Chapter 23

The Case of Katie Bell

Monday, 14 October 1996

The weekend snowfall wasn't just a one off. Winter came early and didn't stop. The snow fall continued through the weekend and Harry could feel it would continue through the night. He made the call to cancel the morning run until better weather or another solution reared its head. Everyone still hit the gym.

Monday the four of them were brainstorming around a table in the common room. "Laps in the Training hall?" Ginny suggested. "You know the Sarge would let you."

"Too small, especially for almost 30 of us. We'd wind up tripping over each other."

"A couple of halls inside the castle?" Ron asked.

"Perhaps, That's actually my front running idea. I just hate it because then we're literally asking to get in people's way. And we get called arrogant as is."

Hermione smiled. "Harry, what's wrong with the Room of Requirement?""

"It's inside the castle. I think it's smaller than the Training Hall."

"But.. it's the Room of Requirement… magic is a thing."

"Like our tent! From the world cup!" Ginny said.

"No way, it can't be that simple." Ron replied, then smiled.

The other three looked to Hermione with realization. Harry smiled, "What the hell, let's check it out."

They walked over and then looked at Harry. "You're the one leading us on runs. You set it up." Harry looked over to his friends and had an idea. He focused and paced then approached the door with hope. When he opened them, he smiled. "I love magic."

Before them in the center of the castle, was the Entrance Courtyard. It was a warm day, but it was evening. A breeze blew through the air. A sun set on a path to set in the horizon of the western woods. The door closed behind them as Ginny smiled, "I didn't know it could do exteriors."

"Neither did I, figured I would ask big and work my way down." Harry reflexively waved his wand to lock the door.

"We should test the size. Make sure we actually have the room to run." Ron noted.

"I like the idea. Anyone for a stroll?" Harry asked. Ginny automatically took his hand.

"A test would be logical," Hermione agreed. "But the better test would be the separation of us. Ron and I will stay here at the entrance and keep this part of the illusion projected. Why don't you two see how far you can get?"

Needing no further encouragement, the pair walked off.

Ron and Hermione found a comfortable ledge to sit and wait on, with her eyes on the horizon and not weighed down with books, it seemed as if she had a moment to breathe now. She started with taking out an envelope Professor Slughorn had passed out in class. She took a breath. "Ron, may I ask a favor?"

"What do you need?" he replied.

"Ron, I know this Professor Slughorn's selected student- "

"The Slug Club?" he finished.

"Not my favorite name but yes that is the group. And I am aware that is not your preferred social experience. But they are having a Christmas party this year." She passed the card over to Ron.

Professor Horace Slughorn requests the honored presence of

Hermione Granger

Guest

For the end of year holiday celebrations

Formal Attire

Friday 20 December 6:00 PM

"I know you don't feel you would be-"

Ron cut her off. "Hermione, may I take you to this?" he spat out as fast as possible, followed with a smile.

Hermione smiled in relief. "Thank you, I promise if it becomes insufferable for you, we can leave early. "

"Why?" Ron asked honestly, taking her hand.

"Well, I admit this would largely be a 'me' type of event. I do want to respect you."

Ron shook his head and smiled. "Hermione, are you planning on coming to my quidditch games?"

"Of course."

"You hate quidditch, why?"

"Well, first of all I don't hate it." she defended… or at the very least clarified, "I fail to see the mass attraction and devotion fans have."

"Okay, regardless," Ron continued through a chuckle and an eyeroll, "Why are you planning on watching?"

Point delivered, Hermione smiled. "Because you're there. It's important to you." She squeezed his hand.

"Thank you. Now I will fully admit you're the brighter one. But I can learn from my mistakes. Even I can figure out this Christmas party is important to you, I'd be happy to take you."

"Thank you," she asked, brushing some locks behind her ear. "What do you mean by mistakes though?"

Ron took a breath and exhaled slowly, and turned to look her straight in the eyes. "Hermione, you've been due this for a while. I was git at Yule Ball. I'm sorry. That's actually one of my bigger regrets."

Hermione smiled, "Thank you for that, but that was two years ago." she leaned over to wrap around his chest. "Clearly we've gotten past that."

"Hey … Hermione?"

"Yes, Ron?"

"You're not a girl…" Ron said, careful with his emphasis. "You're my girl." He succeeded in getting Hermione to laugh as she resting her head on his shoulder.

Harry and Ginny continued walking the lake path, impressed with the illusion. For the first stretch Ginny was impressed how Ron and Hermione continued to look like they were naturally getting further and further away which continued as they turned a corner.

"Unless we literally hit a wall, I think this is going to work great, Lightning."

"No argument. At this point I think we are just confirming the simulated distance and… I'm trying to … understand it all."

