*********Author's note: Welcome to the next chapter! Up on time, as promised! I got lots of writing done last weekend, so we should be in good stead for a while. There's a little bit more R/Hr-ness in this chapter, but we do actually focus more on the current mystery...
Also, the demiguise weren't my invention, I'm afraid! Credit to JKR for that one—I borrowed them from Fantastic Beasts.
Enjoy,
Neoepiphany**************
Chapter Eighteen
A Curious Absence
Harry and Ron spent their afternoon finishing their homework. Snape had assigned a rather nasty essay on the composition and uses of the Stinking Stew, and Hermione had agreed to check Harry and Ron's while they were at quidditch practice. Harry had just finished his, and started on a map of galaxies visible in the western sky after the autumnal equinox, when Hermione turned up to collect them for dinner.
Harry's eyes flicked automatically to the staff table. Except for Filch and Madame Pince, it was entirely empty. He and Hermione exchanged a frown.
During quidditch practice, everyone was exchanging stories of the professors' mysterious disappearances.
"It's bizarre," Eva said solemnly. "All of them at once? And I was watching the Care of Magical Creatures class down by Hagrid's hut during my charms lesson. Halfway through the period, Dumbledore came out of the castle, said something to Hagrid, and then Hagrid sent all the students away. Two minutes later, Hagrid walked off into the forest with his crossbow and I didn't see him again."
"McGonagall actually cancelled our afternoon lesson," said Ginny.
Ron sputtered. "McGonagall? Cancel a lesson? She's not dead is she?"
There was a pause. Finally, Ginny spoke. "I don't think so. But something big is happening."
"You'd think they'd tell the prefects, at least," Ron said.
"Not if it's to do with Vol—You-Know-Who," Harry said.
There was another silence.
"Potions was cancelled, too," Kirke said, almost as an afterthought.
Potions was the Gryffindors' first lesson the following morning. Despite his extreme dislike of the class, Harry was actually eager to go. He wanted to find out if the teachers were back, first, and then if Snape would actually tell them what had happened.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione quickly ate their breakfast. Whatever the excitement of the previous day had been, it must have been resolved. The staff table was full again, although the teachers all looked unusually sleepy and a little distracted. There was little conversation. Hagrid kept missing his mouth with his fork, sending little rivers of egg and ketchup through his bushy beard.
Hermione dropped her newspaper. "Nothing too unusual. Those two missing muggles are still missing, but there were no actual Death Eater attacks yesterday," she said. Harry was perplexed.
They walked to the dungeons, and took their usual seats in the Potions classroom. "You know, I almost wish that whatever the crisis was had lasted until just after this lesson," Harry said. "I could've done with a day without Snape."
"Harry!" Hermione said. "Don't say that—it could have been anything!"
"I have to agree with Harry," Ron said, leaning back in his chair. "A vacation from that greasy-haired git sounds—"
He froze, his face whitening slightly, as the door behind them slammed shut. Ron heard Draco Malfoy snigger.
But it wasn't Snape's cold voice, taking points from Gryffindor that they next heard. It was a warm, unfamiliar voice.
"Good morning," the wizard said, walking to the front of the class. "I am Professor Marcus Garlick." He was a tall, sturdily built man in gray robes, his graying brown hair combed respectably back. He carried a large black leather case, and a pair of half-spectacles perched on the end of his nose. "I will be filling in for Professor Snape for a while."
"Where is he?" whined one of the Slytherin girls.
"Haven't the foggiest," Professor Garlick said dismissively, unpacking an elaborate potion-kit that seemed to be rather larger than the case that held it.
"When will he be back?" Malfoy demanded.
"Couldn't say," Professor Garlick said. "But the headmaster asked me to stay for some time, to I'd guess he's rather busy indeed. Now, I understand you've just finished the Stinking Stew? If you'll turn your attention to the blackboard, we'll just start work on the Draught of Power."
Professor Garlick carefully explained each step, while they took notes on the trickier bits. He pointed out all the places where they were likely to make mistakes and told them exactly what would happen if they did so. As he spoke, step-by-step instructions appeared on the blackboard in elaborate and curly script. He paused periodically to quiz them on their understanding of potion-making in general.
"—and once that's boiling nicely, you'll add three drops of giants' tears, which you can come collect from this bottle here. Incidentally, who can tell me what other potion famously requires giants' tears?"
Hermione's hand shot up.
"Yes, Miss—?"
