CHAPTER ELEVEN .
The Bloombury Bushes
The next few weeks passed without incident. The mystery none of them could work out was why Harry had walked into the forest apparently oblivious to both how fast he was walking and his friends calls, and still had no recollection of doing so. They hadn't forgotten that the initial reason for going into the forest was to find Karkaroff, but after the phoenix's message, it didn't seem important any more to Harry, and Ron and Hermione. Harry however was the only one with the feeling that the phoenix had reassured him partly about Karkaroff. However, they all had other things to worry about. The teachers become increasingly worried about security in the castle. Harry in particular, was regularly called to McGonagall's office, where Dumbledore would put various protection charms on him. Strange side effects also sprang up. In transfiguration, the class was told to transfigure several magical items into objects which would be safe for muggles to use. McGonagall warned them that this charm could have some unusual side effects due to the security measures that had been taken. However, nobody expected that Neville, on picking up his wand would be sucked into a luminous yellow bubble which floated him to Dumbledore's office (McGonagall did remind them that there was no evidence that this was the result of a side effect). Nevertheless, it took a whole afternoon of counter curses to enable Neville to get out.
Alicia Spinnet was working the Quidditch team harder than ever, preparing for the match against Hufflepuff. The team was astounded that they could ever have a captain more determined than Oliver Wood, although secretly, most of them were actually glad of it. In spite of their claims that Alicia had mistaken their match for the world cup, they were all even more determined to do well in there match against Slytherin than usual, after their victory against Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Not only that, but their OWLS were approaching, (as all the teachers constantly reminded them) and they all used it as an excuse to pile on more homework. Harry didn't know how he was going to get through all his extra work. Hermione, however, seemed to know everything already. Harry and Ron skipped their Quidditch practice, claiming to be ill, giving Hermione time to explain to them the theory of subduing the poison Sparks much better than Snape did. Every evening a crowd of 5th Years would stand round her, listening to her explanations of various topics. 'It's not as hard as it seems, look, its just swirl, half flick, bounce and repeat.' she cried re-repeating the complicated wrist movement. She had spent another tireless evening, surrounded by a crowd including Ron, Harry, Neville, Seamus, Dean, and for some reason, Fred and George, teaching them the dream charm (instead of going to dinner). George smiled smugly. 'Make sure you get the bounce just right- if it's too big then you'll end up with a Cranereous charm' He was evidently enjoying the effect of his words on Neville who was waving his wand frantically. 'I remember Lee in his exam last year-' There was suddenly a loud bang, and there was an explosion of purple smoke as Neville shot towards the ceiling. 'Yeah!' George clapped impressed 'That's just it!' Neville moaned as the chandelier he was hanging onto began to creak ominously.
* * *
'Only two more lessons, and then it's the holidays!' Ron pointed out cheerily as he pushed open the portrait of the fat lady, welcomed by a wave of warmth from the common room. They flopped down in the large comfy chairs right by the fire. Hermione sighed, reminding Harry about what he also should be worried about. 'I wish I didn't have to leave you two. Will you be all right?' she asked anxiously. 'Hermione, relax!' soothed Harry. 'You might as well do your homework somewhere other than Hogwarts!' Ron chortled, choking on a chocolate frog that he'd found in the bottom of his rucksack. 'Yuck' he spluttered, pulling a face. 'I think something got here before me! Look at these teeth marks! Why do you have to go?' 'My parents said.' she said vaguely and uncomfortably. 'We'd better go to Herbology' she added, changing the subject. Harry, narrowing his eyes suspiciously, looked at Ron was still gagging on the chocolate frog he had just swallowed, and looked puzzled at Harry's suspicious expression. He groaned, and pulled himself back out of the comfy armchair, and ran up to the dormitory to get his books. Sighing, he followed his friends to Herbology.
Before Harry and Ron knew it, they had waved goodbye to Hermione at Hogsmead station, accompanied by a responsible looking Hagrid, who had been asked by Dumbledore to keep an eye on them. The holidays had started, and two large eggs arrived for Harry and Ron from Mrs Weasley, and also two smaller, but delicately wrapped from Sirius. Enclosed in the package was a note. Harry tore it out eagerly, trying not to rip the paper:
Harry, I'm very close to Hogwarts now- the cave I hid in last year has been blocked somehow- I won't discuss my suspicions about it now- but I have found a better place now. I apologise for not writing very often- but I have a good reason, that I expect you will accept. I am very anxious to see my Godson as soon as possible, and although I have been keeping a close track on your actions, but it's still not the same as seeing you face to face. Write back to tell me when you are free. Sirius.
