Chapter 18
Lost but Found
Harry, Hermione, and Ron knew already who was behind them. They slowly turned around, with scared expressions on each of their faces. They were right; Snape was standing there with an awful smirk on his face. He was smirking so much; it looked as if the Slytherin's just won the House and Quidditch Cup. "Now why would Mr. Potter and company, wonder off and come back this late"? Snape said sneering. "N-nothing.we were.", Hermione managed to say. Besides her extremely scared expression on her face, she gave Harry and Ron a panicking look. "Going to g-go see Hagrid, haven't seen him for a long time, we miss him", Ron stuttered. Snape's lips curled and Harry could feel Snape staring right through them. "Don't lie to me, I know what you guys were doing. Sneaking off again without anyone's permission eh? Well not this time, I saw you guys wonder off with my own two eyes", Snape snapped. "Unless if you accuse me of lying, which you wouldn't dare for you know what's going to happen to you"? Harry could feel Hermione shrink back a bit, and could feel Ron shake. "Just to inform you, I already told Professor McGonagall about you three, and she'll be coming soon. And would you look at that, she's here now, a bit more earlier then I'd presume". Snape was right; McGonagall was charging over like a mad bull. Her tight bun was no longer tight; bits of hair were all over the place. Her face was red from anger and Harry swore he saw heat rise out of her ears. "You three, come with me now", was all McGonagall manage to say. Harry, Hermione, and Ron didn't say anything but slumped off with McGonagall thinking about what she's going to do with them. Maybe she was going to tell Dumbledore, and Dumbledore might expel them. Thinking of what the Dursleys would say when he arrives back at Private Drive again, made Harry's head hurt. He was sure to be dump at Mrs. Figgs house, but then Harry could always go look for Sirius and stay with him. All Harry could see right now was no hope. McGonagall lead them straight to the teacher's cabin, which was far bigger, then the other cabins. As they entered the cabin, they found Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick playing Wizard Chess. It was obvious Dumbledore was winning, for Professor Flitwick looked extremely confused. "Professor Dumbledore, I need to talk to you", Professor McGonagall said stiffly. Dumbledore looked up from the Wizard chess. "We'll continue after dinner Professor Flitwick, lead the way Professor McGonagall", Dumbledore said. Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore went to an empty room while Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat on the same couch together looking at the fire. "So what did you three do again"? Professor Flitwick piped up. "We left Hogwart's ground", Ron said glumly. "Snape caught us". Professor Flitwick gave an understanding nod and left the room with the game in his hands, as Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall came out of the room. McGonagall, who was still looking very angry, left the cabin leaving the three with Dumbledore. Even though Harry knew they did something wrong, Dumbledore didn't look angry at all. "Explain", Professor Dumbledore said kindly. Harry was the only one who could speak, for Ron and Hermione both couldn't talk at all. Harry explained how they found an old locket on the ground and wanted to get it checked. He explained how Hermione said there was a new antique store in Knockturn Alley, and how they decided to go there to get the locket checked over. Harry didn't tell him about how he found the locket, or how they got the potion's ingredients to make the potion. Dumbledore didn't frown or start yelling at them, he only looked at them with keen interest and listened to every word Harry said. "Well, all I have to say to this is never do it again", Dumbledore, said kindly, still smiling. "Hermione, Ron you may go, I need to have a word with Harry". Hermione and Ron left without another word. Dumbledore turned towards Harry and sighed. "Harry, I need you to promise me something", Dumbledore said. "Yes Professor", Harry replied. "I don't want you go looking for the Crystal, looking for the Crystal is the scientists job. So I don't want you, Hermione, or Ron to step inside the castle until the scientists are done searching". "Okay", Harry said. Dumbledore nodded and told Harry he could go, but Harry stopped at the door and turned around. Harry suddenly had the idea of asking Dumbledore about the Crystal. Dumbledore was a wise wizard, so he should know about the Crystal. "Professor, do you know anything about the Crystal Ball of Fire"? Harry asked. "Yes, I do believe so", Dumbledore said stilling smiling. "Is there anything you would like to know about the Crystal"? "Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me anything, anything at all about the Crystal". "Well.there's not much to tell you. I'm sure you know all about it already", Dumbledore said. "But, is there something else"? Harry asked. "I don't know anything else, I guess you'll just have to find out yourself don't you"? Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. "I think you should go now Harry, don't want to keep Hermione and Ron waiting too long". Harry nodded and left finding Hermione and Ron outside the teacher's cabin. The first question came to his mind was, what did Dumbledore mean when he said "I guess you'll just have to find out yourself don't you"? Did Dumbledore want Harry to go looking for it, even though he told him not too. Harry knew Dumbledore knew something but Harry didn't know what. "What did he say"? Hermione asked. Harry told them about the short conversation he had with Dumbledore, and on how Dumbledore told him to find out the answer himself. "Do you think Dumbledore wants you to go looking for the Crystal"? Ron asked. "Of course not! Dumbledore would never tell Harry to do something as dangerous as this"! Hermione said shocked. "It's not dangerous! It's just a Crystal ball hidden in a chest, how dangerous is that? Unless if a four headed dog is guarding it", Ron replied. "Whatever Dumbledore said, you should never go looking for it Harry. It might be dangerous", Hermione ignored Ron and continued to tell Harry. Harry could only nod; no words came out, since he was too confused. What did Dumbledore mean? Harry knew Dumbledore would never tell Harry to do something dangerous, but what Dumbledore said made Harry think about something else. If the Dumbledore said what he said, then the Crystal must not be dangerous. "Harry, your not thinking what I think your thinking are you"? Hermione asked curiously. "No of course not", Harry replied quickly. "I think its time for dinner, let's go", Ron said looking at Harry's watch. The three walked back to the Gryffindor cabin and entered the common room seeing almost everybody they're eating. Ron, Harry, Hermione got a table to themselves and started eating. Someone came into the Gryffindor cabin and all heads turned to her. "Ginny"! Ron exclaimed. He ran over to her and gave her a hug. "You okay? You feeling better? Do you want to go home"? Ron asked millions of questions but Ginny just smiled.. "I'm alright Ron, really", Ginny said. Everybody continued eating and chatting noisily as Ginny joined the same table as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Ginny blushed as she sat down between Harry and Ron. She ate quickly and quietly and finished without a word. Suddenly, another person came into the Gryffindor cabin. "All students, please report to the Quidditch Field right away", Professor McGonagall instructed. "What do you think it is that we have to go to the Quidditch field"? Ron asked after Professor McGonagall left. "I have a feeling the scientists have finished looking for the Crystal", Hermione said. The plates cleared away and students started leaving their cabins and started making their way towards the Quidditch field. Dumbledore and Tim Becker were standing in the middle of the Quidditch Field, students surrounding them. It took a while for all the students to come to the Quidditch field, for some were still finishing dinner. "Students of Hogwarts, I'm happy to say that we will be giving your castle back to you. Soon, you will be attending classes again, and filling your brilliant minds with magic. We have located the Crystal, and scientists will only be using the Potions classroom, where the Crystal is located. I have to tell you guys, to not go anywhere near the Potion's classroom. Therefore, I guess Potions is cancelled"! Tim said brightly. Everyone cheered, but Harry noticed the Slytherin's scowling, especially Draco and his cousin Ivy. Harry also noticed Snape standing on the side of the Quidditch field with the rest of the teachers, looking as if he's about to murder someone. No potions means no more taking off points from Gryffindor, and no more torture, or Snape breathing down your neck. "All of you will be able to have the castle back tomorrow, you must give us time to clean up a bit, and move all our stuff towards the Potion's classroom", Tim continued, with a wave goodbye he left leaving students looking at Dumbledore. "As you have heard, we will be getting our castle back tomorrow, and classes will be on again, except for Potions of course. The Potion's classroom is now out of bounds, anyone going in their will expelled. I'm happy to say that Christmas will be next week, so this week, there will be a Hogsmeade trip. Everyone will be able to buy their Christmas gifts for friends, families, and teachers", Dumbledore explained. "Now I want each of you to start packing your belongings. We will be moving back into the castle tomorrow morning after breakfast". Dumbledore and the teachers left without another word, and started making their way back towards the teacher's cabin, obviously to pack. Students followed and did the same at their own cabins, but Hermione, Ron, and