"Have you shown this to Dumbledore?" Hank asked, his voice hard.
"We only just found it," Harry explained, shaking his head. "Over there, under the bed next to the door."
Hank looked in the general area that Harry pointed too, before turning his eyes to Ron. "Mr Weasley, would you be so kind, as to take this down to the second floor, and pass it to Albus please?"
Ron paused for a moment, but nodded and took the offered parchment, before turning on his heel and leaving the Wing briskly.
"How would Deatheaters get in here?" Ginny asked in a hushed voice, looking scared. "Someone would have seen them, wouldn't they?"
Hank shook his head, looking grim. "Classes were probably in session when it was slipped in here … but I could be wrong there as well. Then there is the possibility that it wasn't Deatheaters at all."
Harry frowned, confused. "How could it not be Deatheaters?"
Hank seemed to hesitate for a moment, and shot a brief glance at Hermione, before gazing at Harry again. "I should be able to tell, if people that don't belong here, are actually here. If I don't know them, or aren't expecting anyone I do know … then I should know if they came onto the grounds…"
"But you didn't know that Nagini was here," Harry pointed, a little surprised at how much Hank was able to do with the Feline magic, when he'd told him that Humans found it difficult to wield.
Hank grimaced. "It doesn't work with animals, or anything in a transformed state … I'd have to see them with my own eyes, to find out that they didn't belong if that was to happen…"
"So – " Hermione began, "– Are you saying that you think someone at Hogwarts did this? Like … a student or something?"
"But why would they pretend that they were a Deatheater though?" Harry put in before Hank could answer.
"I would think that it was to draw any suspicion away from themselves," Hank answered, scratching his chin in thought. "Anyway … What Deatheater do you know, that would tell you of one of your friends demises, if you were still able to help them? They wouldn't do that. They'd've killed her, and then told you about it … not hurt her, and hinted at where she was…"
Harry was growing more confused by the second. "But who at Hogwarts would do that?" he asked. "Malfoy would be my first choice, but he was in here all morning…"
"Crabbe and Goyle?" Ginny put forward, slumping her shoulders when Hank shook his head firmly.
"No … not intelligent enough…"
"Well, it's got to be someone who knows Malfoy though," said Harry, placing his hand on Ginny's shoulder. "I mean … they were asking Hermione if she knew where he was, weren't they?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes … they did. So that means that whoever it was, was in Slytherin…"
"Again," Harry growled. "First Diego, then Hermione … why do we even keep the Slytherins here?"
"Now Harry," Hank began passively, "You know as well as I do, that not all Slytherins are innately evil. And think about this … If we didn't have the bad, then how would we know what was good? Where there is light, there will always be shadow … it's just how things balance out…"
Harry sighed heavily, "Yeah I know… It's just that, they always seem to cause more trouble than all the others put together."
"I wouldn't say that," Hank grinned. "Those Gryffindor twins seem to cause their own fair share of it?"
"Hey!" said Ginny, giving Hank a mock glare. "I know my brothers can be a little rambunctious, but at least their pranks and tricks don't hurt anyone!"
"Not much," Harry remarked, shooting Ginny a crooked grin.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" she retorted, placing her hands on her hips.
Harry started to laugh at the way Ginny was behaving, but decided to answer her when he saw that she was serious. "It wasn't meant to mean anything," he explained. "I was just thinking of what happened to Dudley when he ate one of Fred and George's toffee's … that's all."
"Oh all right fine!" Ginny exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "So they can be a little detrimental to your health sometimes…"
Harry started laughing again when Ginny began to giggle, unable to keep a straight face at her own remark, for even she knew that Fred and George's jokes could sometimes get out of hand.
"Mr Potter!"
The group turned to see Madame Pomfrey striding purposefully toward them, looking a little stern.
"Y – yes, Madame Pomfrey?" Harry answered, bracing himself for the telling off he would get for being out in the main ward again. Poppy came to a stop, and upon seeing Harry's tenseness, let her face soften slightly.
"Don't look so worried, in fact, you'll probably like what I'm about to tell you."
Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged, before turning back to Poppy. "And that would be…?"
Poppy grinned widely at him and said, "You are now officially fit for release. For all technical purposes, you were just released from my care, and can go anywhere you wish."
Ginny let out a small squeal and proceeded to throw her arms around Harry's neck, to which Harry responded by hugging her back, feeling a broad grin split his face.
"You mean it?" Harry breathed, peering over Ginny's head at the Matron. "I don't have to stay in here any more?"
"That's right," Poppy smiled. "You can leave right now if you want to?"
Harry's smile got even wider and he stepped out of Ginny's arms. "You guy's wouldn't mind if I went for a walk would you?" he asked, glancing at the small gathering.
"Why would we mind?" said Hermione, shaking her head in mild confusion.
"Yeah," Hank added. "If anyone needed to get out of this place, it'd definitely be you."
"Thanks," Harry grinned as he started toward the double doors. "Are you's still going to be here before dinner?" he called, grasping the handle. "'Cause I really need to get out into the air … I've been inside too long…"
"Don't worry Harry!" Ginny answered. "We'll still be here! Go for your walk … or run, depending…" she winked, grinning mischievously.
"Actually … now that you mention it – A run sounds good!" Harry replied, opening the doors and grinning madly before exiting at a jog.
"Umm … A run?" Hermione asked, turning to Ginny bemusedly. "Why a run?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and tutted. "Hermione, he's been inside ever since he got back. He needs to get out in the air, and what better way to do that, than going for a run in the forest in his Animagus?"
"But no one can keep an eye on him if he's in the forest," hissed Hermione. "And I doubt he's meant to be using his Animagus form so carelessly…"
"Hermione," Hank interrupted gently. "Don't think about it. He needs to relax … and the best place for him to do that, is outside. Don't worry, he'll be fine…"
Scowling, but not wanting to make an argument out of it, Hermione nodded and waited for Ron to return from the second floor……
Harry was feeling more ecstatic then he'd felt since he'd been brought back. Although he half wanted to be back with the rest of the school, he was thankful that the halls were pretty much deserted. As he descended a set of stairs, Harry decided that before he went for his stroll, he wanted to have a squiz at the destruction Hank had caused on the second floor.
Rounding the corner, Harry found himself in what looked to be a battle zone. Wide eyed, he picked his way over the splintered wood speechlessly, not even noticing that there were some students in the hall with him; all of whom were staring at him as though he were a ghost.
Harry's eyes wandered, finally spotting his spectators. Swallowing nervously, Harry raised a hand and waved, trying to give them a smile. To his immense disquiet, the students cringed and swiftly exited the hallway, hurrying around the corner muttering to themselves. Harry let his hand fall to his side, sighing heavily as he tried to push down the surge of resentment that had risen within him.
Not wanting to run into anyone else at present, Harry left the hall and continued downward, hoping that his walk outside would alleviate his turmoil. As he walked, he caught glimpses of some more of the student body, and felt himself growing more irate as they all stared or cowered away from him. Harry held back his desire to lash out at them verbally, and quickened his pace, hoping that the open air would help him calm down.
