Jonas and Archer were going to make breaks on this case.  They’d been tracking and investigating, and making gains, but nothing big enough to get major cracks.  There were pieces missing, and those that were potentially involved had closed ranks already.  New angles were needed.

Thanks to an evening meeting, Archer and Jonas had come up with their new angle: soliciting the help of a (perhaps reluctant) expert in the field of dark arts.  Jonas had suggested wisely: someone who really couldn’t say no and had a wealth of information in his graying head. 

Ignan Storm had an… interesting relationship with the men and women of level two, and they were going to cash in on that.  The stately older gentleman was punctual in his reply to the two and Archer had been more than happy to get to Hogsmeade with his partner for this investigation and walk through the grounds to the castle: a stroll down memory lane.  Though, it wasn’t going to lead back to the Hufflepuff common room this time.

Instead, they had the information they needed Storm to look at and an idea of the questions they were going to ask. 

Going through the castle, it really hadn’t changed much at all since they’d been students, the grounds were brown and chilled from the February air, and the grey castle with spires stood strong like it always had.  The closer they got, the larger the castle grew and Archer picked up his pace, lengthening his stride: time to get this over with. 

“It’s funny how easy navigating this place comes back to you,” he commented to Jonas, able to walk through the halls with some students gawking, crimson robes and badges on – for show really, since there wasn’t exactly a welcoming committee.  But, they continued on through the hallways toward the Professor’s office, only to arrive and knock smartly. 

Professor Storm had been reviewing the plans for the weekend's events with the NEWT defence students in the forest. They'd be taken out and given a challenge of protecting and egg and producing a potion while surviving overnight with nothing more than their clothes, wand and what they could find.[1]

He had been displeased to say the least when he had received word that Aurors Trevelyan and Radley wanted to see him. He very much doubted it was to do with Azorma, there had been no reports of Azkaban breakouts quite yet, and she'd have been ahead of schedule if so.

So instead, he had to entertain them, to find out what they wanted. As far as he knew they weren't off to see Minerva too, which meant it wasn't necessarily a student issue. He'd have been more glad if it had been. This gave him a strong suspicion it was personal, and he felt decidedly uneasy.

Aurors were some that could pass through Hogwarts without requiring his escort. He wasn't keen to broadcast himself in the corridors talking to them, especially if they chose to begin a personal conversation outside of his office.

At the allotted time, there was a knock at the door. Instead of calling to step inside, he turned away from the window he was glaring out of onto the grounds, pulled the curtains together and took the few paces to the door to open it, coming face to face with the pair.

"Good evening." He greeted, though his expression was not entirely welcoming. "Do come in." He gestured with his right hand to  the office where two chairs sat the other side of his desk.

He closed the door behind them, gestured with a hand to the lamps which brightened and lit the bookcases behind his desk and the shelves of strange collected items upon the walls which he would use as part of lessons. His office was rather more reflective of his public identity as a teacher, well travelled, record of service, whereas his personal rooms which students were not permitted, were rather more plain, and contained only a line of family photographs this year on the mantle.

"What can I do for you, Aurors?" The Professor asked, making his way back to the other side of his desk. He had not invited them to sit down yet - hoping that it would be a short matter. Any longer and he might have to permit them to sit and offer them tea. Tsk.

He placed his hands upon the top of the back of his desk chair and fixed them one at a time with a level, judging stare.

1.	NEWT Defence Challenge

Jonas had heard a good deal about Professor Storm's death-inducing glares.  Many of Gwenna's letters home as of late had been filled with adamant protestations about this or that reprimand, and she had been especially indignant that she'd been made to write an essay in detention about how he wasn't out to curse them all when the evidence seemed clear that he really was.  Judging by the look that the man gave them now -- not malicious, merely cool -- he could see how the Deputy Headmaster might strike terror into the hearts of unruly first years.

It had been years since he'd been here in this office.  Defense classes had always fascinated him; he and Tait had decided early on that they were both to be Aurors, and even when he might laze about in other courses or take Muggle Studies to avoid having to put in an effort, he'd always given his all in Defense Against the Dark Arts.  Back in his day, there had been a steady stream of Professors, none of which had seemed to last longer than a year.  By his reckoning, Ignan Storm was now going on his second.  Good on him to outlast all the others.

