Harry Potter and the Labyrinth of the Mind

HARRY POTTER AND THE LABYRINTH OF THE MIND

Chapter 14 - Changes In Attitude

To Ron and Hermione's surprise, Harry positively refused to discuss the duel with Malfoy. After their encounter in the Entrance Hall, Harry climbed to Gryffindor tower in silence and went straight to bed, declining any discussion. The days that followed were no different. If the subject was raised, Harry simply changed the subject. Hermione tried asking him, point blank, but instead of answering, he left them, offering a trip to the loo as an excuse.

Otherwise, however, Harry was remarkably cheerful. Many of the Gryffindors eyed him with astonishment as he whistled in the corridors between classes, got up noisy games of Exploding Snap in the common room each evening and put his 101 heckling charms to good use on any unwary bystander. Not since the Weasley twins had left the previous year, had so many students been seen sporting feathers or oddly colored hair. He used the Podomentus charm so often, even Ron had taken to giving Harry a wide berth when carrying anything he cared about. In just two weeks, Harry managed to land detention with Filch for setting off Weasley Whiz Bangs in several suits of armor, with McGonagall for casting an ill-advised tripping charm which missed its intended first year target and struck her instead, and with Snape for... well, as far as anyone could tell, for being entirely too cheerful during Defense class. Hermione had warned Harry about the risks casting cheering charms on oneself, but her advice had gone unheeded. Only at night, did the somber desperation return to him. When his dorm mates were all asleep, Harry often sat at the window by his bed, watching out over the darkened grounds. Sleep had become less and less appealing as he seemed constantly to dream of Dumbledore's expressionless face, Ron and Hermione turning away from him, and fleeting images of Snape, Draco and Annwyl sneering at him, their faces morphing into horrible masks of the Dark Mark.

Several weeks passed in this manner and Remus was, again, at the castle for the full moon. Harry, Ron and Hermione visited with him several times and, as had happened in previous visits, Annwyl joined them once for an intensive fencing lesson. The trio still felt uneasy about Annwyl, despite the various excuses to explain her behavior. Harry frowned darkly at her as she entered Remus' chambers. He just couldn't be comfortable with the fact that Remus' secure quarters were accessible to someone the Order felt required watching. Remus seemed entirely at ease, however, and was frankly delighted to have the opportunity to train with her.

While he was fencing, Harry did seem to shed the restless trickster attitude and became quite serious. Annwyl praised him for his focus after a particularly grueling bout between the two of them.

"Harry, I do believe you are getting the idea, at last," she said, smiling. "You didn't fall for any of my feints that time." Harry only nodded in reply.

On the nights of the full moon, the tension in the school was palpable. This was the first full moon since the beginning of the new term and everyone had seen the news reports of the werewolves escaping and probably turning to Voldemort. While everyone realized they were safe enough in the castle, there was plenty of worry about what would happen outside the charms and wards of Hogwarts. Even Harry was showing his worry that evening. The common room was quiet for the first time in weeks as he had instigated no raucous Snap games and hadn't tripped anyone or turned any hair chartreuse all day. While he, too, was worried about what might be happening, he was more afraid of anyone discovering Remus in his dungeon chambers. No matter how often he reminded himself that only a select few knew of that chamber, Harry couldn't rid himself of the nagging worry.

Te morning papers brought no good news. There had been scattered werewolf attacks, genuine attacks, all over the British Isles. While there had been no concentrated, organized mayhem, it seemed they were choosing to create fear and chaos by unpredictability. Whatever Voldemort may have had in mind for the werewolves now standing with him, it was a serious matter for everyone, magic and muggle alike. Even the werewolves who remained on the run, hiding from both Voldemort and the Ministry, must be considered dangerous since, due to their fugitive condition, they could have no access to the Wolfsbane potion which would render them harmless. All in all, it was dark news, indeed.

