr. Witherfield's body somewhere while he went back to the party. Then, after everyone had the left the building, use the floo. Also, he couldn't disappear while you were still there, the entire force would've been looking for him in a matter of seconds. So, he had to get rid of you, and, it presented him with an alibi, well not him but you get my meaning. Now, the gloves"
Dylan hung his head low. "The gloves" he whispered after a while.
"The gloves he was wearing all night but not when you shook his hand."
"He never took them off, ever. He always wore them every time he went out"
"Do you remember him leaving your sight at any time during the party"
Dylan nodded his head. "I saw him head to the toilet. Usually, I stand outside but..." he sighed. "The line was so big and...there was no sense of threat. I can pick these things up, you know but- I failed him" he finished in a low voice, closing his fist tightly.
"When did you figure it out"
"When I got back home. Something had been bugging me ever since I left but I didn't know what, and then suddenly, like a ton of bricks, it hit me when I was changing my clothes. So, I rushed back but no one was there."
"Wait a minute" Harry interrupted him. "If no one was there, how did you get inside. The floo closes when the building does"
Dylan shook his head. "That's what I thought too which is why I looked everywhere in the building but to no avail. I didn't know where he could've gone. I didn't know who he was with and even if I did, I didn't know where any of them lived. Mr. Witherfield never went out much. So, I hoped for the best and came back home. I didn't want to panic. Maybe that was my biggest mistake"
Harry nodded his head. "That's all well and good but I can't trust you on your word. Now, that you've told me there is no reason for you to hide it. There's nothing to be ashamed of Mr. Roberts. One night of misfortune doesn't make you bad at your job. You can rid yourself of the guilt, believe me it will only consume you further the longer you let it prolong"
Dylan lifted his gaze at him. "That wasn't the only reason, Mr. Potter. I don't think you'd like what you'll see"
Harry arched any eyebrow. "You had my curiosity, now you have my attention"
"I'm warning you, Mr. Potter"
"Mr. Roberts," sighed Harry. "I want to get the hell out of here. I'm sure you feel the same. So, why don't we just get this over with"
Dylan held his stare for a moment before nodding his head. "As you wish, Mr. Potter"
"Great, Legilimens"
Dylan was running down a large open area. A large sign of IMA was hanging in mid-air as he passed it.
He entered the hall which was previously filled with a cacophony of voices last time he was here. Now, it was void of any presence let alone a sound.
He was running down another empty corridor.
He ran past door after door.
He was climbing up the staircase before running down the corridor.
He faced a similar pattern. Each door was closed until he reached the end of the corridor. The door was slightly ajar but he couldn't hear anything.
He took out his wand as he slowly approached the door. He pushed it open just enough to peek inside.
It seemed like a conference room with chairs placed around a large oval table in the middle. The only light coming in was through the windows.
A thud sound made him snap his neck to the left and he saw a couple kissing ferociously near the back corner. The woman was pushed against the wall and the man was fully pressed against her. He had one hand under her shirt and the other in her hair while she had arms wrapped around his neck.
He couldn't see their faces from the angle until the man shifted them around and hiked the woman up the counter adjacent to the wall. Her hand hit the bottle of whiskey next to her before it crashed to the floor.
They sprang apart at the sound and he pulled his head back but not before seeing their faces.
Hermione granger and Rowan Kyle.
He turned around and headed back the way he came from.
Harry broke the contact. Dylan was eyeing him warily but his face was devoid of any emotion.
"Can you think of anyone who could've done this" he asked in a professional manner.
"Umm...no. Maybe, Locke hired someone but that doesn't make much sense to me since it would only bring more heat to him. Like I said, Mr. Witherfield never went out much. He didn't do public dinners or events until recently"
"Do you know why?"
"No. I don't think anyone does, to be honest. He took that secret to his grave"
Harry nodded before standing up. Dylan followed suit as Harry held his hand forward. "Thank you, Mr. Roberts. You've been a great help. I'll let you know if I require your help in the future"
"Not a problem, Mr. Potter" he shook his hand.
Harry walked past him.
"Mr. Potter" his voice stopped him but he didn't turn around. "You can trust me. I know it's not the ideal situation but maybe this way I can prove you my loyalty"
Harry's jaw was slackened as he stared out the window. "You do what you feel right, Mr. Roberts. Personally, I think loyalty is overrated otherwise why wouldn't it hurt when someone breaks it"
He looked over his shoulder as one side of his mouth lifted at the corner.
"I mean surely you must feel some kind of pain, right...and not just a hollow sense of...reality"
A/N: As always guys, post your comments and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side.