Chapter Fourteen The Labyrinth
Harry tolerated the nervous smile of Molly Weasley the next day at breakfast and sat down with Ron and Hermione at the table. They glanced up and barely nodded as if to say they had things they wanted to talk about, but not in the presence of Ron's mother.
He felt exhausted as he accepted the toast and sausages that Mrs. Weasley slid on his plate but attacked the meal with energy. He didn't want to alienate her anymore than he had already. The very fact that they had a séance that had put her son in danger, no matter how much she cared about him, didn't mean that she wouldn't be angry with him. All conversation about leaving had evidently been put aside for the time being.
"We're having visitors this afternoon Harry," Hermione said. "Mariah said that some of the kumpania would be visiting."
"Kumpania?" he asked, puzzled.
She nodded vigorously and explained, "That's what the gypsies, sorry, Roma, call the caravan they're in. Mariah says that they want to come to talk about something. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about them. They are so mysterious." She looked up at him with bright eyes. "I hear they have magic that no one else knows about.
"Hmph!" Molly Weasley sat down to her tea and grumbled, "No one really knows much about them Hermione." Harry noticed that she looked worried. "But we best watch them closely. All of these dangerous people in the house!" She went on to stir her tea vigorously and frown at the table.
"Harry, you done yet?" Ron asked, twitching his head. Harry knew it was a signal for them to talk.
They left Hermione engaging Mrs. Weasley in conversation and slipped down the hall.
"Where is everyone Ron?" Harry asked. He felt comfortable leaning up against the hall wall and speaking since the portrait of Mrs. Black was now quiet.
"Snape's been in that wretched library since before I got up," Ron answered. He checked the hall, "Don't know where Mariah and Lupin went but we suspect they went to the Roma camp. Don't know how they got there but…" he headed up the stairs and Harry followed. "I know something is up. Mum is in a right state of mind." He turned to Harry on the stairs. "It's not because of the séance. Think she's over that. It's something else. Lupin got the Daily Prophet, showed it to Snape and then took off with it. There was something in it and Hermione and I don't know what."
They climbed the stairs and went back to their bedroom.
Ron continued, "I have something to show you Harry," he said, pulling a scroll out form under his bed and unrolled it on top of the bed.
"Ron!" Harry studied it. The parchment was new and the drawing new as well. He recognized it. "It's the first floor of the house! How did you ever?"
Ron grinned sheepishly, "Well I sort of memorized it and then drew it this morning before you got up."
"You did?" Harry gasped. He looked again. The blueprint was very well done. "Excellent! Hermione will be pleased too. I got the book." He pulled it out from under his pillow.
They grinned at one another.
"There's more news Harry," Ron said, going down to his knees to look at the floor plan spread out on top of the bed covers. "Mariah asked permission for us to go to the Roma campsite. Snape agreed. It'll be a chance for us to get out of here for awhile. You game?"
Harry thought about it and frowned. Ron caught the look. "Don't have to if you don't want to. But it's getting a bit thick around here what with Snape hanging around like a vulture and mum moaning about the family. We can take this with us and maybe Mariah will ask one of the Roma's about it and maybe the book, too. Everyone keeps saying how clever they are."
Harry studied Ron and nodded slowly, thinking, If I leave I could miss something important. If I don't leave, I'll be mental inside of a week.
"By the way, Harry" Ron continued, "Mum's planning a birthday party for you. It's supposed to be a surprise, but I have to tell you that her surprises are usually awful. Snape thinks it's too dangerous to have one. That was after he saw the Daily Prophet. Anyway she was going to have Tonks, Dumbledore and Mad-eye, AND the family. I think if she does that then we're safe, I mean they're all really brilliant wizards, Aurors and everything." He looked worried and sat back on his heels. "How could we not be safe?"
Harry thought about it. He hadn't given his birthday much thought. "It's a ways off yet Ron."
"So what are we going to do today?" Ron asked, bent over the floor plan again.
Harry told him about the vision he and Snape had and watched the boy lean back and stared at him wide-eyed. "I promised Snape I wouldn't explore the house, but it doesn't mean you can't. I think there's a passage to the library that will get us in even if he seals the doors. We might need to look there again. I think Hermione will need to study this book and maybe we can look for the potion that were used by my mother and Snape's mother." Harry sat back on the floor with his back to the bed and stared at the wall. He was once again looking at the empty frame that had held Phineas Nigellus' portrait. His eyes narrowed. "And it might be helpful if we could find a portrait of Sirius in the house, although I imagine the Blacks removed any just like they removed his name from the tapestry that was hanging downstairs."
He stood and walked to the portrait. He recalled that he had not seen Sirius' great-great grandfather since he had left the portrait that hung in Dumbledore's office. It occurred to him at that moment just how much information Dumbledore accumulated over time from Nigellus about what was going on in the Black mansion.
"I can do that Harry," Ron said getting up to stand beside him. They were staring at the empty picture frame when Hermione tapped on the door and stepped in. Harry repeated most of what he had told Ron to her.
Hermione accepted the book from him with some reverence as he told her what he wanted to learn from it. " I can do that, Harry."
