Harry Potter and the Labyrinth of the Mind

HARRY POTTER AND THE LABYRINTH OF THE MIND

Chapter Seventeen - Prise de Fer

"Oh, no..." Hermione's words were a breathless wail over Harry's shoulder. "Oh, Harry, what happened?"

Harry hadn't moved since the door opened, but now, he stepped carefully over the threshold and silently made his way around the chamber. He didn't know exactly what he was looking for, but he scanned the debris carefully as he moved toward the inner rooms. The same sort of destruction had occurred throughout and there was still no sign of Remus. Harry's stomach clenched as the realization dawned on him. Only a few knew of Remus' presence and of those few, only one was distrusted in any way by the Order. Once again, Harry could feel the air around him tingle and vibrate. Taking a deep breath, he turned and ran out into the corridor. There, he leaned against the wall, hands on his knees, breathing heavily as if he had been running for miles.

"Harry?" Ron had followed him out to the corridor. He was pale with worry. "We've got to get to Dumbledore, Harry. We've got to tell someone right away." Hermione had come out by now and was practically dancing with nervousness.

"Ron's right. We can't Floo call from here since this fireplace isn't connected. We'd better go to Professor Snape or Annwyl now."

Harry looked up at his friends. "Annwyl. Right..." Retracing his steps along the dungeon corridor, Harry hurried along, Ron and Hermione trailing in his wake. He could still feel his magic twanging like an overstretched elastic band. With a grunt that could have been frustration but sounded more like rage, Harry increased his pace, racing along in the dim orange light of the widely spaced torches.

She had known Remus was here. She disappeared from the Dueling Club session after a dodgy- looking conversation with Malfoy. Malfoy. What could he have to do with anything? Harry brushed that aside. Annwyl was the one to blame, he was sure. Remus would never have opened the door to Malfoy and certainly the Slytherin couldn't have entered on his own. Harry made a noise under his breath again and a series of small sparks flickered around the corridor. No question about it. Annwyl was to blame and Harry meant to find out what she knew. He rounded a corner and came up against a solid barrier with a thump.

"By Merlin, what the devil...? Potter!" Snape readjusted his cloak and stared at Harry with a grimace. Harry had been knocked back against the wall from the impact and shifted to regain his balance just as Ron and Hermione dashed around the corner in pursuit. "Weasley? Miss Granger? What is the meaning of this?"

"Oh, Professor," Hermione gasped out, "we've been to see Re, er, Professor Lupin, sir. But, he isn't there and his chambers are completely wrecked!"

The dark man's face grew rigid for a second. Then the sallow features flushed unpleasantly. "He's not there? You saw no one, then?" He stared at each of them in turn his eyes resting on Harry last. "And what were you hoping to accomplish by racing around the dungeons like stampeding Erumpents?"

Harry's eyes narrowed. "We were going to Professor King's chambers to Floo call the headmaster, sir. We need to start searching immediately."

"Of course, Potter, but you, of all people, should understand by now the importance of not going off half cocked on any rescue mission that occurs to you." Turning to retrace his steps, Snape called back over his shoulder. "Come on, then. As Professor King's quarters are nearest, we'll go there directly."

The four hurried along the corridor toward the Potions professor's chambers. Just as they reached the door, it swung wide, Annwyl standing before them.

"Professor Snape? Harry! I, er," Annwyl looked at them worriedly. "I thought I felt something wrong. What has happened?"

"I understand Remus Lupin has disappeared from his hiding place," Snape stated. "Potter tells me they were on their way here to use your fireplace to contact the headmaster."

Annwyl stepped back from the door, motioning the others to enter. Her face was expressionless and her eyes wide. "Did you see anyone?" She looked at Harry carefully.

Harry stood just inside the door, glaring at Annwyl. He felt Hermione brush past him toward the fireplace and heard her join Professor Snape in conversation with Dumbledore, but his eyes never left the woman before him.

"We didn't see anyone. I think you can tell us all about it, though," he answered, his voice nearly a growl. "I want you to tell me what you've done with Remus." For a moment, no one in the room spoke. Even Professor Dumbledore, his head looking out from the fireplace, stopped his conversation with Professor Snape to watch Harry and Annwyl.