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Want your own personal Room?"

Harry grinned but shook his head as he was constantly looking around. "Nothing like that. Trying more to use this Room as a lesson. Okay, let's take this a piece at a time. Gin, you're a founding member of the D.A. Never missed a meeting. What do we know about the Room of Requirement?"

Being the one asked her thoughts about something magic, not Hermione, Ginny smiled. "Okay starting from, for lack of better definition, it's 'off' position. Someone has to focus on a mental request. Not specifically an image but at least a need or thought and such."

"Agreed." Harry nodded.

"We've seen several rooms of size and shapes, so that would suggest heavy transmutation and illusion. Perhaps internal expansion charm?"

"Oh absolutely." Harry nodded. He walked off the path and down a few steps to the water itself. "Gin, How well do you remember First year Transfiguration?"

Following him down she shrugged, "About the same as most, why?"

"Gamp's Law, The Five Exceptions, do you remember that?"

Closing her eyes to focus on remembering. "The natural magical laws of the universe physically prevent mages from being able to create certain things. The principal exceptions are food, magical energy, love, life, and knowledge."

Harry smiled, "Textbook verbatim, better than I could spit out."

"Okay," Ginny nodded following along. "What are you thinking?"

"Minding the details, looking for god or the devil." Harry said, as he took a knee at the water's edge carefully scanning the surface.

"Dad gave you that talk too huh?" she smiled.

Harry smiled and nodded. He stuck his hand in the water. "The water is real. Not just an illusion. He pulled his hand out and watched as he poured a small handful out from it. He put his hand in again and the next handful he brought to his mouth. He held it in there for a moment, then swished it in his mouth, then nodded, looking rather pleased with himself and swallowed. "There we are. That checks out."

"What did you figure out?"

"At least one edge of the illusion." He turned to look at Ginny who was smiling and looking particularly grand as the mild wind gave life to her crimson locks. "I think the Room can cast about any spell we can think of within it."

"I'll accept that, sure." she nodded.

"Gamp's Law says you can't conjure food, but we all know aguamenti, and such, so the reality is we can't create complex food, but simple, almost natural elemental matter like water we can."

"Agreed."

Harry pointed to the lake. "That's not the Great Lake, it tastes wrong."

Ginny laughed. "Well… you would know!"

Harry took it with a smile. "Yep, I would. I've drunk enough of it in the past, that's pure conjured water."

"Okay, interesting. Relevance, babe?"

"I admit this is me just trying to best understand the tools we have. Look around, do you see any signs of wildlife? Any birds in the air, any fish jumping from the lake, Giant Squid?"

Ginny looked around, "No… no I don't." she said with a bit of surprise.

"Because none of us specifically wanted them. Because I have some familiarity with the underside of the lake, I am willing to believe that the terrain of the lake is accurate, but I doubt there is a single illusion of a creature in there. But now that I think about it."

As if on cue a perch broke the surface of the water then dived back down. In the distance, Harry could see the Great Squid's tentacle flail out of the water then sink down. Both of them exchanged looks to each other. "I bet you if I hexed one of those creatures, it would dissipate just like the target illusions from flight practice." Harry said.

"Agreed."

Harry stood and offered Ginny a hand as they returned to walking the path.

"So the lake is conjured water." Ginny summarized.

"Confirmed," Harry nodded as he looked up. "And you know that false sky we have in the Main Hall?"

"Of course."

"I think we have that illusionary magic on all six sides of the Room here." Harry deduced.

"Okay. The ground? We're getting bumps and ditches and rocks here." Ginny said as she pointed to the natural terrain and debris.

"Conjuration floor. Like what McGonagall did with the firing range. Shapeshifting. The floor, likely the wall too when needed, shapes itself, then the illusion acts as like paint."

"Okay," Ginny nodded, "I think we are vastly over simplifying this but I think we're in the neighborhood.

"Distance?" She asked? "Or is this the world's biggest trunk?"

Harry laughed. "It probably is the largest internal expansion charm in the world, but I think that's only part of it. Again, the firing range, remember the force walls that McGonagall set up to keep the exploding debris inside and protect spectators?"

"Of course, you know I appreciate property damage Harry." she smiled brightly.

"Okay so turn that wall ninety degrees," demonstrated with his hand, from sideways to flat. "That force wall is now a force floor."

"Okay… Ever go to Dumbledore's office?"

"No Harry, I'm an average student, not the Chosen One?" she teased with a wink.

"Oi, there is nothing average about you Ginny Weasley! And you know I hate that name." Harry corrected, playfully wagging a finger at her.