With a feeling of great contentment, Harry put aside the eggs, and grabbed the fresh piece of parchment that he had saved to do his potions homework on. Although Harry was of course glad that Sirius was close by, and safe, he was anxious and suspicious too- what is this "good reason?" was. How could Sirius be keeping a close track on him? Why was Sirius suspicious about the cave being blocked? Ron read over his shoulder, and his face displayed Harry's feelings. Forgetting the potions homework, he wrote back:
Dear Sirius, I'm very glad you're here- please keep on writing regularly- and even better, tell me your "good reason" for not writing. You have a lot to tell me- like the thing you were supposed to be doing for Dumbledore. You clearly have many secrets, and it's time you shared them with me! Next Hogsmead weekend is in 3 weeks, when term starts, and that's ages away, our OWLs will have started. We have to see you sooner, but Hermione's gone home, don't ask why. It'll be nice to spend some time not doing revision. Write back soon, I'm sure we'll be able to get out of school easily to meet you! Keep well hidden, Harry.
He tied the note securely to Hedwig's leg. She nipped his finger, gently, and flew off into the distance. Harry watched her, expecting her to disappear into the horizon, but she didn't rise very high, but skimmed the surface of the ground. She was still within Harry's eyesight when she dipped down into some Bloombury bushes. Grabbing his omnioculars, Harry focused them onto the bushes. He could not see clearly, but he made out something small and black moving at a slow pace towards the white dot that was Hedwig. The dot suddenly changed, into something, which looked distinctly taller, and more human. Harry grinned, and started his potions homework with a new heart. Harry enjoyed standing in front of that window, watching Sirius' hiding place, wondering whether he would ever gete out so he could take a closer look. But that would be seriously risky, too risky, but it still took all the self-discipline Harry had to prevent himself from going out. At that moment, Ron, who had been kept behind after Quidditch practice to discuss Chaser and keeper tactics, stumbled into the common room, looking concerned. 'Harry' said Ron, flopping down onto an armchair, 'I don't believe it!' 'What?' asked Harry, withdrawing his gaze from the window. 'That.that.' Ron swore loudly. 'Snape just gave me a detention!' Harry raised his eyebrows. 'And do you know why?' continued Ron, after realising that Harry wasn't going to ask. Harry shook his head curiously. 'Well neither do I! Looking suspicious? That's what he said!' Harry laughed. 'Don't worry, Ron' said Harry cheerily, 'We'll get our revenge. So what do you have to do in your detention?' Ron snorted. 'Slice the leaves and collect the juice from the Bloombury bushes at the edge of the grounds- By hand!' Harry stared. 'Exactly' said Ron helplessly. 'Ron!' cried Harry happily, 'do you know where Sirius is staying? In the clump of Bloombury bushes at the edge of the grounds!' Ron's jaw dropped open. 'So I can talk to him!' said Ron, his eyes widening. 'Well, yeah, but I'm coming with you!' said Harry, casually. 'What? You're going to try and get a detention? You can't sneak out of school... Snape wouldn't be the only one who'd kill you!' Harry nodded, grinning as if the subject was closed and Ron didn't argue back, but just smiled contentedly. It was the first time they had looked forward to a detention!
However, Harry didn't even have to try to get a detention. While walking back from Quidditch practice (Alicia was continuing it over the holidays too) Snape gave Harry a detention for a vaguely defined reason, which made no sense. As it was entirely unprovoked, Harry was slightly annoyed, but still, he had to be thankful to Snape for making it so easy. Harry and Ron wrote to Hermione and Sirius about it straight away, and the following morning, Hermione replied.
