And From the Shadows it Came
June 12th
A short haired blond woman in her late thirties too early forties was waiting outside the office of the Minister of Magic. While normally this wasn't an unusual sight the fact that she was a muggle was. The fact that she was an American didn't help matters much either. She tried too ignore the stairs and rude pointing all the while telling herself she should be used too this by now. Rachael Stanson did her best to look over the information she had been given. The case file for the murder of Mr. McNair had obviously been edited to contain only the most basic information. She was going got need more then this if they expected her to work on this case. She was called in as a last resort and she knew it. She was one of the few gun experts in the world who worked with both the muggle world and the wizarding population. Truthfully she had gotten into this field by chance. She was working a case where the shooting victim turned out to be a wizard. She was almost obliviated by the Auror on the case when she had mentioned she already knew about the wizarding world because all three of her kids were witches and wizards themselves. The wizard working the magic side of the case took an interest in her. Turns out he was the head of AMLE, the American Magical Law Enforcement and they were in need of a gun expert as well as a contact with the muggle population. She fit the bill perfectly and was not about to pass up a once in a life time opportunity when she saw one.
She had learn a lot since then including what some other countries thought about wizards working with muggles especially in Europe. This was not the first time she had been to Great Britain. She had helped on a case years ago and it was a disaster. She was kept in the dark about many vital details, not taken seriously and her findings was grossly misrepresented. She left hating the European system and was not too surprised to find out there was a war starting. It really didn't even shock her to find out the Ministry had tried to cover it up.
As a result the Salem Academy had to be expanded to accommodate all of the refugee fleeing for their lives. Linda, her oldest daughter at sixteen, was complaining about the overcrowding when she came home for Winter break. While some of the students went back most had decided to stay. She really didn't want to come back here, not after the way she was treated last time. But Drake, her supervisor, wanted to at least extent an olive branch and she didn't have the heart to tell him no. But that didn't mean she had to take the insults to her profession and herself. Oh no, she was going to do this her way and if they had a problem with it, she had no problem going home. Just then the door opened and she was asked to come in. 'Show time.' she thought to herself.
Things had gone pretty much as expected from the moment she walked in. The Minister and his secretary had both gone into a very long-winded speech about the need for muggle security and how it was important that she had as little to do with any of the details as possible. Finally she'd had enough. She put her hand up to get a word or two in edge wise.
"That's all well and good Mr. Fudge. Now here's how this is really gonna work." Fudge raised an eye brow as the young woman spoke.
"First of all, if I am going to help in this investigation then I am going to HELP in this investigation. I refuse to sit on the sidelines answering pointless question without being told and details."
"Ah, well Ms.-"
"Mrs."
"Yes well, Mrs. Stanson. You see the thing with that is-"
She shoved the case file back to them along with a document of her own. "These are a list of my demands. If they are not met then I'm going straight home."
Fudge looked put out for a moment before responding. "Mrs. Stanson I hope you are not under the impression that your knowledge of muggle weapons is invaluable to the case in question. She smirked.
"Actually, yes I exactly the impression I got. Now let me ask you something. What type of gun was it?"
"Pardon?"
"How many shots were fired?"
"Well the head of the Auror Department would know better then-"
"Has a GSR test been done on any of the suspects?"
"A what?"
"I pray the bullet have been collected. Oh, an has the trajectory been established?"
"Now see here Stanson. You do not give me orders I am the Minister of Magic. You are here solely to give the Aurors facts about muggle weapons." She smile up at him.
"You, Mr. Fudge have no ground to give ME orders. For one, I, am a American citizen, here by the American Magical Council's request. 'Request' being the key word here, and I reserve the right to chouse wether or not I decide to assist or just grab the next portkey home."
While the Minister looked slightly put out the toad-like woman gave a slight, obviously fake, cough.
"Oh, we greatly appreciate the American Magical Council's willingness to aid in this case. But what you don't seem to understand Mrs. Stanson, is that this is a highly critical time in our Ministry right now. And the death of a Ministry employee makes this an extra sensitive case. I'm sure you understand the importance of fallowing our guidelines and to not get too involved for it may interfere with the investigation. I'm sure you can agree with that Mrs. Stanson." Umbrige finished with that sickly sweet smile and girlish voice making Rachael shutter but she was not going to let this women get the better of her.