Ginny took the hand and held it as they walked. "I know that yes, and I do try to respect your feelings. But you still are, don't tell me that's not part of why you have private lessons with the Professor."

Harry muttered a response.

Ginny was feeling ornery. "What was that? I didn't quite catch that."

Harry stopped and rolled his eyes as looked at her. Ginny stood and waited expectantly. "You are right Ginny Weasley," he repeated.

"Good answer," she rewarded him with a kiss. "So tell me, what does the Professor's office have to do with the Room or Requirement?"

"Well, going there, there is a set of stairs that the steps themselves roll up or down. You just stand on them and they carry you?"

"Okay…" Ginny said, showing she was listening, though not quite seeing the connection.

"Well it occurs to me that if the direction was reversed, if you walk up but the stairs are moving down, you would feel like you are walking but really you haven't gone anywhere."

"OH!" Ginny cried in understanding. "So the force floor moves to keep us in a general position, and the illusions change to make it seem like we're moving and such."

"Exactly," Harry nodded.

"Wind?" she asked.

"Simple Gust spell."

"Okay if we're all relatively close in the room, why can't we hear them?" Ginny asked. "I can't believe either of them are sitting quiet."

They looked at each other and came to the conclusion at the same time. Every teen's favorite spell. "Silence." they said in unison.

They finally made it to the far side of the lake. "Well I think this confirms it." Harry nodded. "If we can get this far, then we can run the full lap. Most people won't even notice the difference."

For the first time… ever really… Harry seemed to have a handle on his classes. The horcruxes they had were dead. There was no telling what Dumbldore was doing with the ring but Harry chose to focus on the controllables. What previously was Muggle Study period for Ginny, Luna and Harry became a daily study period for them. Still the same subject but they could move at their own pace, which was considerably faster than Burbage taught. One free period a day went to extra Auror Training. Harry was still working on wandless magic. His focus was on simple things like candle lighting and accio summoning. At least simple to say, but no luck so far. His final free period went to Horcrux research, usually split with Hermione. She was at least finding material on Rowena Ravenclaw. Harry had yet to even find an entry for crying lightning.

Harry's research wasn't fruitless though. He had found spell incantations for lightning spells not even in the auror material. Lightning magic seemed to be a less common elemental focus, but it was at least more common than parseltongue so Harry took some small comfort in that. The first he found was lower power stun touch, called Shocking Grasp. He found something called Call Lightening, but that was limited to clouded skies. He found something called Storm Sphere which read to be something on the level of Gin's Confrigo Fireball, but electric. Whenever he found a lightning based spell he took the opportunity to write a copy down on an extra piece of parchment then slip that loosely into the back of his mother's spellbook.

Hermione watched with a smile and shook her head as he did. "What? I thought you'd be happy I'm actually hitting the books for once."

"Actually, I am quite happy to see you two taking studies more seriously this year. But what created my smile was your note taking. You're just stuffing loose sheets in the back of a book. You truly are a bloke."

"What's wrong with that?"

Hermione laid her quill down and thought for a moment. "Harry, with all your 'coming of age' activities, you really should just start writing your own spellbook."

Harry closed the book and set is aside and ran his fingers in through his hair as he stretched for the first time in a while. "Miracle, I don't create spells. I pick them up from … you know… books and teachers… and just use them… often just to stay alive. No one is going to want to read that."

"That's how every spellbook starts. The students collect what was known before them, then take it the next step. Especially as we are diving into the less used elemental study, and you're our only lightning mage you really should consider it."

"I don't want to be pompous arse." Harry explained.

"I've been keeping a spellbook since fourth year. Do you think I'm a pompous arse, Harry?"

"I don't think you're an arse, 'Mione."

Noticing no comment had been made regarding being pompous, Hermione's mouth fell open and her cheeks grew red as Harry let it ride for a moment.

"And I don't think you're pompous either. But you can be a bit proud and self-confident sometimes."

Hermione sat for a moment, thought, and finally begrudgingly said, "Agreed."

"Spellbook since fourth year?" Harry asked.

"All that research for the Tournament, did you think I was going to let it go to waste? If I found a useful spell, I copied it down. Even if it didn't solve our immediate problem."

"You really are the brightest witch of age, Mione."

As they were getting to the end of the period, Harry took a moment to collect his things. Then unfortunately his attention was demanded by a very determined Professor Snape marching towards him. "Where did you get that book?" he demanded, looking even more sternly at Harry than normal. And Harry truly had no idea what he could have done.

Sirius's voice came to mind again. "Just like last time, Pup. Don't let him goad you."

"Advanced Storm Magic, sir? I got that in the weather section. If you would like-" As Harry was done with it he offered it to the Professor.