"Granger, Professor. The Brutal Brew's main ingredient is giants' tears, and is otherwise known as the Crying Brute's potion because of it," Hermione said. "Of course, Giants are really rare now, so the cost of making the Brutal Brew is astronomical."
Draco Malfoy made a small noise of disgust.
"Good. Five points to, eh, Gryffindor. It is true about the cost of giants' tears. This bottle cost me the price of a new racing broom, but," he chuckled, "it's Hogwarts picking up the bill, so no harm done. Now, when the tears are added, the Draught should turn bright red. You have about ten seconds to add—"
He explained the rest of the potion, and they got to work mixing it up. It wasn't that difficult, once they'd had it properly explained to them, and Harry mixed his ingredients peacefully. He felt a little anxious about Snape and whether he was okay, but the feeling was quickly pushed below his relief at not having to deal with Snape for a good, long while.
Suddenly, a column of gray-blue smoke began to fill the room. The Slytherins erupted into laughter.
"Ah," said Professor Garlick, appearing beside Seamus, who was flushed in anticipation of attack. "Yes. Who can, eh, tell me what Mr.—uh—?"
"Finnigan," Seamus said.
"What Mr. Finnigan did wrong?" Proffesor Garlick concluded.
"He added too much nettle brandy," Malfoy said smugly.
"That's right," Professor Garlick nodded, prodding Seamus's pudding-like potion with his wand. "I'd say that was about 1/3 cup too much, Mr. Finnigan. Now, who can tell me how we can put it right?"
The entire class was in awe. Someone who showed them how to correct their mistakes rather than berating them? It was almost beyond belief. Professor Garlick even complimented Harry's potion when he turned it in.
"Fine color, there, boy. Looks a bit weak, but still, excellent color," he said.
"That was," Ron said as they walked toward the courtyard for their break, "beyond a doubt, the best Potions lesson we've ever had."
"I hope he never leaves," Harry nodded.
Hermione frowned. "Hmmm," she said.
"You can't tell me you prefer Snape?" Ron said.
"Don't be stupid," Hermione said. "It's just—well, when has Snape ever missed anything? Something horrible must have happened to him."
"We can hope," Ron nodded.
"Ron!" Hermione said. "I'm surprised at you!"
"Just joking," Ron said quickly.
"I just think it seems strange," Hermione said. "Everyone vanishing, and then Snape goes missing."
"So do we," Harry assured her. "The whole thing definitely smells of Voldemort."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "He may be a foul, nasty, evil, sick little troll…"
"But he's our troll," Hermione finished. "And if Voldemort did take him, well, it was probably because of… er, because of… Because of his work with the Order," she finished lamely.
"That's enough, Hermione," Ron said, suddenly serious. "Come on, let's go to transfiguration. I want to get a good guinea pig this time."
"What do you mean, a good guinea pig? They're all the same," Hermione said.
"That one I had yesterday absolutely refused to turn into a cauldron. It was stubborn."
Harry trailed behind them, only half-listening to their bickering. He knew what Hermione had almost said, and judging from Ron's reaction, Ron knew it too. If Snape had been taken by Voldemort, it was probably because of Harry. Because he came to help Harry that summer. His mind floated to Cyril Higgins, the auror who had attacked them in Hogsmeade. Dumbledore had thought that he was under the Imperius curse. Had someone else been cursed too? Maybe someone at Hogwarts? Or had Snape simply been sent on a long assignment elsewhere? The teachers' absences meant that there was definitely something up, but nothing had been in the Daily Prophet.
Harry decided that he would ask McGonagall about it as soon as Transfiguration was over. Surely she would tell him if Snape had been kidnapped by Voldemort. He got through the class by focusing on transfiguring his raccoon, which he managed to turn into a satisfactory cauldron, although, as Professor McGonagall pointed out, it still had stripes. Harry packed up early, hoping to corner her the second the bell rang.
"Starting next week, we will be beginning human transfiguration," McGonagall announced, as a pair of girls collected all the transfigured animals. "I want to remind you that human transfiguration is difficult, and potentially dangerous magic. You will all need to do as much preparation as possible. To that end, I want sixteen inches of parchment on the necessary preparations for human transfiguration, due at the start of the lesson on Monday." The class groaned. McGonagall smiled. The bell rang.
Harry jumped out of his seat and pushed past Ron, running to the front of the class. McGonagall didn't look surprised. "What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" she said, gathering her books. "Surely you understood the homework?"
"Of course," Harry said. "I wanted to know what happened to Professor Snape."