"Mr Potter!" a cold voice rang out, just as he was about to step into the Entrance Hall. Shutting his eyes, Harry clenched his jaw and turned around, opening his eyes to see a bristling, and befuddled Snape approaching him. Harry grimaced as even more students stopped to stare at them, obviously attracted by Snape hollering his name.
"You are supposed to be in the Hospital Wing, Mr Potter," said Snape, his beady eyes glinting malevolently. "Or are such precautionary measures below your stature?"
Harry had to bite his tongue against the snappish retort that had flown to his mouth without a second thought. He could see the potions master growing impatient with him, for not responding, and was growing more irate by the second, as all the students in the Hall were now focused on their conversation.
Seeing that Snape was about to start reprimanding him, Harry decided to try and subtly tell him that he needed to cool of, lest something unforgivable happen.
"Madame Pomfrey just let me out, Sir," Harry replied coolly. His eyes bore into Snape's stonily as he said, "And this really isn't the best of times Professor. Might I request some fresh air?"
Snape's eyes flashed as he registered what Harry was saying, also noticing the strain in his voice as he spoke. Snape glanced briefly at the surrounding students, and Harry wished that he would just play along. His frustration at being gawked at was getting to him.
"Very well, Potter," Snape said icily, a thin smile appearing on his lips. Harry nodded curtly before turning on his heel and continued for the Main Entrance. Harry knew that Snape was aware of the dangers when it came to antagonizing him, and payed it little heed when Snape behaved so coldly toward him. He had an appearance to keep intact after all. Totally ignoring the stares he was now receiving, Harry burst out of the castle and into the open, feeling a good amount of his anger dissipate with the cool afternoon breeze. Harry breathed in deeply, looking up at the sky as he strode across the grounds, settling himself down.
Unconsciously, he found himself strolling along the familiar path on the edge of the lake, now almost totally oblivious to the few students who'd had the idea of a relaxing stroll before dinner, as they pointed or skirted around him. Harry halted on the far side, smiling as the breeze ruffled his unruly hair, taking the remanence of his anger with it.
He didn't know how long he'd stood there for, but before Harry knew it, all the drifting students had gone indoors, and the sky was growing dark … a red hue still visible on the horizon. Sighing lightly, Harry looked around, making sure he was alone, before trudging into the bushes and transforming. He knew he shouldn't, but he wanted to have a quick run, before resigning himself for the long hours inside the castle; where everyone would undoubtedly be as wary as they were when he'd walked the halls earlier on.
Harry tore off into the forest, relishing the feel of the wind on his body as he leapt over and dodged fallen trees and other obstacles in his path. Harry knew that he wouldn't be able to travel at such a reckless speed if he was human, but the heightened senses his Animagus granted him made his daring more manageable. Harry tore around the edge of the shrubbery, growing closer to the castle as he travelled. He slowed his sprint to a graceful saunter, breathing in the scent of the forest as he drew closer to the clearing.
Harry stopped at the tree line, feeling reluctant to return to the hostility his presence inspired, but shook the thought from his mind almost immediately. He wouldn't desert his friends again, not now that they know what he was going through. Heaving a heavy sigh, Harry transformed again with a small pop, and began his walk toward the Entrance.
Harry had barely taken a few steps though, when he saw a figure venture out into the grounds, away from the Great Hall, where most people would be for dinner. Whoever it was, hadn't seen him for he was still in the dark shadows the castle produced at dusk. Harry narrowed his eyes at the figure, trying to see better in the dimming light, but found it futile. Glancing around him again, Harry transformed so he could take advantage of the night vision it granted him.
As Harry prowled around the edge of the forest, keeping out of sight, he wondered why this person – who he now recognised – was roaming the grounds. They vanished into the shrubbery and Harry quickly ambled over to the area. His first thought was that they were out here looking for him, and he smiled inwardly at the thought. Harry followed the sounds of their footfalls in the undergrowth, shaking his head as he thought that he should probably teach them some stuff on stealth.
Harry stopped, unmoving as he heard a noise that didn't belong. He swivelled his ears, hoping to hear the sound again, but it wasn't repeated. Taking a last sweeping glance around him, Harry continued to silently stalk the figure he'd followed. Harry grinned as he realized that the person was headed for the lake, obviously thinking that they might find him there. Estimating how far ahead they were, Harry deviated from the path and went the long way, hoping get in front of them, should they decide to venture around the lake.
Harry stopped inside the tree line, peering through the shrubbery as the person grew closer. Harry smiled as the person kept on stopping, looking around as though they knew something was watching them. Harry crouched down further, as they approached his area, and began staring across the lake; their back facing him.
Harry stared at them for a few minutes, before slinking noiselessly into the trees and transforming. Taking great pains to be silent, which he found distinctly harder as a person, Harry slowly snuck up behind the person he'd been following, and quietly said, "Planning on skipping dinner?"
Harry laughed out loud as Ginny jumped about a foot in the air, and whirled around to face him, fists raised and ready for a fight. Harry quickly grasped her wrists in his hands and said, "Whoa! Easy tiger, it's only me!"
"Harry?" said Ginny uncertainly, peering through the darkness. "Where have you been?" she asked when she'd ascertained that it was indeed him. "You didn't come back to the Ward by the time dinner started, and I was beginning to think…"
She shook her head and Harry felt guilt cut through him like a blade. She'd thought that he had left again, and came out to look for him. Harry quickly stepped forward and gave Ginny a comforting hug, to which she responded by wrapping her arms around his waist as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I made you worry, Ginny," said Harry gently. "I just lost track of time, and was actually on my way back in when I saw you come out."
Ginny looked up at him with mock indignation. "Are you saying that I came all the way out here for nothing, Mr Potter?" she said playfully. "Why didn't you come out earlier then?"
Harry shrugged offhandedly. "Dunno. I think I was having too much fun just by — " Harry stopped abruptly as he heard a noise in the forest, and spun around to face it, standing in front of Ginny protectively.
"What is it?" Ginny whispered into his ear, peering over his shoulder, her voice laced with uncertainty.
"Shhh!" said Harry, straining his ears to hear the noise again, and staring into the dense bushes. He knew that something was out there … but it was beyond his line of sight. "Let's get out of here," he suggested hurriedly, turning back to Ginny and taking her hand. They started back toward the castle briskly; Harry glancing at their surroundings edgily as they started into the undergrowth. They'd probably made it half way through the band of forest separating the lake from the clearing, when Harry came to a sudden stop.
"What?" Ginny asked, looking around nervously.
Harry didn't answer her, and continued to stare into the darkness. "Stay here," he muttered, releasing his grasp on her hand, as he began to move away from the path, into the forest. Harry hadn't the faintest clue, as to why he was drawn to wherever he was headed, but his instincts were screaming at him, telling him that there was something that didn't belong, hiding in the general area.
Taking a chance, Harry transformed, allowing his mind to be flooded with the new sensations that his heightened senses allowed him to experience. His vision became much clearer, and he could hear Ginny's nervous breathing from a few yards behind him. Harry's eyes darted around as he heard a rustling of leaves ahead of him, but what was puzzling him was that the sound had come from below his line of sight. Harry inched stealthily toward the said area, hearing his own heart beating faster with anticipation.