"Not the library book, Potter, that!" Snape corrected as he quickly snapped a finger at the red leather spellbook from Harry's mother. "That book was not intended for you."

"I think my mother may disagree. It even has 'Potter' on the cover…sir." Harry had to fight hard to spit out the forth word. Harry lifted the book up so the label was clearly visible. "I inherited it."

"And when was that?" Snape squinted and watched Harry for hints of deception.

"It was only found a few weeks ago…sir." Harry replied coldly.

"I can confirm that, sir," Hermione added. The Professor turned to look at her with annoyance. "I was there when Harry received it. With his recent recognition as Master to House Potter new doors have only recently opened."

Snape sneered at Harry. "Don't expect any statements of nobility from me, Potter. And especially in a library, I would treat important books with respect." Then Snape said curtly as he stormed out the library.

"What… the hell … was that about?" Harry whispered to Hermione.

Hermione shook her head not knowing either.

Winter had settled in. A strong north wind blew bitter and cold. Several of the younger students seriously reconsidered the trek. But one look at each other and Harry knew none of them were going to pass on an opportunity to spend a day at Hogsmeade legally. Ron grinned a bit as … well cold didn't bother him. Mostly for appearance he did grab his jacket. Ginny grabbed her warming broach from her birthday. Harry was happy his paranoia packing at the beginning of term made him think of bringing a winter coat and gloves, as did Hermione, so better than most they made their way to town. The road to the village was full of so many students bent double against the cold that Ron almost felt guilty for them.

When they finally reached Hogsmeade, in the daylight this time, they saw that Zonko's Joke Shop had been boarded up, Ron looked crestfallen.

Ginny smiled, "I at least would like to check out Gladrags."

"Me too, Ginny." Hermione nodded.

"I need to check Sprintwiches." Ron said.

"Okay, division of the sexes and meet up at Three Broomsticks?" Harry offered. They all quickly agreed, the couples kissed, and divided, each pair hurrying for the sake of the colder member.

"Thank God!" Harry said as they finally made it inside the shelter. "Ron, don't get me wrong, I love throwing lightning, but right now I'm jealous of you."

Ron smiled, "It is what it is mate. Today it has its ups."

Harry unzipped his black coat and pulled the hood down to let the warm air of the store. He took a look around then stopped in shock. There in the front corner of the store prominent and well lit was a life size illusion of Crimson Witch with hair ablaze and blowing in the air ready for battle, standing by the Reign of Fire line. Harry recognized the image from Ginny's summer photo shoot. Harry just grinned trying to figure out how he got so lucky.

"You asked for the store, what do you need here, Ron? Quidditch gear?"

Ron smiled and shook his head. "Actually, no, but I totally get why you'd say that. " Ron used his height to peer over and around scanning the shop. "Today I am looking for something muggle."

"Muggle sports?" Harry asked, confused. "What the hell have I accidentally gotten you into boxing or something."

"Na, well yes, but no. I mean I can see why you like the punching bag and I enjoy putting time in on it, but that's not what I'm looking for today." Ron explained as he found the muggle sports aisle. Then like he was getting the snitch, he grabbed his prize. "Yeah."

Harry was surprised. "A bow and arrow, you're getting a bow and arrow?"

"Yep," Ron said, as he grabbed a brown leather quiver with arrows in them and headed for check out.

"You realize spells can shoot a long distance, right?"

Ron turned around and grinned. "Trust me Harry, I got this."

Harry stopped and was going to say something, but then realized… they'd done crazier things.

After Ron made cleared the purchase, Harry volunteered the use of his wizard pack. "There's no need for you to look like bloody Robin Hood."

"Ah C'mon mate, you know you want to be my merry man!" Ron replied with a strong slap to Harry's back.

"Absolutely Ron, Ask around, that's how everyone describes Harry Potter… merry."

They lads walked down the Three Broomsticks and Harry greeted the warmth. Ron snagged a booth while Harry got them each a butter beer. Clearly they had beaten the ladies here. "So Captain, what d'ya reckon our chances are?"

"I suppose that depends." Harry grinned.

"On what?" Ron asked.

"On how well Hermione snogs you before each game." Harry said then took a drink.

"Oi! You bastard. I mean, that might be true… but you're still a bastard." Ron laughed.

"Hey, I like the results. And I got McGonagall eyeing me to bring the trophy in for Gryffandor. So like I got a lot riding on you two getting along this year… To hell with your feelings man, we've got something more important to worry about. We're talking about quidditch!"

"Alright Harry, for the sake of the team I will do my best to keep Hermione together."

"Only for the sake of the team?" a familiar voice repeated as Hermione sat down next to Ron.

Ron smirked. "How long have you seen her?"

