The next day, Severus went through his usual morning routine and eventually made his way towards the Great Hall for breakfast.

It was still early in the morning and only a few students were lingering around. There were scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage served this morning, but he didn't bother eating. Instead, he made his way towards the Ravenclaw table where Louis was currently sitting and drinking a cup of tea.

His sister sat beside him while she spread jam on her toast. There was a potion book open in front of her. From the distance, he could see them talking quietly between themselves. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but he watched as Louis pointed at the book. He talked rapidly to her and Pandora nodded her head from time to time. As he got closer, he heard Louis explain to her the importance of harvesting wolfsbane at night.

"Of course, you can harvest it anytime as long as it is in bloom," explained Louis. "But the best time would be during the new moon. That's when it is at it's best."

Just then, Severus sat down beside them. Louis smiled at him as Pandora greeted him pleasantly.

"Good morning, Severus."

"Good morning, Pandora," he replied before focusing his attention at Louis.

Licking his lips, Severus swallowed thickly before asking Louis if he would meet him in the library after breakfast which of course he agreed to without hesitation. Pandora had sent them both a look before focusing her attention back to the potion book and remaining silent.

Eventually, more people started to pool inside the Great Hall and Severus rose to leave. Louis mumbled something to Pandora quickly in French before giving her a quick kiss to the head and grabbing his bag and following Severus towards the library.

The walk was quiet and it left Severus feeling a bit awkward. Last night, after he talked with Lily, he had trouble sleeping. He was still unsure of what to do or how to approach Louis and James, but he decided to ignore the feeling for now and focus on something more important.

As they made their way to the library, they didn't really see that many people awake. The must-have only passed by a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Some of them offered a sleepy greeting, but they were otherwise mostly left alone.

As they walked inside the library, they found that it was empty. Only Ms. Pince was there, but she barely even seemed to notice them.

Severus directed them towards the back of the room and towards the table where he found Louis all those weeks ago. The sun was shining and as Louis sat down, he still glowed the same as he did before. He was still so beautiful despite his tired eyes.

He hadn't even noticed that he was staring until Louis spoke.

"What did you want to meet for, Severus?"

Severus cleared his throat and silently cursed himself for his daze like state before placing a silencing charm around them.

Louis didn't seem fazed by the action and remain silent as he watched him dig through his bag. Severus pulled out some quills and a piece of rolled-up parchment.

"I've been meaning to give this to you for some time," began Severus as he handed Louis the parchment. "With everything going on, I barely had time to look at it myself."

"What is it?" asked Louis as he removed the bind.

"It's the translation for the first two scrolls" Severus replied simply and folded his arms against himself. Louis quickly unrolled the scroll and began to read the poem.

Unable to help himself, Severus watched as the gold flecks in his eyes seemed to shine. He watched the way Louis's eyes moved. He was fascinated by his long lashes that gently grazed his skin and how lovely his skin looked in the morning sun. And then, he watched as those blue eyes turned to him, staring straight into his soul and it left him breathless.

"Where did you get this?" laughed Louis, pure happiness radiating from within. "Only you would figure out such an impossible clue."

Despite himself, Severus's lips twitched upwards. "I found it by accident, actually."

He explained what happened the last time he was in the library and how the moon's light revealed its secret. Louis nodded his head and offered a small theory that Severus had also questioned when he had shown his discover to Lily. They talked a bit more about what the poem means and possibly the importance of the moon and the flower before Louis asked him one more question.

"Well, we only have two-thirds of the poem." Louis smiled coyly at him before digging into his pocket and pulling out the familiar blue scroll. This one, however, had a three carved on the shell of it. "Should we get the last bit?"

Severus had forgotten that Louis was able to get the last scroll. Touching the markings, Severus wondered what other secrets it could tell them. From what he's already discovered, it seemed that they would be going to the Forbidden Forest to find this cave. But why?

All the more reason to find Hagrid and see if he was willing to translate for them.

With that in mind, and with the second task looming over their heads, Louis and Severus gathered their things and hastily made their way out of the Library and towards Hagrid's hut.

It was still bright and the air was cold as ice. A soft flush reached Severus's pale cheeks and he watched as his breath took form in front of him before leading Louis to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

However, when they got there, there was no one around.

"Maybe he went for a walk?" questioned Louis as he peered through the window. Severus walked towards the door and found it unlocked.

Taking out his wand, Severus opened the door and made his way inside. There was nothing unusual about it other than the fact that the room was dark. Hagrid always left a small fire burning, especially since winter had come earlier that year. But it looked as if there hasn't been a fire for a few days. There was only ash left in the fireplace and not much else.