McGonagall seemed to be prepared for this question. "Professor Snape's business is none of yours, Potter. I suggest you focus your attention on your homework. And need I remind you that you have a lesson with me coming up? I'll be quizzing you over the Blood Charms."
"But Professor—"
"No, Potter. No arguments. This doesn't concern you," McGonagall said. She glowered at him over her spectacles. "Do not try to get involved." She took her books, and left the classroom.
Ron and Hermione were waiting for him outside the room. "Anything?" Ron asked.
"Not a word," Harry replied.
Hermione shrugged. "I think we over-reacted after potions. It's always possible that Snape's just taking a holiday or something," she said, but even she didn't sound very convinced.
They had lunch, and afterward, they waved goodbye to Hermione, who was off to her Ancient Runes class. Harry and Ron had a free period before their Astronomy lesson.
"Want to go see Hagrid?" Ron suggested. Harry nodded, so they trudged down to Hagrid's cabin. Harry knocked on the door. There was no sound within.
"Maybe he's round back," Ron suggested. "You know, with the demiguise."
Harry nodded, and they walked around the cabin to the warm, moist air surrounding the demiguise cage. One of the demiguise didn't bother to make itself invisible. It blinked its black eyes at Harry. There was no sign of Hagrid.
"He must have a lesson or something," Ron said. "Or maybe he's visiting Grawp and Hedgarr."
Harry shook his head. "Fang didn't bark when we knocked. Wherever Hagrid is, he took Fang with him, and I'll bet that Fang won't go near the giants."
Ron shrugged, and they walked back up toward the castle. Harry's mind wandered, thinking about disappearances and kidnappings. An idea popped into his mind. The last time someone had vanished, Harry had found her, hadn't he? Couldn't he do it again? Of course, he didn't know for sure that Voldemort had Snape, but it was a good guess.
Dumbledore's voice drifted through his mind. "I must ask you not to reinitiate the link. By doing so, you are putting yourself in grave danger." And then Hagrid's voice: "Yeh could be hurt—or killed—or driven mad." Harry shook his head. He'd done it once; he could do it again.
"Uh-oh," Ron said.
"What?" Harry said, jerked back to the present. He followed Ron's gaze toward the lake, where a crowd of Slytherins was standing around.
"We better get out of here before they see you," Ron said.
"I'm not afraid of a bunch of Slytherins," Harry said, looking at Ron incredulously.
"Not them," Ron said, nodding past the Slytherins. "Those two."
Harry looked past the two Slytherin fourth year girls in the front of the crowd, and he saw what Ron had been looking at. The Slytherins were talking to a pair of wizards who were unmistakably reporters. One of them was carrying a camera, while the other was talking to a pair of teary-eyed second year girls and making notes on a note pad. "What makes you think they're after me?" Harry said.
"Come on," Ron said. "When has a reporter ever not leapt at the chance to interview you?"
"Good point," Harry said. "Come on, we can go back by the quidditch pitch."
"Think they were here about Snape?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," Harry muttered.
They made it back to the common room just before Hermione did. They told her about the reporters, and she frowned. "Hmmm," she said again.
"What?" Ron asked.
"I overheard Flitwick and Filch talking about security measures," Hermione said. "I think something big happened, and it happened here."
"You think it has to do with Snape?" Ron asked.
"I have three guesses," Hermione said, motioning for them to lean in. "One is that Death Eaters took Snape from somewhere near Hogwarts, and they're worried about two attacks so close to home. The second is that someone inside Hogwarts was involved in the attack—if it was really an attack." She paused.
"And?" Ron prompted.
"Well—and I don't necessarily think this is the case, but—well, it could be that Snape turned on the Order and went back to Voldemort," she said, her voice a whisper.
"Aha! I've been saying it for ages," Ron said, leaning back in his chair. Triumph gleamed in his eyes. "Why did everyone think he left Voldemort in the first place?"
"Dumbledore trusts him," Hermione said.
"Trusted him," Ron corrected, his tone defiant. Hermione gave him a scathing look.
"Dumbledore's not infallible," Harry said absently. "I think we need to find out for sure."
"How?" Hermione asked.
"I can—" Harry began, but he was interrupted by Ron's elbow in his side. Ginny Weasley and Eva Gregory had walked up behind them. Hermione looked coolly at Eva, then bent over her bag, busying herself with fiddling with the catch.
"Hi, Ginny, Eva," Harry said.