Harry and Ron, You two have been so stupid. I'm glad you wrote to me, but I wish I hadn't left you in the first place. Look, Snape is on our side now- he does services for Dumbledore, as does Sirius. Isn't it obvious that Dumbledore instructed Snape to give you two detentions, so that you could see Sirius? That would explain everything. Go to your detention at all costs- remember Dumbledore is protecting you at all times. And be careful, especially you, Harry. Ron, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. I'm fine, revising, of course. But I have had time to look at the daily Prophet, and listen to the Wizard's Wireless. This has made me even more worried. It's all about dark activity and the precautions they have made. They mentioned Hogwarts, and said that it had been protected specially by ministry officials over the summer. Write to me as soon as anything happens. Take care, please. I'll be back soon, Love from Hermione.
Ron seemed angered at Hermione's approach, but Harry on the other hand agreed with her. The rest of the week passed in Gobstone matches, homework, and sitting by the fire until the embers died, discussing the never-ending (and over-gossiped, in their opinion) dark activity. They were anticipating their detentions, and when the time finally came, they were quite anxious about it. Harry and Ron made their way down to the entrance hall, where they were meeting Filch. He was already waiting for them. 'It's not a very good evening' he leered at them through his uneven yellow teeth, 'A cold wind and rain expected later!' He seemed delighted. Presumably, he was not aware of the circumstances. Although it was still fairly light, Filch had a lantern with him, swinging from side to side as he walked them up to the spot where Sirius was hiding. As they walked Ron muttered angrily through clenched teeth, wishing Filch would go, in case Sirius would emerge, thinking they were alone. But Filch stopped at the nearest bush, directing them to start off there, and then move further into the trees. Harry let out a quiet sigh of relief, which went unnoticed. They didn't even listen to Filch grumbling on about the complicated method of extracting the juice from the leaves. After a long time, he stalked off, muttering to himself. As they walked further into the tangle of bushes, they remained silent, in case Filch could still hear them. The bushes loomed over them like an overgrown forest. The leaves were fully alive, but looked rotting and grey, with spindly branches, and sickly- looking secretions on the ends. They had never looked at these plants from this angle before- in their potions lessons, they seemed harmful and ripe, but now the decaying stench from something around them and the bitter night air ran shivers down their backs. Harry wondered why Sirius would want to hide here. 'Better sit down!' said Ron, lowering himself onto a fallen branch. Harry sat down onto the damp earth beside him. 'I expect that the.' Ron began, but Harry hissed at him to be quiet, and now Ron could also here some footsteps coming. They grabbed a branch, and tried to look like they were working. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry made out that it was Snape, although his cloak covering him from head to foot, his prowling figure easily recognisable. However, he didn't stop, but continued his way in the other direction. His footsteps had hardly died away, when there was another rustling behind the trees. They spun around, to see Hermione standing with her arms folded behind them. She was not wearing her school robes, but she had her wand out ready. 'Karkaroff and Sirius are coming' she whispered firmly. 'Silence.' Harry and Ron were too shocked to speak anyway. Finally, Harry resolved to mouth a flood of questions to her. A look of concern flickered across her face, but she only signalled to him to be still. They waited suppressed, until there was a brief bark from the distance, which Hermione seemed to be waiting for as some sort of sign, because after hearing it, she said quickly but clearly, 'You've got to find Karkaroff, and bring him up to the castle. Dumbledore will be waiting for him there. You Know Who is in Hogsmead, and he is also looking for him. It is his life you have in your hands. Dumbledore is constantly casting spells on this area for your protection at this very moment, but still, be very careful Harry. And you, Ron.' 