Harry heard the rustling again and turned his face toward it, spotting movement on the ground about fifteen feet away. Harry felt as though his heart had frozen in his chest at the sight that befell him. Peering out from behind some stones, was a rat … and in the moonlight, Harry gnashed his teeth as the glint from a silver paw caught his eye.
Harry heard Wormtail squeal as he tore toward Hogwarts, terror from being seen, by a lion no less, in every move he made. Totally abandoning any subtlety, Harry let out a deafening roar of rage as he also took off at top speed, never letting his eyes off his parents betrayer.
The two animals burst from the forest and darted across the grounds, zigging and zagging as one pursued the other relentlessly. Harry was making a huge racket, roaring in frustration each time he seemed to get Wormtail in his paws, only to dart suddenly and avoid capture. Harry could hear Ginny shouting at him as she ran across the grounds, but Harry wasn't listening. He had to catch him. It was the only was to prove Sirius was innocent.
Wormtail dashed up the staircase and into the Entrance Hall, Harry right on his tail, oblivious of the fact that they were now inside the castle……
"So Hank thinks that a student tried to kill you?" said Ron, looking as if he'd eaten a vomit flavoured Bertie Botts Bean. "But who…?"
"That's what we couldn't figure out," said Hermione, staring glumly down at her plate of food. Both she and Ron were in the Great Hall, playing with their food. Ron had come back to the Ward after delivering the note Harry had found to Dumbledore, and she and Ginny accompanied him down to dinner. It was as they'd reached the Marble Staircase, that Ginny had declared that she would go outside in an attempt to find Harry. After a stern look from Hermione, Ron grudgingly agreed that she could leave.
Hermione glanced around the Hall, noting that quite a large number of the students seemed to be giving them both curious or piercing looks. Hermione didn't need to figure out why … they were all wondering why Harry wasn't with them, when Dumbledore himself had announced at Breakfast, that he would be fit to return by the time Dinner rocked around.
She stole a glance up at the Head Table, and was not surprised when Remus caught her eye, silently asking her if she knew where Harry could be, for his eyes perused the Gryffindor table before returning pointedly back to her. Hermione sighed and shrugged her shoulders, well aware that she was looking quite anxious.
"He's fine Hermione," Ron spoke up gently, seeing the wordless conversation she was having with Remus. "He's probably just enjoying being out of the Ward so much, that he lost track of time."
Hermione shot a sharp look at Ron, who flinched faintly and went back to his meal.
"How can you lose over two hours Ron? Even he's bound to notice when he can't see due to the sun no longer being in the sky!"
"Keep your voice down!" hissed Ron, shooting looks at the people who'd been attracted by Hermione's raised voice. "He's been cooped up in the Hospital Wing for almost a week Hermione. You try and imagine how that'd make you feel. I mean — He's only spent one night in his own bed! He managed to get himself admitted to the Ward for the first few nights he was here, and then he took off … Lived in the forest, got shot, and spent every moment of every day, since he got back, in that room. I think even you can agree he needs a little space?"
Hermione sighed heavily and nodded reluctantly. She hated to admit it, but Ron was right. Suddenly, both her and Ron gave each other a frightened look as they heard a noise they both knew, echo through the air, audible over the noise Dinner created.
"That wasn't what I think it was, was it?" said Hermione as Ron swivelled around in his seat, just as the noise was heard again. Hermione looked on as about a dozen of the Gryffindor students, including Ron, got to their feet and looked out the windows behind them, overlooking the courtyard.
Hermione threw a look over her shoulder and saw identical expressions on both Remus's and Dumbledore's faces. Hermione looked down at Remus's feet and saw that Sirius had risen to his paws also, looking up at the two Professors as he listened to their rushed conversation. Sirius had been residing in his mountainside cave since Harry's return to the school, and came tonight so he could see how Harry handled his reintroduction to the students. Hermione sighed and shook her head. Why couldn't something go without a hitch for once?
"Everyone will please sit back down at their respective tables!" Dumbledore called out, his deep voice echoing around the Hall. "There is no need to panic, for Professor Lupin and myself have surmised, that one of Professor O'Fallen's animals must have gotten loose from it's pen … again," he added, almost humorously.
Hermione studied Dumbledore's face and could tell that he was only trying to alleviate the curiosity that they were feeling as the noise grew closer to the castle. Remus caught her eye and she could see the underlying concern at what must be going on outside, for Harry to be causing the ruckus that he was. Sirius, she could tell, was extremely worried, and by the way he was holding himself, was anxious to tear out of the Hall and see what was happening for himself.
"In light of this," Dumbledore continued, "I think it would be wise to continue Dinner in the — "
Hermione, and just about every other person in the Hall, jumped out of their seats as a loud bang was heard, out in the Entrance Hall, followed by the unmistakable roar of a lion. Some of the younger students began to panic, as Hermione got the distinct impression that Harry was demolishing the Entrance Hall. She glanced at Ron, who was looking at the Double Doors in trepidation, clearly anxious to know what would make Harry make so much noise, and be so volatile while in his Animagus.
"Everyone up to this end of the Hall!" Remus shouted, moving with Snape, McGonagall and Dumbledore, from behind the Head Table. Everyone obliged except for Hermione and Ron, who knew what was out there, but forgetting that they had to pretend that they didn't.
"What d'you thinks happened?" Ron whispered loud enough to be heard by Hermione as they stood at the tableside, trying to keep out of the way of those that were rushing past them.
"I don't know," Hermione answered. "But I don't think I want to find out either!"
"Miss Granger! Mr Weasley!" Remus called as he approached them quickly. "You should be at the other end of the Hall," he said forcefully, as the other teachers came up behind him.
"We were – " Hermione stopped as she saw that all the Professors, other than Dumbledore, had their wands drawn. "What are those for?" she hissed, gazing at Remus imploringly.
Remus shook his head. "Now you of all people should know how bad he is when he's like this … and I don't want to know how much worse he could be while he's the way he is."
"But it doesn't affect him while he's transformed!" Hermione explained hurriedly, alarmed that they would have attacked Harry with intent to hurt him. "Something else must have happened – "
"Miss Granger," Snape interrupted coldly, sneering down at her. "You are only a student, not one of the Professors, and should behave as such. You will move to the end of the Hall with the other students and take him with you." he finished, jerking his greasy head in Ron's direction.
Hermione refused to give up on this argument however, and Ron seemed as infuriated by Snape's words as she was. "You can't hurt him!" she pleaded. "He's still himself, I promise he is — !"
Hermione didn't get to continue however, for the doors to the Great hall were opened roughly, and a golden brown lion burst forth through them, issuing deafening roars as it focused on something on the ground in front of it.
Hermione and Ron were pushed behind the professors as some of the students began to scream and yell at the sight of an enraged Lion bearing down upon them. Hermione once again yelled out for them to stop, but wasn't able to be heard above the noise that was already echoing around the Hall. On the verge of hysteria, Hermione tried to focus on what was causing Harry to behave in such a strange way. She turned her eyes to just in front of Harry, as he darted toward the throng of students, and felt her heart stop as she saw a small, yet instantly recognisable, Rat, fleeing from Harry's jaws and claws.
"NO!" she shrieked, colliding with Snape as he raised his wand and started to throw a curse Harry's way.
