Chapter 13 - The Invitation
Harry turned from the sight of his former professor's lifeless body, then fled to the side of the cabin.
Arthur Weasley found him minutes later leaning over a bush, throwing up. He put a strong comforting hand on Harry's back, rubbing it gently. Harry wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, but didn't stand straight.
"Everything's going to be ok, Harry." Said Mr. Weasley.
Harry shook his head. "What have they done with her? If they killed Professor Snape, what are they doing to her?"
"Arthur," called Moody sharply, hobbling over to them. "Ministry's here."
"Damn it. Where's Remus and the Order?" Cursed Arthur.
"You've got to get out of here," said Moody in a hushed voice. "I'll stay with Potter."
With a loud pop, which was drowned out beneath the growing noise of the arriving Ministry officials, Arthur was gone.
"Why'd he go," asked Harry weakly.
"Can't risk Arthur being seen with you or I," said Moody gruffly. "It's important not to compromise his position in the Ministry."
"But Fudge knows he's a member of the Order," protested Harry.
"Fudge suspects," said Moody distractedly. "There's a difference."
"Moody," a voice hissed from behind them.
Harry and Moody turned to see Tonks walking quickly towards them. "What the hell are you doing here? If Fudge finds out you were here we're screwed."
"Fudge is here?" Asked Moody.
"No, but his lap dog is," scoffed Tonks.
Moody laughed loudly.
"Shh," hissed Tonks.
"Tonks," Harry began.
"Harry," said Tonks taking note of him for the first time. "I'm so sorry about Hermione."
"Where did they take her," begged Harry. "Do you know?"
Tonks shook her head sadly. "The Order doesn't know much yet, and the Ministry knows even less. But you two have to stay out of sight, while the Ministry's here. I've got to go join them." Tonks hurried away, leaving Harry and Moody to hide themselves as best they could.
Harry watched in silence as Ministry officials combed the cabin and inspected the Professor's body.
One of the wizards leaning over Snape lifted the sleeve of his robe and called out. "Looks like this one's a Death Eater."
Another wizard and Tonks hurried over.
"That's no Death Eater," said the unmistakable voice of Percy Weasley. "My God, its Professor Snape."
"Hogwarts?" Asked Tonks.
"Yes."
"What the hell is he doing out here in the middle of the school year? And with a well pronounced death mark on his forearm," asked the first Ministry Official.
"We may have to bring the Minister in on this," said Percy importantly.
Another Wizard emerged from the house with a bundle of robes in his hands. "I found these upstairs," he said. "Looks like they belong to a Hogwarts student."
Percy took the robes and unfolded them. "They belong to a Gryffindor." He unfolded them over again. "Oh my God," Percy muttered, taking note of the gold badge on the front of the robes. "They belong to the Head Girl. That's my brother's best friend, Hermione Granger."
"Hermione," Harry breathed advancing forward. Moody grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"Was there any sign of her in the house?" Percy asked.
The wizard shook his head no. "Why would a Hogwarts student be out here with a Professor from the school," he wondered aloud.
"Could you excuse us for a minute," asked Percy leading Tonks away from the other Ministry personnel. He pulled her feet from where Moody and Harry were hiding, but Tonks had the presence of mind to make sure his back was to them.
"What is it, sir," asked Tonks formally.
Percy rocked on his heels with his arms clasped in front of him and Harry felt a surge of rage that Percy was actually enjoying the situation because of the power it gave him.
"This may be just the break the Minister has been waiting for," began Percy. "He tried to remove this particular student from Hogwarts about a week ago and place her in St. Mungo's for Harry Potter syndrome."
"Sir?" Questioned Tonks.
Percy laughed airily. "Just a joke between the Minister and myself. The girl was seeing things, visions. Get it, Harry Potter syndrome."
"Very amusing, sir," said Tonks without a hint of laughter in her voice and Harry had to bite down on his bottom lip to keep himself from launching at Percy.