"Only about a minute mate. Couldn't resist. It was like the spirits of the Twins made me."

"Well played babe." Ginny replied, taking the spot next to Harry.

"Ronald, honey," Hermione said as she took his hand. "I think you really may need to sort out your priorities."

Harry and Ginny sat back and watched the show.

Ron smiled, "You're right 'Mione, and you outrank quidditch."

"Wow," Ginny said with a look of surprise. "You are Miracle 'Mione. I think he meant that.""

Hermione smiled and took Ron's arm as she leaned closer

Ron took a drink and just looked at the pair across from him. "Why… why am I friends with you two?" he chuckled.

"Oh… Harry, I've been promoted from sister to friend!" Ginny teased.

"I reckon you probably have, Ginny." Ron smiled. "Didn't plan on it but I have gotten to actually like having you around." He held up his butterbeer. To which Ginny met with her and toasted.

"Took you two long enough." Hermione agreed with a smile.

"Room for two more?" Dean asked as he stopped by Katie.

"Hey, sure." Harry nodded.

"Actually Dean, I'll be right back. Get me a butterbeer please?" she said as she headed for the loo.

"Actually not a bad idea." Hermione said, excusing herself. Ginny Give Harry a beck and joined the other two.

Once they left. "Always to the loo in groups. What d'ya reckon they do in there, together?"

Dean shrugged, "I've done some research and as near as I can tell, it's either ritual magic… or gossip about us."

Katie had genuine needs so she was a bit ahead for Hermione and Ginny. When Hermione opened the door to the ladies room, both of them were shocked seeing Rosmerta aiming her wand at Katie and both the younger witch's head and the elder's wand aglow in pink energy. Katie was pressed against the far wall and her face showed silent agony.

Hermione went with the textbook procedure. "D.M.L.E. Drop your wand!" she shouted as she drew her wand.

Ginny went with action. Snapping her wand from the wrist holster, she cast "Expelliarmus," blasting the wand from the madam's hand, ending the arcane light of both wand and victim.

Rosmerta turned to Ginny and lurched forward. Hermione reacted with a 'Stupefy', finally putting the tavern owner down.

Seconds later the lads arrived, "What the hell happened?" Harry asked.

"Rosmerta was hexing Katie." Hermione explained. "I don't know why. We just… walked in on it."

"Bloody hell." Ron said. Hermione was distracted enough she didn't even correct him.

"How's Katie?" Dean asked.

"Shite… we have a full crime scene." Harry muttered as reality hit him. "Okay, Ginny, you're the best medic we have right now check Katie and Rosmerta. Standard procedure says to secure this place down. Ron guard the front door. Dean I'm sure there is a back, find it and block it. And it's Hogsmead weekend if you see any other cadets, tell them I'm drafting them.

The three of them went to there assignments. Hermione asked Harry, "Us?"

"After I link the Sarge, help me check Rosmerta."

Harry grabbed his link from his pocket and put it on. "Private to Sergeant Tonks"

He could feel a few pulses of energy.

"Whoa, okay so that's how that works." Tonks replied. "Sorry, this is the first link I've received when I wasn't wearing it."

"It's fine, Sergeant. We have an innocent Ma'am. Three Broomsticks. It appears Madam Rosmerta attempted hexing Katie Bell. Rosmerta has been stunned and the situation is secured for now but …"

"Your first crime scene to actually manage. Got it. Secure the building."

"Already on it, I've got a few cadets assisting."

"Excellent, I'm on patrol in town, be there momentarily."

"Gotcha." Harry looked up and relayed to Hermione. "Tonks on her way. Help me with Rosmerta." Harry dropped his pack and pulled a pair of flex cuffs out.

"Merlin, Harry, you're caring those too?"

"You know what kind of life I have. Don't be surprised. Hold her upright. I'll cuff her." they positioned the madam up to be sitting against the wall, hands retrained against her back. As they lifted her up, a brown wrapped package fell from inside her vest. In the fall the delicate brown paper tore open revealing a beautiful green opal necklace.

"What is that?" Hermione asked as she reached for the jewels. A memory of green and a message from earlier flashed in Harry's memory.

"NO!" Harry yelled, reaching out and snatching Hermione's wrist like a trap.

"OW," she yelped in pain but stopped moving.

Harry released Hermione and tapped his mage vision on. The necklace glowed black with necrotic energy. "This necklace… is cursed."

"How did you know? Because you grabbed my hand before to tapped your vision on."

"A few days back, I got a cryptic warning in writing. Beware of jewelry at Hogsmeade."

"From who?" she asked.

