Harry Potter and the Labyrinth of the Mind

HARRY POTTER AND THE LABYRINTH OF THE MIND

Chapter 13 - A Mind in Turmoil

Harry's thoughts were whirling madly as he stood in the center of the silent, empty Potions professor's sitting room. He could see he didn't need to go any further into Annwyl's chambers. The doors were all ajar and there was a subtle air of confusion. She was gone and probably in a hurry. Taking a deep breath, Harry plunged back into the passageway and ran back along the way he had come. He reached Remus' hiding place breathless.

"Remus," he gasped as he flung himself through the doorway. "She's gone. She isn't in her rooms."

Remus had leapt to his feet at Harry's entrance, but now relaxed his tense stance slightly.

"Is that all, Harry? The way you pelted in here, I thought you were coming to tell me there were death eaters at our very door." He turned and made to sit back down. "She can't have gone far. You can try to deliver that message again after a bit."

"But her door wasn't closed properly and there was just something about the place..." Harry's voice trailed off, but his eyes were filled with worry. Just where had she gone? Somehow, he felt it wasn't an innocent stretch of the legs that had her away from the dungeons just now.

"Her door wasn't closed?" It was Remus' turn to look concerned. "I've never seen her leave so much as a broom cupboard without a locking spell." He scuffed at the fringe of the large area rug before the fire with one toe, absently, as he stood deep in thought. "Harry, who else is in the dungeons now? Any students?"

Harry shook his head. "The Slytherins have all gone home for the holidays. There's only Snape and Annwyl down here now." He quirked an eyebrow. "Actually, I don't think even Snape is here right now."

"What makes you say that?" Remus asked sharply. "Where else would he be?"

"Only that he left dinner early, as well," Harry answered. He described the professor's abrupt departure and his impression of the man gripping his forearm as he exited the Hall. "I thought it was possible that Voldemort has summoned him or something. My scar has been stinging for days, so there's no way to be sure."

"Right," answered Remus. "I suppose that settles it. Let's go out and have a look round." He waved off Harry's objections before they were spoken. "I know I'm supposed to stay here but I have a feeling we ought to look into this right away. I plan to stay right here in the dungeons and it seems the worst I'm liable to meet is Snape, and probably not even him. I want you to go to Dumbledore straight away. Bring him down here and meet me in the Potions chambers."

Still feeling doubtful, Harry followed Remus from the room. They moved swiftly along the corridor, making almost no noise. They were just climbing a small set of stone steps into the Potions corridor when a movement from an intersecting passage brought them up sharply. Remus, whose wand was already drawn, grabbed Harry and tried to melt back into the shadows. A sneering voice told them they had not been quick enough.

"Potter, whatever are you doing here at this hour? Surely, you realize that even though the school is on holiday, there are curfews and boundaries. Yet, here you are, out quite late and quite far from your common room." Snape glided out of the shadowy intersecting passage and stood over Harry. "Ah," his eyes widening unpleasantly, lighting on Remus, "of course. I suppose this was to be expected. I knew Albus must have tucked you away somewhere, Lupin. Of course, the Ministry would never suspect that the great Dumbledore would hide you in plain sight."

"Good evening, Severus," Remus answered smoothly. "How lovely to see you, as well. From what Harry told me of your exit from the Hall earlier, I didn't expect to see you so soon. Your master didn't seem to keep you long."

Snape's sallow features blanched and he turned a furious gaze on Harry. Before he could speak, a sound from around the turn in the corridor ahead of them drew their attention. Light footsteps echoed faintly off the stone walls. With a sharp gesture, Snape herded them into a shadowed niche. They watched, wands ready, waiting for the unseen person to round the corner. When, at last, a shadow of the figure could be seen on the wall of the corridor, Remus let out a sigh of relief and stepped from their hiding place.

"Annwyl! Thank goodness."

"Great Caesar's Ghost!" Annwyl jumped, nearly dropping the tray she carried. "Remus, what are you doing out of... wait. What is going on around here?" She looked at Snape and Harry, first in amazement and then in displeasure, as they emerged from the shadows.