"Hermione!" Remus yelled, utterly shocked by what she'd just done, but didn't get to do anything else, as he saw Sirius dart from where he was sitting and start toward Harry.
"See!" Hermione breathed into Remus's ear, pointing at the ground. "Snuffles has seen him too!"
"Miss Granger!" Snape spat venomously, glaring at Hermione as he regained his footing. "Are you insane? He needs to be stopped!"
"Calm yourself Severus," said Dumbledore firmly. "It appears that our two companions have found something of great importance."
Snape looked at Dumbledore bemusedly, but didn't get to ask what they had found, for at that moment, the gathering of teachers, along with Hermione and Ron, had to jump to the side, as Harry and Sirius came bounding toward them.
Hermione cowered as Harry leapt through the air, a deafening roar reverberating around the Hall as he landed on the other side of the Gryffindor table, with Sirius a little way behind him. Harry turned, facing Sirius, and snarled menacingly as his eyes followed Wormtail, now darting from in between the two animals, back towards the Entrance Hall.
Sirius barked at Harry once, and Harry leapt smoothly over the Gryffindor table again, the both of them tearing down the Great Hall in pursuit of their quarry.
"Albus! Shut the doors!" said Remus urgently, finally spotting the silver pawed rat just in front of his two comrades.
Obligingly, Dumbledore waved a hand and the doors to the Great Hall began to swing shut, causing the students at the other end of the Hall to protest excessively, for they thought that the Headmaster was locking two wild animals in the room with them.
Hermione watched, with baited breath, as the Oak doors swung shut, as if in slow motion. Her breath caught in her throat as the gap grew smaller, barely hearing Ron's triumphant cheer a moment before the doors connected … but he'd celebrated too soon. Wormtail put on a sudden burst of speed and shot through the minuscule gap, just as the Oak doors closed, immediately followed by Harry and Sirius careening into it, with a resounding crunch.
"Damn!!" Remus spat, slamming the palm of his hand on the table, startling Hermione and Ron. This went almost unnoticed however, for Harry had regained his footing, and was pounding at the Doors relentlessly, actually causing the hardwood to splinter and flake with the ferocity of the blows; leaving long gouges in the magnificent doors with his razor sharp claws.
"We have to get him to stop!" said Hermione hurriedly, stepping up next to Remus. "He's only going to end up hurting himself!"
"How?" Remus answered shortly. "It's not as if we can call him by his name now, is it?"
Hermione tried to think, but it was being made difficult by Harry's continuous noise, mixed with that of the other students, and the added racket that Sirius was making as he barked at Harry, obviously trying to get him to settle down.
Hermione looked around her and got an idea. A crude idea, she had to admit, but an idea none the less. "Are any of you any good at Cricket?"……
Harry couldn't believe that Wormtail had gotten away from him. He pounded at the doors again, desperate to get through them and continue his chase, and ignoring the way Sirius was barking at him to stop. Harry paused for an instant as he gauged if he was making any progress, when he felt something hard strike him on the head. Harry grunted and shook his head clear of the stars that appeared in front of his eyes, and glanced at the floor.
Harry spun around, baring his fangs, both in anger and in confusion as to why someone had directed a Cricket Ball at his skull. His eyes immediately fell upon the small group that was gathered near him, and spotted Remus with another red ball in his hand, looking both worried, and awkward. Harry felt a twinge of severe insult toward Remus at first, but it vanished the instant Harry's eyes registered the state the Great Hall was in.
There was food, plates and goblets, littering the stone floor, in front of the Head table, which Harry now realized had almost the whole school cowering behind it. Harry hadn't realized he'd done so much, he was so focused on getting Wormtail in his grasp. He must've looked upset with himself, for Harry heard Sirius whine softly from beside him. Harry looked down, seeing that Sirius hadn't noticed exactly how much they'd done to the Hall either. He was looking distinctly worried as well. Sirius turned his eyes to Harry's and both knew what the other was thinking. "We're in big trouble."
"As I was saying before I was interrupted," Dumbledore called, turning back toward the students, who were all looking mightily confused as to why Remus threw a ball at a rampaging Lion, in order to calm it down. "Dinner will be finished in the House Common Rooms. Prefects will kindly lead their houses back to the Dorms now."
Dumbledore smirked faintly as the students barely moved an inch, still eyeing off the two animals near the Doors warily. "And don't worry about these two," Dumbledore gestured to Harry and Sirius. "They won't hurt anyone … but you probably don't believe me anyway," he muttered as expressions of great trepidation made their way toward the two animals. Raising his eyebrows, Dumbledore beckoned Harry and Sirius toward him, which they did obediently. "See! No harm in them," he declared, as they both sat at his side, looking a trifle nervous.
As the Prefects warily began to lead their houses through the Oak Doors, Dumbledore turned to a rather put out Hermione, and said, "We shall be discussing this in my office. You have permission to come up when you're finished with your house. Mr Weasley, you can come now if you like…"
***
"It's too bad that you didn't catch him," Remus muttered to Harry as they all sat in Dumbledore's office. Sirius was laying at Remus's feet, because McGonagall didn't know who he really was. As it was she was surprised to learn that Harry was the lion in the hall, and even more astonished when she found out that he was an unregistered Animagus, thanks to Dumbledore.
Harry scowled at Remus, pushing away his barely touched plate of food. "But I should've. I was so close to catching him, and I let him get away…"
"After demolishing the Great Hall mind you," Snape butt in heatedly. "I'm surprised that no one got injured because of your reckless behaviour."
"You were the one that was gonna curse him!" Ron shot back in reply, falling silent as Snape bared down on him.
"Mr Weasley," Snape began icily. "First of all, mind your tongue. Secondly … no one saw it fit to inform us that Mr Potter is unaffected by this Bond, while transformed. Though you wouldn't have thought so judging by his behaviour…"
"That is enough Severus," said Dumbledore, ending the discussion. "We all know why Harry was acting a little out of character at the time, and it's quite understandable…"
"So you say…" McGonagall muttered, looking very confused. "Why on earth would Mr Potter cause such a fuss over a common rat?"
"It wasn't just some common rat!" Harry exclaimed, slapping the armrests exasperatedly. "It was Wormtail! Peter Pettigrew!"
"Oh honestly, not this story again," McGonagall turned to Dumbledore. "Albus, tell me that you don't believe them…"
Dumbledore glanced down at Sirius for a moment, before returning his blue eyes to McGonagall. "The story is indeed, very true, Minerva. Peter Pettigrew is very much alive, and Sirius Black did not commit the crimes for which he was imprisoned."
McGonagall just shook her head. "Remus, you don't believe this do you?" Remus nodded, so she directed her gaze to Snape. "Severus?"
Snape's features darked, but he still nodded curtly. "As much as I would like to deny it … it is true. Black was framed by Pettigrew, and he is still very much alive…"
"Well if it wasn't for you in the first place, we could have proven that fact two years ago!" Remus snapped, glaring at the potions master. "As it was you were prepared to hand both him *and* me, over to the Dementors!"
"I didn't know that he didn't do it, Lupin!" snapped Snape, swivelling to stare him in the eye.
"So," Remus retorted, scowling. "You knew that I hadn't done anything, and you still saw it fit to gag and tie me, before I had the chance to explain to you, what I had explained to Harry and his friends!"