"Anyway, she and Potter escaped from the Minister and haven't been seen or heard from since. Fudge suspects Dumbledore's group of vigilantes are hiding them."
"I'm sorry, sir, but how does this help the Minister," Tonks asked trying to hurry him along.
"Well," began Percy. "Dumbledore was very interfering in this last incident. We could probably pin this whole thing on him. The one saving grace out of this whole debacle is that the girl is muggle born. So we can probably keep this out of the Daily Prophet until the time is right. There won't be any wizarding parents demanding answers on where their kid is."
It was too much for Harry. Before he realized he was doing it and before Moody could hold him back, Harry jumped up and lunged at Percy, tackling him to the floor.
Totally thrown off guard, Percy tumbled easily to the ground and Harry was on top of him, roughly grabbing the fronts of his robes. "You selfish egotistical bastard," raged Harry.
"What the... Harry get off me," said Percy realizing who it was. "What the hell are you doing out here."
"She's supposed to be your friend," Harry continued. "How can you talk about this as if it's some political move."
All around Ministry officials were running and calling out. Percy bucked against Harry, but Harry was too full of adrenaline for it to have any effect on his leverage. Unfortunately, the other Ministry personnel quickly swarmed and pulled Harry off of him.
Percy stood awkwardly, wiping the dirt from his robes. His face was redder than Harry had ever seen any Weasley face get.
"What is the meaning of this? Why are you out here, in the early morning, at the scene of a Death Eater attack?"
Harry struggled against the arms that held him, but to no avail. "Voldemort has Hermione," he shouted at Percy. "And you're sitting around here, making plans for Fudge, and doing absolutely nothing."
There was a visible shudder that went around the camp and Percy advanced on Harry. "Shut up," he hissed. "Have you lost your mind?"
"We have to find her."
Percy waved a hand dismissively. "Take him over there," he said. "We'll need to take him to headquarters for questioning."
"No," shouted Harry. "I have to find her. Who knows what they're doing to her? Don't do this, Percy." Harry continued struggling, wondering where the hell Moody was, until he managed to free one arm. Instantly he pulled out his wand and then everyone else did the same.
Before anyone had the chance to cast a spell, however, a loud undistinguishable voice boomed out in the morning air and Harry felt himself being thrown to the ground.
Once he reoriented himself, he stood slowly and saw for the first time, Dumbledore and a group of Order members emerging from the woods.
"Everyone needs to remain calm," Dumbledore said in a tone you didn't dare disobey.
Harry began to breathe easier for the first time all morning. Now that Dumbledore was here, he knew it wouldn't be long before there was a plan to get Hermione back.
Percy stood slowly, but seemed to be at a loss for words. Moody emerged from the woods and walked over to Harry, frowning down on him.
"Thanks for all the help," muttered Harry.
"You seemed to be handling yourself ok," returned Moody.
Moody and Harry watched as Dumbledore approached Professor Snape's body. He leaned over and touched Snape's body and Harry could see his shoulders slump. Whatever he was feeling, when Dumbledore stood up, he was all business.
He directed several members of the Order into the house and then walked toward Percy.
The wizards from the Ministry just stood around waiting for orders. Dumbledore and Percy spoke very briefly and when they were finished Dumbledore approached Harry.
"Sir," began Harry before Dumbledore could speak. "Do you know where she is. We need to form a rescue party or something."
"I'm sorry, Harry. I should have been prepared for this. But right now I need you to go back to Grimmault place."
"Go back? I'm not going back without knowing what's going on with Hermione."
"Harry," warned Moody. "Do as you're told."
"No," said Harry savagely. "You guys were supposed to make sure she was ok." He turned to Dumbledore. "I trusted you," he said quietly. "She trusted you."
"I know," said Dumbledore seriously. "Believe me, I don't take your trust lightly, but right now I need you to continue to trust me and go back to Headquarters. Please."
Harry nodded silently.
"Go with Remus," said Dumbledore. Harry turned and behind him stood Remus. He approached them holding out the salt shaker/port key that Harry had used earlier. Harry took it and after about half a minute felt the jerk at his navel.