"I haven't the least notion what brings Lupin and Potter out to scamper the hallways, but as my chambers are down this corridor, I think my presence requires no explanation, Professor," answered Snape, his voice curling with impatience.

Remus ignored him, looking directly at Annwyl. "I sent Harry to you with a message but he came back saying you weren't in your rooms and your door was unlocked." He looked at her questioningly. "Where were you, Wyl?"

"Well, for Merlin's sake, Remus," Annwyl said with a touch of exasperation, "I am able to find my way about Hogwarts, you know. I was in the kitchens getting some tea and toast." She gestured slightly with her tray.

"And you couldn't conjure some tea, Professor?" Snape asked. "You had to go all the way to the kitchens?"

Harry looked at him in surprise, uncertain as to why the Defense professor would have any interest in the matter and so suddenly. Annwyl clearly felt the same and turned to him with calculated sweetness in her voice.

"Why, Professor, of course, I could have conjured the tea, but," here she smiled brightly, though the expression did not reach her eyes, "you know as well as I that conjured tea is never as satisfying as that which is steeped in a proper pot."

"And you keep no such teapot in your chambers?" Snape pushed. Now, even Remus was gawking at the man in amazement. "Surely, such a connoisseur as yourself would have the appropriate accoutrements at hand."

Annwyl's eyes narrowed. "Generally, I have, Professor. However, I recently loaned my tea things to, er..." She glanced over at Remus. "To a friend."

Remus swallowed and seemed to collect himself. "Yes, of course. That explains it. I'm sorry to come haring after you, Wyl, but when Harry said you had left dinner early and then, he found your chambers unlocked, well, I was concerned." He smiled at her. "I should know better, of course, but that is my nervous disposition for you."

"Well, for now, we need to get you back where you belong right away," she chided. "Anyone could have seen you tonight, Remus. Please, go back straightaway and lock yourself in. We can't have you taking such wild chances. Go along, I'll come behind and you can share my tray." She turned to Harry and Professor Snape. "Will you both join us?"

"I thank you, no," Snape answered, his distaste only thinly veiled. "I shall retire to my chambers. Good evening to you." He turned abruptly and headed off along the passage.

"And you, Harry," Annwyl prodded, "Join us?"

Harry shook his head. "No, thanks. I, er, think I'll head up to the common room. The others will be wondering where I've gone. Good night, Remus. Good night, Annwyl."

Harry walked slowly up the flights of stairs toward Gryffindor tower. He was trying to decide if he believed Annwyl. Clearly, Snape did not. Remus was a bit harder to read. Certainly, he wanted to believe Annwyl's story. Harry felt only confusion. The trip to the kitchens for tea and toast was a dodgy ploy, at best. However, if Annwyl hadn't been to the kitchens, then where had she been? Harry reached the Fat Lady's portrait without coming to any useful conclusion.

In the common room, Harry found Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Fred and George sitting before the fire. Ginny and Fred were toasting marshmallows and George was trying to charm them to stuff themselves into Ron's mouth. Hermione was wisely keeping out of the way, but Harry noticed she did manage to banish one or two particularly insistent marshmallows while George ducked pillows Ron was tossing at him.

Harry flopped down on the couch next to Ron and reached out, snagged one of the hovering marshmallows and popped it in his mouth. George, untroubled, merely sent another Ron's way. Hermione leaned around Ron and smiled at Harry.

"Had a good walk, did you, Harry?" Her smile told him she knew exactly where he'd been.

"Er, yeah. Felt good to stretch. Too much pudding," Harry mumbled absently as he caught another marshmallow and took a bite.

"Well, those will hardly help, mate," laughed Fred. "Mind, you could hold another stone or two without doing your seeking any harm."

"That's right," agreed George. "In fact, a bit more weight, now you've got so much taller, and you'd be able to sit your broom more solidly. Bludgers wouldn't knock you about so easily." With that he sent a few extra marshmallows zooming Harry's direction.

