Harry Potter and the Labyrinth of the Mind

HARRY POTTER AND THE LABYRINTH OF THE MIND

Chapter 7 - Getting On

Still crouched under Harry's invisibility cloak, the trio stared at one another in astonishment. Seeing that Hermione was about to speak, Harry clapped his hand over her mouth.

"No sound," he hissed quietly. "Just wait."

Hermione and Ron nodded their understanding and all three looked back at Snape.

Snape had been standing motionless, unmindful of the blood which ran down from the cut on his cheek. The vague look of surprise on his face was rapidly changing to one of loathing. With an angry mutter, his clothes changed back to the customary black robes. Pulling a linen handkerchief from a pocket, he gave his cheek an impatient swipe as he charged out of the room. Harry leaned carefully out the door, being sure to keep his head under the cloak. Snape was disappearing down the stairs toward the dungeons.

"Okay," Harry whispered. "Let's get back up to the common room. We'd better go slowly so we can all stay under the cloak. Right, together, then, and carefully..."

Three people walking under on invisibility cloak had never been an easy proposition, but now that Ron had grown so tall (and, really, Harry wasn't so much behind as in the past), it was nearly impossible. They had to stop every few meters to readjust the cloak since someone's foot always ended up poking out from under. Poor Hermione, as smallest of the three, was stuck in the middle where she was certain of having both feet squashed by careless steps. It was with enormous relief that they finally made it to the Fat Lady's portrait.

Once in the common room, their luck seemed to be holding. Very few students remained downstairs. Only two or three small groups were still studying at tables. Choosing some armchairs on the far side of the hearth, away from the others, Harry, Ron and Hermione spoke in hushed tones.

"I can't believe the professors were dueling!" Hermione began. "I knew they weren't exactly getting on together, but honestly!"

"And dueling for blood," added Harry.

"What I don't get," said Ron, thoughtfully, "is why she marked him after she disarmed him. I mean, once he lost his weapon, it was over, right? She struck an unarmed opponent!"

All three were quiet for a moment, considering this. Then, Harry looked up.

"She sort of makes a habit of this, you know?" he said and told of Annwyl's duel with the mouthy Hufflepuff, years before.

"Hothead," remarked Ron. "No wonder she and Snape are always at each other. I think they'd hate each other even if neither one of them had suspicious pasts."

"I'd like to know exactly what happened with that other student," Hermione agreed. "I wonder what became of him."

At that moment, there was a tap at the nearby window. Hermione rose to let in the small screech owl waiting on the sill. It darted through the casement, dropped a parchment on Harry's lap, then wheeled sharply, passing out the window again.

Opening it, Harry saw familiar, loopy handwriting.

It would be most desirable that we meet promptly. Please join us immediately after breakfast, tomorrow, in my office.

It was unsigned but Harry would have known that handwriting anywhere. It seemed Dumbledore had gathered his facts. He handed the message across to Ron and Hermione.

"What do you reckon? Should I tell Dumbledore about Snape and Annwyl dueling?"

Ron frowned in thought, then nodded slowly.

"You know, I'd seriously consider it. They were literally out for one another's blood." He nodded again, more decisively. "Yeah, Harry, I think I'd tell him."

To Harry's surprise, Hermione did not agree.

"I know it was horrible that she actually cut him after he was disarmed - as if dueling at all wasn't bad enough - but they are of age and dueling is legal in the wizarding world. Technically, they didn't do anything wrong. Besides, isn't Professor King Dumbledore's goddaughter? Maybe she'll have told him herself."

"I guess I'll wait and not say anything," Harry decided at last. "If it seems like it might be important, then I will tell him. But, if it doesn't have anything to do with what Dumbledore wants to talk about, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"Harry, who do you suppose Dumbledore meant when he said you should 'join us'?" Ron asked, pointing to the message.

Harry shrugged by way of answer and gave a sour look at his book bag.