"Daphne Greengrass." Harry grabbed his bag again and took one of Bill's containment jars out. Very carefully he used his wand to pickup the necklace and put it in the jar.

When he got the jar out Ginny grew very concerned. "Harry, that's not another…"

Harry shook his head. "No. It's necrotic and evil as hell, but not one of them. But forgive me, I really don't want to touch the damn thing, especially if I'm being warned about them."

"You know Harry, just because she knew, doesn't make her innocent." Hermione warned.

"Oh, I've had enough conversations with her. I guarantee Daphne's not innocent. But knowledge of this doesn't make her guilty of this either. She could have overheard something."

"At least… be careful around her." Ginny asked. Hermione nodded in agreement.

"Hermione, you don't have to remind me to be careful around Slytherins. I still don't know what to make of her. That's the trouble with all these political games. Who's sincere? Who's playing long con?"

As they talked, Seamus came in the door. "Ah Harry, crowd's getting restless out here."

"Heavy is the head, Harry." Ginny muttered as she finished with Katie. "She's unconscious for now, but I think she will be okay. Truly, though it looks like it was a psychic attack, which is outside my experience so we're going to want Ponfrey here."

Harry nodded. "Right. Seamus, back up Hermione here, I don't want either of these two alone. Ginny use the floo. Flame Pomfrey. Rosmerta keeps the powder on a shelf under the bar."

Harry took a breath and left the washroom to see a crowd of onlookers. Expressions mixed from curious to concerned to angry. "Ladies and gentlemen, Calm down, One moment please." As he tried to be calm and reassuring, the crowd quickly ignored him.

"What happened?"

"Is someone hurt?"

"Did someone die?"

"Why are you keeping us here?"

Try as he might, the mob refused to listen to it subtly. But then again, Subtly was never Harry's strong suit. He threaded, bulled his way to a table, used the chair as a step and stood on top. Harry grabbed his wand to the underside of his throat and threw a thaumaturgy up to boost his voice three fold.

"Quiet!" That finally got the crowd's attention. "Everyone please return to your seat! My name is Potter with D.M.L.E. Yes, there has been an incident. No, no one died. Yes, you are all safe. Beyond that we are still investigating. Because of that, Yes we do need to ask you to stay here temporarily."

"Who the hell are you to lock us up here?"

"First, my apologies, but again it's a crime scene. Second, As I said, Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Harry repeated more sternly.

Blessedly he heard a familiar voice. "Thirdly, he works for me, Auror Tonks. All of them do. Do what he said." She walked in with a nod to Ron. That sufficiently placated the crowd enough for them to actually return to their tables and drinks. Lavender, Colin, and Lee all had been drawn from the crowd. Tonks quickly made some notes on a sheet then grabbed her wand and duplicated it twice. "You three, get to learn how to take statements. Check the bar, get some quills and paper. I want everyone's name and address and ask these questions. If they say anything besides a 'no' write it down. Then they are released to leave." Potter, where's our scene?"

Harry led Tonks to the loo where Tonks briefed and assigned Seamus to take statements also. Then Hermione gave her the report of what happened with the Sergeant taking notes.

"Right so just to be clear, only spells cast were a health scry on Bell and then a disarm and stun on our perp?"

"Yes, ma'am." Hermione nodded.

"Right then, " Tonks grabbed her wand and a crystal ball and scryed Katie again. "Shite." she muttered under he breath.

"Is she worse than Ginny thought?" Hermione asked.

"No, medically I think she'll be fine. But looks like we have an attempted Imperius. Never good." Tonks went to Rosmerta wand. "And it was cast from this wand." Tonks took a knee to scry Rosmerta. "Oh bloody hell!" she swore.

"What do you have, Sergeant?" Harry asked. "Rosmerta has been imperiused." She stood in frustration. "Someone fucking made a puppet to make another puppet. I can't tell if that is clever, dumb, or just paranoid. What did they want done?" Tonks asked more to herself.

"Well, ma'am. Rosmerta was also carrying this. Not the container, but the necklace inside." Harry raised the lid to show as Tonks scryed it. "Merlin, either of you touch this?"

They both shook their heads. "Small blessings. One hell of a curse on it."

Madam Pomfrey came in with a brown leather doctors bag in hand. Ginny tailed behind her. Tonks quickly advised. "Attempted Imperperio, interrupted mid cast."

"Understood," the Matron nodded. As she conducted her own scry. "She doesn't seem too bad aside from a psychic shock." She grabbed tree vials potions and quickly apparated the contents into Katie's stomach. "I want to bring her back to Hogwarts for observation but I believe she will recover with rest. Whomever stopped the Imperius is due her gratitude." she said with an expectant look to Harry.

"Not me this time. This is all the ladies," he pointed a finger each to Ginny and Hermione.