With so much fear and suspicion, it seemed best for Remus to slip away from the castle as soon as he was able to travel. Consequently, tired and weak though he must have been, Remus left at dawn after the full moon. He left behind a short note for Harry telling him not to worry, but Harry hardly comprehended it. He could only think of Remus out there, alone, exhausted and on the run.

If anyone had expected the black news to bring on a return of Harry's quiet, depressed state, they were mistaken. Instead, Harry threw himself into tricks and pranking with as much enthusiasm as before. No enclosed space could be deemed entirely safe while Harry was in it. He had mastered a few new spells from the book of heckling charms and students were now living in fear of Harry's Rhinofoliculus jinx which gave the victim instant long, wiry nose hair which made a decided whistling sound as air moved through it. So adept was Harry at sneaking up on his prey, that there was, in addition to the usual anticipation of a Hogsmeade weekend, a sense of relief that Harry would likely be too busy with his own concerns in town to be too intent on hexing nose hair.

The morning of the Hogsmeade trip was bright but cold as the students lined up at the castle door, waiting to be checked off Filch's list on their way out of the school. Harry was not surprised to see a number of the faculty heading out with the students. He knew that many considered such a trip to Hogsmeade risky, but Dumbledore had explained his decision to the school only the night before at dinner.

"You are all aware of the recent attacks throughout the wizarding world. While I can assure your safety within these walls, I will not resort to holding my pupils captive. Those students in third year and above who desire to visit Hogsmeade will, therefore, be allowed to go. I trust you will all keep your wits about you and will observe the rules regarding such an outing. I ask that you do not leave the boundaries of Hogsmeade and that you stay with friends as much as may be. There will be faculty and some Ministry Aurors on hand should you find yourself in any difficulty. I desire that you all enjoy yourselves, but do take care." The old man's face was somber as he finished his speech.

Hermione had certainly taken the headmaster's speech to heart and it showed in her anger when Harry suggested she and Ron go ahead into Hogsmeade without him.

"Harry, don't be silly! You can't go wandering about Hogsmeade on your own. How can you even consider something so reckless? Come along with Ron and me. You know we want you with us."

"Hermione, I won't be alone, and you know it. The place will be crawling with Hogwarts students." He looked to Ron for support, but it was clear from the look on his friend's face that he was siding with Hermione. "Look, I promise I'll be a good little boy and stay right in the center of town. Why, you'll practically trip on me wherever you go! You two go on and enjoy the morning together and I'll catch you up at the Three Broomsticks for lunch. Alright?"

Ron and Hermione had been convinced, at last, and now, as Harry passed through the gates marking the edge of Hogwarts' grounds, he saw them walking ahead, hand in hand. He watched them for a moment, but shivered as he realized how much it looked like his dreams. Pulling his cloak more tightly about himself, Harry watched the retreating backs of his friends as they walked away. Giving himself a hard shake, he started off among the groups of chattering students on the road to town.

Although it was a little lonely at first, Harry soon found himself in Honeydukes' among groups of other students, laughing and sampling the many new sweets available. Just a short time later, he was in the center of a group admiring Zonko's latest offerings of the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes line. Fred and George had obviously been busy since Harry saw them at Christmas. They had added to their line of Skiving Snackboxes so that in addition to Puking Pastilles and Nosebleed Nougats there were Trembling Truffles which were guaranteed to bring on a profound case of what appeared to be feverish chills. Their newest product, however, was the Caterwauling Cushion. As Harry expected, it was a lot like a muggle whoopee cushion only instead of emitting a rude noise when sat upon, it shrieked like a banshee, it's high, piercing wail hanging in the air long after the victim, who by then would only wish to disappear entirely, had stood up again.

Harry did as he had promised Hermione. He moved about among groups of his fellow students throughout the morning, going from one shop to another, buying sweets and tricks, and even a few needed supplies such as quills and potion ingredients. He was pleased to find, as the time to meet Ron and Hermione drew near, that he hadn't been as lonely as he had feared and he had managed to avoid the uncomfortable position of playing gooseberry to his best friends, as well. All in all, it was a fairly satisfied Harry who started up the main street through Hogsmeade, heading for the Three Broomsticks and a butterbeer with his friends.