Almost instantly he found himself back at Black Manor. With a pop, Remus appeared next to him. Harry walked silently from the room.
"Harry," called Remus after him, but Harry kept walking. He wanted to be alone. Remus seemed to sense that he just needed time and let him go.
Harry went to his room and stood in front of the open window. A golf ball sized lump settled in the middle of his throat as he stared into the early morning and thought of Hermione. He didn't know if she was alive or dead. And if by some chance she was still alive, he wondered if she knew he was thinking about her.
"She is alive," said Harry stubbornly. "I would feel it if she wasn't."
As he stared out the window, he could see in the distance a large owl flying toward him. As it drew nearer, Harry stepped back from the window to make way for it. The strange bird held out its leg and Harry removed the rolled parchment. Immediately the bird flew back out the window.
Harry unrolled the parchment and read.
Miss Hermione Granger requests the presence of Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley at Godric's Hollow at midnight.
Harry yelled with shock and fled the room in search of Remus. "Remus," he called out running down the hall. "Remus!"
"What? What happened," shouted Remus coming towards Harry.
Harry couldn't breathe; he just shoved the parchment into Remus's hands.
Remus scanned the parchment open mouthed. "My God," he breathed.
"Why does he want Ron too? Why can't he just leave them out of this? It's me. I'll go." Harry was rambling.
"No," shouted Remus vehemently. "No one's going."
Harry took a step back. "He'll kill her if I don't. You know he will."
Suddenly there were popping noises all around as different Order members apparated all about them.
"Dumbledore," said Remus moving forward quickly. "This just came," he said thrusting the parchment into his hand.
Dumbledore scanned the paper and his eyes darted toward Harry. Not taking his eyes off him, he leaned towards Remus and whispered something in his ear. They conversed for what felt like an eternity to Harry and when they were finished, Remus nodded and immediately left the room.
The room was abuzz with talking. "Can I have everyone's attention," said Dumbledore loudly. Instantly a hush fell over the room. "There's been a new development. If we could, let's all go into the meeting room.
Harry made a move to follow them all in, but Dumbledore held him back. "I'm sorry, Harry, but you'll have to wait out here."
Before Harry could protest, Dumbledore swept into the room and closed the door.
Harry stared at the door in astonishment. He couldn't believe they were still treating him as if he were a child. 'Well,' he thought to himself. 'I'm not a child, and I am going to get her back. Even if I have to do it by myself.'
But as Harry stood there, he realized he had several problems. One, he had no idea where Godric's Hollow was. And it wasn't as if he had a pack of Thestrals to help him out this time. Two, he needed Ron. He had no idea what condition Hermione would be in and if the worst came, Ron could take care of her and bring her home.
Resolutely, Harry went to the only fireplace connected to the floo network in the house. He'd go to Hogwarts first to get two things, namely his invisibility cloak and Ron. Then the two of them would figure out how to get to Hermione.
He had just grabbed a handful of floo powder and was about to throw it on the fire, when it suddenly glowed a bright green. Seconds later, Ron fell through and into the room.
"Ron," exclaimed Harry in astonishment. "What are you doing here?"
Ron looked pale and more serious than Harry had ever seen him.
"Step back, Harry. Lupin's coming," said Ron avoiding the question.
Almost immediately, the fire glowed again and Remus popped out. He stood dusting the ash from his robes.
"What's going on," said Harry angrily. "What aren't you telling me, Remus. What's the plan?"
"I'm sorry, Harry," said Remus looking serious. "It's for your own good." Remus raised his wand at Harry and Harry took a half-step back putting his hands up in a defensive move. Remus cast the spell and Harry dropped. Ron caught him just before he hit the floor. Then between the two of them, they lifted Harry and carried him from the room. They brought him down the hall into his bedroom and settled him on the bed.
Remus looked down at him sadly, but then turned his attention to Ron. "Come on, Ron. We've got to get into that meeting."
Ron nodded silently, never taking his eyes off his best friend until he left the room.