"Dunno. I'll find out soon enough. Right now, I guess I'd better get going on that Patronus essay for Snape. No point in getting him all snarked off at me this early in the term."

* * *

Later that night, Harry was yanked from a sound sleep and sat bolt upright in bed. He hadn't drawn the bed hangings tightly shut and the cold light of the nearly full moon streamed across his bed. He held his breath, listening, trying to figure out what had awakened him so suddenly. Other than Ron and Neville's customary nasal duet, the dorm was silent. He peered out cautiously from his hangings but saw nothing. He didn't even feel anything from his scar.

Harry rose and went to the window. Moonlight illuminated the castle grounds, giving everything a bleached, ghostly appearance. Nothing moved. He faced back into the room, looking around carefully for any sign of anything that might have been responsible for rousing him. Nothing. He saw five identical four posters, an identical trunk at the foot of each. There were five wardrobes and five bedside stands. He saw the usual five carafes of water on those tables... wait. He looked again at the carafe on his own stand. No, he wasn't imagining it. It had been moved. Harry noticed only because it was nearly pushing his Charms text onto the floor.

Lifting the carafe carefully, Harry placed a sealing charm on it. Confident that it was now spill-proof, he tucked it into a corner of his trunk. Tomorrow, he would take it with him to Dumbledore's office. Harry could almost hear Moody's growl about trusting nothing to chance. Tonight, he felt the cagey old Auror had a point.

Harry was up early the next morning, as he hadn't really slept much after the disturbance anyway. He dressed quietly and slipped his sealed carafe into his book bag. He glanced at Ron's bed where the hangings were still drawn. Deciding to leave him to his rest, Harry headed downstairs alone.

To his relief, the common room was still empty at this hour. Going straight to the portrait hole, Harry climbed out and turned to address the Fat Lady.

"Er, excuse me, but could you tell me if anyone went in or out of our common room last night?"

"Oh, now, deary," giggled the Fat Lady with a wink, "that would be telling tales, that would!"

"I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble," assured Harry earnestly, "but it might be important."

The genial expression faded as the portrait looked at Harry shrewdly.

"Well, deary, seeing as it's you and all... There were only two and they were out and back by half-past twelve. The first was that friend of yours, Miss Granger. Just a few minutes behind her was Mr. Weasley."

Harry's jaw dropped slightly but he managed a feeble thank you before turning to head down to breakfast. Ron and Hermione were out and he didn't know? Neither had asked to borrow the cloak or the Marauder's Map. Well, when they came down to breakfast, Harry would have some questions for them.

Harry hadn't been at breakfast long before Ron and Hermione joined him. Ron began some good natured grumbling about Harry not waiting for him but stopped abruptly when he saw his friend's face.

"Hey, mate, you know, you don't look so good. Didn't you sleep last night?"

Harry shook his head and looked around. The Gryffindor table was still only ¾ full and no one sat very close by. Lowering his voice, he explained what had happened during the night.

"On my way down, I asked the Fat Lady if anyone had gone through the portrait hole," Harry continued, looking carefully at his friends. He was pleased to note that Hermione had the grace to blush slightly. "She told me there had been only two - you, in fact."

"Bugger," spluttered Ron, choking on his orange juice.

"I can explain that, Harry," said Hermione. "Wait... you mean Ron was out last night, too?"

"Er, yeah," Harry replied, a little confused. "I figured you were together. The Fat Lady said Ron was practically right behind you."

Ron's ears were fiery red as he stared down at his toast.

"Well, I... er," he stammered, turning more red by the second, "I saw Hermione go out just as I was heading upstairs. I didn't think she ought to go out alone, so I followed."

"I was posting a letter," Hermione answered angrily, "and you have some nerve following me about, Ron Weasley! It isn't as though you caught me up to keep me company. As far as I knew, I was alone. You were spying on me!"

