sortinghat_logs | Hogsmeade Weekend

[John crossed his arms over his chest and tapped his foot in thought.]

I don't see a chimney either, so it can't be connected to the floo network. If we were over 17, we could try Apparating in, but if it hasn't even got doors, it's probably got charms against that sort of thing.

What if it's meant to do both? Keep something in while keeping others out, I mean.

A prison and a sanctuary? Possible. Easier to determine if we knew how to get inside. All we can deduce at this point is that for whatever purpose, it was important that they be able to be observed and to observe without threat of involvement.

[Sherlock took off up the path leading closer to the shack.]

[John followed, relishing that he could actually trot after quickly, unburdened by his cane. Even though he had to move faster to compensate for Sherlock's long-legged stride, he kept pace.]

Do you still think it's connected to the shades and camp, then?

Well, for a hiding place, it'd make an excellent location.

[He walked around, testing the strength of the wood, trying to see between planks.]

Knowing how one gets in will help give more clues as to any involvement, though.

[Although John suspected that he certainly wouldn't notice anything if Sherlock didn't, he still investigated the shack as well. Periodically he'd tap on suspicious-looking dark splotches in the wood, wondering idly if it would reveal a secret door. But to no avail. He put his hands on his hips.]

Unless our perpetrator's a particularly evil rabbit and can just tunnel in, I'm not seeing how you get in or out of this thing.

[Sherlock smiled at John.]

Excellent, John.

[John turned to look at him, torn between being confused and pleased at the praise.]

What's excellent?

No doors, no windows, no chimney, who how else do you expect someone to get inside the building?

[Sherlock looked around, lips pursed.]

Whoever dug the passage did so a long time ago. The ground shows no signs of any underground disturbances. Not exactly an overwhelming amount of trees.... Very difficult to trace an underground passage without an entrance or access to the exit.

Well, realistically, it's either connected to a building here in Hogsmeade or Hogwarts.

Any idea how to figure out the access point without knocking on every door in the village and asking, "Excuse me, do you have any secret tunnels you'd like to tell us about?"

Honestly, no.

[Which annoys him. It is going to take all day to go door to door and make up excuses for getting in people's basements.]

Ah, well, looks like a bust for now, then. Maybe something will turn up later.

[He shrugged.]

Up for drowning our frustrations in butterbeer?

[Sherlock exhaled slowly then nodded.]

May as well, I suppose. I can get a good look at the other patrons and least and see if there's anyone who looks as though they have something to hide.

Yes, of course, be on the look-out of the tell-tale signs of someone with a secret tunnel in their basement. You can probably tell from their shoes.

[John smiled.]

Come on, then, I know a short-cut to the Three Broomsticks.

You're not too far off, John.

[Obviously sarcasm has yet to have registered. He follows John.]

[It was fond sarcasm this time, though, so Sherlock's failure to grasp it this time just made John grin as they made their way to the pub.]

Oh? How so?

Well, surface dirt is different from subterranean dirt in its coloration and composition. Be much easier if it had rained in the last 24 hours but there are still minor tells.

[Sherlock kept looking around, taking the area in.]

Don't think I'll ever get over how impressive it is that you can see all that in a pair of grubby boots.

[One turn later and there was the Three Broomsticks, already nearby.]

[Sherlock looked away to hide his smile.]

Well, if you pay attention, maybe you'll learn something.

Hm, maybe. It's probably got a downside too, though. I don't think I want to be able to immediately deduce what my sister gets up to half the time, for example.

[He held the pub's door open for them to enter.]

Perhaps. I've deduced a few things in my life that I would rather not have had the eyes and mind to see. But I can't turn it off. No gift is without its price.

[Sherlock looked around at the room as they walked in, not surprised to see so many students there but rather interested in the details of the building.]

You say it that way and now I'm even afraid to ask.

[He peered through the crowd of students, looking for an empty table. Upon seeing one, he turned to Sherlock, noticing the way he was taking in the building.]

There are a couple of seats in the corner back there. What d'you think of the place?

Then don't ask.

[Easy enough. Sherlock walked over to the back corner with a nod of appreciation. It would do quite well. He dug in his pocket and held out several gold galleons.]

Certainly no lack of local colour here. Don't bother with your own money. My allowance affords for far more luxuries than I entertain.

[John might not be a genius with amazing deductive ability, but he knew a sore subject when he heard one. He decided not to press.]

Thanks. I don't like debts or taking advantage, though, so next time's on me.

It's hardly taking advantage. I probably have several hundred stashed away in my room from six years of unused allowance. I can't possibly spend that much on myself.

[Sherlock made himself comfortable in one of the wood chairs. It may be his money but you are expected to get it for him, John.]

S-several hun- [John's voice may have cracked in sheer shock.] Several hundred? Just... just lying around? How does - how on earth - what?

[Needless to say he was a little too shocked to go get lunch quite yet.]

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