Harry turned from the sight of his former professor's lifeless body, then fled to the side of the cabin.
Arthur Weasley found him minutes later leaning over a bush, throwing up. He put a strong comforting hand on Harry's back, rubbing it gently. Harry wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, but didn't stand straight.
"Everything's going to be ok, Harry." Said Mr. Weasley.
Harry shook his head. "What have they done with her? If they killed Professor Snape, what are they doing to her?"
"Arthur," called Moody sharply, hobbling over to them. "Ministry's here."
"Damn it. Where's Remus and the Order?" Cursed Arthur.
"You've got to get out of here," said Moody in a hushed voice. "I'll stay with Potter."
With a loud pop, which was drowned out beneath the growing noise of the arriving Ministry officials, Arthur was gone.
"Why'd he go," asked Harry weakly.
"Can't risk Arthur being seen with you or I," said Moody gruffly. "It's important not to compromise his position in the Ministry."
"But Fudge knows he's a member of the Order," protested Harry.
"Fudge suspects," said Moody distractedly. "There's a difference."
"Moody," a voice hissed from behind them.
Harry and Moody turned to see Tonks walking quickly towards them. "What the hell are you doing here? If Fudge finds out you were here we're screwed."
"Fudge is here?" Asked Moody.
"No, but his lap dog is," scoffed Tonks.
Moody laughed loudly.
"Shh," hissed Tonks.
"Tonks," Harry began.
"Harry," said Tonks taking note of him for the first time. "I'm so sorry about Hermione."
"Where did they take her," begged Harry. "Do you know?"
Tonks shook her head sadly. "The Order doesn't know much yet, and the Ministry knows even less. But you two have to stay out of sight, while the Ministry's here. I've got to go join them." Tonks hurried away, leaving Harry and Moody to hide themselves as best they could.
Harry watched in silence as Ministry officials combed the cabin and inspected the Professor's body.
One of the wizards leaning over Snape lifted the sleeve of his robe and called out. "Looks like this one's a Death Eater."
Another wizard and Tonks hurried over.
"That's no Death Eater," said the unmistakable voice of Percy Weasley. "My God, its Professor Snape."
"Hogwarts?" Asked Tonks.
"Yes."
"What the hell is he doing out here in the middle of the school year? And with a well pronounced death mark on his forearm," asked the first Ministry Official.
"We may have to bring the Minister in on this," said Percy importantly.
Another Wizard emerged from the house with a bundle of robes in his hands. "I found these upstairs," he said. "Looks like they belong to a Hogwarts student."
Percy took the robes and unfolded them. "They belong to a Gryffindor." He unfolded them over again. "Oh my God," Percy muttered, taking note of the gold badge on the front of the robes. "They belong to the Head Girl. That's my brother's best friend, Hermione Granger."
"Hermione," Harry breathed advancing forward. Moody grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"Was there any sign of her in the house?" Percy asked.
The wizard shook his head no. "Why would a Hogwarts student be out here with a Professor from the school," he wondered aloud.
"Could you excuse us for a minute," asked Percy leading Tonks away from the other Ministry personnel. He pulled her feet from where Moody and Harry were hiding, but Tonks had the presence of mind to make sure his back was to them.
"What is it, sir," asked Tonks formally.
Percy rocked on his heels with his arms clasped in front of him and Harry felt a surge of rage that Percy was actually enjoying the situation because of the power it gave him.
"This may be just the break the Minister has been waiting for," began Percy. "He tried to remove this particular student from Hogwarts about a week ago and place her in St. Mungo's for Harry Potter syndrome."
"Sir?" Questioned Tonks.
Percy laughed airily. "Just a joke between the Minister and myself. The girl was seeing things, visions. Get it, Harry Potter syndrome."
"Very amusing, sir," said Tonks without a hint of laughter in her voice and Harry had to bite down on his bottom lip to keep himself from launching at Percy.
"Anyway, she and Potter escaped from the Minister and haven't been seen or heard from since. Fudge suspects Dumbledore's group of vigilantes are hiding them."