Snape made to make another retort, but didn't get there as Harry leapt to his feet, rounding on the two professors.
"It doesn't matter anymore!" he spat, glaring at the both of them. "It happened, we can't change that, so why don't both of you just grow up!"
Remus sat there, absolutely stunned, while Snape appeared livid. He glowered at Harry and opened his mouth to scorn him, but the instant he did so, he felt Remus's hand clasp itself over it. He turned to glare at him, and saw a look as if to say "are you insane?" plastered on his face.
Realizing what he was about to do, and what the consequences of that would most likely be, Snape sighed heavily and nodded, knowing that this was going to be a very difficult year.
Remus removed his hand from Severus's mouth and turned back to Harry, who was now looking near terror. The effects of the outburst had faded, and he was now left with the memories of what he'd said while under it's influence.
"I … I'm so sorry … I didn't mean to … it's just that — " Harry stopped when Remus got to his feet and approached him, feeling his hands begin to shake.
Remus saw this and stopped his approach, feeling a wave of sorrow wash over him. He was only just beginning to see, just how much it affected Harry each time he let himself fly off the handle, no matter how small the outburst might be. After all, a little one, like the one he just had, could easily turn into a full blown rage if the wrong things were said or done.
Harry hastily sat back down in his chair and avoided eye contact with everyone. Sirius whined softly and rested his head on Harry's knee, as Remus went and knelt by his chair.
"It's all right Harry," he said gently. "We know why you do this, and don't hold you personally responsible for whatever you say or do … though some of us forget that fact," he added, shooting an accusing glare toward Snape.
"I am well aware of the dangers, Lupin," Snape growled scathingly. "But after teaching him for four years, it's almost a reflex now…"
"I think it's time that we brought an end to this line of discussion," said Dumbledore, his tone saying that the subject was indeed closed. "And try to determine what Peter was here for. I myself find it quite peculiar that he would come alone, given how he would be recognised if he were to be seen by any of us."
"Well," Harry began hesitantly. "Voldemort has already found out that I am back at the school … so maybe he sent Peter to see if I was back with the student body, of if I was still in the Ward?"
"That is possible, yes," Dumbledore replied, looking pensive. "But I find it difficult to believe that Voldemort would take such a direct approach on that matter, now that he has his new allies. No doubt, they would have tried to convince him to do things in a round about, or more complex manner. Peter could merely have been a distraction, to move our attention from something else of importance?"
"Do you think Wormtail could still be on the grounds?" Ron put forward, almost timidly. He wasn't used to being in on these types of discussions.
"I would find it unlikely … but there is the possibility that he could still be here. Why?"
Ron shifted in his seat nervously. "Well … Maybe he was sent to see if Hermione was still alive?"
"But, I thought Hank said that it was a student who did that?" Harry said, confused. "And why would Voldemort have any interest in her anyway? Besides … whoever did that to her, was asking about Malfoy, not me. It doesn't make any sense."
"It was just an idea, Harry," said Ron glumly, crossing his arms and sinking lower into his chair. He was starting to get sick and tired of everyone brushing his ideas and input aside. Couldn't they tell that he was only trying to help?
"Yes Mr Weasley, it was an idea. And a rather interesting one at that," said Dumbledore, trying to get Ron's mood up again. "Everyone's point of view is important, because it gives us a different angle to examine things from. And I know that this is going to seem like déjà vu, but we could use one more point of view … Snuffles?"
Everyone bar McGonagall looked at Sirius, who glanced at the Transfiguration teacher for a moment, before transforming with a small pop. ………
Hermione eyed all the students as they mingled in the common room, all chatting about the excitement during dinner. She didn't know why, but she had a feeling that there was something amiss, and continually found herself staring into the mass, as though looking for something that she didn't know was missing.
"Hey Hermione!" she heard someone call. She turned around and came face to face with Seamus and Dean, looking a little confused about something.
"Wasn't that Hank's Lion? You know, the one he had in CoMC this morning?" asked Dean.
"Yes," she answered hesitantly, not sure as to why they would ask her such a question. "Why do you ask?"
"Oh no reason really," said Seamus. "It's just that, we noticed that he wasn't at Dinner tonight, and thought that maybe he had an accident with that Lion … you know … he could've been feeding it, and it got loose on him or something?"
"Either that or he set him loose on purpose!" Fred called from across the room, George grinning at his elbow. "It would've been an ingenious prank to play … I mean, no one even got hurt or anything from him!"
"I found it distinctly strange that it payed no attention to Professor Lupin's dog though?" George suggested. "It looked like it was friends with it or something?"
"And what were they chasing?" a second year boy asked. "That lion was chasing it around while it was out in the courtyard, before it came into the Great Hall!"
The questions continued, and soon, people were guessing at the answers to them. Not one of them came remotely close to the truth though. Hermione recommenced gazing absently around the room, before remembering that Dumbledore and the others were having a discussion in his office. Taking another nervous sweep of the room, Hermione made for the Portrait Hole, catching a snippet of conversation on the way that made her stop in her tracks…
"… Hey, have either of you two seen Ginny?" a girl Hermione recognised as one of Ginny's friends asked Fred and George. "It's just that we were going to do our Divination homework, and I can't seem to find her anywhere…"
Hermione's chest tightened as Fred and George exchanged a brief look and shook their heads, taking a moment to browse the room in the process.
"No, sorry Pam … we haven't seen her…"
Hermione immediately dashed from the Common Room, and tore toward Dumbledore's office. Now she knew what was eating at the back of her mind … she hadn't seen Ginny in the room, and was now realizing, what with all the commotion Harry and Sirius caused, that she hadn't come back into the Great Hall for Dinner, after going to look for Harry.
"Oh Ron, please don't flip out," Hermione begged silently, almost imagining the reaction Ron would have at the news that his little sister was unaccounted for……
Ginny moaned softly as she came too. Blearily, she opened her eyes, only to find herself out in a clearing, tied to a stake in the ground. She didn't recognise the area, but that task was made difficult when you only had star and moonlight to go by. The last thing she remembered before being knocked out, was watching Harry dart into the castle, chasing something on the ground. She remembered running after him, but only got a few steps before something grabbed her from behind and she blacked out.
Ginny tried to stand, but soon found that that wouldn't be possible. She was tied too tightly. Ginny looked around, trying to see if anyone was around, but strangely saw no one. As far as she could tell, she was alone. Ginny frowned as she felt something in her robes, and was extremely surprised to find her wand, still in her pocket … not that it would do her any good at the moment.
Suddenly, Ginny felt as though she was being watched, and looked around to see if she could find whoever it might be. Narrowing her eyes, she spotted a form, standing in the shadows too her left, leaning against a tree casually.
The figure straightened when she looked at it, and Ginny could judge by their size compared to the tree they was standing beside, that they were of a considerable height and build. Ginny felt fear begin to creep up her spine, as the form began to stride toward her slowly, apparently taking their time. As they grew nearer, Ginny could now distinguish that whoever this person was, was a male, and although she had yet to see his face or hear his voice, she could already tell that he had a most sinister nature. It seemed to radiate from him, simply by the way he moved.