"Do you know what my youngest daughter asked me last year?" Umbridge blinked.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It was her first year at the Salem's School Academy and she asked me why there were so many foreign students in her class, which I might add, is becoming overcrowded. I didn't have an answer from her but she came home this summer she told me some of the upperclassmen told her that is was because there was a madman running around Europe trying to commit mass genocide on the muggle and muggle born population and that their own government was trying to cover it all up ignoring evidence right in front of their faces." At this Fudge stood up the blood rushing to his head.
"Now see here! Those are blatant lies and fabricated fairytales tales! This Ministry has done everything in it's power to keep our world safe from Dark Wizards such as "He-who-must-not-be-named" Rachael smiled at his reaction.
"I'm just telling you what I heard from my kids Mr. Fudge, but the fact is that seems to be the general opinion coming from the US wizarding population as well as many other countries. No need to shot the messenger I'm just telling you what I heard." Umbrige took over allowing her boss to better collect himself.
"I'm sure some of Salem's more 'opinionated' children like make up their own little theories about thing in other countries they don't understand but we seem to be getting off topic. We are here to discuss the condition of your assistance in the murder of Mr. McNair." Rachael raised and eyebrow.
"Yes, let's stick to the topic never mind the fact that my older daughter is studying this in her Wizarding history class and it was her teacher who lead the discussion. But your right I am getting off topic. I'll make this brief and to the point. Unless all of MY conditions are met I'll be heading back home in time for supper tomorrow."
"Mrs. Stanson are you threatening the Minister of magic?" Said Fudge his temper rising once more.
"Of course not Mr. Fudge. I simply reserve the right to refuse my services if the conditions remain as they are. The last time I was here I was denied access to all of the information I needed and was forced to hand in an incomplete report before I was sent on my way. I found out later my evidence was used in a trial to convict a man for life in prison. The evidence was not reported correctly and I was not even asked to testify even though it was my finding that put him away. I will not allow myself to be used like that again. This is one of the reasons why the American Magical Council doesn't like to get involved with the British Ministry. Because of your lack of understanding with the muggle population you were forced to look for outside resources. Most of you still think a gun is simply a "metal wand muggles used to kill each other with." Trying to salvage the situation Umbrige shared her thoughts.
"Hum, hum, well if that's the attitude you are going to take Mrs. Stanson then perhaps it would be better if we looked else where for an expert in muggle weapons." Calling the woman's bluff Rachael stood up.
"Then I wish you the best of luck. But tell me something, what are three countries who's muggle law endorsements are aloud the use of fire arms and if their private citizens are aloud to as well?" The two officials looked at each other expecting the other to answer. Rachael picked up her bag and headed for the door. "I'll be at my hotel until tomorrow night. If I don't hear from you I'll be catching my Portkey home. Otherwise you know where to reach me. Ta ta!" and she left the room not waiting for a reply.
She felt really good about how the meeting went and swore to herself not to let the British Ministry take advantage of her again. There was always the chance that they would find someone else but with all the recent chaos going on around here she doubted it. She was almost to the elevator when she heard a very familiar voice. "Mrs. Stanson, is that you?"
'Oh, no.' she thought as soon as she recognized the voice. She turned to see a balding red haired man jogging quickly to catch up with her. 'Damn it, I was also out.' she thought to herself as plastered a fake smile on her face.
"Mr. Weasley, what a surprise, I was just on my way out." she said quickly to try and get away before he could start up with his ludicrous questions.
"Oh do stick around for a bit I was on my way to lunch downstairs...that is unless your on official business..." Of all the questions he could ask this was one she would not be able to get away with lie. If she said yes it would be pretty easy to prove otherwise.
"Not at the moment, I've been trying to improve my working conditions here and until the Minister gives in or compromises I'm not on the clock." She saw his eyes light up and shuttered mentally. "But should I really get back to my hotel I'm a bit tired, jet lagged and all."
"Jet what?"
"Uh...I mean the time difference. Yeah that's right. My internal clock's a bit messed up." Unfortunately the older man failed to see the logic in this statement.