The bare bones of the office were exceedingly familiar; the knick-knacks that lined the shelves were different, but those had always changed with professors from year to year.  Jonas flashed the old wizard a bright smile as he limped to the nearest chair and pulled it out to sit.

"Well, a cup of tea might be a good start, if there're house elves about," he said cheerfully, lowering himself carefully into the chair.  "We've been getting some rain down in London, but it's nothing like the snow that you've had up here.  Thanks for seeing us, Professor," he added nicely, giving Storm a friendly smile.  "I know you must be kept busy with all those detentions to serve."

Professor Storm’s reputation was widespread.  Winnie certainly had enough to say about it, when she wasn’t sending him letters that were intended to give Archer a heart attack.  He had to say, he was less afraid of Storm than he was of whatever Winnie was going to write to him next. 

Professors were supposed to have that air of mystery.  DADA professors especially should be someone to be scared of – or scared of the potential of - at least at thirteen years old.   Archer nodded to the stately older man as he invited them in and he let Jonas go first.  This was, after all, Jonas’ idea. 

And Jonas had better people skills than Archer, who really didn’t give two wits about getting tea or the weather.  He could have skipped the pleasantries, but then again, this was Storm’s turf and the complete opposite of an interrogation room.  Archer sometimes had to remind himself to be nice to the people who held the cards.  He coolly looked over the office – not much in it – and then took a seat in the chair next to his chipper partner.

“We hope we’re not taking up too much of your time,” Archer snorted and tagged it on to Jonas’ amicable opening speech.  “But we were in need of an expert – and your name came up.”  Give the man some credit, as it were, but not forget the purpose.  “I suppose you’re adequately familiar with all manners of curses?” he asked, raising both of his eyebrows expectantly. 

Trevelyan near demanded tea on his arrival, and the Professor tried his best not to reveal too much irritation. Small victories for cocky aurors could be had, tea was easy to appease, and the sooner he could get them to leave the better.

Without too much word at first, he drew his wand and took a step back away from his chair to tap upon a kettle before it slid out of sight again. They didn't need a house elf pandering to the whims of grown wizards.

"Yes, your family are a regular feature in such detentions." Ignan replied smoothly, "You must be so proud."

Radley quickly reached a higher respect for his address, identifying Ignan as an expert. The kettle began to spit and bubble behind them on its stand, but the Professor ignored it, still standing as the other two took seats at his desk.

"I see." He remarked shortly, and stepped to one side to deal with the kettle as it began to whistle.

"The Aurors of the British Ministry come to a Hogwarts for advice on curses? Goodness me, although I am flattered at your thought, I am less reassured that you do not have your own experts."

As if conducting a small orchestra in the corner through a quiet passage, the kettle tipped up and into a teapot full of tea, and a teaspoon began to stir through the open lid.

"But to answer you directly, Auror Radley, yes I am 'adequately' familiar with all manner of curses, as you wish."

He was not yet ready to give them his full attention, and turned his shoulder a moment to indicate such.

Behind and to the side, the teaspoon had clattered into a teacup and the other elements of the teatray were dancing about to organise themselves into cups of tea without supervision, before cups on saucers, milk jug, teaspoons and sugar sailed across to the desk with one drag of the Professor wand through the air.

Finally taking a seat at his desk, he gave them his undivided attention. If they wanted biscuits, tough luck.

"What aspect in particular do you expect me to be of assistance to you both? Dark wizard turned a colleague's knees to face the other way?"

"No, Auror Bailey managed that one on his own, actually," Jonas replied cheerfully, as he politely removed his cup and saucer from the air.  The milk had settled just in front of him; he added a bit, and then offered the small pitcher to Radley.

The Ministry certainly had its experts on curses, but even their knowledge could be limited.  Unspeakables generally did not dabble in the magic of intentionally turning a body inside out -- or if they did, Jonas had decided with a shiver, he did not need to know about it.  He was far happier seeking that specific sort of expertise in a man that he did not regularly encounter on the lift.