Harry had nearly reached the pub's doorway when a flurry of popping sounds in the street behind him signaled the arrival of a group of people by apparition. Out of curiosity, he turned and looked over his shoulder. In the middle of the street, an odd tableau had formed. Percy Weasley and two others, one wizard and one witch, whom Harry didn't recognize, stood in the middle of the open area, facing off with Kingsley Shacklebolt and two other wizards, also bearing the auror's crest on their robes. So far, none had moved since their arrival in the street. The people milling about the street had only just begun to notice and were moving quickly and eerily quietly out of range of the six poised wands. An odd sense of time slowing came over Harry as he watched the scene before him. As if of one mind, Percy and his companions, without speaking, moved so they stood, backs together, wands facing out. At a nod from Shacklebolt, the aurors moved carefully to circle the trio. The all moved so smoothly, it looked like some horrible sham dance. It was Percy's voice which broke that uncanny silence.

"Move away and, perhaps, we will spare these people," he said in an odd, ringing voice. His wand twitched lightly in the general direction of the bystanders. The aurors made no answer and didn't move. "Shacklebolt," Percy cried, "you are killing these innocents."

"Percy," Kingsley's voice was straining for calm and reason. "Percy, put down your wand and come away from here. Let me take you home, son. Let us take you and your friends somewhere safe."

By this time, some bystanders were disappearing into nearby shops, but others, not having heard the exchange, came forward, craning their necks to see. Harry felt, more than saw or heard, Ron and Hermione arrive from behind him.

"What the..." Ron's voice was filled with confusion. "Harry, what is going on? That's Percy!" Harry caught his friend's arm as Ron started to push past him into the street.

"No! Ron, somehow, I don't think Percy is really here, if you know what I mean. Wait. Let the aurors talk to him," Harry urged in a whisper.

Unfortunately, Percy didn't seem of a mind to cooperate. Instead of responding to his father's friend, he raised his wand over his head, shouting, "Mortis preliator subvenio!" and a sickly, greenish jet erupted from his wand tip. The jet shot straight up, higher than Harry could track it. Seconds later, the street was filled with popping sounds of apparating people and the whooshing sound of others arriving by portkey. Screams rose from the scattering crowd as the new arrivals swept along the street, their bodies and faces shrouded in black robes and hoods. There were, now, about two dozen Death Eaters spread out, firing curses into shops and at anyone trying to flee.

As he, Hermione and Ron each leaped for some sort of cover, Harry could see Hogwarts faculty racing toward the melee, wands drawn. He couldn't hear what they were calling out, but he was fairly sure they were calling for adults to help fight, children to hide and students to head back to the school. As far as he could see, people were much too panicked to follow any of these instructions. Several shops were burning, now, and the bodies of the victims were littering the pavement. Harry motioned to Ron and Hermione, telegraphing his intent to move forward and help, when a fresh wave of horror swept over him.

Ginny Weasley had arrived on the scene, Dean running behind her, begging for her to take cover. She raced straight toward the center of the action, screaming Percy's name.

"PERCY! Percy, please, it's Ginny! Please! Stop it! Stop!"

Percy turned to face his little sister, recognition, but no emotion in his eyes. Calmly aiming his wand, he fired a hex at her. Shrieking, she dodged just in time, but Percy followed. Ron, pale with fear, raced forward wordlessly. With a mighty leap, he pushed Ginny aside. A curse crackled through the air between Ron and Ginny, knocking Ginny clear and forcing Ron to the ground with a painful grunt. Percy now turned his attention on Ron and was leveling another curse when Ginny, sobbing and screaming, clambered back to Ron's prostrate form. Falling on Ron, arms and legs wrapped around her brother, holding on as if for life, Ginny gasped a shielding spell.

"Protego!"