Harry stayed at the Quidditch Field. "Do you want to go after Tim? We can ask him some stuff", Hermione asked. "Yeah, that was what I was thinking too", Harry said. The decided to go, and ran after Tim who was just a few feet away from the castle. "Mr. Becker"! Hermione said out of breath. "Yes"? Tim turned around. "We need to ask you something", Ron said. "Go ahead", Tim said paying full attention on them. "Is it true that the Crystal is located there? Did you dig it out and take a good look at it"? Hermione asked. "Well, we know it's in the Potion's classroom, but we haven't dug it out yet. I suppose it's just there, in the dirt", Tim said. "Well, I must go, they're expecting to see me". Tim left leaving Hermione, Ron, and Harry standing their confused. "They don't know about the key or the chest do they"? Harry asked. "Doesn't seem like it", Hermione said confused. "Then.what are they doing"? Ron asked. "Their still digging I guess, that's what he said", Hermione answered. They walked into the Gryffindor cabin with people running around everywhere trying to stuff things in their trunks and suitcases. "Do you think we should tell them about it"? Hermione asked. "Didn't we decide already not to tell them about it"? Ron said. "Yeah.but I think it's right to help them out a bit", Hermione said. "No way am I going to tell them", Ron said. "What about just a little hint, Mr. Becker thinks it's just buried in the dirt", Hermione sighed. "Well, scientists are stupid sometimes", Ron said. "No they're not! They actually quite smart"! Hermione said shrilly. "Oh stop defending those scientists, you know that they're stupid. If they're not, they would know about the key and the chest", Ron said. "Hardly anyone knows about it anyways, it's just a coincidence that Harry found the locket and the key any way", Hermione said. "Guys.let's just get packing, we'll worry about this tomorrow", Harry muttered. Hermione nodded and glared at Ron as she walked into her room. Harry and Ron walked back into theirs. "I still don't think we should tell them", Ron muttered as he shoved his clothes in his trunk. "Same, I don't feel like admitting how I got it", Harry said as he tried to close his trunk. "Well, I'm all packed, I'm going to bed, night Ron", Harry said as he crawled into his bed and closed his eyes, without taking his glasses off. Harry was too tired, lots of things went on today, and he needed to sleep on them. With his head hurting, Harry slowly drifted into a deep sleep.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron knew already who was behind them. They slowly turned around, with scared expressions on each of their faces. They were right; Snape was standing there with an awful smirk on his face. He was smirking so much; it looked as if the Slytherin's just won the House and Quidditch Cup. "Now why would Mr. Potter and company, wonder off and come back this late"? Snape said sneering. "N-nothing.we were.", Hermione managed to say. Besides her extremely scared expression on her face, she gave Harry and Ron a panicking look. "Going to g-go see Hagrid, haven't seen him for a long time, we miss him", Ron stuttered. Snape's lips curled and Harry could feel Snape staring right through them. "Don't lie to me, I know what you guys were doing. Sneaking off again without anyone's permission eh? Well not this time, I saw you guys wonder off with my own two eyes", Snape snapped. "Unless if you accuse me of lying, which you wouldn't dare for you know what's going to happen to you"? Harry could feel Hermione shrink back a bit, and could feel Ron shake. "Just to inform you, I already told Professor McGonagall about you three, and she'll be coming soon. And would you look at that, she's here now, a bit more earlier then I'd presume". Snape was right; McGonagall was charging over like a mad bull. Her tight bun was no longer tight; bits of hair were all over the place. Her face was red from anger and Harry swore he saw heat rise out of her ears. "You three, come with me now", was all McGonagall manage to say. Harry, Hermione, and Ron didn't say anything but slumped off with McGonagall thinking about what she's going to do with them. Maybe she was going to tell Dumbledore, and Dumbledore might expel them. Thinking of what the Dursleys would say when he arrives back at Private Drive again, made Harry's head hurt. He was sure to be dump at Mrs. Figgs house, but then Harry could always go look for Sirius and stay with him. All Harry could see right now was no hope. McGonagall lead them straight to the teacher's cabin, which was far bigger, then the other cabins. As they entered the cabin, they found Dumbledore and Professor Flitwick playing Wizard Chess. It was obvious Dumbledore was winning, for Professor Flitwick looked extremely confused. "Professor Dumbledore, I need to talk to you", Professor McGonagall said stiffly. Dumbledore looked up from the Wizard chess. "We'll continue after dinner Professor Flitwick, lead the way Professor McGonagall", Dumbledore said. Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore went to an empty room while Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat on the same couch together looking at the fire. "So what did you three do again"? Professor Flitwick piped up. "We left Hogwart's ground", Ron said glumly. "Snape caught us". Professor Flitwick gave an understanding nod and left the room with the game in his hands, as Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall came out of the room. McGonagall, who was still looking very angry, left the cabin leaving the three with Dumbledore. Even though Harry knew they did something wrong, Dumbledore didn't look angry at all. "Explain", Professor Dumbledore said kindly. Harry was the only one who could speak, for Ron and Hermione both couldn't talk at all. Harry explained how they found an old locket on the ground and wanted to get it checked. He explained how Hermione said there was a new antique store in Knockturn Alley, and how they decided to go there to get the locket checked over. Harry didn't tell him about how he found the locket, or how they got the potion's ingredients to make the potion. Dumbledore didn't frown or start yelling at them, he only looked at them with keen interest and listened to every word Harry said. "Well, all I have to say to this is never do it again", Dumbledore, said kindly, still smiling. "Hermione, Ron you may go, I need to have a word with Harry". Hermione and Ron left without another word. Dumbledore turned towards Harry and sighed. "Harry, I need you to promise me something", Dumbledore said. "Yes Professor", Harry replied. "I don't want you go looking for the Crystal, looking for the Crystal is the scientists job. So I don't want you, Hermione, or Ron to step inside the castle until the scientists are done searching". "Okay", Harry said. Dumbledore nodded and told Harry he could go, but Harry stopped at the door and turned around. Harry suddenly had the idea of asking Dumbledore about the Crystal. Dumbledore was a wise wizard, so he should know about the Crystal. "Professor, do you know anything about the Crystal Ball of Fire"? Harry asked. "Yes, I do believe so", Dumbledore said stilling smiling. "Is there anything you would like to know about the Crystal"? "Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me anything, anything at all about the Crystal". "Well.there's not much to tell you. I'm sure you know all about it already", Dumbledore said. "But, is there something else"? Harry asked. "I don't know anything else, I guess you'll just have to find out yourself don't you"? Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. "I think you should go now Harry, don't want to keep Hermione and Ron waiting too long". Harry nodded and left finding Hermione and Ron outside the teacher's cabin. The first question came to his mind was, what did Dumbledore mean when he said "I guess you'll just have to find out yourself don't you"? Did Dumbledore want Harry to go looking for it, even though he told him not too. Harry knew Dumbledore knew something but Harry didn't know what. "What did he say"? Hermione asked. Harry told them about the short conversation he had with Dumbledore, and on how Dumbledore told him to find out the answer himself. "Do you think Dumbledore wants you to go looking for the Crystal"? Ron asked. "Of course not! Dumbledore would never tell Harry to do something as dangerous as this"! Hermione said shocked. "It's not dangerous! It's just a Crystal ball hidden in a chest, how dangerous is that? Unless if a four headed dog is guarding it", Ron replied. "Whatever Dumbledore said, you should never go looking for it Harry. It might be dangerous", Hermione ignored Ron and continued to tell Harry. Harry could only nod; no words came out, since he was too confused. What did Dumbledore mean? Harry knew Dumbledore would never tell Harry to do something dangerous, but what Dumbledore said made Harry think about something else. If the Dumbledore said what he said, then the Crystal must not be dangerous. "Harry, your not thinking what I think your thinking are you"? Hermione asked curiously. "No of course not", Harry replied quickly. "I think its time for dinner, let's go", Ron said looking at Harry's watch. The three walked back to the Gryffindor cabin and entered the common room seeing almost everybody they're eating. Ron, Harry, Hermione got a table to themselves and started eating. Someone came into the Gryffindor cabin and all heads turned to her. "Ginny"! Ron exclaimed. He ran over to her and gave her a hug. "You okay? You feeling better? Do you want to go home"? Ron asked millions of questions but Ginny just smiled.. "I'm alright Ron, really", Ginny said. Everybody continued eating and chatting noisily as Ginny joined the same table as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Ginny blushed as she sat down between Harry and Ron. She ate quickly and quietly and finished