"Well, let's see."  He added sugar to his tea, and then began to stir it.  Storm was liable to want them in and out as quickly as possible.  Funny how wearing crimson had that effect on people -- but Jonas was happy to take advantage of it if it meant quicker cooperation.  He raised his teacup to take a sip, thoughtfully regarding the Defense professor over the top of it.

"If I wanted to turn a bloke's body inside out by magical means," he began in a tone that did not suggest that this was anything other than perfectly polite conversation, "how would you suggest I go about it?"

Of all the questions the Professor had pondered and anticipated since receiving note of the intended visit, that was not one of them. His attempt to not look even remotely stunned failed owing to the fact he'd just taken a sip of his own cup of tea, and resulted in a louder than average swallow of the hot liquid.

Lowering the cup to the saucer, his lined face frowned as he gave it some serious thought.
"By 'inside out', do you mean skinned, generally dismembered, or that the internal organs were outermost, above the skeleton, and the skin was intact within it?" He asked formally, seeking a clearer definition of the example.

"Either way, it would take considerable practice and power for you to turn the unfortunate soul inside out." Professor Storm generalised, and put aside his hot cup of tea for a moment to ponder on things. Perhaps this would turn out to be more intriguing than irritating, and a good story to tell: the time the Aurors had to ask a teacher.

"Would you explain the context of your question?"

People skills, again, were not always Archer’s strong suit, and he was glad that he’d brought Jonas along – banter was easily achieved between the two other men, especially surrounding Jonas’ eldest, who Archer actually quite liked for a pipsqueak.  And Bailey, of course, came up, and Archer had to snort at that.  Even if he was completely disinterested in the trivialities of these sorts of visits, at least he could trust it was coming to a purpose.

A purpose, as the man hit upon ,that could have been dealt with by different individuals, but this type of magic was, form what Archer understood, rare, and any experts on it were probably not employed by the ministry. 

Jonas dropped in the question with much more finesse than Archer could manage, and Ignan tried to remain calm – Archer smirked.  The look on the old man’s face was entirely too amusing. 

His return, however, was less amusing: more to the point, which Archer appreciated and he nodded thoughtfully, recalling the murder scenes they’d investigated.  “The latter,” Archer finally injected himself back into the conversation.  “Though any variation of the process would be equally enlightening in some ways.”  It had seemed something similar had been used at each crime scene, so Archer figured it couldn’t hurt to know – perhaps whatever or whoever was responsible had some sort of fault after the first crime scene.

“I’m sure you’ve read the articles** with descriptions of similar curses,” he leveled Storm with a look that he hoped read they had no clearance to speak further on the issue.  If pressed, they could answer questions, but it didn’t seem necessary at this moment. 

He pushed back into the conversation of before, “You said it’d take a great deal of practice to do,” Archer repeated and affirmed, “with what? Is it wand magic or something else?”


**August 2009, October 2009, and October 2009 – addition

Archer chipped in with the further information and Ignan set aside his tea as he thought over things.

"Rippringham-Gomfrey?" He queried after Archer's question about wand magic. "Dawlish?" The names were mentioned in the staff room for the later one - Dawlish was more of a well known family name, Ignan had remembered Johann marvelling at the distinctly British ring to the first name when they had crossed paths in the time after the event.

"Yes, it would." He confirmed, putting his hands together on the desk and leaning forward a little to explain. For a moment, all was forgotten that these two were aurors who would rather enjoy taking the mickey out of him given half a chance. Suddenly they were all learned scholars.

"If you consider the amount of magic you need to levitate something light like a feather, which a first year is taught, to levitating a statue later on - you know that each requires some effort, but the statue requires a lot more. Concentration, magical control, physical and mental energy. The rearrangement of the body in what you describes is quite precise. It is not slaughter and throwing together organs in a pile, it is a reversal, it is complete."

In thought, he tapped his fingers to the desk, trying to think if he had much written theory to draw upon, but in honesty, he suspected the experts in this would be better placed in the Department of Mysteries. Landis might know of a volume in the restricted section of the library that might touch upon the magic to do such a feat.

