He swallowed, unable to break his trance and lift himself up from his sitting position. Something was dragging him down; he felt bound to his chair, as Draco was just a short while ago. Where was Hermione at this moment? Nowhere? Floating in a limbo of time? In the future? Or worse... he refused to think of the worst scenario imaginable. Instead he shook his head and awkwardly forced himself into a standing position, the tips of his fingers still resting on the top of his desk.
Cup. Tea Leaves. Hot Water.
Remus took a deep breath and walked to a cabinet on the back wall of his office. He carefully opened the antique mahogany door, revealing an array of mismatched mugs and teacups next to a jar of leaves and an aged tin teapot. He removed the teapot from the cabinet and set it on the counter.
"Aqua", he mumbled, pointing his wand into the round opening at the top. It began filling with water that poured from the tip of his wand. While the water splashed into the bottom of the pot, he leaned onto the counter, devoid of strength.
Behind Remus, the door of his office flew open. Remus heard the sound of footsteps quickly approaching his desk, but he didn't look. He didn't need to.
"Professor Lupin." Harry said breathlessly as he and Ron stopped just short of his desk.
Lupin turned slowly to look at them. He could see from their heavy breaths and flushed cheeks that they had come in a hurry. Though company was the last thing Remus wanted, he had anticipated this. Knowing that he couldn't turn the boys away, he silently filled the teapot to the brim and removed three mugs from his cabinet.
"Incendio." He started a small flame on his mini-stove, setting the teapot to boil. From there he crumpled into his chair, as if that had exerted all of the energy he had left in him.
"Please, sit down." He weakly motioned at the two chairs already in front of his desk.
The two young men complied, each pulling up a chair closer to his desk.
"What can I do for you two gentlemen today?" Remus asked, busying himself with slowly straightening stacks of ungraded papers on his desk.
"We've talked to McGonagall," Ron stated, knowing it was all the explanation they needed to give. He waited for a reaction from Lupin, but his hands only twitched as he adjusted the piles of parchment.
"Have you?" he asked rather stiffly. "Did she send you to me, then?"
"No, but she said you were there," Harry replied, leaning forward. "So now we're here."
His green eyes bored into Remus, scanning his sagging face for every betrayal of emotion, searching for an indication in his drooping eyes that he knew something that they didn't.
Remus looked up at them with a slight lift his eyebrows. "And why is that? Surely if Professor McGonagall told you two anything of interest, she would have told you all that you're to know about it. I'm afraid I won't be of any use to you."
The silence that fell after Remus spoke was suddenly pierced by the scream of the teapot, which began to issue a steady bout of steam. Ron started in his seat and Harry's wand hand clenched reflexively in surprise, but Remus simply excused himself and tended to the pot, grateful for an excuse to turn his back on the situation momentarily. He sighed as he poured hot water into the three mugs. He did not want company…
"How dare you?" Ron suddenly burst out angrily. Harry turned quickly, surprised by his friend's outburst. He made a motion for Ron to be quiet, but Ron ignored him. "Hermione is gone, and you don't even care. She's not here, and you stand there and make your bloody tea."
Remus set down one of the mugs a bit more forcefully than he intended to; the sound of the porcelain clanking against the counter reverberated through his office. Ron drew a deep breath, knowing he had crossed a line.
"Forget the bloody tea, then." Remus poured each of the three cups into the sink, not minding as some of the boiling water sloshed and hit the floor. He rinsed his with water briefly before opening the cabinet and removing a large glass bottle that was mostly full. If it hadn't been for Harry and Ron's time spent with Mundungus Fletcher, neither of them might have recognized the bottle of inexpensive fire whisky that Remus now began liberally pouring into his cup. After putting the bottle back in the cabinet, he plunked the mug on his desk and took his seat again.
"People deal with grief in different ways, Ron, and you need to accept that." Remus began, staring into his cup. "You need to realize that now, because people are going to start reacting to Hermione's accident very soon and in a variety of manners. Some people will wear their emotions on their sleeves, and some won't. Don't ever presume to know, however, what others are thinking and feeling."
"I'm sorry." Ron murmured, averting his eyes.
"We want to know what happened to her," Harry explained. "She's our best friend, I think we have a right to know where she is and what condition she's in. Ron and I are adults now, and this whole thing of hiding information from us whenever something happens got really old years ago. This is ridiculous, we need to know."
Remus took a sip from his cup before speaking. He folded his hands, making it clear that he was choosing his words carefully.
"You mustn't get the impression that we don't trust you or acknowledge the two of you as competent adults. If this were any ordinary situation, the two of you would probably be privy to more information than you're currently being given. However, Dumbledore is insistent that information of this incident be kept on a strictly need-to-know basis, the only legitimate need being to amend the situation. He is working with the proper authorities right now to do just that. Once everything is resolved, perhaps you will receive more information. If… when we see Hermione again, I imagine that she will want to tell you two her experience."
There was a long silence as Harry and Ron absorbed what Lupin had just said. Harry wanted to ask what would happen if Hermione didn't come back, but he refused to voice that scenario.