"I'm sorry, sir, but how does this help the Minister," Tonks asked trying to hurry him along.
"Well," began Percy. "Dumbledore was very interfering in this last incident. We could probably pin this whole thing on him. The one saving grace out of this whole debacle is that the girl is muggle born. So we can probably keep this out of the Daily Prophet until the time is right. There won't be any wizarding parents demanding answers on where their kid is."
It was too much for Harry. Before he realized he was doing it and before Moody could hold him back, Harry jumped up and lunged at Percy, tackling him to the floor.
Totally thrown off guard, Percy tumbled easily to the ground and Harry was on top of him, roughly grabbing the fronts of his robes. "You selfish egotistical bastard," raged Harry.
"What the... Harry get off me," said Percy realizing who it was. "What the hell are you doing out here."
"She's supposed to be your friend," Harry continued. "How can you talk about this as if it's some political move."
All around Ministry officials were running and calling out. Percy bucked against Harry, but Harry was too full of adrenaline for it to have any effect on his leverage. Unfortunately, the other Ministry personnel quickly swarmed and pulled Harry off of him.
Percy stood awkwardly, wiping the dirt from his robes. His face was redder than Harry had ever seen any Weasley face get.
"What is the meaning of this? Why are you out here, in the early morning, at the scene of a Death Eater attack?"
Harry struggled against the arms that held him, but to no avail. "Voldemort has Hermione," he shouted at Percy. "And you're sitting around here, making plans for Fudge, and doing absolutely nothing."
There was a visible shudder that went around the camp and Percy advanced on Harry. "Shut up," he hissed. "Have you lost your mind?"
"We have to find her."
Percy waved a hand dismissively. "Take him over there," he said. "We'll need to take him to headquarters for questioning."
"No," shouted Harry. "I have to find her. Who knows what they're doing to her? Don't do this, Percy." Harry continued struggling, wondering where the hell Moody was, until he managed to free one arm. Instantly he pulled out his wand and then everyone else did the same.
Before anyone had the chance to cast a spell, however, a loud undistinguishable voice boomed out in the morning air and Harry felt himself being thrown to the ground.
Once he reoriented himself, he stood slowly and saw for the first time, Dumbledore and a group of Order members emerging from the woods.
"Everyone needs to remain calm," Dumbledore said in a tone you didn't dare disobey.
Harry began to breathe easier for the first time all morning. Now that Dumbledore was here, he knew it wouldn't be long before there was a plan to get Hermione back.
Percy stood slowly, but seemed to be at a loss for words. Moody emerged from the woods and walked over to Harry, frowning down on him.
"Thanks for all the help," muttered Harry.
"You seemed to be handling yourself ok," returned Moody.
Moody and Harry watched as Dumbledore approached Professor Snape's body. He leaned over and touched Snape's body and Harry could see his shoulders slump. Whatever he was feeling, when Dumbledore stood up, he was all business.
He directed several members of the Order into the house and then walked toward Percy.
The wizards from the Ministry just stood around waiting for orders. Dumbledore and Percy spoke very briefly and when they were finished Dumbledore approached Harry.
"Sir," began Harry before Dumbledore could speak. "Do you know where she is. We need to form a rescue party or something."
"I'm sorry, Harry. I should have been prepared for this. But right now I need you to go back to Grimmault place."
"Go back? I'm not going back without knowing what's going on with Hermione."
"Harry," warned Moody. "Do as you're told."
"No," said Harry savagely. "You guys were supposed to make sure she was ok." He turned to Dumbledore. "I trusted you," he said quietly. "She trusted you."
"I know," said Dumbledore seriously. "Believe me, I don't take your trust lightly, but right now I need you to continue to trust me and go back to Headquarters. Please."
Harry nodded silently.
"Go with Remus," said Dumbledore. Harry turned and behind him stood Remus. He approached them holding out the salt shaker/port key that Harry had used earlier. Harry took it and after about half a minute felt the jerk at his navel.