"I was not! Why were you out posting a letter at that time of night? Anyone could have been roaming about. Couldn't ickle Vicky's letter wait until morning?"

Harry cringed. He knew both Hermione and Ron were sensitive about Hermione's correspondence with Bulgarian seeker and Durmstrang student, Viktor Krum. They had fought about it before. This time, however, Harry felt Ron may have pushed just a bit too far. He screwed up his eyes, bracing himself and was not disappointed.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Hermione was nearly as angry as when she had slapped Malfoy's face. "As if it is any of your business! As if I was some helpless idiot who needed looking after! This is exactly why I waited until I thought you'd gone up to send that owl. I knew you'd carry on this way! You, you... OH!" Hermione nearly screamed in frustration, her face as red as Ron's. Hurriedly scooping up her things, she practically ran from the Hall.

Ron slumped in his seat, mashing his toast to crumbs without even noticing.

"Just because a bloke tries to be nice. Just because I was concerned..." he muttered to himself.

Harry sighed heavily and silently returned to his breakfast. He had suspected nearly two years ago, the night of the Yule Ball, that Hermione understood things better than Ron. Now, he was certain.

With breakfast well underway, Harry began watching Dumbledore. When the headmaster rose, he gave Harry a meaningful look and exited the Hall. Harry shot Ron a look of his own and followed.

A few minutes later, Harry was before the stone gargoyle which hid the headmaster's door. Only then did he realize that he was stuck there at the gargoyle without the password. He was about to try running down the list of Honeydukes' best offerings when the gargoyle moved back of its own accord. Looking around but seeing nothing, Harry shrugged and stepped onto the moving spiral staircase. At the top, the heavy wooden door stood open. Harry was entered the room tentatively.

The office was deceptively peaceful in the bright morning light. At any rate, it didn't look like the sort of place where one expected to come across a clandestine meeting of the Order or where one would discuss dark, violent dreams. Instead, several portraits dozed comfortably in their frames while numerous delicate-looking gizmos made soft whirring sounds on a side table. Professor Dumbledore sat at his desk, beckoning Harry to come in.

"Ah, Harry, there you are. Excellent. Come in and have a seat. I can't keep you long from your classes and we have much to discuss."

Harry was seated in front of Dumbledore's desk before he noticed the other person in the room.

"Remus!" exclaimed Harry in glad surprise. "I didn't know you would be able to come. Are people allowed to know you're here?"

"Well, not exactly," Remus replied, grinning at Harry's greeting. He looked tired and almost sick. Then, Harry remembered the nearly full moon. "I will be around for a week or so, however. I'm sure I can find a way to visit with Hermione, Ron and Ginny."

"We can work out those details later," the headmaster interrupted, smiling. "Harry, I want to begin with the dream you had on the train. Professor McGonagall passed along your story to me, but please tell it again so Remus will know."

So, Harry recounted the dream. He then told, again, about the attack. As he spoke, he was surprised to find he still felt little emotion over all that had happened. He knew that, at the time, he had been frightened, worried, horrified - all the things one would expect. There had even been anger when the Sorting Hat sang and despair when Dumbledore had called on the school to salute Cho. Yet, now, he felt blank.

"Yes," Dumbledore mused, "yes, it does tally. Harry, you did have a vision of another attack. This one was different, however, in that we received advance notice from an informant."

"This informant gave us an exact time and place of a planned attack - that muggle market. That is why Mundungus and Tonks were there," added Remus, "but it turned out to be a trap." Nodding at Harry's look of surprise he went on, "Oh, there was an attack, alright, as you could see, but there was also an attempt to kidnap Order members."

"Kidnap, not kill," said Dumbledore. "Our informant must have been sent to be very certain there would be at least one of the Order at that market. Interestingly, the attackers were, again, soul-imposed and using werewolf methods. They also knew one of our two operatives on sight. Miss Tonks is, of course, less readily identified."

"Was anyone hurt?" Harry asked.