"Sleeping Beauty awakes," he called from about half way across the clearing. Ginny shivered as he spoke. His voice was smooth and deep, and Ginny was sure that given the right circumstances he could have sounded gentle and kind … but currently it made her feel as if she'd swallowed a bucket of ice.
"Cold, princess?" he asked, striding closer. Ginny could hear that he was smiling cruelly at her as he spoke, so she shook her head and tried to ignore the bitter cold night air. Ginny heard him tut at her and saw his shadow shaking his head.
"Now now princess," he admonished mockingly. "Lying will get you nowhere. One hopes you don't continue the habit all night, otherwise it could be detrimental to your health…"
Ginny's throat tightened at the implications he was hinting at, and was silently begging for anyone she knew to find her … but no one knew where she was, and she didn't even know if they'd noticed she was missing. There was one question above all others that she wanted to know though … what did this man want with her? She held no importance or had anything that anyone would want, so why was she here?
"The answer to that is quite simple, princess," the man said quietly, as he raised his arm and pointed at the ground. The next moment, a small fire had appeared a couple of feet to Ginny's left, sitting between her and her captor. She looked up at him, seeing his powerfully built frame, wearing smart looking Muggle clothing. His black shoes shined in the firelight and his neat navy blue trousers failed to hide the form of the legs under them. The same went for the deep green button down shirt he wore, his black necktie swinging in the breeze. "I need to ask you some questions."
Ginny looked up into his piercing blue eyes, ignoring the superior grin on his chiselled features; partially hidden by a neatly trimmed goatee. His blonde hair was tied back in neat ponytail and only just brushed his shoulders. If it wasn't for the sense of energy and power she got from him, Ginny would have guessed that he was in his forty's.
"You can read minds too?" asked Ginny, trying to sound defiant and not show the fear that she was feeling. "Well why even bother asking me anything if you can just go in and find it yourself?"
"Hmmm, we are feisty, aren't we?" he grinned, raising his hand and taking a drag from his cigarette. "And where's the fun in that? Not that I'm able to anyway," he growled. "You'd need to be willing, for me to be able to raid your mind … as it is I can only pick up the surface … not that that is entirely useless," he added, flicking the butt of his cigarette into the fire he conjured.
Ginny narrowed her eyes at him. The abilities he was telling her about, or had already showed her, sounded much like the same magic that Hank was able to use … but this man seemed like his exact opposite in every way?
"Who are you?" she asked boldly, wanting to have a name if she was somehow able to get out of the mess she was in.
The man smiled sadistically down at her, and for a while she thought that he was going to ignore her question, until he answered, "My name is Piedro," he answered, giving her a mock bow. "Piedro Macarthur. And if I heard correctly, you know someone by the name of Hank. Would that be Hank O'Fallen?"
Ginny almost balked at the look of intense loathing in Piedro's eyes as he spoke Hank's name, but also knew that it was pointless to lie to him if he could hear what she was thinking.
"Yes, it is. Why?"
Piedro merely smiled, his eyes betraying the amount of glee he was really feeling that Hank was at the school. "We have a history…" he muttered. "A history that I'm quite sure he's never told anyone … not even that Dumbledore fellow he gets on so well with."
"Hank tells us everything," Ginny shot at him, feeling angry that this bloke would even hint that Hank kept important information from them.
Piedro raised an eyebrow and grinned knowingly at her. "Oh he does, does he? Hmmm…" He started to pace casually, back and forth in front of Ginny, apparently thinking deeply. "Funny how everyone seems to be at that school … its almost to coincidental … Makes everything easier in the long run I suppose…?"
"Is there a particular reason why you wanted to ask me questions?" Ginny spoke up bravely, halting Piedro's musings. "Because it seems as if you already know whatever it was that you wanted to find out?"
Ginny barely had time to react as Piedro quickly reached out and struck her across the face with the back of his hand, causing her head to whip around and hit the stake she was tied to. Ginny groaned as she tried to stop the world from spinning, tasting blood as she felt a dribble of it run down her chin. She felt something cold and sharp press into her neck, and looked up to see a sword at her throat.
"Your attitude is quickly irritating me, princess," Piedro growled menacingly, his blue eyes flashing in anger. "Keep it up, and I'll remove your voice box … permanently…"
Ginny eyed the blade and obediently remained silent, feeling tears burning her eyes as the pain in her cheek intensified, and the full weight of her situation began to dawn on her. Piedro withdrew the sword and it vanished with a small glow, soon resuming his pacing and muttering under his breath. ……
As soon as Minerva registered that Sirius was standing in front of her, she immediately leapt to her feet and drew her wand.
"Oh for the love of Pete!" Ron yelled, darting forward and ripping the wand forcefully from her hand.
"Mr Weasley! Are you out of your mind?" McGonagall shrieked, trying to retrieve her wand.
"Minerva, please calm yourself!" Dumbledore said forcefully. "The last time someone reacted this way, Harry here was almost killed!"
"By him most likely!" McGonagall shot back, pointing an accusing finger at Sirius. "He's been after Mr Potter since his escape!"
"Didn't you here a single thing we just told you!" Harry shouted, getting to his feet and standing in front of Sirius. "Sirius didn't do anything, it was Peter, and in case you didn't notice, everyone in this room, other than you, believes that! If nothing else convinces you, that should!!"
"It's all right Harry," said Sirius gently, placing a light hand on his shoulder. "She's entitled to her opinion, just like everyone else is…"
Harry spun around. "Not if it ends you back in Azkaban!" he said determinedly. "You're not going back there, ever. I don't care what anyone says…"
There were a few moments where nothing was said. McGonagall was just looking at them all, and took in the way Harry and Sirius were around each other. Harry didn't seem the least bit afraid of him.
"Mr Weasley," Dumbledore spoke into the silence. "I think it is safe, to return Minerva's wand to her, don't you agree?"
Ron looked at the wand in his hand, and glanced sheepishly at a stern looking McGonagall, before holding the stick out to her.
"Thank you, Mr Weasley," she said, immediately pocketing it. "Alright Mr Black … I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but only because no one here seems to have any sense in them…"
Everyone's attention was diverted by the office door flying open; a winded Hermione stumbling into the room.
"Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked, frowning at the panicky look on her face. "Whatever is wrong?"
Hermione clutched at the stich in her side as she leant on Harry's chair for support. "I … just finished with … the House … when I noticed … that Ginny was missing…" she panted, looking worriedly at everyone, her eyes lingering on Ron.
"What do you mean she's missing?" Ron demanded, rounding on Hermione. "She went out…" he trailed off.
"Looking for me…" Harry finished, his throat tight. "We did run into each other, out by the lake," he explained hurriedly. "On our way back in, I heard something and that's when I chased Wormtail into the castle … I left her on her own…"
"And she didn't come back? At all?" Ron asked Hermione, a desperate edge in his voice.
"Try not to jump to conclusions, Mr Weasley," said Dumbledore bracingly. "There is always the possibility that she was only missed in the masses … but in light of the current situation, I find that most unlikely…"
"Hang on," Harry spoke up suddenly. "Didn't Hank find you Hermione?"
Hermione nodded, "Yes he did, but he couldn't pick up on my thoughts because I was unconscious at the time … at least, that's how I understood it…"
"Well, we could at least have him try it, couldn't we?"
