Distinction: A Potterlock AU

Ch. 10: Meet Me at Midnight

Chapter 10:

Sherlock snuck behind McGonagall, who was reprimanding a student for not following directions quickly enough, and into the Great Hall, with John right behind him. "Quickly." John hissed. "We don't have long." "I am aware." Sherlock said unconcernedly. The student was laying face-down near the tables. Sherlock squatted beside her and began examining her. John glanced around and then strode over to her body. Next to her was a carved message in the floor reading, "Rache". "What does that mean?" John asked, pointing to it. Sherlock ignored him and continued examining her. "Sherlock." John said, worried this time. "McGonagall's coming, let's go!" "Doesn't matter, I'm finished here." Sherlock said.  He rose, but McGonagall reached them first. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" She barked. "I-he-we-" John stammered. John glanced at Sherlock who looked quite unlike himself. He was wearing an expression of shame, guilt, remorse, and grief. "I'm so sorry, Professor, it's all my fault." Sherlock began. "We saw the body from the corridor, and I-I wanted to make sure it wasn't one of our friends, which she isn't, but- oh god I can't believe that she's dead! She actually died! Here! In Hogwarts! God, I'm so sorry!" Sherlock sounded like he was on the verge of tears. John reeled in shock. McGonagall's expression softened. "It's alright, there there. Just get off to your dormitories and don't disobey a professor again." "Yes, Professor." Sherlock said before pulling John's arm and leading him into the corridor. As soon as they were out of McGonagall's sight, Sherlock's face returned to its usual expression, bored. "How did you do that?" John whispered. "You were so convincing!" "Not important." Sherlock replied. "Meet me in the empty classroom by Charms at midnight." "What for?" John asked. Sherlock smirked. "To catch the killer, of course." With that Sherlock strode off towards Ravenclaw tower leaving John to trudge off to the Gryffindor common room by himself, still unsure whether or not he would meet with Sherlock tonight.