"Minor contusions. Remus arrived in time to assist and after a few first aid charms, some repairs to the vendors' stalls and a bit of memory modification, all was well."

"But," said Harry, confused, "what about the kidnapping? How did Mundungus and Tonks get away? What happened to the attackers?"

"Funny about that," commented Remus. "That was our one piece of luck in this whole business. There were four of them and they seemed to mark Dung almost immediately. Aside from a few offhand strikes at nearby muggles, all their attention was for him. I arrived just as Tonks moved on them. They just, sort of, stopped - aimless, in a way - for a moment. They seemed to snap out of it then, and after a few more scratches and bites, they Disapparated."

"Aimless?" Harry questioned. "What do you mean?"

"Just that," replied Remus, running a thin hand through his hair tiredly. "It was as though, for just a moment, they simply didn't know what to do next."

"The soul-imposed attackers seemed to suffer that lapse at the point in the attack which coincides with the moment in your dream, Harry, in which you resisted the vision and tried to give warning," said Professor Dumbledore. "You must have created enough thought disturbance to momentarily suspend Voldemort's control over his victims." He frowned slightly, "While that delay may have been Mundungus' saving, I am afraid it has, again, alerted Voldemort to your presence."

"And the attack on the train?" Harry asked, trying not to think much about what Dumbledore had just said.

"That was probably a reminder," Remus said darkly, "that no one is safe. Not even children."

"Not even in my care," sighed Dumbledore.

There was an uncomfortable silence among the three. After a moment, Harry reluctantly reached into his book bag.

"Sir, there is something else," he said quietly, handing the sealed carafe across the desk and telling what had happened.

"I must speak to the Fat Lady about who might have passed into the tower last night," commented Dumbledore.

"Well, I, er... I already did that, sir."

"And?"

"Well, uh..."

"No punishments, Harry. Who?"

"Hermione went out to post a letter and Ron followed her. They were both back long before I woke up."

"Well, the portrait hole is the only way in or out of Gryffindor tower," remarked Remus, looking worried.

"Hmm, yes," agreed Dumbledore. "We shall begin with this carafe. I assume, Harry, you did nothing to it before sealing it? Good. We shall give it a thorough examination.

"For now, Harry, you must return to your lessons. After Charms today, speak privately with Professor Flitwick. Tell him I wish you to learn a ward charm for your dorm room. As soon as I know more about this incident, I shall inform you. Also, you will be notified when we have a time and place for your next Occlumency lesson."

Seeing Harry's mouth open in protest, he patted the air at him.

"I know, I know. I assure you this experience will be more, er, positive. Do not waste energy worrying about it. I trust you will need that energy for other things once you have heard my lunchtime announcement." The old eyes twinkled merrily.

"Erm, alright, sir. I'll do my best," said Harry uncertainly. He rose, excusing himself, but turned back when he reached the door.

"Remus, will you be here for the full moon?"

Remus nodded, his eyes questioning.

"Well, since that isn't for two more days, do you think, er, we would you like to get in some fencing practice with me? Maybe it would help us both," Harry added meaningfully.

"I'd like that, Harry," smiled Remus, gratitude in his eyes. "I'll be in touch with you later today."

Harry smiled in return and left the office. He paused outside the door to settle his book bag more comfortably on his shoulder. He could hear the two men in the office resuming their conversation. Harry was about to step onto the spiral staircase - now moving downward - when the voices caused him to stay his step. Remus was talking about Harry.

"...can't help it, Albus. Harry seemed so... oh, I don't know, frozen, I guess. All while he was talking about his dream and the attack on the train, it was like watching a mechanical Harry. He has been, as long as I've known him, fairly controlled in emotional situations, usually, but one could still tell he felt deeply. Today, it was almost as though he was struggling to feel anything at all."

"Remus, I understand your concern and I share it. However, it seems a bit soon to worry overmuch. The events on the train came as such a shock and are still so fresh. And, of course, Miss Chang... We will watch over him, Remus, I assure you."