"Now hold on Harry," said Sirius. "After what I was told, Hank shouldn't be put under that kind of strain so soon … not after what he did with Hermione. And there's no guarantee that Ginny's even on the grounds, let alone conscious…"
"Well I don't care what any of you think!" Ron interrupted heatedly, brushing past Hermione and heading for the office door. "I'm gonna go tell him, and he can decide for himself. Hermione almost died when she was taken, I'm not risking the same with my sister!"
With that, Ron stormed through the door, slamming it shut in his wake.
"Albus," started McGonagall, "are you going to just let him get away with speaking to us like that?"
"What!?" Harry spun around, glaring at McGonagall in disbelief. "Ginny is *missing* … and you're worried about his manners!" Harry shook his head and turned on his heel, following Ron's path. "Are you coming Hermione?"
Hermione took one apologetic look to all the Professors and Sirius, noticing that they all looked rather shocked by their behaviour, and sighed heavily. "Wait up Harry!" she called, as he was about to shut the door. He held it open for her, and took one more scathing look inside, before shutting the door forcefully, and descending the Spiral Staircase with Hermione……
Sirius watched, thunderstruck, as Harry glared at them before slamming the door shut. Unable to use his voice, Sirius turned to look at the others speechlessly, seeing the same bewildered looks on their faces.
"Well," Remus chimed, plastering a grim smile on his face. "That went well, don't you think?"
"You're not serious are you, Lupin?" Snape drawled, sneering. "Albus, I hope you're not going to allow their behaviour toward us to go unpunished?"
Dumbledore's eyes had remained fixed on the door since the students left, and only now did he avert his eyes to glance at Snape. "I believe that we shall have to get used to this sort of thing, Severus," he answered, sighing. "Especially while Harry is affected by his Bond. It would only be dangerous to argue the point with him, seeing how it considers Miss Weasley … and reprimanding either Mr Weasley or Miss Granger, would incite almost the same response from him. It's best that we only advise them for now, and deal with whatever happens due to their actions, for to do anything else would be most unwise … and unhealthy, I would imagine…"
Snape leant forward and rested his hands on Dumbledore's desk, a vein throbbing in his temple. "If I may say so, Albus, but to allow them such leeway is only going to inhibit our authority over them. The next thing we know, they'll be cutting classes, or showing no respect whatsoever, because they know they could get away with it."
"Hold on Severus," said Remus, frowning at him. "I have no doubt that we won't agree with some of the things we'll have no choice but allow Harry to do … but I refuse to believe that he would use what's happened to him for such petty reasons…"
"I'd have to agree with Remus," said Dumbledore, staring at Snape over his glasses. "Harry wouldn't do this normally. It's only because he want's to locate Miss Weasley so desperately, that he won't listen to anything we say about it. The same would be the case if he wasn't affected by the Bond … but if that were the case, we'd be able to detain him with threats of punishment … but as it stands, we shall have to put up with him doing as he wishes, at least where Ginny is concerned…"
"Well, perhaps we should go down to the Ward and see what they've most likely persuaded Hank to do," said McGonagall, starting toward the door, soon followed by the others……
"How could we not notice that she was missing?" Ron muttered for the umpteenth time, jogging alongside Harry and Hermione on their way to the Ward.
"It's my fault," Harry started. "She wouldn't've gone outside if I'd been paying closer attention to the time…"
"No it's not, Harry," Hermione interjected, as they rounded the last corner, the Wings double doors coming into view. "Ginny chose to go out and look for you all on her own … no one made her do it – "
"So you're suggesting that it's her fault?" said Ron accusingly, pausing at the doors.
Hermione sighed in exasperation and shook her head. "I'm saying that no one is to blame for it. It's just one of those things that happens, and can't do anything to stop it. So instead of trying to lay the blame on someone, lets just deal with the situation, OK?"
Ron scowled, but nodded. Harry stepped forward and opened up the doors, his eyes scanning in the area they'd left Hank earlier.
Hank looked up from the book he was reading, looking a little surprised to see them.
"Hi!" he grinned, putting the book on his cabinet. "To what do I owe the honour?" The trio approached him and Hank's smile faltered at their bleak expressions. "What's the matter?"
"Ginny's missing," Ron said urgently. "She went to look for Harry just before dinner, and there was a little commotion … and no one's seen her since then!"
"We were going to ask if you'd be able to try and find her," said Harry. "Like you did earlier, with Hermione?"
"You don't have to if you don't feel up to it," Hermione added swiftly. "It would just make our job that much easier if you could narrow it down though…"
"What are you three doing back here?" Poppy's voice rang out as she strode briskly toward them. "Potter, I hope your not suffering any more ailments?"
"No, Madame Pomfrey," Harry answered, rolling his eyes. "We were just asking Hank — "
"Poppy, could you give us a moment please?" Hank interrupted, glancing at the matron. "Not to worry, we're not planning to trash the place again, but I do need to speak with them privately…"
Poppy looked far from pleased, but as she took note of the imploring looks that the three students were giving her, she reluctantly agreed. "Oh … All right fine! But no more than a few minutes, you're meant to be resting Hank!"
Hank grinned at her. "Thanks Mum!"
Poppy rolled her eyes and went back into her office.
"Why'd you send her away?" Harry inquired curiously.
"Because she'd skin me alive if she knew that I was about to do this," said Hank flatly. "Did you tell Albus about this?"
The three of them looked at each other, a trifle sheepishly. "He knows of it, yes," Hermione answered, a touch airily.
Hank glanced at each of them, and shook his head. "I won't even bother asking…" he muttered. Hank relaxed and shut his eyes, breathing deeply. "Where was she last seen?" he asked, not opening his eyes.
"Around the lake," Harry answered, holding his breath as Hank fell completely still and silent. Harry was growing increasingly uneasy, and he could see similar feelings mirrored on Ron's face. He'd just left her there, in the woods, all on her own, because he'd been to interested in catching Wormtail. Harry cursed at himself, for not even considering Ginny's safety in preference of running around after a rat. He prayed that she was at least still on the grounds … but he doubted that she would be. The same went with her remaining awake. There was just too much stacked against them…
Hank felt a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Although he knew that he didn't have the strength to do this yet, he wouldn't risk Ginny's life simply for the sake of a few more hours sleep. Hank searched all over, first starting near the Lake as Harry suggested. There was nothing there … he broadened the area, trying to pick up the slightest inkling of Ginny's mind. He hated the fact that he wasn't able to penetrate the powerful spells that were placed over Hogwarts, because they prevented him from seeing outside the grounds, while he was situated inside them. The same went for when he was out of the grounds … he was unable to see in.
Hank's eyes snapped open as he caught wind of Ginny's mind, now knowing the general area she was located, but there was something else he detected that didn't sit right with him…
"Did you find her?" Ron asked urgently, as soon as Hank opened his eyes. "Is she all right?"
"Oh for Pete's sake Ron!" Hermione scolded, frowning crossly at him. "Let him catch his breath first!"
It was true, Harry noted, that Hank really did look worn out. The Infusion he'd performed on Hermione really must have taken a lot out of him, thought Harry. He was looking a little more sallow then he did when they first arrived as well.