"Well done ladies, both of you. Sergeant, do you need help with this one?"

Tonks shook her head, "Personally, no. I've dealt with more stuns than I know how to count. But if you are heading back to the medical ward, may I make use of your bag?"

"Certainly," Pomfrey replied as she handed it over. Then she cast levosa on Katie's body and positioned her arms comfortably on her chest and carefully led the sleeping student out of the washroom.

"Where do you need me, Sergeant?" Ginny asked.

"You're senior enough in the team, Miss Weasley. Still with Granger, Potter and I. You're getting a lesson in questioning the suspect."

The students enchanted looks but didn't say a word. "Now a washroom isn't the best place for an interview. Anyone know if she has an office."

"This way." Ginny and Harry both replied in unison. Tonks raised and eyebrow, but otherwise let it pass.

'Levosa' she cast onto Rosmerta. "Lead the way please." As they walked through the tavern a quick review showed about half the patrons had been processed. "Granger, collect the statements from our people."

Sergeant Tonks followed the other two cadets to Rosmerta office, with a flick of her want the flex cuffs came off. The aurora rested the madam into the chair behind her desk. Very quickly then she reapplied the cuffs, fastening her wrists to the arms of her chair. Tonks sat the medical bag on the desk.

Hermione came in with a stack of papers. "They should be finished shortly, Sergeant."

"Thank you, Granger. All of you actually. Nice work with subduing the perp with only a stun and locking down the crime scene. The Ministry does appreciate it when we bring them in alive. Especially when they may be a victim themselves. Potter, considering you don't have a badge yet, you handled the crowd very well."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Tonks got her crystal ball out again and nodded for all of them to watch. "Each of you come here. "Take a look at this scry before I fix anything." Harry grabbed a third chair and they all took seats. "Welcome to spell signature study. On the surface level we have a standard blue aurora. That is your Stupefy stun, Miss Weasley. Nice power level to that. Now look beneath that and we see two distinct pink patterns, one with a silver wrap then the second earlier one with a black."

Tonks looked up to see the cadets nodding.

"The oldest is our Imperius. Then spell signature between the two… that's an obliviate."

"So someone cursed her then tried to undo it?" Ginny asked.

"Nope," Tonks said with a smile. "Anyone else?"

"Someone went to the trouble of controlling her, but erased her memory of them doing it." Harry deduced.

"Told you you have a first rate mind, Potter." She pointed back to the crystal ball. "Now look a little closer. Look at the consistency and brightness of that stupefy. Miss Weasley, you know what you're doing. That is a professional quality."

"Thank you, Sergeant." Ginny smiled.

"Now look at the spell work on the other two. Rough edges, minimal to patchy coverage. Amature hour."

"Why have none of our other instructors discussed this level of spell signature and identification before?" Hermione asked.

"Your other instructors are teaching you how to cast the spell. In our line of work we sometimes need to know who cast the spell." Tonks smiled. "Now I think it's time to break this and get some interviews."

Hermione looked very confused. "An Imperius victim needs the caster to die or surrender control."

"A good Imperius, yes. This is such a shite job, I'm relatively certain I can break it. Keep your eye on the ball." Tonks held her wand to Rosmerta's head and as a helix if pink and green energy flowed gently from her want to the victim's head. 'maledictio remotom, maledictio remotom" she chanted. As instructed the cadets watched through the crystal ball and they could see Tonk's spell work wash over the patching and ragged marks there, eventually both arcane energies fading away.

Rosmerta's eyes fluttered open, then she jolted awake. Clearly surprised to be in her office, then even more surprised to be cuffed to her chair. She looked around in confusion until Tonks explained.

"Madam Rosmerta, you are safe. We mean you no harm. I'm Auror Tonks, I was summoned here due to a report of you attempting to hex a student. Do you remember that?"

With the question put so bluntly, it was like a bucket of cold water had been thrown onto her face. "Oh… oh merlin. That was real? How is she?"

"Alive and recovering is all I will say at this point. We do have two witnesses with your wand in hand midcast. Scrys of the victim and your wand confirm you were attempting to cast Imperius. Can you tell us any reason you would want to dominate the student?"

Rosmerta's face was shocked and trepidation. Her eyes welled with tears. Hermione showed she was the softy in the group as she sat uncomfortably during the investigation. Harry and sat relatively unphased, they understood the need for questioning. While never to this depth, they had sat in hotseats before, clearly more often than Hermione.

"Merlin, no! I'll be honest. I do remember casting, but I have no idea why I would have."

Tonks watched the matron suspiciously and carefully. "Rosmerta, tell me how you felt when you were hexing the student."