without a word. Suddenly, another person came into the Gryffindor cabin. "All students, please report to the Quidditch Field right away", Professor McGonagall instructed. "What do you think it is that we have to go to the Quidditch field"? Ron asked after Professor McGonagall left. "I have a feeling the scientists have finished looking for the Crystal", Hermione said. The plates cleared away and students started leaving their cabins and started making their way towards the Quidditch field. Dumbledore and Tim Becker were standing in the middle of the Quidditch Field, students surrounding them. It took a while for all the students to come to the Quidditch field, for some were still finishing dinner. "Students of Hogwarts, I'm happy to say that we will be giving your castle back to you. Soon, you will be attending classes again, and filling your brilliant minds with magic. We have located the Crystal, and scientists will only be using the Potions classroom, where the Crystal is located. I have to tell you guys, to not go anywhere near the Potion's classroom. Therefore, I guess Potions is cancelled"! Tim said brightly. Everyone cheered, but Harry noticed the Slytherin's scowling, especially Draco and his cousin Ivy. Harry also noticed Snape standing on the side of the Quidditch field with the rest of the teachers, looking as if he's about to murder someone. No potions means no more taking off points from Gryffindor, and no more torture, or Snape breathing down your neck. "All of you will be able to have the castle back tomorrow, you must give us time to clean up a bit, and move all our stuff towards the Potion's classroom", Tim continued, with a wave goodbye he left leaving students looking at Dumbledore. "As you have heard, we will be getting our castle back tomorrow, and classes will be on again, except for Potions of course. The Potion's classroom is now out of bounds, anyone going in their will expelled. I'm happy to say that Christmas will be next week, so this week, there will be a Hogsmeade trip. Everyone will be able to buy their Christmas gifts for friends, families, and teachers", Dumbledore explained. "Now I want each of you to start packing your belongings. We will be moving back into the castle tomorrow morning after breakfast". Dumbledore and the teachers left without another word, and started making their way back towards the teacher's cabin, obviously to pack. Students followed and did the same at their own cabins, but Hermione, Ron, and Harry stayed at the Quidditch Field. "Do you want to go after Tim? We can ask him some stuff", Hermione asked. "Yeah, that was what I was thinking too", Harry said. The decided to go, and ran after Tim who was just a few feet away from the castle. "Mr. Becker"! Hermione said out of breath. "Yes"? Tim turned around. "We need to ask you something", Ron said. "Go ahead", Tim said paying full attention on them. "Is it true that the Crystal is located there? Did you dig it out and take a good look at it"? Hermione asked. "Well, we know it's in the Potion's classroom, but we haven't dug it out yet. I suppose it's just there, in the dirt", Tim said. "Well, I must go, they're expecting to see me". Tim left leaving Hermione, Ron, and Harry standing their confused. "They don't know about the key or the chest do they"? Harry asked. "Doesn't seem like it", Hermione said confused. "Then.what are they doing"? Ron asked. "Their still digging I guess, that's what he said", Hermione answered. They walked into the Gryffindor cabin with people running around everywhere trying to stuff things in their trunks and suitcases. "Do you think we should tell them about it"? Hermione asked. "Didn't we decide already not to tell them about it"? Ron said. "Yeah.but I think it's right to help them out a bit", Hermione said. "No way am I going to tell them", Ron said. "What about just a little hint, Mr. Becker thinks it's just buried in the dirt", Hermione sighed. "Well, scientists are stupid sometimes", Ron said. "No they're not! They actually quite smart"! Hermione said shrilly. "Oh stop defending those scientists, you know that they're stupid. If they're not, they would know about the key and the chest", Ron said. "Hardly anyone knows about it anyways, it's just a coincidence that Harry found the locket and the key any way", Hermione said. "Guys.let's just get packing, we'll worry about this tomorrow", Harry muttered. Hermione nodded and glared at Ron as she walked into her room. Harry and Ron walked back into theirs. "I still don't think we should tell them", Ron muttered as he shoved his clothes in his trunk. "Same, I don't feel like admitting how I got it", Harry said as he tried to close his trunk. "Well, I'm all packed, I'm going to bed, night Ron", Harry said as he crawled into his bed and closed his eyes, without taking his glasses off. Harry was too tired, lots of things went on today, and he needed to sleep on them. With his head hurting, Harry slowly drifted into a deep sleep.