"Hmm, he is right, Sherwood. Our authority is limited to not allow a student to leave a compartment, if that particular student acted against the rules on the train or because of a dangerous situation. But as we can't ascertain misbehaviour without any doubt, we are in a grey zone," said Pritchard.

"I will not babysit him here. We have other duties as well and still more travelling in front of us," said Martens.

"Don't look at me, this is true for me as well." Graham Pritchard peered at Jim, sighed, and looked around the compartment.

"I’m willing to monitor this compartment and make sure nothing else is going to happen," said Tem. "Shouldn't we check out the storage wagon? I'm sure the evidence is there."

"We can't. We have no access until the train arrives at its destination. It is magically sealed and won't allow for entry. Which also means, I'm curious how J... the thief managed to enter," said Pritchard.

"Not even the Head Boy or Girl?" asked Tem.

"Not even them. There is only one possible way during an emergency, at which the bewitched storage doors allow access. As this is no emergency...," replied Martens. "That settles that for now. You can take up a position in the corridor and make sure nothing else happens until we arrive. I'll inform the Head Boy and Girl of the status. Great work, Detectives." He smiled at Tem and Nathan. On leaving the compartment he shook his head a little.

"Jim, stay here. If you have to go to the bathroom, send word. I'm sure we'll sort everything out when we arrive. Those Gryffindors are probably laughing at their joke." Pritchard nodded encouragingly at Jim, who continued staring out of the window.

The Slytherin prefect left the compartment and Tem followed. Before the door slid shut, he could hear Dale saying, "How can you just take all that like this. This is..." Outside the compartment, the reactions of students were more varied. Some looked at Tem with newly won respect, while others shook their heads in disbelief. A few Slytherins examined him bitterly, while some Gryffindors went by patting his shoulder, smiling.

Tem sighed with relief at how things went, but a gnawing feeling remained in the pit of his stomach that he might've been too hasty in his proclamation. What if he was mistaken? So much pointed towards Jim Krane. How could he be wrong? No, this had to be right. His success felt exhilarating, but he had imagined it more gloriously. Tem was sure they could've found the missing objects and then there wouldn't be any doubt left. Now, he had a potentially agonizing train ride in front of him, thinking about what he could've missed and what the examination by the teachers would yield.

No sense to remain gloomy about it. Because of his decision, no further harm would come to any student, if Jim Krane had planned for more thefts. As long as he acted alone...

The surrounding students disbanded towards their previous activities and the trip got back to its ordinary course. Tem shook his head lightly, trying to dissipate his thoughts and focus on the now. He looked at Nathan, who stood close by, his notepad folded shut, frowning back at Tem.

"That went well, don't you think?" asked Tem, a smile on his face.

"Yes, er... actually it did. My imagination came up with worse if I'm totally honest. It's just, you know, my brain keeps going through all the details we, uhm, you dug up. I guess it was to be expected that Jim Krane wouldn't confess right away. But I wonder," Nathan looked down at the floor before continuing, "what he could gain holding back if it were clear they will expose him as soon as we arrive?"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Based on the evidence we," Tem emphasised the word, "procured I don't see how he could. He probably hopes that something will come up that might save him. Or he is actually planning to get rid of the evidence in the storage room.

“Which is something I want to discuss. I think we should split up, just in case Jim or someone helping him is trying to dispose of any proof in the storage wagon. I stay here and keep an eye on his compartment, while you could be on the lookout in front of storage?"

"That's a splendid idea. I can do that," replied Nathan.

"Great! Thanks, Nathan. You're a terrific assistant and investigator," said Tem with a huge smile on his face. The success of their investigation seemed to have seeped into his brain, finally. The smaller boy beamed at the praise and put his notepad in his pocket, trying to hide the embarrassment in his reddening face.

"I don't know how long the train ride takes, but based on what Martens said it will be awhile. I hope we can make sure to keep at our posts for that long," said Tem.

"Yeah, me neither. I could flit back to our compartment and get some provisions, before going to the storage wagon. Or do you think Jim or somebody else could get by you that quickly?" asked Nathan.

"Nah, should be alright. I'm starving. I ate all the sweets I took along. So that would be..."

"Hey, master detectives! I heard you solved it. Awesome!" said Ashley excitedly.

Nathan jumped up in surprise and turned away to hide his still visible embarrassment. Tem flinched but caught himself quickly again.

"Ah, Ashley. Thank you for your support. Ehem, I hope it's all well with you?" Tem cleared his throat again, failing miserably at keeping an air of dignified composure.

"Oh, fudge. You're still as stiff as a broomstick. Celebrate a little, will you?" She beamed at the boys. Tem scratched his head, frowning.

"Actually, we can't. We are still on duty, so to speak."

"What are you talking about? Some students came my way, and they told me you found the culprit. They were quite impressed how you handled it."

Tem explained to her what had occurred and how they earned themselves the post of looking after Jim Krane, as well as their plan to observe the storage wagon.

"Oh, that's probably a fine idea. At the least as a precaution. From what I heard, I doubt he will have much support. I could help, by the way," said Ashley.

"Uh, thank you. I couldn't ask that of you. I'm sure you have better things to do than stand in front of a door or something," said Tem, in a neutral tone.

Nathan remained motionless, apparently hoping to be overlooked by the girl standing close to him. Tem peered at him and realised something.

"Now that I think of it. You could help, just for a little while. Nathan, here, wanted to skip to our compartment for... another notebook. If you could watch the storage wagon for a short while before Nathan can release you? That'd be truly helpful."

"Sure, no sweat. I'll be waiting there for you, Nathan." She waved at the boys and with a hop in her walk made off for the next wagon."

"What did you do that for?” asked Nathan, as soon as the girl was out of earshot “Now I have to talk to her when I get there." His head became redder once more.

"And that is a problem why exactly?" asked Tem.

"Never mind. Be right back." With a disgruntled sound, the small boy ran away towards their wagon.

Tem looked curiously after him. He never had many friends. As an only child in a wizarding family, few were the opportunities to make friends. His parents had him homeschooled until the letter came. They didn't know he had overheard them talking about sending him to a Muggle school if the letter from Hogwarts never came. While he was sure he would've had problems fitting in at an ordinary school, he thought those kids weren't all that different. At least if Nathan was any indication.

The investigator smiled, before realising why he stood there, all alone in the corridor. He had to make sure not to miss anything of note. Letting Mr Krane slip past him and get rid of the evidence would be terrible. So far, he was still sitting on his spot, continuing to look out of the window, the scenery flitting by with the speed of the train moving ever closer towards Hogwarts.