The jet of orange struck the shield causing it to shimmer and vibrate but it held, Ron and Ginny huddled inside it. Harry and Hermione raced toward them, firing stunning spells at Percy as they came. Percy, seemingly unmoved, ducked their spells and, with one solemn backward glance, apparated away.

Seeing Ron and Ginny stand and help each other to cover, Harry turned to survey the street. Several of the Death Eaters had not fired any spells at all, but seemed to be casing the situation and biding their time. These, Harry now hoped to surprise from behind. However, just as he began his approach, they apparently felt their moment had come. Slashing out at anyone unfortunate enough to come into their path, they showed themselves for what they were - not Death Eaters, but soul-imposed werewolves. Yelling a warning over his shoulder to Ron and Hermione, Harry rushed forward, the stunning spell forming on his lips. One of the soul-imposed turned to face him and Harry found himself nearly toe to toe with Cho Chang. He hesitated just a split second and as her arm swung out to strike him, he felt the chilling rush of a lapse sweep over him.

Visions of Dumbledore, collapsed on the stone floor of the corridor outside his office flashed through Harry's mind. Next were brief glimpses of Snape's trademark sneer and Annwyl's distant smile. More images of the unconscious Dumbledore and a flash showing Remus fleeing through a dark forest and Harry felt a cold wave, his knees buckling. He dropped, the expectation of Cho's blow flitting through his brain, and lost consciousness.

***

Harry felt himself bobbing along as if riding on a boat or a bubble. The sensation made his eyes pop open and he struggled a bit, trying to get his feet under himself. He did manage a more or less vertical attitude, but found he was unable to actually set his feet on the ground. He realized, with a weak sort of giggle, that he was floating along behind Hermione and Ron and that he must be making a quite bizarre picture, thrashing and hovering roughly a half meter above the path. His flailing and grunts caught Hermione's attention and she let out a soft cry.

"Harry! Oh, thank goodness. Here, hold still now and I'll try to let you down gently." Her brows knit in concentration and she lowered Harry from his odd perch. He landed on his feet, but soon found his knees weren't much use and sank all the way to the ground. In the distance, they could hear odd yelling and whooshing sounds.

"You collapsed and we figured we'd better get you well away from the fighting," Ron said, seeing the look of confusion on Harry's face. "We had no idea how long you might be out, so Hermione used Mobilicorpus to get you out of there quickly. You've only been out a couple of minutes though. Can you stand? We really ought to keep moving."

Harry nodded, a little dazed. "I think I can. Can you give me a hand?" He rose shakily, one arm gripping Ron's left shoulder, the other draped across Hermione's shorter frame. With support on either side, he was able to move along fairly well.

"Let's get you up to the castle. We'll explain then," Hermione said. "We don't want anyone asking any questions about why you were out cold. It was another lapse, wasn't it?" Harry nodded. "We thought it must be since we didn't see any spell hit you."

"Where is everyone?" Harry whispered hoarsely.

"Shh. The Ministry sent reinforcements and the professors were taking every student they could find up to the castle. Dean found us and went ahead with Ginny. I saw Neville carrying Luna. She looked hurt." Hermione's face crinkled with worry.

Harry allowed himself to be swept along the path leading toward the castle, his brain buzzing with questions. He didn't seem to be injured, but his last memory was of Cho preparing to strike him. What had happened? Where was she now? Though he was anxious to know what was going on, Harry realized he hadn't the strength to talk about it too much just yet. Also, he could feel the tense urgency in his friends to be up at the castle again. So, he held his tongue and concentrated on staying on his feet.

They made it to the castle, at last, only to find pandemonium in the Entrance Hall. Students were running up and down the main staircase, many crying. Filch was nowhere to be seen, though Mrs. Norris prowled the edges of the room, her scruffy fur and tail on end, eyes even wider than usual. Fortunately, there was so much chaos, no one paid much attention to Ron, Harry and Hermione as they arduously made their way to Gryffindor tower.

