Now that was a very interesting chapter. I do feel sorry for Paul, but sometimes you just end up in the wrong place/time. I found it interesting that he did see the Knight Bus and I wonder if he had magical potential or if that was a side effect of the cog's control; in any case, that's a moot point now with his death. I can see how the evidence surrounding his death will help resolve the case. Meanwhile, i loved the "slice of life" vignette of taking the kids to go see Grandmum Molly; I'm sure they enjoyed it and I'm equally sure that it and the news helped Molly.
Now, when Harry & Hermione realize that they do belong together, it should be interesting to see if they're considered by wizarding society to have mourned enough for their respective spouses to move on with their lives (I'd reckon that a lot of folk will find some reason to object, not that any of them will be listened to by Harry & Hermione). I'm not sure if it's just a particular cog behind this or if there are wizarding perps active, too, as I can make arguements both ways. It should be rather interesting to see where this leads.
Author's response
Thank you, as always, for reading and reviewing.
Paul was able to see the Knight Bus because of the cog’s influence, and yes, tragic as it was, Paul’s death will be the turning point in the investigation.
In my version of the wizard-centric world, a widow is supposed to mourn for a year and a day, there might be a loophole though. . .
As to who’s the brains behind the cogs?
Wait for it. . .
N!