"All right, you've had your few minutes, now I want all of you — WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU BEEN DOING!!!???" Poppy shrieked upon seeing how drained Hank appeared. "I told you that you weren't to be doing anything stressful Hank!" she fumed as she hurried over to him, stepping around Ron. "You should know better! And you three letting him!"
They all looked at their feet as Poppy threw accusing glares at them, knowing that she was right. They knew he shouldn't have, but they'd still asked him to do it, knowing that he would despite the nurses orders.
Poppy leant over Hank, wiping his face with a cloth as she muttered angrily under her breath.
"Lay down, Hank," Poppy ordered, applying pressure to his shoulder in an attempt to push him onto the pillows.
"I can't, Poppy," he answered wearily, brushing aside Poppy's hand. "And although you will very much disagree with me on this — but I will not be staying here for a portion of tonight — "
"LIKE HELL YOU'RE NOT!!"
Harry jumped about a foot in the air as Poppy's screeched at Hank, looking absolutely infuriated as she tried to push Hank back onto the bed, as he had begun to haul himself out from under the covers. Harry looked at Ron and Hermione, seeing equally stunned expressions on their faces. Never had Harry seen the Matron so angry at anyone; not even when she raved on about how Lockhart had accidentally removed the bones from Harry's arm back in his second year.
But what made Harry worry the most, was how Hank saw it necessary to leave the Ward, even in his weakened state, to help them in their search for Ginny. It just had to have something to do with it……
"I've detected something in the grounds that I cannot ignore, Poppy!" said Hank, raising his voice for the first time. Hank felt his stomach twist violently as he recalled exactly what he had perceived in his search. He had found Ginny's mind, on the very borders of the Hogwarts grounds, and before he severed the connection, he had received flashes of what she could see and feel. Hank's blood ran cold as the sight of Piedro Macarthur swam before his eyes, with Ginny tied to a pole before him … a small fire just off to the side…
At that moment, the doors to the Ward swung open revealing four Professors, with varying degrees of irritation on their faces, and one large black dog.
"Hank!" Remus exclaimed as soon as his eyes fell on his friend. "What are you doing? You're not strong enough to be up and about yet…"
"Well we can blame Potter and his little friends for that," Snape snarled, glaring at the students. "They've obviously convinced him to go trapezeing around with them."
"He will be doing no such thing!!" Poppy snapped, still trying to get Hank to sit back down.
"Yes I will and no one is going to stop me!" Hank bellowed. "Yes, Harry and these two told me of Ginny's disappearance and I did search for her … and found her…"
"Where is she?" Ron cut in suddenly. "Is she all right?"
"Let him finish Ron," said Harry, trying to get Ron to calm down a bit.
"Thank you, Harry," Hank smiled weakly. "I found Ginny near the borders of the Grounds, past the lake. She's somewhere on the other side of it … and with the worst company anyone could ever hope to come across. He's got her tied to a pole, and from what I felt when I found her," he unconsciously raised his hand to his cheek, "He's already started his usual routine…"
"Who's he, Hank?" said Dumbledore.
Hank paused, and Harry saw a ghostly look pass through his eyes for an instant, before he seemed to shake whatever it was away, and stared back at Dumbledore.
"He goes by the name of Piedro Macarthur," he replied quietly, a steely edge to his tone that Harry had never heard before. "And that's all I am at liberty to say about him…"
There was an awkward pause, until Sirius took it upon himself to transform. "Seeing as you're not going to stay in bed, how about we go looking for Ginny then, instead of standing around here?"
"You're right Sirius," said Hank, snapping out of his strange stupor. "Ron, Hermione — I'm afraid that you cannot come — "
"What do you mean we can't come!!??" Ron looked torn between anguish and utter bewilderment at Hank's statement. It was obvious to everyone standing there, that he desperately wanted to assist in the search for his sister, and all were waiting to hear Hank's reasoning.
"It's quite simple," he replied bluntly. "Neither you, nor Hermione are able to transform … so Piedro would be able to detect your approach … Sirius, Harry and Minerva however, are able to. As such, they will be able to sneak up on them, and best determine a means of reclaiming your sister, without the added obstacle of Piedro knowing they were there."
"What are you doing then?" Harry asked before Ron could make a response. "You're obviously going to do something, or you wouldn't need to be out of bed?"
Hank seemed to hesitate for a moment, before saying, "I need to go and fetch a friend of ours, to assist you in this. I'm the only one who knows how to contact him…"
"You think we need Kahn to do this?" said Harry, feeling a little wary about this Piedro guy if Kahn was needed to help them. But in the midst of his panic, Harry felt the inklings of an idea forming at the back of his mind. Something that Hank had just said spurned it … and Harry knew that he would probably have no problems with accomplishing it……
Harry was walking beside McGonagall as they walked swiftly through the halls; Sirius ambling along beside them. Hank had told them that Kahn would meet them down by the Lake, just before he had asked Remus to help him get to wherever it was he needed to go. Although Harry was feeling extremely nervous about what was happening with Ginny, he couldn't seem to push the idea that Hank had started, to the back of his mind. He thought about it constantly, all the way down to the grounds. He knew that Ron would see no problems with it … but Hermione was a completely different story. No doubt she would argue with him over it, and Harry could very well see her point if she did … but it would make his life at Hogwarts a little more interesting, to say the least…
"Mr Potter?" McGonagall spoke up, as they strode towards the lake, pulling Harry from his thoughts. "I was watching the way you and 'Snuffles" here, were behaving toward each other in the Great Hall earlier…"
Harry hung his head, abashed. "Err … what about it?" Harry thought he saw a small smile appear on McGonagall's lips, but he couldn't be sure in the darkness.
"Well, I saw that you seemed to be communicating, in a sense," she explained, sounding mildly impressed. "Did you know that it usually takes years to learn how to communicate efficiently, animal to animal?"
"Um, no ma'am, I didn't," Harry answered, wondering why the professor had brought it up. Honestly, Harry didn't know what the big deal was. Sirius was only barking instructions at him, to try and corner Peter. Nothing hugely complex … he'd just 'known' what he was trying to get across…
"I just found it curious that you were able to," she continued pleasantly. "Either you're a very fast learner, or you've a natural affinity with animals?"
Harry grinned. It wasn't often someone received praise of any sort from the Transfiguration teacher. "Well … I think living in the forest for a week sort of helped…"
"Now that's something I'm very curious about," McGonagall stated, sounding a touch confused. "Albus told me, the day after you'd supposedly killed yourself, that you were indeed alive. I also heard that you really did throw yourself out of Gryffindor Tower? Now what I was wondering, was how on earth you got from the tower to the ground, in one piece?"
"Oh that was easy," Harry answered, waving his hand. "I just climbed down."
McGonagall peered down at him sceptically. "You just climbed down?" Harry nodded. "A sheer stone face?" Harry nodded again. "OK…"
They continued in silence until they reached the waters edge, where they were safely hidden from view, and Sirius transformed.
"I'm surprised that Kahn isn't here yet," he mused, looking around their location. "It wouldn't take this long for him to get here normally?"
"Who said that he wasn't here already?" a rumbling voice announced from the shadows.