'But I thought it was you he was looking for. What are you doing here anyway? What's going on?' Ron blabbered on, but Hermione gave him a stern look, and began to walk further into the bushes, taking long quick strides, but beckoning to them encouragingly to follow. Although Harry and Ron were puzzled, Hermione looked as though she knew where she was going. Finally, they approached a single Bloombury bush, standing isolated on its own, looking much greener and less corroded than the others. There was suddenly a strange rustling, and a familiar black dog slid out from the dense bush, and let them scratch him behind the ears before pushing the branches apart, and burying himself strangely in the undergrowth. Harry followed, and with a gasp, saw Sirius disappear downwards. With a second gasp, Harry saw that there was a hole covered with roots, and then a tunnel, sloping steeply downwards. Harry lowered himself down, and crawled slowly along, no sign of light at the end. He could hear Ron behind him, breathing heavily. The earth fell freely down from above whenever Harry's head hit the ceiling, and it felt like the unstable tunnel would collapse any moment. Suddenly the tunnel ended, and Harry flew out of the end, onto a pile of wet sludge. He couldn't see anything, and felt frantically for his wand, but suddenly, Harry heard his Godfather's hoarse voice whisper 'lumos' and a dim light spread from the tip of his wand, illuminating his face, which was very close to Harry's in the tiny underground cave. 'Stay here, I'll keep watch above. And Harry, he's on our side' He jerked his thumb behind him into a corner. Harry squinted, but there was no longer any light. Sirius had transformed and gone. He heard unsteady breathing behind him, which told him that Ron and Hermione were close by. 'Hello?' said Hermione unsurely, her timid voice echoing down the tunnel. They heard someone shuffling around in a corner, and then a faint light appeared. It was very dim, but still illuminated the features of the person holding the wand, the source of the light. It cast dark shadows over his dirty and weather beaten face, and the collar of his robes, dusty and torn. It was Karkaroff. Hermione smiled nervously, and nudging Ron and Harry to do the same. Karkaroff sighed and said in a horse voice, 'I'm sorry, all of you. After the treacherous things I have done, I felt certain that you would betray me, like I betrayed the dark Lord. By finding me, you have saved my life. I thank you, and beg your forgiveness. You must now take me to Dumbledore.' He bowed his head. Harry let out a sigh, as an effort to release the tension of the situation. He could hear Hermione shuffling uncomfortably next to him, and although he couldn't see her, he could tell she was still very miserable. Karkaroff seemed to understand what she was thinking. 'I'm sure Victor's last thoughts were with you' he said sympathetically. Suddenly, there was a single, sharp bark, and they all jumped as Sirius came bounding through the tunnel, into the pit, and transformed into a man. He was holding the mauderers map. It didn't occur to Harry to protest about this, or to ask how Sirius had acquired it. 'Dumbledore and Fudge are in the castle, coming this way. We have little time left. Have you done it?' He gave Hermione a meaningful look, and she screwed her face guiltily back. 'Well, hurry up then!' Hermione stepped forward, and withdrew a tiny bottle if an opaque black liquid from her trouser pocket. She laid it firmly in Karkaroff's palm, without a word, blushing. Sirius spoke for her. 'The fidelous charm, last time I experienced it, was unfortunate.' He blinked, and his mouth twitched. Harry knew that when it was used last, it resulted in the death of Harry's parents. 'This is the best alternative. Hermione brewed it herself.' Harry, Ron and Karkaroff looked baffled. 'A girl so young, brewing this potion herself?' asked Karkaroff, truly happy for the first time. 'Not only that' replied Sirius, 'she invented it herself.' Hermione turned away, embarrassed. Ron raised his eyebrows immeasurably high, but lowered them quickly as Hermione turned to face him. 'I have to go.' she said. 'My parents are waiting for me.' 'But-' began Harry, but in a split second, the wing of an owl brushed past Harry's arm, and was gone. Everybody stared after it. Karkaroff was holding the bottle close to his chest, his mouth opening and closing, apparently lost for words. 'Go! You two, go, just go!' said Sirius, who was frantically examining the map one last time before returning it to Harry. He pushed them out of the pit, and they climbed up through the tunnel, and pushed through the branches. They jogged back to the castle through the pitch- black darkness, occasionally stumbling on a fallen branch, or slipping on the dewy grass. They realised, as they almost reached the steps, that they had forgotten their lantern, but they couldn't go back for it. As they ran through the doors, they glimpsed Fudge and Dumbledore walking down the corridor, plotting, as it seemed, in low voices. Harry and Ron turned down a different corridor that was a short cut. As they walked away from them, Harry could detect a slight hint of sarcasm in Dumbledore's voice, but Fudge seemingly didn't notice. Their voices faded away into the distance. Harry stopped suddenly, outside the portrait of the fat lady 'Ron, we have no Bloombury juice at all!' he shouted, but regretted it straight afterwards, as his voice echoed all around the deserted corridor. Ron grinned mysteriously. They went into the common room, and on the desk which Ron led him to, stood two huge jars of Bloombury juice. 'Even Filch can't complain about this!' said Ron. Harry looked curious. Ron winked at him. 'That's what Godfathers are for!'