"Don't be stupid, Harry," Annwyl snapped. "If I'd done something desperate to an Order member, do you really think I'd be fool enough to hang around under Albus Dumbledore's very nose?"

Before Harry could reply, a loud knock sounded on the door, followed by Professor McGonagall's worried voice.

"Professor King? Are you there? Have you seen Professor Snape anywhere about?" Not taking her eyes from Harry's, Annwyl reached behind her and opened the door. Professor McGonagall's expression changed from concern to confusion as she saw the assembled group. "What on earth is going on, then?" She looked from Annwyl to Harry and back, then to the group on the hearth. "Albus! What is all this?"

"Perhaps you had all better step back, if you please," Dumbledore replied. He leaned forward slightly and in the next second, stepped out of the fireplace, sweeping soot from his long, white beard. "It seems," he said, addressing his deputy headmistress, "Remus Lupin has gone missing from his chambers. I wish to make a personal examination of the premises, right away." He turned to the door but paused to look back at McGonagall. "Minerva, you came seeking Professor Snape. Is there a problem?"

McGonagall shook herself slightly, answering, "Oh, yes. Indeed. Severus, two of your students were looking for you. I happened upon them searching the library. It seems Mr. Malfoy has not been seen since the dueling club was dismissed. Misters Crabbe and Goyle tell me they have searched Slytherin House with no result."

Harry's eyes narrowed at this. He remembered all too well, the look of anticipation on Malfoy's face which seemed to be the result of his hushed conversation with Annwyl and her immediate departure. A quick glance at Hermione showed her thoughts were similarly directed. Still, it was a bit of a surprise to him when Hermione spoke up.

"Excuse me, Professor McGonagall, but perhaps Professor King will know where he might be. He spoke with her just before she left the meeting this evening." She looked at Annwyl with a studiously innocent expression. "He seemed rather pleased after speaking with you, Professor. Did he mention anything... particular?"

"Er, why no," Annwyl answered, her eyes rather wide. "He said nothing to me about going anywhere. Headmaster, I think we'd best begin searching for Mr. Malfoy as well as Mr. Lupin."

"Yes, we must begin immediately." Dumbledore led the way back along the corridor to Remus' rooms. Once there, he and the other three professors prowled around the room, examining the shredded books, broken and overturned furniture, and wrenched doors in detail. Leaning in so his nose nearly brushed the panel, Dumbledore inspected the great rune on the exterior of the door. "I see no evidence of tampering. Of course, I am aware of no spell capable of breaking the wards on this door, but as far as I can see, no attempt was even made."

The enormity of the statement was not lost on his listeners. Harry turned to Annwyl with an ugly look which she bore with icy calm. Ron's eyes narrowed and Hermione's lips folded in a tight line. Professor McGonagall's usually grim expression was augmented by a dangerous flash of her eyes. Only Professor Snape seemed unaffected by the announcement.

"Headmaster, however the intruders entered, it is quite certain that neither they, nor Lupin remain within the castle. It would be too risky for them to stay within the wards a moment longer than necessary. I suggest we begin searching at once for any clues as to their destination. They had to leave the grounds on foot, so there must be some trail to follow, provided we do not tarry."

"Quite right, Professor. Minerva, you and Severus must begin at once. Take Hagrid into your confidence, but tell no others. I shall contact the Order immediately. I believe Bill Weasley is on duty at headquarters with Miss Tonks and Fletcher this evening. I'll have Mr. Weasley and Miss Tonks join you as soon as they can get to us." The two professors nodded and set off immediately. "Annwyl, I want you to begin a search within the castle for Mr. Malfoy. I don't imagine he can have gotten far. Harry, I know how worried you must be, but I am afraid I must ask you to return with Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger to Gryffindor tower. Once inside, set the wards you have been using on your dorm room on the common room as well. Stay in the tower until morning. If I learn anything further, I shall send you word."

Harry wanted to argue, but could see that there was no point. The headmaster's expression was tired and sad, but resolute. Time spent arguing was time wasted. Then, with a stab of guilt, Harry remembered his promise to Remus just that afternoon.