Harry didn't wait to hear more. Without really seeing where he was going, he bounded down the moving staircase and out into the passageway before the stone gargoyle.

Remus noticed, too. Dumbledore thinks I need to be watched. They just don't understand.

Harry stopped in the middle of the corridor.

"It is too much. Why can't Dumbledore see that?"

"See what, my boy?"

Harry whirled around and straight into the Gryffindor ghost, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington or, Nearly Headless Nick. Stepping back, and out of Nick's icy cold, Harry tried to calm his racing heartbeat.

"Nick! You scared me half to death."

"My apologies, young Potter. I should have realized you hadn't noticed me when you walked past." Nick looked at him with concern. "Would you like to tell me about it?"

"Tell you about what, Sir Nicholas? I'm... everything is fine, really," Harry lied.

"No, it isn't. I shan't press you, however. But do bear in mind, Harry, that I am here, should you wish to talk. Some people find it easier to unburden themselves to the nonliving, you know," Nick said conversationally as he drifted into the stone wall beside them.

By now, Harry had missed all of Transfiguration, so he headed downstairs and out across the grounds for Care of Magical Creatures. He caught up to Ron just as they reached Hagrid's hut. Hermione was no where in sight.

"Harry! How did it go?" Ron asked quietly, so as not to be overheard.

"I've got to have Occlumency lessons with Snape, again," Harry answered.

Ron was about to tell Harry, in no uncertain terms, what he thought of that idea when Hagrid, followed closely by Fang, approached the group.

"Alrigh' then? All in the righ' place, are yeh? NEWT level Care of Magical Creatures, this is. An' I've got yeh some gran', interestin' creatures fer this year. Now, if yeh'll all come roun' this way..."

Trailing along behind Hagrid, the group exchanged worried looks. They had spent enough time with Hagrid to know that any creature he classified as grand or interesting would be completely horrible. Harry spotted Hermione just arriving, looking very concerned, indeed.

Coming around a clump of trees and up to the fence of Hagrid's grassy paddock, the group paused in surprise. A huge, grayish-purple, humped beast kicked at the ground inside the fence irritably. No one said anything for a moment, but then, Hermione spoke, her voice quaking.

"Ha... Heh... Hagrid, is that a... graphorn?"

Hagrid nodded, beaming.

"Now, yeh'll wan' ter keep back from the fence, some. Monty, 'ere, ain' no great 'and fer makin' friends. In fact, if he comes runnin', yeh migh' wan' ter step back, sharpish like. 'E's had some calmin' potion in his breakfas' an' all, but yeh'll wan' to keep yer wands 'andy. If yeh all stun 'im together, yeh'll be able ter bring 'im down, if needs be. Now, 'oo can tell us abou' Monty?"

It seemed like another lifetime, but Harry had a dim memory of OWL preparations. It was something for Defense, something else for Potions... To Harry's own surprise, he saw Hagrid nodding encouragingly at him and his hand in the air over his head.

"Um, well, the powdered horn is an important ingredient in the more powerful strengthening solutions and the hide is valued because it is even tougher than dragon hide and can repel almost any spell."

"Tha's fine, 'Arry. Ten points ter Gryffindor fer tha', I'd say."

Hagrid talked a bit about the difficult task of collecting horns and hides. The rest of the class period was spent in making observations and sketches of the graphorn.

After class, Harry and Ron walked back to the castle with Seamus, Dean and Neville. They were all discussing the merits of class without Malfoy since he had evidently opted not to take Hagrid's class for NEWTs. Harry noticed that while Ron was nominally engaged in a dissection of Draco Malfoy's personality, his real attention was directed about ten meters ahead where Hermione, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil were walking. After class, Hermione had taken no notice of Ron at all, though she had approached Harry to ask if his meeting with Dumbledore had gone well. Harry had promised her the full story later and she had gone off with the other girls. Ron was left standing, his jaw slack and his ears burning.

