Hello my Sherlockians readers, Nightstar here with another chapter for you! Gosh it's been a long time since I've had time to type this (or any) story! Also for all those who are reading either Guiding Light or Not the Only One fret not I will post soon! Anyways than you all for reading this story, I honestly did not expected so many positive responses to the story already, so honestly I am truly humbled by this. Thank you all so much and enjoy this new chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sherlock. Enough said.

Chapter 3: The Interrogation Begins

(Watson Household 3:30p.m.)

John Hamish Watson never expected his life to make a dramatic change in the last 15 years . Since he was in war the idea of marriage was just something that he didn't believe would suit him. Of course that was before he ever met Sherlock and in turn Mary. Yes, Sherlock Holmes changed John "Seven Continent" Watson for good and discovered that his quotidian life could be far more exciting and dangerous than he would have ever anticipated however, at the cost of his love life. For a while John thought he would never settle down with someone. But then Sherlock's fall happen and things for John went south. He had grieve for a long time for his friend and with the help of his newly acquired friends he began dating again, but in that it was a challenge. Just when he was about to give up on dating, he met Mary, who is the person that makes him a better person. Soon afterwards they were engaged but Sherlock Holmes happened to waltz into the picture making it evident to John that he was not dead. Though he was angry at him for faking his death and not telling him, he was happy to have him back. But life was always fickle and John knew things wouldn't be the same. The Magnusses case changed all their lives causing Sherlock to be exiled and John's marriage nearly ending, but now Sherlock had to solve and reunite with his worst enemy Moriarty.

Twelve years and some months and Moriarty had not shown himself, he was careful and calculating the right time for his revenge, as Sherlock deduced. Every time they had a sight and a clue of him he would disappear causing them (mostly Sherlock) to be frustrated and a bit over protective of their families. Yes, Sherlock "The Virgin" Holmes married a wonderful, tolerant, patient, brilliant and rather loving woman. Molly Hooper. No one believed Sherlock when he said that he and Molly were dating and began their relationship and everyone to this day are impressed that their nearly 8 years of marriage has been nothing but great. They became parents and Sherlock became the most involved parent anyone could imagine.

John knew the reason why Sherlock came over to his home so often was to observe his family and the interactions between one another. Bloody Scientist! John hated that he used his family as a sort of experiment but he gave in when he discovered that Sherlock could not deduce his own son. It became more apparent when the detective came more frequently and began to observe Ben's actions, that and Molly and Mary told him. It was these rare moments that John Watson knew he had a superior advantage to his friend: he was a proud father first and a happy husband longer. He knew a lot of things about parenting and raising children (his children) and of course of being in a long term monogamous relationship. Yes, John had been married longer than Sherlock and had more experience with 'couple issues' and the different 'parenting styles' that both he and Mary were brought up in (although that subject should really be mentioned in another story some other time) but he also knew that he didn't have all the answers or knew all about his children. He had to get to know them and that within itself was a long process. As John sighed observing from his bedroom window the street below, waiting for Isabelle's friend. Just then he heard his cellphone ring a familiar violin tune, it was Sherlock.

"What's wrong?"

"John I can't make it.

"Why the call? You usually text,"

"I should rephrase it, we can't make it we have a case!"

"Sherlock, you know it's important to Claire for me to meet her friend. I can't leave until I get to know her friend."

"But Joooooohhhnn! It's a seven and I can't do it without you! Besides Claire's friend is probably boring and ordinary! I can deduce her in 5 minutes or less!"

"Well that's the whole reason why you're going to be a part of this! Look, Sherlock, it'll take 5 maybe 10 minutes at most and then we can go on the case. Remember I'm a father first, then a husband, and then your solving companion."

"Yes, yes I know... Fine I'll be there at 4:40p.m. Hopefully it won't be such bore," Sherlock answered

"Okay see you- Damn he hung up," John said as he went back to observing the street. Things won't be the same will they? John thought and boy oh boy was he right.

(The school's street 4:00 p.m)

Isabelle was on her way to Claire's house, running through the street like a mad women.

What luck I have today! First I lost one of my contacts and had to wear my glasses and now I'm about to be late to my first EVER sleepover! I have to make it! Isabelle thought as she continued to run through the streets she had gone through her normal route to school since the address in which her friend live was conveniently a 10-15 minute walk from school. Just as she rounded the corner she nearly crashed into someone again, however the sight before her was something that melted her heart a little. In front of her was a boy no older than 6 years old was crying and was all tussled up he had a slight bruise on the left side of his cheek. He was rubbing away his tears and tried to tidy up himself.