"I would imagine it is wand magic," he added, "simply because it is the most portable and flexible to perform in the unique locations. If they were locations of magical significance, ley lines, and such then perhaps. There are ways to amplify wand magic beyond, with objects, markings about the place. There are perhaps infinite possibilities of how something like that would be done - just not to such precision or in such a space of time without discovery."

His gaze returned to each of the aurors, assessing if his response as yet had been of any use.

"Have your spell creation experts at the Ministry not attempted it on small mammals?" He asked, "I am curious as to why you ask me?"

"You mean aside from it giving us a reason to chat?"  Jonas frowned, his earlier flippancy set aside as he set his saucer and tea down on the wood of the desk.  As much as he enjoyed needling the former-criminal-turned-Defense-Professor, the opportunity for theoretical musing would win out every time. 

"The blokes at the Ministry haven't been able to turn up much."  His brows were knitted, more at the puzzle of it than in any sort of consternation.  "Turning someone inside out isn't really the sort of magic they usually muck about with -- or admit to mucking with, anyhow," he said, half-absently.  That was a possibility, certainly -- that they weren't getting the answer they needed because someone responsible for providing it didn't want them to get the answer they needed.  With a frown, he pressed his mouth shut for a moment, considering.

"But like you said," he continued after a beat, "it takes a lot for a hex to be that precise -- and I can't imagine they've had a lot of time to cast it."  The Auror punctuated his matter-of-fact statement with a shrug.  "You're not under suspicion, Professor Storm, if that's what you're after," he replied, circling back around to the Defense instructor's final question.  He nodded to Archer, as if the bigger wizard might confirm the truth of his sentiment.  "But we were hoping you might be a bit more...creative when it comes to thinking up how this might be done."

Trevelyan seemed to doubt the Ministry sources with his expression, either that or Ignan misinterpreted frustration with the internal agencies as such.

"I suppose not, no." He sympathised, "That sort of dark magic does have the tendency to turn a man even if he is only experimenting for the good of catching or bettering a dark wizard to capture them." The Professor agreed with the auror's explanation that the British Ministry weren't hot on turning people inside out in experimental magic. The aurors could interpret his comment as a reasoning for his own dodgy backstory, if they so wished.

"Good," Ignan replied firmly to the confirmation he was not under suspicion, though if he hadn't got a castle full of alibis, he might have been quite the candidate, "because I can then answer the question that has been waiting to be asked - could I reproduce the result? Probably, given time. Would that give you further insight into your killer? I may find a completely different method, and there's bound to be a few." The Professor lifted his teacup again and took a sip, mulling things over.

"I don't suppose you're able to let me see any more of the evidence at the scenes, to better inform, if I were to attempt to recreate it?"

 Sometimes acts of magic lost their magnitude when you were using and dealing with curses and hexes with complicated charms – what Storm suggested about the difficulty of the task hadn’t really crossed Archer’s mind before.  Certainly a new perspective, even if it wasn’t entirely helpful. 

“Muggle locations, historical,” Archer commented.  He wasn’t sure he agreed with the idea it was wand magic, but he would hear Storm out – he was an expert, after all.  It just seemed like it was the sort of thing that couldn’t be done via wand.  Like Jonas said, nothing at the ministry was really coming together.

Probably related to fact that even if mysteries workers did know… the chances they’d tell… well… their reputation wasn’t exactly unfairly given.  But they wouldn’t need to press too hard if they got Storm to open up about what he could even imagine.  Jonas had the insight to inform the man he wasn’t under suspicion, probably a good move – considering the man’s recent relationship with wizarding law enforcement. 

And then the real question, the one that had been floating in the air without being asked was out, and Archer didn’t feel comfortable with it – certainly not in Hogwarts – but when one didn’t have many options, it seemed the thing to do.  Looking at Jonas, then back at Storm, Archer sat up taller.  “Do you think it’s possible that this wasn’t done with a wand?  Is something like that possible?”

"It's magic, innit?"  Jonas gave a shrug, not in the least bit ironic.  "Reckon that means almost anything is possible."

The thought of Storm trying to recreate the murder methods -- well, from an intellectual perspective, it made perfect sense and was a logical extension of why they'd come here.  Muggle investigators used the same sort of technique all the time when they were trying to piece together a crime scene.  As long as it didn't result in a few less Hogwarts students, some experimentation with dark magic outside of Level Nine could surely be forgiven.