"Did you find out what the Daily Prophet article was about?" Ron asked.
Hermione noddedand said, "There was an article about a break-in and robbery at a muggle residence; Number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging."
They both turned to Harry waiting for his reaction.
Hermione added, "They weren't hurt Harry, but the paper did report your muggle address. Your room was ransacked. Whoever did it, took everything in the room."
Harry's thoughts went to the Dursleys. He wondered what they were thinking now that their house had been robbed, even if it had been his room. "They took everything?" he asked.
She nodded and said "Your aunt and uncle listed some of the items that were missing including a new television set and stereo." She smiled sheepishly.
Harry laughed out loud, shaking his head, retorting, "I doubt they got that Hermione, since I didn't have any of that." He frowned trying to think what he'd left behind. Snape had packed his belongings in his Hogwarts trunk and had brought it to #12 Grimmauld Place the very night they had arrived. He hadn't even looked through his possessions, which were very few. Most of the contents would not be used until he returned to Hogwarts. "Don't know what they could have gotten, Hermione. Why would they print it anyway?"
Both Hermione and Ron laughed, nervously. "You name is back in the news again, Harry. It has been since Cornelius Fudge told everyone that Voldemort was back," Hermione said. "There's a constant news story about you or Dumbledore or someone connected to you. Even Ron and I have been mentioned." Ron blushed when she said it. She went on, "They've had candid interviews with everyone that's ever talked to you and a play-by-play of what happened in the Atrium at the Ministry. Honestly, Harry, they've gone overboard with it all. But you should know that it's been much more positive than it was last year. People are very supportive."
Harry frowned. He'd been afraid of the notoriety and worse, having his friends involved in it. "Listen, I'm sorry about that," he said feeling some anger.
Ron shook his head and said, "Harry, it's our decision. Hermione and I talked about it. We knew you were feeling bad about us going to the Ministry of Magic with you, trying to rescue Sirius. But you can't leave us behind you know. We're your friends and you'd do it for us, if it came to it. It's our decision, mate."
Harry nodded, but thought they were both missing the point. Someone was desperately trying to locate him even to the point of robbing the Dursleys and taking his belongings. If he was so much in the news and that person, Voldemort's Death Eaters, more than likely, he thought, had even contacted his friends, then everyone was in danger. Now, he understood why the Weasley's had been split up and sent to different locations. It seemed that Dumbledore was busy trying to protect everyone.
Hermione reached over and put her arm through his, the other held the book. "Come on let's look through this and see what we can find."
Harry allowed her to pull him to the bed. He turned to her and said, "You know, I thought I could be strong without putting either of you in harm's way. I didn't know that it would be so hard without you both. I'm really glad you're here." They both smiled at him.
Hermione turned to Ron with a 'what are you waiting for look', and he did a quick salute and left the room carrying his map.
Two hours later they had gone through every page in the very thin book and had found nothing of use. The spells appeared to be very simple; common household spells, for removing stains from a bathtub or marinating a roast. Harry had grown bored with it before their first hour was over. He struggled to keep interested as Hermione would mumbled the incantation or spell to herself and stare off into space thinking about it; or say something like, "Oh this is interesting Harry."
He'd ask what was interesting and she tell him something like, "It says that house elves have strict rules about human incantations and their uses. Most of which they can't use or are forbidden to use. Of course they can't use wands, but there's no need of them for most of these spells." She leaned over her knees, her back propped against the headboard with Harry sprawled at the foot of the bead. "Here's one. It says that many times just reversing the words of the incantation will bring about a reversed effect." She thumbed through the book.
"Does it say anything about love charms or blood incantations?' Harry asked for the tenth time.
She shook her head, "There's nothing in here about that, Harry, and I've looked twice now. I also looked to see if there's anything about humans using these spells and there isn't. The truth is Harry there's not many here that would be very useful."
He nodded and shot to his feet. "Would you mind going through it again. I'm going downstairs to see if anyone is around. Ron's not back yet either. If Mrs. Weasley is worried about what we're up to I'll try and keep her busy so she won't check on him. I'm surprised she hasn't looked in on us already." He watched as Hermione nodded without looking up. She was taking notes from the little book, absorbed in writing things down on a piece of parchment.
Harry descended the stairs and quietly walked the short distance to the entrance to the Gallery and foyer. It was now clean of dust. A light shone form the open double doors. He didn't have to cross the floor to know that Snape was probably at the desk. You're looking for it too aren't you Snape? he thought, retreating back to the main house. He knew that Snape would be looking for the spell his mother had used.
Harry walked down the hall and heard voices coming from the sitting room. He moved slowly so that he could make out who was there. He could hear men's voices, and then a sudden cry. It was Lupin's.
Remus! he thought, startled. It was a strangled cry. Harry stepped in, wand drawn and saw his friend sitting across from a group of men dressed in odd clothing. He knew they had to be the Romanies. Mariah was sitting next to Lupin on the sofa and Harry saw that he had his face hidden in his hands and his shoulders were heaving as if he were sobbing. The three men that sat uncomfortably in the stiff formal chairs were all smiling. The one in front and center had pulled out a pipe and lit it. He looked as if he were having a good time.