Severus doesn't recall seeing Hagrid for a few days now. It wasn't unusual for the half-giant to not join the Great Hall for meals. Some times, he would eat in his hut since he was usually too busy to make it to for the scheduled meals. However, he would usually come for lunch or tea time at least a couple of times a week, but he hasn't been there for a long time.

The cold wind nipped at his skin and the dread that filled him left him hollow and fearful.

"I don't think he went out for a walk," answered Severus. He looked towards the forest and searched wildly for any signs of Hagrid.

"You think he went inside the forest?"

"It would make the most sense, but he's never had a problem before," said Severus as he made his way towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "He goes in there all the time to scout for anything unusual. He's usually only in there for a couple of hours, a day at most."

A loud noise ranged out from deep inside the forest. Birds cawed and flew out and Severus watched with fear. "We have to tell a Professor."

Quickly, Severus and Louis made their way towards the castle and searched for any of the Professors that would be near. Luckily for both of them, Professor Flitwick was entering the castle just as they did. He was returning from a trip to Hogsmeade.

"Professor!" cried out Severus. "Professor!"

Louis was right behind him and helped him call out. Luckily, Flitwick immediately stopped walking and stared at them in surprise. He stood silently as he waited for Severus and Louis to make their way towards him.

"Mr. Snape, Mr. Bernard. What's seems to be the problem?"

Breathless, Severus tried to speak, but he was not nearly as physically fit to catch his breath and talk at the same time. Instead, Louis answered for him.

"We went to visit Hagrid down at his hunt after breakfast," said Louis. "But when we got there, he wasn't there."

Professor Flitwick frowned at both of them. "Well, that hardly seems unusual. I'm sure you know that he tends to handle business for the Headmaster and maintains the grounds. "

"Yes, but we looked inside and it didn't seem that anyone has been there for days," said Severus through raspy breaths. "Hagrid rarely stays out longer than a day. I haven't heard word or seen him all week."

Professor Flitwick opened his mouth to reply but stopped short as their words came to mind. "As a matter of fact, I don't recall seeing Hagrid in the teacher's lounge at all this week either. He does like to drink with Rolanda- ah, Madam Hooch on Fridays, but he wasn't there. It is unusual for him to miss it since she's the only one that drinks with him -well, keep up with him."

Frowning, Professor Flitwick motioned them to follow him. "Normally, I would suggest for us to meet with the Headmaster, but with the second task so close, he has been in a board meeting all day and won't be back until late at night. We will have to take this up with the Deputy Headmistress."

Severus and Louis shared a look before following the small professor towards Professor McGonagall's office. She was luckily inside but was currently scolding one of the students. Professor Flitwick told them to wait outside while he talked to McGonagall briefly.

It wasn't long until the student was freed and they were escorted inside.

Professor McGonagall was sitting at her desk while talking to Professor Flitwick. As soon as the came into view, she gave them a rather blank look. "I am told of your concerns about Hagrid and while I am glad to hear that you care for his safety, I sorry to say that it was unnecessary."

"Unnecessary?" questioned Severus with narrowed eyes.

With a nod from Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick left the room and shut the door behind them.

"Normally, I would keep this as confidential, but since I am sure that you would stop at nothing to know, it would better if I told you now. Mr. Hagrid is currently working with the Ministry officials to prepare for the second task. He had left with them early this week to help set up. So, he is perfectly safe- wherever he is- and will return just before the second task, which I am sure that the both of you should be preparing yourselves," she said with a pointed look before grabbing a stack of papers and stood. "Now, if you both will excuse me, with Headmaster gone for the day, I am very busy fulfilling his duties."

She led them out with a tight smile before making her way to the Headmaster's office.

"Well, that settles that," said Louis. "By the time Hagrid get's back, it would be too late."

Severus nodded his head, not really listening at all.
If Hagrid really was helping with the second task, then he is in the Forest. He, of course, believed Professor McGonagall. He was sure that Hagrid was safe, but he couldn't help and wonder what Hagrid could possibly be doing to help. He knew that the Hagrid knew his way around the forest, but was their possibly another reason?

"Come on, Severus. We tried, but it seems that fate has played its hand. Let's go back to the Library and try to work out the poem."

And of course, he was right. Severus hasn't had time to look or study it all that much. Thankfully, Lily has been researching for him all this time, but she has come up with nothing.

And it seemed that no one had the answers that he was looking for.

Except, possibly, the forest itself.