"Are you three coming to dinner?" Eva asked. "We were just going down and thought we'd ask you along." Eva smiled down at Ron. Ron's ears turned pink.
"Not just—" Harry started.
"Sure," Ron said, standing up. Hermione glared at him from under her eyebrows.
They trooped down to dinner. Harry noticed that Eva tried to walk close to Ron, and Hermione kept looking at her with murder in her eyes. Despite all their earlier worry, Harry wanted to laugh.
"You could always talk to him," Harry said.
"About what?" Hermione said. Harry felt a bit torn. On the one hand, he didn't want to get involved in this. On the other, Hermione had helped him out before; he owed her.
"Look, it's not that he doesn't get it," Harry said. "It's just that, well, girls never really bothered with Ron before."
"Hmmph," said Hermione, her face reddening. Harry closed his mouth. Best not to get involved after all.
They took their seats, and Hermione managed to sandwich Ron between Harry and herself, so Eva sat exactly across from him. Harry and Ginny speculated about all the goings-on around Hogwarts, but the other three didn't contribute much to the conversation. Harry ate second helpings of pork chops and applesauce trying not to listen to Ron telling jokes, Eva giggling like an idiot, and Hermione's loud, disapproving sniffs.
After dinner, Harry and Ginny sat together in the common room, working on their homework. Ginny was finishing a History of Magic essay, while Harry got started on his transfiguration homework. Ron and Hermione were halfway across the room, sitting at a little table spread with books, and bickering.
"You know," Ginny said to Harry as Ron and Hermione's argument rose in volume, "they'd both be a lot happier if they just talked about it. I offered to have a word with Ron for Hermione, but she refused."
"I'm staying out of it," Harry said. "I tried to talk to Ron once, but—" He shrugged. Harry flipped through his book, looking for the chapter on human transfiguration.
"Fine Ron! Fine! You just do what you want, then!" Hermione suddenly shouted. Her face was bright red. "I don't care."
"What are you getting so mental about?" Ron shouted. Everyone in the common room was staring at them; a couple of second year girls were giggling.
"You ought to know, Ron!" Hermione shouted and stormed away. Harry and Ginny stared. "And a fat lot of help you two are!" she shoued as she passed them. Her eyes were red and shiny.
Ron stared after her as she stomped up the stairs. "Well," he said. "Well."
"Ron," Ginny said soothingly. "Come and sit down." She patted the chair beside her.
"Shut up, Ginny," he said, and stomped up the stairs noisily.
The common room was silent for a moment, then erupted into whispering and giggles.
Ginny looked at Harry and sighed. "I think we'd be a lot happier if they just talked about it, too."
*******************
Reviewer Responses:
Wynjara: Yes, indeed. A good sign of conspiracy! *mwahaha*
Silent Song: Actually, no. I don't care for Piers Anthony at all, but you're not the first to say that. It's the thing with Mira's vocabulary, I know. I didn't even know that Anthony did the same thing until someone accused me of copying. *sigh* But by then it was too late to go back and change it... Anyway, enjoy the story.
Wiccan PussyKat: What, you don't want the story to end? Really? Aawww!
Oh, I know. That Michael Corner gets under my skin. Yes, the rules will apply to all the quidditch teams until the teachers take them away. And Ernie and Luna weren't exactly hanging out, they just both walked over at the same time. (Sort of as designated spokesmen for their houses.)
No Harry pair up in this story! However, I do think it's time to intensify the 'thing' between Ron and Hermione, so expect a bit more of that. (Mainly in this chapter and the next one)
Yep, the demiguise were Rowling's invention, which I cunningly borrowed. And Peeves was meant to be a bit Umbridge-like in that chapter. (Man I hated her.)
Kept my promise! It's up on time! See? See?
Seymour Glass: Welcome to the story! Glad you're enjoying it. I've been working hard to use JK's tone, right down to the adverbs. You think Lupin might be in danger? Come now—after all that' happened to the poor man, would I be so evil as to torture him further??! ...yes, I think I probably would.
Prongs4: Thank you! I wouldn't stop writing now! (That would be too cruel.)
Lord of Darkness13: Well, now you know they're back—but as to what they were doing...
Hedwig02135: Thank you, and welcome!
Godrick Gal: Oh, tell me about it. Ever since Goblet of Fire, I've been hoping that Hermione would just grab Ron, shake him, and say "WHEN WILL YOU NOTICE THAT WE ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?!" *That* probably won't happen, but I am enjoying playing them like pawns... As bad as waiting for the 6th book? Surely not as bad as that! Wow, that's pressure.