The Bloombury Bushes
The next few weeks passed without incident. The mystery none of them could work out was why Harry had walked into the forest apparently oblivious to both how fast he was walking and his friends calls, and still had no recollection of doing so. They hadn't forgotten that the initial reason for going into the forest was to find Karkaroff, but after the phoenix's message, it didn't seem important any more to Harry, and Ron and Hermione. Harry however was the only one with the feeling that the phoenix had reassured him partly about Karkaroff. However, they all had other things to worry about. The teachers become increasingly worried about security in the castle. Harry in particular, was regularly called to McGonagall's office, where Dumbledore would put various protection charms on him. Strange side effects also sprang up. In transfiguration, the class was told to transfigure several magical items into objects which would be safe for muggles to use. McGonagall warned them that this charm could have some unusual side effects due to the security measures that had been taken. However, nobody expected that Neville, on picking up his wand would be sucked into a luminous yellow bubble which floated him to Dumbledore's office (McGonagall did remind them that there was no evidence that this was the result of a side effect). Nevertheless, it took a whole afternoon of counter curses to enable Neville to get out.
Alicia Spinnet was working the Quidditch team harder than ever, preparing for the match against Hufflepuff. The team was astounded that they could ever have a captain more determined than Oliver Wood, although secretly, most of them were actually glad of it. In spite of their claims that Alicia had mistaken their match for the world cup, they were all even more determined to do well in there match against Slytherin than usual, after their victory against Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. Not only that, but their OWLS were approaching, (as all the teachers constantly reminded them) and they all used it as an excuse to pile on more homework. Harry didn't know how he was going to get through all his extra work. Hermione, however, seemed to know everything already. Harry and Ron skipped their Quidditch practice, claiming to be ill, giving Hermione time to explain to them the theory of subduing the poison Sparks much better than Snape did. Every evening a crowd of 5th Years would stand round her, listening to her explanations of various topics. 'It's not as hard as it seems, look, its just swirl, half flick, bounce and repeat.' she cried re-repeating the complicated wrist movement. She had spent another tireless evening, surrounded by a crowd including Ron, Harry, Neville, Seamus, Dean, and for some reason, Fred and George, teaching them the dream charm (instead of going to dinner). George smiled smugly. 'Make sure you get the bounce just right- if it's too big then you'll end up with a Cranereous charm' He was evidently enjoying the effect of his words on Neville who was waving his wand frantically. 'I remember Lee in his exam last year-' There was suddenly a loud bang, and there was an explosion of purple smoke as Neville shot towards the ceiling. 'Yeah!' George clapped impressed 'That's just it!' Neville moaned as the chandelier he was hanging onto began to creak ominously.
* * *
'Only two more lessons, and then it's the holidays!' Ron pointed out cheerily as he pushed open the portrait of the fat lady, welcomed by a wave of warmth from the common room. They flopped down in the large comfy chairs right by the fire. Hermione sighed, reminding Harry about what he also should be worried about. 'I wish I didn't have to leave you two. Will you be all right?' she asked anxiously. 'Hermione, relax!' soothed Harry. 'You might as well do your homework somewhere other than Hogwarts!' Ron chortled, choking on a chocolate frog that he'd found in the bottom of his rucksack. 'Yuck' he spluttered, pulling a face. 'I think something got here before me! Look at these teeth marks! Why do you have to go?' 'My parents said.' she said vaguely and uncomfortably. 'We'd better go to Herbology' she added, changing the subject. Harry, narrowing his eyes suspiciously, looked at Ron was still gagging on the chocolate frog he had just swallowed, and looked puzzled at Harry's suspicious expression. He groaned, and pulled himself back out of the comfy armchair, and ran up to the dormitory to get his books. Sighing, he followed his friends to Herbology.
Before Harry and Ron knew it, they had waved goodbye to Hermione at Hogsmead station, accompanied by a responsible looking Hagrid, who had been asked by Dumbledore to keep an eye on them. The holidays had started, and two large eggs arrived for Harry and Ron from Mrs Weasley, and also two smaller, but delicately wrapped from Sirius. Enclosed in the package was a note. Harry tore it out eagerly, trying not to rip the paper:
Harry, I'm very close to Hogwarts now- the cave I hid in last year has been blocked somehow- I won't discuss my suspicions about it now- but I have found a better place now. I apologise for not writing very often- but I have a good reason, that I expect you will accept. I am very anxious to see my Godson as soon as possible, and although I have been keeping a close track on your actions, but it's still not the same as seeing you face to face. Write back to tell me when you are free. Sirius.
