All three boys said their farewells and Damian went back to his crammed compartment, a shifty look down the corridor. As if he was hoping nobody overheard their conversation.

"Now we honestly need to find somebody, who has heard what Jim said to Damian!" said Tem excitedly.

"This whole story feels somewhat more interesting and exciting than the thefts, I have to admit," said Nathan, sheepishly.

"True, but we mustn't lose our focus. Most of the people on this train do not care for some gossip from last year if we don't solve the case at hand. Remember, we proclaimed we would find the stolen items and who stole them," said Tem.

"You did...," mumbled Nathan.

"What's that?" asked Tem, inclining his head.

"Er, nothing. You're right. I still wonder if these things are connected, or if it's a fluke."

"So far, it must be. We just haven't found the one sliver of hard evidence to nail Jim. Let's ask Eleanor about the silver chain link."

A few moments later Tem stood in front of Eleanor, holding up his small evidence bag with the tiny piece of silver.

"Hmmm, it could be. It looks like a normal piece of a silver necklace. Mine had a few intricate links, but also such basic ones," said Eleanor, staring at the plastic bag. "You found that in Jim's pocket?"

"Yes, indeed we had. He was very cooperative. We looked through his bag and pockets, but this was the singular suspicious piece," explained Tem.

"Hah, he must've been sure he got rid of it all, but you caught him. Well done." She beamed at Tem. "Now we simply need to confront him and this squirming loser will crumble, confessing where he put my necklace. I'm sure of it!"

"Ah, we aren't at that stage of the investigation yet. There are still a few loose ends to look into...," said Tem, not very convincingly.

"What else do you need? He had a motive, the opportunity, and capability! I won't be intimidated like Damian. It's obvious!" shouted Eleanor.

"Yes, Ms Harris. I agree with some of your points. Surely, you don't want to falsely accuse another student without exhausting all available options?" said Tem appeasingly.

"Fine! Just get me back my necklace before we get to Hogwarts. Otherwise, I hold you accountable for putting any faith in you, instead of hustling all prefects down Jim's throat!" Eleanor was back to her demanding self, but in Tem's mind, she had made a significant point. She had indeed put faith in him and he'd be damned if he could not make good on his promises

"Let's go back to our compartment and go over the facts once more. Obviously, we might add a few new insights to the mix," said Tem.

"Good idea. I'd love to go through my notes. So much interesting stuff. I hope I missed nothing important," said Nathan, looking worried.

They hurried back to their compartment, eager to discuss the finer points of their investigation. As they arrived and stepped through the door a different scene greeted them than expected. Gerald was accompanied by a couple of other first-years, all of whom wore their Hogwarts robes, careened their heads to the newcomers, and dropped their conversation.

"Ah, the self-appointed saviour of this train finally returns to his base of operations," said a girl, smugly.

She lounged next to the windows and the other first-years sat in a subservient demeanour around her. She had her hands folded neatly over her stomach, one leg crossed over the other. Her narrow eyes, hinting at an Asian heritage, shone mischievously between her long banks of black, straight hair.

"Uhm. Hi. Gerald, what's going on?" asked Tem, but Gerald kept a stony face. After a second or so, he looked away. Tem continued towards the girl, "Right. Well, my name is Temsivar Greengrass. And yours is?"

"Esmae Webster. So nice to make your acquaintance finally," said the girl, bowing her head half an inch, but her voice belied such a polite gesture, instead dripping with glee.

"Er, same here," said Tem, mimicking her gesture politely, trying to hide his confusion. "Can we help you with anything?"

"Oh, I'm not sure, can you?" Her eyes sparkled. What should that even mean, Tem thought. Did it mean anything at all?

"Are you here to report another theft? Anything of yours missing?" asked Tem. He had a hard time reading this girl. Somehow he felt like she wasn't actually a first year, but instead perhaps a third-year thinking highly of herself.

