Disclaimer: See chapter one

Author's note: Thank you again for all the reviews.

The hallway was cold and dark around Harry as he walked out of the classroom. Harry started to feel edgy it had been morning only minutes before when he walked into the old classroom. Harry made his way to the closest staircase and skipped up the stairs.

He wanted to get to the Gryffindor tower as quickly as he could. He felt lost and lonely as he walked the dark halls of the castle. His meeting with the Griffin had left an impression on his mind. He needed to talk to some one.

Harry stoped when he heard footsteps coming around the corner. Harry looked around and saw no cover the closest cover was down the hallway and there was no way he could reach it in time. He would have to face who ever was there and also the punishment he would receive.

"Potter," it was Filch that stepped into the hallway ahead of him, Mrs Norris was at his feet rubbing herself around the man's ankles. To Harry it seemed the man was looking at him in amazement.

"Mr Filch, sir. I can explain why I was out of bed," Harry started. Then lost his courage as Filch smiled at him.

"Potter follow me," he ordered, almost nicely. He started down the hallway, Harry just watched him walk, amazed, then slowly followed.

"UmWhere are we going?" Harry asked uncertain on what was happening.

"The headmaster would like to know about this," Filch sneered. Harry fell silent and followed the man in front of him.

Ten minutes later Harry found himself outside the headmaster's door, it had only been that morning when Harry had stood in the same spot. Filch gave the password and the stone Gargoyle jumped aside to let then up the stairs to Dumbledore's office. Harry followed Filch silently up the stairs.

"Come in."

Filch opened the door to Dumbledore's office and pushed Harry in front of him. Harry looked at Dumbledore. He was astonished for the second time that day; the man in front of him looked like he hadn't slept in a week.

'That can't be right I saw him this morning and he looked fine,' Harry thought as he moved further into the room. The older man had yet to look up.

"Sir, I found Potter here walking the second floor corridor," Filch said smiling, the sight sent a shiver down Harry's spine.

Dumbledore's head came up sharply and his month fell open slightly, Harry was a little put out by his reaction. Harry opened his month to say something, but didn't have time. Dumbledore in one swift movement had hurried around his desk and was kneeling in front of him. Harry just stood there shocked at Dumbledore's quick action.

"Harry are you okay?" Dumbledore asked concerned, looking Harry over for injuries.

"Umyeah I'm fine," Harry managed to say once he got his voice back.

Dumbledore looked Harry over one more time before he stood and took a seat on the closest chair. Harry looked around, there was only he and Dumbledore in the room; Filch must have left, Harry hadn't heard him leave.

"Arrsir, can I ask what this is all about?" Harry asked uncertain.

Dumbledore looked closely at Harry; Harry had the feeling he was searching for something. After a long minute Dumbledore answered his question, what he said made Harry's heart stop.

"Harry, you have been missing for a week and a half."