Almost instantly he found himself back at Black Manor. With a pop, Remus appeared next to him. Harry walked silently from the room.
"Harry," called Remus after him, but Harry kept walking. He wanted to be alone. Remus seemed to sense that he just needed time and let him go.
Harry went to his room and stood in front of the open window. A golf ball sized lump settled in the middle of his throat as he stared into the early morning and thought of Hermione. He didn't know if she was alive or dead. And if by some chance she was still alive, he wondered if she knew he was thinking about her.
"She is alive," said Harry stubbornly. "I would feel it if she wasn't."
As he stared out the window, he could see in the distance a large owl flying toward him. As it drew nearer, Harry stepped back from the window to make way for it. The strange bird held out its leg and Harry removed the rolled parchment. Immediately the bird flew back out the window.
Harry unrolled the parchment and read.
Miss Hermione Granger requests the presence of Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Ronald Weasley at Godric's Hollow at midnight.
Harry yelled with shock and fled the room in search of Remus. "Remus," he called out running down the hall. "Remus!"
"What? What happened," shouted Remus coming towards Harry.
Harry couldn't breathe; he just shoved the parchment into Remus's hands.
Remus scanned the parchment open mouthed. "My God," he breathed.
"Why does he want Ron too? Why can't he just leave them out of this? It's me. I'll go." Harry was rambling.
"No," shouted Remus vehemently. "No one's going."
Harry took a step back. "He'll kill her if I don't. You know he will."
Suddenly there were popping noises all around as different Order members apparated all about them.
"Dumbledore," said Remus moving forward quickly. "This just came," he said thrusting the parchment into his hand.
Dumbledore scanned the paper and his eyes darted toward Harry. Not taking his eyes off him, he leaned towards Remus and whispered something in his ear. They conversed for what felt like an eternity to Harry and when they were finished, Remus nodded and immediately left the room.
The room was abuzz with talking. "Can I have everyone's attention," said Dumbledore loudly. Instantly a hush fell over the room. "There's been a new development. If we could, let's all go into the meeting room.
Harry made a move to follow them all in, but Dumbledore held him back. "I'm sorry, Harry, but you'll have to wait out here."
Before Harry could protest, Dumbledore swept into the room and closed the door.
Harry stared at the door in astonishment. He couldn't believe they were still treating him as if he were a child. 'Well,' he thought to himself. 'I'm not a child, and I am going to get her back. Even if I have to do it by myself.'
But as Harry stood there, he realized he had several problems. One, he had no idea where Godric's Hollow was. And it wasn't as if he had a pack of Thestrals to help him out this time. Two, he needed Ron. He had no idea what condition Hermione would be in and if the worst came, Ron could take care of her and bring her home.
Resolutely, Harry went to the only fireplace connected to the floo network in the house. He'd go to Hogwarts first to get two things, namely his invisibility cloak and Ron. Then the two of them would figure out how to get to Hermione.
He had just grabbed a handful of floo powder and was about to throw it on the fire, when it suddenly glowed a bright green. Seconds later, Ron fell through and into the room.
"Ron," exclaimed Harry in astonishment. "What are you doing here?"
Ron looked pale and more serious than Harry had ever seen him.
"Step back, Harry. Lupin's coming," said Ron avoiding the question.
Almost immediately, the fire glowed again and Remus popped out. He stood dusting the ash from his robes.
"What's going on," said Harry angrily. "What aren't you telling me, Remus. What's the plan?"
"I'm sorry, Harry," said Remus looking serious. "It's for your own good." Remus raised his wand at Harry and Harry took a half-step back putting his hands up in a defensive move. Remus cast the spell and Harry dropped. Ron caught him just before he hit the floor. Then between the two of them, they lifted Harry and carried him from the room. They brought him down the hall into his bedroom and settled him on the bed.
Remus looked down at him sadly, but then turned his attention to Ron. "Come on, Ron. We've got to get into that meeting."
Ron nodded silently, never taking his eyes off his best friend until he left the room.