Also, the demiguise weren't my invention, I'm afraid! Credit to JKR for that one—I borrowed them from Fantastic Beasts.
Enjoy,
Neoepiphany**************
Chapter Eighteen
A Curious Absence
Harry and Ron spent their afternoon finishing their homework. Snape had assigned a rather nasty essay on the composition and uses of the Stinking Stew, and Hermione had agreed to check Harry and Ron's while they were at quidditch practice. Harry had just finished his, and started on a map of galaxies visible in the western sky after the autumnal equinox, when Hermione turned up to collect them for dinner.
Harry's eyes flicked automatically to the staff table. Except for Filch and Madame Pince, it was entirely empty. He and Hermione exchanged a frown.
During quidditch practice, everyone was exchanging stories of the professors' mysterious disappearances.
"It's bizarre," Eva said solemnly. "All of them at once? And I was watching the Care of Magical Creatures class down by Hagrid's hut during my charms lesson. Halfway through the period, Dumbledore came out of the castle, said something to Hagrid, and then Hagrid sent all the students away. Two minutes later, Hagrid walked off into the forest with his crossbow and I didn't see him again."
"McGonagall actually cancelled our afternoon lesson," said Ginny.
Ron sputtered. "McGonagall? Cancel a lesson? She's not dead is she?"
There was a pause. Finally, Ginny spoke. "I don't think so. But something big is happening."
"You'd think they'd tell the prefects, at least," Ron said.
"Not if it's to do with Vol—You-Know-Who," Harry said.
There was another silence.
"Potions was cancelled, too," Kirke said, almost as an afterthought.
Potions was the Gryffindors' first lesson the following morning. Despite his extreme dislike of the class, Harry was actually eager to go. He wanted to find out if the teachers were back, first, and then if Snape would actually tell them what had happened.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione quickly ate their breakfast. Whatever the excitement of the previous day had been, it must have been resolved. The staff table was full again, although the teachers all looked unusually sleepy and a little distracted. There was little conversation. Hagrid kept missing his mouth with his fork, sending little rivers of egg and ketchup through his bushy beard.
Hermione dropped her newspaper. "Nothing too unusual. Those two missing muggles are still missing, but there were no actual Death Eater attacks yesterday," she said. Harry was perplexed.
They walked to the dungeons, and took their usual seats in the Potions classroom. "You know, I almost wish that whatever the crisis was had lasted until just after this lesson," Harry said. "I could've done with a day without Snape."
"Harry!" Hermione said. "Don't say that—it could have been anything!"
"I have to agree with Harry," Ron said, leaning back in his chair. "A vacation from that greasy-haired git sounds—"
He froze, his face whitening slightly, as the door behind them slammed shut. Ron heard Draco Malfoy snigger.
But it wasn't Snape's cold voice, taking points from Gryffindor that they next heard. It was a warm, unfamiliar voice.
"Good morning," the wizard said, walking to the front of the class. "I am Professor Marcus Garlick." He was a tall, sturdily built man in gray robes, his graying brown hair combed respectably back. He carried a large black leather case, and a pair of half-spectacles perched on the end of his nose. "I will be filling in for Professor Snape for a while."
"Where is he?" whined one of the Slytherin girls.
"Haven't the foggiest," Professor Garlick said dismissively, unpacking an elaborate potion-kit that seemed to be rather larger than the case that held it.
"When will he be back?" Malfoy demanded.
"Couldn't say," Professor Garlick said. "But the headmaster asked me to stay for some time, to I'd guess he's rather busy indeed. Now, I understand you've just finished the Stinking Stew? If you'll turn your attention to the blackboard, we'll just start work on the Draught of Power."
Professor Garlick carefully explained each step, while they took notes on the trickier bits. He pointed out all the places where they were likely to make mistakes and told them exactly what would happen if they did so. As he spoke, step-by-step instructions appeared on the blackboard in elaborate and curly script. He paused periodically to quiz them on their understanding of potion-making in general.
"—and once that's boiling nicely, you'll add three drops of giants' tears, which you can come collect from this bottle here. Incidentally, who can tell me what other potion famously requires giants' tears?"
Hermione's hand shot up.
"Yes, Miss—?"
"Granger, Professor. The Brutal Brew's main ingredient is giants' tears, and is otherwise known as the Crying Brute's potion because of it," Hermione said. "Of course, Giants are really rare now, so the cost of making the Brutal Brew is astronomical."