When they tried to gather information early in their investigation, they encountered many pupils not taking them seriously. While it didn't seem helpful to ask other first years with no experience at Hogwarts, most of the second years were rather accommodating, or at least not hostile. This girl on the other hand had been able to gather a group around her and seemed to have come to their compartment for the sole reason of looking for conflict. Surprising, thought Tem.

Additionally, she emanated an air of intelligence and capability, telling Tem he needed to tread carefully. It would be a hindrance to start school with enemies. Maybe she was only kidding around? Ashley had been, and her attitude dazed him at first. Perhaps that's how things were going to be at a boarding school, albeit a magical one.

"No, not at all. I'm happy to report nobody has been able to steal anything from me. I'm merely trying to get to know my fellow classmates at our prestigious school. And, my friends," she looked around graciously at the others in attendance, who nodded happily, "and I happened to talk to Gerald here. He tells me you fancy yourself becoming an Auror for the Ministry?"

Webster was not a pureblood name and Tem could not recall any relation to established wizarding families. The community of solely wizarding families was manageable. Yet, she seemed informed. Gerald might have explained it earlier, but from her undertone it seemed a known concept to her.

"Well, yes. I hope to learn the right tools at Hogwarts to allow me entry to such a position. Are there any Aurors in your family? You seem familiar with the office," said Tem, trying a casual voice, as if they were talking about the weather.

"Oh, no. Definitely not. I just read things. Quite an interesting department and a lofty goal. Very admirable to know one's path before attending school. Uhm, a worthwhile school, I mean.

"So, tell me, how is your investigation going? From what I heard, you're close to solving it?" asked Esmae with a smile that resembled a wolfish grin.

"We were able to follow up on good leads and there is good progress in our investigation. Just some minor examinations to make sure nothing has been overlooked," said Tem.

"Ah, yes. I see a career for you in the correspondence between your future department and the Daily Prophet," said Esmae with a silky voice.

Tem raised his eyebrows. She could certainly see through a positive comment, that was ultimately saying nothing of substance. Then again, there was no reason for Tem to inform her of any specifics regarding this investigation.

"While I can't say that I'm working under any confidentiality agreements per se, still I honour the integrity of my clients and involved parties," said Tem. He winced a little, as he realised she had pushed him into a defensive position.

"Oh, what a delight. We need to establish a debate club at school. I'd love for you to join," said the girl. This time Tem thought this might've been an honest comment from her.

"While I have been hoping to get the inside scoop, I see you are a detective of integrity."

Tem nodded.

"Then again, I was wondering. Hmmm. Isn't it somewhat surprising that multiple thefts happened on the train, while every older student, as well as the trolley lady, assures me, such a thing never occurred before? I wonder about the coincidence for you being around and offering your service right away...," her voice trailed off. She gazed at Tem, waiting for him to react.

Tem doubted his ears. How, what, when? How could she think he had anything to do with this? How could anybody come to this conclusion? Did others think the same? It was outright mental. Wasn't it?

The detective was confused and had to admit that this girl got him flustered.

Taking a deep breath, steadying his voice, he said, "Are you seriously suspecting me of instigating this whole situation?"

"Of course not, how silly. I wouldn't go around accusing anybody of anything," said the dark-haired girl, her voice dripping with mock astonishment, "I was merely wondering about the funny coincidences. I wondered what you could bring to the table to dispel any worries other passengers might have. I do think everybody on this train has a right to learn about the integrity of the investigators. Especially, when they expect to ask many questions of them. Don't you think?"

"Certainly. I feel like you want to take over the correspondence part for the Daily Prophet in the future?" Tem said, as calm as possible. A slight grin crept into his face, feeling smug about the remark he came up with.

Esmae Webster laughed. "Witty, I like that. Maybe I should think about a career with the press. I haven't decided yet. There are so many opportunities and possibilities for capable people out there. One shouldn't get stuck in a premature assumption." She beamed at Tem, supposedly happy with her response.