The two remained separate and speechless through lunch and Harry was beginning to be annoyed when his attention was diverted completely. Professor Dumbledore rose to make the announcement he had mentioned to Harry earlier. He stood and tapped his goblet a few times, hemmed once or twice and when the Hall had fallen sufficiently silent, he smiled and spoke.

"With the return of the role of the Ministry in the governance of this school to what is was prior to last year (there were some scattered murmurs about the Hall and "that Umbridge woman" was heard more than once), I am pleased to announce that the restrictions placed on extracurricular activities have been lifted. This means quidditch resumes, unmolested, and tryouts for house teams will be held next week." With a wink directed at the Gryffindor table, he continued. "Further, it must be noted that the bans placed last year on three Gryffindor house players were lifted, unanimously, by the board of trustees, last night. All students are eligible for tryouts."

A great roar went up from the Gryffindor table and Harry was nearly buried by hands shaking his, thumping him on the shoulders, and, in the case of Hermione, hugging him joyfully. Harry felt as though a weight was suddenly lifted from him. He'd be playing quidditch again! He could almost feel the rush of wind in his face which had so often helped to clear his mind. He glanced over at the Slytherin table and Malfoy's cold stare only added to his enjoyment. He looked up at the head table and saw Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore beaming at him.

The rest of the day was gone in a rush. Despite his excitement, Harry remembered to ask Professor Flitwick for the ward charm. That night, Hermione helped him practice it until he was quite confident. She and Ron were still not speaking and while that dampened Harry's spirits a bit, he convinced himself they couldn't keep it up for long and went off to bed in as joyful a mood as he had known for some time.

The days settled into as normal a pattern as one ever found at Hogwarts. Harry and Remus found a bit of time for fencing before the full moon and Ron joined them for a session or two after. On Remus' last day before heading back to Order headquarters, he greeted their arrival for practice with a serious look at Ron.

"I've just had a visitor, but she wouldn't stay once she heard you two were coming," he said, "and I don't think it was Harry she was avoiding. Ron, it probably isn't my business, but why does Hermione want to avoid you?"

Ron flushed and stared at the floor, not answering. Harry, himself was growing quite impatient with the whole situation. Seeing there was no answer forthcoming, Harry spoke up himself.

"The two of them got into a row over Ron following Hermione up to the owlery the other night."

"Hermione's just being stupid," snapped Ron, giving Harry a dark look.

"Ah. Whereas, sneaking around after her in the middle of the night is perfectly bloody brilliant, is it?" Harry snapped back.

"Hold up, you two," interjected Remus, smirking. "Let me get this straight, Ron. You followed Hermione around without telling her?"

"She shouldn't be wandering around alone in the middle of the night!" Ron yelled.

"Alright, alright," Remus laughed, "take 50 points for chivalry but lose about 300 for lack of forethought, yeah? Didn't you think how she'd feel when she found out?"

"I didn't plan on telling her," Ron mumbled..

"Ron, if you don't like her writing to Krum, don't you think you should talk to her about it?" Harry asked.

"Oh come off it, Harry! You know I've tried to warn her about that Durmstrang lot."

"No," Harry said wearily, "I mean, don't you think you ought to talk to her about the real reason?"

"I don't know what you are on about."

Remus rolled his eyes and Harry sighed and raised his eyebrows.

"I think you do mate."

They turned to their warm-up footwork drills in silence.

* * *

The day after Remus' departure was the next dueling club session and Harry was anxious to see what Snape would do. Certainly, his encounter with Annwyl after the previous meeting had done nothing to sweeten his disposition. As Harry had feared, Snape was doing his level best to find fault with Harry or provoke an argument. So far, Harry had managed to avoid detention, but more than once, it had been a very near thing.