"Remus?" Harry asked stepping into the room, his heart beating wildly. He crossed the room quickly, thinking his friend was in pain or hurt. Mariah looked up at him as he entered and smiled. She had a hand on Lupin's shoulders patting it gently.
She smiled at Harry and reached for his hand, saying "It is good news, Harry. Remus is just a little shocked that's all."
Harry walked around the edge of the couch and stood in front of Lupin staring down at him. He was sobbing, gasping intermittently. Harry looked again at Mariah uncertain of what was happening.
She smiled, "This is Yuri and his friends. They are part of the caravan that have invited me to travel with them." She patted Remus as he blew his nose and started to pull himself together. "They have had good news for Remus. We will have a celebration tonight in the Kampania and you and Hermione and Ron will join us.
Harry looked at Lupin and saw him look up finally, a smile peeking through the tears and flushed-red cheeks, and swollen eyes. Harry frowned and said, "What news? What's the good news, Remus?"
The man sat shaking his head, his mouth hanging open and apparently unable to say a word.
"My friends," Mariah said looking at Lupin and smiling, "can cure Remus of being a werewolf."
Harry turned to Lupin who was gulping in large breaths of air and wiping his eyes. He looked up and said tearfully, "Can you imagine Harry. There is a cure!"
Harry extended his hand, which was accepted and he pulled Lupin into a standing position. They were hugging and laughing and at the same time he was congratulating im, "Oh my gosh, that's wonderful!"
Lupin tried a small smile and then broke into laughter. Harry had never seen him laugh. It took years off his face and Harry was reminded of the picture he had of Remus in his photo album; the one with James and Sirius. They had all looked very young.
The thought sobered him instantly and Lupin noticed. "Harry what is it? Are you alright?" he snuffed and held him out, his hands on his shoulders.
Harry shook his head and grinned, "Nothing Remus. I am just really happy for you."
"You know what this means Harry. We could be a proper family," Lupin said smiling.
Once again Harry was reminded of the words that Sirius had spoken when they were walking through the tunnel with Sirius, having come from the Shrieking Shack. His heart had risen up then and he had hope. He now looked at Lupin and felt the gentle tug of longing. Here was another of his parent's friends. Someone he cared about who was making the same offer. Harry smiled back and nodded slowly. Not again, he thought. I can't do this again. "Yes, that will be great Remus," he said.
Lupin studied his face, and added, "Of course, we haven't talked about it yet, but I thought…" he didn't finished and seemed to be waiting for Harry to respond.
"It's alright, Remus," Harry said nodding. "It's just that sometimes I try not to think very far ahead."
Lupin looked at him thoughtfully and nodded too. "I understand that feeling Harry, I really do." He smiled again and turned to the men who were now standing. "Let me introduce you."
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Harry climbed the stairs back to his room, with heavy heart. Something was bothering him and he couldn't put his finger on it. He was feeling happy for Remus. It was astounding. For the first time since childhood, Lupin might lead a normal life. He stepped into his room and found it empty. Then he realized that he really didn't want to leave the house. He was worried that his mother might try again to reach him and if he left he would miss it. They hadn't found the potion and even knowing what was in it wouldn't help him. He still had no weapon, nothing that would stop Voldemort. And, he was feeling desperate and angry.
He didn't hear when the door opened and Ron stepped through.
"Bloody hell, Harry!" Ron said. He stood in the doorway covered from head to toe in dust as black as coal. Only the whites of his eyes shone out from his head.
Harry was laying on the bed pointing his wand at the canopy. He'd been thinking how useless his own wand was against Voldemort and feeling cornered. He was startled when the specter appeared in the doorway. "Ron!"
"You wouldn't believe it Harry," Ron crossed over and sat at the end of the bed. "There are miles of hidden hallways and rooms that are all over this place." He squinted and coughed, producing a handkerchief. "It's a labyrinth of rooms and hallways and stairs."
Harry sat up and asked, "What did you find?"
"Everything, Harry," Ron grimaced, "spiders and worse, I think. No one's been through them for years. I found an entrance to the library," he said and wiped away some of the grime. "I'm gonna shower and then maybe later I can draw a diagram. It might take a while. What do you think they were used for?"
Harry stared at his friend thoughtfully. "I don't know Ron. Seems a bit excessive even for Hector Black, doesn't it, just to spy on people"
Ron nodded, yanking his shirt off and heading for the bathroom. "One thing's for sure. He knew what was going on in every corner of this place. I also found the stairway that led up to that mirror on the second floor."
Harry shot to his feet and ran to the bathroom door. Ron was already in the shower. "Did you walk through it?" he shouted.
"What?" Ron gurgled.
Harry pressed his face to the door and shouted again, "Did you walk through it?" He suddenly felt terrified.
"No," came the response. "I just found the stairs."
Harry closed his eyes and took a breath. He thought of the break-in at the Dursleys and said very softly, please mother, Sirius, you've got to give me more. Voldemort's getting closer and we're running out of time.