"Oi," objected Harry mildly, "What're you trying to do to me? A stone or two? Blimey, I'd look like Goyle." With a shudder, he swept the floating candies aside.

The others laughed heartily at the image. Fred and George began laying out a full plan for the development of Harry's physique which convulsed Ron and Hermione and made Harry blush furiously. Ginny, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, rose from her spot on the hearth.

"I think I'll go up, now. I could do with some extra revision," she said, her voice expressionless. "OWLs and all." She was frowning as she turned to go.

"Oh, Ginny," Harry rose and followed, carrying a book, "you left your Charms text." She accepted the book without comment, merely nodding her thanks, and quietly went upstairs.

Harry watched her go, puzzled at the cold response. She had seemed, since the pre-Christmas snow fight, to have let go of their past quarrel, at least a bit, and Harry had found himself unexpectedly relieved. Shaking his head slightly, he returned to his place beside Ron on the couch. The others seemed unaware of anything unusual, except for Fred, who watched the exchange with slightly narrowed eyes. He nodded to Harry slightly as he sat down again, but said nothing.

After a little longer and a few more jibes directed at Harry about his impending Goyle-ness, the twins excused themselves and headed upstairs. Harry, thinking that, perhaps, Ron and Hermione would like a bit of time alone together, rose to follow Fred and George. Ron stopped him, however, and was eagerly seconded by Hermione.

"Please stay, Harry," she begged. "We three haven't really talked in ages." Harry couldn't help smiling at her and really, she was right. They hadn't properly talked since before Halloween. He sat down on some cushions before the fire, not sorry to stay with them.

Ron leaned forward. "Harry, were you visiting Moony after dinner, tonight?" Harry nodded. "How is he? Did you tell him about Snape?" Harry looked up sharply in surprise. "Oh, don't tell me you didn't see it, Harry?"

"Yes," added Hermione excitedly. "Didn't you see? He was clutching his left arm as he left the hall."

"Well, yeah," agreed Harry, "I did see that, but I didn't realize anyone else could see it. And, yes, I did tell Remus, but it actually came up after some other stuff." He quickly told them about finding Annwyl's chambers open and empty, running into Snape as he returned to his quarters, and then, finding Annwyl coming back from what looked like a trip to the kitchens.

"Well, this is right around the new year, isn't it?" Hermione commented with a frown. When the two boys looked blank, she tsked impatiently. "It's in that note Harry picked up. She's to give a full report by New Year. If Professor Snape was called to a Death Eater meeting of some kind, mightn't she have gone, too?"

"I don't see how," Ron said. "Snape would have been only too happy to tell the Order if she was showing up at meetings with that lot."

Harry looked thoughtful. "Well, you both could be right, but which? She certainly could have been at a meeting, but she didn't leave when Snape did and she wasn't holding her arm. How would we even know if she has a dark mark?"

They sat quietly a moment, rather stumped for an answer. Hermione straightened suddenly, smiling.

"I think I know how we can find out and we won't have to go anywhere near her to do it. Do you remember those dress robes she was wearing at Christmas dinner?" The boys nodded. "If I recall correctly, the sleeves were chiffon. We might be able to see through them and see if her arm is marked." Ron goggled at her as if she had gone mad.

"Hermione, I don't see her showing up to Potions class in get up like that, so just how do you propose we look through her sleeves?"

"With my Contemplation Sphere," Harry spoke up. "Hermione, you think we will be able to see her arm in my memory, right?" She nodded happily. "I hope you're right. I'm not sure I spent much time staring at her arms."

Harry went up to the dorm to retrieve his sphere and hurried back to the fireside. The three huddled around the silvery ball and watched intently as Harry cast the Memorarae charm. A few minutes later, they sat back with a sigh.

"Well, that's that," Hermione said, sounding somewhat relieved. "There was no mark on her arm. Good thing you were sitting near her Harry. We got a pretty good look at her left arm."

"Yeah," agreed Harry, "I guess that's good news. She must really have been in the kitchens." He looked doubtful.