"So, stupid sometimes... Why couldn't I just shut up? Why did I have to say that? I wasn't my fault... They were so mean to me," the boy sniffled as he picked up his things and tried to tuck in his shirt. Isabelle then instantly recognized the symbol of the sweater the boy had picked up it was from Stonewall Elementary School the sister school of Summerfield Academy (the school she goes to). She was impressed by the boy's quite evident intelligence (only highly gifted students could go to that school as well as her school), but also she was sadden by the young boy's sate. Something about this boy made her feel rather protective and empathetic, had it been some other stranger on the else she would have brushed them off but she felt something towards this boy something almost instinctual. The boy still had his back turned to her and she couldn't take the sight of this boy any longer.

"Hey, are you okay?" Isabelle asked as she gently placed her hand on the boy's shoulder. The boy flinched and instinctively made himself smaller than what he was by curling into a ball

"Please, no more you lot had your fun... Please, don't hurt me,"

"Hey, kid, I'm not going to hurt you. Look," she said as she picked up his backpack and began to pick up the remainder of the boy's things. As soon as she began to pick up the boy's things, the boy slowly unfurled himself and looked in awe at the girl helping him out. He then, quite cautiously, approached Isabelle who by that time figured out the boy was 6 and a few months old and he had skipped up to the 5th grade due to his intelligence and the books she had picked up. She was about to pick up the next book but-

"Stop right there!" The boy exclaimed as he gave a nervous smile, "This one I was reading before-before the-the incident."

Isabelle quickly observed the book and a small smile crept on her face. "So you like pirates, huh?" Isabelle asked as she zipped his backpack and handed it to the boy.

"Oh yes! They are explorers and brave and get to do whatever they want! They can sail to coasts and have no boundaries or struggles! They don't get beat up by people... They are great!"

"Oh really and who is your favorite pirate? Don't tell me it's Redbeard!"

"NO! I mean there is nothing wrong with Redbeard but I prefer Blackbeard,"

"Interesting choice, I am a Long John Silver fan myself," she then fully got a sight of the kid. He was 6 years old, only child, has really involved parents, especially his dad, he is highly intelligent, and he is... Lonely. He had warm chocolate brown eyes and curly dark brown hair and cheekbones to die for. He was slightly tall for his age but that was in his favor in the future. He was always so alone and he didn't have friends... He also had gotten hurt and beaten up by others in the school ever since he started his education, he didn't fully understand why but he wanted people to understand him and most importantly accept him. Isabelle wanted to cry, how can people be so heartless to this boy, no doubt there was a really idiotic reasons why. She felt like a tigress wanting to protect this boy but she had no idea why. Just as she was about to leave the boy quickly hid behind her and grabbed her hand.

"What's wrong?" She asked genuinely concerned with the well being of the boy.

"Those were the boy's from earlier, if they see me they'll do worse. Please, don't leave me," he whispered with desperation. Isabelle then moved forward and grabbed his hand reassuring him that nothing would happen to him.

(Ten minutes later)

"I can't believe you did that! No one has ever defended me before... Although, you could have been nice to them. You made them really tear up."

"Well, they shouldn't bully people now should they... Oh shoot! I'm late! Well, so long?"

"Cornelius, my name is Cornelius. And you are?"

"The name is Isabelle Johnson, remember that name. Well so long Cornelius!"

"Bye Isabelle and thank you!"

(Watson Household 4:30 p.m)

"Isabelle should be here in three, two, one," and Claire heard the knock on the door and eagerly marched towards the door ready to open it.

"Right on the dot as usual, Izzy!" Claire said as she smiled at her friend. This wasn't the first time she had seen Isabelle with her glasses but seeing her with the black rectangular lenses made her seem more... I don't know what.

"I would have been here early but... I had something I had to take care of," Isabelle said as she adjusted her glasses and her backpack.

"No worries, it gave me time to mentally prepare myself and fix some snacks. So a quick tour before you face off my parents. This hall leads to the kitchen, the archway on your right is the living room which leads to the dinning room, which ultimately leads to the kitchen. We have a small backyard if you want to do something outside. The stair here lead up to the bedrooms and the cupboard has my dad's army medals, momentous, and other trinkets mum deemed worthy to have a storage room. Next to it is a small bathroom, and I'll quickly show you upstairs before the "parentals" come and interrogate you," Claire grabbed a hold of her friend's hand and led her quickly to the stairs.