"Oh, but if you rested now you would just be tired tomorrow. Better to stay up now and get a good nights sleep tonight. Am I right?" He said with a child-like smile. Now, it wasn't that she didn't like Arthur Weasley, but his attitude towards her made her extremely uncomfortable. She was reminded of the science geeks in her highschool biology class who spent every waking hour studding bugs in glass jars. That's pretty much how she felt around this man. Like a disgusting bug on display most people would squash if they saw on the street. It was this reason alone that she tolerated the annoying redhead. While his fascination with her was a little creepy he was the only wizard in this country she had met who didn't looked down on her because she was a muggle. All alone in a foreign country with so many people looking to stick a knife in her back, friends were hard to come by. Beggars couldn't be choosers.
"I know this wonderful little shop. I think you'll like it, it's American I think. I haven't been there myself by this is the perfect opportunity. I believe it's called Star Chucks!"
'Lord help me.' she thought as she was helplessly lead away by the balding man already starting to ask her strange questions.
"Now, you must tell me why is it that muggle pictures can't move but the ones on the Te-lee-be-shin can? And why..."
'God I hate Europe.'
June 13th 2:00 AM
The full moon shown brightly over the horizon. It was a clear evening with no clouds to obscura the lunar rays highlighting the Smith Manor. But even on this lovely evening several masked men emerged from the shadows and silently entered the house. They entered quietly through the back door in the backyard. The wards were fairly simple to get through and this family needed to be taught a lesson. Dovana was grateful to be chosen by Malfoyd his to lead this attack. Martha and Jack Smith witness a Death Eater attack a week ago and has provided the Ministry several name of the attackers. Oh yes, they would be a prime example of what happen to those who crossed the mighty Death Eaters.
Even after the fall of their leader Voldemort his dark servants would continue to fight until they achieved their goal of total domination of the wizarding world and free it from the filth that were not of pureblood. The wizard smiled to himself as he lead a group of ten other Death Eaters up the winding stairs. The couple would be in bed by now resting after a hard day, little did they know they would not live to see the sun rise. The killers slowly turned the knob on the door leading to the Master bedroom. While the shades were drawn and all of the light extinguished, there eyes were used to the darkness by now. They could see the outline of the bed as well the couple that rested comfortably with in. They crept forward slowly inching their way to their pray. Once they were positioned around the room to ensure that no one would escape, Dovana grabbed the bed covers yanking them back. He illuminated his wand to see the terrified looks on his victims' faces but instead of two adult in the bed there was a strange looking object that started to spark the moment it was exposed to light. The last thing he ever saw was a blinding flash of light as the room exploded.
The roar of the explosion could be heard from miles around, from muggles and wizards alike. All turned to see the Smith Manor being ripped apart by flames. Many feared this was the work of the rogue Death Eaters. What they didn't know was that those said Death Eaters were now fleeing for their lives. About seven out of the eleven sent in were killed either by the collapsing of the ceiling or the explosion itself. 4 of the men were still alive and were desperately trying to escape the burning blaze that was quickly engulfing the house. It was ironic that the anti apperation wards they set prior to the attack were now prohibiting their escape. 3 were already outside the building when they heard a different and strange sound.
It sounded like a rattling but steadily and louder. The one in front saw something moving in the shadows but then started shacking as if he was being hit but a dozen curses. He fell limply to the ground face first in the mud. His friends turned him over only to see his corpse was now covered in holes. They gasped in surprise as the firing started again. The one on the left was struck in the leg. He cried out as he felt his tendons being torn and shredded. As he fell he could feel the sharp stabbing pains in his chest as he was struck by multiple projectiles.
As he lay there bleeding to death his companion wisely chose to run from the unseen enemy. He got as far as the main gate before a single slug struck him in the back of his head expelling blood and bits of brain matter through his left eye. The final surviving Death Eater on this ill fated mission watched in horror as his companions were killed off one by one.
Suddenly he saw a dark figure emerge from a bush. The Death Eater drew his wand only to realize it was ruined from the explosion. He kept it out though, perhaps the attacker wouldn't notice in the dark. It was unlikely however, the spreading fire lit up the front lawn like it was day time. But this meant he could also see his enemy. The killer was wearing what was unmistakably a Death Eater's robe with the exception of the mask. It looked like the killer had transfigured it from a bone white faceless form into a grinning skull with glowing red eyes. The Death Eater gave an involuntary shutter at the figure appearance. As the figure slowly approached, it began to speak.
