The searching was strangely easy for Velma: ordered, methodical, and productive long-term.  This area was getting mapped - likely a VERY good cover - as they went, and she could present it to her magical researcher brethren later.  It also made a great cover, as she was asked to NOT do too much into the investigating of this crime, having been dismissed and all.<br/><br/>The scratches though were of great attention and curiosity.  No, they were indeed not caused by rats, but they were natural claw patterns, not swords or even metal claws.  Far too much variance in digit width for the latter, far too large for the latter, and what could hit the ceiling like that?  No, to Velma it was obvious they were looking for something likely standing upright, monster or otherwise, with natural claws.  Velma couldn't help but compare it to her own claws, though that thought concerned her...<br/><br/>"Yes... I want to follow were these scratches take us," she said, quickly noting the way hey seemed to go, and turning that way. "You stay behind me; you're my bodyguard in name only at this point, and if my nephew was honest with you you'll realize I'm not likely to be hurt easily..."<br/><br/>Proceeding now would be slow and methodical too, but quietly.  They did NOT need to announce their presence more than the light already did...