Ron started to comment, but his words were lost in an enormous yawn. Hermione frowned. "Ron, you should go right up. Madame Pomfrey wouldn't like you tiring yourself out so soon after the accident."

"I know, I know. I'm fine. Just getting a little tired. I'll go up in a few minutes. Harry, what about that accident? Any ideas about why your cauldron went up like that?"

Harry shook his head. "Annwyl tried to talk to me before she passed out, but all she said was that the potion was fine and that something must have made the cauldron shake. I can't think what, though. There wasn't anyone near it but me, and I was facing the other way." Harry closed his eyes, remembering. "Ron, if you hadn't noticed the potion starting to go..." He left the unpleasant thought unfinished as Hermione shuddered and slid closer to Ron, her arm outstretched and resting on Harry's shoulder.

"Don't, please," she said quietly. "I don't want to think about it. It was so horrible, I don't want to remember."

Ron put an arm around her and drew her close to his side. "It's alright, Hermione. We're all okay and that is what really matters." He smiled at Harry. "But, next time you blow up a cauldron, mate, do you think you can aim it toward Malfoy?"

Laughing, the three rose and went toward their respective staircases. Harry was halfway up when Ron caught up to him. "Ron," he whispered, "I do want to thank you for what you did, jumping in front of my cauldron like that." Ron shook his head and led the way into their dorm.

"Harry, no need. You know I had to do that. You would have, if it had been my potion. We're in all of this together, right? You won't forget that?" Ron had never looked so serious. "Together, Harry. You've just got to know that." Harry nodded silently, his throat tight.

Nothing more was said.

***

The few remaining days of the Christmas holidays went by quietly. They visited Remus a few more times before he left the castle and were pleased to see him looking far healthier when he left than he had upon his arrival. Once, Annwyl joined them and they spent the afternoon fencing. Once again, she lectured them all on the importance of focusing their mind.

"You've just got to master yourselves," she said sternly. "All this business about having too much on your mind is a load of rubbish. It's when your mind is full that you most need to bring your thoughts under control." She glared at them as if they had openly challenged her. "And, it can be done."

Harry did sincerely wish to get his whirling thoughts under control. The mysterious note left behind by Annwyl, the unexplained potion accident, Draco Malfoy's earlier threats, Professor Dumbledore's sudden collapse, Percy Weasley's apparent involvement with Voldemort and his Death Eaters... the list of things weighing on his mind was getting frighteningly long and, though he felt he ought to be doing something, anything, he had absolutely no idea where to begin. His only real relief had been in seeing that Remus was, for the time being, reasonably safe and healthy.

Although there had been no more lapses, Harry had had plenty of vague, uncomfortable dreams. Again and again, he saw Sirius fall through the veil and, while this was not really a new dream, the sight of Dumbledore looking on was a new and unpleasant addition. There were also dreams of Remus running. It wasn't clear to Harry just who or what he was running from or where Remus was, but the impression of fear and the need to escape was clear.

These dreams were bad enough, but even worse, Harry thought, were the dreams in which he, himself, was running. He could feel something chasing him but never saw or heard his pursuer. Dream Harry would run until he felt as if his legs would buckle and his lungs burst and, just as he was certain he could run no further, he would see Ron and Hermione standing just ahead. Relief would sweep over him, but only for a moment, for as he reached them, his arms out in supplication, they turned their backs and walked away, hand in hand, leaving him. From this dream, Harry always woke in horror, his scar prickling, his breath uneven, his heart thudding painfully. In the morning, Harry would be pale and red-eyed. Although Ron and Hermione would look worried and ask what was wrong, Harry was reluctant to tell them about the dreams. They were only dreams, after all, and he really didn't think he could stand the fuss that would be made over him if anyone knew.

The new term began and Harry was glad for the bustle of the castle full of students. It was easier to draw his friends' attention away from him with all the uproar of classes and seeing other friends. Also helpful to Harry was the return of quidditch practices and dueling club meetings. The next matches were some weeks away yet, but Harry drilled the team relentlessly in various strategic flying positions and scoring maneuvers. While wearing himself out didn't prevent the dreams at night, he found he was better able to push their memories aside while he zoomed around the pitch.