"No 'buts', Harry. I know you are holding something back. I won't try to make you tell me. I couldn't. But, I want you to promise me that you won't hold back any more. If anything else happens, anything, I want you to go to Dumbledore with all of it. Promise me!"

Harry had promised, although it had been against his better judgment. Now, that promise had become a problem. The only person Harry felt he could really trust with the things on his mind was Remus, himself. Yet, even though his trust in Remus was implicit, he hadn't wanted to discuss the troubling dreams, the visions and his suspicions of Annwyl and Malfoy. Just how was he supposed to discuss these things with anyone else? If he had thought about it at all, it would have been surprising how easily he justified silence. After all, the first priority was searching for Remus. All other talk could wait until a search of the grounds and surrounding area was complete.

"Alright, Professor," Harry answered docilely, to the astonishment of his friends, "I'll set the wards as soon as we get in. But sir, I'll be waiting for word."

It was a silent trip as Harry led Hermione and Ron up the winding staircases to the Fat Lady's portrait. Hermione had tried a few consoling platitudes as they left the dungeons, but Ron had shushed her. After that, they went without speaking at all. Reaching the portrait, Harry spoke the password automatically, "Fortuno Scholasticus," and clambered through the opening. Once the other two had come through, Harry turned to the portrait.

"Munio Postis," he said quietly, his wand drawing a large X across the portrait hole. His wand left a pale blue track which lingered for a moment before fading. Hermione mustered a meager smile.

"Harry, your charm casting's gotten loads better, you know? Those ward charms aren't easy but that looked just right."

"I've had plenty of practice this year," Harry answered grimly. He went to the window and looked out over the castle grounds. It was still early in the season and deciduous trees of the forest were only just beginning to show their leaves. In the light of the nearly full moon, they cast thin shadows across the patches of new grass. At least, it would be a bit easier to search for signs of Remus' abductors. There was no doubt in Harry's mind that the man had, in fact, been taken. Remus would never have left without so much as a word to anyone, even if he was pursuing whoever had wrecked his rooms.

"Harry, what are you planning to do now?" Ron's voice was casual but when Harry turned to look at him, he could see the tension in Ron's eyes.

"What d'you mean?" Harry replied with equal unconcern. "You heard Dumbledore. He'll tell us whatever it is they learn. In the meantime, we are to stay put."

"Yes, I know that is what Dumbledore said, Harry," replied Ron, his voice notching up slightly in pitch. "What I want to know is what you are going to do." His eyes focused on Harry with an expression that brooked no evasions.

Harry prowled restlessly around the deserted common room. "Ron, I'm not sure what to do. Whatever it is, I don't want you or Hermione to worry about it. For now, I'm going to wait and see what Dumbledore learns."

"You won't try sneaking out to look for Remus, then?" Hermione ventured. Harry shook his head. "Oh, thank goodness! Harry, you have no idea how glad I am to hear that." Harry didn't answer but returned to the window to watch out over the grounds. In the distance, he could see a faint glow moving among the trees and heading deeper into the Forbidden Forest. The search was on. Hermione spoke up again.

"Well, I don't see any of us sleeping much tonight. I'll just go up and get my books, shall I, and maybe we can get that charms homework done." Ron agreed and rose to retrieve his book bag, but Harry turned around, shaking his head.

"You two go on. I'm awfully tired and I don't think I could make any sense of it, tonight. I think I'll turn in and wait for word from Dumbledore." Heading up the stairs toward the boys' dorms, he turned and looked back at his friends' stunned expressions. "Stop worrying. I promise I won't go off searching for Remus tonight. I'll wait and see what they learn. After that, though, I promise nothing." With that, he went up to his room.