"It's a beautiful house Claire, you're lucky you live here," Isabelle stated as she observed the interior of rather homely and cozy house. It definitely felt differed from where she lived. This actually feels like a home. Isabelle thought.

"Thanks, but I guess my parents are the true people you should be complimenting. Anyways on your left there are two doors one facing the other the one on the left wall is my parent's room and the one on the right wall is the loo. Through the right of the hall you'll see four doors. The one on the left wall is my room, and the one on the right is my little brother Benjamin's room, the one facing the hall is and finally the one of them is on the roof and that is the attic. Any questions?" Before Isabelle had a chance to reply a voice from behind interrupted her. "So when are you going to formally introduce us sweetheart?"

Isabelle turned around and then as if like an immediate instinct started to "analyze", as she called it, the adults before her. The man was John H. Watson, Isabelle's father, army doctor based on his hands, and current practicing general physician. He's obviously married by the wedding ring he wears with pride and happiness. Domesticity does suit him but- oh he's an adrenaline addict.

"Mum, dad, this is my best friend Izzy. Izzy these rather intrusive people are my parents. Now I know the deal but does he have to do-"

"I'm afraid so, your father insisted on it. Hello Isabelle, it is finally nice to identify a face to the name. Claire has talked so much about you!" Mary said as she smiled at Isabelle with an apologetic look in her eyes. Isabelle simply stared at her, all the while John and Mary looked flabbergasted on the girl in front of them, before offering a handshake to Mary.

"The pleasure is all mine Mrs. Watson. You have a beautiful home, thank you for letting me stay the night," Isabelle responded politely. John then snapped out of the trance and offered his hand to the girl, who immediately took it and shook.

"Very nice to meet you Isabelle. Now I'm sure my daughter has warned you about our agreed interrogation of sorts so I hope you're ready for it," John said as a commanding officer would a soldier at this Isabelle's senses were alarmed she tried to keep the comments to herself but alas one comment slip from her grasp.

"I'm extremely ready, sir. Also Afghanistan or Irac?" Isabelle blurted quite embarrassed with herself. She winced and closed her eyes, by doing this she did not notice the parental Watsons' stunned expression. John had his eyes wide and his whole posture had stiffened, he had only heard those words uttered by another person in his life. He figured that Claire had told her friend of his background, but it was odd that she just blurted that out. She reminded the girl of someone he knew... Oddly enough she reminded her of Sherlock. And speak of the devil, the man himself appeared before him. He made a curt nod to John and Mary and walked towards the study.

"It was Afghanistan actually, but how did you- you know what never mind. Anyways let's head to the study and we'll begin our questions, Claire you can go to the kitchen and bring those snacks to your room. It'll take a moment," John said as he ushered the young girl into the study. Claire simply looked on to her friend and offered her a thumbs up and mouthed a good luck.

Isabelle not seeing the study before observed the soft gray walls with a white trim and hard dark wood floors the light from the window made the room seem bigger the furniture was a mixture of both modern and contemporary, it oddly worked. On the desk there was a desktop and a couple of picture frames of the family. In total there were four chair of which three were supposed to be on the other end and one facing the desktop. As Isabelle imagined, they must have organized the chairs differently since her arrival was a cause for the interrogation instead of one chair facing the desktop there were three, and once chair facing the three chairs. One of the chairs was already occupied by a rather imposing figure.

Isabelle's mind went wild with all the observation with this man, she knew he was an imposing 6'0 feet. He had cheekbones that can cut much like glass, and his eyes were... Just like hers. His hair was a dark curly mass on his head which somehow contradicted the aristocratic physic this man gave off. He must come from a rather wealthy family from the expensive clothing he sports that bell staff alone is1,795 pounds and his shoes are Italian and that suit clearly designer. He obviously cares of his appearance and uses it to his advantage. His hands show callouses which means he plays the violin and many other instruments, however his hands are rather long and not as damaged which means he also takes good care of them. He's rather fit, not overly muscular but fit. He's also married has 1 no 2 children by the worry lines on his forehead that have just started form recently, he loves his family by the slight covering of his ring one might confuse with not wanting to show his marital status but Isabelle knew he was trying to protect them. From what she had no idea whatsoever. He is the youngest brother of two... No three his other brother died and now he only has one older and smarter brother. Oh what's this I see a slight twitch on the arm? Two fingers are more indented from cigar or cigarettes? Former drug addict? Wow that was new, and unexpected. He's a lover of mysteries and is a detective, but more importantly he's a bit obsessed with his intellect and from his constant staring at me he's a bit socially awkward... Sociopath. He's capable of emotions but he's afraid of those emotions. Oh he's Claire godfather and he hates idiotic people. Seems like a lovely person!