At the first dueling club meeting of the new term, Professor Snape had been waiting for them in the Great Hall, standing on a great dais in the center of the room. There were a few murmurs of surprise moving around the room as Snape hadn't had much to say about anything at their previous meetings, but the whispers soon stopped at the sight of the Defense professor's face.

"As you can see, we shall begin some genuine fighting this evening. As entertaining as Professor King's escapades have been, I feel it is high time we tested your mettle." He began pacing around the edge of the raised circle. "The niceties of proper dueling are all well and good, but you will rarely encounter a hostile attacker willing to spend precious time on the courtesies. Tonight, we shall begin teaching you to defend yourselves in a more realistic manner."

A number of students, especially the younger ones, began shifting about uncomfortably. Ron, Hermione and Harry exchanged uneasy glances and looked over to the far corner of the Hall where Annwyl stood, glowering at the proceedings. Harry couldn't help wondering if Dumbledore was aware of this new direction and if it was at all a good idea to stick around for what Snape was planning to dish out. Snape stepped down off the dais and began moving through the assembled students.

"Very likely, you will encounter groups of individuals wishing you ill," he said as he stalked about the room. "Consequently, we shall focus on teaching you to defend yourselves against multiple opponents. To begin, you will come forward in groups of three. As you are beginners, all three combatants will work independently. As we progress, we shall have some of you teaming up against a single opponent. In this way, you will all have the opportunity to work in groups and to defend yourself from a group."

By now, even the shuffling has ceased and the students gaped at Snape in fear. Harry knew that it would be beneficial to learn such defense strategies, but he had learned from directing the D.A. his previous year that the wide variations in skill and age could make this a very difficult task for many in the room. Not surprisingly, the sneer on the Defense professor's face deepened as he sensed the apprehension in the group. He swept back up onto the dais in the center.

"You will come forward as your name is called." Harry felt a sick sensation of inevitability as he heard the first three names called. "Zabini, Potter and Malfoy."

Harry heard Ron hiss in irritation, but shooting him what he hoped was a reassuring glance, he headed for the center of the room. Blaise Zabini had been much closer to the dais and was already waiting. Harry was somewhat encouraged to see that he looked nervous and uncertain. So much the better for Harry. Malfoy reached the raised circle and entered with his usual swagger, his eyes focused on Harry. Harry thought he probably ought to be worried about that look considering Malfoy's threats, but with so many students and even two professors looking on, surely not even Malfoy could get away with actually doing anything too vicious.

"Now then," Snape said, standing in the center of the platform, "each of you is to be defending yourselves from the other two. You are permitted any jinx, hex, curse, or charm which will assist you in disarming your opponents, so long as no actual, lasting damage is done. You are, of course, to avoid those curses deemed illegal." His dark gaze flicked briefly over Harry and Malfoy. "You will begin on my signal and end when only one of you remains armed."

Snape stepped down off the platform but remained just at its edge. Harry saw, at the edge of his vision, that Annwyl had moved forward from her corner and stood quite near, just behind Ron and Hermione. A silence fell over the watching students and Snape raised his wand. A jet of green sparks shot forward with a bang. Before the green flash had faded, a sizzling jet of red streaked out of Malfoy's wand to Harry's left. Ducking instinctively, Harry felt a tingle of magical energy ruffle his hair above his left ear. Dropping on all fours, Harry rolled over, coming quickly to his feet quite close to Blaise Zabini. The poor boy looked frightened and rather green. Harry, feeling he couldn't afford to waste anything on sympathy as another jinx whizzed by, pointed his wand.

"Expelliarmus!" As Zabini's wand zoomed into Harry's hand, he whirled to face Malfoy. He could hear the Zabini jump off the dais with alacrity. Shoving the wand into his belt, Harry focused on Malfoy but not fast enough to avoid the Slytherin's well-placed Amputare. It was a strange sensation to feel as if one's left leg had disappeared from the knee down. Harry started to teeter, but Annwyl's lessons on mental focus must have taken root.