With a feeling of great contentment, Harry put aside the eggs, and grabbed the fresh piece of parchment that he had saved to do his potions homework on. Although Harry was of course glad that Sirius was close by, and safe, he was anxious and suspicious too- what is this "good reason?" was. How could Sirius be keeping a close track on him? Why was Sirius suspicious about the cave being blocked? Ron read over his shoulder, and his face displayed Harry's feelings. Forgetting the potions homework, he wrote back:
Dear Sirius, I'm very glad you're here- please keep on writing regularly- and even better, tell me your "good reason" for not writing. You have a lot to tell me- like the thing you were supposed to be doing for Dumbledore. You clearly have many secrets, and it's time you shared them with me! Next Hogsmead weekend is in 3 weeks, when term starts, and that's ages away, our OWLs will have started. We have to see you sooner, but Hermione's gone home, don't ask why. It'll be nice to spend some time not doing revision. Write back soon, I'm sure we'll be able to get out of school easily to meet you! Keep well hidden, Harry.
He tied the note securely to Hedwig's leg. She nipped his finger, gently, and flew off into the distance. Harry watched her, expecting her to disappear into the horizon, but she didn't rise very high, but skimmed the surface of the ground. She was still within Harry's eyesight when she dipped down into some Bloombury bushes. Grabbing his omnioculars, Harry focused them onto the bushes. He could not see clearly, but he made out something small and black moving at a slow pace towards the white dot that was Hedwig. The dot suddenly changed, into something, which looked distinctly taller, and more human. Harry grinned, and started his potions homework with a new heart. Harry enjoyed standing in front of that window, watching Sirius' hiding place, wondering whether he would ever gete out so he could take a closer look. But that would be seriously risky, too risky, but it still took all the self-discipline Harry had to prevent himself from going out. At that moment, Ron, who had been kept behind after Quidditch practice to discuss Chaser and keeper tactics, stumbled into the common room, looking concerned. 'Harry' said Ron, flopping down onto an armchair, 'I don't believe it!' 'What?' asked Harry, withdrawing his gaze from the window. 'That.that.' Ron swore loudly. 'Snape just gave me a detention!' Harry raised his eyebrows. 'And do you know why?' continued Ron, after realising that Harry wasn't going to ask. Harry shook his head curiously. 'Well neither do I! Looking suspicious? That's what he said!' Harry laughed. 'Don't worry, Ron' said Harry cheerily, 'We'll get our revenge. So what do you have to do in your detention?' Ron snorted. 'Slice the leaves and collect the juice from the Bloombury bushes at the edge of the grounds- By hand!' Harry stared. 'Exactly' said Ron helplessly. 'Ron!' cried Harry happily, 'do you know where Sirius is staying? In the clump of Bloombury bushes at the edge of the grounds!' Ron's jaw dropped open. 'So I can talk to him!' said Ron, his eyes widening. 'Well, yeah, but I'm coming with you!' said Harry, casually. 'What? You're going to try and get a detention? You can't sneak out of school... Snape wouldn't be the only one who'd kill you!' Harry nodded, grinning as if the subject was closed and Ron didn't argue back, but just smiled contentedly. It was the first time they had looked forward to a detention!
However, Harry didn't even have to try to get a detention. While walking back from Quidditch practice (Alicia was continuing it over the holidays too) Snape gave Harry a detention for a vaguely defined reason, which made no sense. As it was entirely unprovoked, Harry was slightly annoyed, but still, he had to be thankful to Snape for making it so easy. Harry and Ron wrote to Hermione and Sirius about it straight away, and the following morning, Hermione replied.