"We can give you access to the information about the crime scenes," he agreed.  "Reckon it goes without saying, but just so long as you keep it to yourself."  The Ministry was more in the habit of issuing Unbreakable Vows than it was nondisclosure agreements, but Jonas didn't mind relying on a spoken handshake in this instance. 

Overall, this conversation had gone much better than it could have.  Storm had proven to be not only knowledgeable but somewhat surprisingly agreeable, especially considering that they hadn't been the most tactful upon their entrance.  Perhaps it was worth re-evaluating his opinion of the man, from Dark Arts dabbler and one-time murderer to occasionally useful co-conspirator.

"Thanks," he added, flashing Storm a lopsided smile.  "We appreciate the help, Professor.  You reckon you'll do alright keeping the reenactment discreet?"

Despite his irritation at being demanded for a meeting, and the fact it was Trevelyan the other side of his desk, Ignan would reflect later that the whole meeting had been rather more intriguing than he had originally given it credit for.

Even with the scant details, he was rather proud to have been asked of the Aurors for his advice. He must have been settled on as tame dark wizard or something like, to seem it safe to ask. Either that or Defence Professors were considered experts rather than fortunately experienced and able to wrangle teenagers.

"Muggle locations, historical." Radley provided, which didn't provide too much indeed, apart from if Ignan were to consult maps of leys and historical magical sites for the locations - a job the Aurors should have someone on already.

"Do you think it's possible that this wasn't done with a wand? Is something like that possible?" Archer asked, sitting taller all of a sudden.

"It's magic, innit? Reckon that means almost anything is possible." His companion chipped in, reminding the Professor very much of his students.

Ignan's gaze switched almost entirely to the other auror.

"It is entirely plausible. Muggle locations, high magic, designed to shock and provoke great attention to the scene, then the perpetrator isn't too worried about putting in the effort. My initial thoughts were that they would be aiming to be in and out in the shortest time - which is often more common." He decided not to add from personal experience.

Between it all, the pair seemed happy to give him a little more information.

"We can give you access to the information about the crime scenes, reckon it goes without saying, but just so long as you keep it to yourself." The Professor gave a deep and sincere nod, perhaps a little too sincere, but it was more to mask the somewhat delighted smirk which crossed his features at that moment.

"You reckon you'll do alright keeping the reenactment discreet?"

Storm leaned back in his chair, his hands on his desk and arms straightening.

"I hope so." He assured Jonas, "Mice and such first, just to test a few small-scale theories. Sheep and cattle perhaps to get nearer the scale and structure of a man. I'll keep you informed, if you do the same."

Things seemed to be drawing to a close, and with not much further to add at that moment, the three were soon on their feet. Ignan ventured a formal handshake, allowing the initial frosty welcome to be balanced.

He now had a pretty legitimate reason (other than teaching defences of course) to dabble in his old methods. It wouldn't take much to work a little around the subject, for betterment of some of his private causes - namely a psychopath who wanted to poach Ignan's not-long-discovered biological son…

He looked at Jonas as he promised Storm the information and nodded in agreement, though reluctantly.  He knew it was necessary for the purpose, but Storm’s reaction was one that at least looked as though he understood that it was confidential and if he wanted to continue to be in the good graces of Level 2, it was in his best interest to keep it that way. 

Archer couldn’t say for certain if he trusted Storm or not – but he knew the man could figure out what they needed and that would be a suitable replacement for trust at this point. 

For Archer, the whole idea of testing was a suspect one, at best.  He had significant issues with the concepts, but at the same time, the options they had were certainly dwindling.  There were certain evils that couldn’t be avoided and a few mice, rats, and cows wouldn’t really matter when they had whoever was at the epicenter of this (perhaps the periphery as well) in custody.

“We’ll keep you informed,” Archer replied curtly, even though he was hesitant to say so.  Certain parts of an agreement just had to be mutually understood. 

When Storm started to stand, Archer did as well, and it seemed like the whole thing was coming to a close.  Archer stood and reached out his hand to shake Storm’s, “Thank you, Professor.  The files will get to you in short order.”