It's not really gone, you prat, Harry told himself sternly. Just because you can't feel it doesn't mean it isn't there. Stay on your feet.

Wobbling still, but upright, Harry shot back with a bat bogey hex which Malfoy only narrowly avoided. But Harry had followed it almost immediately with a jelly-legs jinx. Malfoy staggered badly, giving Harry a moment to adjust himself before the blonde boy could counter-jinx. Malfoy was quick however, and he retaliated with a stunning spell. It missed Harry easily, as Draco was still a bit off balance, but it did cause Harry to drop and roll to the opposite side of the platform. Harry desperately wanted to counter the Amputare on his leg, but Malfoy was too quick, giving him no time. So, Harry continued to fight from his knees, rolling from one place to another in a manner he was sure looked completely daft.

After nearly fifteen minutes of this, however, Harry was beginning to tire. Malfoy, still on both legs, was moving easily and now seemed to be toying with Harry, enjoying his predicament. Realizing that he couldn't continue this way much longer, Harry's mind raced, groping for a spell which could help him. Suddenly, Harry saw how he might lure Malfoy into a vulnerable position. Clumsily, Harry somersaulted forward, yelling, "Avis!" A flight of tiny, fluttering birds burst forth into Draco's startled face causing him to step backward. Crawling forward as well as he could, Harry tried to position himself for another disarming spell. Unfortunately, Malfoy's own seeker reflexes had him back on his feet as the birds fluttered away, disappearing. The amused look in Draco's eyes was gone entirely as he leveled his wand at Harry.

"Corpus diffendo!"

As the words left Malfoy's mouth, several voices clamored around them. Harry heard Annwyl throwing a shielding charm toward him but couldn't tell if anything had happened. Hermione and Ron both shouted an impediment jinx which might have hit, but Harry couldn't be certain. He did, however, see Draco fly backwards with a crash as Luna and Ginny fired simultaneous reductor curses. He sailed right off the dais, hitting the floor with a sickening thud. Annwyl leaped up onto the dais and helped Harry to his feet, removing the Amputare jinx as she did so. Snape had hoisted Draco up and stood glaring at Annwyl, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna who were now grouped around Harry.

"You were not to interfere, Professor," he began, but was promptly cut off by Annwyl's anger.

"Mr. Malfoy was not to do any damage, Professor Snape. He used a body slicing curse!"

"Professor Snape, you said we weren't to use any spell that would cause lasting damage," Draco spoke up, managing to regain a bit of his swagger and all of his ugly sneer. "A slicing curse is simple to counter and I was confident that you, Sir, had sufficient control of the situation to see that no real harm was done."

Snape's expression was unreadable as he turned from his student and faced Annwyl. "This duel is considered null and void as there was interference from the spectators. Each student involved in the disruption has lost five points for his or her respective house." Harry and the others started to object, but Annwyl's response stopped them.

"And Mr. Malfoy has lost twenty-five points for attempting to injure another student."

Harry could see the anger in Snape's eyes but knew that there was nothing to be said. Annwyl was a professor and had as much authority with regard to house points as he. Her word was final as was his.

Although Snape brought several more groups of students to the dais, it was clear that their concentration was badly shaken by what had happened. With a final growl of indignation, Snape dismissed them and swept from the room.

Harry, Ron and Hermione left the Hall together, but they had no sooner gained the Entrance Hall and turned toward the great staircase then they were confronted by Draco Malfoy.

"Close shave tonight, Potter," he drawled. He turned an unpleasant, appraising stare on Hermione. "You know, Weasel, if she weren't a nasty mudblood know-it-all, I could almost understand what you see in her." He turned back to Harry, seemingly not noticing Hermione restraining a furious and swearing Ron. "Potter, I'm sure you haven't forgotten what I told you. I do intend to have you and I'm not alone." He gazed dispassionately at Harry's pale face and clenched jaw. "Yes, I do believe I'm going to enjoy this, Potter. Interestingly, I know just the thing." With that, he turned and strolled carelessly toward the dungeon staircase.