"Dolohov, it is good to see you again." The masked figure's voice was deep and echo-like. Dolohov was sure he was using a voice modifying spell and he was also certain he knew him, but from where.
"Who the Hell are you!" The figure came slowly closer.
"Someone from your past, someone you have wronged, someone...who desires you dead." The man snorted into his mask.
"Well that narrows it down." The figure was still coming closer.
"It matters not who I am. You sins have finally caught up to you. I am here to put an end to your retched live as well as all your other comrades." Dolohov glanced around at the corpses of fellow Death Eaters and the burning mansion behind him. They served as reminder that this person was deadly serious.
"Why do you hesitate my friend?" Said the killer still coming closer. "Surly you must realize you are about to die and there is no way out except through me." Dolohov stole a glance down at his wreck of a wand silently praying there was still some fight left in it. "Make you move." The figure raised the strange weapon aiming at his head. "Or shale I go first?" It was now or never with a loud fiery roar Dolohove shouted.
"AVADA KADAVRA!" but instead of a bright brilliant green light nothing more then a few sparks that fizzled out of his poor wand.
"Oh, too bad. My turn!" He never even saw it coming. All of the sudden the killer was in front of him and with in less then an instant he felt something long and sharp penetrating the bottom of his chin and thrust upward. Pain beyond imagination coursed through his body. He tried to cry out but the blade has sliced through his tongue. he gasped for air for he was drowning in his own blood. The bastard had not been so kind as to drive the blade all the way up through his brain, so it was a slow death for him then.
His killer was holding the hilt of the murder weapon at an odd angel and he realized the weapon was a hand scythe. "I know I said it wasn't important who I was, but I want you to know. Time to face your demons Dolohov." And with that the killer removed the skull like mask. Dolohov's eyes widened with realization. He did know his killer, but... it just couldn't be.
"Take a good look, look into my eyes. You understand now don't you?" Yes, yes he understood. But this couldn't be- His thoughts were rudely interrupted by the twisting of the scythe. Again it was not enough to kill him but more than enough too make him suffer as long as possible. "Well, it was nice talking to you but the Aurors will be here any moment I expect." And with that the scythe blade was ripped out through the front of his head. While he was still twitching on the ground barley alive, the killer put the skull mask back in place. "I would say be sure to tell the others what's in store for them but it seems you wouldn't be able to." Dolohov was rapidly losing blood and would be dead and gone before anyone would show up. The killer looked into his face one last time smiling. "Still, I think they'll get the idea. Far well." The last thing the Death Eater known as Dolohov ever saw was the flowing black robes disappearing into the Darkness.
June 13th 10:00 AM
Rachael awoke the fallowing morning later then she normally would with a loud yawn. Yesterday was just horrid. It seems this was Mr. Weasley's first time drinking espresso drinks. And of course, like a kid in a candy store, he had to try one of each. The man was so buzzed when he went back to the office some of his co-workers were worried he was hit with Cruciatus curse and was suffering from a side effect. She was smart enough to get the hell out of when his wife was called in. Unfortunately the extra energy made extra chatty.
"Man I thought he'd never shut up." She was so tired she fell asleep as soon as she hit the bed. But her dreams were filled with red weasels asking her question after question. "Oh God, I can still hear him." She was comforted by the thought that she would either be accepted by the ministry and thus not having a lot of time to spend with the man or be sent home. Right now either way suited her just fine.
She was grateful that she was at least in a comfortable hotel room but she was still concerned about what the Ministry would flat out reject her proposal. It was true she felt like a fish out of water the last time she was here, but her boss at the American Magical Law Enforcement was a good friend of her family. Heck, her youngest daughter was best friends with his little girl and had been over each other's house's for dinner on a number of occasions. While he didn't say it out loud she knew he really wanted to try and built up a better relationship with the British Ministry. But he just told her if she was uncomfortable to just uses the portkey he had given her head right back home. She had purposely proposed more demands then she really needed. It gave her some ground room to negociate and make the ministry look like they were calling the shots by denying her a few thing she didn't really need. She figured it was the only way for a muggle like her to get any respect in this society. There was a light tap on her window as a owl was trying to get her attention. She quickly opened the window to let him in. It was carrying a copy of the daily profit and held out a small bucket demanding to be paid. She fumble through her purse searching for the right coin. After paying the bird it flew off leaving her to her paper. It was a pain just trying to get the paper derived to her but her boss made some special arrangements. She wanted to keep up with the news and current events so she wouldn't look totally ignorant if they actually offered her the job. Beside there might be something related to the Mc Nair case. But one look at the front cover told her a different story. "Death Hunter Strikes Again" the headline read above a picture of a burring house.