"Do you know what happened to her?" He asked instead.
"I do. Not entirely, though," Remus said after a moment of hesitation. "I only know what I do by circumstance. I doubt I'll find out anything else until everything is fixed. In time, we'll all know more. But for now, we just have to be patient."
Ron snorted. Harry couldn't help but imagine that if Hermione were present, she would give him a reproachful look and sigh.
"I apologize for my behavior when you first came in," Remus said quietly. "This is a wound that hurts us all. Please don't hesitate to come back and talk to me if you ever need to."
"Alright." Harry nodded.
"Because in truth, it helps me too." Remus managed a weak smile at his students. He didn't feel as hopeless as he did just moments ago, though he felt that once Harry and Ron left, he would slip back into a state of utter despair.
"I'm glad." Harry nodded. "Thanks for humoring us. We'll go now, but maybe you could fix up some tea for us another time?"
"Absolutely," Remus said in earnest. "Day or night."
Bidding their teacher a warm farewell, Harry and Ron took their exit. Waiting until the door shut behind them, Remus took a long drink from his mug and slumped back in his chair once again.
At 6:45, the ground floor lobby of the Ministry of Magic was a bustling mass of witches and wizards pouring out of every elevator, anxious to clock out and get home to their families. Amidst the myriad of colorful robes and knapsacks, Albus Dumbledore stood out from the crowd of tired and drooping wizards, standing at his full height and dressed in fine shimmering navy robes with pale silver detail in the form of countless moons, stars, and various astronomical objects. He wore his tall hat on top of his flowing gray hair, which was visible across the lobby as it towered above the rest of the crowd. He drew several glances and greetings as he swept alone in the opposite direction of the masses. While everyone else was rushing to leave the building, he was the only one swiftly heading in.
Once Dumbledore had shaken himself free of the crowd, he stepped into the nearest lift. After the iron doors slid shut with a loud bang, he pressed the button for B2. He stood calmly as the lift rose shakily, passing six floors before stopping at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He deftly avoided several memos that flew into the elevator as the doors slid open, gracefully slipping past them as he stepped out into the hallway.
The corridor was long and brightly lit. A white marble floor stretched out for several yards until it formed a T. To the left was Auror Headquarters, and to the right, Wizengamot Administration Services. Dumbledore went in the direction of the former, arriving at the office of Amelia Bones. He rapped the door twice before entering. As he expected, both she and Cornelius Fudge were waiting for him.
Bones' office was as sensible and proper as she was; the white walls were paired with a clean beige carpet and deep plum curtains that framed the floor-to-ceiling window on the far side of the room. Tall iron sconce lamps lit the four corners of the room, creating a comfortable level of light. Amelia's heavy mahogany desk sat in the center of the room, while a soft-looking white couch sat on the right wall facing her, and various other plush white chairs created a sense that several people could gather here and talk comfortably. While Amelia Bones sat at her desk, Fudge was slouching in one of the plush ivory armchairs, his chin resting in his hand and his bowler cap placed in his lap.
"Albus, welcome." Bones half-stood from her chair to greet Dumbledore. "I was hoping you would be able to come."
"Of course, Amelia," Dumbledore bowed to her, then turned to Fudge. "Cornelius."
Fudge nodded at his greeting. "Albus."
"Have a seat, sir," Amelia gestured at the sofa. "I'd like to get straight to business, there's quite a bit to discuss—"
"Ah, would you mind perhaps calling for some refreshments?" Fudge cut in, raising his hand. "I wouldn't normally make such a request, but I have been quite busy all day and this is already past my dinner hour."
"Yes, yes…" Amelia muttered, quickly drawing out a quill and scrap of parchment. "Back to the point. Draco Malfoy was taken directly to Azkaban prison this evening after his arrest at Hogwarts. He has been placed in a solitary maximum security cell."
As she finished speaking, Bones placed the parchment to the side of her and tapped it three times with her wand. It instantly disappeared. Dumbledore waited until she was done to speak.
"When you say 'maximum security', Amelia, are we talking dementors?" he asked calmly.
"Of course," she replied dismissively. "Two are flanking the doors to his cell. I assure you the boy will be going nowhere until his trial and sentencing."
"I would like the dementors to be removed tomorrow." Dumbledore replied firmly.
"What?" Bones' brow furrowed. "But whatever for?"
"You should know very well by now my level of discomfort with the creatures," he replied. "As I am also disconcerted with the trend of inmates reaching a level of clinical insanity before their trial and sentencing."
"You know that I've always respected your wishes, Albus," she sighed. "I'll send an owl to them tonight ordering the Dementors to be removed."
"Thank you." Dumbledore replied graciously.
"We need to discuss how we will break this to the media," Amelia continued, folding her hands. "Obviously, the wizarding world cannot know what transpired today before Malfoy's arrest. It would create a panic in some and possible copycat attempts. Even most laywizards understand the inherent danger in tampering with time travel. The last thing we need is that damned Rita Skeeter resurfacing every old crow's tale about timeturners and convincing her readers that we'll all turn to newts by the end of the month."