Harry and Ron, You two have been so stupid. I'm glad you wrote to me, but I wish I hadn't left you in the first place. Look, Snape is on our side now- he does services for Dumbledore, as does Sirius. Isn't it obvious that Dumbledore instructed Snape to give you two detentions, so that you could see Sirius? That would explain everything. Go to your detention at all costs- remember Dumbledore is protecting you at all times. And be careful, especially you, Harry. Ron, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. I'm fine, revising, of course. But I have had time to look at the daily Prophet, and listen to the Wizard's Wireless. This has made me even more worried. It's all about dark activity and the precautions they have made. They mentioned Hogwarts, and said that it had been protected specially by ministry officials over the summer. Write to me as soon as anything happens. Take care, please. I'll be back soon, Love from Hermione.
Ron seemed angered at Hermione's approach, but Harry on the other hand agreed with her. The rest of the week passed in Gobstone matches, homework, and sitting by the fire until the embers died, discussing the never-ending (and over-gossiped, in their opinion) dark activity. They were anticipating their detentions, and when the time finally came, they were quite anxious about it. Harry and Ron made their way down to the entrance hall, where they were meeting Filch. He was already waiting for them. 'It's not a very good evening' he leered at them through his uneven yellow teeth, 'A cold wind and rain expected later!' He seemed delighted. Presumably, he was not aware of the circumstances. Although it was still fairly light, Filch had a lantern with him, swinging from side to side as he walked them up to the spot where Sirius was hiding. As they walked Ron muttered angrily through clenched teeth, wishing Filch would go, in case Sirius would emerge, thinking they were alone. But Filch stopped at the nearest bush, directing them to start off there, and then move further into the trees. Harry let out a quiet sigh of relief, which went unnoticed. They didn't even listen to Filch grumbling on about the complicated method of extracting the juice from the leaves. After a long time, he stalked off, muttering to himself. As they walked further into the tangle of bushes, they remained silent, in case Filch could still hear them. The bushes loomed over them like an overgrown forest. The leaves were fully alive, but looked rotting and grey, with spindly branches, and sickly- looking secretions on the ends. They had never looked at these plants from this angle before- in their potions lessons, they seemed harmful and ripe, but now the decaying stench from something around them and the bitter night air ran shivers down their backs. Harry wondered why Sirius would want to hide here. 'Better sit down!' said Ron, lowering himself onto a fallen branch. Harry sat down onto the damp earth beside him. 'I expect that the.' Ron began, but Harry hissed at him to be quiet, and now Ron could also here some footsteps coming. They grabbed a branch, and tried to look like they were working. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry made out that it was Snape, although his cloak covering him from head to foot, his prowling figure easily recognisable. However, he didn't stop, but continued his way in the other direction. His footsteps had hardly died away, when there was another rustling behind the trees. They spun around, to see Hermione standing with her arms folded behind them. She was not wearing her school robes, but she had her wand out ready. 'Karkaroff and Sirius are coming' she whispered firmly. 'Silence.' Harry and Ron were too shocked to speak anyway. Finally, Harry resolved to mouth a flood of questions to her. A look of concern flickered across her face, but she only signalled to him to be still. They waited suppressed, until there was a brief bark from the distance, which Hermione seemed to be waiting for as some sort of sign, because after hearing it, she said quickly but clearly, 'You've got to find Karkaroff, and bring him up to the castle. Dumbledore will be waiting for him there. You Know Who is in Hogsmead, and he is also looking for him. It is his life you have in your hands. Dumbledore is constantly casting spells on this area for your protection at this very moment, but still, be very careful Harry. And you, Ron.' 