"Holy!" She exclaimed as she read the article in full. "Late last night at the home of Martha and Timothy Smith, several Death Eaters invaded the Manor presumable with the intent to harm to the couple while they slept. The would be killers met with an unexpected surprise when about eleven of them were caught in some kind of explosion. While several of them managed to make it out side they wear most were killed by a muggle weapon known as a gun. One was killed with a knife of some sort. While the investigation is still underway our sources tell us it was the same type of weapon used a few days ago in the murder of McNail and severely other Death Eaters. It would seem to this reporter that there is in fact a wizard who is doing what the Ministry could not, rid us of the followers of the fallen 'He who must not be named'. More information as this story develops."
The article went on with eye witness testimony as well as another hundred theories with very little facts. Rachael closed the paper and sighed. It would seem this wore house killer had bigger things on his mind. Worst yet it looked like her little isolated murderer had become a cereal killer over night. She was thinking about contacting the Ministry again to negociate her stay when she heard another tap at the window. It was another owl with a letter tied to its foot. She wasn't too surprised to find a letter from the Ministry what did surprise her was what it said.
"Dear Mrs. Stanson,
The Ministry of Magic would like to inform you that your requests regarding your assistance in the Investigations of the murder of Mr. Mc Nair, have all been approved. You will find a letter attached for full details.
We would like to welcome you to the temporary Magical Investigations Division. Enclosed you will find a Visitor's Pass allowing you access to much of the Magical world as well as a portkey which will activate, once touched, to take you to the Ministry to be briefed and begin your service. There is no need to respond via owl but please come in as soon as you receive this letter. We await your arrival.
Sincerely, Deloris Umbridge Under Secretary to the Minister of Magic
"Woah." Was all she had to say. While she had hoped to receive some of her demands she never expected all of them. "I guess the attack last night forced their hand." The owl hooted impatiently at her. "Alright, alright, Just let me get dressed first. Sheesh!" she quickly through on an outfit and got her crime scene kit ready. After checking to make sure she had everything she needed she put on her special pass and took hold of the portkey. She felt the familiar tug at her navel and next thing she knew she found herself in the Ministers office with a very nervous looking Fudge pacing back and forth. It only took his a moment to realize there was someone else in the room with him.
"Oh, Mrs. Stanson thank you so much for coming so quickly. I trust you received notice that all of your demands were met?" She nodded as the man rambled on. "Good good, and I trust you've found everything to your satisfaction?" she nodded again and watched the man sigh with relief. "Wonderful when can you start?" She held up her kit and camera.
"I could start right now if you needed. The letter sounded pretty urgent."
"Very good, Mrs. Stanson. I'm sorry for the rush but there's been another incident."
"You mean at the Smith Manor?"
"How did-" she showed him the daily profit with a burning house on the front cover.
"Damn them! They ran the article early. This wasn't suppose to be published until tomorrow when we had more information. Anyway Mrs. Stanson I want you to have a look at this sight first. No one seems to know about these guns and the place is a bloody mess. I need to know what happened down there ASAP." Fudge quickly called an Auror to his office.
"You'll be working with a few Aurors, Shackelbolt, Tonks, and Tomthorn." A tall bald black man entered the office. "This is Kingsley Shackelbolt, you'll be working mainly with him on these cases." She politely shock hands with the man all the while looking him over. He in return was eyeing her as well.
"Shackelbolt please escort Mrs. Stanson to the Smith Manor. And Mrs. Stanson please report all your finding to him. Now I must run, you two take care." And with that he hurried out of the office still looking at the Prophet as he left.
"Oh, my word, they've already given this lunatic a nickname." They heard him say as he disappeared around a corner.
Shackelbolt sighed and rubbed his head. "This is going to be a long day." He then turned to young woman next to him. "So you're this new gun expert."