"I couldn't agree more, Amelia!" Fudge exclaimed, sitting up a little straighter. "I am of the same mind; it would do no good for us to go blabbing about this to every man, woman, and child in Europe. In light of that, I took some precautionary measures that I strongly believe were overlooked."
"Please elaborate, Cornelius." Dumbledore said quietly, his blue eyes resting on Fudge.
"I had those two cronies of Malfoy's taken to Azkaban—now, now, before you react, Dumbleore, I tried to get in touch with you, but Minerva said you were occupied. They've been placed in very comfortable cells there and they will remain in them during the investigation into this incident until their trial and sentencing. The two were accessories to a very serious crime and in the interest of keeping this matter hushed, I insist that they not be given the chance to mingle with their fellow students and leak the details of tonight's events."
"I have to say, Headmaster, that I do agree with him," Amelia nodded, "What sort of message will we be sending by letting accomplices walk free after committing such heinous acts, especially in this day and age? People will think that they can get away by simply not being the person that casts the spell. No, I think that we should prosecute all three of these boys to the fullest extent of the law."
Dumbledore sighed heavily. "Perhaps you are right. I do not appreciate, however, action being taken behind my back and without my consent. It is within my power to have Crabbe and Goyle removed from prison in the best interests of their education. You see, Cornelius, I believe strongly that given the proper encouragement, young minds will more carefully consider which path they choose for their life. Treat them like criminals, and they will act like criminals."
"But Headmaster, they are criminals." Amelia said firmly.
"Then it is a failing on my part. This was not a situation that was unavoidable." Dumbledore shook his head.
"Well, never mind that now," Bones dismissed him, suddenly appearing a bit uncomfortable, "what we're concerning ourselves with is what to do until the trial. I have a team of aurors that are compiling evidence. The legal department is all over it. An Unspeakable at the Department of Mysteries has agreed to provide expert testimony on the matter. We'll have an airtight case within two weeks, I'd wager."
"Only you're missing the girl's testimony." Fudge said, looking bored.
"We won't need it. We've got Lupin, who witnessed the crime, we have the wand used to commit the crime, we have evidence that it was premeditated and carefully planned and evidence that it was properly executed. Granger's testimony would be nothing more than icing."
"We will wait until Hermione can or cannot speak at the trial before holding it," Dumbledore spoke up. "She is the victim of this crime and it is only fair that she will have her moment to speak at his trial. Airtight case or no, we will wait for her."
Dumbledore's statement was final – his tone brooked no room for disagreement. Bones and Fudge nodded silently.
"Very well, then." Bones cleared her throat. "Is there anything else left to discuss?"
"Not that I'm aware of, Amelia." Fudge stood rather quickly, smoothing his robes. "I'd best be off—"
He jumped as a sharp rap sounded on the door.
"Enter." Bones called shortly. A small house-elf scrambled in, holding a large silver platter of various sandwiches. She hurriedly placed the platter on an empty corner of Amelia's desk and curtseyed nervously. Casting her eyes around the room warily, she started when she saw Dumbledore and Fudge. She whimpered and quickly averted her eyes.
"These look delicious, thank you." Dumbledore smiled kindly as he chose a bologna and swiss on rye. With a nervous squeak, the house elf disapparated, leaving the three alone again. "Do sit, Cornelius – dinner has only just arrived."
With a low grumble, Fudge snatched a ham sandwich and collapsed back into his chair, scowling. "Alright Dumbledore, what else have you to discuss?"
"The Department of Mysteries," Dumbledore met Amelia Bones' eyes over his half-moon spectacles. After a tense moment, she nodded slowly.
"What about it? You said we already have expert testimony in the department for the trial, what's left to talk about?" Fudge demanded, taking a large bite out of his sandwich.
"What's left, Cornelius, is bringing Hermione back into her present safely," Dumbledore said firmly, "As concerned as you are with the legal ramifications of this event, I am more concerned with the safety and well-being of my students."
"But… that's preposterous!" Fudge shook his head, "if you're suggesting somehow 'teleporting' the girl back into the present. Time travel only goes one way, Albus. And for very good reasons – I'm sure I don't need to tell you that! Of course I want this girl to be safe as well, but tampering with time could ultimately lead to a greater damage. Besides, our Unspeakables are already busy working on projects as it is!"
"I shall like to at least speak with them, Cornelius," Dumbledore leaned forward, "at least get their input. After all, they are more well versed in such matters than any of us, no?"
Fudge sighed heavily, "Fine. You'll probably just wind up doing it anyway, so what's the point? Are we done here?"
"Yes, I believe we are," Dumbledore rose and bowed to Amelia. "Rest assured, I shall keep in touch."
With that, he swept out of the room and into the nearest lift. He pressed the lowest button on the wall panel, sending the lift plummeting to the ninth floor. He checked his watch and smiled – 7:25. Right on time for his appointment.