A crowd had already gathered when the trio arrived in the Great Hall that evening. Ron and Hermione were still refusing to speak to one another so they stayed on opposite sides of Harry, saying little. Harry was beginning to think it would be a lot simpler if they were mad at him, as well.

At precisely 7:30, Snape strode into the Hall, Annwyl following, somewhat less dramatically, behind.

"If I might have your attention," Snape said, "Professor King insists that her unusual muggle approach to wizard dueling is quite effective. I have decided to give her the opportunity to prove herself and for the next several sessions, Professor King will have charge of you. I shall observe."

On either side of Harry, Ron snorted and Hermione clicked her tongue in derision. Only the three of them knew how Professor King had put Professor Snape in his place.

With only a polite nod to Snape, Annwyl stepped forward, conjuring weapons and transfiguring clothing. She set them straight to work on attack and defense drills. After a bit, she paired them up and began some mock bouts. Once everyone had had a turn, Annwyl transfigured all clothing to normal and their foils vanished.

"Now, I shall pair you with new partners," Annwyl announced, "and we will practice disarming. I know you are all able to perform this simple spell, so I want you not to think about the incantation, but your technique. Consider your body's movements in dodging or placing the spell. Now, begin."

Harry found himself paired with Dean and was a bit concerned to see Ron and Hermione paired off. He couldn't help but believe no good would come of that situation.

Although Dean did quite well, Harry was so accustomed to the disarming charm and his reflexes were so well honed from quidditch and his summer training with Annwyl, Dean was never able to disarm him, while Harry managed to take Dean's wand several times. They, along with most other students in the Hall were soon distracted by an uproar in one corner. It was Ron and Hermione.

The pair were standing apart from the others, clearly engaged in a full-blown duel. Although they had been instructed to stick to disarming, Harry could see they pent up frustration of the past week had gotten the better of them both. Hermione dodged a jelly-legs hex, just as she fired a tickling charm at Ron. So far, neither had managed to land a spell on the other. Ron's chess player's strategic skill was proving an excellent match for Hermione's astounding knowledge of spells. They bobbed and weaved around one another, directing increasingly rapid and nasty hexes at their opponent.

Snape moved toward them, wand drawn, just as Harry darted forward as well. They were both stopped, however, by Annwyl's outstretched arms.

"No, wait. I gather they have something to settle. Let them work this out."

After another five minutes or so of rapid-fire curses. Harry could see Hermione was beginning to tire. Ron had the advantage of the summer's quidditch and fencing while Hermione had been home with her books. The effort was taking its toll. Ron cast a leg-locker curse and Hermione wasn't fast enough. Her legs stiffened and she fell to the floor, surprise showing on her face.

Ron was equally surprised and leaped toward her in a vain attempt to catch her as she fell. In that split second with Ron's defenses down, Hermione raised her wand, the surprise on her face replaced with with anger.

"Expelliarmus!"

Ron's wand whipped from his hand and Hermione stretched our her arm, catching it before it struck the stone floor. A muttered counter-jinx and she was back on her feet before a very angry Ron.

"I just wanted to be sure you were alright!" he shouted.

"I never wanted you to be my nanny!" she raged back at him.

They both turned on their heels and stormed out of the Hall in opposite directions. Harry looked to Annwyl who regarded him calmly.

"You know, I don't believe they were referring to their duel."

Harry had to agree.

* * *

Over the following days, Ron and Hermione maintained an almost complete silence. Ron did appear at the quidditch tryouts the day after his duel with Hermione, but said nothing to anyone aside from remarks directly pertaining to the team. They both avoided Harry altogether, which Harry suspected was to ensure there would be no efforts to reconcile the two. It did make Harry's time less fraught with tension, but definitely lonelier.