"Have a seat Isabelle. Oh this is Sherlock Holmes, Claire's godfather," John said as he led the girl towards the chair, " he's a -"

"Detective, consulting detective. I've heard so much about you from Claire." Isabelle offered a smile and her hand.

"Let me guess, mostly my cases rather than my actual person. Claire has that tendency to make heroes out of people. Tell me what does she tell you exactly." Sherlock responded with a bored and rather offensive tone not taking the brunette's hand. Isabelle quickly dropped her hand and frowned a bit at the detective.

"Mostly how brilliant you are and how corageous her father is. She seems to esteem both you and her father very much. I can see why her father, Mr. Holmes, he is a war veteran. While you... Well there is something in you, isn't there, that makes Claire believe in you," Isabelle answered rather curtly by the man's rudeness. There was something about him that made her all flustered and wanting to defy him and his authority. Similarly Sherlock felt something about this girl but the odd thing was that he couldn't fully deduce this girl. It was as shocking as frustrating it was.

"Enough with this conversation we came to know about you, so all of you take a seat," Sherlock said as he gracefully sat down and then Mary and John followed. Isabelle sat down carefully and stared defiantly towards the consultant detective.

"We'll begin with the basics. Who are you? What's your family like? What are their professions and why is it that Claire is your only friend?" Sherlock inquired quickly and deduced one fact about Isabelle.

"Well I'm-"

"Unnecessary you're just adding fluff," Sherlock said he said annoyed with the girl.

"Okay, I'm-" Isabelle tried again.

"Unnecessary!"

"You see I'm-" she gritted her teeth as she tried again.

"Unnecessary!" Sherlock exclaimed.

"Can you stop that! What do you want me to say?!" Isabelle asked rather flustered and annoyed.

"Just what is necessary! No fluff no extra words just facts!" Sherlock stated frustrated with the girl.

"Fine! My name is Joanne Isabelle Meredith Johnson,(Isabelle or Izzy for short) I'm twelve years, five months, three days, seventeen hours, thirty minutes and 15 seconds (and counting) old. I'm the new student at Summerfield Academy, I just moved here with my parents. I'm an only child and I am somewhat socially adept. I'm a blunt person and sometimes come off as rude but I really try to mean well about my comments. I don't have any friends because... my home was never permanent so I never got the chance to make friends. I am staying in this location for a long time according to my parents. Oh my father works at a law office and my mother is the CEO of a multinational technology company," Isabelle answered the first questions with ease and without hesitation causing both John and Mary to be stunned by the young girl in front of them. She had an air to Sherlock but- it had to be coincidence, as far as they were concerned Sherlock's only interest in women was to his pathologist, Molly. Besides he wouldn't just let a child of his wander into the world without taking responsibility of that child. No, this girl's looks were a mere coincidence and at that a strange coincidence. Sherlock was equally as shocked If I didn't know any better I'd say this girl is my- no I didn't have sex with anyone twelve years ago, no mere coincidence. The rare time where the universe is rather lazy. Very rare. Sherlock surmised as he went into his mind palace organizing a new and small room for Isabelle seeing as this girl was going to be a part of his goddaughter's life.

The questioning lasted a good 5 minutes, seeing as Isabelle answered quickly and simply the facts about her life. When Mary asked to see a picture of her family she simply took out a rather old phone and showed them (both John and Mary Sherlock was still in his mind palace.

"Isabelle, why are your parents blondes and you have dark brown-"

"Well I didn't want to tell you this, but I'm in foster care... Those people aren't my biological parents, but my foster parents. I don't know who my real parents are. I hope that isn't a problem," Isabelle confessed knowing that hiding the truth would just hurt her friendship with Claire in the future.

"No just... unexpected really."

"I was planning on telling Claire first but you beat her to it I guess... Is that all the questions because I believe we are done. So am I approved to be Claire's friend?" The Watsons contemplated on this they never would imagine Claire's friend to be a clone of Sherlock but with a better sense of manners and attitude. She seemed like a lovely girl and quite smart too... Overall a good influence on Claire and vice versa. Her lineage was not important and her stability and certainty on staying in this area seemed permanent, not to mention Sherlock had no opposition to it, so the desicion was final.

"Welcome to the Watson household Isabelle!"