Once safely through the portrait hole, Hermione and Ron helped Harry up the stairs into his dorm room and over to his bed. By this time, Harry was so exhausted, he could hardly carry any of his own weight. He dropped into his four-poster like a sack of cement.

"Harry, not that I think you have much choice just now," said Hermione, pulling a comforter over him as Ron removed his trainers, "but I want you to stay in Gryffindor tower until we come back for you. Let us find out what is going on, okay?"

Harry nodded, then added weakly, "Check on Dumbledore, something's not right there. Check the hall outside his office." His eyes drooped shut as Ron and Hermione, exchanging worried glances, hurried from the room.

***

When Harry opened his eyes again, it took a moment to remember where he was and how he got there. His first confusion was finding everything clear to his view when he awoke. Apparently, he had been so drained he had fallen asleep with his glasses on. This fact explained the odd pain over his left ear where the frames were perched at a funny angle. Adjusting them back onto his nose, Harry cautiously sat up and looked around. His head felt a little funny, as if it had been packed with cotton wool for a while, but otherwise, he seemed to be alright. Sun was streaming in through the western window of the room, telling him he had been sleeping at least three hours. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rose slowly.

Getting downstairs into the common room was a little bit of a challenge. Harry found his knees to still be rather weak and the long spiral stairway a little dizzying. He made it, however, without mishap and dropped into a chair by the fire. The room was empty, so he figured it must be dinnertime. Harry decided he was, by no means, hungry enough to try to get to the Great Hall on his own. The promise he had given to Hermione to wait for them was proving to be an easy one to keep. After a half hour or so had passed, however, Harry began to rethink that idea. He knew nothing of what had happened in Hogsmeade after the first few moments of the fighting and still didn't know how he hadn't been struck by Cho just before he blacked out. Harry had just reached the point of some nervous, albeit shaky, pacing when Ron and Hermione climbed through the portrait hole.

"What happened?" Harry asked anxiously, not wasting breath on preliminaries.

Ron frowned and sat down on a cushion on the hearth rug. Hermione sat on the chair behind him, her hand gripping his shoulder as if to reassure herself he was really there. Her face was blank and pale.

"Sit down, mate," Ron advised. "You aren't going to like any of this." Harry sat slowly, his eyes never leaving his friend's face. "You were right about Dumbledore, Harry. When everyone started running back to the castle, McGonagall sent some sort of message ahead to warn Dumbledore. When he didn't answer by the time she got here, she sent Dobby to find him. He was out cold on the floor in front of the gargoyle." Ron paused and looked up at Harry. "Did you see that in your lapse?" Harry nodded, closing his eyes.

"Dobby took him straight to Madame Pomfrey, but we haven't heard how he is," said Hermione, rousing herself a bit. "The hospital ward is sort of a mess right now."

"Were there a lot of injuries?" Harry asked, his stomach twisting uncomfortably.

"Yes, Harry. I'm afraid there were," Hermione answered sadly. "More than injuries, too." A tear ran down her cheek as she spoke and Harry's throat constricted. "Madame Pomfrey wasn't able to help everyone."

"Who?"

Ron reached over his shoulder and took Hermione's hand. She was crying, now, leaning forward, her head resting on Ron's shoulder. He stroked her hair and looked over at Harry.

"Dennis Creevey. Terry Boot. Mandy Brocklehurst." Ron sighed. "They were killed by blasts in the shops in town. Professor Sinistra was dueling with a Death Eater and was hit with a killing curse. Susan Bones was attacked by a soul-imposed because she was trying to shield one of the injured shop keepers I'm afraid there wasn't much anyone could do for her. Justin Finch-Fletchley was stunned but Ernie MacMillan was able to get him away. They'll both be alright once their cuts and bruises heal. Neville was cut by some flying glass, but Luna took most of it. She jumped in front of a few nasty hexes that would have caught him otherwise. He carried her back here himself and is still in the hospital ward. He won't leave her at all. We don't know how she is, but word is, she'll be alright. There were loads of other injuries that weren't as bad."

