"What do you mean Harry's not here?" gasped Ron. "He has to be here!"
Hermione, sitting dumbstruck in the chair beside the ginger-haired boy, stared at Headmaster Dumbledore. The two of them had been called to his office after the Welcoming Feast, during which they had been worried about their friend. Everyone in Gryffindor was worried.
So now they sat in the circular office, Ron bristling as Hermione gaped openly. Snape stood silently behind Dumbledore's chair, the look on his face sour and one clearly saying he did not wish to be there.
"Surely you're not deaf, Weasley," sneered Snape after Ron's outburst.
"Severus," reprimanded Dumbledore, eying the Potion's Master lurking behind him. He then said, "I am afraid it is true, Mister Weasley. Harry did not arrive on the train, which was searched thoroughly. I have contacted the Dursley's to inquire about him but have no received a response."
Hermione and Ron looked at each other as Dumbledore continued, "I wondered if the two of you heard from Harry over the holidays."
"Yes, sir," said Hermione. "But his letters were - " Her voice trailed off and she looked at Ron.
"Strange," finished the boy. "Like he wasn't writing them."
"As though someone else was telling him what to write," added Hermione.
"Are you suggesting, Miss Granger," hissed Snape," that Potter's relatives are holding him captive?"
Hermione and Ron looked at each other again. Ron said softly," Well, he never says anything good about them."
Hermione nodded in agreement and Dumbledore looked worried. He then turned in his chair and looked up at Snape, who took a small step back.
"Headmaster…"
"Severus, I only wish you to go and collect Harry and his belongings. You are the only teacher I have to spare."
And the only one I trust to do this practically hung on the air and Snape's lip curled in distaste. Damn Potter for getting him into this…
Ron and Hermione nearly fell out of their chairs when Snape said, "I'll go now." He swept out of the office after that, black robes billowing about him.
As soon as the door closed Ron cried, "Professor, they'll kill each other!"
"Be calm, Mister Weasley," said Dumbledore with a smile. "Severus will return Harry in one piece. Lemon drop?"
Ron and Hermione looked at each other, both of them thinking the same thing.
'Harry's dead.'