Draco Malfoy made a small noise of disgust.
"Good. Five points to, eh, Gryffindor. It is true about the cost of giants' tears. This bottle cost me the price of a new racing broom, but," he chuckled, "it's Hogwarts picking up the bill, so no harm done. Now, when the tears are added, the Draught should turn bright red. You have about ten seconds to add—"
He explained the rest of the potion, and they got to work mixing it up. It wasn't that difficult, once they'd had it properly explained to them, and Harry mixed his ingredients peacefully. He felt a little anxious about Snape and whether he was okay, but the feeling was quickly pushed below his relief at not having to deal with Snape for a good, long while.
Suddenly, a column of gray-blue smoke began to fill the room. The Slytherins erupted into laughter.
"Ah," said Professor Garlick, appearing beside Seamus, who was flushed in anticipation of attack. "Yes. Who can, eh, tell me what Mr.—uh—?"
"Finnigan," Seamus said.
"What Mr. Finnigan did wrong?" Proffesor Garlick concluded.
"He added too much nettle brandy," Malfoy said smugly.
"That's right," Professor Garlick nodded, prodding Seamus's pudding-like potion with his wand. "I'd say that was about 1/3 cup too much, Mr. Finnigan. Now, who can tell me how we can put it right?"
The entire class was in awe. Someone who showed them how to correct their mistakes rather than berating them? It was almost beyond belief. Professor Garlick even complimented Harry's potion when he turned it in.
"Fine color, there, boy. Looks a bit weak, but still, excellent color," he said.
"That was," Ron said as they walked toward the courtyard for their break, "beyond a doubt, the best Potions lesson we've ever had."
"I hope he never leaves," Harry nodded.
Hermione frowned. "Hmmm," she said.
"You can't tell me you prefer Snape?" Ron said.
"Don't be stupid," Hermione said. "It's just—well, when has Snape ever missed anything? Something horrible must have happened to him."
"We can hope," Ron nodded.
"Ron!" Hermione said. "I'm surprised at you!"
"Just joking," Ron said quickly.
"I just think it seems strange," Hermione said. "Everyone vanishing, and then Snape goes missing."
"So do we," Harry assured her. "The whole thing definitely smells of Voldemort."
"Yeah," Ron agreed. "He may be a foul, nasty, evil, sick little troll…"
"But he's our troll," Hermione finished. "And if Voldemort did take him, well, it was probably because of… er, because of… Because of his work with the Order," she finished lamely.
"That's enough, Hermione," Ron said, suddenly serious. "Come on, let's go to transfiguration. I want to get a good guinea pig this time."
"What do you mean, a good guinea pig? They're all the same," Hermione said.
"That one I had yesterday absolutely refused to turn into a cauldron. It was stubborn."
Harry trailed behind them, only half-listening to their bickering. He knew what Hermione had almost said, and judging from Ron's reaction, Ron knew it too. If Snape had been taken by Voldemort, it was probably because of Harry. Because he came to help Harry that summer. His mind floated to Cyril Higgins, the auror who had attacked them in Hogsmeade. Dumbledore had thought that he was under the Imperius curse. Had someone else been cursed too? Maybe someone at Hogwarts? Or had Snape simply been sent on a long assignment elsewhere? The teachers' absences meant that there was definitely something up, but nothing had been in the Daily Prophet.
Harry decided that he would ask McGonagall about it as soon as Transfiguration was over. Surely she would tell him if Snape had been kidnapped by Voldemort. He got through the class by focusing on transfiguring his raccoon, which he managed to turn into a satisfactory cauldron, although, as Professor McGonagall pointed out, it still had stripes. Harry packed up early, hoping to corner her the second the bell rang.
"Starting next week, we will be beginning human transfiguration," McGonagall announced, as a pair of girls collected all the transfigured animals. "I want to remind you that human transfiguration is difficult, and potentially dangerous magic. You will all need to do as much preparation as possible. To that end, I want sixteen inches of parchment on the necessary preparations for human transfiguration, due at the start of the lesson on Monday." The class groaned. McGonagall smiled. The bell rang.
Harry jumped out of his seat and pushed past Ron, running to the front of the class. McGonagall didn't look surprised. "What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" she said, gathering her books. "Surely you understood the homework?"
"Of course," Harry said. "I wanted to know what happened to Professor Snape."