Rosmerta closed her eyes and tried to think back. "Well I don't remember feeling bad or upset. If anything, I've felt pretty happy in the last few days, light, carefree even. I really don't know why, but I just remember it felt vitally important that a package be delivered to Professor Dumbledor, and I was told a student had to sneak in it."

"Told by whom?" Tonks latched onto.

"Hmm," Rosmerta asked, as if she didn't catch the question. Tonks could tell it was remnants of the spells still trying to cover their caster.

"Rosmerta, who told you to get the package to Dumbledore?"

"Oh! That's easy, it was… It was just a few days ago. It was…" The expression on Rosmerta's face showed she was clearly trying, straining to recall. "I - I don't remember. Why don't I remember!"

Tonks sighed. "Madam Rosmerta, it is my unfortunate duty to inform you, you too have been a victim of psychic hexing. Your testimony and scrys suggest that you were magically dominated by an Imperius spell specifically for this attack and your memory was partially Oblivated to conceal your assailant's identity."

"Merlin… why me?" the tavern owner asked looking up to auror

Tonks had a seat on the edge of the desk. "Less specifically you. More you were a party of opportunity. This looks to be an… extended attempt on Dumbledore's life as the package you referred to was lethally cursed. This being the school's released weekend to Hogsmeade, and your establishment regularly being visited by students are commonly known facts. I am sorry, ma'am, but someone used you." The auror saw the anger in Rosmerta's eyes. She expected that. She wanted that.

"Rosmerta, right now you are emotional. You may remember details that you just don't realize right now. If you are willing I could act as a second set of eyes to those memories, but only if you wish."

Rosmerta nodded.

Tonks looked at the cadets. "Witness this, and take notes." Hermione immediately grabbed paper and quill.

"'Legilimens.' Tonks cast as she raised her wand again to bond with Rosmerta. "Guide me. Back to when you first started feeling this carefree light and happy. Lead the way, I will follow you." Tonks spoke with the softest tone Harry had heard come out of her.

Harry noticed when Tonks performed the spell Rosmerta didn't seem at all distressed. She closed her eyes and rested her head back, but that seemed as if she was choosing to do so. 'Snape really is an arse.' he realized again.

"I - I was in the backroom. General preparations before evening rush. Then - there's light… a flash of pink light… and someone leaving through the back door."

"Hold that moment. Keep the picture up in your mind. That's what I'm here for." Inside Rosmerta's mind she the auror walked to find a better angle. "She's not lying. She doesn't have a clean memory of his face. Still though, male, caucasian, pale caucasian in fact, late teens, early twenties, gaunt, blonde hair, black suit." Hermione copied down what was said but already the cadets were looking at each other in understanding.

"Rosmerta, can you remember anything else? Just bring me to them."

The cadets could see she was trying. "No, no there's nothing else."

"Very good," Tonks released Rosmerta and then the cuffs on her wrists. "I don't think you're the threat here. Rather I think you were the first victim. I see no need to press charges. But keep in mind I may need to ask a few more questions in the future regarding both of these incidents."

"Thank you." Rosmerta said, regaining her composure.

"Let's finish collecting statements, then we can let Rosmerta have her tavern back." Tonks said as she led the cadets out.

"Actually, if I may, I would have a word with Master Potter."

Hermione and Ginny both gave Harry fought expressions of concern. Tonks raised an eyebrow and looked at Harry with curiosity… then smiled … then winked… "I think he can take care of himself."

The ladies left Harry and Rosmerta alone. Harry returned to his chair.

"Master Potter, two weeks ago. You asked me to help you smuggle, Merlin knows what into Hogsmeade. And despite a rather convincing argument, my decision is no."

Harry exhaled deeply, but couldn't blame her. "Understood…"

"No… you don't." She rose and walked to a small drink stand against the wall. She poured herself a drink and took a long sip off of it. "It was a decision based on fear and selfishness. I'm no soldier. I didn't want to get involved. I didn't want to take sides." Rosmerta turned and looked at Harry in true anger. "Well… They made me involved. I may not be a soldier… but one thing I absolutely refuse to be… is a victim. Master Potter, you run whatever the hell you want through this place. Just make sure you make those bastards pay."

Harry nodded. "Thank you. And if it helps. I don't think you're a victim at all. Just someone who took a hit. Now you're standing right back up." Harry rose and reached into his pocket. "We'll keep this simple so there is less information for you to be responsible for."

"Considering things, that is understandable."

"Deliveries here will be addressed to Bernhard Nobel. Use this knunt." He sat it on her desk. "Keep it tails up most of the time. When there is something here for us, flip it to be heads up. We'll send someone along. Welcome to the war."