'But I thought it was you he was looking for. What are you doing here anyway? What's going on?' Ron blabbered on, but Hermione gave him a stern look, and began to walk further into the bushes, taking long quick strides, but beckoning to them encouragingly to follow. Although Harry and Ron were puzzled, Hermione looked as though she knew where she was going. Finally, they approached a single Bloombury bush, standing isolated on its own, looking much greener and less corroded than the others. There was suddenly a strange rustling, and a familiar black dog slid out from the dense bush, and let them scratch him behind the ears before pushing the branches apart, and burying himself strangely in the undergrowth. Harry followed, and with a gasp, saw Sirius disappear downwards. With a second gasp, Harry saw that there was a hole covered with roots, and then a tunnel, sloping steeply downwards. Harry lowered himself down, and crawled slowly along, no sign of light at the end. He could hear Ron behind him, breathing heavily. The earth fell freely down from above whenever Harry's head hit the ceiling, and it felt like the unstable tunnel would collapse any moment. Suddenly the tunnel ended, and Harry flew out of the end, onto a pile of wet sludge. He couldn't see anything, and felt frantically for his wand, but suddenly, Harry heard his Godfather's hoarse voice whisper 'lumos' and a dim light spread from the tip of his wand, illuminating his face, which was very close to Harry's in the tiny underground cave. 'Stay here, I'll keep watch above. And Harry, he's on our side' He jerked his thumb behind him into a corner. Harry squinted, but there was no longer any light. Sirius had transformed and gone. He heard unsteady breathing behind him, which told him that Ron and Hermione were close by. 'Hello?' said Hermione unsurely, her timid voice echoing down the tunnel. They heard someone shuffling around in a corner, and then a faint light appeared. It was very dim, but still illuminated the features of the person holding the wand, the source of the light. It cast dark shadows over his dirty and weather beaten face, and the collar of his robes, dusty and torn. It was Karkaroff. Hermione smiled nervously, and nudging Ron and Harry to do the same. Karkaroff sighed and said in a horse voice, 'I'm sorry, all of you. After the treacherous things I have done, I felt certain that you would betray me, like I betrayed the dark Lord. By finding me, you have saved my life. I thank you, and beg your forgiveness. You must now take me to Dumbledore.' He bowed his head. Harry let out a sigh, as an effort to release the tension of the situation. He could hear Hermione shuffling uncomfortably next to him, and although he couldn't see her, he could tell she was still very miserable. Karkaroff seemed to understand what she was thinking. 'I'm sure Victor's last thoughts were with you' he said sympathetically. Suddenly, there was a single, sharp bark, and they all jumped as Sirius came bounding through the tunnel, into the pit, and transformed into a man. He was holding the mauderers map. It didn't occur to Harry to protest about this, or to ask how Sirius had acquired it. 'Dumbledore and Fudge are in the castle, coming this way. We have little time left. Have you done it?' He gave Hermione a meaningful look, and she screwed her face guiltily back. 'Well, hurry up then!' Hermione stepped forward, and withdrew a tiny bottle if an opaque black liquid from her trouser pocket. She laid it firmly in Karkaroff's palm, without a word, blushing. Sirius spoke for her. 'The fidelous charm, last time I experienced it, was unfortunate.' He blinked, and his mouth twitched. Harry knew that when it was used last, it resulted in the death of Harry's parents. 'This is the best alternative. Hermione brewed it herself.' Harry, Ron and Karkaroff looked baffled. 'A girl so young, brewing this potion herself?' asked Karkaroff, truly happy for the first time. 'Not only that' replied Sirius, 'she invented it herself.' Hermione turned away, embarrassed. Ron raised his eyebrows immeasurably high, but lowered them quickly as Hermione turned to face him. 'I have to go.' she said. 'My parents are waiting for me.' 'But-' began Harry, but in a split second, the wing of an owl brushed past Harry's arm, and was gone. Everybody stared after it. Karkaroff was holding the bottle close to his chest, his mouth opening and closing, apparently lost for words. 'Go! You two, go, just go!' said Sirius, who was frantically examining the map one last time before returning it to Harry. He pushed them out of the pit, and they climbed up through the tunnel, and pushed through the branches. They jogged back to the castle through the pitch- black darkness, occasionally stumbling on a fallen branch, or slipping on the dewy grass. They realised, as they almost reached the steps, that they had forgotten their lantern, but they couldn't go back for it. As they ran through the doors, they glimpsed Fudge and Dumbledore walking down the corridor, plotting, as it seemed, in low voices. Harry and Ron turned down a different corridor that was a short cut. As they walked away from them, Harry could detect a slight hint of sarcasm in Dumbledore's voice, but Fudge seemingly didn't notice. Their voices faded away into the distance. Harry stopped suddenly, outside the portrait of the fat lady 'Ron, we have no Bloombury juice at all!' he shouted, but regretted it straight afterwards, as his voice echoed all around the deserted corridor. Ron grinned mysteriously. They went into the common room, and on the desk which Ron led him to, stood two huge jars of Bloombury juice. 'Even Filch can't complain about this!' said Ron. Harry looked curious. Ron winked at him. 'That's what Godfathers are for!'