McGonagall seemed to be prepared for this question. "Professor Snape's business is none of yours, Potter. I suggest you focus your attention on your homework. And need I remind you that you have a lesson with me coming up? I'll be quizzing you over the Blood Charms."
"But Professor—"
"No, Potter. No arguments. This doesn't concern you," McGonagall said. She glowered at him over her spectacles. "Do not try to get involved." She took her books, and left the classroom.
Ron and Hermione were waiting for him outside the room. "Anything?" Ron asked.
"Not a word," Harry replied.
Hermione shrugged. "I think we over-reacted after potions. It's always possible that Snape's just taking a holiday or something," she said, but even she didn't sound very convinced.
They had lunch, and afterward, they waved goodbye to Hermione, who was off to her Ancient Runes class. Harry and Ron had a free period before their Astronomy lesson.
"Want to go see Hagrid?" Ron suggested. Harry nodded, so they trudged down to Hagrid's cabin. Harry knocked on the door. There was no sound within.
"Maybe he's round back," Ron suggested. "You know, with the demiguise."
Harry nodded, and they walked around the cabin to the warm, moist air surrounding the demiguise cage. One of the demiguise didn't bother to make itself invisible. It blinked its black eyes at Harry. There was no sign of Hagrid.
"He must have a lesson or something," Ron said. "Or maybe he's visiting Grawp and Hedgarr."
Harry shook his head. "Fang didn't bark when we knocked. Wherever Hagrid is, he took Fang with him, and I'll bet that Fang won't go near the giants."
Ron shrugged, and they walked back up toward the castle. Harry's mind wandered, thinking about disappearances and kidnappings. An idea popped into his mind. The last time someone had vanished, Harry had found her, hadn't he? Couldn't he do it again? Of course, he didn't know for sure that Voldemort had Snape, but it was a good guess.
Dumbledore's voice drifted through his mind. "I must ask you not to reinitiate the link. By doing so, you are putting yourself in grave danger." And then Hagrid's voice: "Yeh could be hurt—or killed—or driven mad." Harry shook his head. He'd done it once; he could do it again.
"Uh-oh," Ron said.
"What?" Harry said, jerked back to the present. He followed Ron's gaze toward the lake, where a crowd of Slytherins was standing around.
"We better get out of here before they see you," Ron said.
"I'm not afraid of a bunch of Slytherins," Harry said, looking at Ron incredulously.
"Not them," Ron said, nodding past the Slytherins. "Those two."
Harry looked past the two Slytherin fourth year girls in the front of the crowd, and he saw what Ron had been looking at. The Slytherins were talking to a pair of wizards who were unmistakably reporters. One of them was carrying a camera, while the other was talking to a pair of teary-eyed second year girls and making notes on a note pad. "What makes you think they're after me?" Harry said.
"Come on," Ron said. "When has a reporter ever not leapt at the chance to interview you?"
"Good point," Harry said. "Come on, we can go back by the quidditch pitch."
"Think they were here about Snape?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," Harry muttered.
They made it back to the common room just before Hermione did. They told her about the reporters, and she frowned. "Hmmm," she said again.
"What?" Ron asked.
"I overheard Flitwick and Filch talking about security measures," Hermione said. "I think something big happened, and it happened here."
"You think it has to do with Snape?" Ron asked.
"I have three guesses," Hermione said, motioning for them to lean in. "One is that Death Eaters took Snape from somewhere near Hogwarts, and they're worried about two attacks so close to home. The second is that someone inside Hogwarts was involved in the attack—if it was really an attack." She paused.
"And?" Ron prompted.
"Well—and I don't necessarily think this is the case, but—well, it could be that Snape turned on the Order and went back to Voldemort," she said, her voice a whisper.
"Aha! I've been saying it for ages," Ron said, leaning back in his chair. Triumph gleamed in his eyes. "Why did everyone think he left Voldemort in the first place?"
"Dumbledore trusts him," Hermione said.
"Trusted him," Ron corrected, his tone defiant. Hermione gave him a scathing look.
"Dumbledore's not infallible," Harry said absently. "I think we need to find out for sure."
"How?" Hermione asked.
"I can—" Harry began, but he was interrupted by Ron's elbow in his side. Ginny Weasley and Eva Gregory had walked up behind them. Hermione looked coolly at Eva, then bent over her bag, busying herself with fiddling with the catch.
"Hi, Ginny, Eva," Harry said.
"Are you three coming to dinner?" Eva asked. "We were just going down and thought we'd ask you along." Eva smiled down at Ron. Ron's ears turned pink.