Once he had climbed into bed and drawn the hangings tightly shut, Harry lit his wand and laid out the parchment, quill and ink he had taken to bed. He, then, meticulously listed all the things that had happened over the last few months which led him to distrust Annwyl King. He left out nothing from Charlie Weasley's warning to the strange midnight owl post she'd received. He listed the inconsistencies he had noticed in her explanation to the Order, her arrival aboard the Hogwarts Express, her duel with Snape, and the long-ago duel with a student she had said was a Hufflepuff but Remus remembered as being Slytherin. He didn't know how long he'd been writing, but when he'd listed it all he sat back. Before him was a parchment some two feet long bearing a detailed inventory of all the reasons he was prepared to blame Annwyl for Remus' disappearance. He had promised Remus to tell Dumbledore everything and if, as Harry expected, there was no news of Remus after the full moon had passed, he would leave this for Dumbledore and set off looking for Remus himself. He didn't have a plan, as yet, though he had some vague notions of going to the Weasley twins. He felt reasonably sure he could rely on their secrecy, if not their complicity.

Quietly, Harry got out of bed and went to his trunk. Folding and sealing the parchment, he tucked it deep into the trunk, under some books. He shut it with a locking spell and went to the window. The moon was already nearly setting and soon dawn would come. Harry saw no signs of movement in the forest and wondered if the searchers had returned. It was all so still and silent, he nearly jumped out of his skin when Ron's voice whispered behind him.

"What are you going to do, Harry? I know you've got something planned."

"Don't be daft, Ron," Harry answered. "What can I do? We know nothing and nobody saw anything."

"But you didn't promise not to look for him. What did you have in mind?" pressed Ron.

"Look, I don't know, but someone'll have to think of something. We can't just let Remus be dragged off by a bunch of Death Eaters. You know Voldemort would love to turn one of Dumbledore's own into a soul-imposed servant. If he can get to Remus, that would be a huge blow for the Order." Harry's whisper dropped to the barest brush of sound. "Not to mention what it would mean to me."

"Harry, I," Ron stammered, "I don't know what to say." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Can't you trust Dumbledore? If anyone can find him, he can. He'll find Remus, Harry. I know it."

"Go to bed, Ron," Harry answered tiredly. "I told you not to worry. I'm not running off anywhere until we know more. I can't do anything until after the full moon anyway. Remus, himself, is too dangerous just now." He spoke calmly, trying to control his anger. Ron was so sure Dumbledore would fix everything. Harry was too tired of the whole argument to try to make Ron understand. "Go on, Ron. I mean it. Get some sleep."

Harry got back into bed and drew the hangings shut without further comment. After a few moments, he heard Ron do the same. For a long time, as the room slowly grew lighter, Harry lay staring at nothing, trying to control his whirl of thoughts, trying to formulate some plan. Despite Snape's dig in the corridor earlier, Harry intended to be very cautious about launching a rescue plan that wasn't well thought out. The hard part was dealing with the bitter truth about Remus' disappearance. There was a very good chance that there was no longer a Remus to rescue.

Harry worked that thought over in his mind. No more Remus. Somehow, it didn't register. He tried a little harsher thought. They've very likely killed Remus. Nothing. He gave it one more try. Sirius is gone and now, Remus could be gone as well. That did it. Harry's breath began to catch in his throat and his chest heaved with strangled gasps. Unable to stop, he thrust his face deep into his pillow to muffle the scream of rage that was threatening to tear him in two.

***

Though he had hoped to receive an owl quite early, Harry wasn't particularly surprised that, by time to head downstairs for breakfast, he had not. Hermione and Ron tried to make some conversation at the table, but Harry's grim silence finally quashed their efforts. Instead, they joined him in watching the head table for any clue from the professors. At last, as many students were leaving for classes, Professor McGonagall came to them, holding them back.

"Mr. Potter, the headmaster wished me to pass on this note. As I am sure you will end up reading it to Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger anyway, you may as well do so now." She gave them a hard stare which softened slightly as she met Harry's eyes. "Mr. Potter, I beg of you to do as Professor Dumbledore asks. I know how affected you are by our friend's predicament, but you must not do anything foolish. Wait and trust those who are seeing to it."

"Professor, what about Malfoy?" Hermione put in quietly. He had not been at the Slytherin table at all through breakfast. Professor McGonagall frowned in concern.

"We are still searching. There has been, as yet, no indication where he has gone or what may have happened to him." She nodded to the three and followed the remaining students from the Hall.

Harry stared at the parchment in his hand a moment, looking at it as if he expected it to bite him at any moment. Then, with a grunt of impatience, he broke the seal and yanked the parchment open.

