A Mess And A Murder

Chapter 2 - A Mystery to Solve

November 10th

Dear diary,
I met up with Blaise (I know, again!) I can't stop myself, this whole diary is becoming about him. I can't explain to you how he makes me feel. Every time our eyes meet I feel like the only girl in the room. I love him. And I feel bad about Harry but when I'm with him, it overwhelms me.

November 11th
(3am)

Dear Diary,
I know I should be asleep but I had to tell you.

Guess what??!!

Blaise said the words:
I love you

I'm screaming (with happiness).

I was speechless.
Yes you heard me right!! Ginny Weasley was speechless.
But don't worry - not for long...
Cause guess what:
I told him I loved him back! And then we kissed...
Details tomorrow!
See ya 🖤

Hermione sighed deeply as she closed the diary. Last night she had decided against staying at the burrow and had apparated home late. She was absolutely exhausted and fell asleep straight away and was now lying on her bed contemplating what to do.

After an hour or so, Hermione hauled herself out of bed to carry out her plan of action:

1. Find Harry and Ron

2. Ask, no, insist on helping with the case:
•If the say ok - great
•If they say no, proceed to step 3

3. Keep asking and giving reasons to help until they say yes
•If this doesn't work proceed to Action Plan B

Action Plan B:
Work alone.

Hermione didn't like the sound of Action Plan B but she knew one thing - she would do want it takes.

With her head held high, Hermione apparated to the Ministry, an aura of determination and confidence surrounding her.

Harry and Ron were in the auror meeting room discussing their own plan of action with their colleagues.

"Right. Listen up," Harry announced to the group, " The autopsy will come through tomorrow. First of all today, I want to us to brainstorm some ideas on where to start - who to question. Dean, Seamus I want you to look up who the victims were last with so they can be questioned. Justin, Hannah, I want you to find as much information as you can about the possible connections and relationship between the victims. Ron and I are going to check security footage around the area. Any questions or suggestions?"

"I have a suggestion," Hermione exclaimed as she burst in on the meeting.
"Hermio-" Harry began.
"I'm sorry everyone for interrupting," Hermione interrupted, "but I want to offer my help - please just let me help."

Ron and Harry exchanged glances.
"Can we speak to you outside?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded.

The trio stepped outside the meeting.
"Well?" Hermione asked.
"Mione, we've got this. We're professionals at this, this is our job. It's not that we want to leave you out but this case is top secret - confidential." Ron explained.

"Ginny is my best friend and we always work together," Hermione pointed out.

"Not this time," Harry stated, "I'm sorry Hermione."

With not another word the pair returned to the meeting.

Hermione crossed her arms in frustration and furrowed her brow.

Action Plan B it is she said quietly to herself

***

Hermione unrolled a giant piece of paper on her dining table. She sat down and thought hard. Where to start, where to start.
Well, if she was going to be a detective she would have to start where they always start - at the scene of the crime.