'Already with the attitude.' she thought to herself but not saying it out loud. Her last foreign supervisor and her got off on the wrong foot day one and everything went down hill from there. 'better not burn all my bridges on my first day.' She then extended her hand and introduced herself with as much courtesy she could stand.
"That's right. Mrs. Rachael Stanson, Crime Scene adviser for the American Magical council. Nice to meet you." He hesitated but shock her hand as well.
"Kingsley Shackelbolt Chief Auror for the British Magical Law Enforcement. I take it you have some experience with magical field work?"
OK, now she felt insulted. She had to remind herself this wasn't the US before she could answer. "Do you really expect the Minister to hire some one off the street? I've been assisting the Auror in the US for over ten years now. I've even been called in to your department before several years ago." She collected her crime scene kit never taking her eyes off the taller man.
"I am more than capable of doing the job I've been hired to. If you disagree I would appreciate you wait until after you've reviewed my case work. Now I think we should get to the scene before it becomes to contaminated." Kingsley had to hid a smirk. While the muggle seemed to have a attitude, she obviously took her work seriously. The last thing he wanted was to babysit someone Fudge thought would boost his ratings.
"Your right, we'd best be on our way." She nodded as she fallowed him to the nearest flew. "I should warn you though, Fudge wasn't kidding when he said it was a bloody mess."
As Rachael made her way to the crime scene Draco Malfoy could be found fidgeting in his seat at the Orders' HQ awaiting Dumbledore. Ever since Snape had been discovered as a spy he had taken his place and been working for Dumbledore ever since. Unfortunately he admitted he wasn't as successful as his former Head of House. Once his father had taken over the Death Eater he had become extremely paranoid. Raids were planed out only moments before they were carried out. Only those directly involved with the attacks were told about it. This made it easier to see if there were any leaks and made it extremely difficult for the former Slytherins to warn anyone ahead of time.
Right now he was under the watchful eye of Mad-Eye Moody. He sat quietly wishing the Headmaster would hurry it up. It wasn't long before the ancient white wizard entered the dining room.
"Ah, Draco so good of you to come." Moody's snort was clearly audible but the boy chose to ignore it for now. " I was wondering if you could enlighten us on last nights unscheduled events."
"I don't know what I can say that you probably don't already know Headmaster."
"Please, we are no longer student and teacher. Please call me Albus."
"Fine, Albus, father and I had dinner together last night. I wasn't informed about the attack on the Smith Manor."
"And just when did you hear about it Boy." Spat out Moody, his magical eye twitching madly in it's socket.
"It's Draco, sir, and it was around 2:30 am. I was awaken to my father yelling at someone. I overheard them talking about an attack earlier that evening. Seems it went, bad."
"That's an understatement." Commented the ex Auror while Dumbledore sighed.
"Alastor if you please." The man held his tongue. "Please continue Draco."
"There's not much else to say. I heard them say that someone got there first and wiped out the entire group." He paused as if he suddenly remembered something. "There was something else, something about muggle weapons. He thinks it may be the same guy that had McNair gutted like a fish."
"I thought you said before he wasn't all that upset with Mr. McNair murder."
"He wasn't, he just figured it was an isolated insadent. McNair's made himself quite a number of enemies not all relating to his Death Eaters' activities. Frankly I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."
"I think it is safe to assume there is a killer attempting to finish off what young Harry started." Draco looked up surprised.
"You mean you really don't know who it is?"
"I'm afraid not, and as far as I could tell no one in the order has anything to do with it." The boy glanced at his watch and stood up.
"I'd better get going. The last thing I need is father questioning my whereabouts." The headmaster nodded.
"Take care my child, and be safe." The blond nodded back and left the dinning room. Moody's eye could see the boy was still lingering but decided maybe the boy should hear what he was about to say.
"Do you really believe a word that little git says." Dumbledore raised his hand.
"Alastor please, he was the one who warned us of the attack on Hogwarts. He was the one who helped professor Snape escape and has been helping us ever since. In other words, yes I do believe him and we need his information. The Death Eater are showing no signs of slowing down."
"With the exception of this so called 'Death Hunter'. And how do you know he's not still helping Snape. The old bat could very easily have snapped and is now getting rid of anyone who would turn him in for a lighter sentence."