Hermione lifted her head, her eyes red and puffy. "A lot of people were hurt in town, too. So many just lying there in the street..." Her voice quavered and she closed her eyes.

Harry didn't speak. His mind was spinning but he just couldn't seem to grasp what his friends were telling him. Four students and a professor. Gone. He sat silently, trying to absorb the information, but his mind refused to accept it. He simply sat, limp, shaking his head in disbelief. Slowly, like ice creeping through Harry's veins, he grew cold with pain and anger. So many had been lost. So many lives had been torn apart. So many more losses would come in the days and months, perhaps years, ahead.

It was horrible to think of the students, still too young and inexperienced, facing the onslaught of Death Eaters marching through Hogsmeade. And now, five of the students were gone. They'd never have the chance to grow up, to learn to defend themselves. It was all too late. Why had Dumbledore allowed it? Surely, he knew of the terrible risks. He had even sent professors into town to watch over his charges. Yet, where had he been? Harry felt a knot forming in his stomach. When Dennis, Terry, Mandy and Susan needed him, where had he been? Had he watched out his office window as they all left for town with the same impassive look Harry had seen in his vision? Had he watched them go to their deaths as calmly as he watched Sirius fall through the veil?

"Harry?" Ron's voice was tight and urgent. "Harry! C'mon, mate. Answer me. Didn't you hear me talking to you?"

Harry raised his head and leveled a hard, blank stare at his friend. "Sorry, Ron," he said stiffly, "I guess I was thinking."

"We want to know what you're thinking," Hermione spoke, looking at him nervously. "You haven't said a word."

"What do you want me to say, Hermione? That it is too bad? That it'll be a real shame to have to find a new chaser now that Dennis is gone?"

Hermione's mouth hung open in an astonished O. Ron shifted and started to rise.

"Now, hang on, Harry..."

"No, Ron! No! Just what do you two want from me? How does anyone respond to this?" Harry rose, his face white with anger, fists clenched at his sides. His jaw was clenched shut against the shaking of his body. "Do you really want to know what I think? Do you? I want to know why, in bloody hell, Dumbledore ever sent a group of children into Hogsmeade when he knew how dangerous it was! I want to know why he didn't stop this! What the hell did he think he was doing?" Harry ended in a hoarse shout.

"You can't mean that, Harry," Hermione said in a small voice. "You know he would never -"

"How do we know he would never?" thundered Harry. "It isn't as if he ever explains anything. Of course, though, you and Ron are going to back him all the way, right? All hail the almighty Albus Dumbledore, right? And whatever you do, try to keep that Potter boy from disturbing the hero worship. Right? RIGHT?"

Hermione was crying again and Ron had risen to his feet, his face flushed beet red. He stood toe to toe with Harry.

"Look, Harry. I know this whole thing is a shock and you're weak from that weird lapse you had. But I think you're letting it make you queer in the head, mate." Ron's voice was calm but there was a coldness in his tone Harry could not ignore. "You want to take it easy, before you say something you'll regret later."

"What will I regret later, Ron? That I dared to question what he let happen today? That I challenged the two of you to think for yourselves instead of blindly following that old man?"

By now, Hermione was on her feet as well. Ron's face went from flushed to pale in the blink of an eye. Slowly, he lifted his arm and draped it around Hermione's shoulders.

"Harry, I never thought I'd say something like this to you, of all people." He squared his shoulders and tightened his grip on Hermione. "I think this is where we part company, Harry. I don't know if you mean what you are saying or not. I don't know what's going on with you lately and you've certainly made it clear that you don't want any help from your friends. You know how we feel about you Harry, but I won't let you take out your problems on Hermione anymore. And," he swallowed hard, "I won't let you take it out on me, either." Gently, Ron turned away and, his arm still on Hermione's shoulders, guided her back to the portrait hole and out of Gryffindor tower.