Harry, though I do not have good news for you, I trust you will find what information we have gathered not entirely devoid of hope. Upon searching the Forbidden Forest, we came across a message left behind by our friend. It said,

'I have been found out and am running. DO NOT follow. I'll be able to move

more easily on my own. With luck, I'll get clear of these Death Eaters and will

be able to contact you.'

This message was etched into a tree trunk deep in the forest. We were unable to find any further signs of humans passing through the area.

I know you will disagree, Harry, but I must ask you to join me in honoring our friend's request. The Order will be upon the watch and any clue will be followed. Otherwise, we must wait and hope to receive word soon.

Harry tossed the paper across the table to Hermione with a snort of disgust. "So, we sit. Remus is running from Death Eaters and we sit." He frowned at the tabletop. "I don't know how I could find him, but you'd think the Order would bloody well be concerned."

Hermione looked up from the note. "Harry, look at it this way. Remus got away. He's alive. He's running, but that means they haven't caught him. He's brilliant at Defense. If anyone can get away, Remus can."

Though it was as grim for Remus as Harry had feared in his worst dreams, he couldn't help feeling some relief at Hermione's words. Remus was brilliant at Defense and he could get out of tight spots better than most. Rising, Harry pulled his book bag to his shoulder. "We'd better get to lessons. Defense is generally bad enough, but if Snape was out all night searching, his mood will be even more foul." He headed out of the hall, the others following in his wake.

As it turned out, Harry wasn't wrong. Snape was in a particularly foul mood, his exhaustion plain to see on his face. For the first few minutes of the lesson, Harry toyed with staying after to ask about last night's search. However, after Snape had used Harry to demonstrate shield-breaking spells for nearly fifteen minutes, Harry changed his mind. By the end of class, he was too worn out from trying to maintain the Protego charm against Snape's counter-jinxes to face the irritable professor any longer.

It hadn't taken long for word to spread that Draco Malfoy was missing. Rumors were wild and thick in the corridors between lessons. Some said that Malfoy was serving an extended detention in the headmaster's office. Others claimed to have heard that Malfoy had departed by carriage for the train station early that morning. Still others, mostly Slytherins, said that Malfoy had been chosen by the professors for highly specialized training to hone his exceptional skills. A few more raucous members of Slytherin house figured he had managed to sneak off to Hogsmeade and a Floo connection and was enjoying few days' debauchery in the pubs of wizarding London.

Wherever he had gotten to, Malfoy's disappearance was of only secondary interest to Harry. He found himself watching windows in every classroom for any sign of an approaching owl. He started up the to the owlery a half dozen times during the day with the thought of sending Hedwig to look for him. Each time, however, he was halted by the memory of Hedwig's injury the previous year. No, that sort of thing required one of the Order's special owls. Now, he might have gone to the headmaster with that suggestion, but Harry had been told, in no uncertain terms, to wait and did not expect anyone to change their minds over a suggestion from him. So, Harry took to haunting the library, searching for protective charms for post owls. Properly guarded, Hedwig would be able to search for Remus. She had never failed to find anyone yet, and Harry was confident that she could locate Remus now.

The search was slow and unsatisfactory. Harry found a few lesser ward charms but they were intended for guarding the birds through heavy rain, snow or wind rather than shielding them from unfriendly spells. Harry carried on searching through stacks of books after lessons for several days before breaking down and asking for help. Even though he had remained on reasonably friendly terms with her and his conversations with Ron were no longer hostile, the tension between them and Harry was still palpable. Ron had seemed most like his old self the night of Remus' disappearance, but now, several days later, that brief display of the old camaraderie was gone and he had returned to his polite but reserved tone when addressing Harry. Still, Harry couldn't justify risking his one chance of finding Remus over his pride and, after scouring the library for three days, he approached Hermione and Ron as they studied together in the common room.

"Do you guys think you could help me? I've thought of a way we could search for Remus without leaving the castle, but I need some protective charms for Hedwig."

Hermione looked up, interested at once. "Do you mean you want to send Hedwig out to find him?" Harry nodded. "That's a great idea Harry, but why not ask Dumbledore to send an Order owl?"