Although Ron had shown little enthusiasm for quidditch, Harry was delighted. Tryouts had gone very well indeed. Ron was easily named keeper for a second year and Harry was uncontested as he resumed his place as seeker. Ginny showed herself to be quite a respectable chaser and was joined by Jack Sloper who turned out to be a fair chaser despite his less than stellar performance as beater the year before. Amazing everyone present, Dennis Creevey showed some impressive speed and maneuvering and was chosen as their third chaser. Andrew Kirke stayed on as beater and third year, Donald Farlan filled out the Gryffindor side. Ron's only show of enthusiasm that day was a congratulatory thump on the back when the team unanimously voted Harry captain.

Now, days later, with quidditch practices well underway, Harry's mood was souring. He did most of his studying alone and, although he was among friends at meals, he missed the camaraderie he had once had with his two best friends. He felt it most keenly when, at breakfast, nearly three weeks after his meeting with Dumbledore and Remus, Harry received a letter.

Unhappily, we were unable to learn anything from your carafe. We have reason to fear there is an unknown entrance into your tower. Be quite certain to set the ward charm on your dorm each night. Additional wards will be set for the rest of Gryffindor house. Come to the History of Magic classroom Thursday evening at eight pm. For you next Occlumency lesson.

Under the best of circumstances, Harry would have found this letter far from satisfactory. Now, with neither of his best friends to talk to about it, Harry's temper bubbled over.

"Right. This has gone far enough," he muttered as he stuffed the letter in his pocket and hefted his book bag to his shoulder. "If I have to face Snape, the least they could do is face each other."

For the rest of the day, Harry turned it over in his mind. He felt what he really needed was a place to lock Ron and Hermione away until they had come to their senses. At last, as he trudged up the hill toward the castle after Herbology, it came to him. He would use the Room of Requirement.

Harry made his way to the owlery and tied two identical notes to Hedwig's legs.

Meet me in the Room of Requirement, 7:30 tonight. -Harry

"Okay, Hedwig. Leave these where Ron and Hermione will get them. Just make sure they can't see they each got one, right?"

Hedwig gave his ear an affectionate tweak and soared out the window.

Leaving the owlery, Harry darted into the upstairs corridor where the room was hidden. Checking to see no one was watching, he murmured to himself,

"I need a room where Ron and Hermione can talk alone."

A door opened in the wall beside him and with a sigh of relief, Harry went inside. The room was furnished with a plain table and two chairs on opposite sides.

"I was picturing something a little more comfortable."

The table shrank to a low round stand with a small lamp. The stiff chairs filled out to comfortable, squashy armchairs.

"Okay, that is some better. A little, erm, friendlier, maybe?" Harry blushed as he thought it, but figured if he was going to do this, it might as well be done properly.

The lamp disappeared from the table and, instead, several dim candles floated overhead. A delicate-looking flask of elderberry nectar appeared on the table beside two glasses that sparkled in the candlelight. Harry grinned.

"That ought to do it. Now, I need a charm that will lock the door from letting them out until they find a way to get along."

A parchment with an incantation appeared in his hand. It was a locking charm with an added phrase, Dona nobis pacem - Give us peace. The lock would open only when the occupants of the room had only friendly feelings toward one another.

Harry then wrote a note to them both which he left on the table next to the nectar.

Ron and Hermione,

By the time you read this, you will be locked in this room. I know you will be furious with me, but you won't be able to get out to hex me until the two of you can settle your argument. The lock won't open until you are at peace.

I'm sorry to do this to you, but I miss my friends. Now, of all times, is the time to stick together and if you weren't both being such great, stubborn blockheads, you'd be together quite nicely.

So, when you've gotten yourselves out of this mess, come find me. I'll be waiting for your hexes in the common room.

Harry

As he left the room, he set the peace lock on the door.

Harry was down the corridor from the Room of Requirement at 7:20 that evening, safely hidden under his invisibility cloak. Five minutes later, Hermione appeared, found the door and entered. Moments after that, Ron arrived. Once they were both safely inside, Harry turned quietly back toward the common room to wait. It was all up to them, now.