"Not just—" Harry started.
"Sure," Ron said, standing up. Hermione glared at him from under her eyebrows.
They trooped down to dinner. Harry noticed that Eva tried to walk close to Ron, and Hermione kept looking at her with murder in her eyes. Despite all their earlier worry, Harry wanted to laugh.
"You could always talk to him," Harry said.
"About what?" Hermione said. Harry felt a bit torn. On the one hand, he didn't want to get involved in this. On the other, Hermione had helped him out before; he owed her.
"Look, it's not that he doesn't get it," Harry said. "It's just that, well, girls never really bothered with Ron before."
"Hmmph," said Hermione, her face reddening. Harry closed his mouth. Best not to get involved after all.
They took their seats, and Hermione managed to sandwich Ron between Harry and herself, so Eva sat exactly across from him. Harry and Ginny speculated about all the goings-on around Hogwarts, but the other three didn't contribute much to the conversation. Harry ate second helpings of pork chops and applesauce trying not to listen to Ron telling jokes, Eva giggling like an idiot, and Hermione's loud, disapproving sniffs.
After dinner, Harry and Ginny sat together in the common room, working on their homework. Ginny was finishing a History of Magic essay, while Harry got started on his transfiguration homework. Ron and Hermione were halfway across the room, sitting at a little table spread with books, and bickering.
"You know," Ginny said to Harry as Ron and Hermione's argument rose in volume, "they'd both be a lot happier if they just talked about it. I offered to have a word with Ron for Hermione, but she refused."
"I'm staying out of it," Harry said. "I tried to talk to Ron once, but—" He shrugged. Harry flipped through his book, looking for the chapter on human transfiguration.
"Fine Ron! Fine! You just do what you want, then!" Hermione suddenly shouted. Her face was bright red. "I don't care."
"What are you getting so mental about?" Ron shouted. Everyone in the common room was staring at them; a couple of second year girls were giggling.
"You ought to know, Ron!" Hermione shouted and stormed away. Harry and Ginny stared. "And a fat lot of help you two are!" she shoued as she passed them. Her eyes were red and shiny.
Ron stared after her as she stomped up the stairs. "Well," he said. "Well."
"Ron," Ginny said soothingly. "Come and sit down." She patted the chair beside her.
"Shut up, Ginny," he said, and stomped up the stairs noisily.
The common room was silent for a moment, then erupted into whispering and giggles.
Ginny looked at Harry and sighed. "I think we'd be a lot happier if they just talked about it, too."
*******************
Reviewer Responses:
Wynjara: Yes, indeed. A good sign of conspiracy! *mwahaha*
Silent Song: Actually, no. I don't care for Piers Anthony at all, but you're not the first to say that. It's the thing with Mira's vocabulary, I know. I didn't even know that Anthony did the same thing until someone accused me of copying. *sigh* But by then it was too late to go back and change it... Anyway, enjoy the story.
Wiccan PussyKat: What, you don't want the story to end? Really? Aawww!
Oh, I know. That Michael Corner gets under my skin. Yes, the rules will apply to all the quidditch teams until the teachers take them away. And Ernie and Luna weren't exactly hanging out, they just both walked over at the same time. (Sort of as designated spokesmen for their houses.)
No Harry pair up in this story! However, I do think it's time to intensify the 'thing' between Ron and Hermione, so expect a bit more of that. (Mainly in this chapter and the next one)
Yep, the demiguise were Rowling's invention, which I cunningly borrowed. And Peeves was meant to be a bit Umbridge-like in that chapter. (Man I hated her.)
Kept my promise! It's up on time! See? See?
Seymour Glass: Welcome to the story! Glad you're enjoying it. I've been working hard to use JK's tone, right down to the adverbs. You think Lupin might be in danger? Come now—after all that' happened to the poor man, would I be so evil as to torture him further??! ...yes, I think I probably would.
Prongs4: Thank you! I wouldn't stop writing now! (That would be too cruel.)
Lord of Darkness13: Well, now you know they're back—but as to what they were doing...
Hedwig02135: Thank you, and welcome!
Godrick Gal: Oh, tell me about it. Ever since Goblet of Fire, I've been hoping that Hermione would just grab Ron, shake him, and say "WHEN WILL YOU NOTICE THAT WE ARE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?!" *That* probably won't happen, but I am enjoying playing them like pawns... As bad as waiting for the 6th book? Surely not as bad as that! Wow, that's pressure.