"For the last time that is enough Alastor! I refuse to believe Severus has, as so calmly put it, snapped. Despite what you think of him mass murder is not his exactly his style." The old Auror knew when to back down but Snape's little disappearing act just didn't sit well with him at all.
"I take it there's still no sign of him, how convenient."
Outside the door Draco had heard enough. He had to leave before he did something he would come to regret. "Honestly I don't know how Snape put up with these idiots." The only good thing about this situation was that he had an unwittingly established and alibi. He was no fool, this mysterious killer somehow knew about the attack on the Smith Manor as well as McNair's typical hangouts. Father was quick to point this out and was now convinced there was another traitor or spy in his ranks. The fact that he didn't know about the raid and he was with his father at the time drew suspicion away from him but for how long. Lucius was getting paranoid and practically questioning everyone who sneezed. He couldn't help but wonder if he wasn't on the Death Hunter's hit list himself. More than anything he wished he had someone to talk to. Snape was the only one he truly trusted and he wasn't here right now.
He pulled out the last thing his former professor had given him. Why, he couldn't seem to fathom. It looked like an ordinary wizarding photo of a school club. He knew this was important to him somehow but Snape had said himself, it was up to him to solve it. He had looked at it time after time but he didn't have the slightest clue what it meant.
He stopped just before he reached the front door. "This won't be safe with me. Father might find in and if he figures out it's secrets..." As much as pained him he decided it was better to leave it here in Grimmald Place. He knew just the place too. There was loose panel of wall near the front door. After a quick glance around he hid the photo and cast a protection spell to make sure it wouldn't be damaged by some of the nastier critters lurking around in this house. He rushed out passed the apperation wards and disappeared. To bad he didn't notice the little pieces of flesh colored string in the hallway.
Rachael took a good look around when she first got to the crime scene. "You weren't kidding, this is a mess." The chard remains of the manor in the background, the fallen pieces were everywhere and the bodies we were on the grounds. Kingsley took the liberty of showing her where each body was found and their findings thus far. She was examining the spot close to the door when she noticed something odd.
"Hey Shackelbolt!" The tall auror had been silently observing her progress hoping she meant it when she said she was experienced.
"What did you find?" She pointed to a large number of discarded bullets that had either missed or had exited the victim.
"These bullets are from an automatic weapon." At the blank look on his face she elaborated. "Meaning, the gun used was designed to fire multiple bullets from a single shot."
"OK, and this is important, how?" Seeing that he wasn't putting two and two together she spelled it out from him.
"I was giving a copy of the evidence found at the first crime scene. I clearly remember there was only one bullet from one shot. In other words the gun that was used to killed these people might not be the one that was used in the first shooting."
The man looked thoughtful for a moment. "Couldn't the killer have used a different weapon?"
"It is possible but most killers are creatures of habit. They like to stick to what they feel comfortable with. I still have to take a look at the first crime scene but unless the killer lost the gun somewhere there was no reason to change it."
"It was dark, what if he wanted a weapon that could hit more of his targets."
"Good theory but look at his aim. He made every shot count. Normally with this type of gun your aim doesn't have to be perfect. Just keep shooting and your gonna hit something. Our killer had great aim but if you're used to a smaller gun his aim is going to be off at first at least until he get the hang of it."
"Wait your not telling me that there might be more then one killer are you?"
"I can't rule that but it is a possibility. But it's that or our killer isn't just dabbling in muggle weapon. He knows what he's doing and I don't think he's going to stop." Just then they heard a voice from above.
"Hey, Shackelbolt you gotta see this." It was Tonks on her broom hovering above the crime scene.
"What have you got." She took a picture and races back in such hast that she nearly fell off.
"Sorry sir, but take a look at this. You can only see it from above." She handed him a picture of the crime scene from a downward angle. "There's no way this is a coincidence." Burn unto the lawn in giant letters was a message.
"58 active Death Eaters remaining."
June 15th 11:30 PM
It was late and Pansy Parkinson was resting comfortably in her room. Her family was having a meeting downstairs. True she was suppose to be at the meeting herself but she told her father she had a headache and he told her to go and rest. She smiled to herself she always was daddy's little girl. He would do any for her and she knew it. She snuggled under her covers and turned her head from the window. To bad she didn't see the dark figure in flowing black robes creeping up on the house.
To be continued...
Next chapter: The Parkinson Family Massacre