Harry grimaced and answered, "You heard what Dumbledore said. He wants to wait for Remus to contact the order. I just want to be sure he has a way to do that."

So, that afternoon found the three of them in the library, combing through several stacks of books Hermione had selected. They were the only sixth years there at the time, as most of the tables had been claimed by groups of fifth years studying for O.W.L.s and seventh years preparing for N.E.W.T.s. It was nearly dinnertime when, to their surprise, they were approached by Professor Snape.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley," he said with a beckoning gesture, "your presence is required on prefect business. Please follow me."

Hermione and Ron rose in surprise. "Harry," said Hermione as she gathered her quill and parchment "Don't wait dinner for us. We'll catch you up there and we can come back after to keep looking." She and Ron followed the professor out of the library.

Harry stayed for a bit longer but then set the books aside and went downstairs. Hermione and Ron didn't come in during dinner, though Harry did see most of the other prefects at the meal. He considered asking one of the other prefects but noticed Snape had not returned, either. Deciding Ron and Hermione had merely been kept behind for something, Harry finished dinner as well as he could with no appetite and returned to the library. Madame Pince had allowed him to keep the stacks of books on a back table so he was able to go straight to work.

Time passed and Harry worked through one large stack of books without finding anything of value. As the evening progressed, he began watching the door, expecting Ron and Hermione to enter at any time. Three hours had passed since dinner and still there had been no sign of them. Madame Pince was ushering students out of the library in time for curfew, and Harry reluctantly put his things in his bag and left.

He had turned the corner into a small corridor which lead to a shortcut to Gryffindor tower when he heard a sound behind him. Whirling around, wand drawn, Harry peered back along the dark passageway. He tensed when he saw Annwyl emerge from the shadows.

"Take it easy, Harry," she whispered quietly. "It's just me."

"Am I supposed to find that reassuring?" Harry snapped, keeping his wand trained on her as she advanced toward him. "Was Remus relieved to see you, too?"

"Listen to me, Harry. I don't have much time. There are some things happening and if you want to help Remus or anyone else, you are going to have to trust me," she answered urgently. Harry snorted, but she ignored him and continued, "Harry you need to promise me that you will follow my lead, no matter what happens."

"Are you kidding me?" Harry's voice shook with anger. "Do you seriously think I'd ever trust you for anything? And what do you mean I could help Remus? And who else is needing help?"

Annwyl scanned the passage nervously. "There isn't time to explain now. I know you don't believe me, and I don't have time to tell you enough to convince you. Harry, please. For Remus' sake. Just do what I tell you, no matter what."

Harry was about to retort when they heard lightly scuffing footsteps moving toward them. Annwyl tensed and gave Harry one, long, strange look. Quick as lightning, she pulled her wand from her sleeve and shot ropes at Harry, binding him tightly, hand and foot. A sharp spoken spell placed a gag in his mouth. She spoke clearly in the direction of the footsteps. "Alright, come ahead, then. I've got him."

Harry's eyes widened when first Draco Malfoy and then Professor Snape came around the corner and joined them in the corridor. Malfoy wore an expression of unabashed glee as he took in the sight of Harry, completely helpless, his wand in Annwyl's hand. Snape's face was a stony mask. He stalked forward, hand outstretched.

"I'll take his wand, King. Malfoy, get the portkey ready."

Harry struggled furiously, straining against the bonds. He tried to yell but could manage only small grunts around the large gag. His struggles were useless, of course, but they did mask the sounds of yet one more person approaching. From the opposite end of the corridor, another figure appeared. Ginny Weasley.

She stopped short, her mouth gaping. A split second passed in which no one moved from sheer surprise. Then, Ginny gasped and scrambled for her wand as Malfoy leveled his. Curses were forming on the lips of each when Annwyl moved. She darted forward, between them, dragging Harry with her. Malfoy checked his curse in time, but Ginny's bounced off the shield Annwyl barely had time to cast.

Snape snatched an empty apothecary jar from Malfoy and lunged for Harry, grasping him by the hair. Annwyl and Malfoy reached out, grabbing for the jar.

"NOOOOO!!!!" Ginny flung herself forward, catching Annwyl around the shoulders just as the portkey whisked them away.